Wolverhampton vs. Arsenal: Player Ratings - Part 1
The North London giants of Barclays Premier League, Arsenal, won against Wolverhampton Wolves during midweek’s fixture and secured their seventh victory of this campaign. Arsenal endured the rare feeling of lack of possession for the long
periods throughout the game, but thanks to summer signing of Arsene Wenger; Marouane Chamakh confirmed the victory for the Gunners. He scored the first and the last minute goals to ensure all three crucial away points.
If Arsene Wenger’s men are to succeed in ending their notorious five year trophy drought, performances like that will undoubtedly help. Cesc Fabregas and his company proved that they can handle a physical side like Wolverhampton.
Arsenal started in emphatic fashion when Cesc Fabregas swung in a perfect cross to the head-man of his team, Marouane Chamakh, who had no problems in putting the ball into the net. Marouane Chamakh scored in only 37 seconds which is the
fastest goal of Barclays Premier League history. However, the home side showed admirable spirit and refused to let to the early goal dampen their confidence with heavy periods of possession.
As the game proceeded, it became more physical and less fast and action packed. First half proved to be very tough for both the goalies as they made number of crucial saves to keep their side in contest. Despite all the efforts from the
home side, the scored remained the same, in favour of Arsenal.
There was little change with Wolves after halftime who once again dominated most aspects of the game. However, the Gunners’ defence remained strong and looked formidable.
As time began to favour Arsenal, the home side began to tire and the Gunners were gifted opportunities to relieve pressure. The chances, however, went begging. Wolves then went all out, and late in injury time Stephen Ward fired a long
distance strike that looks destined to be the agonising equalizer but Arsenal’s impressive goalkeeper made an outstanding one handed parry to evade a draw.
Then, it was again Chamakh, who took his chance at the dying stages of the match and scored the safety and decisive goal of the match. Arsenal won by two goals to nil.
Nonetheless, here are the player ratings of the players from both sides.
Player Ratings
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Marcus Hahnemann: 6.5:
The veteran keeper of Wolves could do little about the opening goal and did extremely well to stop the Gunners from getting another goal. He had relatively little else to do but commanded his area well.
Kevin Foley: 7.0
Kevin did well to support Stephen on right flank, creating several one on one passes with Stephen. Moreover, Kevin also kept Rosicky quiet, with the Czech international getting little change from the right-back.
Richard Stearman: 5.5:
Stearman gave Arsenal’s attack too much space in the opening minute, allowing Chamakh a free header for the opening goal. However, he recovered well to keep opposition’s attackers quiet but was prone to too many mistakes. A lazy clearance
from him led to a golden chance for Arshavin who should have doubled the lead.
Christophe Berra: 6.0:
He was quite impressive at the back and kept Arshavin quiet, not allowing the Russian any time on the ball.
Stephen Ward: 6.0:
Stephen Ward didn't close Fabregas down for the opening Arsenal goal but was not the only player of home side to be caught napping in starting minutes of the tie. He was stretchered off after a late tackle from Rosicky with just five minutes
remaining.
David Edwards: N/A:
He was substituted after just ten minutes due to an injury.
Michael Mancienne: 5.5:
Michael was given the daunting task of playing as a defensive midfielder but looked out of his depth. He didn't seem to known which opposition midfielder to track and looked uncomfortable in possession. He was substituted with ten minutes
remaining.
To be continued...
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