After a tough time trying to pierce through and break down a stubborn Huddersfield shape, Arsenal eventually grabbed a game winning goal through midfield maestro Lucas Torreira in the eighty-third minute to keep all three points in London.
The man of the moment Lucas Torreira scored an overhead kick from short range to clinch the win for the Gunners in what was a much more stressful day than intended. Huddersfield frustrated Arsenal throughout the first half, stifling pretty much everything that came their way. In what was an orthodox two up top, Lacazette paired with Aubameyang didn't really work as well as we'd have hoped, and per Emery, changes were made at the interval. It took some time for both subs to get into the game as Huddersfield continued to box up and make it difficult for the hosts. Eventually Guendouzi found some time and space in the centre of the park, pushing onto Huddersfield's goal. He chipped a deep far post ball into Aubameyang who brought it down nicely, picked up the remnants of a Terriers' block and dinked a lovely ball into the six yard area where Torreira finished. A huge sense of relief flowed around the Emirates Stadium after finally seeing all that possession lead to some actual output.
The shape didn't look right from the off. We were all calling for Aubameyang and Lacazette to start together but maybe not in the way that they actually did as the 3-4-3 was tweaked to a 3-5-2 which actually left the two strikers fairly isolated. In Granit Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi alongside Lucas Torreira in the middle, there was an abundance of energy and legs but not a lot of creativity and forward thinking. This left midfield quite flat and at times, way off their forwards and on top of the defence. It looked cramped and needed changing. Mkhitaryan and Iwobi came on for Lacazette and Lichtsteiner, meaning four at the back but still only one real forward. Eventually sheer Arsenal pressure led to an opening and Torreira's finish but a lucky escape for an Arsenal team that were pretty average on the day.
Ratings
Bernd Leno: 7.5
A clean sheet at last for the big German stopper who again kicked well and was a solid last line of defence. Deserved a clean sheet and was probably surprised at the amount he ended up having to do. Not loads but certainly more than expected.
Stephan Lichtsteiner: 6
Filling in at right centre back in a three, the experienced Swiss played well, got stuck in and tackled ferociously as always but was withdrawn at half time to allow for a change of shape.
Shkodran Mustafi: 6.5
Looked tired after a busy week or two of football and was booked for simulation in search of a penalty. Defended solidly though and he too deserved a clean sheet.
Sokratis: 6.5
Another who deserved a clean sheet but was booked for a completely needless (late) tackle in the middle of the park. Should look to seek help from Kolasinac more instead of thrusting himself into unnatural positions on the pitch.
Hector Bellerin: 6.5
Average again from the flying Spaniard who looked comfortable flying up the wing. Didn't actually offer too much in attacking areas or any crosses of note. Another who looked tired after four games in such a short period of time.
Granit Xhaka: 7
The returning skipper slotted back into midfield in what was actually quite a crowded central area. Orchestrated well from deep but without that forward-thinking link-man between the midfield and the forwards, creativity fell to Xhaka who cannot always deliver. Solid defensively though.
Lucas Torreira: 8
Another match winning performance from the little magician who again was better than most others on the pitch. Got stuck in so well again and thoroughly deserved to be on the winning team. Not as good as he has been of late so perhaps another who really needs a rest.
Matteo Guendouzi: 7
Always busy and looking to go forward, Guendouzi ideally should have started this one from the bench. He did his role well but really against a team of this ilk at home, his role wasn't needed. Also cautioned for simulation in a poor attempt at winning a penalty in the second half.
Sead Kolasinac: 7.5
A massive threat going forward again, and is really looking at home in the wing back role. Occasionally looks a little lost when he's caught highest up the pitch with little support. Needs more confidence to knock and run rather than always bulldoze.
Alex Lacazette: 7
With very little scraps to live off in the first half and then harshly withdrawn at the half time break, he had a nice round and finish ruled out for a marginal offside and with his form and confidence of late, was wrongfully withdrawn so early.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7.5
Eventually grabbed the assist for Torreira's goal and continued his good personal involvement but struggled with the shape in the first half. Looked a little more free when attacking midfielders Iwobi and Mkhitaryan entered the fray.
Subs:
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6.5
Moved well and linked up with Aubameyang quite well having come on at the break. Still needs to do more to sure up his place in Emery's XI.
Alex Iwobi: 6
Another average performance from Big17 who's really looking a consistent package now. Still a little lost when dribbling down blind alleys but is really improving in the Emery regime.
Nacho Monreal: 4
Joined in for the final period at centre back in place of Mustafi. A timely return ahead of Sokratis and Mustafi's suspensions next time out.
@craigbennett10
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