Arsenal vs. Birmingham City review and player ratings (Part 1)
Last weekend, Arsenal finally secured a victory over Birmingham City by two goals to one at Emirates. This match was of utmost importance as Arsenal lost their last two consecutive Premier League matches.
One was against Arsenal derby rivals Chelsea in an away fixture, and the other defeat was a bit more shocking one when Arsenal was gunned down by the newly promoted team of English Premier League, West Bromwich Albion.
However, this was Arsenal’s fourth win of this season out of eight possible. With three points to their name, Arsene Wenger’s men now stand at the third position, with three points less than Manchester City and five points less than the League leaders Chelsea.
Before going in to the match, Arsenal was helplessly at the fifth position of the table after two consecutive losses while Birmingham City was on tenth.
With limited options, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, had to play without their midfield maestro and captain of Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas.
Cesc Fabregas was available for the match, as he had then recently recovered from the injury but Wenger took no risk in playing his most talented player.
Along with that, there were also some other vital players, who were unavailable. Robin Van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen both were absent because of injuries. In addition to that, Arsenal’s speedy young sensation, Theo Walcott was also sidelined due to an
injury, which he suffered during international break.
But, there was an addition to Arsenal squad, as Nicklas Bendtner was named for first time in the team for this season.
Undoubtedly, it was a fixture which showed some quality football played by both sides. Arsenal prevailed in this crucial fixture at home and prevented their third consecutive defeat.
Under Arsene Wenger, the last time Arsenal lost three consecutive matches was back in 1997. So the Gunners prevented history to be created again this time.
Thanks to Arsene Wenger’s new signing, Marouane Chamakh, who scored the decisive goal and even earned the penalty for the Gunners.
As the match kicked off, the early signs were good, as the Gunners played with pace and purpose. When Jack played Arsenal new boy, Marouane Chamakh, in the box, it seemed certain to score a goal from close range, but Chamakh’s finishing with his feet still
leaves a lot to be desired, and an opposition defender managed to block his effort.
In the starting minutes of the first half, there were also other efforts that looked promising. Arsene Wenger’s boys really should have taken the lead, but when Arsenal’s experienced defender had a goal disallowed for offside from a Nasri free kick, the
signs looked ominous.
Just after the 35 minutes mark the sucker punch arrived, as Arsenal right back allowed Birmingham City’s Keith Fahey to put in a tantalizing cross. The 6 feet 8 inches Serbian player of Birmingham City rose above a handful of Arsenal defenders and neatly headed
the ball home from 12 yards.
It was a spectacular header from the ex-Valencia player, as he left no chance for Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski to stop his perfectly timed header. Maybe, Arsenal centre halves, Sebastien Squillaci and Djourou should have got tighter, but it isn't easy
to match somebody of that height in the air. The pressure needs to be put on the ball before it's crossed.
Arsenal went one nil down in the 38 minute through that fabulous header despite Arsenal boasting better possession and chances. This was the second time in a row that Arsenal went down by conceding the first goal of the match at home.
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