It was a much relieving feeling to realize that we’d snatched all three points when the final whistle had blown at Selhurst Park. I can only wonder how the match would’ve turned out had Connor Wickham’s shot gone in. The attack was looking very promising, with our attack playing with some eye-catching chemistry.
But, the defence still looks shaky as a unit with each and every ball put into the area between the CBs and Cech threatening way more than it actually should. I guess the understanding required between the CBs and the GK will take time to develop, and I’m sure it will. 3 points are all that mattered in this important fixture, and I’m more than glad that we’ve got our first win.
Player Ratings:
Cech: 6.5 – Needs to develop a better understanding with his CBs. Overall performance was decent. He cannot be faulted for the goal, as it was an inch perfect strike.
Bellerin: 6.5 – Needs to improve his crossing in the final third, considering that the attacking facet of his game is one of his strengths.
Mertescielny: 6.5 – Not their usual self today. We were lucky not to have lost the match because of the lack of an assured defense. Maybe more game time with Cech will smoothen things out. Shut up shop well to not concede a second.
Monreal: 7 – Was heavily involved in some neat play down the left wing on various occasions. It was a sensible performance from him both on the offensive and defensive fronts.
Coquelin: 6 – It was particularly troubling to see him suffer when in possession of the ball and could’ve been sent off on another day.
Cazorla: 6.5 – Could’ve got himself on the scoresheet in the dying embers of the game. He plays his best football from the middle of the park, whether from CAM or CM position.
Ramsey: 7 – His linkup play with Özil is just beautiful to watch. The duo seems to bring the best out of each other. Overall it was a decent all round performance from the Welshman.
Özil: 8 – What a dominant performance from the magician. It is not often that you see him be so visible in his performance. He’s always pulling the strings behind the curtains. My heart was filled with joy to hear the pundits heap praise on our No. 11. And, what a ball for the Giroud goal!
Sanchez: 7.5 – On another day, he could’ve got himself a hat-trick! That’s not a complaint. Ha ha. Our Duracell-powered Chilean was looking to get involved all over the pitch. Looked a bit rusty, couple of more games would address that issue.
Giroud: 7.5 – The opening goal was a fitting reply to those who were saying that he couldn’t convert those half-chances. The finish was a very skillful one to guide the ball into the back of the net. The goal would’ve done a world of good to his confidence.
Subs:
Ox, Arteta and Gibbs were our substitutions in this game and I have to say that the performance of all three were more than satisfactory. Ox was his electric self, looking to run at the full back at any given chance. Arteta put in a good defensive display to shore up the defense, making important contributions towards preserving our one goal lead.
So that’s a win away at Crystal Palace to open the account of our points tally. 3 points were all that mattered at the end of the day, and the important thing would be to try and tackle each game one game at a time. Who for you was the MOTM, how do you think we should line up vs Liverpool? Comment, tweet @LovePoldi. Have a great day you gooners!
