Man City 1 – 0 Arsenal: Silva Decides A Thrilling Match

By: Darren_v | December 19th, 2011

Aaron

Please forgive the lateness of the match report at I was out all day and didn’t finish watching the game until 1 a.m. Mountain Time.

It was a cold and brisk evening in the United Arab Emirates Manchester where Arsenal would line up with JG’s expected squad as mentioned in his preview. Man City drafted $amir Na$ri on the left wing, Kolo Toure settled into the middle of their defense with Micah Richards and Zabaleta slotting in as the right and left backs receptively. From the outset of the match Arsenal’s amazing away fans could be heard chanting Na$ri’s favorite song, ‘$amir your a c*nt’ and booing him with each touch taken. The Frenchman responded with a typical performance for the Oil City merchants, ie. passing the ball and allowing the match to pass him by.

The game began with great pace as both clubs looked to press the ball in the midfield and attempt to win the ball back quickly. Eight minutes into the match Man City should’ve been been ahead when Gervinho failed to track the advancing run of Paulo Zabaleta on the left flank and his first time low cross was placed beautifully into the path of the on-rushing Sergio Aguero who blasted well over the bar from 12 yards. It was a massive break for Arsenal. Three minutes later David Silva had an effort stopped by Szczesny.

Arsenal were passing in their own half, but were struggling to bypass the pressure of City’s midfield and link up with their forward three. It would take 20 minutes before Arsenal would really test the City defense, when Gervinho was played through on the right channel and his low hard shot was saved by Hart, who could be considered lucky the ball rebounded off his feet behind the net rather than into it. On the resulting corner, Ramsey had his low shot saved by Hart as well for another corner, which this time proved fruitless.

28707935 Mario Balotelli would be the next to have an opportunity thwarted by a keeper. Laurent Koscielny miffed his initial clearance attempt, allowing Richards to send another cross into the box where Balotelli would shrug off Mertesacker and bring down the ball brilliantly between the BFG and Djourou, turn into space with the ball and only a spectacular save by Arsenal’s #1 #13 keep the score level. It was outstanding skill by the Italian who deserved a goal for his effort, and an even better save by the teenage wonder keeper.

The match continued to be fought in the middle of the pitch, both clubs tackling hard and looking for interceptions with aggressive pressure, and that is exactly how the next chance for Arsenal would occur. Laurent Koscielny would strip the ball and power through the middle of the pitch and behind Barry and Yaya Toure. He would van Persie in space, and with two or three excellent opportunities to send a teammate in alone, he held and chose to shoot which rebounded off the defender and into Aaron Ramsey’s path who couldn’t get off a shot with Kolo Toure getting in the and Hart was able to hold on to it. A disappointing chance was spurned by the usually excellent decision making of the captain.

Sergio Aguero was causing issues with his movement and his run across the defense gave him space to shoot just inside the box, attempting to cut back across Szczesny but the Polish keeper had it read exceptionably well, holding onto the ball like it was rolled into him. A thrilling first half would end at the score line of 0-0 and each club ruing their missed chances.

While the 2nd half would start with no changes made by either side, Arsenal would be forced into a change due to a groin injury from Johan Djourou two minutes in. It caused a defensive reshuffle for the Red and White with Koscielny going to right fullback, Vermaelen into the centre with Mertesacker and 19 year old Ignasi Miquel going to left fullback. It would have immediate impact on the game. Man City would break up play in their own half and turn on the counter and with Koscielny out of position on the right, it was an easy through ball into the left corner for Balotelli. Song sprang back into cover and allowed Balotelli to get onto his favored right foot on the byline much too easily, perhaps buoyed by an early yellow card. Szczesny was able to make the save, but with Ignasi Miquel way out of position, Vermaelen had to contend with Aguero and Silva for the rebound and the City players were able to bundle the ball over the line and give them the 1-0 lead.

Immediately after that there was a Theo Walcott sighting, his strong shot from just outside the box was well saved by Hart by pushing it over his bar for a corner, which resulted in nothing. Shortly after that, van Persie’s incredible chip over Hart found the back of the net but he was flagged for offside.

The pace would not let up, and with Szczesny well beaten, he could only turn and watch a sterling effort by Aguero spin just wide of his right post. $amir Na$ri had his first impact on the match when he was freed into the box by a through ball but could only pass/shoot the ball across the face of the goal and Balotelli couldn’t latch onto the ball.

