It was a typical Premier League game which we all want to see but this time the result was not on our side. Arsenal struggling at Stoke was not new to us, but the way we played the first half has shocked every fan all over the world.
We conceded 3 goals in 45 min which is not at all acceptable for a team with high standards like Arsenal. Playing a youngster like Bellerin at Right Back is a risk against a team with the physicality of Stoke and the first goal was an example of it, but still we could have done better.
Bojan was everywhere left right and center was hard to mark, Per failed to spot his run and paid the price. Walters then smashed home at the far post from a corner for 3-0 lead going into the half time.
Wenger brought on Welbeck at the start of the second half, which was a bold move from the Frenchman, who dosen’t fancy early substitutions. The substitution showed what we lacked in the first half, as Giroud lacked the agility and tactical awareness. The French striker is very good creating chances for the mid field but he lacks a killer instinct like Sanchez.
Will Arsenal score a goal? was the question that was killing me and BOOM there came a PENALTY!! I was excited when Santi scored the from the spot. This acted as a catalyst which ignited the spark into the team and the players started pushing forward and showed some character which we lacked entire first half of the game .
The Gunners took 114 corners to get a goal and the boy it was Ramsey. He was desperate to get goal, which effected his game a lot in the recent games. The Welshman got what he wants and hopefully we now get our old Ramsey back. When we all thought we can pull off a miracle, Chambers was sent off, you cant blame the ref he did what he can. Wenger pushed Poldi and Sol on to the pitch to get a goal back and Stoke was ready for the challenge. We came so close yet so far.
PLAYER RATINGS
Emiliano Martinez | 5 : Showed his inexperience and made some silly mistakes
Hector Bellerin | 5 : Couldn’t stand against the physicality of Stoke’s forwards. Subbed off at half time.
Calum Chambers | 3.5 : Was poor throughout the game and couldn’t deal with the crosses coming in. Capped off the day with a stupid sending off.
Per Mertesacker | 3 : One of the worst games in an Arsenal shirt for the big German. Don’t know why he looks a total different player when Kos around him.
Kieran Gibbs | 5 : Didn’t have a good game and the crosses for the first two goals came from his side. Wasn’t anywhere near his best in offence too.
Mathieu Flamini | 4.5 : Didn’t make any big mistakes, but should have done better in stopping the opposition forwards.
Aaron Ramsey | 6 : Was very poor in the first half. but raised his game in the second half. However he is still not at hois best.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | 6 : Got past some defenders with his pace, but didn’t know what to do after getting into good positions
Alexis Sanchez | 6 : Played well but not his standard. Had some chances and hit the post once.
Santi Cazorla | 6 : Had few shots in the initial stages, but didn’t have any impact after that.
Olivier Giroud | 4 : Poor performance. Had a great chance but in the 10th minute and had no impact after that.
Subs
Danny Welbeck (for Bellerin – 46) | 6.5 – Had a good impact and had some really good chances
Lukas Podolski (for Giroud – 63) | 5 – Wasn’t effective
Campbell (for Gibbs – 88) | N/A – Only played 4 mins
Who should be blamed for the defeat?
