The 5-0 scoreline against Huddersfield last night was not a fair reflection of the game on the night as the Arsenal defence were pegged back by the Terriers on many occasions, especially in the first half. But our defenders were equal to it, and Koscielny, Mustafi and Monreal kept the Gunners in control and they managed their third clean sheet in a row.
It is no coincidence that this new found believe began against Tottenham, when Mustafi returned to the centre of defence after a long spell on the treatment table. The reason I say this is not a coincidence is because, if you look at the stats, the three League games that he played in before his injury all ended with clean sheets for Arsenal as well. That alone can tell you how important he is to our improved game right now.
In the first half, and as well in the second half, a few passes were a bit sloppy. That complicated the game because I think the plan of Huddersfield was to stay compact and win the balls and then counter-attack, which I think they did well. They were quite compact, but as soon as we tidied up our passing and the ball movement we found a way through and we played some good football. Overall we had to step it a little bit up because in the end yes it was 5-0, but the goals came late and they could have punished us in the first half, so it was a really tough game.”
Olivier Giroud, who had a great view from the subs bench in the first half, was full of praise for the Arsenal defence. He said: “”We killed the game off in the final 25 minutes but it’s true we could have scored before, but they were always dangerous on counter attacks,”
“We had to be very cautious at the back and we defended very well. I thought all the defenders played very well. They didn’t let Huddersfield come out and put good pressure on the strikers. They did a great job.”
I, for one, seriously hope that the German can stay fit for the rest of the season, and I’m really looking forward to see another clean sheet against the Portugese bus conductor on Saturday….
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