Arsenal had chances as well, mostly coming through the left flank by Gervinho. The Ivorian beat Richards on the left flank and his cut back to van Persie was perfect, but the Dutchman could only turn the ball right into the arms of Hart. City would attack yet again with Szczesny cleaning up, only to give the ball to Koscielny deep in his own end and under pressure who’s outlet pass was poor and easily intercepted by Zabaleta. The fullback would walk into space with the ball and crushed the ball flush off the post with Szczesny well beaten.

After van Persie/Ramsey had a chance off a cross ruled (wrongly) for offside, Wenger decided to roll the dice with his impact substitution, Arshavin on for Walcott. Theo was visibly unhappy about the choice, but he had done little all match in truth. Andrei Arshavin’s first touch of the game was on the edge of the box in space where he absolutely fluffed his attempted cross with no one around him, a sign of the rest of his existence on the pitch.

Koscielny would send a cross into the box which clearly went off of Micah Richards’ arm and in full view of referee Phil Dowd, but there was no call given. It was disappointing for Arsenal as weaker calls have been made by Dowd in similar situations (4-4 Newcastle anyone?). Arsenal’s next move was to remove Per Mertesacker from the match in favour of Marouane Chamakh, who other than drawing a foul with a dive, was non-existent as well.

But that foul drawn by Chamakh nearly allowed Arsenal to level the match. An extremely well worked free kick allowed Arteta to roll the ball into the path of Vermaelen all alone at the top of the box, unfortunately it was straight at Hart and he managed to tip it over the bar. Anywhere else and the English keeper would have had no chance.

Four minutes of extra time went on the clock and Arsenal were pressing hard for the equalizer. Seemingly with seconds left, Vermaelen would once again find space in the middle of the park and his 25 yard attempt would curl agonizingly wide of the post with Joe Hart looking extremely worried, and then relieved, to see it not go into his net. That is how it would end, Man City 1, Arsenal 0.

Full Time Stats

Man City           Arsenal
47%         Poss         53%
76%      Pass Acc     81%
15    Total Shots    14
6     On Target     6

Player Ratings

Szczesny 8.5 MOTM – Had a great game and made some stunning, game saving saves. He is calm and cool behind the defense and the only time I worry is when he is distributing the ball… and he nearly paid for that today.

Djourou 6 – He had a decent display defensive, shutting down Na$ri on the right flank, before going off injured. Clearly not a right back, but works hard. With him likely out for 3 weeks, it’s a big blow for the backline already struggling for able bodies.

Mertesacker 7.5 – Had a very good game, reading the play very well and doing a quiet and superb job. It’s a shame you only notice him when he makes a mistake as he isn’t aggressive and quick like Verm and Kos. Great signing by Wenger

Koscielny 7 – Did very well when in the centre of defense for the first half, and struggled a with his positioning in the second half when playing full back.

Vermaelen 8 – Worked hard out on the left, and immense in the centre of defense. Was the stand out man when pushing for an equalizer late on. Couldn’t help but feel he would’ve cleared the Silva goal if at left back instead of Miquel

Song 6 - Not a great performance by Song as he (again) picked up a quick yellow card early in the match, and then struggled with being aggressive and not fouling, attempting to avoid another card. Slightly responsible for the goal, allowing Balotelli onto his strong foot way too easily. Still, it’s worth noting he is the man covering for the whole backline and he is a workhorse. Will miss the Villa match on Wednesday thanks to 5 yellow cards in the season.

Arteta 7.5 – Just a terrific player positionally, which I probably say every match report. Gets into the tackle well, and breaks up play. Wish he were quicker as he doesn’t beat defenders with the ball, but can’t have everything.

Ramsey 5 – Not a good game as he was pushed off the ball easily by City players and doesn’t have the pace to beat a defender. He likes the ball into his feet and I remain suspect that his best role is in the advanced midfielder position. I was ready to throw something at the screen after his umpteenth backheel to no one. If that was Arshavin, Twitter would have exploded in anger. This game was crying for Rosicky/Benayoun to play this position and as they would’ve loved being able to play between the lines as Ramsey should’ve.

Gervinho 7 – He was the outlet all match for Arsenal, creating havoc with him movement on and off the ball. Losing the ball too often, and his final ball is wanting at time, but he works hard. Just need his final third ball to click.

