Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City | Premier League 22/09/13

[Zedie]

Don't like being 'that guy' but we got all 3 of our goals from set pieces and didn't create much other than those..

Granted that is most likely because Stoke were sitting deep and had no intention of leaving their box. Against another opposition we might've created more from open play.

Anyways, 3 points, top of the table

Doesnt really matter how the goals come. In fact, im happy that we did score 3 from setpieces, previously this could have ended 0-0 because we couldnt score from a setpiece for ages.

We are scoring headed goals, 1 on 1s, intricate build up goals, defence splitting balls leading to goals, volleys from outside the box etc.

all we really need is a few fks and someone that can take long range shots and weve got the full package.

Its a massive positive that we can turn to setpiece dominance against the likes of stoke when we were stuck before with park the bus tactics.

[ThereIsBearCüm]

to be fair, Stoke were really shit at defending set pieces

[Dejan]

so happy for sagna to score!!

[Zedie]

to be fair, Stoke were really shit at defending set pieces

Even still, seasons prior to this, their team would have steam rolled us to oblivion.

Remember when panic rattled around the emirates on every corner and every attacking corner, the crowd were ready with pre corner groans.

stoke defo have the physical size over us and ultimately, our players made them look shit on setpieces. Ozils delivery and two pinpoint headers done them today

we had no right to be physically stronger than them today after the midweek game, but we were. Ok they were shit going forward , but when has that not been the case?

sagna comfortably out muscled/jumped their target man, our defence were mostly first to the ball.

[RowdyRoddyPoppins]

so happy for sagna to score!!

I got the impression when it went in that he didn't know what he was supposed to do 'just go over and give Arteta a kiss'

I would of done the same

[UFGN]

I f***ing hate Stoke.

Fantastic result

[Apollo]

to be fair, Stoke were really shit at defending set pieces

Even still, seasons prior to this, their team would have steam rolled us to oblivion.

Remember when panic rattled around the emirates on every corner and every attacking corner, the crowd were ready with pre corner groans.

stoke defo have the physical size over us and ultimately, our players made them look shit on setpieces. Ozils delivery and two pinpoint headers done them today

we had no right to be physically stronger than them today after the midweek game, but we were. Ok they were shit going forward , but when has that not been the case?

sagna comfortably out muscled/jumped their target man, our defence were mostly first to the ball.

And coming off a game where they were comfortably better than Man City to boot.

[GSK_AFC]

Great result! I was worried Giroud would be isolated upfront when Walcott was ruled out but it was our set-pieces that won us the game in the end. Özils deliveries were fantastic. Happy to see Mert and Sagna getting on the scoresheet.
Rambo is playing amazing atm, loved his celebration.
Gnabry was tidy in position and defended well, he played better as the game went on. I would have played Ryo myself and employ the same tactics as we do with Walcott but Gnabry did the job in the end.
Flamini and Ramsey have been great in the double pivot, Flamini played his best game since his return after a poor game against Marseille. I'm not sure I'd have Flamini ahead of Arteta though but it's good we've got competition for the spot.
Overall,I'm happy that we came back after they equalised and managed to get the 3 points despite the late injury, hopefully we keep this up.

[Callum]

When's the playing ratings thread coming?

[DiamondGooner]

Don't like being 'that guy' but we got all 3 of our goals from set pieces and didn't create much other than those..

Granted that is most likely because Stoke were sitting deep and had no intention of leaving their box. Against another opposition we might've created more from open play.

Anyways, 3 points, top of the table

Theo and Cazorla will sort that out

and Podolski

Well you weren't the "Only guy" I mentioned that at the end of the game that my only quibble was a lack of goals from open play but as has been quoted above I believe when those players come back it'll address that.

You'd have never thought it but our open play outlet for goals has actually been Ramsey, 7 so far.

Also I think we'll see the best of Ozil when Cazorla get's back.

[Massa]

Arteta will waltz back into the side ahead of Flamini

[Massa]

PLAYER RATINGS UP

[starmandb]

Apparently Ozil now has as many Arsenal assists as Wilshere.

Dont quote me on this though, something someone posted.

ozil 4 assists
wilshere 16 assists

[Youngie]

Apparently Ozil now has as many Arsenal assists as Wilshere.

Dont quote me on this though, something someone posted.

ozil 4 assists
wilshere 16 assists

What this season???

[Massa]

In their Arsenal careers.

Mesut will surpass Jack by the end of the season imo