Written by Filip Urbancík Wednesday, 19 October 2011 21:28

GunnerTalk Blog

Wojciech Szczesny (6)- Back 4 didn´t work well at times and made it hard for Wojciech who was lucky on few occasions but it´s one of the required part to become a goalkeeping legend. Not sure if he shouted on Mertesacker when he fired that ball away from goal but there might be some communications problems.

Carl Jenkinson (5,5) – He was lucky not to get booked for that handball. His defending and attacking is like day and night: inexperienced defending mixed with solid forward runs and crosses. Unfortunately he left the pitch injured which worries me. This was his chance to prove his qualities and now he´s injured. Wish him a speedy recovery.

Per Mertesacker (6) – Gonzales is a quality striker and Per had problems with covering him. He plays well but there were moments when I thought “What is he doing there” but a quite match for him.
Laurent Koscielny (6) – He made a crucial block which saved us Szczesny from 1 vs. 1 with Remi or Gonzales. His partnership with Per groving match after match which I like to see.

Mikel Arteta (5) – Except from one good run I didn´t see much of his skills in the 1st half. It´ll be hard to fill the gap left after Fabregas’ departure and he wants to be his own player but team needs more than few good passes from a player who should lead our midfield. (He wasn´t the worst player but he didn´t show enough to get a higher mark)
Theo Walcott (5,5) – Great cross for van Persie who was inches away from scoring. His crosses are becoming slightly better but he just can´t pass them few inches above the ground, every defender will cover them. If any player needs to start scoring goals regularly it’s him.

Tomas Rosicky (5,5) – In the match against Sunderland he was one of the best midfielders but Marseille is a different level. He played well but for a player with so much experience I would like to see more will to show his whole potential.

Andrey Arshavin (5,5) – I expected more from him (as always), Gervinho would propably play better but he made some good runs and crosses. He also tried to change position with Rosicky and Arteta. His rollercoaster performances continue. I´d expect him to play better when Gervinho breathes on his neck but nothing is happening for him at this time.

Robin van Persie (6) – 2 greats headed efforts in first 20 mins after a run of corners from both sides. He didn´t have enough good passes to feed in the 1st half and he played a little bit too deep. Midfielders supported him better in the 2nd half but Robin had it hard against disciplined Marseille defence. This match didn´t suit him unfortunately. AFC rely on his goals maybe a bit to much even though it´s a part of our captain´s job.

Substitutions:

Johan Djouru (x)

Gervinho (x) Magnificent solo run behind the defence in the closing stages of the match.

Aaron Ramsey (x) It wouldn´t be fair to rate him but what an important goal. Well done Rambo!

* I´ve dediced not to give MOTM for this match.