Yesterday’s match marked a hard fought victory for Arsenal, a game where Arsenal didn’t play at their best but came out with 3 points after 90 minutes. Danny Welbeck was brought down in the penalty area inside 8 minutes, gifting Arsenal an early penalty that was coolly slotted home by Santi Cazorla (His sixth goal from the spot this season). Welbeck was involved again in Arsenal’s second as his parried shot fell at the feet of Olivier Giroud who easily netted the rebound. Palace’s Glenn Murray scored in injury time, due to a goalmouth scramble after a corner, before almost levelling the match in the 95th minute with a header.
Arsenal were forced to defend deep in their own half for most of the match and poor tackling could have cost them on a number of occasions. Coquelin was booked early in the first half and possibly should have had a second yellow before half time. Arsenal’s second half possession of 41% was their third lowest this season, and the lack of attacking threat in the second half put extra pressure on the defence. Regardless of this, Koscielny and Mertesacker were commanding in the centre of defence and managed to deal with Palace without too much effort. The Eagles lacked incisiveness and in the end it was too little too late.
Arsenal aimed to sit back and then hit Palace on the break and this tactic was perfectly carried out for Arsenal’s second goal. Alexis Sanchez drove down through the centre of the pitch before putting Welbeck through on goal with a perfectly placed pass. Arsenal should have had a third 10 minutes into the second half but Sanchez shot agonisingly just wide after a brilliant piece of skill from Mesut Özil.
Cazorla stood out for Arsenal yet again, with a very good attacking and defensive performance in yesterday’s game. His penalty was well put away and he linked the play with great flair from the centre of midfield. He also made 14 ball recoveries, the most of any player in the Premier League yesterday. He was replaced by Tomas Rosicky late in the game. Olivier Giroud also stood out for Arsenal, his more direct play almost forcing a goal just previous to when he did score. He held up play brilliantly and was, as usual, dominant in the air. His finishing could have been better but his performance was very good overall.
Arsène Wenger will not be happy with the performance but I’m sure he will grateful for the 3 points. It’s always a good sign to play badly and to still win, but against harder opposition Arsenal will need to play better to get the 3 points.
The victory has brought Arsenal up to third in the Premier League table and things are looking much better for Arsenal than they were a month ago.
