Arsenal often provide us all with a lot of questions that need answering, almost habitually towards Emery. Tonight however I think there is only one and whilst it is again aimed at Emery, it would be: Has the penny finally dropped?
The first half was almost like a breath of fresh air, the football was free, there was a game plan that made sense and was working, there was even slight tactical ingenuity from Emery! Ok there were a couple of scares but we survived! 3 goals inside 22 minutes set the tone, with each and every one superbly taken.
The first belonged to Martinelli, but huge credit has to go to both Mustafi and Tierney whom registered his first Arsenal assist. Mustafi's long, raking, Luiz-esque ball from right centre half to left wing was taken under control by Nelson who fed Tierney. He then produced a wonderfully whipped cross that Martinelli instinctively directed the ball from from the left corner of the 6 yard area, to the top right hand corner of the goal and away from the 'keeper who was at full stretch.
2 minutes later and Martinelli found himself with two goals and on a hat trick, this one was mostly of his own work. Tierney drove forward and played it to Nelson. He twisted and turned to work his way to the byline before playing a low cross/cut back in Martinelli's direction. He was quick to get a touch on the ball and take it away from the defender, before pulling the ball back once more and firing beyond the 'keeper.
And then it was only another 5 minutes before Willock found himself with an opportunity in the box and on the scoresheet, again. Nelson found space to cut inside and fire off the shot which was blocked by the Liege defender. But the ball dropped kindly to Willock just to his left and his instinctive caressed effort found the bottom corner. 3-0 Arsenal and things were looking very very rosy.
The second half was more of the same. There was a desire and a hunger to win this game well and put on a show, only a solitary goal in the half came to fruition but that by no means took anything away from the performance. Chances were aplenty and Liege were somewhat fortunate we weren't ruthless enough to really put some gloss on the scoreline, even if the final result was 4-0.
The 4th and final goal of the night came 10 minutes into the half. AMN played a marvellously deft chipped through ball down the inside right of Liege's penalty area for Martinelli. He ran it to the by-line and dinked the ball at just the right height (He-who-must-not-be-named-in-front-of-Emery away to Ludogorets style) goalwards, Ceballos just managed to steal in front of the returning defender to make sure it was over the line and get his first goal in Arsenal colours.
There were plenty more chances in the end but 4-0 it was to be, a superb performance from our younger and returning players was easy on the eye, roll on premier league football on Sunday eh?
Ratings:
Emery - 9
We're quick to criticise a manager for having a non-existent or difficult to understand game plan, but today he got it spot on and for that he deserves his credit and praise. Critics COULD argue this is somewhat enforced as a consequence of playing Monday night and a game to think about on Sunday but that shouldn't take away from the style of play. Both full backs were used to excellent effect, providing a threat of their own and creating space for the wingers. The midfield trio and constant switching of sides was terrific and caused Liege all sorts of problems. It was a performance I hope will be a blueprint for success going forward post internationals.
Martinez - 8
Another assured performance to state his claim as a serious challenger for the number 1 jersey. There were a few smart stops that were well dealt with. His passing range was also impressive yet again.
Bellerin - 6.5
Had a good game overall, particularly in the first half but was evident in the second half that he was a man recovering from a lengthy injury lay off as his energy levels seemed to just drop a little. Looked impressive physically and appears to have become a smarter footballer too, choosing the timing of his runs forward well.
Mustafi - 8
Who are you and what have you done with our Mustafi? Even with the level of opposition in mind, this was the performance of a german world cup winner. It almost seemed as though he went back to basics and worked on the sensible side of his game, looking calm and stepped in for tackles and interceptions with composure. His incredible long raking pass to the left wing for Nelson was nothing short of exquisite, Luiz would be proud.
Holding - 7
Looks totally fit again and almost like he never left the team. He was a calming presence that perhaps Mustafi found somewhat infectious. Another 90 minutes under the belt and surely only a matter of time until he's back in the first team for premier league games.
Tierney - 9 (MOTM)
He's played two first team games for Arsenal, and already I'm running out of superlatives for this man. As much as Kolasinac is likeable, his scottish counterpart is a missing piece of a jigsaw we didn't realise we had missed since Ashley Cole. The incredible thing about his game is that he just seems to know and understand the game, he knows when to get forward, he knows when to sit tight, he knows when to go for the tackle or defensive action, he knows when to cross, and he knows when to take it back a little. Combine his decision making, defensive nous, and the left foot of Liam Brady and we have ourselves one hell of a left back. Fingers crossed he keeps his fitness and I'm sure he'll be able to replicate this performance against some of the best in the premier league.
Torreira - 7
It's amazing what can happen to a player when played in their natural position isn't it? He was deployed at the base of a midfield 3, and whilst this wasn't a performance or job that will win awards, he did it perfectly. He did the ugly parts of the game that sometimes go unnoticed, getting to each side quickly and in the face of Liege attackers and making their lives difficult.
