A good, solid first half was followed by a less than convincing second as Arsenal finally saw off a spirited Brentford side with almost the last kick of the game to claim a 3-1 win, to make it six wins in a row in all competitions.
Danny Welbeck bagged a brace, setting the Gunners off to a strong start after just five minutes as he powered home a short range header, whilst unchallenged in the danger zone. He continued to look hungry and performed extremely well for a good sixty or so minutes even though the team looked to take their foot off the gas somewhat in the second period. The second goal though, tapped in by Welbeck, was the best team goal under Emery so far - maybe even one of the best team goals in recent memory. What started as a defensive pass back to Leno who then passed into midfield and eventually onto Mkhitaryan who drove forward and fed Iwobi (aided by a great distracting run by Welbeck). Iwobi then stepped inside and utilised Monreal on the overlap who, inside the box, squared to the open Welbeck who slid it home. 2-0, with almost everyone involved. Half time couldn't some soon enough for Brentford.
The Bees got back in the game through a top-notch free kick that flew over Leno's wall. Although it was a fairly mid-height strike, the goalkeeper was the other side of the net with the wall protecting the right. A taller wall (that jumped) may have got something on the shot but really you hold you hands up here and say 'great strike'. Very little more Arsenal could do to stop it. With this now behind them, Brentford upped the anti whilst Arsenal really looked to slow it down (intentionally or otherwise) and see the game out. Alex Lacazette came on for the impressive Smith-Rowe and eventually, with 90+ on the clock, the Frenchman latched onto a lucky bounce and slid past the Brentford keeper to seal the win. 3-1 and game over. Six wins on the bounce!
Ratings
Bernd Leno: 7
Started nervously with a hairy moment with the ball at his feet but after this he never looked in trouble football wise. On the deck he is clearly the best we have at the club. In the air, and with his hands, he looked pretty solid. He placed the wall as best he could for Brentford's goal scoring free kick but to no avail. Made a couple of good saves and commanded his area well both in the air on the deck. The real test it yet to come for him though.
Stephan Lichtsteiner: 6
Clearly experienced and a knowledgeable campaigner, Lichtsteiner ended up in the referee's notebook quite early which meant he was walking a fine line for a large chunk of the game. However, he was solid defensively (perhaps more so than we see from Bellerin) but what he has defensively, he doesn't have so well going forward. Doesn't bomb on as much as we are used to seeing (not necessarily a bad thing!) but could do a little more - especially against lower league opposition.
Shkodran Mustafi: 6
Nothing of note to highlight for Mustafi who looked reasonably comfortable for the entire game. He still needs to improve and potentially communicate with his fellow defenders that bit more but was rarely properly tested. Teams expose him in one-on-ones, where many often get joy, but he was defiant and resolute in a game where only a win would count.
Rob Holding: 6.5
Much like Mustafi, Holding rarely looked tested. There were times where Brentford looked to be in behind but the covering of one defender or another saw these opportunities thwarted almost instantly. Holding passed the ball well and tackled continuously. Worked hard for a clean sheet that ultimately didn't come.
Nacho Monreal: 7.5
Mr Reliable again stepped up and lead his team on the night, and delivered exactly what we are used to seeing...nothing complicated but everything solid and simple. His energy allows him to get up and down the flank well and be there at both ends when needed. Picked up an impressive assist in 'that' team goal. Really pushing the likes of Alonso and Mendy hard now to be the league's best left back.
Matteo Guendouzi: 7
The young Frenchman passed well and dictated play for much of the first half. Alongside Elneny, the back line was protected well but forward play never payed the price. He was dynamic and energetic as we are now starting to see each time plays and was always keen to pass and move, and keep it simple. He is extremely fit and is more than capable of sustaining the same level for ninety minutes, in a game of this stature.
Mohamed Elneny: 6.5
Sat back for the main, and let Guendouzi and Mkhitaryan do most of the midfield playmaking for much of the game. He was cautious and played a mature role on a night of youth, where his team required discipline of true CDM fashion. Nothing amazing but equally nothing bad - Elneny is started to look a very good option or squad player who puts his team's needs before his own.
Emile Smith-Rowe: 7
Young ESR attacked well and carried the ball forward confidently. He is fairly quick and is more than prepared to make forward runs for either a pass or just to free up space for someone else. We didn't see too much glamour from our next big prospect but much like a few others, we saw a maturity and a energy that is exactly what was required.
Alex Iwobi: 6.5
Iwobi is gradually improving under Emery. He has clearly been given more of a green light to carry the ball. His physique means he is able to stay strong and hold others off whilst shifting forward at quite the pace. However, after doing much of this so well, he either takes it one step too far or one turn too much and ruins his own good work. Was a keen runner throughout but again nothing overly special from the Nigerian.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6.5
Clearly the natural playmaker in the starting XI, the Armenian started fast but did fade almost completely come the end. In the free role, he wasn't really required to do much dirty work but to his credit, did when needed. Going forward he was creative and keen to carry the ball, pass and move, and dictate. He did all of the above to better than average but not to a world class standard.
Danny Welbeck: 8.5 MOTM
Having bagged a brace, you can't look too far past Welbz for MOTM. He ran hard all game, giving exactly what we know he can. However, what he added last night was a goal scoring hunger that we aren't so used to seeing. Linking play very well, he was always keen to be involved as well as making unselfish runs to create time and space for others. Fully deserved two goals on the night and for me, he should now be looking to work his way into Emery's Premier League XI. Six goals on the season already for Welbz, setting him up for his best yet.
(Sub) Alexandre Lacazette: 7.5
Although only on for less than half an hour, the Frenchman delivered a performance full of hard work, selflessness and determination. He came on knowing a third Arsenal goal was there for the taking and worked tirelessly for an opening. Eventually it came and he finished expertly. Did miss the target completely earlier on when he should have really tested the keeper, as a minimum.
(Sub) Lucas Torreira: 6.5
Bullish and dogged for the entirety of his second half cameo. Got stuck in and tackled hard, and broke Brentford's play very well. Fifteen minutes of energy that was required. Just the thing the midfield needed to see the game out.
(Sub) Aaron Ramsey: 4
Appeared for a mere five minutes and helped the midfield see out the tie. Played a part in Lacazette's goal and put himself about as and when required.
That's all for the ratings today. Let us know your thoughts!
Comments
Post a Comment