Arsenal travelled to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 to face Schalke for the Champions League group stages. The North London club were badly in need of a result, especially with last Saturday’s poor showing at Old Trafford still fresh in everyone’s mind.
Having taken the lead, the Gunners would’ve been disappointed at drawing the game, but will be nonetheless content with a vital away point.
This result keeps Arsenal at second spot in their group, and they have it all to play for in the next game when Montpellier visit the Emirates for the next Champions League match week.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vito-Mannone-c36276 – 8
The Italian was resourceful as always, and kept Arsenal from conceding more than they did with a series of solid saves. He made an exceptional stop to deny Afellay in the first period, but could do little about Huntelaar’s fine finish towards the end of
the first half. He was unlucky for Farfan’s equalizer as it took a touch off http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 before going in the net.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bacary-Sagna-c7148 – 8
Kept possession for his side and made effective runs down the right flank. Could’ve done more to keep Afellay quiet, but did just enough to help his side grab an away point.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Per-Mertesacker-c29680 -7
The German had a good game, and made a number of successful aerial challenges. He did however struggle with Huntelaar’s movement and was at fault for the Dutchman’s goal by playing him onside. He also struggled to make effective clearances, but had a decent
game otherwise.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Laurent-Koscielny-c21742 – 8
The Frenchman was perhaps the best out of the Arsenal back four, and looked calm and composed with the ball. Played with his usual aggressiveness and was rarely troubled.
Thomas Vermaelen – 5
The Belgian seems to be struggling with poor form, and did not look comfortable playing at left-back. He failed to cope with Farfan’s pace and was at fault for Schalke’s equalizer. The player looks a shadow of his former self, and has struggled to be an
effective leader for Arsenal.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mikel-Arteta-c25715 – 8
The Spaniard uncharacteristically gave the ball away a few times, but had an otherwise solid game. Arteta linked well with Cazorla and helped out at the back whenever he was called into action. He also made an important off-the-line clearance from a corner
in the second half.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jack-Wilshere-c17463 – 8
The midfielder looks like he’s improving with every passing game, but it’s still early days. Having not played a European game in over a year, Wilshere was impressive and strong. He did fade towards the end, but that is to be expected after such a lengthy
spell out on the sidelines.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-Cazorla-c32505 – 7
The creative maestro had a good game, but was still not up to his usual, brilliant self. Found a lot of space, but struggled with the wet conditions and the slippery pitch. This prevented Cazorla from controlling the match and making those killer passes.
His slip in the first half led to Huntelaar’s goal.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Theo-Walcott-c34873 – 8
The winger showed just why Arsenal need to extend his contract. Offered the visitors the pace they lacked last week against Manchester United. Scored the first goal of the game, and was a constant threat down the right-hand side. He could’ve won the game
in the last minutes, but was unable to finish the one-on-one against the Schalke goalkeeper.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lukas-Podolski-c22896 – 8
The German grabbed an assist for Olivier Giroud’s goal in the first half, and was a constant threat on the left. He used his pace and strength to cause problems for Schalke right-back Hoger but faded towards the end of the game.
Olivier Giroud – 8
The Frenchman won most of his aerial duels, but was guilty of being indecisive in his first chance at goal. He was lucky that Walcott was there to pounce on the loose ball and save him the embarrassment. He did well to get on the end of a Podolski cross
to score http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429’s second.
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