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As the match began, the conditions to play were well really football like, a slight breeze and good rain on a perfect strip for football. Two passing teams looked set to provide an aesthetic treat.
The start was bright, and even. De Guzman put in a couple of good balls and a great run by Chamberlain saw him hitting the post. Pablo hernandez looked good off the ball. Ki almost put Michu through with a great ball from deep midfield, Michu managed to score but had been marginally off side. Ki was dominating for Swansea, alongside Britton’s assured work Ki was the man putting in the killer balls and again he put Rangel through after an elaborate passing sequence who typically finished like a defender. Arteta and Diaby looked inefficient to break up play.
Wilshere was sorely missed. The defense in midfield was abysmal and gutless all through the first half. Diaby got in good positions to shoot a couple of times and almost felt afraid of doing it. One man who was showing spirit was Cazorla. He looked frustrated by the men behind him and kept falling back to bring the ball up. He picked a bad pass by Giroud and slammed in but Vorm saw it all the way.
A feature of the Welshmen’s game was the constant tracking back of wingers, from the first whistle to last. Michu looked out of the game for most of the piece, except for a couple of neat flicks and a backheel.
In the second half Arsenal had more purpose about them. Chamberlain again started brightly but Swansea started wearing down Arsenal at their own game. The game looked heading towards a stalemate but soon Chamberlain was brought off in favor of Gervinho, while the rather useless Diaby was replaced by Ramsey. He had a good start, made a good driving run and almost put Jenkinson through for a good final ball. Fabianski hardly had a save to make all the game. Szechny was out, and looks like that will continue.
The goal Arsenal got was an all Spanish affair, the enigmatic Cazorla picked up the ball and after a good run shot at goal. His shot was parried, Giroud missed it, but Monreal did not, his finish was deflected and lucky but it did not matter. Arsenal had finally broken the deadlock. At 75 minutes the game came to life and Arsenal looked dangerous, Gervinho was good but his lack of game time showed as his touch in the box let Swansea off.
The goal seemed to have rejuvenated Arsenal they started making chances and Swansea looked ineffective in defence., Morre was brought on for Dyer who had had a good game. A Gervinho shot was saved by Vorm, and Hernadez who was having a see-saw day shot at the side netting. The game looked to be set for a tense finish when a bad backheel by Hernandez opened up a counter. Jenkinson passed to Ramsey, who squared the ball to Gervinho, who finished with aplomb.
Man of the Match
Arsenal- Cazorla- The best payer on the pitch, his quality showed, he fell back, volleyed at goal set up moves and controlled the tempo well. It was his effort that led to the first goal and he peppered Vorm with shots the whole game.
Swansea- Rangel- The 10000 pound right back had a good game, he constantly harried Monreal down the left and got back in time. Almost scored in the first half. Was always an outball for Ki and Dyer.
