With Arsenal suffering from what seems like a never ending run of bad luck with injuries, most Arsenal fans would probably have preferred it if there were no Gunners in action during the international round of games. But that was never going to happen so the next thing we want is for our players to come through without injury and to play well.
There were five Arsenal players involved in the England v San Marino game at Wembley, with Alex Oxlade-Chasmberlain the only one not to start. But before I get on to England, I have to quicly mention Santi Cazorla. Our little midfield maestro may have lots of good things about his game, but I bet that will be the first and last time ha will ever play at right back.
Spain suffered a shock defeat in Slovaki but the Arsenal man was only on for the last 10 minutes. At right back though, very strange.
The English Gunners had a much better night. Danny Welbeck got himself another goal, just after halftime, with the Ox getting the assist. Chamberlain was impressive after coming on at the break and he was close to getting on the score sheet himself.
It was a comfortable win for the three lions, as you would expect, but San Marino’s ultra defensive tactics mean that it can be hard to break them down, which is why Jack Wilshere was such an important player for them and probably why he was named as the Man of the Match. Jack was involved in almost everything good that England did and some of his long range oassing was sublime.
Gibbs and Chambers completed 90 minutes each in the full back positions and did pretty well, although it is hard to judge against such a poor side. A good night for England’s Arsenal boys though and, crucially, no injuries.