Line-Up
Fabianski
Sagna koscielny Squillaci Gibbs (Sub: Eboue)
Song Denilson
Nasri Van Persie Arshavin (Sub: Walcott)
Chamakh (Sub: Bendtner)
Post Match Thoughts
Job done. Pehaps it wasn't our greatest performance and we made hard work of it against a lacklustre Partizan side but nevertheless we advance to the next round. Saying it wasn't our greatest performance is actually quite an understatement in reality. I cannot seem to remember a single shot we had on target in the first half with the exception of the penalty, but this game was all about getting the job done.
It was good see Van Persie on the scoresheet again, albeit only a penalty. You saw through his celebration how much that goal meant to him following a frustrating spell on the sidelines. I am not overly convinced though he can fulfill the role behind the main striker and therefore he will face a difficult challenege in dislodging Chamakh as the main striker. But healthy competition up front is something we have lacked, especially last season so it can only help the teams cause.
In the second half, (as the paragraph above sums up the events of the first half) it was much of the same. Frustration, little attacking creativity and no shots on target apart from a dangerous Van Persie Free kick. Enter Theo Walcott. Whenever Walcott is bought on, it does raise the atmosphere and spirit within the stadium. It also brings a sense of urgency amongst the players and suddenly we looked liked a team who actually wanted to win the game, with Walcott making some bursting runs forward. His effort was rewarded with a beautifal Henry-esq volley passed the keeper. His finishing has certainly improved this year, he just needs to work on that final ball!
The game was wrapped up with some fine Nasri footwork in a crowded area and good finish passed the helpless keeper, which is quickly becoming a 'typical Nasri goal'. Nasri is in great form at the moment and long may it continue.
See the ratings below based on my opinion. Feel free to disagree......
Player Ratings
Fabianksi - 6 - Had very little to do and was helpless with the goal that took a massive deflection
Sagna - 5 - Did not offer a great deal going forward. Clumsy challenege to get sent off.
Koscielny - 6.5 - Played well. Made some important challenges.
Squillaci - 6 - Unlucky with the goal, but his positioning prior to the sagna sending off was a bit suspect.
Gibbs - 5 - Had little time to make an impact before being subsituted.
Song - 6.5 - Made some important interceptions and tackles. Rather he concentrated on defending rather than joining the attacks though.
Denilson 5.5 - Lost the ball in some dangerous areas.
Nasri 7.5 - The spark of the team yet again. Worked hard and scored yet another goal. Would have preferred him in centre midfield in Cesc's absence to have more of an influence.
Van Persie 6.5 - Restricted in his new position. But always looks like he could do something. Neat touches, good penalty and unlucky not to score a free-kick.
Chamack 6 - Worked hard, but just wasn't his day.
Arshavin - 5 - Had a poor game. Lost count of how many misplaced passes he made and how many times he was tackled.
Subs:
Walcott - 7 - Livened up the game and scored the all-important goal.
Eboue - 6.5 - Made some good runs going forward
Bendtner - 5 - Little time to make an impact
