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History Repeats Itself For The Gunners

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Arsenal picked up their first win at Emirates this season against Southampton with a 6-1 demolition over the visitors.  A brace from Gervinho and a couple own goals between a peach of a free kick from Podolski, which was rounded off by former Saints man Theo Walcott. This is the first time that the Gunners have concede a goal this season under newly appointed first team coach Steve Bould.

The score line in which the Gunners won today is exactly the same as the last time when these two teams met in Premier league back in may 2003. It is the biggest defeat suffered by Southampton since that day. Arsenal went on to win the league without losing a game after this fixture 9 years ago and Arsenal fans will be happy if their team achieve half of that milestone now. 

Wenger’s reaction of the game:

“We had a good combination of pace, speed in our passing, quick combinations, and the movement was excellent. We were a bit lucky as well because they conceded two own goals, but overall I think it was a level of continuity with what we have shown at Liverpool and today. The game was very interesting to watch. In the second half we lost a bit of urgency, that is human, but we controlled the game and remained serious.”

Speaking about his new recruits, Cazorla and Podolski, Wenger was full on praise for the pair as Podolski scored in the second game running and Cazorla once again had a brilliant game

“Cazorla is a player who is just a pleasure to watch. You want him to have the ball. He typifies what Spain’s midfielders are today – he is technically perfect, he has great vision and a great team attitude.  Podolski is physically strong and he is a fantastic finisher. I had a little hesitation today to play him at centre forward because I had played him only once there. He gives us a balance on the left and I didn’t want to destroy that because he did well at Liverpool.”

The manager then continued to talk about Gervinho as he praised the Ivorian for his determination and the movement he showed in front of the goal.

 “I liked what he did and it was in the back of my mind. It is interesting because he is such a great mover and he is so quick so when he is central, once he gets ahead of the central defender it is difficult to catch him back.”

And at the end of the interview, when asked about the big month ahead, Wenger replied that he is excited and looking to get the maximum points out of each game

“We have a big week coming up because we go on Tuesday now to Montpellier. On Sunday we play at Man City and we have two interesting weeks coming up because we play Chelsea as well. We will know more about our team then but there is a positive energy in this team, a desire to play well together, and real team play. It is very exciting.”

 

Player Ratings:

Szczesny – Its completely an off day for the normally reliable Szczesny, the keeper made a serious of poor clearances and thanks to the overall performance today the one goal he let in dint matter much. Has to work on his fitness. 6.5/10

Jenkison-Despite lacking that extra drive and the ability to look up before a cross,he was rock solid at the back. Dealt with the few number of threats he faced in a matured way. 9/10

Per Mertesacker – Doesn’t move around but he doesn’t need to. Starting ahead of Koscielny, Merteasker has not put a foot wrong this season. Initially a quick striker can get the better of him,but does come charging back and uses his long experience and legs to good use. 8/10

Vermaelen – Did not have much to do. But Played had a decent game. Threw his body whenever needed and carried the crew forward like a true captain. I just hope he is not injured. 8/10

Gibbs-Very different from Jenkinson. He might become a left winger in the future for Arsenal. His overlapping forward runs were excellent and the two crosses he made went on to become two own goals. Gibbs as improved a lot in his defensive side of the game as well. Had an excellent game, the best of the back line today. 9/10

Ox-anonymous.quick. disciplined.better than walcott.Looks a bit off though,maybe because of the International game and he wasn’t helped by the fact that he had to had to help out Jenkison. 7/10

Arteta– Maybe Arsenal have their own Pirlo. His experience and calmness could play a huge part in this new concept of Arsene not to have a Makelele type of player in the team.8/10

Santi – Calm.wonderful.intelligent.everything we have missed since cesc left. He din score today, neither created a goal but he once again had a brilliant game. It seems like he has all the time in the world to look up and pick whoever he wants with his passing range.9/10

Coquelin – Starting for the first time this season, the French man had a decent game. The 21 year old has miles to go before he can be the next Song. But the youngster has made a remarkable progress since his debut on the horrifying night at Old Trafford last year and the future is looking bright for Coquelin. 8/10

Podolski – didn’t have the ball much,but when he has the ball looks urgent and wants to make something happen. Scored a peach of a goal from the dead ball. His one touch movement combining with Cazorla is a treat to eyes. 9/10

Gervino – The Ivorian had an excellent game today and scored for the first time this season. His off the ball movement was excellent as he as on the right place at the right time for both the goals he scored. 9/10

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