Nine Jimmy Rimmers – Arsenal and Football

A three-nil win against a slightly weakened Bolton is just as it should be. Which is a big improvement on the season so far.

It’s still a ‘work in progress’ because we struggled in the first half to find a way through Bolton’s defence. In fact I’m not sure we even got a shot on target. But we won three nil and Robin Van Persie has chalked up one hundred goals for the club.

Importantly we kept a clean sheet too, with Bolton’s best chance coming whilst we were a centre half short. Koscielny was waiting to come back on after a clash of heads had led to a Bolton freekick. The remaining defenders gave Prately a soft header and only another great save from Szczesny kept the ball out.

It would be tempting to make him man of the match just for that save because Arsenal’s confidence is rice paper thin right now and if we had gone a goal down you wonder where the game would have ended up. But it was saved and Arsenal ground on, owning the ball but not finding a way through to goal.

What’s the answer, patience, variety, confidence? Let’s not be harsh on them and over-analyze their first ‘correct’ result of the season. They are clawing their way out of a pit and in the second half they were great. Arteta, Ramsey and Song are improving as a threesome and Van Persie was fantastic.

Walcott showed some good touches, getting and assist, but when through on goal only managed a weak shot that was easily dealt with.  He went off early with a knee injury that came out of nowhere. Some are churlishly saying take your time back Theo, but I would rather see him fighting for his place. I guess though it means we will definitely see Arshavin start midweek with a possible cameo from one of the new boys.

That injury aside it was good day for Arsenal. First ‘normal’ league result, first time I’ve watched Match of the Day without hitting the mute button.

Robin Van Persie leads our Man of the Match poll. Last chance to vote below.

 Loading ...