The New Arsenal?

After so many loses in Manchester, Arsenal finally managed to do so with a solid 2-0 win. Sergio Aguero made his first appearance after 6 match absence. For the second game in a row Walcott and Mesut Ozil began the game on the bench. Arsenal started the game very compact with 5 across the midfield and stuck to that shape for the majority of the game.  A different approach from an Arsenal team that were used to seeing away from home, this time they sat back, letting the opposition come on to them where as normally they like to be on the front foot and be in control of the possession. Arsenal had 35% possession which was the lowest since 2003.

Silva was on a lock down by the Arsenal team, he got closed down by 2 or even 3 Arsenal players every time he received the ball or the majority of the game and managed to keep him quiet. Nacho Monreal kept Kieron Gibbs out the starting line-up, he earned a penalty for the gunners brought down by the skipper kompany another recent absentee and looked off the pace, Santi Cazorla converting it safely to make it 1-0. City had the best of the possession leading up to the goal. Slowly however Arsenal began to take authority of the game. 

City failed to have any sort attempt on target. This proved the amount of discipline the Arsenal players had in the game. Oxlade wasn't really in the game during the first half not the sort of game he’s used to but then again this way of football is new to the whole team. What I Liked about the Arsenal team was that As soon as they lost possession they went back to their original shape and everyone got behind the ball. Great first half from Arsenals point of view as they had kept City frustrated. I hardly even heard a mention of Ospina who hardly had a single save to make, merely a spectator.

Second half began more openly, end to end but City conceded shortly after in which came from a set piece and header coming from Olivier Giroud, but have to admit the defending leading to the goal was terrible. Santi Cazorla was truly the deserving man of the match as he had a fantastic game. He did everything, went after every ball chasing everything, putting his body on the line for his team. A goal and an assist for him. Aaron Ramsey was absolutely knackered with 25 minutes to go, obviously lacking match time finally got taken of 5 minutes to go. Quite surprised why Arsene didn't take him off earlier.

Positive result for Chelsea and the rest of the teams in the top four. Not forgetting for Arsenal of course great win for them. This is what arsenal need to be doing more often if they want to challenge for the title. Not over committing away from home occupying less possession and much more disciplined, being able to grind out results by not over playing as they usually try to do. City played poorly and didn't really have any convincing attempts and no clear cut chances at goal taking nothing away from gunners good performance however. Lastly I think were going to miss the attacking and committing Arsenal team.