This was not exactly a defensive masterclass from either side, as the 4-2 scoreline suggests, but at least it was Arsenal who scored more than the home side BATE Borisov to give the Gunners a second Europa League win and put us well in control of the group.
You could have been forgiven for thinking that our fourth goal, scored by Olivier Giroud from the penalty spot in the secod half to put him on 100 Arsenal goals, was not that important apart from his landmark, but it was quite handy in the end as Borisov pushed and created plenty of chances.
Arsenal had raced into a three goal lead before half an hour was up, with the excellent Jack Wilshere setting up Walcott before the keeper gifted Theo a simple second with an awful clearance straight to the striker. Giroud was not the only Gunner to record a landmark goal either, because it was Rob Holding’s first for the club that made it three.
He nearly got a second son after as well but his shot from a goalmouth scramble crashed off the post. We were in cruise control but the home team grabbed a lifeline with a great headed goal before the break. THey should have had a man sent off and Wilshere should have had a goal but for an incorrect offside call but it still looked good at halftime. The early penalty, which was very soft by the way, scored by the centurion Giroud, should have made it a stroll but we allowed them to get back in it and there were some sticky moments before the end.
A good win though, with a weakened side with players rested for the weekend, and who would not have been happy with that before kick-off?
Bob.