Over the years, Arsenal have fallen into the bad habit of not topping their group, irrespective of their opponents. And the Gunner faithful wouldn’t have been too upbeat about the Matchday 6 fixture against their Swiss opponents.
The primary reason being that irrespective of their result against the Swiss side, their fate in the group was more reliant on PSG’s ability to slip up against Ludogrets, the whipping boys of the group. But call it fate or luck, the Ligue 1 Champions, slipped against their opponents.
However, on the evening the Gunners it seemed were keen on enjoying themselves. It’s been a long time since the Gunners played without any pressure to win and most of us were surprised when Wenger named Sanchez and Ozil in the starting line-up.
Ultimately, the goal scorers were the main beneficiary because of the duo. Lucas Perez helped himself to a hat-trick while Iwobi capped off an impressive display with a well-taken goal. Seydou Doumbia did pull a goal back for the Swiss side, but that was more of a consolation, as Basel crashed out of Europe altogether.
#1 Lucas Perez shows his worth
Lucas who?? Was the ultimate question back in the summer, when Arsenal signed the Spaniard from Deportivo La Coruna for around £17m. At the time, Wenger explained the decision stating, “He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs.”
While it is still too early to say, that Wenger’s judgement has been vindicated regarding the Spaniard, Perez did leave an impression on his manager and ahead of the hectic Christmas period. The Spaniard proved that he could combine with his other team-mates mainly Ozil and Sanchez as he swept in the goals to ensure there was an end product to all the enterprising play.
FC Basel were obliging opponents and Perez ensured that he made the most of his game-time. His hat-trick was a just reward for the way he conducted himself in the game and his movement of the ball was noteworthy as well. The Spaniard has been patient and injuries have also hampered him from making an impression but on the night his finishing was precise.
Most importantly, his exploiting of spaces led to Iwobi’s goal, as Sanchez picked out Ozil who fizzed a pass across the face of the goal for the arriving Iwobi for a simple tap-in. As per the evidence on display, the Spaniard has the ability to strike a rapport with his team-mates and this is going to be a handy asset as the season progresses.
#2 Swiss League Champions far off from being heavyweights in Europe
FC Basel’s abject display coupled with Ludogrets away point at PSG ensured that the Swiss champions were booted out of European competitions altogether for the season. Manager, Urs Fischer, who is currently in his second season with the club must have been pretty disappointed with the way his players crumbled under the pressure.
The Swiss team are currently 12 points ahead of their closest rivals in the league and it will not be surprising if they gallop to their eighth consecutive title. However, if Basel is to become household names across Europe then it is time that they start turning it around.
Most notably known for its fabled youth system, the club needs to spruce up its ambition if they are to become contenders in Europe once more. Hopefully, this miserable exit from Europe will act as a wake-up call for them.
#3 Livewire Sanchez runs circles around the Swiss defence
One would have hoped that the Chilean would have been rested given the number of games Sanchez has played this season but Wenger was having none of that. And the joy of being able to be on the pitch was evident from the warm-up itself as Ozil and Sanchez exchanged passes like gleeful teenagers with such precision and ferocity that the onlookers could only admire this exchange in awe.
Ever since his arrival, the Chilean has been a source of inspiration for this Arsenal team. Come what may, the Chilean will give his all for the collective gain of the team as was once again evident on Tuesday evening. Sanchez buzzed around the entire time flicking, heeling and was a constant menace throughout the game.
The full back Eder Balanta, was literally taken to the cleaners by Sanchez as time and again went past him. At times, it almost seemed that the Chilean was indifferent to the full back’s presence. However, all said and done, Sanchez did seem to operate on another level and it was just one of those nights Balanta would like to quickly wipe away from his mind.
#4 Ludogrets right attitude takes them past Basel
The manner in which Basel capitulated must have left the Basel manager with more questions than answers. The side from Bulgaria did their best to upset the applecart of the French champions and they did their job splendidly, taking the lead twice in their game.
While Arsenal was imperious on the night, Basel’s performance at home could and have been better. The positives from the game were that they managed a goal which was a deserved reward for the hard-working Seydou Doumbia.
Basel may have had 15 shots on goal but they managed to keep them on target only 5 times. Their inability to trouble Ospina in goal and Holding in defence must have been sure to irk their supporters. But given the fluency of football on display, the locals will hope that their team learns a thing or two as they bow out of Europe for this season.
#5 Kieran Gibbs makes an impression
The English left-back has not had the best of seasons given the lack of opportunities. The resurgent form of Nacho Monreal has meant that Gibbs has fallen out of favour with Arsene Wenger. However, the game against Basel was a chance to remind the boss of his abilities that once made him such an asset to this Gunners side.
The full-back was at the heart of every attacking move as he took up advanced positions. His contribution was telling as he assisted Perez’s two goals and provided the pass which led to Perez’s final goal and the hat-trick.
Wenger must have been pleased with not just the individual’s performance but the entire team as well. A beaming Wenger hoping for a lucky draw stated at the end, “We did the job in a convincing way, we were mobile and overall had a committed performance. It is difficult to know but you feel a bit less guilty if you have a bad draw [after finishing] first rather than second - we have done our job and let's see what happens.”
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