We’ve finally picked up three points in the Premier League. After three games without a win in the league, we weren’t back to our best but a great finish from Mesut Ozil got us the all-important win.
Going into the game it was interesting to see whether Arsene Wenger would stick to the back four that played at West Ham, which he did.
After a few lacklustre performances recently, Sead Kolasinac looks to have lost his place to Ainsley Maitland-Niles who isn’t failing to impress.
Still at left back the 20-year-old shone both defensively and going yet again. He was consistent in his one-on-one match ups whether that was putting a foot in, in the defensive third or choosing the right moment to pounce on a pass.
One of those interceptions saw him burst down the pitch, skipping by a few challenges before unleashing a shot that almost snuck inside the post. That run in itself as well as the comfort he’s shown on the ball displays why he should be given a go at centre midfield.
Someone who did play centre midfield on Saturday that impressed again was Jack Wilshere. It wasn’t his best outing of the season, but he continued to show what he offers in the middle of the park which is so different to anyone else.
With many of our other midfielders like Granit Xhaka busy moving the ball sideways, Wilshere actually drives into the traffic to carry us forward as well as knocking off cute, clever passes along with longer, more risky ones.
However, like on Wednesday he had an opportunity to score in the box off his right foot, but he just couldn’t put the ball past Rob Elliot.
In the end though, the game changer proved to be Mesut Ozil. The German’s recent form was rewarded with a peach of a volley which when you look back is even better than it first seemed. Hitting the ball while back-peddling so cleanly it was a great way to secure the win for us.
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