Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Walcott, Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud
Subs: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Chambers, Flamini, Rosicky, Akpom
—
Arsenal moved back above Sp*rs in the Premier League after a sumptuous 5-0 win over Aston Villa this afternoon.
There were starts for Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Franco and Hector Bellerin as the manager changed things around after the Brighton win, and there was an early sight of goal for Walcott as he was sent clean through but dallied on the ball and saw the chance go begging.
Slick passing down the left hand side saw Monreal set up a chance for Aaron Ramsey but the Welshman’s shot flew wide. However, there wasn’t long to wait for the opening goal.
Olivier Giroud was sent clean through by a beautiful flick from Ozil. With just the keeper it looked like he’d left the ball behind him, but he clipped a fine finish beyond Guzan to make it 1-0.
The visitors were shell-shocked and the lead could have been doubled moments later but Giroud and Ramsey overcooked the chance. Arsenal came forward again with Cazorla sending Bellerin free down the right and the Spaniard’s cross caused panic in the Villa defence but they managed to get it clear.
After the frenetic opening the game settled down a bit, but only a last ditch intervention prevented Per Mertesacker getting on the end of a Koscielny header to get a second goal, while Santi Cazorla saw a 27th minute shot cannon back off the post with the keeper well and truly beaten.
Arsenal had the ball in the net in the 30th minute but were denied the goal by the linesman’s flag. He thought he spotted Cazorla in an offside position but replays show the decision was generous to Villa, to say the least.
Brad Guzan was forced into making a good stop from a Ramsey shot after the midfielder was set up by Ozil, before his counterpart at the other end had to make a save from a Weimann header. Almost immediately Arsenal broke up the other end and again Theo Walcott’s indecision on the ball was costly as Villa got back to snuff out the move and the Gunners took the one goal lead into the break.
The second period began positively for Villa with Benteke shooting wide from close range in the opening 30 seconds, and the Belgian international getting ahead of Koscielny to head wide a few minutes later.
It had been something of a slog for Arsenal but in the 56th minute we doubled the lead. Walcott won the ball deep, fed Giroud who played a ball behind the defence for Ozil. The German took a touch and rolled the ball just inside the far post with the keeper at full stretch. 2-0.
There were some moments of Villa pressure but it wasn’t long before the reds scored again. The move began with Ospina, Walcott picked it up, fed Cazorla in midfield who played it back to him inside the box. The winger stepped inside the defender and curled the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
Paul Lambert made two changes in response, bringing on Agbonlahor and Sinclair for Weimann and Cleverley, but it was Arsenal continued to look most dangerous. Giroud glanced a header off the top of the bar from a Cazorla free kick, and that was the Frenchman’s last involvement as he was withdrawn, along with Theo Walcott – Arsene Wenger sending on Chuba Akpom and Tomas Rosicky in their stead.
It got better for the home side when Akpom was felled by Guzan and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot. Santi Cazorla just about maintained his 100% penalty success rate, hitting the ball straight at the Villa keeper but it rebounded off his wrists and into the net. 4-0.
Mathieu Flamini was sent on for Aaron Ramsey and the rest of the game seemed to consist of Arsenal players trying to set up Akpom for a goal. Twice Cazorla looked for him without success, a great move involving Flamini and Bellerin saw the Spaniard’s low cross cut out, and even Per Mertesacker got it on the creative action, but the young striker could only head the left footed cross into the arms of the Villa keeper.
In injury time he had his best chance, set up by Cazorla but the shot was weak and straight at the keeper. However, there was further joy when Hector Bellerin got on the scoresheet. Santi Cazorla held off a number of Villa challenges, laid it square to the full back who side-footed the ball beautifully into the bottom corner via the post. 5-0.
In the end the Gunners superiority was obvious and the three points well deserved. Next up a trip to White Hart Lane.
How about Ospina’s two delicious saves?
Just bloody brilliant
5* game, well sone boys….keep up this until the end of the season and expect a miracle!
And the throw out for Walcott’s goal.
His quick and precise distribution helped really turn the screw on Villa. Great to see the keeper leading the counter attack so well.
