Match Result: Blackburn Rovers lose to Arsenal 0-4(Van Persie 9', Ade 45' 78'[pen] 89')
Almunia - Did not have much work to do, and was really fortunate with the Rover's frontline poor shot conversion. However, his anticipation and positioning was very good during set pieces, and he made an excellent save off a Benny McCarthy low shot. 6/10
Sagna - As usual, he played to his potential. Had mixed results when dealing with Gamst Perdensen and Warnock on the left, but overall a decent game. 7/10
Toure - Had no clue to dealing with the tall and strong Santa Cruz, but made a very crucial save by slightly heading a powerful shot from the forward out of harm's way. He clearly cannot defend against tall forwards - his inability to clear a cross despite being in front of Santa Cruz proves this
5/10
Gallas - the captain as usual didn't inspire confidence in the defense, and was found wanting on many occassions. I wonder why Wenger still persists with him. He can defend well only in panic mode, but thats the last thing any Arsenal fan wants. 4/10
Clichy - struggled to cope up with the physical aspect of the match, losing the ball to rough gameplay by the huge midfielders in blue and white. However, his attacking was as usual good. 6/10
Walcott - The lad was high on confidence after a cool hattrick against Croatia, and he produced an amazing run to give a well crafted assist for RVP to put in the back of the net. His pace negated the defenders physical approach and caused panic on the left flank. 7.5/10
Fabregas - Had a relatively quiet match, but his presence alone was enough to inspire the Arsenal attack. He needs a player like Flamini who can give him the freedom to move forward without worrying about the midfield. Appeared more active after Song came on the pitch. 6/10
Denilson - the lad provided a good cross for Ade to head his first goal of the season. But he still has to work on his role as a DM, losing the ball at times and making risky tackles. His passes were far better this time, and he can improve his overall game. 6.5/10
Eboue - He continued his good form, making incisive cuts in the defense and providing some good tackles. His powerful on-target shot came as a surprise to many, showing glimpses of what he can actually do. However, his dive to win the penalty was disgraceful to say the least, and he even injured himself while diving. When is Wenger gonna tell Eboue to distinguish football from swimming? :| 7/10
Van Persie - Van the Man was once again in the thick of action - an excellent side footed goal from Walcott's assists shows why he's one of the best forwards. However, he was guilty of being wasteful as well, like his previous matches. If he can regain his full form, then Arsenal will be unstoppable. 8/10
Ade - The hattrick hero of the match. However, all the goals were due to the midfield and an Eboue dive, along with the disinterested Blackburn defence. His goal celebration was forced to say the least, as though he was trying to convince the fans about his loyalty to Arsenal. An ok game overall. 7/10
Subs:-
Song - came on for Walcott, and his inclusion enabled Fabregas to be more expressive. He was technically very good and provided an ideal foil for the CAMs. 6/10
Ramsey - The lad from Cardiff came on for an injured Eboue, and showed glimpses of his solidity against the Balckburn ruffians. The icing on the cake was his excellent throughball to Ade for the fourth goal! 6.5/10
Wilshere - Became the youngest player on the pitch, substituting for RVP. Not much to say about his performance since his arrival was rather late, but he seems a good prospect. 4/10
Overall, a morale booster for the outfit as they take on Dynamo Kiev in an away encounter on Wednesday. 6.5/10
1 comment:
Neat review!
I wud have written the same! Except that, a part of Warnock's right foot actually hit the point of Eboue's studs bringing him down awkwardly! I watched the replays time and again even at @Final Score to come to a conclusion! :)
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