Any chance we can get Wenger ban extended? Player Ratings
By Matty Sadler
January 28 2017
I was worried when I saw we’d drawn Southampton and I was even more worried when I saw our starting XI, but I calmed down immensely once I’d seen Southampton’s starting XI.
The first half was an absolute joy to watch as we were organised, passed and moved well and attacked with purpose. We went in at half time 3-0 up after three really well taken goals. The start of the second half wasn’t quite so free flowing but again, we were organised and efficient, and added gloss to the win later on with two more goals.
A convincing victory which included minutes for Bellerin, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck and Walcott after injury lay-offs, much-needed minutes for first teamers Holding, Reine-Adelaide and Lucas, and minutes for youngster Maitland-Niles. I enjoyed watching this one, and I couldn't say that the last time we played Southampton.
Any chance we can get Wenger’s touchline ban extended?
Ospina – 7. One dodgy moment in the first half and two iffy moments with Mustafi in the second half, but otherwise did well. Good save off Long in the first half and claimed a number of crosses well.
Bellerin – 7. Better first half than second but a decent performance. Mustafi – 6. Mostly solid but had some dodgy moments in the second half, including two where a lack of communication with Ospina was evident. Should’ve scored in the first half. Holding – 7. Solid, composed and good on the ball. Gibbs – 7. Two dodgy moments in the first half, which I’ll put down to rust after his injury lay-off, but had a good second half.
Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8. Ran the midfield in the first half. Decent second half but quieter compared to the first. Played some unreal passes. Still hate him on set pieces, however. Maitland-Niles – 7. Disciplined performance as the “base” of our midfield. Used the ball well and was efficient defensively as he covered for his back four when needed. First team promotion can’t be far off? Reine-Adelaide – 7. Took players on but didn’t overdo it, passed and moved and maintained his discipline. Best first team appearance to date.
Welbeck – 8. Well and truly marked his comeback from injury with two excellent finishes and an assist. Looked “on it” right from the off. Lively and hard-working. Lucas – 7. Didn’t get into the game massively aside from involvement in Welbeck and Walcott’s first goals. Missed a good chance late on. Walcott – 8. Spent most of the game on the periphery but scored a well taken hat trick. We’ve missed him.
Subs:
Alexis – 7. Two assists. Lively. Iwobi – 5. Didn’t really get into the game.
Today 4-3-3 works is due to the unbelievable pace of the midfielders in Reine-Adelaide-Maitland-Niles-OX plus their mobility and interchangeability.
What stood out was the icy calmness of Maitland-Niles in the box when under pressure and still determined to pass the ball out of defence. The way he shuttered players from darting into the box, the way he won the ball by standing up and the way he kept his plays simple ... that is why he will be better than Wilshere and Ramsey.
OX shows tremendous potential as a central midfielder, but he still telegraph his passes and lack the creative playmaking ability of Ozil and the knack of Wilshere's reverse passes; but way better than Ramsey passing ability.
I thought he was excellent, and my MOTM as well, particularly in the first half, but I'm not getting ahead of myself.
For a start that Southampton team was awful. As we all know, in recent years Southampton's first XI has been a bogey side for us. It's like getting excited about something he did in an U23 game.
Secondly, I count this as being only his 9th start for us as a central midfielder, if that. I seem to recall a few years ago him putting a MOTM performance in central midfield against Man City, and then the following game having such a stinker against Chelsea he was substituted at half time! Would you fancy Oxlade-Chamberlain in CM against Chelsea? No, I don't think I would either.
Good start, something to build on, that's it. We go from there.
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On the subject of players who often flatter to deceive, it was really nice finally seeing Reine-Adelaide having a good game for the first team, especially as he was playing in, what I've always said is, his future position.
I really liked the midfield three. Fluid, skillful, powerful and disciplined. I mentioned on here a few months ago about a midfield three possibly being the way to get the best out of Xhaka, but unfortunately it isn't something I can ever see Wenger playing while we have Ozil in the side.
