Arsenal, so often criticised for not turning up in the big matches, put in a dogged, spirited and committed performance to take all three points against Premier League champions Manchester City.
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The Gunners record against the so called big sides has been shameful to say the least over the last few seasons. Usually you know exactly how the games will pan out, with Arsenal having bags of possession, trying to score as many as possible, whilst neglecting their defensive duties as well. Against City though, the way we set up was refreshing to see and it seems as though we have now finally found a ‘plan B’.
In the first period Arsenal let City come onto them and settled for limited amounts of ball possession. The Arsenal defence stayed disciplined whilst the midfield stayed compact, barely giving a City player the chance to see the ball in the final third. With pace on the flanks Arsenal played a counter-attacking game and managed to frustrate City for large parts of the first-half.
After Olivier Giroud went close with a header from one of these attacks Arsenal were soon awarded a penalty.
Nacho Monreal played a neat one-two with Giroud before being bundled over by Vincent Kompany. Although the contact was limited a penalty was still the correct decision and Santi Cazorla stepped up to convert, sending the ball to Joe Hart’s left with an inch perfect spot-kick.
For the rest of the half Arsenal contained and deservedly went in one up at the break, David Ospina having barely made a save, such was the fantastic defensive effort from each and every player wearing yellow and blue.
At half-time James Milner was replaced by Stefan Jovetic, which saw a change in shape for Pellegrini’s City. This tactical change seemed to make the difference, the game became more stretched and end-to-end, something which looked as though it would suit City more. It was hard to see what Arsenal’s thinking was as they flooded men forward attack after attack. Thankfully though after 10 minutes of full-throttle action the game relaxed again and Arsenal returned to their first-half approach.
Despite City’s pressure, in which Ospina was tested a couple of times, the second goal of the game went to Arsenal with around 25 minutes to go. The excellent Santi Cazorla this time turned provider, delivering the sweetest of crosses right on Giroud’s head. The Frenchman was never going to miss and his sixth league goal of the season sent the Arsenal faithful into hysterics.
Wenger’s men remained resolute and strong in the final twenty to record the most overdue and memorable away win a long time.
Every player played their part in what was a fantastic team performance. It was so nice to see Arsenal take a Mourinho style ‘park the bus’ approach to the game and the tactics worked perfectly with Arsenal being able to stifle City’s every move.
More of the same please Arsene!
MOTM- Santi Cazorla- Ran the show from start to finish. A goal and assist for a player who has really found his feet in the last month or so.