Arsenal saw off the threat off Newcastle on Monday night courtesy of a 95th minute winner from Thomas Vermaelen. The Gunners are now the first team in Premiership history to win 4 games in a row after initially being behind in each one. The fact these wins came away to Sunderland and Liverpool and at the Emirates to Tottenham and Newcastle make the feat all the more impressive. The fact that we were 2-0 down to Tottenham until the 35th minute and scored with the last kick of the game against Sunderland and Newcastle make it ridiculous. A true testament to the spirit Wenger has created within the camp and, how much of a kick up the backside the Milan thrashing was.
The latest victory was rather different from earlier ones, Arsenal should have been in the lead before the 95th minute, with Krul on top form, making 5 fine saves. Arsenal also fired 8 of their 16 shots off target, Chamberlain and Van Persie firing half of these wide between themselves. It took Vermaelen, however, to hit his 3rd shot of the night and the old cliché rang true. It was interesting how often he marauded forward whilst Song took more of a backseat in this game, possibly part of the game-plan but possibly because of fatigue. Song had a quiet game, winning only 1 tackle, 2 ground duels, 1 aerial duel and making 1 clearance. To contrast, Tomas Rosicky, who hassled brilliantly all game, made 4 tackles whilst winning 9 ground duels.
Little Mozart’s resurgence has come at a great time and he was rewarded with a new contract hours before the game. His performance on Monday night continued his recent trend and it was great to watch.
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What is interesting to note is that despite playing in an advanced position, 46% of Rosicky’s passes were forward, more than any other Arsenal player. Ramsey tends to spread his passing to the flanks, particularly the right, but Rosicky is more of a direct option, preferring a one-two to get past defences as opposed to spreading the play.
More on Page 2: Theo Walcott and Vermaelen stats…