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My only gripe with yesterday's game was that I felt we really should have given Mertesacker a run out. We were 4-0 up with 20 minutes to spare, and 5-0 up with 5 minutes to spare. For me, that would've been an ideal avenue to give him some game time.
I wouldn't be against the ox starting in the centre against watford, but I think it would be foolish to drop Ramsey as he is finally finding some form with Arsenal.
MattySadler Re: Oxlade-Chamberlain's performance...
I thought he was excellent, and my MOTM as well, particularly in the first half, but I'm not getting ahead of myself.
For a start that Southampton team was awful. As we all know, in recent years Southampton's first XI has been a bogey side for us. It's like getting excited about something he did in an U23 game.
Secondly, I count this as being only his 9th start for us as a central midfielder, if that. I seem to recall a few years ago him putting a MOTM performance in central midfield against Man City, and then the following game having such a stinker against Chelsea he was substituted at half time! Would you fancy Oxlade-Chamberlain in CM against Chelsea? No, I don't think I would either.
Good start, something to build on, that's it. We go from there.
----------
On the subject of players who often flatter to deceive, it was really nice finally seeing Reine-Adelaide having a good game for the first team, especially as he was playing in, what I've always said is, his future position.
I really liked the midfield three. Fluid, skillful, powerful and disciplined. I mentioned on here a few months ago about a midfield three possibly being the way to get the best out of Xhaka, but unfortunately it isn't something I can ever see Wenger playing while we have Ozil in the side.
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My only gripe with yesterday's game was that I felt we really should have given Mertesacker a run out. We were 4-0 up with 20 minutes to spare, and 5-0 up with 5 minutes to spare. For me, that would've been an ideal avenue to give him some game time.
Yes it was a depleted side we played against but they still had Classie who bossed Ramsey and Ozil last time we went there.
The Ox should start against Chelsea. We need someone in midfield who can hold the ball under pressure, the Oc is probably the strongest player in the squad along with Welbeck, against Chelsea we'll need power.
As much as I rate Ozil it might be a good thing if he misses the match and we play 3 in the middle against Chelsea.
The Ox should start against Chelsea. We need someone in midfield who can hold the ball under pressure, the Oc is probably the strongest player in the squad along with Welbeck, against Chelsea we'll need power.
Chamberlain (and Chubby) got mullered in midfield when we lost 6-0 to Chelsea a couple of years ago. It quite spoilt Wengers 1000000th game in charge.
Was watching all 5 goals again. Besides providing the assist for the first goal by Welbeck, Perez provided the pass to the assistor (if there is such a word) for goals 2, 3 and 5. Quiet but impressive performance by Perez.
The Ox should start against Chelsea. We need someone in midfield who can hold the ball under pressure, the Oc is probably the strongest player in the squad along with Welbeck, against Chelsea we'll need power.
Chamberlain (and Chubby) got mullered in midfield when we lost 6-0 to Chelsea a couple of years ago. It quite spoilt Wengers 1000000th game in charge.
Rosicky and Gibbs were far more responsible actually but good try, next!!
@ Plonky, it was @#$%& game caused by @#$%& tactics. You cannot hold any player responsible for the capitulation. Ox should play against Chelsea. Ramsey would never have bossed Saturdays game'the way ox did under any circumstances
I think Perez is worthy of an 8 for his quality passing. As Maple says only one goal did not come through him for the assist or pre-assist. He is not an attractive player to watch but he is efficient, reminds me of Podolski in that way but better in the build up and less good at finishing.
I loved his through ball to Sanchez that set up Walcott's goal in second half
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
AGooner This article is a bit premature. At least wit until we have won 2 or 3 games before calling for him to be kept away from the touchline.
Bould for manager
I think the comment was tongue in cheek, not in an in depth analysis.
However it is time for Arsene to hang up his tracksuit whatever happend in the cup
"When we had to suffer the team is a lion because they suffer together." 4 July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arteta on his team's first away victory at a club above them in the Premiership since September 2015 at Leicester.
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