It was a much needed and ultimately comfortable win for Arsenal in the FA cup quarter-final against Lincoln City, but we really struggled to get going in the first half. Theo Walcott almost got my nod for Man of the Match because of his all round performance, especially before the break when his goal really set us on the way, but he was not so influential after the restart and Alexis Sanchez was dazzling at times, scoring a great goal and providing a lovely assist, so once again the Chilean was the main man for Arsenal.
Cech 7 – Very good and vital save to keep it level. Busier than expected but commanding.
Bellerin 7 – Should have scored but a real threat going forward.
Mustafi 5 – Struggled in first half and not much to do afterwards.
Koscielny 7 – Never a booking. Marshalled our defence well under pressure.
Gibbs 7 – Slow start but improved and linked up very well down the left.
Xhaka 5 – Daft booking. Struggling to show why we paid so much for him.
Ramsey 6 – Redeemed himself with good goal and some good play late on. Pretty poor before that.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 6 – Looked up for it before an another unlucky injury.
Walcott 8 – Good goal, very lively and intelligent. Best player before the break.
Alexis 8.5 – Really pulled out the fancy footwork in the second half. Sweet strike and had Lincoln chasing shadows.
Giroud 7 – Put himself about, scored, linked up play well. Decent game.
subs:
Ozil 7 – Had an impact and took control as visitors tired.
Lucas 6 – Looked sharp but missed a chance or two.
Coquelin 6 – Did his job well and even went on a mazy dribbling run.
Bob.
We played well and I agree with Alexis MOTM
But remember we played Lincoln and this was the result that was expected of us
The next match or two in the competition will be far more difficult
Let’s see how we play at home against Leicester City first
But again Good Job last night
Yea I bet that’s what Bayern Munich thought after puting five past us last three meeting
Arsenal players pass the ball well if there is no heavy pressure from top opponents. The confidence and the system have to improve for the next match. This win is good for the team spirit.
You got that right! I think any premiership defence would have stopped ALL FIVE of our goals – none more than that of Alexis where two opponents threw themselves on the floor without touching the ball (or Alexis) allowing him to take his time and pick his spot for his goal. Not going to happen against any half decent defence.
Let’s put this into prospective. Top 5 premiership team playing a non league team. Who should win this wearing blind folds? Exactly! Still arsenal found it hard in the first half. Even Lincoln knew how to out witt wengers style of play, it is so predictable.
I gave Gibbs my man of the match. Alexis done most of the best things in the game. Others had periods too when they played very well. I thought Gibbs was the most consistent throughout, Bellerin too played well. They got up in support well, and often, but didn’t look at all in danger of being caught out. That could be just the difference with teams quality, but I remember Gibbs intercepting and being aggressive back there a few times.
Stop giving Alexis MOTM all the time! Have you not watched the game? He was extremely poor in the first half, and lost the ball 7 times (yes, I counted). He improved in the second half, and scored a lovely goal, but was still far from the best of the bunch. Theo has my vote. Oh, and I think Mustafi deserves a bit more than a 5. Ramsey – no more than 1, and that’s only for scoring a goal. Once again, extremely poor ratings.
Just thinking between Iwobi n Campbell who’s a better winger? Is Wenger not ashamed that a new coach is coming to win the league??? If this can’t make Wenger resign then nothing will