Review Of Arsenal’s Victory Over Fenerbache

Arsenal strolled to a 5-0 aggregate win over Fenerbache with a 2-0 win in the second leg last night. Here, Arsenal fan Gunner333 reviews the game.

Arsenal welcomed Fenerbache to the Emirates on Tuesday night holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Turkey. A strong line up including the likes of Walcott, Wilshere and Cazorla signalled Wenger wasn’t taking any risks and was looking to finish the job off.

The away side started the brighter in the opening stages, Szczesny parrying away Meireles’ looped shot at goal. But it was the Gunners who made the breakthrough when some poor defending from the Turks allowed Ramsey to hit home a loose ball in the box.

As the game progressed we looked in control but suffered a scare when Szczesny was called on again to keep out Emenike. Half time and Wenger’s side lead 1-0.

Despite the positive atmosphere, concern arose when Podolski was stretched off early in the second half – Arsenal’s injury worries continue. Thirty minutes into the second half and the home side made it 2-0, the Welshnan Ramsey confidentially finishing off Gibbs’ low cross.

A dominant final ten minutes did not provide another goal but Arsenal progress into the Champions League group phase for the sixteenth time under Wenger, 5-0 winners on aggregate.

Review

That victory over the Turks is our third in four games this season and the positives are really starting to blossom for us now. Although two of the victories have come against a poor Fenerbache side, we have still exhibited a good level of consistency and discipline. Only one goal conceded in 270 minutes of football is also a very positive sign.

However, the real test for us this season is winning against the big sides domestically and in Europe. I still believe some new recruits are require for this to happen frequently.

Man Of The Match: Aaron Ramsey

An obvious choice mainly down to the fact he got both goals. As well as this he also showed a growing confidence which allowed him to be a key man in the game. He played like Jack at times with his driving runs and excellent use of the ball.

3 Positives

– We performed much better in the air and seemed able to deal with set pieces.

– The likes of Sagna, Mertesacker, Ramsey and Cazorla are putting in consistent performances, week-in week-out, and the balance of the team looks good right now.

– Szczesny is looking very good between the sticks and came to our rescue on a couple of occasions against Fenerbache. The Pole is proving there is no need for a new Keeper to push him as he looked plenty motivated.

3 Areas to Work on

– Walcott still looks unable to use his pace effectively and needs to be able to play across the whole front line in order to get more chances. More runs in from the right to support Giroud are required.

– A world class front man is still needed and despite what some may say about Giroud we cannot rely on him as a first choice striker as he is lacks that bit extra which can win you matches from no-where.

– A plan B is needed to make the most of certain players. Grioud’s hold-up play can be useful, but unless we get men to support him quickly, attacks will continue to break down.

Overall a very well earned result and despite a potentially difficult group draw [which could involve the combination of  A.Madrid, Juventus and Leverkusen] it is great to see us back where we belong in the Champions League.

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment below.