Smokin' gunners run rampage on Spurs
After the big disappointment of throwing away leads both at AZ
Alkmaar and West Ham United last week, the North London Derby was the
perfect chance to see if Arsenal had learnt their lesson and could
close out games, keep a clean sheet and obviously get all 3 points.
And Arsenal delivered, a deserved 3-0 over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.
Robin van Persie celebrates after scoring against Spurs at the Emirates
Tottenham had impressed in the opening games of the Premier League
season but have recently been going off the boil, and Arsenal simply
had too much for them today and completely dominated for large portions
of the game. And it wouldn’t have been an exaggeration to say Arsenal
could, and should, have won 6-0 or 7-0, if it wasn't for Gomez and Eduardo not being at his best.
The first half was a little cagey and Arsenal’s best chance came to
Fabregas who saw his left foot shot saved well from Gomes after some
quality work from Arshavin. As you would expect, Arsenal were pulling
the strings and Almunia’s comeback was mainly uneventful, bar having to
collect a few crosses.
Bendtner came off with an injury and was replaced by Eduardo after
36 minutes, after the Dane looked lively and was having a decent game.
And on 42 minutes, the game sparked into life.
A quick throw in from Sagna on the right was returned to him by
Fabregas, and the Frenchman’s low cross was inch perfect as he found
the in-form Robin Van Persie who darted in front of Bassong and nicked
the ball under Gomes for the opening goal.
I have to say that Van Persie has been a revelation this season, and
his game has adapted and improved greatly. From a natural second
striker, he has become the target man we’ve needed and his passing,
vision, control and team play has been just fantastic this year. Credit
to his ability and desire to change the way he plays for the team, and
as well as having a rocket shot from distance his positioning in the
box shows real intelligence.
After that, Tottenham collapsed and a moment of brilliance from Cesc Fabregas almost blew the roof off the Emirates.
Player Ratings
Manuel Almunia: 7/10
Mainly had to deal with crosses which generally, he did okay with. He
did drop a couple and luckily the mistakes didn’t prove to be decisive.
Was asked to make a one or two routine saves which were dealt with, but
on the whole was a stroll in the park.
Bacary Sagna: 9.5/10 
Brilliant today. Full of running, dealt with the aerial threat from
Peter Crouch well and more importantly his crossing was paramount in
today’s win, with two quality deliveries for Van Persie’s brace. Robbie
Keane drifted out to the left a lot throughout the game and didn’t get
so much as a look in. Two assists for a defender it doesn't get any better than that.
My Man of the Match
William Gallas: 8/10
On the whole, solid but made a couple of errors - one of which was
giving away a freekick on the edge of the box for a handball. Did make
an excellent last ditch interception though when Robbie Keane was
through on goal to prevent and almost certain goal.
Thomas Vermaelen: 9/10
Sensational again. In the air he is colossal and dealt with most of
Tottenham’s crosses with ease. Was extremely unfortunate to get a
booking when he clearly won the ball fairly from Corluka. Made a crucial save when Bentl
Gael Clichy: 8/10
Up and down the left side throughout the entire game and looked very
comfortable. Passing and decision-making seems to have improved and
hopefully he can keep this consistency over the season.
Alex Song: 8/10
Excellent again and covered a lot of ground. Was quick to close down
any Tottenham players and his distribution was top draw. Even managed
to pull of some skills while beating players and was very commanding.
Abou Diaby: 5/10
For me, far to sloppy in possession and his unwillingness to track back
was disappointing. I kept an eye on him closely and his positioning is
poor as well. The passage of play which summed up his performance for
me was when he had the ball on the edge of the box, tried to stupidly
beat a player and then lost possession. Tottenham then proceeded to
have their most threatening move of the match. If Tottenham would have
scored from that, I, like Arsene, would have been f*cking livid. Also
somehow managed to ‘head’ the ball with his shoulder from 2 yards out
and with the goal gaping. I really don't get why Wenger is still sticking with him when Samir Nasri is back to full fitness. Really poor from Diaby.
Cesc Fabregas: 9/10
Along with Song was very commanding and controlled midfield with ease.
Again, he was pulling the strings with some glorious passing and really
should have had more assists when Diaby and Eduardo spurned good
chances created by the captain. Great ability and desire to score that
stunning goal and it was hugely deserved. Initially in the first half he was providing sloppy passes and seemed off, but after his wonder goal the Fab we know re-surfaced and had an amazing second half.
Andrei Arshavin: 7/10
Not his best game, and was only influential at times but did oozed that quality in everything he did.
Robin Van Persie: 8/10
Scored two poachers goals, and technically set-up the other for
Fabregas. Clever movement in the box and his desire to score was there
for everyone to see. Not everything came off for him, but delivered
when it mattered.
Nicklas Bendtner: 7/10
Looked lively when he was on but his game was cut short after only half an hour.
Eduardo Da Silva: 7/10 (Replaced Bendtner on 36′)
Did well when he came on and I would have given him an 8 or 9 if he
scored his chances, which you would have to say in Eduardo terms are
sitters - that’s how high we all regard his finishing. But still
finding his feet and will get better with more games under his belt.
Emmanuel Eboue: 6/10 (Replaced Arshavin on 78′)
Didn’t really have much to do, but did release Ramsey with a great ball near the end of the match.
Aaron Ramsey: 6/10 (Replaced Van Persie on 86′)
Not enough time to make an impact, although had a glorious chance to play in Eduardo but failed to beat the solitary defender.
