Player of the Season (though it is still only October, mind...)
If you bothered to read the tweets from fans on Arsenal.com following this game, you’d be forgiven for assuming that we demonstrated some kind of masterclass at the City of Manc on Sunday afternoon. In reality it wasn’t that kind of a game until the Song got on the end of a loose ball and buried it past Joe Hart to put us 2- nil up. Until that point (and the departure of Tevez) City played with a lot of guts. Silva, in particular, was proving dangerous, and I never felt confident with only a one goal lead.
In truth this result is neither the herald of a new era, or a false dawn. It was an important win, and the team are showing signs that they have matured a bit. Fabianski looked focussed and solid in goal, and I daresay the reflex save in the second minute off Silva had a lot to do with his overall performance. Cesc was Cesc. Andrei got an assist but continues to worry me – at times he seems to lose concentration, to take things for granted. The defence were ok; they didn’t have too much to do and Djourou did not deserve a yellow card.
Nasri, for me, has been our best player so far this season; his movement, decision-making and work-rate were excellent again on Sunday. Jack got player of the month but I think it should gone to Sami, personally. Jack is not yet an automatic choice for the starting 11, but Nasri is.I worry about Denilson, because I don’t rate him very highly. He gives possession away whenever he passes forwards, which for a team playing an attacking style like ours is rather worrying. Song was terrific last season, but seems to want get forward more often this year – personally, I wish he wouldn’t.
The ref – Mr. Clattenburg: he had a good game, though he probably handed out a couple of yellows too many.
Three valuable points, second place on goal difference and a clean sheet – job done.
Final word goes to Roberto Mancini, who, predictably enough, didn’t think his defender should have been sent off, and asserted that if it had remained 11 against 11 his side would have won. Bollocks, mate.
