Kevin Whitcher
Well, well, well. Arsene Wenger took a full strength squad to Switzerland, but chose to give some second stringers a run out in his starting eleven, whilst retaining his key players. Ospina for Cech was policy, Gibbs for Monreal no great shock. But Holding for Mustafi was definitely a gamble, and one that paid off. Aaron Ramsey replaced the suspended Francis Coquelin, and the one real black mark of the evening was a suicidal pass he made across his own half at 1-0 that almost gave Basel a one on one with the keeper. Lucas Perez and Alex Iwobi replaced Theo and the Ox. In attack, Arsenal looked even better as a consequence.
Basel had only been defeated once at home so far this season, by PSG. Whether that says more about the quality of the Swiss League than the team’s fortitude is one for debate, but Arsenal were clearly the dominant team yesterday evening. We didn’t have to wait long for that to show, as the goals came easy, with two in the first 15 minutes. People have been quick to write off Perez, but for the most part, he hasn’t played with the best players. When he does, goals often result. I recall him setting two up for Mesut Ozil – one from each flank in the 6-0 demolition of Ludogorets. Against Basel, it was his turn to apply the finishing touch. Yes, in theory, they were easy conversions, but Perez had the intelligence to make the runs to be in the right place at the right time. It’s early days, but he could be a more reliable option than Theo in the starting eleven. Certainly he deserves a chance to demonstrate what he can do if his understanding with Ozil and Sanchez develops further.
Credit to Kieran Gibbs for his attacking play. He created the first two goals by the timing of his runs, and his final ball was definitely better than normal. Basel did have a couple of near things in the first half, a low shot from Traore on the left flank, and then a great double save from Ospina. But aside from that, there was little danger. With the game looking comfortable, the news that Ludogorets were leading in Paris was like Christmas come early, although with so much time left in that match, one dared not raise one’s hopes too high. Looking at the shot attempts stats from the Parc des Princes, it did have a feeling of the Alamo where the Bulgarian side’s goal was concerned.
The second half in Switzerland was largely more of the same – Perez completed his hat-trick very soon after the restart, and after 52 minutes, Sanchez, Ozil and Iwobi combined well to give the latter another tap-in. Job done. Subs could be made, key men rested and Basel could enjoy a consolation goal after some sloppy work by Holding on the left touchline.
PSG got their expected equalizer, and we were just waiting for news of the inevitable winner that would confirm them as top of the group. But football is never 100% predictable and news that the visitors had taken the lead again raised hopes. PSG did get a second equalizer, but it was too little too late. Arsenal, largely thanks to some good fortune in the two matches against PSG, managed to win their group. Arsene Wenger had gambled with his team selection, and hoped for a shock in his native France. He ended up with both coming good. Certainly, enjoying good fortune in a cup competition is never a bad thing, but will it last until Monday next week when the last 16 draw is made? You could be excused for booking flights to Munich in February already.
However, what is most encouraging from recent displays is the form of Ozil and Sanchez, with the bonus of Perez looking the real deal last night. The team must be feeling confident, and there is a belief that the summer signings have genuinely improved the squad’s ability to challenge. Certainly the Premier League table looks good, but the fixture list so far has only featured one really stiff away test – at Old Trafford (forget form, this game is always a tough one for the Gunners). Arsenal still have to visit Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs. And in the home games against three of these sides faced so far, the record is won one, drawn one, lost one. So questions about how good the team is when facing top opposition are valid. The visits to Goodison Park and then the Etihad in close succession after the weekend will tell us more, even if City will be without at least two of their key men. But for now, let us enjoy the recent wins and hope for more performances of this standard. A thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes.
Just a quick note to mention that we are recording the December Gooner podcast this evening. Our panelists will be Phil Wall, Mustafa Goldstein and my good self, with David Oudot hosting this month. 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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