Willock - 8
Him and Ceballos the other side were a constant threat all game. Willocks drive and ball carrying ability is reminiscent of a certain Abou Diaby, and his awareness to pick up good positions in the penalty area and find himself with goal scoring opportunities is something Aaron Ramsey would be proud of. Deserved his goal and took it well.
Ceballos - 8
Played just as well as Willock but was a different kind of threat, giving Liege something different to think about every time. His cutting edge wasn't quite always there but he found himself with goal scoring chances, one of which he took, pressed well, and his quick feet got him away from his man on a number of occasions. His set piece delivery was also much-improved.
Nelson - 7.5
Linked up well with Tierney and created chances throughout the night, cutting inside on to his right foot, but also happy to drive to the byline on the outside. His assist was a little fortunate but came from cutting inside and getting a shot away. Hopefully he'll benefit from Tierney returning in the league, similarly to Pepe potentially benefiting from Bellerin's return.
Martinelli - 9
Almost everything this guy does seems to turn to gold. Another headed goal, and another well taken effort started his night in the same vein he wanted to continue. Worked hard to try and get his hat-trick but sadly it eluded him. Thankfully his two goals forgive him for just taking the ball away from Pepe's head who was better positioned to score. And I hadn't even mentioned his filthy nutmeg when moved to left wing.
AMN - 6
Probably the only disappointment of the evening. Was given his chance further up the field on the wing but didn't quite grasp it with both hands. He didn't necessarily play poorly so it would be harsh to dock points, but he and Bellerin struggled to form the same partnership Tierney and Nelson managed and so the right side felt less threatening than the left. There is perhaps a case for him seeing himself as a more central midfield player, but all the same it wasn't quite his night.
Pepe - 6.5
His performance and inclusion felt more one for trying to gain a confidence boost than a tactical change. He might not have got the goal, but in someways this could have done him some good. The last couple of games it felt like nothing was really working for him, but today he too went back to some basics and played the sensible pass back to Bellerin, or switched to the left hand side that looked more dangerous. Unfortunate not to score when Martinelli just stole it from his head when he looked destined to bury it.
Guendouzi - 6
A short cameo of 15 minutes makes it difficult to rate, he might not have had real time to feel his way into the game but he ran and pressed hard, playing slightly deeper than was maybe expected, potentially viewed as an alternative to Xhaka, but one would hope not and that Torreira continues at the base.
Aubameyang - N/A
@gronigergooner
The first half was almost like a breath of fresh air, the football was free, there was a game plan that made sense and was working, there was even slight tactical ingenuity from Emery! Ok there were a couple of scares but we survived! 3 goals inside 22 minutes set the tone, with each and every one superbly taken.
The first belonged to Martinelli, but huge credit has to go to both Mustafi and Tierney whom registered his first Arsenal assist. Mustafi's long, raking, Luiz-esque ball from right centre half to left wing was taken under control by Nelson who fed Tierney. He then produced a wonderfully whipped cross that Martinelli instinctively directed the ball from from the left corner of the 6 yard area, to the top right hand corner of the goal and away from the 'keeper who was at full stretch.
2 minutes later and Martinelli found himself with two goals and on a hat trick, this one was mostly of his own work. Tierney drove forward and played it to Nelson. He twisted and turned to work his way to the byline before playing a low cross/cut back in Martinelli's direction. He was quick to get a touch on the ball and take it away from the defender, before pulling the ball back once more and firing beyond the 'keeper.
And then it was only another 5 minutes before Willock found himself with an opportunity in the box and on the scoresheet, again. Nelson found space to cut inside and fire off the shot which was blocked by the Liege defender. But the ball dropped kindly to Willock just to his left and his instinctive caressed effort found the bottom corner. 3-0 Arsenal and things were looking very very rosy.
The second half was more of the same. There was a desire and a hunger to win this game well and put on a show, only a solitary goal in the half came to fruition but that by no means took anything away from the performance. Chances were aplenty and Liege were somewhat fortunate we weren't ruthless enough to really put some gloss on the scoreline, even if the final result was 4-0.
The 4th and final goal of the night came 10 minutes into the half. AMN played a marvellously deft chipped through ball down the inside right of Liege's penalty area for Martinelli. He ran it to the by-line and dinked the ball at just the right height (He-who-must-not-be-named-in-front-of-Emery away to Ludogorets style) goalwards, Ceballos just managed to steal in front of the returning defender to make sure it was over the line and get his first goal in Arsenal colours.
There were plenty more chances in the end but 4-0 it was to be, a superb performance from our younger and returning players was easy on the eye, roll on premier league football on Sunday eh?
