Well that was a surprise. Arsenal dominated the first half against Fenerbahce but turned on the afterburners in the second and managed to net 3 thanks to Gibbs, Ramsey and Giroud. The game started very well for us and that uncharacteristically set the tone for the half. Generally, we tend to fade away after a good start letting the opposition back into the game but that didn’t happen. Our passing and pressing was more efficient and quicker than the Turkish side in the first half.

The second half is where all the action happened and soon enough, we had the first goal of the tie thanks to the brilliant vision by Ramsey and the dependable crossing of Walcott. Gibbs scored the tap in and looked rightfully chuffed. 0 – 1.

We seemed to grow even more after scoring and we scored again thanks to the brilliance of Ramsey. This time it was a solo goal with a dribble around the outside of the box which then gave Ramsey the space to score a very nice goal. Maybe the keeper should’ve done better but the bounce and pace would’ve troubled any keeper in the world. 0 – 2.

We weren’t done there as Walcott managed to win a penalty thanks to the calamitous defending of Kadlec (who was absolutely destroyed by Theo tonight). Giroud coolly slotted it away. 0 – 3.

It was a very easy game for the Gunners surprisingly. But it does seem like we might be without Koscielny for a long time as it’s suspected he cracked his skull after being kicked in the face by Wedo. Hopefully tests will go our way. for once.

Player ratings:
Szczesny – 7
Did make some top saves near the end of the game and was generally commanding in his box.
Sagna – 8
Absolutely brilliant stuff by him. Once again he was called on to play as a CB and was lovely to watch. Out-jumped the likes of Sow and was very solid with his tackling
Mertesacker – 7
A solid performance by the German
Koscielny – N/A
He didn’t really stay on the pitch long enough to give him a score that would justify his performance
Gibbs – 7
Was solid both defensively and attacking wise. Also thanks to his width, we scored a nicely worked goal.
Wilshere – 6
He made some nice dribbles but did lose the ball too often or overcomplicated play.
Ramsey – 8 (MOTM)
Ramsey was brilliant today and was at the heart of every attacking and defensive movement. Would’ve had a higher score if he hadn’t made a silly back-heel that gave Fenerbahce a chance at goal.
Walcott – 7
He was a mixed bag really but you can’t fault him for his runs and his contribution of an assist and winning a penalty.
Rosicky – 7
He done very well in the middle and kept things ticking over as he dropped deep into midfield at times
Cazorla – 7.5
Technically, he was a class above everyone today. He made passes and dribbles associated with a world class footballer. Shame he couldn’t get an assist or goal today.
Giroud – 7
Decent movement and hold up. Would’ve liked more of a threat in the box though
Subs:
Jenkinson – 7
Did well and had a nice consistent performance.
Podolski – N/A
Didn’t do much at all when he came on.
Monreal – N/A
Same as Podolski
All in all, we have virtually qualified for the CL now and hopefully we can bring in some quality signings because of this brilliant performance.

2 thoughts on “Player ratings and review of Arsenal’s great Champions League win

  1. You’re too harsh on Rosicky. He is the one who threatens the opponent by making forward runs, making forward passes and slides past their midfield. By that, he opens up space and forces the opponent into more defensive positions. Too many of our players make passes backwards an to the side instead of forward. He should have the same grade as Ramsey…

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