http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 will host the impressive and in-form Fulham at The Emirates this weekend as the Gunners looks to recover from last Saturday’s horror showing at Old Trafford.
The team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United, and were second best throughout the game. Had it not been for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vito-Mannone-c36276 in goal and United’s failure to be prolific, the score line would’ve been much worse. More than anything, it flattered
the visitors, who were outclassed by the hosts.
Fulham on the other hand fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 last week at Craven Cottage. The game was an entertaining encounter, but perhaps Fulham were lucky to have escaped the game with a point, as Martin Jol himself admitted so after the
game.
Both teams have star players who can single-handedly turn a game of football around. Here’s our pick of players to watch out for on the weekend.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-Cazorla-c32505
The Spaniard may have experienced a dip in form lately, but that still does not rule him out as a game changer. Cazorla has been perhaps the most effective player in the Arsenal squad, and remains on top in the Premier League performance wise.
The player did not enjoy a good outing at Old Trafford last week, and looked visibly frustrated as United cruised to victory. But that did not stop him from scoring, though it was a case of too little, too late. The midfield maestro grabbed a last minute
consolation goal for his side, but it was a strike which perhaps deserved to be counted for much more.
Cazorla has so far managed three goals in the league, and has the best chance creation rate so far. The Spaniard has started every single game for Arsenal, and remains their primary creative outlet due to injuries to the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Oxlade-Chamberlain
and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Aaron-Ramsey-c3065.
Pairing alongside http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mikel-Arteta-c25715, Cazorla forms arguably one of the best midfields in the league. Watch out for the Spaniard as he looks to help his side bounce back against Fulham.
Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman was the top scorer in the French league last season, and helped his former side Montpellier win the Ligue One title. His move to London however has not seen him score an abundance of goals.
The striker took his time to settle in, and scored his first goal in the away victory over West Ham last month. He has since then not scored in the Premier League. 1 goal in 9 league appearances does not paint a pretty picture for a first choice striker
playing in a cub of Arsenal’s stature, but Giroud has looked good recently. The player scored his first ever Champions League goal against Schalke on Tuesday, and looks high on confidence.
The Frenchman has shown promise with his movement, strength and link-up play, but his finishing leaves a lot to be desired. However, his confidence seems to be getting higher, and I expect the player to turn up against Fulham.
Bryan Ruiz
The South American has now scored twice in two consecutive games for Fulham. Both goals were stunning, especially the one against Reading last month.
He promised to fill the void left by the departures of Clint Dempsey and Moussa Dembele, and has so far lived up to it. His remarkable goal against Reading showcased his movement, awareness and link-up play.
Ruiz also scored a spectacular free-kick last weekend against Everton, and was perhaps one of the best Fulham players out there on the pitch.
He had been a constant menace for Arsenal last season when both sides met at Craven Cottage, and will be hoping to replicate that performance once again.
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