Kevin Whitcher
Looking at the table, there should have been little doubt that Arsenal would win at a ground where they generally have done over the years. However, with the league being as it is this year, and no rotation after the midweek trip to Greece, nothing could be taken for granted.
Arsenal though, were professional, did what they needed to in the opening 45 minutes, and then weathered the home side’s attempts at a comeback as they understandably lowered the intensity after the interval.
The penalty that gave Olivier Giroud the opportunity to open the scoring was perhaps a little fortuitous. For Villa, it would feel like when things aren’t going for you, every major decision goes against you. Alan Hutton was undoubtedly trying to stop Theo Walcott in his tracks (put through nicely by Flamini), but defenders often get away with a bit of grappling, especially at home. Kevin Friend though, was no friend of the Holte End and, apparently on the say so of the linesman in the other half, awarded the spot kick.
The second goal was far easier on the eye, a classic old style Wenger’s Arsenal move with the ball making its way up the pitch with a minimum of passes, carving the opposition apart and culminating in an easy finish. It could have been Vieira, Pires and Henry. Ramsey started the move with a tackle, Walcott found Ozil, who in turn teed up Ramsey who had made the run to get on the end of the move. Real box to box midfield play and the Welshman is reveling in proving a point to the manager that he should be played in his favoured position. With Cazorla months from a comeback, he might well make the position his own before any competition rears its head.
Villa, at times showed some spirit, at others disinterest. They certainly fashioned opportunities after the interval, but never really convinced that they could get back into the game. They were perhaps the perfect opposition for the Gunners this weekend. The extra day’s rest due to the game being scheduled for TV did no harm at all either.
There is not much else to say. It was a far from classic game, but Arsenal did what they needed to and claimed the three points. The second goal will live in the memory, but not much else will. Villa’s hopes of avoiding relegation are looking very slim at the moment, and there is the real feel that a once great club is in real decline. To think they were not happy finishing in the top ten habitually with Martin O’Neill.
As for the Gunners, top of the table, with Leicester to play Chelsea this evening. Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all dropped points in games they would have been expected to win. Manchester City however, remain the most likely team to spoil Arsenal’s party, with all due to respect to Leicester. Which of course sets up the game in a week’s time nicely. It’s a real chance for a team that have come together due to the circumstances of injury and put three good wins together to prove a point. That Arsenal 2015-16 are a different beast that can win the games that ultimately decide titles. They have a week off, time to recharge the batteries, time to focus completely on winning three critical points. For Arsène Wenger, it might just be a case of now or never.
We live in hope.
Just a quick note to mention that we are recording the December Gooner podcast this evening. Our panelists will be Steve Ashford, Mustafa Goldstein and Phil Wall. If you have any topics or questions you wish the panel to debate, and get a namecheck in the process, please either…
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