Van Persie Scores ... Arsenal Wins (Top 4 Anew)

Not the most convincing of performances, but another win to close out 2011, 1-0 over QPR. For the second game in a row, Arsenal had chance after chance but didn't convert until Van Persie, of course, finished with a lovely goal around the 60th minutes to surpass Henry at the top of the Arsenal list; though he unfortunately fell short of Shearer's record by one (not for lack of chances, as he let three others go wanting). Overall, we largely controlled the game, but the quality of play in the final third was quite average for large parts of the game. Scorecard:

Van Persie: played a nice game, but had two clear opportunities he failed to convert, just missed on an early header and had a chance toward the end, that he couldn't quite get on his left foot. But would have been a 0-0 tie but for him so an A is due.

Walcott: I had gotten off of Theo of late as his form improved, but I'm still unimpressed with his ability to finish. Rather than write books and talk about why he should be playing in the center, he should be working on figuring out how to score in front of net. He had two very good opportunities: the first just needed a decent touch right in front and he instead scuffed it. The second was one on one with the goalee, and he again showed his lack of class. C

Arshavin: received one of his few starts this year and played decently. He has a nice assist on the Van Persie goal and didn't play as badly as he has recently, though I still think he should go. B

Ramsey: another relatively terrible game from him. He gives the ball away far too much, tries to be cute rather than precise too often and hasn't put the ball in the net in quite some time (though he did have two decent efforts). I really think there needs to be more competition for that spot, as he isn't doing the job at present; even with all of his talent. C+

Arteta: a good game for him, though he had a nice chance to score that went wanting. But decent service and control of the middle. A solid presence that kept us pushing forward all game. B+

Song: not one of his best efforts and with M'Villa potentially available, I think he showed why we should spend the money to get him. Song is solid on the defensive end but the number of errant passes he compiles on a weekly basis is way too high, particularly for a possession side like Arsenal. I really think we should start looking for a replacement that can get the ball out to the wings and through to Van Persie with more consistency. I know a lot of people will disagree, but he is just too careless with the ball. C

Djourou: solid on the right and decent coming forward. Not much danger emerged down that side of the pitch. B+

Koscielny: solid in the middle, demonstrating the form that has moved him up the ranks of the centre backs in the EPL at present. Should have had a yellow, but somehow it was given to Vermaelen instead. B+

Mertesacker: beat in front of goal early, but luckily didn't cost Arsenal. Otherwise solid throughout, with some very good interceptions. B+

Vermaelen: An odd ghost yellow that wasn't corrected at halftime from one of the worst refs in the league, in my estimation, but otherwise solid until he came off early limping. B

Subs:

Gervinho: is in a similar boat to Walcott, in that he appears to need to work on his finishing touch. He did have a goal last week, but could have easily had a hat trick after subbing in. He scuffed a lovely cross from Van Persie right in front of the net and missed two other opportunities. I still like him, but he could easily have 10 or 12 goals this year. C+

Coquelin: while he clearly needs to work on his defensive positioning, he was playing out of position again (as left back this time) after coming in for Vermaelen early in the second half. He showed his skills on several occasions, is very cool on the ball and passes the ball well. I would like to see him get more time on the pitch (though not necessarily as a full-back where his positioning is a potential problem). B+

Rosicky: played solid without anything terribly exciting though it looked like he might have had a shot on target blocked at the last second by a defender. Could be the last time we see him in red and white. B

So we finish with a subpar win and jump back above Liverpool and keep the pressure on Chelsea (I'm watching their game on tape delay now). Liverpool looked much better with Gerrard back and might start putting the ball in the net with more frequency, meaning we have to keep on winning. The real test for us comes in our home games against the other top teams who, with the exception of Chelsea, have all beaten us this year (unless you count Newcastle you we drew 0-0). I think we have a good chance at the top four if we don't drop points against the middling squads. So far this year, we dropped three points to the worst team in the league at the midpoint, only snagged one from 17th place Wolves, one from Fulham and only taken four points from the other teams in the top seven. So we need to keep our focus against some of the lesser talent in the league and do better at home against the best. In any case, happy new year!

P.S. Blackburn has done it again, beating Man United 3-2. Wow! In one of the odder situations in the EPL, Steve Kean has gotten 3 points against both Arsenal and Man United and 1 against Liverpool. Did he save his job? Hard to say, but it does ask a few questions of United, who have been on a wonderful run of form. The first question is how good their defense is without Vidic (who is out until next season) and the other is whether De Gea is good enough to play in the EPL at this point; or the second Scottish division for that matter. In any case, a good day for the Gunners just got a little better. Chelsea lost to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge and Tottenham could only muster a point against Swansea meaning we are back in the top four having played as many games as everyone except Tottenham. Chelsea looks lost at the moment, particularly David Luiz who just doesn't seem good enough to be playing at this level, and appears to be making John Terry worse whenever they play side by side. Of course, it appears Cahill will join next week and that could shore up the side, but on offense they do not look fluid. AVB needs to get hold of the team. After our start, it's unbelievable that we are back in the top four as the year closes. Go gunners!