Poll: Who was Arsenal's Man Of The Match against Newcastle?
I’ve never quite figured out which one is better, the chalk or the cheese? However, when it comes to comparing Arsenal’s last two Premier League games, there’s no better phrase to sum it up.
A lazy lacklustre performance against Fulham was swiftly followed by a free-flowing game full of entertainment against Newcastle, even if the Magpies looked as if they were jet lagged from their trip down the motorway.
Robin van Persie wasn’t on top form, but he still grabbed a brace, which is a good sign as we hope he’ll be back to his brilliant best soon. He limped off late in the game, but by the sound of things he didn’t sustain anything too life threatening and he should be fit for the trip to Blackburn a week on Saturday provided he doesn’t get crocked on international duty.
On the hour mark Denilson rounded off the scoring for the Gunners as Arsene Wenger’s men for once converted one of those slick moves that had the visitors looking so bewildered that Shay Given could only fall onto his backside in appreciation of the way the young Brazilian combined with Emmanuel Adebayor and Samir Nasri to carved open his defence.
Hopefully that’s another sign of things to come. We’re all used to seeing the Arsenal create numerous chances only to fluff them at the vital moment. But signs on Saturday evening suggested that the players have their shooting boots on, as RvP’s second goal and Denilson’s strike hinted that our finishing has improved on last season.
As for man of the match, there were a few contenders. RvP is an obvious choice, as was Samir Nasri, who was excellent throughout the 90 minutes. Also worthy of a mention though were the oft maligned Emmanuel Eboue and William Gallas, as well as Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and the aforementioned Denilson.
And we also got a glimpse of Carlos Vela, who looked very sharp when he replaced RvP with a little less than half an hour to play.
My man of the match would be Nasri, who was simply everywhere and looks like another fantastic Wenger signing. As well as giving us added creativity in midfield, Samir was only too willing to check back and on more one occasion could be found making tackles in defence as the Magpies tried in vain to make an impact.
But as usual the vote is up to you lot. Simply select your Man of the Match and click on Vote. And if you have any observation to make on the game, post it here using the appropriate comments link below.
GM
Reader Comments (4)
Cant pick MOTM as i didnt see the game..damnit!!! But if it were up to me, Hats off to the whole team for playing a complete and total football TEAM GAME!!! Denilson got a goal that he has deserved for sometime and will help him raise the bar on his performances in future, EBOUE of all players finally found an end product!
Well in comparison to the way we have been playin since last season upto the last game, am pleased with the improvement. The last goal really showed the world the class of total footbal. Bravo Arsenal, Bravo Denilison, Bravo Nasir na wote..
That's the way to do things... back in Kenya am still celebrating the display and quality...let's go arsenal...the trophies are ours these time round.
Dan
Why is Arsene Wenger not using the £30 million on offer to buy a striker? The likes of Angel Di Maria (a player whom he wanted to buy last season before he joined Benfica) would be an ideal signing. He played really well for Argentina during the Olympics, scoring the winner against Nigeria in the final, and could become the player we've lacked having since we sold Henry. If Wenger considers it to be a risk, it would be the same type of risk as when Man U brought Ronaldo. I just think to myself, bearing in mind the type of football Wenger likes to be played and the most successful players he's brought (Viera, Henry, Overmars etc), that he needs to bring in players who are self motivated and confident in their own abilities!
i voted for nasri... couldnt decide between him and vanpersie until his hit on barton lol. that won it for him