Ahead of a first visit to Cardiff in over five years brought about another wave of renewed optimism after the team battled through a dogged West Ham last time out to sink their first win. Although another three points was fully expected by all, Cardiff weren't going to just hand it over. If Emery didn't expect a touch game then he'll know now that there are no easy games in the Premier League.
The lineup saw one drastic change; one of the two we have all been shouting for...Alex Lacazette starting alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The first we have seen of both starting together this season, and judging by what we saw, there could be much more of it on the cards. Unfortunately though, Torreira again started from the bench which was disappointing as a starting birth was well deserved. Iwobi was left out completely and Mkhitaryan was replaced by Ozil in the starting XI.
Arsenal started the game well and controlled possession, as expected. Petr Cech continued to look unbelievably wobbly with the ball at his feet throughout the game, as the defenders persisted on giving him the ball and playing out of the back. Cardiff found themselves one down after thirteen minutes as Mustafi headed home from a Granit Xhaka corner. 1-0 to the Arsenal...but long gone are the days where 1-0 to the Arsenal won football matches.
The defence kept up the recent slack play and allowed Cardiff to press and threaten. This lead to a number of set pieces that ultimately were Cardiff's best route back into the game. Weak defending, lack of organisation, no communication and shoddy positioning continues to haunt our back line, and even with the experience of Petr Cech behind them...there doesn't look to be much light at the end of the defensive tunnel. 1-0 soon became 1-1 with Arsenal's biggest flaws coming to light.
Down the other end, Alex Lacazette was clearly looking to impress and was putting in his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date. He played the sole striker role incredibly well and held the ball up and brought others into play. Ozil looked a little more dynamic this time out and the front three combined well, with Aubameyang and Lacazette looking extremely dangerous. the Gunners regained the lead through a curling long range strike from Aubameyang as Ozil fed Lacazette who flicked round the corner for Auba to drive in a shot. The Cardiff 'keeper had no chance. Yet again, slack defensive play allowed Cardiff back in with a nothing free kick that produced a decent delivery. A mid-range header was the undoing with Cech a step or two away from getting a hand to it. Fifteen or so minutes to go...
Meanwhile, Torreira had entered the fray, and again looked ultra-cool, dogged and fit. Although primarily a holding midfielder, he is blessed with such good, quick feet that can suck a man in and leave them stranded in a second. Teaming up with Xhaka (who again looked better with Torreira by his side) Arsenal began to beat again. A natural holding midfielder allowed the full backs to get forward quicker and stay higher providing the width which meant that Ozil could drift more central and start to pop the ball around. This also allowed Ramsey to push further forward with that box-to-box energy we are so familiar with. Isn't it amazing how one personnel change (Torreira for Guendouzi), allowed all these changes to occur which funnily enough lead to the winning goal. With some good wide play by Ramsey and Bellerin, and a ball fed inside to Torreira, who played a fast forward pass to Alex Lacazette on the half-turn, finished it off with a rocket off the laces into the roof of the net. Once again, the goalie had no chance.
PLAYER RATINGS:
PETR CECH - 6
Fairly solid between the sticks but still worthy of giving us fans a heart attack or two. Clearly not comfortable playing out of the back.
HECTOR BELLERIN - 6.5
Consistently got up and down and rarely got help from Ozil so did well to manage defensively. Nothing glamorous though and still needs to improve on his positional defensive play.
SHKODRAN MUSTAFI - 7
Grabbed a goal and looked comfortable throughout the game. Solid but still way off where a £35 million pound defender needs to be. Still at his best alongside the absent Koscielny.
SOKRATIS - 6
Experienced yes but quick, no. Lack of pace really leaves him stranded but to his credit knows how to best position himself to defend. Could have lead the line better for both set pieces conceded.
NACHO MONREAL - 7
Mr Reliable again. Looked good at both ends of the pitch. Like Bellerin, does well with little help from his winger. Much of Cardiff's play came through the middle which gave Monreal a steady and comfortable afternoon.
MATTEO GUENDOUZI - 6.5
Passed well and always made himself available. Got around the pitch with the intensity and energy required. Offered little on the creative side though and is clearly not a holding midfielder in the Premier League. Was replaced by the impressive Torreira.
GRANIT XHAKA - 7
Does not lead the inexperienced Guendouzi very well, and still gets exposed on the defensive side. Was good creating from deep with sweeping long balls and looked much more solid when Torreira entered the fray.
AARON RAMSEY - 7.5
On his return to Cardiff, Rambo put in a trademark energetic performance but ultimately offered little in terms of output. Remained keen to pass and move, and consistently put the work in so deserves a shout there.
MESUT OZIL - 7
The German started from the wide areas again and had an average sixty minutes. When he was given the licence to move inside, he created a fluid attacking style that included Ramsey at times and eventually Welbeck and Lacazette also. He looked far better when free to roam but still wasn't anywhere near his best.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG - 8
Finally got off the mark with a quality Henry-esc finish from range. Linked up with his mate Lacazette extremely well and consistently put in maximum effort. Wasn't at his best carrying the ball forward though.
ALEX LACAZETTE - 9 (MOTM)
Lacazette also got off the mark and no one else deserved it more. Involved in everything going forward, mainly playing by himself at times and doing very well, he won the match with a superb finish from wide in the box. Linked up with all others for the entire game, did the dog work and did not warrant anything but three points and a first Arsenal MOTM award.
LUCAS TORREIRA - 8.5 (SUB)
Came on and looked composed and very impressive again. Got stuck in immediately and due to his instinctive defensive play, freed up both full backs, allowed Ozil to drift in off the flank, and gave Xhaka a kick up the backside which drastically improved his game. Showcased quick feet on a few occasions and on the whole, another great shift.
DANNY WELBECK - 6.5
Wasn't on for long and did little of note but as always was prepared to put the work in and protect his fullback. A trait very few other attacking players have in this squad so naturally credit is due.
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN - 5
On for even less time than Welbeck and was barely involved. Maintained possession well when the team needed it most.
That's all for this week's ratings. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter and in the comments below.
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