Arshavin looked sharp in the free-role. He faded in and out a little, as he tends to do, and seemed to lie on the floor a lot!! Can't believe the ref didn't get sent off for that blatent block - shouldered him right in the face!! It was worth at least a yellow. He scored a cracker - didn't see that coming, and great awareness to set up Park for the winner. You could see he was really enjoying the responsibility and the role he was given, but how transferable is that to the Premiership? Park was great. Caught offside a few times, but he was making the runs to get in behind. He led the line well, is constantly on the move, making diagonal runs to draw defenders and make space. He plays smart, and sticks on the last defender, making space for others and keeping the defense thinking about him at all times. Benayoun was great too - he tracked back a lot, and made some great challenges. You could spot the more experienced players a mile off, and he really impressed me last night. Coquelin, Frimpong & Oxo a little less so. Caught on the ball too much, I guess they're not used to having so little time to react. Frimpong also got up and jogged back ala-Denilson after losing possession for the Bolton goal. Had he busted a gut he might have got a foot in, or at least put the player off. Yennaris also impressed me. Out of position, and up against a significantly more experienced opponent, he didn't look very out of his depth. Good to see Vermaelen back too What did you guys reckon?
Similar to Yennaris I thought Miquel did quite well considering he was also being played out of position. He had a touch to bring down a long pass in the first half that Bergkamp would have been proud of (shame he lost the ball immediately after). I definitely think Miquel has a bright future at Arsenal and I suspect he will take Squillaci's 4th choice center back role next summer after the Frenchman is put out to pasture. Also I think it is time to give Park a chance in the league. He should be ahead of Chamakh now as a back up to RVP. As many have already said, the Koreans finish for the second goal brought back fond memories of T Henry.
Been saying this for weeks about arshavin - he could add a real creative spark if we play him in middle with 2 holding midfielders!
Miguel didn't impress me quite as much as Yennaris, that touch was fantastic however. Was highly disappointed with Oxo after he'd been built up so much. I know he needs time and he'll improve, I was just hoping for an immediate superstar It's an interesting idea to put Arshavin into the free-role. It would mean BOTH Ramsey & Arteta not starting however, and playing Song & Frimpong/Coquelin to offer the protection. Song can play box-to-box, as can Coquelin, so the option is there, and it's something I'd like to see employed against some teams, for variation to the playing style, and to unlock some of those stubborn defenses. Silly as it seems, with 2 holding players, the counter would be less of an issue, so Arshavin, RvP, Theo & Gervinho would not only all be able to interchange, but would be able to worry a little less about their defensive duties. A fluid front 4 would be fantastic. Was real happy that Ryo got on last night He looks tall!! Anyone else notice that!? Didn't realise he'd been injured, Wenger says he'll be about more after Christmas.
@AdHominista Squishy is our 5th choice CB - TV, Kosc, Mert, Djourou - then Squishy then Miquel. So if he plays well he will be replacing Squishy and then have to push past Djourou for the 4th spot. I didn't get to watch the game but have seen the highlights - very impressed with Arshavin - i always say he is a great player for us to have - he is a game changer. Park had a fantastic finish, hoping to see more of him. Miyaichi is one i want to hear more about - i have been waiting to see him in an Arsenal shirt and irritated i wasn't able to watch the game. Did he do well? I love his style of play, think he is one to watch.
Are you lot having a laugh ??? Arshavin was utterly rubbish, my gosh, he was pathetic. when he was through on goal I knew he would score .. it is just so typically Arshavin - be the worst player on the pitch but grab a goal, he set up Park too. so he left the stadium being the worst player on the pitch bar NONE but scored a goal and got an assist ... WTF ! I was at the game by the way.
I didn't watch the game so can't comment on whether he was plying rubbish or not. But the point is - if he plays rubbish but basicaly wins us the game then he has doen his job and i'm happy with him. He changes games.
The frustration of Arshavin. This is the point, he can look worse than a Sunday League player all game but score a sodding goal or set one up .. so its hard to criticise him when that happens even if he makes you pull your hair out.
How about Arteta in the holding role, Song as box to box and Arsh and Ramsey being rotated in the offensive role? At least until Jack comes back.
Flappy - 5 bar one save with his legs I thought he was atrocious - and I usually defend him. Spilled so many balls it was unreal and actually created 3 unneccessary corners for them. A massive confidence player...without confidence. Yannaris -6 Had an ok game. Did alright against Tuncay but out of position a lot. Happily cut him some slack though as he was playing in a new role and it's his first game. Also, a defence that hasn't played together before too. TV - 7 Unremarkable return which is all I wanted. Squishy - 7 Solid all round. Needlessly booed a couple of times but did well, especially against a much quick Ngog. Miquel - 6 Like Nico he was also out of position. Control is superb (meh, he's Spanish!), but was skinned twice by Kakuta with ease. Saying that he's in an unfamiliar role and at least one of the times it happened it was due to an unbelievable bit of skill by the Frenchman. Seemed to step on the ball, go one way, then kick the ball the other with his standing leg and go. Good. Lord. If I tried that I'd break my legs. Both of 'em. Frimpong - 4 Not a great evening. Gave the ball away too much. Seems oblivious that he can pass back when there are no options. Very dissapointing but I thought he'd taken a knock early on. Coquelin - 3 Worst player on the pitch for me by far. C'est terrible. I actually thought it was him who'd been caught out for the goal but if it was Pingpong I wouldn't be shocked. At least 5 times I remember him being tackled in ridiculously dangerous positions when he could have passed it. Oxo - 4 Also very poor. Hope he's not believing his own hype. Lost the ball almost every time he had it and was a peripheral figure. Delighted when he was subbed. Benayoun - 7/8 MOM for me. Was neat all evening. Would have been an 8 if he'd had a slightly stronger work ethic. When we're playing with such an inexperienced team I want to see him busting his nuts to help track back and cover. Still pleased though. Arshavin - 8 Usually lazy tit self with a smattering of brilliance! Said to my mate he was the only one I could see unlocking Bolton and he did twice. Should have got another assist to Park too for a great lay off after dribbling across the goal. Park - 6/7 Great goal. Alright movement...when onside! Think he'll get better and better as he learns the english game/players etc. Much more confident he'll finish a chance than certain others. Once again though - great finish! Ozy - 6 Came on just as they started pressing. Didn't get chance to impress really but more solid than either Cock or Pingpong. Boateng - N/A just not on long enough. Big fooker though isn't he?! Miyaichi - 6 Some good possession. 1 great run. No real chance to show what he can do as we defended almost from the second he came on. Got in one great position and should have screamed for the ball. He may well have but I didn't hear him from... 70 feet away! Fook me he's quick though. All in all it's pleasing to win, especially ugly like we did. Horribly unimpressed by our young trio in midfield after such promise. Obviously it's early doors so I'm not too worried but they'll need to up their levels tenfold from those 'performances'. Really encouraging signs from Park, Benny and Arshavin though and special mention to Yennaris/Miquel/Squirrel and the returning Vermaelen. Real down point for me though were my two songs not taking off. I tried: "Squillachi and Flappy, we're taking the piss" (repeat until bored) and "Squillachi's our captain, it's just that easy" (again.. repeat until bored) Boo to those of you who were there!
