My Reactions After : Swansea vs Arsenal (EPL)

Arsenal's 2-1 victory at Swansea on Saturday means they are now at the summit of the Barclays Premier League table with 15 points, 8 clear of champions Man United. After opening day fiasco against Villa, Arsenal has bounced back strongly answering the critics in style with 5 consecutive wins.

The match expectancy was to be a treat for the viewers as both the teams enjoy the possession and passing. Though Swans enjoyed the majority of the possession and had kept Arsenal at bay. It was a lackluster first half. Both had quite decent chances, which weren’t threatening enough for either of the keepers. Almost at the end of half time, Arsenal looked a bit alive with Gnabry taking on a couple of players and fed Giroud with a neat pass, which was only to be shot wide. But that build-up play, did say something about Arsenal, who looked mostly torpid and slow during the first 45 minutes. That Arsenal could hurt you very quickly, if you let them loose. The game ended goalless at half time.

In the second half, Arsenal utilized the chances created and lacerated the Swansea defence. Experience and technical ability played the prolific role for Arsenal. The beautiful football was back. The game got all the spices it needed. Arsenal scored two goals and conceded one. Among the goal scorers were Gnabry, and Ramsey for Arsenal and Davies for Swansea.

Gnabry’s first ever goal for Arsenal, and of the evening. It all started with Ozil cutting in from the right flank making two of the Swansea players get committed to stop him, which allowed Arsenal with enough space to play one touch passes between Ozil, Giroud, Wilshere. Ramsey rushed forward to accompany them. It was when Swansea defenders were busy trying to stop one touch football, they forgot to mark Gnabry. Ramsey assisted with a neat through-ball. Beautiful first touch by Gnabry to control and place the right footed shot from the centre of the box in the bottom left corner.

Soon after the first goal, the game opened up a bit. Swansea wanted to respond to the goal they had conceded and were beginning to attack quickly. Flamini, who tried to slow down the Swansea build-up play, committed a bad foul on Michu and was shown a yellow card. Swansea were building pressure, it almost paid off when Jordi Amat gave a neat pass with Dyer in perfect position to shoot. Dyer shot was comfortably saved by Scczesny.

It was Arsenal who took advantage of Swansea’s high pressing game and started a counterattack. Again, the German wizard Ozil from the right flank fed the ball to Ramsey in the mid amongst four Swansea players. Ramsey made a back heel pass so that Wilshere could make a pass to Giroud who was waiting in the attacking third against two defenders. But Wilshere had to overcome the back tracking Swansea fullback to get the possession of the ball. Wilshere won the battle, and they took advantage of their quick feet to punish Swansea with the second goal. Arsenal trio Giroud, Ramsey and Wilshere combined very well with very quick passing during which Giroud set up Ramsey with a back pass. He had enough time on his watch to strike the ball with a thunderous right foot and guided it to the back of the net safely.

Swansea had to hurry, they started pushing more and more as the clock wouldn’t stay still. A number of efforts were defended by Arsenal very well. Swans full back Davies started to run into the heart of Arsenal’s defence, Davies took on two Arsenal players and made a quick pass to Bony which led two more players in Arsenal colours to get committed to stop Bony. This left enough space for Davies to continue the run and he was expecting a return pass, which Davies did get a perfectly lobbed pass from Bony. Davies had put Mertesacker behind, the goal was much certain to appear on the score-sheet. Davies did score a goal which Szczęsny couldn’t have done much to stop him.

The goal by Davies rekindled Swansea’s hope for an equalizer, which had made the game very interesting. Arsenal had to defend the lead for another 8+ minute. Arsenal introduced two full backs as substitutes, to help team defending the lead which worked very well. It was full-time whistle from the ref. Arsenal continued their good form by beating Swansea.

Overall, a very good match, Both Arsenal and Swansea were strong at finishing. Both the teams attacked through the middle and favoured short passing. It was Arsenal who had the upper hand in creating goal scoring opportunities through individual skill and through balls. Ramsey had an outstanding game and certainly the man of the match with a goal and an assist. Routledge of Swansea who was subbed at around hour mark had a below par game contrasting the performance by his teammates.

Arsenal has a pile of tough fixtures in coming months. It was a much needed victory which sets them with all positives as they host Napoli in a few days’ time at home in a UCL fixture. Arsenal looks like a very good side with good technical ability, composure, and scintillating form. The team has the mixture of experienced players and young talents which is a perfect blend. Hope they carry on their good run and get the result that could produce something special this season.