Walcott 5 – Other than his one effort, did you notice him? No, I don’t mean when he had a bit of a fit going off the pitch. Struggled to do anything all match, only touching the ball 28 times. Did anyone else get annoyed seeing him fist-pump Hart DURING the game after his shot was saved? Not a fan of his attitude at times.

van Persie 7 – Did well being physical with City’s defenders and holding the ball up, but his decision making was poor a couple of times. Popped up and had chances, but wasn’t able to convert today/yesterday

Miquel 6 – At fault on the only goal of the game, getting caught too high up and not tracking the man at the back post like a fullback should. But when you play a 19 year old centre back with only six caps at fullback, these mistakes happen. Made a few good tackles, shows promise as a player.

Arshavin 4 – I’m probably one of his bigger supporters, but it’s getting harder and harder to do. His touch was woeful. Where he used to produce something out of nothing to justify his place in the squad, he now is horribly disappointing when the opportunity presents himself.

Chamakh N/A – Wasn’t on long enough to get a rating from me.

M-A footyroom.com by footyroom

This was Arsenal’s first defeat since losing to Sp*rs back in early October. We played well, and on another day could’ve won this match. I felt the play was deserving of a point at the very least, as both clubs struggled to hold possession and really take control of the match. Arsenal’s defending was solid, and has been solid for a long while now, something I feel isn’t mentioned by the media, which is fine by me. We don’t hear about how frail we are anymore, and that’s good enough. While I found Theo’s moaning about being taken off the pitch rather annoying, I agreed that he wasn’t the man to take off since Benayoun was the man that this game was crying out for. Arsenal were chasing the game and the two attacking options of Arshavin and Chamakh were brought on to enforce the belief that Wenger must re-enforce his attacking options. They both didn’t threaten City. I was shocked there was no place for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench, especially considering the trouble he gave City and Zabaleta during the Carling Cup.

Arsenal now go into Wednesday’s match at Aston Villa with decisions to make regarding the defense. Djourou is surely out and Song is suspended, likely giving Miquel the start at left fullback and Coquelin/Frimpong the start in the middle of the pitch. There will also be the fatigue factor to those who played the full 90, Mertesacker in particular looking gassed when going off the pitch.

It was interesting to see the only two foreigner outfield players for Man City rolling around on the pitch, trying to get Arteta and Song sent off. I wish they would stop polluting the English game. Stay classy Gareth Barry and Micah Richards.

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Category: Arsenal News

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Patoux21

I think Gervinho and Chamack are both going to the African nations cup? Is Wenger seriously not going to buy players during the transfert window?
Hpasscout23

F** you! that was a legit drawn foul on Chamakh not a dive. And in 10 minutes of play is still drawing criticism for no reason; These racist b*t*h in heat have nothing more to do than criticise the others that do not look or act or pray like them. Chamakh will leave for his own good and you all eat Sh*t.
Tomisin

Szczesney isnt a teenager though, just sayimg
ASDF

All said and done, our season has ended way earlier than last year. We were in for a trophy till Feb CC final loss against Birmingham, this time its not even new year and we are out of reckoning. 12 point gap in premiership, yet to face Barca and Madrid in CL, out of CC and winning FA cup when we might eventually face City/Chelsea/Utd is an uphill task.
We were supposed to win something to keep our hopes of keeping RvP alive; bring in reinforcement, clear out deadwood, and essentially forget the loss of Cesc and Na$ri. Yet here we are staring at another trophyless season with doom and gloom rolling on. All we are left with is a bunch of "i wish"...i wish we had won against Blackburn, i wish we had converted our draws against Fulham and Newcastle into victory, i wish Sagna and Santos were not injured, i wish Arshavin was having a good season, i wish Gervinho could finish better....
Merry Christmas everyone.
Perry S.

Typical.
Georgedb1

Season finished? LMAO! Unbelievable how people like you (not saying it was you) were saying our season was finished in the beginning of September when we were 15th (what our place in the league now?)! NOW, we take one loss in 8 games and again the season is finished. Oh no, the 22 more games that are left in the season dont count; we all know how they're going to end right? Lets go right ahead and concede that Man City matched the invincibles and won the domestic treble. C'mon, you have to see how ridiculous you sound proclaiming the end of the season with 22 games left. OF COURSE its an uphill battle. When has it ever been anything but anxiety and nail biting for pretty much every team? That's why we watch the league right? Don't concede the league yet man, don't sound like this is you first season following the PL. Watchin the PL for I cant even count how many years has taught me one thing. Never bet against a team on a losing streak; 1. you wont make much money on it; 2. They're BOUND to break it. Our trophies will come, but they wouldn't if we conceded everything at the first sound of trouble.

