Post Norwich-match analysis

Arsenal scrapped a 3-1 victory after a hard-fought battle with Norwich in a fine afternoon in Emirates Stadium. Norwich was the one first scoring the goal, with Michael Turner headed away a goal, before Mikel Arteta equalized 5 minutes before the normal time ends. Olivier Giroud scored Arsenal's second, after a nice run from subsitute Chamberlain. Lukas Podolski scored third goal to seal third point

Arsenal player celebrates the goal.

(photos from Arsenal.com)

POSITIVE NOTES

Winning is good for morale, but coming from behind is a morale boost. I didn't remember when last time Arsenal winning after conceded first. It shows Arsenal's never say die mentality. It's never easy to score two goals in 10 minutes, but Arsenal managed to score, not two, but three. I admitted that the penalty is a bit of luck because Arsenal was in deadlock against sturdy Norwich defence. That penalty is also debatable, but in my point of view, it's a legit penalty. Shirt pulling is not a good decision in defending, so the ref had done his job well. After that goal, Norwich lost their focus and Arsenal managed to grab more goals, via Olivier Giroud and finally Lukas Podolski.

 In the other hand, this victory also gave Chelsea and Tottenham a massive pressure to keep the pace. Chelsea is one point off Arsenal with less one game played, while Tottenham is also one point off, but with the same game played. It would be a huge advantage for Wenger's boy, especially because Chelsea and Tottenham need to kill each other in the league, which means definitely one of them will drop the point. Now, it's just how Arsenal keep their winning habit till the end of season.

Right back Bacary Sagna played well in the left side and few times he sent dangerous ball into the box. None of them resulting to goal though, only Giroud hit the crossbar from his cross in the first half, but nevertheless it was nice to see old Bac is back to his usual self. He has been disappointing this season, but not in this match. He made dangerous runs before being subbed out by Chamberlain, and linked up well with Santi Cazorla. I hope Wenger would still offer him another extension contract. He would be a good mentor for Carl Jenkinson.


Olivier Giroud was nearly become the villain of this match, being unable to score goals in 85 minutes and wasn't sharp upfront, and dispossessed few times upfront, and delayed Arsenal's play, but he was the one winning that penalty, and scored the second goal for the Gunners. The third goal was also part of his contribution. He challenged Fabianski's long ball to gave to Walcott, who assisted to Podolski's third goal.

Ramsey showed much improvement, again. He might be not providing creativity in this match, but he is a dependable passer. I feel like his role is a bit similar with Arteta, but Ramsey's defence is yet as good as Arteta. Ramsey is a willing runner, and closing the ball here and then. A candidate for the most improving player this season. He could partner Wilshere in the future in Arsenal midfield trio, if he continue to improve in the coming seasons.

Wenger is also deserved a credit in this match. His substitution played integral role in this match. Walcott came off the bench, and made couple of dangerous runs, Chamberlain assisted for Giroud's goal, while Podolski was the third goal scorer with his great finishing from outside the box. I was surprised Wenger kept Giroud for 90 minutes, and instead bringing off Sagna who played well for Chamberlain. But, Arsene knows, Giroud was on the spotlight today, winning penalty and scored the second. Had Wenger substituted Giroud, Arsenal might have been dropping three points. 

Lastly, the Lady Luck finally smiled to Arsenal. We've been used to see Arsenal creating chances without maximizing it, but today it's a different story. It was almost a win for Norwich before a 'luck' came in form of penalty from the assistant referee. The rest is all known, Arsenal won 3-1

NEGATIVE NOTES

Gervinho? He is way too inconsistent. Brilliant for few games then faded. Arsenal could've taken lead in first half had he made a better decision. I'm pretty sure he will back to bench after this game, especially after Podolski and Chamberlain's great game. It's unfair to criticize player on one game, but I just can hope he can rediscover his Reading match performance, if he came off the bench.

The next thing is Arsenal need a new defender. Not because Vermaelen and Koscielny is a poor defender, it's just we need a tall-strong tower who can stand against another towering target man. They are a good ball playing defender, but not the one who can be very dominant in air. Vermaelen and Koscielny was struggling against Holt, and it was from Holt Norwich goal came in. Vermaelen was also in fault for letting Turner headed the ball in, but he was quite solid in ground. Mertesacker is aerially stronger, but his speed is nowhere suitable for Arsenal's high defence line.

