Phenomenal display destroys Napoli

Arsenal 2-0 Napoli

 

 

 

The Gunners produced a truly scintillating performance against Napoli last night which not only brought excited smiles to the faces of the Arsenal faithful and raised aspirations that this side could finally end the long trophy draught at the Emirates; but also laid down a marker throughout Europe. This club is back, right at the level where it belongs.

In the first half in particular, the Gunners were absolutely outstanding, as they tore the Napoli defence apart time and time again. With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini sitting at the base of the midfield, flying into tackles and quickly winning the ball back with great hunger and desire, they provided a real platform for Arsenal’s front four of Ramsey, Ozil, Rosicky and Giroud to take the game to Napoli. The Frenchman’s hold up play was brilliant yesterday; winning his aerial battles as well as also linking the play with the midfield. The three attacking midfielders playing just behind Arsenal’s lone striker were able to seamlessly interchange positions throughout the game, causing havoc amongst the Napoli defence. The slick, intricate passing and movement amongst the Gunners midfield was excellent as they worked the ball around the opposition in neat triangles, before unleashing a killer pass which would create a goal scoring opportunity.

Every single player in an Arsenal shirt is just brimming with confidence at the moment; they each have a self-assured swagger in their game and as a result it feels as though everything they attempt on the pitch is coming off. Last night, the Gunners were simply better than their opponents in every single department.

Arsene Wenger’s side just did not give Napoli a chance to get into the game, as they stormed into a two goal lead within the first 15 minutes. Arsenal opened the scoring as early as the eight minute, thanks to excellent build up play and a sublime finish from the outstanding Mesut Ozil. Sagna’s ball into Giroud was controlled beautifully by the French striker, on his chest, before laying a pass into the path of the onrushing Ramsey. The Welshman surged down the right flank, towards the by-line and then, spotting Ozil’s run towards the box, cut the ball back to the German midfielder, who unleashed a wonderful first time volley past Pepe Reina and right into the corner of the net. The fact Ozil made it look so easy highlights the supreme skill and talent at his disposal.

Arsenal’s £42.5 million record buy had his best game since joining the club, working in tandem with Ramsey to push and pull the Napoli defenders out of position, creating space for the Gunners to exploit. Ozil’s touch, vision, movement and technical ability enables the team to shift through the gears and quickly transfer the ball from defence to attack. It is no wonder that one of the features of the Gunners games this season has been a return to the swift counter attacking football which served Arsenal so well during the early glory days of Wenger’s reign.

Having opened the scoring with his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, Ozil returned to what his does best and promptly set up the second for Giroud. In the fifteenth minute, a poor Napoli throw in was intercepted by Flamini before Giroud played the ball into the path of Ozil on the right flank. The £42.5 million record buy showed a great turn of speed to race past two Napoli defenders, then cut inside as he reached the by-line and squared the ball across goal for Giroud, who had continued his run into the box, to stab home Arsenal’s second. The Emirates crowd could not believe what they were seeing. This was supposed to be an incredibly tough game, but the Gunners were tearing Napoli apart.

In fact the 2-0 score line actually flattered the Italians as Arsenal could and really should have had more. Ramsey, whose accomplished performance deserved a goal, had two goal bound shots blocked by Napoli defenders, while Flamini had a couple of efforts from distance while in the second half Rosicky, Koscielny and Giroud all came close to increasing Arsenal’s lead.

After the break the Gunners were not able to match the heights of the first half, but they didn’t need to either. This side has now matured and have realised that when they are in control of a game, they no longer need to surge forward on mass looking for another goal. In previous seasons this tendency to continue to attack no matter what the situation, has often led to the Gunners getting caught out and needlessly surrendering leads. This season however, thanks in part to the great vocal influence of Flamini, Arsenal are more astute. Last night was a prime example. Having taken the two goal lead, the Gunners simply kept Napoli at arm’s length, all the while ensuring the game remained nice and tight, restricting their opponents to long range pot shots and refusing to allow them back into the game.

No wonder Arsene Wenger was beaming like a Cheshire cat during the post-match press conference. The manager could not have wished for a better performance from his side with many observers now starting to believe that Arsenal can genuinely challenge for major honours this season. Although Wenger must feel vindicated, following his treatment by the press and fans in the wake of that opening day defeat to Aston Villa, the Gunners would be foolish to believe the hype and must continue to work hard. They currently sit top of the Premier League and top of the “group of death” in the Champions League, but in the coming weeks and months Arsenal will have to overcome the great pressure associated with trying to maintain this wonderful start to the season. So far this side has proved they have the ability to mix it with the best, if they can build on this fine run of form then Arsenal fans could well enjoy a wonderful season.