Ospina is much more conservative than Chesney – clears it long by default, very often finds a man. And with Giroud in the team, the long ball out is a real option.
Just how awful was their MF Sanchez? Literally couldnt pass a ball. Solid today Arsenal. Just solid. Well done!!
What was the celebration of Ozil
There was some thumb sucking, which I I feel that it can only imply that he felt it was such an easy goal, perhaps a baby could even manage to roll one past Guzan. Or perhaps that Ozil has, or is, a baby. I’m not sure. This interpreting process is as almost as difficult as perhaps executing Ozil’s actual celebration, where he attempts to combine the second of symbols to be discussed with his aforementioned first, the thumb sucking. I can only imagine how filthy one’s thumb must be while pushing and shoving sweaty jerseys for an hour but that… Read more »
Özil did post some pictures of himself and what I assume is a young relative on instagram earlier in the week. He pointed to the stands as well, making suspect she is still in London and was at the game. I’d say he dedicated the goal to her.
It’s either that or some grand metaphysical commentary on the how Arsenal are growing up as a club and are well poised for world domination.
Either way I like both interpretations.
It was about his niece Mira, he said it on Instagram that he dedicated the goal to her.
Yes, I too would like to know….
when footballer’s suck their thumb its usually a dedication of the goal to a child. His baby niece’s name is Mara. Thus the reason for the formation of the “M” with his hand.
Sorry, her name is actually Mira. This is all on his Facebook page, btw.
and his throw out for the 3rd goal!
How about Ospina’s delicious ball distribution?
Not looking down at Szczes, but I’m sure the Pole would have let in that final Aston Villa shot on goal. I ve always felt Szczesny switches off a bit whenever we take a two-goal or three-goal lead! On the contrary, Ospina is playing for a pride called ‘Clean Sheet’
Actually, in my opinion, szcz’s best qualities are those of a shot stopper, he has the physique, the reflexes, etc. Many times, it his defensive organization, ability to read the game, and distribution that falls short.
Also, does anyone also suspect that Ospina, a spanish speaker, working with Monreal and Bellerin, and eventually Gabriel, all spanish speakers, may be more efficient at organizing the back line than a Pole with a British Accent…
Sometimes he does, golden gloves say he wasn’t TOO bad at keeping a clean sheet though.
Bring on those wankers from Middlesex
Santi Viera man of the match for me
Honourable mention to Ozil, looking sharper.
I swear he never used to that back shielding thing where he wriggles past players
So good I forgot we have Sanchez.
COYG!!!
I’d bring Sanchez on for Theo, leave Ozil doing what he did today
come on ya gunner…
yes we are a multi-headed monster …
onwards..onwards.. climb up the table…
on cunts liked spurs we trundle…
Have some of that!
Coyg!
Normal service resumed..
Not really normal. The change we saw in the city game continued today where we saw Aston Villa having 52% of possession at the Emirates no less, and Aston Villa making 60 more passes than we did, yet we crushed them and there was none of the usual passing back and forth infront of the opponents box while retaining 75% ball possession without really threathening which have been the norm the last few years. Arsenal were much more direct today and in many ways very similar to how Ancelotti sets up Real Madrid to play. I dont know what has… Read more »
I think is the common pattern for arsenal when they are leading so early.
I dunno, it seems like everyone concentrated on the big defeats last season and forgot how we actually got to the top of the league. It certainly wasn’t by scoring a load of goals.
Don’t split hairs………… or straws.
Flawless second half. Once the good football started flowing they couldn’t do anything about it.
Henry and Pires looked so effortlessly cool up in the stand. 2 legends absolutely killing. Pires looks like fucking John Wick or something. hell, he probably is.
P.S – We’re coming for the treble.
Did anyone see how Henry explained to Pires how the incident where Giroud got a knock to his thigh came about. Jesus, so classy – the movement of his hands to explain the movement of both players.
I just love Henry and Pires, legends both… But where is Viera for the icing on the cake? GOOOOOONERS…
Soaking up City money. booooo
Let’s get Dennis up there too. 3 masters.
