Arsenal 2-0 Napoli: 4 Things We Learned, The Hero & The Boo-Boy

Arsenal beat Napoli 2-0 at the Emirates on Tuesday night to move three points clear at the top of Group F. Here, Gunner333 gives us 4 things we learned from the game.

With our impressive run of form being stretched to nine victories in a row against Swansea on Saturday, Arsenal were looking to keep up the momentum against Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

An electric start from the Gunners allowed Aaron Ramsey to once again be at the hub of Arsenal’s play as he set up Mesut Ozil who opened his account with a sublime finish from the edge of the box.

Napoli seemed stunted and were struggling to make an early mark on the game and Arsenal soon grabbed a second. Ozil capitalising on a defensive error to set up Giroud from close range. Just fifteen minutes on the clock and Arsenal were looking sensational. No more goals in the remainder of the first half but plenty of red domination.

There was a continuation of Arsenal’s quick movement in the second period and very early on Koscielny had the chance to make it three but struggled to make contact with the ball after some good work from Ozil. Arsenal were hypnotising with their awesome passing football and looked in full control.

Despite this quality football being exhibited, the score remained 2-0 until full time. Six points out of six for the Gunners and the knockout stage seems just around the corner. Here are 4 things taken from the game:

1. Emphatic Link-Up Play

Both Ozil and Ramsey were excellent in midfield and were holding the ball up as well as showing off their array of passing abilities. Their partnership is blossoming and so too are our performances. They were both involved in either one of the goals and linked up beautifully with Giroud. Once Wilshere, Rosicky and Cazorla are fully fit and added to the mix, it’s going to be a joy to watch.

2. High Tempo

Napoli were caught ‘napping’ at times [pardon the pun] and we took full advantage. Both goals were preventable due to some lapse defending but our quick feet and sharp footballing brains would have undone the greatest of defences.

We set the tone from kick off and set about hunting down every ball and the visitors couldn’t cope with our high tempo. If we could recreate this week in, week-out we’ll be in for an excellent season.

3. Giroud Superb

His goal may be a big part down to Ozil’s great play, but all night Giroud looked much sharper than he has done in recent weeks. His hold-up play was excellent and he’s always a threat in front of goal. With injuries to Walcott and Podolski, he is our only available striker along with Bendtner and needs to continue this form to allow our great play to include that vital end product.

4. What Group of Death?

With back-to-back wins in this competition we are making a very tricky group on paper look like a piece of cake. A win and a draw will almost certainly give us a path to the last 16. Our impressive win over Napoli has seen our odds slashed to win the Champions League. Bring on Dortmund!

Hero – Mesut Ozil

Clearly the greatest player on the pitch as everything he touched turned to gold, particularly in the first half. He single-handedly [with a bit of help from Aaron] won the game after just fifteen minutes. Finishing ridiculously well to open the scoring, he was the star of the show through exhibiting strength, flair, vision and skill.

Boo-Boy- Matthieu Flamini

Once again it was very difficult to find a ‘boo-boy’ from this performance but Flamini has drawn the short straw as I feel he struggled to make a real impact. He did the simple stuff in midfield well but with Arteta next to him, it looked like he was a little lost at times. He was by no means poor, but with those around him excelling, I think he was left behind a little.

Talking Point: Is Ozil the greatest technical player to ever grace the Emirates?

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