Lastly, Arsenal lacked of sharpness, in 80 minutes, Arsenal barely got clear cut chances. Only Giroud's heading which hit the bar, and Podolski smashed the woodwork. Norwich defended very well, but if you wanna be a champion you need to be able to break defense-minded team like this, or otherwise you can only finish fourth. I didn't see any creativity after Wilshere subbed out and before the penalty. Norwich was sturdy at the backline, but collapsed after Arteta's spot kick.

CONCLUSION

Yes, it was an ugly win, Arsenal struggled throughout the match and could've played better and sharper, but ultimately it was three points, and that what counts. Arsenal jumped to third place with 59 points above rival Chelsea and Tottenham. Next match would be a home game against Everton on midweek.

Crazy Game!!

Arsenal closed 2012 by beating Newcastle 7-3 in a very entertaining, thrilling match in Emirates Stadium. Leading three times through Walcott, Chamberlain, and Podolski; Arsenal let Newcastle equalized three times via Arsenal-linked Demba Ba - twice, and Sylvain Marveaux. However, Newcastle had no way back after Theo Walcott made it 4-3, with a cool finishing receiving Kieran Gibbs cross, which was initially meant for Lukas Podolski. Olivier Giroud made a diving header to score the fifth for Arsenal - from Walcott's cross, and added the sixth, with a great footwork followed by powerful finishing to the bottom corner. Theo Walcott finished his perfect night today, by making wonderful goal, completing his hattrick, dribbling through four players - and also falling down - before chipping the ball pass Tim Krul. Olivier Giroud almost followed Theo's heroism, but his shot receiving Ramsey's cross denied by the crossbar.

 

Theo Walcott celebrated his goal.

(photo from arsenal.com)

Theo Walcott once again started upfront, and despite scoring a goal in the first half, he was anonymous in the first 45, before going crazy on the second half. He showed real confidence after scoring his second goal of tonight, but he was also guilty wasting some good opportunities, with misplaced pass to Cazorla on the counter attack, giving Newcastle's defender time to recover; or his decision to shot when it was 3 against 2, with Podolski and Cazorla unmarked. However, generally, it was a stunning performance by the Englishman, who is yet to put his sign on the contract. 

On the other hand, Olivier Giroud showed Walcott that he is not the only one deserved to play in the central forward position. He scored two goals in just twenty minutes, showing his predatory instinct. Yes, Newcastle was exhausted and desperate already when he is coming on, but scoring two goals in twenty minutes in Premier League deserved a credit. His first goal showed why Arsenal bought him - to maximize crossing from both flanks, while his second goal showed his striker instinct. 

It is good to have healthy competition in the team, rising the level of both players. In addition of competing for one place upfront, today we see that Walcott and Giroud is also compatible to each other. If Giroud plays, he brings different dimensions, while Walcott can start on the right flanks, and it is also good tactical alternative for Arsenal, not only depending on Walcott's pace, but also Giroud's aerial ability. It would be interesting to see Arsenal's line up next match, whether Wenger stick to Walcott upfront, or trying to play Giroud and Walcott together.

However, despite good attacking display, Arsenal still need to improve defensively. Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen struggled against physical Demba Ba, and Pappis Cisse. Kieran Gibbs was dangerous marauding to opposition's box, but was clueless defending in own area, as shown on the second and third Newcastle's goal. Gibbs was nowhere to mark Sylvain Marveaux, and was nowhere to stop Demba Ba on the third. Bacary Sagna was surprisingly shaky in defence. It is true that Arsene's Arsenal never known as good defensive unit, except for 2006, but often, good defence would be the difference in the big match. Arsenal looked really shaky without Per Mertesacker, who missed the game because of unwell. 

It was a great game to end 2012 for the Gooner, but remember - without disrespecting Newcastle - it was just a match against Newcastle, who was missing a lot of first team players, plus played Man. United few days back, while Arsenal having a rest after the match against West Ham was postponed. Arsenal struggled to stamp the authority, before the last 20 minutes, Newcastle run out of gas, and Arsenal strolled to scored more goal. It won't be so easy next time, but if Arsenal showed attacking fluidity like in the last 20 mintues, plus strengthening the defense, next match against Southampton should be another win.