Arsenal got back to winning ways with a comfortable two-nil victory over a tough and disciplined Stoke unit. Goals from Andrey Arshavin in the first half and a nice second half strike from Ramsey were enough to seal the victory. A first half penalty miss from Fabregas had a lot of fans thinking ‘here we go again’.
The same old Wenger philosophy of walking the ball into the net was beginning to frustrate until a lovely bit of movement and fine finish from Arshavin opened the scoring. Before the game Arshavin was talking about how the squad is too small and not good enough in the aftermath of the Chelsea result. How he can make those size related comments as he stands at a giant 5 foot nothing is beyond me. Not to mention his performances of late have been lacklustre to say the least!
As the game wore on Arsenal had plenty of the ball but failed to find the net. Nerves were starting to jangle in the stands as so many times Arsenal have been on top and in control only to concede a sloppy goal and drop points. Fortunately for Arsenal they have made an immense signing in the Belgian centre-half Thomas Vermaelen. He was like a rock all day long – so calm under pressure and a snip at £10 million when you look at the likes of Joleon Lescott who City paid a bank breaking £24million for.
It was substitute Aaron Ramsey who netted the second with ten minutes remaining. Playing a neat on-two with Arshavin before finishing sweetly with the outside of his right foot. This young welsh lad has impressed and whenever he’s come on he seems to add something to the side. Of course being 18 he will have an element of inconsistency to his game as we saw against Sunderland, but he can compete in the Premiership no question. He looks physically ready, has excellent control and vision and the added extra of not being afraid to shoot.
Up next in the Premier League for Arsenal is a trip to Anfield, but before then a flight to Greece to take on Olympiacos. I expect Wenger to field a largely second string side. The injury situation has worsened, with Eboue, Traore and Gallas all picking up knock but hopefully they’ll recover in time for the Liverpool clash.
Mike & Kev
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