Arsenal put in another workmanlike effort again at Loftus Road on Sat. May 4, to earn a 1-0 draw against recently-relegated Queens Park Rangers and moved into third place in the Premier League table. The scoring was done before many supporters got to their seats as Theo Walcott banged in the game’s only goal after just 20 seconds. It was the 24-year-old Walcott’s 13th league goal and 20thof the season in all competitions and it was the fastest from the start of the game in the Premier League this season. It was also the fastest ever by an Arsenal player since the inception of the Premier League.
It figured to be a close game since most matched with QPR are, and keeping a clean sheet wasn’t really a surprise either as Harry Redknapp’s crew hasn’t scored a goal in their past four games. There wasn’t a great deal going on out on the pitch after the Gunners took the lead. Each team created a few chances with Andros Townsend being the best man on the pitch for QPR. Kieran Gibbs sat out with a thigh strain and didn’t even make it to the bench as Nacho Monreal played left back for the Gunners.
Townsend, Loic Remy and Park Ji-Sung came the closest to leveling the game, but Arsenal Wojciech Szczesny was up to the task. The Polish international remains between the posts as his fellow countryman Lukasz Fabianski is still on the shelf with an injured rib. It was Arsenal’s fifth straight road victory and they’re now a pair of points ahead of London neighbours Spurs and Chelsea, at least until Rafael Benitez’s men take on league titlists Manchester United on Sunday May 4. Arsenal has 67 with Chelsea and Spurs sitting at 65.
Chelsea has two games in hand at the moment and their next two games are crucial as they play United and then meet Tottenham at home at Stamford Bridge this Wednesday May 8. Spurs also managed to win their weekend game with a late goal by Gareth Bale at White Hart Lane in a 1-0 win over Southampton. Spurs are also two points back of the Gunners, but also have a game in hand, which is the match against Chelsea during the week. No matter how you cut it either Chelsea or Spurs or both of them will be dropping points when the two meet.
Walcott had one of his better games of the season against QPR and also hit the post and had another fine effort saved by Rob Green. The goal came right after kickoff when Tomas Rosicky passed the ball to Aaron Ramsey, who nodded it down to Mikel Arteta. The Spanish midfielder then delivered a nice pass to a streaking Walcott who drilled the ball across Green’s goal and underneath him. This meant trouble for QPR since Arsenal hasn’t lost a league match this season after taking the lead.
The three points were very badly needed and well earned in the end. It’s hard to predict exactly what Arsenal needs to do now to clinch third or fourth place in the Premier League, but things will be much clearer after the Chelsea vs Spurs showdown on Wednesday.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Queens Park Rangers Saturday May 4th
Wojciech Szczesny 7.5
The Polish international keeper made a few fine saves today and did everything that was asked of him. If he had any weak spots they came on QPR corners.
Bacary Sagna 6
A rather non-eventful game for Sagna. He was better defending than he was attacking. His crossing leaves a lot to be desired.
Per Mertesacker 6.5
A steady and solid game for the big German. Cleared the zone well.
Laurent Koscielny 6.5
Played as well as his partner Mertesacker. He wasn’t spectacular, but he was steady and effective.
Nacho Monreal 5.5
I’m not sure if he would have played if Gibbs was healthy. Hopefully he wouldn’t because he’s nowhere as good as the Englishman. He struggled controlling Townsend and earned a deserved yellow card for a blatant grab on him.
Mikel Arteta 8
Probably the best Gunner on the pitch. He was just as good defending as he was attacking and helped set up Walcott’s goal.
Aaron Ramsey 7
Ramsey had a good defensive game today while he was a little off in his passing and attacking duties. He always puts in a great effort though and this was another one of those.
Tomas Rosicky 6.5
Another good game from Rosicky. When he’s healthy and in form he’s one of the best in the league. Helped set up Walcott’s goal. Came off after 92 minutes for Thomas Vermaelen.
Theo Walcott 7
A good game all around by Walcott. He scored the winner and had a couple of other good chances.
Santi Cazorla 7
Cazorla was quite noticeable in the second half when he used his creativity. He also did a fine job when called upon to defend. Came off after 89 minutes for Jack Wilshere.
Lukas Podolski 6
Podolski has struggled sometimes this season and it’s hard to figure out why, unless he’s not really fit. He’s a proven goal scorer and elite player, but has only showed it in flashes with Arsenal this season. Came off after 85 minutes for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Substitutions
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain NA
Came on after 85 minutes for Podolski.
Jack Wilshere NA
Came on after 89 minutes for Santi Cazorla.
Thomas Vermaelen NA
Came on for Tomas Rosicky after 92 minutes.
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