Ox et al Step Up and Take Back the Top

Giroud Slacking Off as Usual

I could tell from the kick-off that the match was going to be ours.  Even with Palace sitting back, we looked bright, our passing buzzing around - maybe a bit slow at first, but we kept at it.  We knocked at the door a few times the first half, and it took Ox and great passing to unlock Palace's organized defense in the second.

  

Ox looked at home in central midfield today.  I know he's still young and developing, but his influence in the midfield is exciting.  He pushed forward, and made a nice run off a Palace player for one of his goals using his acceleration.  He first touch (from a perfect Santi pass) controlled it, and the opposite foot finished it.  His second goal came from a one-two with Giroud started with a back heel pass.  While taking the pass from Rosicky, Ox had to know precisely where Giroud was in order to complete that back-heel.  Thinking of he, Jack, and Aaron all competing for midfield positions makes one drool.

 

Arteta was back to his metronomic best.  For being a transplant player, it still amazes me how well he knows the Arsenal way.  It's like he was meant to always be here.  I know he doesn't always gain the accolades and has some slowness of foot, but when he's in form, ( he completed 122 passes today), he has an impact on penetrating the final third.  Plus, he sets the example on winning any misplaced passes back.

 

Podolski played with a lot of hustle but looked maybe a little less relaxed.  He helped win back balls, closed down the opponent, and took too many touches before shooting.  All of which are unlike him.  I like that he's fighting for his place, but his natural manner is more relaxed which helps in front of the net, but maybe does not impress Arsene.  I hope he's about to find a balance so his efficiency matches his effort.

Szczesny kept us in the game...again.  He came off his line to gather the ball from Chamakh whose last touch on the ball was a bit too heavy.  Having enjoyed sliding on his knees in the first half, our nO. 1 did it again in the second half when he made a great save with his feet against a downward Jerome header.  Thank you Sir Chez.
 

Arsene took it on the chin regarding the Kallstrom decision.  And as crazy as the purchase was, at least he's honest about it.  I have to admire that:

 

"I decided to do it because we might, because of the number of games we have now in February, we might need the players in March or April. There is a possibility [that he may not play] but as well there is the possibility that he scores us the winning goal that might be vitally important.

"

A risk is a risk.  Having Kallstrom injured isn't costing us money.  His club is paying for him while injured.  It was Wenger's call to make and he made it.If Kallstrom scores the League winning goal this season, how nummy would that crow taste?  Now, as far as the rest of the window goes, well...different bird and taste altogether.

 

In the meantime, we are back on top of the league.  The big game on Monday is City versus Chelsea.  As much as I can't stand Mourinho, he probably is he one tactician in the league that has enough talent to stop City's scoring machine.

*Update:  Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0.  Top Of The League STILL!

We have a tougher game than Palace on Sunday when we play Liverpool at Anfield.  Preview forthcoming on Friday.  Enjoy the view from the top and have a good one Gooners.