The Game
Can it get any better than this? Maybe, but we’re simply a goal machine at the Emirates and even though Braga looked like a Championship side at the back, it is the hungriness and determination of our players which really stood out tonight.
A lot and a lot of questions were asked on whether Cesc Fabregas is still interested in playing for Arsenal and like a true professional, captain and leader, he answered the doubters with two top class performances in five days. There are players who are irreplaceable, who are special and Cesc is one of them. He is our captain, he is our man in midfield and without him, believe me, we wouldn’t be as fluent and menacing as we are.
Other players were amazing as well. Andrey enjoyed himself out there, Jack showed why he’s first-eleven material and Manuel Almunia was again very confident at the back. Also of course, thrilled to see Carlos Vela hit a segmented “hat-trick” in less than 45 minutes. Vamos Carlos, a regular place is not that far away.
The win will of course boost the morale of all our players as we approach two tricky away games against Sunderland in the Premier League and of course, Tottenham in the Carling Cup. But anyway, brilliant game, brilliant display from our key players, let’s just hope we can replicate this form when the going will get tougher, much tougher.
Player Ratings
Almunia: 7 – He’s more and more gaining the confidence he needs ahead of much tougher games which he will have to face very soon. Keep it up Manuel.
Koscielny and Squillaci: 7,5 – Very little was asked from these two tonight, yet they never lost concentration and produced a fine display at the heart of our back four.
Sagna: 8 – With this rate he will not only make the EPL squad of the year for a second time but will also be one of our best players of the seasons. Hoping of course he can keep it up!
Clichy: 7,5 – Apart from that first half lapse in concentration which was not good to see as other teams would have punished him, he was a beast on the left. I still believe he needs to improve his defensive side of his game but in terms of willingness and workload when pushing forward, he is still one of the best.
Fabregas: 10 – How can you give less to someone who scores two goals, turns provider for his team mates and keeps on fighting until the very last second of the game?
Song: 6 – My lowest rate for today’s game. I counted something like 5-6 passes missed by Alex tonight as he looked out of sorts.
Wilshere: 8 – He will not be one of the best players in England in the future. Because he already is. Granted, he needs to gain that bit of experience required to do well against tougher opposition but how many 18-year olds play with such confidence and have such quick feet?
Arshavin: 8,5 – Like Cesc, Andrey scored and turned provider for his team mates when required. He enjoyed himself out there, loved to take on Braga defenders and when he’s enjoying himself, the end product can only be one.
Nasri: 7 – Back from injury and not as sharp as he will be in a week or two as he faded away in the second half. But still a very good game from Samir who I feel will benefit from the competition Tomas Rosicky will provide this season.
Chamakh: 8 – I love Nicklas Bendtner, I feel he is one of the most underrated players in our squad but Marouane is exactly what the Dane has to be when he reaches Chamakh’s age, 26 that is. And he’s mature, just look at how he stopped and grabbed the ball when flagged for offside so as to make sure not to be yellow-carded.
(Subs)
Eboue: 6 – I feel he tried one trick too many out there Emmanuel although you’ve got to love how he’s the first one to hug players when they score.
Denilson: 6,5 – Again very tidy in midfield and produced some nice tricks in the middle of the field.
Vela: 8 – Can he miss? Scored three goals in five days even if he was on the pitch for less than 45 minutes. I honestly believe Eduardo gave him a tip or two before leaving for Ukraine as Carlos is slowly becoming the new “Dudu” of Arsenal. I so much want to know if he can be so influential during the first part of a game and not just when the game is already put to bed.
From thegunninghawk.com
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