A very good performance from the boys tonight, Wilshere and Coquelin especially, a full report can be read over at Young-Guns, here’s my summary of how the lads did..
Szczesny (7) did okay, made a couple of very good punches, nothing he could do on the 2nd goal but perhaps his positioning for the first was a little suspect, unless it took a deflection? Ayling (7) was very good at right back, not sure that’s his preferred position but he looked competent going forward and defended well when asked questions by Stoke. Bartley (7) did what was needed, was rarely tested and he was pretty calm when in possession of the ball. Good to see Silvestre (7) make his debut aswell, he was perhaps the influence to a mature performance from Bartley beside him, he swept up well and dealt with the difficult situations admirably. Gibbs (7) is really impressing me recently, I remember explaining to someone before how I didn’t see anything that special in him but I really think the loan spell at Norwich was very good for him, he’s matured a lot and has endless speed it seems, defending or attacking, he did well tonight.
Bischoff (7) did well considering it was his first game for about 8 or 9 months, his passing was good and he was always looking forward, looked tired when he came off but it was a good shift and I look forward to seeing what else he can bring as the weeks go on. Randall (7) was quiet but very efficient, not looking for the usual Hollywood balls, just going about his business and keeping the play ticking over. Did give the ball away a few times but recovered well in the tackle. Coquelin (8) was brilliant, took his goal very well but he never stopped harassing, his passing was good and he looks like a very skillful player too, looks like he could have a real talent on our hands if he progresses over the next few months. Wilshere (9) was probably the man of the match, his first half performance was good, but his second 45 was outstanding, dictating play, drawing reckless fouls all over the place, beating his man and was unlucky not to score himself, a huge improvement on last week.
Simpson (8) showed glimpses of his potential and if he wasn’t 19 already, I’d say he was one for the future, but he showed that he can make a career out of football outside of Arsenal. His turn of pace is exceptional and if he can work on his first touch and concentration around the box, perhaps some composure, he can be a good striker. Fonte (8) was just as good, wasn’t phased by the physical nature and went about his work very well, took his goal exceptionally well too.
Sunu looks much better than last year already, direct running, pace aswell as strength and some decent offloads too, last season he looked a little lost but he showed big improvement tonight. Frimpong didn’t really have much to do, the ball was already being sprayed around all over the play and he contributed to that I guess.
Overall a very good night, conceding 2 goals isn’t the end of the world but the inexperience showed as we pushed way too forward when already leading 2-1, perhaps Banfield could have told the boys not to commit too many forward and that’s what cost us that 2nd goal. Have a good night Gooners.
