Written by Filip Urbancík Sunday, 13 February 2011 23:44

GunnerTalk Blog

By Filip Urbancik

Hello everyone. I wasn´t able to make my Ratings the last few matches but I am back in business....and so are Arsenal!

Wojciech Szczesny (6)

The Pole was relatively without much to do today. When there was danger he dealt with it smartly and easily. Great punch from a corner kick and push over the crossbar. I think he will stay between the sticks for Barcelona. He shown he can deal with pressure well since his debut against Man Utd.

Bacary Sagna, Johan Djourou,  Laurent Koscielny, Gael Clichy (6,5)

An overall rating today for the whole defence as they worked very well together.  Good understanding between our defenders except from one occation on a corner where a misunderstanding between Djouru and Szczesny was a risky moment. Sagna and Clichy both offered great support to their centre backs today. Barcelona will be a huge test for Djouru and Koscielny who haven´t played against a clubs like the Catelunians before.

Alex Song (6,5)

He’s brought his game back to basics and you can see how well it fits for Arsenal. Solid defensive work combined with sharp passing and runs into the box. He‘s proved he can score goals so some of our players should try to pass the ball to him more when he is in a good position.  Strong partnership between him and Wilshere which gets stronger every game 

Jack Wilshere (6,5)

What can I say about Jack? Well done boy! Wenger´s found a great position for him cause you can´t say what position he plays in best – he’s that good! He´s learning very important skills in defending together with quick counter attacks.  This was a match which suited him very well. Just hope he will add more goals to his display and we’ll all be happy. I just can´t believe how good he is. He is the same age as me and plays in a starting XI for Arsenal and also for the national team!

Cesc Fabregas (7)

I would bet if there were an open goal oppertunitie today he wouldnt have scored. Maybe he had the wrong boots on but aside from all his wasted opportunities he played very well. His accurate passes from deep positions cause disasters for defenders. He, Arshavin and van Persie were all on the same wave lengh and his 50 metre run against the goalkeeper proves he still works hard for the club no matter what sort of game he’s having. I just hope he‘s saved his best for B*rcelona.

Theo Walcott (7)

Theo also missed some goal scoring opportunities today but he played very well. He´s become a very important player for Arsenal this season. He‘s added much needed goals to his game, just unfortunately he missed a sitter today. That miss will be in his mind but we need his speed against B*rcelona. He made a lot of good passes today, unfortunately not every player made the most of them.

Andrey Arshavin (7)

He seems to be back in last few matches, added speed and sometimes tracks back with Clichy. Today he was very live on the pitch, made very dangerous runs against their goalkeeper. Maybe he has a bit of a mental block, a goal will be great for him. Nasri is almost back and he knows he has to work hard to keep his place. I was a bit sceptic when Arshavin’s been a bit of a ghost on the pitch but he‘s working hard now and we can be happier with his performances of the last few games.

Robin van Persie (7,5) MOTM

Great first goal. He’s just showing us all how much we‘ve missed him. Almost every corner or free-kick he‘s a real threat. He´s becoming killer infront of goal, just what we needed when Chamakh and Bendtner failed to be quality subs for him. His pace, control and accuracy is magnificent. I am a big fan of his skill. It was a nervy moment when he landed on his back and he was holding his knee (he managed to fall well!). We need him injury-free for the rest of the season if we want to compete with the best. His goals are cooly taken and he is a master in one on one against a goalkeeper.

Substitutions:

Maroune Chamakh , Nicklas Bendtner , Denilson (X)

Denilson is Denilson but I don´t know what happened to Chamakh, maybe he´s a bit frustrated or homesick but I think he´ll be back very soon. Just needs a few matches to get into it. Bendtner should leave his mega ego at home and focus on playing. There were rumours Bayern München want him and he will join them if he doesnt get more chances in starting Xis, so if thats true its likely to be bye bye Bentner!