Too high up.. need planes.
I know where Viera works, but it would be real cool to see all three together watching the game, imo…
Its daft to dismiss Viera’s contribution to The Arsenal and the Invincibles just because….
I love it when cameras show those two smiling, if they are happy so am I………..
It’s so nice to see Arsenal put a team to the sword again with style and no fuss. Hats off to all the players and Arsene. Bring on the North London B team next week!
No, the B Team in Lodon is the Arsenal reserve squad, then the C team is the Arsenal Ladies.
Cockerel on their shirt? More like Coq up their backsides next week.
Mesut flopzil they said
One man team they said
Great performance throughout, every single player played well. we’re such a joy to watch when everyone’s on form. Ospina’s saves and distributions, Bellerin and Monreal’s ventures forward, Mertescielny’s interceptions and clearances, Coquelin’s challenges and covering, Ramsey’s industry, Walcott’s incisiveness – such sharpness after being out so long, Giroud’s knockdowns and interplays are wonderful today, Ozil and Cazorla were just magnificient. Villa’s play probably made it a lot easier for us, but the team hardly missed Sanchez today. Lets keep this going!! COYG!!
Akpom made about 4 tackles in his first 10 minutes on.
Animal.
A round of Akpom and a standing ovation for him!
I swear I was praying for one of his shots to go in but still a great performance from him.
What a one man team we are
More like a democratic team — one man; one goal. (better than Villa’s 11 men; no goals)
Its nice to see us back to the situation where there are goal threats everywhere on the pitch.
I remember seeing that we have the most individual goalscorers in the league, one more now with Bellerin getting himself a goal.
We have nineteen different goalscorers this year. Villa have eleven goals.
Actually we just about scored 50% of Villa’s entire season’s goals in this game against them.
One man team for sure, THE Wenger team!
James Franco got a start for us eh?
https://twitter.com/oldbaldgooner/status/428923379299545088
Don’t know about you guys but I think Bellerin is IT. By the way how about that cross by Mert that too from the left foot, and that nutmeg from Ozil, and that daft pass from Ozil….ooooh I am so happy
deft*?
Yeah sorry there, after wins people are in so much hurry to put
Their thoughts here, I just wanted mine a bit at the top this time for a change
I don’t blame you, as Bellerin is definitely an exciting prospect, but I think you’re forgetting how good Debuchy is. It has been awhile.
Thing is though, at what point does Debuchy have to fight to get back into the team? Bellerin keeps performing like this and it would be hard to drop him.
Or Wenger can afford to move Bellerin up the field as an RM/RW and get Jenko back for RB. Defensive mentality will help Bellerin track back and support the RB while being able to put in crosses and take the ball into the box as an attacker, which he already kinda does.
I get what you’re saying, but I wouldn’t drop Alexis, Theo, Ox, or Debuchy for that lineup.
Bellerin is performing like a brilliant understudy, who could convincingly be the starter not far away right now though!
I could see him put in front of Debuchy to close things down like when Gibbs and Monreal are both on too.
Bellerin is just fine exactly where he is..
Bellerin reminds me of Bale only without the simian features and pathetic
diving
Who would you pick on current form Bellerin or Debuchy ? Remember Jenko isn’t doing so bad either
Bellerin’s has pace, control, makes the occasional unwise choice- I think picking to play them for differ t styles could be effective- ie city’s use of defenders changes based on opponents strengths or weaknesses- looks like we we get understands the value of good squad vs. good starting 11
Thumpety Thump!
Fantastic what a performance. Thought theo was poor and then he scored. Typical Theo. 😀
That Ospina save was amazing. Can’t fault anyone today. We should play like this more!
He intercepted cazorla’s through pass to giroud…but finished with style
yeah, i thought walcott stole the pass meant for giroud..hehehe
Or it was wenger’s great plan to have Giroud have a decoy run and Walcott to sneak up. May be the pass was meant for Walcott all along…..hehe… Doesn’t matter, we did get the goal
Giroud is “f*ckin Excellent” off the ball, he has always made good decoy runs
So does Theo. Especially for a guy “with no football brain”.
