1st Half Analysis: It seems like the same old Arsenal, just a different day. The defensive frailties seem to remain within in the team, there seems to be the same lack of adventure in the final third and the fluency isn't quite there. In fairness, it will take time for the team to gel as Diaby has just come back and Santi and Poldolski are new. Sunderland have set up tightly but we have been able to penetrate them many a time. Hot: Diaby- He has been threatening taking long strides of the ball into Sunderland's half, has made some decent passes and tackles. Cazorla- Really works hard for the ball. Made some great passes and crosses. Had a cracking shot at the beginning of the half. Mertesacker- Has made some vital blocks and tackles, seems more mobile than last season. Gervinho- Has made alot of darting runs. Despite the end product still being suspect, he is really showing a lot of promise. Not- Walcott- Same issues, different day. Frustating to watch as he make simple errors. Poldolski- Not his fault but he's hardly been involved in the game until the last few minutes. Jenkinson - Very suspect at the back, could've led to us conceding.
In Cazorla have we found our new Fabregas? The early signs look good, have a feeling he is gonna be a star man for us over the next few years. Diaby showing why when he is fit he can be a beast - if he doesn't get injured this season we are looking strong in midfield (especialy as we known AW is looking to make additions). Happy with what i've seen so far today, Gervinho tearing it up, hope we can grab a couple of goals in the second half.
Cazorla oozes class. He just doesn't have many options due to lack of movement and good Sunderland defence.
Starting the same as last season I thought. Pacey and tricky on the ball with an inability to make good passes or score. Cazorla looked bright though.
True, I did state his end product is still suspect. If he worked on that, I'm sure he would be feared a lot more. Yep, Cazorla is looking like a great prospect. Let's see how he handles a whole 90minutes.
Podolski will score if he gets a decent chance. Should bring on Giroud we're gonna need fresh legs in this heat.
I think his finals balls have been fine. Some of his passes have been blocked but he has the right idea generally.