GOONS FO LYF. Happy Holidays everyone! There's a reason why Santa dresses in Red n White - club history records him as the oldest Arsenal fan on the books.
ASDF

The margin for error this season is so low that yes, even with 22 games to go, the season could well be over for us. I dont see any team in top 4 loosing to blackburn or drawing with fulham. Its those 5 very very crucial points that could be the difference for us. Top teams used to slip up against the bottom ones, but I don't see that happening this time. You say this is the first sound of trouble...here are some sounds...Wenger insists that we dont need a FB, we still dont have RvP's signature on contract extension, Arshavin and Chamakh have not been replaced yet, we dont have a back up striker and keeper who's even half as good as our current one, Miquel has no idea what man to man marking means, coquelin wants to head out, this is like the 3rd successive years when we have more injuries than any other team in PL...i'm depressed and dont want to name more (trust me there are more).
Georgedb1

Nothing that you can say changes the basic fact that there are still 21 games left that CANNOT be just assumed away. You can say things like "I don't see" this or that happening , but the fact is that anything can, does and will happen. Out of the "negatives" you list I will agree that we need a back-up striker, but even that is subjective. I know that you're 200% certain that the negatives you list are objectively bad and everyone agrees with you on them and that you dont need to see the rest of the 21 games (you probably already know the scores). I'm saying you dont know anything, you're carried away in the self-created gloom of the moment, and you cannot step back from that, i.e., very likely that you haven't been watching the PL for more than 5 or so years. Fact is, that this happens everytime. Just remember to stop for a moment in May or June and think back to what you were thinking now, and the feeling of ridiculousness is bound to come, even if we don't win anything.
Guest

Didn't Chelsea just slip up against Wigan? Are you saying Chelsea isn't a top team?

Didn't Liverpool lose to Fulham?

Are you high?
Georgedb1

Thank you
Will

Liverpool are not a top team anymore in my eyes, and Chelsea did not lose to Fulham, they drew, and a week after beating City.

Amazing as it is that Wenger has managed to keep our form so good despite recent injuries and departures, we're still in very bad nick.
Rico

We lost but we can't complain too much, it was a fantastic match to watch and the win was just kept out of our reach. Shows a few things, 1. Man City are human and are completely beatable when teams play them goal for goal. 2. We are a lot better than we previously though, just need to keep this tempo at that level. 3. We need to invest in strikers and there is some dead weight left to shred.

Theo really pissed me off with his lack of, what look like, interest in the game. I saw him do 2 other things apart from his shot that was saved and both of these we're losing the ball when he requested it. The fist-pump was a strange one. I understand they both play for England but come on! Club team first! Kiss and cuddle after the game!

The look in Hart's face as TV5 shot went passed the post was brilliant.

Aww no player rating for Na$ri? I would give him a ......... 2 as he did pass a couple of times.
degeros

I actually thought Kos had a great game, minus the goal where he was out
of position and Song had to cover for him. He practically had Aguero in
his pocket for most of the game. Song and Ramsey were rather poor,
while Arteta struck me as a frustrated figure in the sense that he had
to keep covering for his not so effective team mates. I felt that the main bright spark in all our attacks was Gervinho, which made me a little surprised that he only got a 7.
degeros

I actually thought Kos had a great game, minus the goal where he was out of position and Song had to cover for him. He practically had Aguero in his pocket for most of the game. Song and Ramsey were rather poor, while Arteta struck me as a frustrated figure in the sense that he had to keep covering for his not so effective team mates. I felt that the main bright spark in all our attacks was Gervinho, which made me a little surprised that he only got a 7.
Darren_V

Aguero had 2 shots on target and should've scored on one of them. They both came in the first half when Laurent Koscienly was playing CB, and when Vermaelen went to CB, Aguero didn't have a single shot on target.
That's hardly having someone in your pocket, imo.
I find it rather difficult to give an attacking player more than a 7 when recording no goals, and while there were many potential chances, there were few clear cut oppurtunities by Arsenal.
Gigi_man

Well we cant ask RvP to carry the team, I say AW get a scorer in January. On the other hand, we cant blame Jenks, he's a kid, and this year, yes, its bad luck becasue we brought one defender and have an established defence now; but well, thats what happens when you take too much time, opportunities pass by: AW in Jan, one striker and one defender (any position will do).

