Post Match Review: Arsenal 3-1 WestHam

ARSENAL: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Rosicky, Arteta, Podolski, Cazorla, Kallstrom, Giroud
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Bellerin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Sanogo, Akpom

WESTHAM UTD: Adrián, Reid, Tomkins, Armero, Demel, Jarvis, Noble, Diame, Downing, Nocerino, Carroll
SUBSTITUTES: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Johnson, Taylor, Cole, Vaz Te, Cole

After playing 120mins in the FA Cup win over Wigan on Saturday, it was going take a lot to get past a team coached by Sam Allardyce; 3goals and 3 points later we overtook Everton into fourth place at least till they play Crystal Palace tonight.

Extra time in the FA Cup took a toll and Arsene Wenger was forced to make five changes from the team that won on Saturday. Kim Kallstrom got his first start and despite a few wayward passes, looked good in midfield shielding the back four when needed. Vermaelen started at left back due to injuries to both Monreal and Gibbs and played solidly with Rosicky adding pace and directness in midfield.

Arsenal haven’t been particularly good at comeback victories this season having gone behind 11 times in Premier League play but only notching one win and four draws in those matches. Arsenal’s only win from a losing position this season came against, yes wait for it, West Ham on Boxing Day. In that match, Podolski came on in the 65th minute and scored the third goal. Did I hear Déjà vu?

Operation “Save Our Season” kicked in after the Hammers goal and Arsenal seemed to find another gear, linking passes effortlessly and keeping the ball deep in the Hammers area. After Stewart Downings failed clearance fell to Cazorla the Spaniard played a splitting ball to Podolski who simply took a touch, turned and fired in to the far corner. A much needed goal at an important time in the game.

Arsenal came out in the second and took the game to West Ham. A series of corners tested the Hammers’ set play defense with Cazorla playing in dangerous crosses that were only just dealt with. When West Ham did finally clear their lines the ball went to Vermaelen who was playing as last defender for Arsenal. The Arsenal captain played in a huge long ball to Giroud and the Frenchman, despite Andy Carroll shoving him in the back, plucked the ball out of the air and powered a shot between Adrián’s legs.

Arsene made his customary 70th minute sub in the 72nd minute and put Aaron Ramsey in for Tomas Rosicky. Now I must confess, if Rosicky brought directness to the midfield then Ramsey’s rottweiling drive gave us more impetus upfield, it took three minutes to show what he’s all about and after a few well worked passes got himself into space 20 yards out and had a crack at goal. Two minutes later he was in the same position when a Giroud cross was played behind him but the Welsh wizard stepped back and headed the ball softly to Podolski. The end result was never in doubt as the German simply smashed the ball over the keeper and into the roof of the net.

For all the stick that a player like Olivier Giroud gets, I think last night was one of his finer moments and why Arsene Wenger fails to utilize a player of Podolski’s class more is beyond me. I know he fizzles out defensively atimes , especially when he combines with Monreal on the left flank but  playing for der mannschaft at all levels and scoring 46 goals in more than 100 games has to count for something.

Let us wait and watch what happens to Martinez’s Everton team tonight but as much as I hate to say this, I believe our Champions League exploits for next season lie with the two Manchester clubs.

So COYG!!!