Giroud Proves He Can Change Games But Arsenal Still Need To Buy
Suddenly there was urgency and momentum in the Arsenal side and with the fourth official about to show the added time, the resurrection was completed. Ramsey wildly overhit a cross from the right hand side, which Monreal rescued. The spaniard delivered a lovely cross for Giroud who outmuscled Distin and powered his header into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations in the Arsenal end. A second late show in our first two Premier League games was not really ideal, but it was very welcome.
There are positives and negatives to take from the game. I am pretty concerned at the stuttering start we’ve made, but at the same time I think it is a temporary situation. I’m sure whatever formation we settle on for the season, it will eventually click. But I’m also concerned by the use of Özil on the left wing. He really doesn’t suit the position and it not only harms the team, but it harms the player himself. Özil needs to feel confident and comfortable to be at his best and he looked far from that at the weekend. He needs to be in behind the striker and the team needs him there too. Finally we need additions in the transfer market and time is running out. The nirvana would be a sensational swoop for Cavani, Carvalho and Manolas, but I suspect that we’ll be very lucky to see even one of those signings and it certainly won’t be Cavani. We have the makings of a world class team and squad, but we won’t come near City and Chelsea if we don’t make another big move in the transfer market. Let’s hope Wenger has something up his sleeve.
Teams
Everton (4-5-1)
Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines (Y), Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas (Atsu 85’), Pienaar (Osman 10’), Naismith, Lukaku (McGeady 76’)
Subs
Robles, McGeady, Besic, Atsu, Osman, Stones, Alcaraz
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker (Y), Chambers (Y), Monreal, Flamini (Y), Ramsey, Wilshere (Cazorla 74’) (Y), Chamberlain (Campbell 74’), Özil, Alexis (Giroud 45’)
Subs
Martinez, Bellerin, Koscielny, Giroud, Rosicky, Campbell, Cazorla
Player Ratings
Szczesny - 6/10 - Not at fault for the goal, but there were some very risky passes in there
Debuchy - 6/10 - Didn’t get much help down the right, but did well, no major mistakes
Mertesacker - 6/10 - Shaky return, a couple of mistakes even if he was fouled for the second
Chambers - 7/10 - Another assured performance with only one real mistake out of naivety
Flamini - 7/10 - Did a really solid job in the defensive midfield role
Wilshere - 6/10 - He’s trying hard, but none of the attack have really hit their straps yet
Ramsey - 6/10 - Off colour at the moment, but still popping up with important goals
Chamberlain - 6/10 - Another one that’s not quite on form at the moment but showing promise
Özil - 5/10 - I feel bad giving him a 5 because it’s not really his fault, but he didn’t have a great game
Alexis - 6/10 - Struggled on his own up front, but was unlucky to be subbed at half time
Subs
Giroud - 8/10 - Changed the game for us and scored the all important equaliser
Cazorla - 7/10 - Provided the assist for Ramsey and helped turn the game
Campbell - 6/10 - Looks like he might get a lot more playing time with Podolski leaving
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