Fresh from an emphatic and highly entertaining derby victory over Tottenham, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 played hosts to French champions Montpellier in the Champions League last night.
The team was not at its usual fluid and attacking self, but still managed a comfortable 2-0 victory over the visitors. Montpellier failed to cause Arsenal any problems at the back and were second best all night. That said the Gunners should have scored more
goals against the French outfit.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lukas-Podolski-c22896 increased the lead by slotting home a stunning volley.
The victory ensures Arsenal’s qualification to the knock-out stages of the Champions League. The Gunners still have their last group game against Olympiacos in December, and the top spot in the group is still there to play for.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wojciech-Szczesny-c36998 – 7
The Polish goalkeeper had little to do all evening, and was only tested once in the first half. He dealt well with the rushing Montpellier attacker and claimed the ball, and was merely a spectator in the second period.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bacary-Sagna-c7148 – 8
The French full-back gave Arsenal a boost going forward with his overlapping runs around Chamberlain, and he supplied Olivier Giroud with a number of dangerous crosses in the box. His defended well, but was rarely troubled by the Montpellier wingers. He
went quiet in the second half as the Arsenal defence sat back.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Per-Mertesacker-c29680 – 8
The big German international was rarely tested in the entire game and had a relatively quiet evening. Montpellier failed to test the centre-half, and he ventured forward with the ball on more than one occasion.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 – 8
The Belgian has improved in recent games, though he still struggles at times in the left-back position. He barely had any defending to do throughout the game as Montpellier allowed him to attack and support Podolski on the left flank. It was a solid performance
by the centre-half after a poor early November.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Laurent-Koscielny-c21742 – 9
The French defender had another solid game at both ends of the pitch. Koscielny saw a lot of the ball and ventured forward with purpose and intent. He smashed a ferocious header against the post in the first half and spent more of the game in the opposition’s
half as he was barely tested at the back.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mikel-Arteta-c25715 – 7
The Spaniard had a quiet game and failed to stand out in the Arsenal midfield. Arteta tried instigating a couple of attacks and was sometimes let down by his passing. Though he was not poor, he failed to perform up to the usual high standards that he has
set for himself. Arteta continues to be an important member of the Arsenal squad, and remains integral to their cause this season.
Jack Wilshere – 9
The young English midfielder does not look like he has just returned from a year-long injury. Wilshere was absolutely immense in the Arsenal midfield, and is slowly getting back to his best. His performances proved just how badly Arsenal have missed him
in the past. He scored a neat goal in the second half to give Arsenal the lead after he got at the end of Giroud’s take down and chipped over the goalkeeper.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-Cazorla-c32505 – 9
The Spaniard failed to replicate last weekend’s performance against Tottenham, and was relatively quiet by his standards. But this does not mean that he had a bad game. Cazorla was involved in most of Arsenal’s attacks and combined beautifully with Wilshere.
He remains the team’s primary creative outlet.
Lukas Podolski – 9
The German missed a few chances in the first half, but scored an absolute beauty of a volley after a neat one-two passing with Giroud and Chamberlain. He was full of energy as he ran down the left flank, and was a constant threat.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8
The English winger has made a decent return from injury as he made his first start since October the 3rd. He made a number of darting runs and was highly involved in Arsenal’s second goal.
Olivier Giroud – 9
The Frenchman was Arsenal’s man of the match and got two assists on the night. He had little luck in front of the goal himself, but set up two neat passes for Podolski and Wilshere. Giroud continues to get better with every passing game and has certainly
become a major player for the team. His physical presence, aerial ability and excellent movement give Arsenal a new dimension going forward.
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