Three of Arsene Wenger’s favourite motivational words all came together to describe Arsenal 3-0 win at Swansea to keep us up there at the top with Man City, and our goal difference was reduced by two goals as well so there is just a 4-goal gap now.
The Gunners had a hairy start and Gomis should have scored against us for the third game in a row early on, but Cech stood firm and Bellerin’s speed conspired to nick the ball of his boot. The first quarter of the game was end-to-end, but we gradually found our stride and finally came out with an easy win through goals by Giroud, Koscielny and debut-boy Campbell.
Wenger admitted that Swansea didn’t make it easy for us straight from the kick-off. “It is always a difficult game,” Le Prof said after the game. “We were a bit edgy [in the first half] but in fairness Swansea showed quality again today. They are maybe going through a spell where they have less confidence but they are a good side.
“In the first half, it was difficult but in the second half we upped our purpose, our tempo and had more purpose in our passing, with pace in our combinations. Once we scored the first goal we were the dominant team and won the game normally.
“We had a difficult first half but we came through it. I rested eight players on Wednesday and gave them a little breather this week, and it took us a little while to get into the tempo of the game. I am pleased because we could keep a clean sheet during the difficult moments of the game and you are never in a hurry to take too many risks going forward. Once we scored the first goal it was a completely different game.”
Giroud’s opener was the 2000th goal by Arsenal under his reign, and he was asked if he was proud of his milestone. “Yes, the three points are more important. I am proud of scoring goals because people like to come to see football to see people try to play, but the most important of course was the three points.”
He was then tried to be drawn into a comment about the complete implosion that has occurred at Chelsea under Mourinho,but he replied diplomatically: “I think it is better I don’t talk too much about that. Let’s focus on our game. We have made a little difference with some teams. Let’s focus on the quality of our game and keep a good balance between hunger, humility and confidence and not look too much at the other teams.”
I don’t think Arsenal would be able to see Chelsea anyway, all the way down, especially with all those other teams in the way!
Onwards and Upwards!