Arsenal dominated the first half, taking the lead after a good finish from a tight angle by Mustafi, and Palace struggled to cope with our passing, but we failed to finish them off. Palace came out a lot stronger in the second half, particularly at the start, and equalised, before Alexis killed them off with two well taken goals.
This was a really important win after a bad league run recently. Chambers and Mustafi did well, Bellerin and Xhaka looked much better, Wilshere is getting back to his best, Alexis took his goals well.
Without wanting to be too negative following a win, watching us these days you can see Wenger is only taking us one way. The football is w*nk and we look miles off the other "big six" sides. So slow. Just embarrassing we've reached a point where we could be six months away from losing Wilshere, Ozil and Alexis for free. I worry about our future.
Cech - 6. Okay.
Chambers - 7. Did well on his league return. Maybe could've done more to prevent Zaha's low cross for the equaliser, but also did enough to put Zaha off when he had a free header. Mustafi - 7. Again did well. Took his goal excellently. Our best defender now? Koscielny - 6. Beaten in the air too easily for Tomkins' consolation goal. This needs to be his last season, but we all know it won't be
Bellerin - 7.5. Been a big critic of his recently but thought that was his best performance in a while. Xhaka - 8. Another who looked a lot better last night. Controlled things from deep. Best performance alongside Wilshere so far. Wilshere - 8. Best league performance since his comeback? Good on the ball, great feet, drove, fitness getting there. Kolasinac - 6. Lost Townsend for the equaliser, otherwise okay.
Ozil - 7.5. Quality first half, okay second. Lacazette - 6.5. Did well for Mustafi's opener and puts himself about, but doesn't get great service. Alexis - 8. Worked hard and took his two goals well.
Subs:
Coquelin - 5. Poor substitution. Maitland-Niles - N/A. Not on long.
Err he really isn't. He's had a few good games sure, but he also has some f.ucking howlers.
BTW you forgot to say how s.hit Ramsey is in your post. People might forget your thoughts on the matter if you don't keep your finger on the pulse whilst he's out injured.
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".
Monreal was wank at left back last season until we switched to three at the back, so I'd say that is about his best position now. I wouldn't fancy him left back in a 4, or left wing back. Monreal started this season well but he's certainly not been as good recently. He and Koscielny's time at the top level really needs to be coming to an end. Apparently Kostas Manolas has just signed a new contract with a £40 million release clause. Can't imagine why his release clause would be so low, but if it actually is then I think its fairly obvious what we need to do.
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