Match notes:
It was a good hard earned win over a dangerous Udinese side who would feel disappointed going back without an away goal. It was a very open and end to end game and much of the game was played at high tempo. Though Arsenal had more possession, Udinese created twice as many chances we did, and luckily our defence held stern despite some nervy moments.
We had a great start, scoring in the fourth minute but couldn't capitalize on it. Aaron Ramsey found space on the right and he crossed in the danger area for Walcott to finish in delightful style. It was also good to see Gervinho also making the run and he was just behind Walcott ready to take the opportunity in case Theo missed.
But apart from that, we created few chances and lacked creativity yet again. The first half was played at fast pace with both sides attacking each other. In the second half, Udinese gave us torrid time as we struggled to impose ourselves in midfield. For a period of time, we couldn't string three passes together and all our moves broke down at the halfway line as Udinese pressed aggressively. We regained a little composure but it was still far away from good.
We were also not helped on the injuries front as both Gibbs and his substitute Djourou came off with hamstring injuries. I just hope the injuries are not too serious, we're already on extremely thin ice regarding the squad size, and we simply cannot afford any more injuries.
The tie remains in balance, and I feel we will need that away goal in the return leg.
Tactics:
- Gervinho and Walcott switched wings often
- Udinese really pressed hard in 2nd half, meaning they had a high defensive line. But we couldn't capitalize on it and we should have made better use of Theo's pace using through balls or balls over the top.
- We needed someone to hold up the ball at the front, and Chamakh was really disappointing in this regard. We had to face wave after wave of Udinese attack and credit to the defence and the goalkeeper for getting the clean sheet.
- We still need to get the best out of the midfield, especially the Rosicky-Ramsey combo. Ramsey looked best when free of his defensive duties while Rosicky drifted in and out. But the duo were often not threatening enough, and when Song runs ahead and we lose possession, there is hardly any cover for the defence and Udinese had a field day exploiting that space. We lacked composure when we had the ball and kept giving away the ball too cheaply.
- We should either prevent Song from running forward or use Frimpong as a double pivot(with only one of Ramsey or Rosicky playing ahead of the defensive midfielders). But Frimpong needs his passing to improve if we are to use the second option. We are really missing Wilshere in the midfield as he can provide the balance the side needs.
- There was less sweeping done by Szczesny compared to the Newcastle game, possibly because we were on the backfoot most of the game
Player Performance:
-Szczesny: excellent game, Udinese had 12(5 on target) shots to arsenal's 6, and hid good shot stopping skills came handy.
-Gibbs: earned a foolish yellow card, just like in the weekend game against Newcastle. He needs to stop picking up needless bookings. Hope he recovers fast from the injury.
-Vermaelen: superb effort to divert the ball away from Di Natale, overall good defensive performance, not much luck going forward.
-Koscielny: clumsy at times, solid at other times, needs to be more consistent.
-Sagna: his crossing still leaves much to be desired, but good defensive work overall, but really should have stopped Armero when he made that run. Luckily, it didn't prove fatal for the team.
-Song: hard working shift, good defensive performance.
-Rosicky: not enough creativity
-Ramsey: anonymous again for most of the game, except for two goalscoring chances he created.
-Gervinho: a live wire on the field. He excites me whenever he has the ball at his feet.
-Walcott: good game(even though we didn't make full use of the space behind the Udinese defence), good goal, took his chance well. Silly yellow card to get. Looked threatening and only a fantastic save by Handanovic denied him a double.
-Chamakh: a little better than his recent performances but overall disappointing, losing the ball too easily and failing to hold up the ball. Never really threatened to score.
Subs:
-Djourou: excellent last ditch effort to block Di Natale, unlucky to get injured, hope he recovers really soon(Squillaci is on standby you know!).
-Jenkinson: good, solid performance, great interception to deny a Udinese forward in the D box. Impressed by his calmness.
-Frimpong: gave away silly free kicks initially, got better as the game progressed.
Where we stand:
A good result, and an even more important clean sheet. Udinese showed what they can do, and we must be ready for a tough night in Udine. I think we really need to get the away goal to settle this tie.
With two more injuries in this game, we really need to make some signings quickly. Games are coming up thick and fast and we are in a worse shape than last year. I for one can't seem to remember the last time when we had such a thin squad. We still haven't adequately replaced those who have departed. We need reinforcements ASAP.
Next Up:
Liverpool at home.
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