New boys sink Liverpool

Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal came away from Anfield yesterday with a renewed self-confidence, as the Gunners produced a majestic display to record their first victory of the new season, with the added bonus of new recruits Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla. grabbing both goals.

Arsene Wenger’s side entered this game amid great pressure from the media, as journalists and football pundits alike had been quick to point out the detrimental effect upon the team’s attacking ability, rendered by the loss of Robin Van Persie. Goalless draws in the opening two games of the season had not helped either as the players still appeared to be adjusting to their new teammates. Yesterday however, the team gave a performance reminiscent of Arsenal of old.

Without the ball, the Gunners were calm, controlled and organised as they defended resolutely, easily dealing with any pressure placed on them by Liverpool.  Not once did Arsenal look to be in any real trouble, with Vito Mannone only being tested towards the end of the game through two long range efforts by Jon Jo Shelvey. That said it all really, as in contrast to last season, Liverpool were simply unable to get in behind the Arsenal defence to cause the Gunners any problems.  The whole team worked as one unit, with Podolski and Oxlade-Chamberlain working particularly hard to track the runs of Liverpool’s wide players. As a result, the away side were able to invite Liverpool onto them, safe in the knowledge they were more than capable of breaking down the home side’s attacks before striking on the counter attack.

Hard working Ox

In the 31^st minute of the game, Steven Gerard’s sloppy pass was easily cut out and with Arsenal streaming forward, Podolski laid the ball to Cazorla, who bore down on the Liverpool goal, before playing an inch perfect pass back into the path of Podolski, for the German international to calmly guide the ball past Pepe Reina. In previous games the Gunners may have opted to pass the ball square allowing the attack to lose momentum, but this was swift counter attacking football at its very best, with Arsenal being confident and purposeful in possession.  And so the game continued in this vein, as Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby were absolutely magnificent, working in tandem to control the midfield. Arteta filled the anchor role with consummate ease, sliding into tackles time and time again to rob Liverpool of possession and set up yet another attack.

Podolski celebrates his first goal in an Arsenal shirt

 

Diaby on the other hand was simply a joy to behold. The Frenchman, whose perennial injury problems have curtailed his progress season after season, highlighted his great potential once more with a display which was reminiscent of the great Patrick Vieria. His performance yesterday showcased his full repertoire, striding forward with possession, silky skills to evade Liverpool tackles and great strength, hunger and aggression. It was no wonder he was awarded man of the match. Diaby in this form is simply unplayable, if only Arsenal can keep him fit for the entire campaign.

Imperious: Diaby

 

Such was Arsenal’s midfield dominance; they were able to play the ball around the Liverpool players, in neat triangles thanks to their crisp, one touch passing.  One such instance resulted in the Gunners extending their lead in the 68^th minute.  The two new boys, who were so heavily involved in the first goal, were at it again, exchanging passes on the edge of the box, enabling Cazorla to fire low and hard at Reina, who somehow allowed the ball to squirm under him and into the back of the net. The game was effectively over by this stage as the Gunners were able to sit back and soak up the Liverpool pressure, which compared to recent seasons was extremely impressive.

Cazorla celebrates Arsenal's second

 

While Cazorla and Podolski were able to open their accounts in an Arsenal shirt, Olivier Giroud was unfortunately unable to find the back of the net once more. The Frenchman did make positive runs in behind the Liverpool defence and should really have scored in the first half, when played through by Diaby, but failed to hit the target. This chance was very similar to the one missed in the first game of the season against Sunderland. The main thing however is that Giroud remains positive and continues to make these runs and eventually his barren spell will come to an end. When it does it will be a huge relief and a big weight lifted off his shoulders, as at the moment there is a feeling that he is becoming frustrated with himself as he battles selflessly against towering centre backs week in week out. Yet while he is yet to get his name on the score sheet, Giroud’s tracking back and work in the defensive areas of his game have not gone unnoticed and he is a real asset to this Arsenal side, as defending starts from the front.

With the international break now upon us, Arsenal fans will simply hope that all their star players can return to London Colney free from injury. Despite all the negative press that has surrounded the club recently; the Gunners have actually had a strong start to the season and are yet to concede a goal. While we mustn’t get carried away, as the Liverpool team beaten yesterday are a very average side, this victory will nonetheless instil a great confidence throughout the squad. Hopefully the players can build on their performance yesterday, keep up the good work and enjoy a successful campaign.