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.
