Arsenal Wins Ugly

For most of the away game today against Aston Villa, Arsenal looked lethargic, unmotivated and really, really average. But a penalty in the 16th minute and a late goal by Benayoun off the bench sealed another gritty victory for a team that has won very few gritty victories in the past three campaigns that preceded this one. It was not a pretty game, though Arsenal appeared to wake up around the 73rd minute and start to play better. Before that, there was a lot of Aston Villa possession, mistakes, errant passes, half-ass efforts and an ugly goal given up to Albrighton after a poor pass by Vermaelen and a really weak challenge by Mertesacker, who seems to have a mistake a game in him (though this was the first costly one in a while). But the three points are huge and keep us up toward the top putting pressure on those above us, crucial as Chelsea and Tottenham face off tomorrow. We are going through a stretch now where we cannot afford to drop any points and this late win might bode well for us in our quest for what used to be a given: a top four spot. A report card:

Van Persie: scored the penalty that Walcott forced, but was not terribly active as for the second game in a row he was not given great service from the wingers or forward midfielders. 

Walcott: drew the penalty in the 16th minute and was occasionally a nuisance, but continued a slight drop in form I have noticed the past couple of games. He really should have put this one away in the 23rd minute or so (can't remember exactly), but like he too often does, instead of going around or across the goaltender, he tried to lift over. If I know this move, I'm sure the goalees do as well.

Gervinho: had a decent chance to score as well, but didn't convert and seemed to be playing in slow motion for long stretches. Did have some nice passes, but seems to be in the midst of a minor funk.

Ramsey: the worst I have ever seen him play. He missed pass after pass, slowed down the forward movement quite often, dribbled around aimlessly at times and gave the ball away about half the times he had it.

Arteta: finished strong, but not his greatest game. None of the penetrating passes we've seen lately, though he was more solid than those around him, and thus probably should just be graded as average today.

Coquelin: I thought he had a great game, after some early shakiness. His service forward with some lovely chips were among the best all day. He was relatively strong on defense and generally played a solid game. 

Frimpong: not his best effort. His passing was suspect, he gave the ball up often and was dribbled around on several occasions. He is young and will improve, but needs to stay positive, as he seemed to be getting down on himself.

Vermaelen: strong as usual, but the terrible lateral pass to Mertesacker cost us the equalizer and almost two points. But as our best defender, and arguably one of the best in the world at present, I can't complain too much.

Mertesacker: a step backwards today, particularly on the goal when he seemed more worried about getting a red (he already had a yellow) than stopping a goal, but generally solid.

Koscielny: a decent game, but moving forward he needs to work on his passing.

Sczcezny: a nice save early on and solid throughout. Not much he could have done on the goal.

Subs: Benayoun seems to get better every time I see him and was a really good loan pickup for us. I like him off the bench and starting in cup ties. Rosicky put in a solid effort and it's too bad there is no real place for him on the squad any longer -- I've always been a fan. And I really hope the rumors are true and we say adieu to the little Russian, because he just doesn't seem to give a flying f*** anymore on the pitch. 

So another important three points, particularly as I just read that Liverpool tied 0-0 with Wigan (seriously? they cannot seem to put the ball in the net, particularly without Suarez (who could miss 7 more matches if the suspension is upheld)) and Chelsea and/or Tottenham will drop points in their match tomorrow. What a finish! Go Gunners!