Yossi to the Rescue

Following the Man City game, a win was needed to keep the momentum going into Xmas. Villa away was always going to be a tricky game for us and so it proved, but we took the 3 points with another hard fought and gutsy performance which is now starting to be the trademark of this team. After the game Wenger said ‘We got a very late three points that are vital for us. We were a bit unlucky on Sunday [against Manchester City] and today maybe a bit lucky. You could see that some legs were jaded from Sunday and some minds as well in the speed of the decision-making. But we kept going and there is an exceptional attitude and spirit in the side.’  In terms of effort and commitment on the pitch it has been a while since I have seen an Arsenal team work this hard and that is refreshing to see. What we need now is some additional talent in the squad which will hopefully come in January.

We started the game with Coquelin playing at right back and Frimpong as the holding midfielder. With the changes to our line up and the effects of Sundays game still being felt we did not really look ourselves. Villa offered as little as we did and any attacking threats from them were largely dealt with comfortably by Sczeznsy and co. The opening goal came from a great turn by Walcott in the box who then had his shirt pulled by Ciaran Clark and although Walcott stayed on his feet he did appeal and the referee pointed at the spot. RVP stepped up to take the spot kick and any doubt about execution after the penalty at Old Trafford earlier in the season was extinguished as he smashed this one into the roof of the net. 1 – nil to the Arsenal.

Villa responded well to going down and ended the first half and started the second with more energy and drive than we did. This paid off in the 54^th minute as a long punt by Guzan led to a defensive error by Vermaelen and Mertesacker which let Albrighton in on goal and a good finish made it 1 all. In my opinion the goal resulted from defenders playing out position with Vermaelen at left back. However at this point in time we have no other choice. At this point we were finding it hard to get a foothold in the game and changes were made. Rosicky came on for Frimpong and our ball retention improved resulting in a number or corners being won. Just as we were forcing corners through our possession we bring on two of the shortest players in our squad Benayoun and Arshavin for Gervinho and Ramsey. Why you may ask?...Because Arsene Knows! In the 87^th minute RVP swings in a corner and Benayoun unmarked in the box beat Guzan to make it 1-2 to the Arsenal and ensured that we went home with the 3 points. It has to be said that our bench doesn’t look great but Benayoun always seems to make some sort of impact when he comes on and has surely done enough to be ahead of Arshavin in the pecking order.

At the end of the day it wasn’t a pretty footballing display by us but we got the three points. In a week where Liverpool drew and Sp*rs and Chelsea play each other it was vital that we took the points and kept the pressure up. We have done that and I for one am starting to like this new found steel in our team. Come on you Gooners!