The international break seemed like it lasted a life-time, but Arsenal were finally back in action this afternoon. Going into the game, the Gunners were on a magnificent five game winning streak and were looking to make it six against a Swansea side with new man Bob Bradley at the helm.
Traditionally, the Swans had proved tricky customers at the Emirates, winning three out of their last four Premier League visits to Arsenal. The Gunners took control early on and Shkodran Mustafi saw his header bounce off the bar. Arsenal were rewarded for their dominance when Theo Walcott turned home after Jordi Amat failed to clear. It was soon 2-0 when that man again, Theo Walcott, found himself with time in the box to control, turn and shoot past the hapless Lukas Fabianksi.
Arsenal were cruising when five minutes before half time, Granit Xhaka was dispossessed and Gylfi Sigurdsson curled a fine left-footed effort past Petr Cech. Arsenal were rumbled and were lucky not to concede soon after from a set-piece.
The second half saw the Gunners take control once more; after Theo Walcott saw his shot saved by Fabianski, Arsenal regained their two goal lead through a fine volley from the birthday boy, Mesut Ozil. But the game was far from over…
Borja Baston pulled another one back for the visitors before Swansea had a plethora of chances to get level. Granit Xhaka saw red, perhaps harshly, to intensify the Gunners problems. Walcott hit the post and the bar before the whistle finally came to signal Arsenal’s sixth win on the spin.
And breathe… Here’s a look at the Player Ratings…