I agree. Anyone can think what they may about Wenger, but if he credits someone for ‘intelligent movement off the ball’ it’s probably true.
The save was quality but it’s the way he reads and claims every cross with such coolness and ease that impresses me most
Classy keeper, doesnt miss a beat…… Ooooooooooooospiiiiiinnaa..
Irresistible!
insatiable
we just look soo good going forward, you can just feel a goal is bound to go in. With every counter, the flicks, the beautifully timed runs, the headers, everything today was just on point. Remember guys form is temp, but class is permanent.
Buzz Lighyear mashed up with Arseblogger = Lightening Match Reports 🙂
Bellerin had a fantastic game today
Typical arsenal. Go away and lose to a big team. Then pass too much and let opposition back in. No killer instinct, no ruthlessness, no spine. Where would they be without Sanchez? 4th division? One man team. oh… wait…
Where the f*** are all the commentators who spouted all this? F***ing c***s. They should be made to play back their statements and apologize.
They have the comfort of knowing that those articles have safely fallen off the recent postings list into the black hole archive.
I think they have figured out that if they simply spew and post fast enough, by the time they’re proven wrong they’re on the next spew.
i don’t know who are bigger cunts.. commentators.. spurs.. or terry ..
their dislike for arsenal is just too much.. they always find something to crib about.
I think this proves that Alexis has been the one holding us back… lol, just kidding one man team my coq 😀
I think the whole team has been galvanised by Alexis.
They all want to play with an attitude like him.
Magical game. Simply magical!
Hit the wrong bloody hand!
Cog just keeps on performing, even against less attractive opposition!
Our coq is so hard
Were the mushrooms I ate before the game psychedelic or did Anthony Taylor actually call it well?
they weren’t psychedelic, but enjoy the trip! looks like it will be a good one
Agree, I thought he played advantages really well. There were a few time I though he could have played advantage & then gone back & booked a Villa player, but overall a good performance.
Also, I don’t know what it is, but it looks like a lot of the Arsenal players have bulked up a lot (Tighter jerseys, Theo & Mesut’s long layoffs, The Shad effect) perhaps we, as Arsenal fans, are less likely to have a go at the ref because our players are becoming less easy to push off the ball with grey area tactics.
Villa still had more deicisons in their favour than they should have though, a few fouls went unpunished and Gil was very light on his feet (that’s a nice way of saying he was diving about).
He didn’t do anything crazily bad, like deny a stonewall penalty but he was definitely better disposed to one team than the other, we just didn’t give him a chance to screw us over.
Missed what seems like an exciting match. Glad this will boost our confidence before the scums.
Ozil has really come back stronger from that injury, less in the background and what a run for his goal! Glad to see it as he’s been one of my favourite german players since his Werder Bremen days. Great first goal for Bellerin too. Bring on the lillywhite c*nts next weekend COYG!
Özil looked really beefed up didn’t he? Not just in the scoring department 😉
He was popping up everywhere on the pitch today. I’ve not seen him play such a good defensive game as that… and down the right too.
Very complete performance by the team. As critical as I have been about Mesut I’m glad to say he appears to have come back a different man. More like his RM days. Really happy for him as we will need it going forward.
More of this every week, guys pleeeeaaaase!!!!!!
Happy birthday to me!!! Thank you you beautiful Reds, now time to get to the drink!
Sanchez who?!!!
Sanchez Watt?
Haha I see what you did there.. very clever 🙂 Thumbs up from me
And how about Chuba the man Akpom? Freaking looks good. I’d love for him to sign.
Like our squad now. Nay. Love our squad now. What ever will those negative morons complain about? Wenger out banners – where the **** are you guys now?
Wenger listened. Wenger acted. I like this Arsene.
Well done to all of you.
I love ospina… <3
What a stroll that was. Happy for Walcott and ozil, 2 each in 2 games now, decent return from injury.
Hector bellerin is looking like a quality player, when debuchy is back I think we scrap the chambers RB shenanigans and get him primed for CB. Hector all the way
Santi was motm for me, he’s a fkn genius!
