Super Nick to the rescue!

Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff

 

The Gunners left it late to secure a vital three points against a dogged and determined Cardiff City yesterday. Two goals in the final minutes of the game ensured Arsenal started the new year right where they want to be; at the top of the table.

This was a win which yet again highlighted the great spirit within this squad of players who have so far overcome all the odds to remain firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title. Despite Cardiff’s well documented off field troubles, this was a game in which the Gunners could have all too easily dropped points. With an injury list that ruled out the likes of Ozil, Ramsey and Giroud, Arsene Wenger was virtually down to the bare bones in the attacking department. As a result, the Arsenal midfield had a slightly defensive feel with both Arteta and Flamini deployed in the centre of the park. Unfortunately, Wenger did not really have any alternatives and this played into the away side’s hands as Cardiff were determined to sit extremely deep and hardly launch any attacks, as they came to the Emirates in search of a draw.

In similar fashion to the Gunners last home game against Chelsea, the first half was an extremely drab affair as Arsenal lacked any intensity to their game. Lukas Podolski, who was deployed in the lone role up front, instead of Giroud, struggled to get into the game. Although after the match Wenger put this down to the fact the German had not started a game for four months and therefore was lacking sharpness, the fact remains that Podolski has failed to impress on every occasion he has been selected in this role.  As the first half wore on, Podolski dropped deeper and deeper in search of the ball and as a result Arsenal had no real presence up front.

Jack Wilshere was undoubtedly the Gunners best player yesterday. The young Englishman has had a somewhat difficult season so far as he has struggled to reach the heights we all know he is capable of. Yesterday however, Wilshere’s trademark qualities of determination, drive and vision were all present as he carried his team forward time and time again.

Yet still the home side struggled to create genuine goal scoring opportunities in the first half in particular. After 15 minutes, Arteta’s lovely ball over the top of the Cardiff defence found Walcott, who could only slide his effort into the side netting. A few minutes later the Gunners should have been awarded a penalty after a clear foul by Gary Medel on Wilshere and then Walcott fired wide again following excellent work by Santi Cazorla to create space for himself before laying the ball back to the Englishman.

In the second half the Gunners immediately attempted to increase the tempo, forcing the visitors further back, enjoying greater possession and creating significantly more chances. Yet it appeared to be one of those days when the ball just would not fall Arsenal’s way as the Gunners failed to connect with a succession of low crosses into the box. With 25 minutes left to play Arsenal ramped up the pressure on the away goal further. Jack Wilshere showed excellent skill and poise to weave between two Cardiff players before attempting to catch the goalkeeper out with a powerful shot to the near post, which unfortunately hit the post rather than the back of the net.

As the clock ticked down, frustration inside the Emirates increased and it seemed as though the Gunners were destined not to break the deadlock. These feelings were further increased when Mertesacker missed two gilt edged opportunities. The first, a free header from Walcott’s cross, which the big German somehow contrived to head just wide of goal and the second another header from a similar position which this time agonisingly glanced off the outside of the post.

With the match entering the 89^th minute, it was time for one last big push from the home side. Nacho Monreal, playing instead of the injured Kieran Gibbs, picked the ball up on the left flank and swung a deep cross towards the back post, where his fellow fullback, Sagna rose highest and headed towards goal. Unfortunately the Frenchman was denied by a fine save from Marshall, but the Cardiff goalkeeper could only parry the ball to the feet of the much maligned Nicklas Bendtner who made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to send the Emirates stadium wild.

In attempting to save the shot, Marshall fell onto the big Dane’s ankle and Bendtner could not continue. It was a shame as he had played rather well since coming on for Podolski in the 65^th minute, linking the play extremely well. With Giroud currently injured, this could have been the opportunity for Bendtner to firmly win back the Arsenal faithful. Unfortunately he could now be out for a number of weeks, but at least he was afforded a hero’s send off by the home crowd as he hobbled off the pitch.

With Bendtner being replaced by Vermaelen as Wenger sought more defensive stability to see the game out, Theo Walcott moved into his favoured centre forward position. The Englishman didn’t waste any time in making a claim for starting Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Tottenham in this same position, netting Arsenal’s second of the day in injury time. A lovely flicked pass from Wilshere sent Walcott through and his pace took him past the Cardiff defender, delicately clipping the ball over the goalkeeper as he rushed off his line, to send the Gunners back to the top of the league.

Arsene Wenger’s side have now emerged from the notoriously difficult and congested run of festive fixtures with 10 points from a possible 12. Just as importantly, they have managed to overcome several injuries and their three wins in this period have showcased exactly why this team can go far this season. They came back from a goal down against West Ham, dug deep away to Newcastle and continued to fight until the very last minute yesterday, getting their just rewards. Arsenal have enjoyed a truly fantastic first half of the season, let’s hope they can keep it up!