On the other hand, I still got a lot of congrats today because we played well; would have preferred the 3 points and no congrats but silly consolation prize for me.
King Kong

Nice write up Darren, I think you did a good job with the ratings and ur over-all evaluation of the game was on point. We played a pretty good game which proves a poor consolation for losing. City was faster than us and more physical that us in every department. Most teams have figured out that by moving the ball faster than us, they eliminate our midfield and forward and roughing up our defenders forces them to give possession away. Like my fellow Gunners said, many of the changes Wenger made didn't appear to be the right ones for the game that we were playing. First of all, taking out Walcott when he's just getting settled in the game is absurd, and to put in Arshavin was even more absurd. Walcott, by far is one of our fastest players, was being matched and outplayed by the defender marking him, so to put in Arshavin didn't make sense. Arshavin has no speed and his technical ability and decisions making has been dormant for the last 2 years, so why put in a that big game. Also, when we took out Djourou, I felt as though Song should have been dropped back to Right back and bring on Benayoun to play alongside Arteta. I felt like Miquel was thrown in a game that was a little beyond where he is right now. Better substitution decisions could have made a difference, however, we can't cry over spilt milk now. Its mid-season, we've lost 5 games, we're pretty much out of the title race, so lets try to make the best of this and try to win all our remaining games.
Tfyoung

For the goa,l Kos out of position, Song could have done better and finally Miquel quilty of ball watching.
But overall a good performance from our makeshift back four including Miquel.
The big problem was the attacking midfield position.
Arteta played very deep(probably under instruction). Song went forward a few times but in general stayed back to offer cover to the back four. That left Ramsey as the sole attacking midfield player and he was predictably swamped. The game really passed him by. It wasn't all his fault. Gervinho has many good qualities but first time control and accurate one touch passing are not among them. On the other wing Theo is not renown for his interplay on the edge of the box.
We used to known for our tippy tappy football! Not anymore!
I would not have scored Arteta so high. I think he needed to get forward more particularly after they scored.
I never thought I'd say this but I think Diaby might have been more effective than Ramsey yesterday.
Benjamin Dockter

I agree. Miquel was the last mistake in a line of other errors and allowing the goal should be laid at Kos's doorstep. He was way out of position allowing Balotelli tons of space. Per and Song should've closed down better and Miquel should have cleared, but the entire back line had just been reshuffled so it's a little unfair on our defense. That's what happens though.

If we'd had attacking fullbacks the game would have been totally different. Without them, I do agree that Ramsey had a poor game and either Rosicky or Benayoun would have done better, but that's what happens when you play players who are still learning as opposed to experienced ones. They will have more off days.
brenton

I'm going to take another look at the goal, but the one thing I noticed when Koscielny was supposedly out of position, was that he moved to close down Nasri in front of Mertesacker, who Nasri likely would have blown past. This, of course, left Balotelli wide open, but I don't think it was as simple as just Koscielny being out of position.
Tfyoung

Fair point about Kos helping Mert cover Nasri. I'm surprised Song rether than kos went to cover Balotelli as they were running back. Kos might have done better !
brenton

Yah, I wondered about that too. Both were in the same area at the same time, and either could have made it over to check Balotelli. Kos definitely headed right to the middle, though, no hesitation.
caligunner

Arteta was absolutely brilliant in the last 30 minutes. He was everywhere and everything good Arsenal did started with his play.
Tfyoung

I'd have to look at it again but I thought Arteta was busy but not much in the final third.
brenton

That's not his game, though. He sits further back than Song or Ramsey when we have possession and moves the ball around.
Zadster

I'm losing my patience with Ramsey. He has looked out of condition the past few games - inaccurate passes and forcing plays. I would like to see Arteta take his place in front of the two holding mids and Rosicky taking Arteta's place next to Song until Wilshere returns. I don't know if bringing a Gourcuff into the mix in January is the right answer, given how much time he will need to get up to speed.
caligunner

excellent match write up and ratings. I'm going to point out some differences with your opinion, but you are spot on with 90% of the your write-up.

I'm not sure I agree with the "deserved a point" comment, by you and others around the Arsenal world. I thought City were better in just about every aspect of the match and created much better chances than Arsenal. I think it was a fair result, although I agree that Arsenal played very well. City are technically excellent at every position on the pitch with the possible exception of Micah Richards. They move the ball quicker and more decisively than Arsenal and really dominated the game for at least 30 minutes. The best side Arsenal have faced since Barca last year.

I think Mancini used a tactical setup very similar to how Marseille played against us in the CL. He pressed up high, not allowing Per and Kos/Verm much time on the ball, and also dropped the back line relatively deep. We saw a lot of clearances into the MC half by Scz instead of playing out of the back. This meant that we did not have sustained possession but did have space between the midfield and defense to run at City's back four. This causes us problems because it neutralizes the pace of Theo and Gervinho, negating their space behind.