Ratings:
Emery - 9
We're quick to criticise a manager for having a non-existent or difficult to understand game plan, but today he got it spot on and for that he deserves his credit and praise. Critics COULD argue this is somewhat enforced as a consequence of playing Monday night and a game to think about on Sunday but that shouldn't take away from the style of play. Both full backs were used to excellent effect, providing a threat of their own and creating space for the wingers. The midfield trio and constant switching of sides was terrific and caused Liege all sorts of problems. It was a performance I hope will be a blueprint for success going forward post internationals.
Martinez - 8
Another assured performance to state his claim as a serious challenger for the number 1 jersey. There were a few smart stops that were well dealt with. His passing range was also impressive yet again.
Bellerin - 6.5
Had a good game overall, particularly in the first half but was evident in the second half that he was a man recovering from a lengthy injury lay off as his energy levels seemed to just drop a little. Looked impressive physically and appears to have become a smarter footballer too, choosing the timing of his runs forward well.
Mustafi - 8
Who are you and what have you done with our Mustafi? Even with the level of opposition in mind, this was the performance of a german world cup winner. It almost seemed as though he went back to basics and worked on the sensible side of his game, looking calm and stepped in for tackles and interceptions with composure. His incredible long raking pass to the left wing for Nelson was nothing short of exquisite, Luiz would be proud.
Holding - 7
Looks totally fit again and almost like he never left the team. He was a calming presence that perhaps Mustafi found somewhat infectious. Another 90 minutes under the belt and surely only a matter of time until he's back in the first team for premier league games.
Tierney - 9 (MOTM)
He's played two first team games for Arsenal, and already I'm running out of superlatives for this man. As much as Kolasinac is likeable, his scottish counterpart is a missing piece of a jigsaw we didn't realise we had missed since Ashley Cole. The incredible thing about his game is that he just seems to know and understand the game, he knows when to get forward, he knows when to sit tight, he knows when to go for the tackle or defensive action, he knows when to cross, and he knows when to take it back a little. Combine his decision making, defensive nous, and the left foot of Liam Brady and we have ourselves one hell of a left back. Fingers crossed he keeps his fitness and I'm sure he'll be able to replicate this performance against some of the best in the premier league.
Torreira - 7
It's amazing what can happen to a player when played in their natural position isn't it? He was deployed at the base of a midfield 3, and whilst this wasn't a performance or job that will win awards, he did it perfectly. He did the ugly parts of the game that sometimes go unnoticed, getting to each side quickly and in the face of Liege attackers and making their lives difficult.
Willock - 8
Him and Ceballos the other side were a constant threat all game. Willocks drive and ball carrying ability is reminiscent of a certain Abou Diaby, and his awareness to pick up good positions in the penalty area and find himself with goal scoring opportunities is something Aaron Ramsey would be proud of. Deserved his goal and took it well.
Ceballos - 8
Played just as well as Willock but was a different kind of threat, giving Liege something different to think about every time. His cutting edge wasn't quite always there but he found himself with goal scoring chances, one of which he took, pressed well, and his quick feet got him away from his man on a number of occasions. His set piece delivery was also much-improved.
Nelson - 7.5
Linked up well with Tierney and created chances throughout the night, cutting inside on to his right foot, but also happy to drive to the byline on the outside. His assist was a little fortunate but came from cutting inside and getting a shot away. Hopefully he'll benefit from Tierney returning in the league, similarly to Pepe potentially benefiting from Bellerin's return.
Martinelli - 9
Almost everything this guy does seems to turn to gold. Another headed goal, and another well taken effort started his night in the same vein he wanted to continue. Worked hard to try and get his hat-trick but sadly it eluded him. Thankfully his two goals forgive him for just taking the ball away from Pepe's head who was better positioned to score. And I hadn't even mentioned his filthy nutmeg when moved to left wing.
AMN - 6
Probably the only disappointment of the evening. Was given his chance further up the field on the wing but didn't quite grasp it with both hands. He didn't necessarily play poorly so it would be harsh to dock points, but he and Bellerin struggled to form the same partnership Tierney and Nelson managed and so the right side felt less threatening than the left. There is perhaps a case for him seeing himself as a more central midfield player, but all the same it wasn't quite his night.
Pepe - 6.5
His performance and inclusion felt more one for trying to gain a confidence boost than a tactical change. He might not have got the goal, but in someways this could have done him some good. The last couple of games it felt like nothing was really working for him, but today he too went back to some basics and played the sensible pass back to Bellerin, or switched to the left hand side that looked more dangerous. Unfortunate not to score when Martinelli just stole it from his head when he looked destined to bury it.
Guendouzi - 6
A short cameo of 15 minutes makes it difficult to rate, he might not have had real time to feel his way into the game but he ran and pressed hard, playing slightly deeper than was maybe expected, potentially viewed as an alternative to Xhaka, but one would hope not and that Torreira continues at the base.
Aubameyang - N/A
@gronigergooner
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