Big Win for Arsenal

Arsenal won 2-0 in their home match against Champions League minnows Montpellier and are now through to the knock-out stage. It was a comprehensive victory with goals from Wilshire and Podolski and a welcome clean sheet for Sczcesny in his return. While not the most convincing performance I have seen from the Gunners, they looked good controlling the game at times, looking dangerous going forward and, for the first time in weeks, playing well in their own final third with a number of interceptions and a strong performance from Kos. The game was still in the balance after a nil-nil halftime but one felt Arsenal were on the cusp of a goal. It came early in the second half, when Vermaelen sent in a nice cross (after the charge started with Podolski) headed by Giroud to Wilshire who finished cooly over the French keeper. It was his first goal since coming back and a nice finish after an up and down game where he gave the ball away several times with sloppy passes. The second came 11 minutes later (62) when Ox intercepted a Montepellier pass and sent it forward to Podolski, who passed to Giroud. Giroud then sent the ball in the air back to Pod who finished with a beautiful and powerful volley past the goalie. From here the team held firm, with a little sloppy play plopped in at times and took the necessary three points. Schalke scored late against Olympiakos and we are now through in second with a chance to top the group if Schalke slips up against Montepellier (who have nothing to play for). To player grades:

Sczcesny (8): a nice return for our number one who came out strongly, distributed well and never seemed really challenged. Not much pressure, but he was well-positioned throughout and smart with the ball, moving it to the wings quickly.

Sagna (6.5): a nice game from Sagna, with a couple of important defensive plays and a couple nice crosses. Nothing too special, but solid throughout. 

Mertesacker (7): another strong game from the German, who even dribbled past a few defenders and into the box early. Only had one bad pass the entire match and was strong in the back, though Kos did more of the key work whenever a threat did emerge.

Kosielny (8): a strong game for the defender, who had a number of key interceptions and blocks. He also almost scored in the 10th minute off a cross from Podolski, with his strong header hitting the top bar. 

Vermaelen (7): a decent game from our captain, after some shaky performances. He was strong down the left wing when necessary and got forward with some intent on several occasions.

Arteta (7): after a poor performance against Fulham that cost us two points, he returned to form here with a number of defensive interceptions and nice control of the middle. Sent forward a dangerous free kick that could easily have been finished as well.

Wilshire (7.5): a mixed bag performance from Jack as he gave up possession often in the game, but had a number of nice runs forward and scored his first goal for Arsenal since his return from 18 months out. I see a little of Ramsey in him, sometimes too slow getting ball forward or being a little too clever but hope this is the beginning of more goals coming out of the midfield. 
 
Cazorla (7): another impressive performance from the diminuitive Spaniard who played a role in most of our dangerous offensive play. A few bad passes peppered in, but set up Podolski for a nice opportunity, held ball well and continued his impressive form after a few average performances.

 
Ox (6): a few good runs and a key interception that led to the second goal, as well as two forced corners with nice work down the right wing, but not his best performance in red. He's just coming back from an injury though, so should be coming back into form. Also had a shot early, but right at the keeper.    

Podolski (7): a lot of errant passes for the German, but scored a lovely goal and was dangerous from the left all game. Contributed on defense a few times as well.

Giroud (7): assisted on both goals and had a couple of chances himself, which he didn't take. Held ball up well at times and gave it away at others. He is certainly coming good for the squad though and maybe deserved a goal, though he missed his last chance before being pulled by kicking right at the goalie after a nice first touch.

Subs

Ramsey: a nice 20 minutes from the Scot, who had some clever passing, created a chance and came back nicely on defense. Hopefully, this will give him a little confidence going forward. 

Gervinho: came in for the last 9 minutes of the game (for Giroud) and barely got a touch on the ball. Good to see him back on the pitch though after his strong start to the campaign.

Coquelin: only 9 minutes for the midfielder as well, and was fine.

Arsenal are now through to the knock-out stage yet again, though they may be in the pool to play the best of Europe. We'll have to see how the last games play out. It was an important performance and may help us with tough matches away at Aston Villa and Everton in the league. Chelsea and City are both out of the competition (baring a miracle in the former case) and so is Di Matteo in one of the more bizarre firings this year. Sure his side lost the Community Shield and Super Copa and are now in real danger of being the first European Champion ever to go out in the knock-out stage the next year. But they sit third in the league and he led them to their first European Cup and an FA Cup as well six short months ago.  Raphael Benitez will take over for the rest of the season, before the probable hire of Guardiola as the next great coach Ambrovitz has signed. Man City manager Mancini also appears in a little trouble even as his side sits top of the league and he has already brought an EPL title, FA cup and Community Shield to a side that had won nothing since 1968. Yet Wenger seems to be sitting pretty even though we approach eight years without a trophy. I'm not saying he should go, but a finish outside the top four and no trophies (I hope this doesn't happen) should finally raise some serious questions. Until Saturday ...