One of the biggest problems that Arsenal has right now is that when they play Theo, Gervinho along with the converted RB/LB there is so little support from wide positions to play effective short passes. All 4 of those players struggle to retain possession and move the ball effectively. It allowed City to really bear down on Ramsey/Song/Arteta and they struggled because of it. Theo really struggled to get into the game and was badly overplayed by Zabaleta.

Finally, I really thought that RVP had a poor game. I thought he made bad decisions on two good Arsenal breaks. He had no reason to be offside for his disallowed goal, as the space was there for him if he had been a foot or two back. Also, he scuffed a golden opportunity from Gervinho's excellent play. Great season, but poor game, probably worst of the year IMO.
formos

Apparently, MOTD showed that RVP has just been level, so no offside and perfect goal scored. Luck was against Arsenal, even penalty wasn't awarded for handball.
Darren_V

I basically agree with you. I think part of the problem is Aaron Ramsey is basically a kid getting pushed off the ball and unable to hold onto it to allow players to get up around him. It's normally ok because we have fullbacks giving support wide, but that option is completely gone, leaving the likes of Toure, Barry, Fellini et all to strip him.
caligunner

He is very good technically, but I think maybe a bit naive about his pace and strength. Its something only experience will bring.

I'm not sure he fully deserves to be getting so many minutes over Rosicky in the central spot, but I'm hoping he can deliver more Chelsea-like performances over the course of the season. I'm sure we can expect an up and down season from him, a pitfall of starting a talented teen at such an important spot.
formos

He is very talented lad who will develop. I like his progress since the start of the season. Aaron is getting better and better with every game, maybe it doesn’t show immediately but experience will accumulate eventually and he will blossom. His passing improved, through balls improved. Give him time.

As who is better, him or Rosicky. Well while Ramsey is climbing and Tomas is going down, Wenger knows Rosicky will be out after this or next season, so he is just for support role.
Patoux21

When I discovered who was the referee for this game I knew already we had absolutely no chance to win. Google to see how biased Fat Dowd is when Arsenal is playing. Btw there was no offside when RVP scored the goal he was covered by Kompany. And the handball by Richards right in front of Dowd but obviously no penalty given.
Homey_Mills

Darren,
You hinted at it in your blog, but I'll say it here. I think the biggest difference between the two clubs is that if Man City needs a goal, they have guys like Dzeko to bring off the bench. We have no options when we need a goal. Taking off Walcott and putting Arshavin on makes us less of a threat to score. And Mertesacker is as much of a threat to score from CD as Chamakh from center forward. Hate to say it.
LachlanS

We should have brought on Rosicky or Benayoun for Ramsey. Maybe even AOC for Walcott.

We wasted the subs I think.

In addition, I thought Koscielyny should have been rated lower than 7. Something more like 6. I thought the was the difference between us winning and losing tonight, and not only because of being caught out of position that one time, he was quite average all evening. I cannot wait for Sagna to come back. Having Gibbs back will also be amazing
ian

I thought Kolscieny wasnt better than average? he dealt with aguero pretty well on several occasions
Homey_Mills

But do Rosicky or Benayoun give us a better chance of scoring a goal than Ramsey or Walcott? I would say no to that for sure.
LachlanS

Although I don't feel that Ramsey plays badly, he still doesn't seem to be creating that much. We needed to change it up, and I think that either of those two have the ability to be much more creative.
brenton

Ramsey
Appearances: 15
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Homey_Mills

What are the stats for Rosicky, Benayoun, and Arshavin?
brenton

1 assist for Rosicky in seven appearances.
Nothing for Benayoun.
1 goal in 13 appearances for Arshavin.

Mostly subs, so not really a fair comparison.
Homey_Mills

OK, but putting stats aside for a moment, which of those players do you consider most dangerous at the moment?
brenton

At the moment? None. Rosicky and Benayoun (and Arshavin, I guess) all need a run of games in order to find some form. Ramsey was pretty useless, though it's hard to say as it was against City.
caligunner

Agreed, although I understand the logic of the Arshavin for Theo, it was a failure in hindsight. I thought we would see Rosicky as well for one of the midfield 3, who looked tired. Arsenal made some good chances in the last 20, however, so we might be singing the praises of Wenger on this one had they gone in.
Darren_V

Those five minutes of Gibbs will be glorious.
brenton

C'mon. 25 minutes.
Zamil_m10

Mich? dont you mean bitch?
Zamil_m10

Micah*