Arsenal began their 2014/15 Premier League campaign with a London derby against Crystal Palace at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger gave competitive debuts to 3 of his new signings as the Gunners came from behind to grab three points very late in the game. Crystal Palace, without their saviour Tony Pulis, were expected to lose but Hangeland’s header stunned the Emirates and made them remember the first day of the previous season. But Lauret Koscielny made up for his error by equalizing on the dot of 45 minutes.
Arsenal.com Match Report, Wenger’s Comment, Player Ratings.
So what are the five?
1. Zonal Marking – The better?
Set pieces has been Arsenal’s Achilles heel in recent years. The numbers reduced last season but during preseason, Arsenal conceded goals from set pieces. The same scenario exhibited itself against Crystal Palace as Hangeland ran in to head in the Opener. I dislike discussing tactics but a mobile player has more momentum than a static one. The FA champions may be missing the leadership attributes of Per Metersacker who does well enough against aerial threats. Giroud may even had done better there but he was on the bench. Can the gunners vary Man marking with zonal marking? over to Bould.
2. Sanogo needs a loan.
He doesn’t need a car loan or house loan but Yaya Sanogo is yet to be the striker to keep Giroud on his toes or usurp Giroud from the starting line up. The Emirates Cup four-goal lord could not muster a shot on goal or even off target. Well, Giroud didn’t score but his header throw spanner in the Palace defensive works as Debuchy shot was smothered to Ramsey’s path. Enough of this pampering and pseudo-hyping, Yaya Sanogo needs to have a good one year loan in another club. Either a Premier League club or a Championship side. I love his work rate but he needs to cut down on his clumsiness and utilize less space while trying make something out of a scenario. Does Wenger need another striker? Do we rely on the trio of Giroud, Sanogo and Campbell?
3. 3 Points in the bag.
Last season started with zero points at the Emirates which generated panic like a gram of Uranium generates nuclear energy. Wenger steadied the ship and got a good result last season. This season started with Hangeland’s header but the gunners responded with two goals in two stoppage times. Anything less than 3 points would have started a fear like the Ebola virus fear especially seeing that Manchester United have lost at home and Mourinho has started his moanings. 3 points is paramount and we can now move to the next game: Besiktas. We can play better.
4. Can we define Arsenal as Ramsey?
What is Arsenal? This question can be asked in junior school and if anybody answers ” Arsenal is Aaron Ramsey”, the lad will not be far from the answer. In the last 14 or more months, Aaron Ramsey has been the brightest star at Ashburton Grove. The Welshman has popped up with great goals throughout last season and was immeasurable missed when he has injured just like the Tilapia will miss the rivers of Africa. Ramsey, trolled some seasons, is now the first person on everyone’s list to start and even finish an Arsenal game. He is carving a niche for scoring very important goal for Arsene Wenger’s Army. The gunners will hope to keep him fit to mount a better challenge this season. Behold, the Welsh Jesus.
5. Newbies, Perfect fit.
The trio of Chambers, Debuchy and Sanchez made their premier league debut for Arsenal and they lived up to expectation. Chambers was like a boss making the right tackle and influencing play. He got a yellow but will learn a lot from Metersacker as regards leadership from the rear and other defensive duties. But Chambers is going places. Is he forming a partnership with Kos the boss or will he be pushed up front to sit a defensive midfielder? His maturity was awesome especially knowing he is age.
Debuchy was solid as well and had a hand in the winning goal. I heard Sagna was bought for Capital One cup. A good bargain from the prof. Sanchez hoofed and poof-ed hoping to get his name on the score sheet but could only get an assist as his freekick was turned in by Kos the boss. Sanchez strength and pace is key but he must learn adapt to the premier league, understand his partners and start putting the fear of God in opposition defenders.
I am very happy with his attitude because he kept on fighting for 90 minutes, even if he is not completely ready physically. Tactically he needs to improve his understanding with his partners but he looked lively and dangerous until the end. I’m happy with his overall attitude and performance. – Wenger on Sanchez.
So, one hurdle has been surpassed. The gunners have travelled to Turkey to face Besiktas.
Enjoy
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