Written by Filip Urbancík Thursday, 06 January 2011 17:20

GunnerTalk Blog

By Filip Urbancik

Fabianski (6,5)

Solid goalkeeping in the first half. Good understanding with both his centre backs. He read the game well and saved us from losing this match. Unfortunately for us the other man between their sticks was awesome tonight.

Sagna (6)

Another good passing display with Walcott. He was also powerful at going back and defending counter attacks. I think he played well but the red card was pure stupidity. Who is gonna play at right back now? Eboue? And then?......

Koscielny (7) MOTM

You have to like this guy more and more. It seemed at one stage he would turn out to be a bad signing, but he is showing everyone Arsen knew what he was doing once again. Good interceptions and skillful ball control in the air. Man of the match for me together with Djouru.

Djourou (7) MOTM

If he continues to play this way we can wait for the Verminator calmly! Rock solid defending in the first half expect a few mistakes. Our best defensive option together with Koscielny. Now we can trust our defense but why are we making it so hard to win the title? 

Clichy (6,5)

Great defensive work tonight. Maybe he could push up to their goal a little more and combine more with Nasri at their end,  however he was always in the place where he was needed. Unfortunately he wasn´t able to provide quality long balls for Bendtner or Van Persie.

Wilshere (6,5)

Another good game for Jack. Few decent long distance shots, at least someone is trying to hit the ball! Maybe it would be better to have taken him off to send on Arshavin.

Song (7)

It feels so good to have the old Song back. Solid Defensive Midfielder first and foremost with many important interceptions and defending. I can´t understand why he´s passing the ball so much when he could score more goals from his position.  Shoot!!

Fabregas (6,5)

Love to see he is getting back to his best. He could do even better if he played in the box not just outside. Few dangerous passes for our centre backs but he played well. Maybe he could provide more balls from deeper positions for the players like RVP or Walcott.

Nasri (6,5)

He gave his best tonight but he played against a very well organised defense. His combinations with Robin weren´t dangerous enough. Still those long twists and turns around the box just gave time to Man City to organise their defense. I would just like to see some firm penetration and bomb shooting from him because he can!

Walcott (7)

He had so many golden opportunities to score but couldn´t manage to get ball through Hart! Nice link up with Robin van Persie. He was fighting for every ball and I was really disapointed when he was substituted for Arshavin. Taken off too soon.  He deserved a goal tonight.

Van Persie (7)

Many chances wasted, he just needs to add goals to his display. I loved his movement and holding of the ball but how many times is he going to hit the post? His free kicks and long distance shots were very good but he just couldn´t find the net. Slowly returning though!

Substitutions:

Arshavin (?)

What can I say? Wenger surprised me with this substitution and unfortunately I can´t say the same about Andrey, he did not deliver for us.  His passing is good but we needed something different at that point.

Bendtner (?)

I think Chamakh would have been a better choice. He´s not happy with his position at the club but has to play better if he wants to play more often. We needed him upfront,  not holding the ball in midfield.