Lol I’d be down- Debuchy as a utility player meaning a way back in for Jenko? please?
Ospina is synonymous to clean sheets…. COYG!!!
Thumbs down…really?
where’s all the wenger haters? poldi lovers? we’re fucked now sayers?
Why not just enjoy the win and comment on how well we played? Made Cazorla my captain this week.. And my friend thought I was taking a risk.. lol
good move. i added bellerin to my squad. i can’t tell you how happy i was when he put it in off the post in the 92 minute!
Here I am.
I must say I like the way the game plan has changed (at last) and long may it continue.
Well done Mr Wenger. The Arsenal have made us proud again
Chuba Akpom, looks a hell of a lot better than Sanogo. For starters, he can run in a straight line
we were good+they were shit=5 nil. thank you. more if the same next week.
Hahaha ahh.. Too good. Too fucking good.
We utterly dominated the first half but scored just the one. At half-time, I tried to remember the last time we dominated a game and won emphatically, like with a 5-0 6-0 scoreline. Looks like my wish came true. The forward line today was very fluid, it was interesting to see Theo on the right and there were decent periods when Giroud played in the right wing as well. Loved Bellerin’s goal. COYG!
Chuba the tuba, play me a song!
Fantastic performance, the fact that Ox, Alexis and Rosicky weren’t in the team shows our strength in depth. Looking forward to S**** even more now!
loved how coq got the ball in villa’s half when we were well up (3-0 i think), and just pops a short pass to a more creative player and jogs quietly back out of shot. shows a kid with his mind on the job at hand. so many little things like this made the game a pleasure to watch, not least the goal fest
I noticed that moment too, that was a great bit of composure, knowing the situation didn’t call for him to charge forward. It certainly had to look inviting for him, but he made the right call. So much to like about his performance so far.
Remember Alex Song?
This kid is streets ahead of him, that moment of professionalism proves that.
King Coq!
Coq gets the ball moving far more quickly than Arteta and Flamini, partly because he’s a more aggressive kind of player, but also because his dribbling skills are better
It’s one of the biggst differences in his game recently, it means he’s always on hand to help out rather than running around looking for his head, now hurry up and get his contract done before City realise he’s better than any number of Fernands.
Fucking brilliant! From Ospina to subs, everyone was on point. Bring on the scums!
Chuba Akpom, looks a hell of a lot better than Sanogo. For starters, he can run in a straight line
lol right right.
If Ozil plays like this, then he can pretty much anywhere on the pitch. The whole left wing thing was pile of bs.
Wow. We are not talking about Anthony Taylor.
Bring on the team with a cock on their shirts.
Lads a very solid TEAM performance. To a man they stood tall today.AV were tight in the first half but we were superb in the second half. Great to see. And a great array of talent ready to step up when required and when fit jack wellbeck arteta gibbstown alexis schz. Could be an interesting last 12 weeks.
Bellerin has more goals than Balotelli and yet Bellerin doesn’t sound Spanish and he is our 19th goalscorer this season.
Barcelona will try to sign Bellerin to replace Alves next January. .extend his contract Wenger.
Oh no! Dont even joke about that Barcelona in his DNA!
Bellerin is not a despicable, diving, cheating scum bag. Don’t see how he could “Replace” Alves.
i really like debuchy, but he has a tough job ahead of him ousting bellerin. i think hector can do the job and more for the next 10 years. I’m really excited about his potential and hope he signs a new contract with a nice pay raise. he’s earned it.
I worry so much about this. The boy is on fire and he’s only 19! Give him a “Pardew” contract!
Outstounding stuff, one of the best performances this season and we seem to have some consistency now. Keep it going next week and beat the spuds at their home again lads!
Obviously not gibbstown …. damn auto correct
I am surprised Sanogo and Campbell were higher than Apkom in pecking order. Apkom has everything except chances. I hope we will sign up for long time to come.
Funny, john cross thought it was bizarre to let Podolski, Campbell and Sonogo to go on loan. With Apkom, wellbeck, Giroud, Sanchez and Walcott, we have plenty players to play upfront.