Arsenal Win 3-1 at the Cottage

After the disappointment at the Emirates last weekend, it was imperative for  the Gunners to get back on track quickly. And they have down just that with six goals scored, one conceded and two wins in a four day stretch. The North London side got started early with a 14^th minute serendipitous opening from Olivier Giroud, after an errant shot found him open in front of goal. He beat the keeper to the ball and slotted it past, earning his third goal in as many games. After some missed opportunities and a number of quality saves from Szczesny, Podolski made it 2-0 in the 41^st minute, following up a nice save by placing the ball between a number of Fulham players and past Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale. Arsenal played on the counter in the second half and wrapped up the game with a second from Podolski in the 68^th before Darren Bent added a meaningless goal in the 77^th, to score in his Cottager debut.

It was a strong performance from the Gunners throughout, but shouldn’t comb over the fact that this team still needs reinforcements. Cazorla did look back at his near best, with a number of penetrating passes, often to Walcott charging in on the right wing. Ramsey had another great game, earning man of the match honors, Sagna deputized well in the middle, having to cover for the still shaky Jenkinson – who has not been the same player since losing his starting birth upon Sagna’s return last season and Podolski had a great game with the two goals, leaving one to wonder why there are rumours of his imminent departure on loan. It appears it must just be rumours though, as we are already far too thin in every area of the pitch except midfield. And Olivier Giroud appears to be coming into his own, as predicted, not only scoring the first goal but holding up and distributing the ball with confidence. However, as with the game last week, it appears far too easy to penetrate through our midfield and defense and get shots on goal (Fulham had 16 with 7 on target). Yes we are suffering through the injuries of Vermaelen and the one-game suspension of Kos, but it is absurd to only have three CBs at a club like Arsenal. The other issue, it appears, is that Ramsey, Cazorla and Rosicky are great going forward but rather suspect coming back. Ramsey is a hard-nosed defender but without Arteta by his side, we are just too open from 40 yards in. This leaves one again wondering if we will ever get the defensive midfielder (or holding if you like) we clearly have missed since Alex Song departed.

Looking forward, Arsenal have the second leg of the UCL qualifying tie on Tuesday and then a number of winnable games between the all-important North London Derby next weekend and Liverpool match on November 1. To win those games, we clearly need reinforcements beyond the CB and Defensive Mid I suggested above. As to a fourth Central Mid, I suggest one who could play right back in a pinch. Alternatively, we could groom Sagna for as a backup CB and bring in a right back (sending Jenkinson out on loan), though that seems unlikely. We could also use a backup goalkeeper, or someone to take over if Sz goes on a cold run (he was impressive to me today). And we need that marques signing, preferably a striker or high quality winger. Benzema would be welcome, though one wonders where that leaves the surging Giroud, or maybe a final bid for Suarez (though I guess I’m kicking a dead horse there). Cabaye would also be a good signing, and one hopes we up the bid and complete that good business. Until Tuesday … COYG!