Victory over the Potters

Apologies for the late post.  Here are a few of my thoughts on our win over the evolutionez cavemen of Stoke.  If they seem a tad disjointed it's because I'm trying to sneak around my new boss while writing.  Don't try this at home, kids.


We did not look our best today, but got the job done  And we got it done at a 3-1 scoreline.  Not a 1 to nil, but a nice somewhat comfortable less nail-bitey than usual two goal difference.   Our play wasn't at its most  fluid, and the legs looked tired in the second half.   I think our midweek trip to Marseille took its toll, and it's fortunate that our match this coming Wednesday is a Capital One Cup.  Arsene will be able to rotate from our slightly deeper bench.

Three of our goals came from set pieces. It seems an eon ago when we could count on scoring from free kicks and corners (the days of Sol).  And it was a testament to the team's mentality that when we couldn't score from open play, we opted for Plan B.  Watching Per score fills me with glee because I can see how much it means to him.  And having Sagna's looping header fill the net is sweet after his struggle with form and injury the last couple of seasons.  The Rambo goal carries a special meaning because it saw Aaron's composure and technique (scored with his weak foot?) once gain in front of the net after following up on the rebound from Ozil's free kick.  Speaking of which..

We have a set-piece taker that has good technique.  Ozil's free kick forced an acrobatic save from Begovic.  Mesut's corners were of similar quality.  He may not be known in particular for his free kicks, but he would be my main choice.

We suffered not having Theo.  I could feel Ozil's frustration at not having him around to set free with a long pass behind the defense.  And after he scored in Europe last week, I washpoing to see him go on a spurt.  Gnabry did a fine job deputizing at the last minute.  He stayed on the ball well, outmuscling some defensive players and took a couple of shots.  He's not as fast as Theo, but I can see his potential.  He should be starting against West Brom Wednesday.

My final note is one for the commentators who criticized Ozil for not being as influential at his home debut as he had been at away matches.  This is the same player who set up all three goals which I think is pivotal as opposed to non-crucial.  Once again, I wonder if pundits think about what they are about to say before speaking.  Pause, think, comment.  In that order.

That's all for now.  We have West Brom on Wednesday for the beginning of the Capital Run Cup.  Until then, have a good one Gooners.