Saturday, September 17, 2011

The long road of recovery cut short... [Arsenal vs Blackburn Ratings]

Maybe in such a game as this, I should just talk about the first half, and I may sob until my PC overrides with the amount of tears running through its system.

We lined up with the usual 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3, with Santos replacing Gibbs, and Walcott being dropped to the bench in favour of Gervinho and Arshavin.Surprisingly, no Frimpong, Chamberlain or Jenkinson to be seen.
In general, the first half was great, with Gervinho picking up his first EPL goal after a lovely through ball from Song. Yakubu then nicked a equalizer after Koscielny and Santos played him onside, before Mikel Arteta crashed home a pass from Ramsey on what was, in my opinion, our best play this season.

So here's ho we performed individually:

Sczczczczczczczesny [6-0] : Wasn't at fault for ANY of the goals, and di make some decent stops, but I felt he seemed a bit out of touch today, especiallyat set pieces.

Sagna [6-5] : Tough time against Hoilett, but decent going forward. Went off injured- if it's serious, that's our most reliable defender GONE.

Mertesacker [5-0] : Lack of pace showing through, not living up to what fans expected at the moment. Missed a great chance to nick a draw in the dying stages.

Koscielny [4-0] : Poor. After such a great performance in midweek. Possibly at fault for his own goal, and played Yakubu onside for the first. Too many errors to be on the side.

Santos [5-5] : Yes, did play Yakubu onside for both his goals, but almost made up for it with two sublime crosses in stoppage time. Not the best debut.

Song [6-5] : Brilliant in the first half, where he got an assist and carried on his great vein of form. Faded, before being subbed for Chamakh.

Arteta [6-5] : Great goal, good to see we've got a Fabregas-esque player in the side. However, like his previous games, faded in the second half. Trend developing here.

Ramsey [6-0] : Good assist, and looked much better in the first half, but, you've guessed it, faded.

Arshavin [6-5] : He seems to be slowly regaining confidence and form. Surprise pick ahead of Theo, and looked a rejuvenated player in the first half, before.......................... FADING.

Gervinho [6-5] : Nice to see him back in the side, lots of moments of brilliance, but was much too greedy on the ball in the second half.

Van Persie [6-0] : Worked very hard, but still anonymous when being deployed alone. Much better when he played in a 4-4-2. Great ball in for Chamakh.

SUBS:

Djourou [3-5] : Would have much rather seen someone else, ANYONE, come on at right back. Let Hoilett thorugh for the fourth with a missed tackle.

Walcott [6-5] : Bit of a wake up call, being dropped. Came on and looked lively, and his pace means he's great as an impact player.

Chamakh [6-5] : Finally got the confidence boosting goal we've all been waiting for! Big fan of this dude, love to see him play in a 4-4-2 with RVP.

So, that's that. Slipping further down the league, as usual. Bolton at home next, be interesting. I predict a 2-2 draw, Gary Cahill losing his marker, Mertesacker, and netting from a set piece, showing us what we're missing.

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