So, our unbeaten start to the season game to an end against Chelsea at the weekend, meaning that our Champion's League tie against Olympiakos was not only a chance to take a significant hold on the group but also to restore our momentum.
The first half was less than impressive. We had a few bright moments but for the most part seemed to make hard work out of almost everything. Poor Alex Oxlade Chamberlain had a shocker, nothing seemed to go right for him. As for Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen, they didn't seem to be aware of where the other was and what they were doing. However, we managed to pull it together enough to put Gervinho through to fire home with a lovely finish towards the end of the half. But it didn't last long as the defence switched off again to allow Olympiakos to head an equaliser. So plenty of work to do in the second half. But in fairness, the boys really did step up for the second half. Not just lovely goals from Lukas Podolski and Aaron Ramsey but a brilliant cameo from Olivier Giroud. Also Carl Jenkinson was very impressive; he's improved loads defensively and his pace is fantastic. What was particularly good about this performance was how they dug in and fought for the win, they weren't always brillaint and they had some sketchy moments but they kept concentration and made sure they shut the door on any comebacks with a third goal. I cannot stress how important that last thing is. Even though the match was into stoppage time, they still pressed for a goal to put it out of sight. So while the occasional old Arsenal mistake remains (switching off, not marking tightly enough) they are making steps in the right direction.
No comments:
Post a Comment