After a considerably better result against Hull than PSG midweek, it’s time to look at what we learnt during the Premier League clash.
Shkodran Mustafi featured again, Xhaka scored a goal, Walcott was on the pitch… so many lessons!
Shkodran Mustafi is adapting quickly
After a couple of not-so-confident performances when the German first signed, Mustafi has shown he can adapt to a new League pretty quickly. Against Hull, his positioning and marking were far better and he even appeared to be telling people what to do, which is always welcome.
His relationship with Laurent Koscielny is also blossoming like a little flower. Aww.
He’s still not perfect but, with time, he looks to be a really decent centre-back.
Alex Iwobi is a talent
I probably don’t need to tell anyone this but I feel I should point it out again: Alex Iwobi is a talent. The forward set up two goals against Hull and never stopped working. Okay, he needs to work on tracking back but he’s only 20, these things will come with experience.
He seems hungry and has a desire to win at all costs. Exactly what we need.
Alexis is a loose cannon
As if we didn’t already know that Alexis is a bit head-strong when it comes to playing time, he’s gone and proven he also rules the roost when it comes to penalties. Despite Santi Cazorla being top of the spot kick taker list, Alexis stepped up and had his penalty saved. After the match, Arsene Wenger even said he didn’t know why the Chilean had taken it… okay.
Don’t do it again, Alexis.
Theo Walcott isn’t terrible
Theo returned from a short injury (he only missed the PSG game) and instantly made an impact. His crossing was good, if a little wayward at times, and he scored an actual goal. Marvelous.
It does prove that when he’s fit and doesn’t over-complicate things, he’s not terrible by any means. I hope he can continue to develop, stay fit and hold onto his place in the starting XI.
Granit Xhaka loves a long range goal
Xhaka scored an absolute screamer in the final seconds of extra time to bring the scoreline to 4-1. It was his first goal for Arsenal and what a goal it was.
Perhaps this is why Wenger hasn’t been starting him? Long range goals are not manager’s style.
Oh well, it was a beaut’.