Arsenal Attack Best From The Wings Opponents know that the best way to stop Arsenal's formidable attacking machine is to prevent the Gun...
Arsenal Attack Best From The Wings
Opponents know that the best way to stop Arsenal's formidable attacking machine is to prevent the Gunners from creating chances through the middle of the pitch. Without such freedom, it is much more difficult for Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Co. to operate.
Therefore, Arsenal's wingers and fullbacks are required to push forward and support the forwards and midfielders by providing crosses and a valve to release pressure.
The success of Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski was crucial to breaking down a stubborn West Ham defense. Walcott sliced inside to score Arsenal's first and did the same to head in an excellent Podolski cross. And Podolski popped up again to slice home an emphatic third goal.
Both of their absences have been acutely felt this season, and their presence in the same team should loosen up Arsenal's recently tepid attack.
The Annoying and Painful "What Ifs?"
Football is full of those Sliding Doors moments, those instances where a slight change here or a decision there would change the course of the history of a match and perhaps even a season.
Raheem Sterling was the centre of both of the most glaring moments here, first being incorrectly flagged offside following a Luis Suarez pass in the first half, and then blazing over from Suarez's cross in the second when it looked easier to score.
They were the moments which indicated that this wasn't going to be Liverpool's day, but the Reds now can't let them affect their season and their push to become reacquainted with the top positions in the table come the campaign's end.
The team―and most importantly the seemingly confidence-dependent Sterling―can't afford to dwell on the "what ifs?"
City Learn How To Win Ugly
Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal had all been blown away at the Etihad earlier in the season, conceding a combined 16 goals that didn't even make up half of the 35 that Manchester City had scored in their eight home league games before today.
But―the glee of the Manchester derby aside―arguably this win has to give Manuel Pellegrini's side the most pleasure.
They were tested and stretched almost to breaking point by this rapidly evolving Liverpool team, one that might have only vague title ambitions but one that certainly looks as though they will be serious contenders for a top four finish, something that was proven even in defeat here.
City dug out this win, and it might well end up being their most important of the season.
Cazorla Was The Conductor In The Middle
He can no doubt be effective on the wing, but can flex his creative talent and shoot more when he slots into midfield. Only Aaron Ramsey's injury and Lukas Podolski's subsequent introduction allowed him to do so.
And while Podolski certainly had a massive impact on the match by himself, perhaps his greatest contribution was allowing Cazorla to spray the ball across the pitch and pull the strings of Arsenal's attack. Mesut Ozil found that task impossible.
If Cazorla can maintain this form, Arsenal will become a much more threatening side. His form has been mediocre all season, but he certainly redeemed himself today.
Goalkeeping Errors
Sunderland's chances of Premier League survival were given a boost on Boxing Day when they pulled off a surprise victory at Goodison Park for their first win on the road since April.
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| Howard was sent off after bringing down Sunderland's Ki |
The only goal of the game came from a 25th-minute Ki Sung-Yeung penalty, which was awarded when Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard brought the South Korean down and earned a red card.
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| Negredo's lob shot was poorly handled by Mignolet..... |
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| And he looked totally helpless afterwards... |
The biggest howler of the evening was by Simeon Mignolet who completely misjudged Negredo’s fierce left footed shot, one he wouldn’t want to see again. Maybe they had too much during Christmas… Maybe… just maybe
Finally... Injury Concerns
Aaron Ramsey, the Wales captain, who turned 23 on Boxing Day, has netted 10 goals in all competitions for the Gunners this term - but left the Upton Park pitch in the 65th minute in apparent discomfort.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said afterwards: "It looks like a thigh strain. For me, I don't know how serious the thigh strain is but the Christmas period is certainly over for him. It was his birthday today. Sad one for the birthday boy.
Also at KC stadium, United’s Brazilian right back Raphael limped in what seems to be a hamstring injury. Big blow for Moyes and Wenger heading into this hectic festive period…
