Match report – By the numbers – Player ratings – Video
Another win, another clean sheet, another three points. It’s almost becoming routine.
Cardiff took two points off United last weekend and you could see why. Like Southampton they’re a well drilled, hard-working unit with some players who can cause moments of real danger. And yet we come home from Wales with a 3-0 win (slightly flattering in fairness) and more evidence of why we’re genuine title contenders this season.
Aaron Ramsey is part of that, of course. Two more goals for the Welsh Jesus and whatever about watching him, he must be an absolute joy to play with. There was a moment in the second half when Cardiff had sat back, looking to close off space, and Ramsey played a short pass to Gibbs (I think) over on the left wing. He immediately dropped off 7-8 yards to give Gibbs an option for a return pass, imploring him with the hands out in front gesture, to give him the ball back.
I joked yesterday about him wanting the ball over the pitch but it’s true and it makes everyone’s life easier because of it. The first goal was utterly superb; a bit like the Suarez header a few weeks back the finishes look almost simple but it was anything but. The timing of the run, the brilliance of the ball from Ozil, and Ramsey’s technique made it appear the kind of goal anyone could score, but it wasn’t.
That was an extremely difficult header and he made it look like a tap-in. That’s a true measure of how he’s playing this season. Every time I look at him I want to hug him to say thanks.
His second, late into injury time, came from a Theo Walcott assist and moments later he almost returned the favour, playing a beautiful ball directly into his path. While the Cardiff defender got back well to snuff it out, maybe a sharper, less out for 2 months, Walcott would have finished it.
Our second goal showed just why Mesut Ozil is the player who can make the difference this season. Instead of hanging on to a 1-0 lead, when any mistake or piece of good play can cost you two points (just ask United), we sealed the deal. The weight and precision of his pass to Flamini was perfect, in every way – made more so by Flamini’s finish. He joyously clobbered the ball into the net from close range and it was one of those moments in a season that really makes you think something’s happening.
That said, Flamini’s goal wouldn’t have been as clinchy without Wojciech Szczesny who, once again, played his part in taking three points. That second half save from Frazier Campbell was outstanding. To get down that low that quickly, and to push it away from goal, is the mark of a keeper in great form. I also like that he just got up and started roaring at people because as much as he enjoyed the save he’d rather not have made it.
With just the one goal lead, it was a bit hairy for a while in the second half, let’s be honest. Cardiff had some good spells of possession and did put pressure on us, but the Campbell header aside, never created anything approaching clear cut. Much of that has to do with the defence, who once more were a solid unit, but also the midfield in which Mikel Arteta was on top of his game.
The team’s discipline is something else. Santi Cazorla, for example, who I think it’s fair to say is struggling to find the form of last season, might not have contributed as much as we might like in the final third, but when you see him chasing back deep into his own half to right a wrong made in theirs, then you know this is a squad that has the required seriousness to it. Perhaps fulfilling that maxim of how hard work can bring its own rewards.
Afterwards, the boss said:
I’m very pleased because we had a good performance. Of course we scored three goals but, not only offensively, I think defensively we were quite sound as well. Our defenders had a very good game. Overall the concentration level in the team was very, very good. That was needed because we knew Cardiff can punish you in set-pieces with their strengths in the challenges and their drive with the crowd behind them. We had a mature performance and a focused one.
And on being title contenders:
Let’s go a few more games. It’s still a bit early for me but what is good for us is that we can show consistency and that’s always a very good sign for a team. Every win makes you a bit stronger. If we can take care of the concentration level and the desire to improve then we will have a good chance.
No arguments from me. Despite the 7 point lead I think it’s best to play things down. There’s such a long way to go that those points can be whittled away in no time. But, what he says publicly and what we can see, what we can feel, are two different things.
It’s impossible to ignore that this is a revitalised, rejuvenated Arsenal side. The combinations, the balance, the ability to cope when important players like Giroud or Cazorla, don’t have their A-Game on means that we can win games we wouldn’t have in the past. Having the best midfielder in Europe currently doesn’t hurt either, and when you’ve got someone like Ozil who can flit in and out of a game but then, in an instant, give you something decisive, it means … well, it means points. More points than we’ve had in the past, that’s for sure.
So, it’s another good Sunday to be a Gooner. We can sit back, hope for the best today – which obviously means lots of draws/losses and possibly some detached limbs – and look down on what’s below us knowing we’ve done what needed to be done.
I’m enjoying this. A lot.
Till tomorrow.
