Player Ratings – Oestersunds vs Arsenal

David Ospina…

8.5 – Didn’t actually have much to do, but he saved a penalty in the dying minutes to ensure that Arsenal keep a clean sheet. The first in a really long while.

Hector Bellerin…

6.5 – Conceded the penalty in question, and since he wasn’t particularly outsatnding, that moment will be the most striking aspect of his performance tonight.

Shkodran Mustafi…

6.5 – Looked shaky for me. Made two challenges in the box that could have easily been awarded as penalties on another day.

Calum Chambers…

7.0 – Not much to say about him. Readers must be wondering why i’m being so hard on a defence that kept a clean sheet. The clean sheet wasn’t really about them though as much as it was about our opponents not being too sharp attack wise.

Nacho Monreal…

7.0 – Scored and was as reliable as ever. Came off for Kolasinac later on.

Mohammed Elneny…

7.5 – Another solid performance in midfield.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles…

8.0 – I have been absolutely clamouring for his first start in midfield and he got it today. He also did not fail to impress, winning the ball well, and always being where he was needed. Skillful, with good ball retention and passing ability as well. Needs a run of games there now at Xhaka’s expense.

Alex Iwobi…

6.5 – Was on the field.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan…

7.0 – Contributed offensively with the cross that led to the own goal, and worked hard all game.

Mesut Ozil…

8.0 – Took his chance well when it presented itself. Was involved through out.

Danny Welbeck…

5.5 – Did not get involved. Looked fatigued even though he has not played much this season, but perhaps it was match rust from not having played much this season.

What are your thoughts?

Who was man of the match?

Get involved and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

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3 reasons why Arsenal will smash Spurs!

As an Arsenal fan, you would expect me to be biased in my assessment of football, always trying to rationalize why the club I support is the greatest ever.

But i generally don’t do that. In fact, I’m probably more objective than most of my fellow gooners would appreciate.

So when I tell you that Arsenal can and will beat that lot down the road, best believe I have very good reasons for doing so.

1. We play at Wembley… Arsene tried to downplay the importance of this fixture being played at Wembley and not at White Hart lane, pointing out that, the venue would not be a decisive factor. While I agree that it would not be the ‘only’ decisive factor, it is actually a very important one. Arsenal have won 8 of their last 8 games at Wembley. It’s home away from home for us. This will not feel like a proper away game, and with that psychological barrier hopefully lifted, we would probably see the best of Arsenal on Saturday. The best of Arsenal beats spurs any day.
2.  Spurs referee woes… Harry Kane and Dele Alli have come under scrutiny following their diving antics against Liverpool last weekend. Their case was not helped by Pochettino’s comments:  “Football is about trying to trick your opponent.” Many have seen this as a suggestion that the Argentine encourages his players to try and trick not only the opposing players but also the referees, and perhaps even the fans. Though he later tried to clarify his comments (which i only mention because I am objective), the damage had already been done. Expect Anthony Taylor, who will be refereeing tomorrow’s game to be quite dubious about awarding any penalties to Tottenham.
3. Aubameyang, Mkhi, and Ozil… Arsenal are still riding high on the exploits of January, where we managed to sign two world class players in Auba, and Mkhi, as well as secure Ozil to a new contract. There is a feel good factor at the club at the moment, great unity and team spirit, and players in incredible form such as Monreal, Ramsey, Ozil, Mkhi, and Auba. I can’t see Spurs overcoming the togetherness of this group at the moment.

Conclusion… 

Tottenham are certainly no pushovers, but I’m convinced Arsenal will get all three points.

What with all the praise they have been receiving, they are only just 4 points above us on the table.

That shows that the two teams are pretty much evenly matched in terms of performance. But throw in the dominating victory over them at the Emirates, the fact that we have improved our squad in January,  and the other reasons highlighted above, I can only see one way this ends, in a spurs defeat.

Prediction…

Tottenham 1 – 3 Arsenal.

What are your thoughts?