It was like a Victory

Koscielny celebrates as he scores blasts
home a late equaliser. 

Again it was one of those games where we looked the better side. Sharper, quicker and the desire to win was all there. It was a performance that most Arsenal fans would be delighted with. But I am not. Going into the game I expected a win due to the large amounts of confidence we gained from previous matches. Most would say, 'Yes I am happy with a draw against the current champions' but for me I saw it as a match where we could have snatched a vital 3 points where other teams wouldn't.

The defence looked as solid as  ever and everyone played for each other. Mertesacker had a blinder of a game. His positioning was spot on and the countless number of times he intercepted potential through balls to the City forwards was remarkable. It was a match that proved his capability and after a poor season last year he has made amends and portrayed what he can do. Both full backs really impressed. Jenkinson at a young age has impressed with surging runs forward, great pace and everlasting stamina and Gibbs didn't put a foot wrong today. His passing was relaxed and he was calm at the ball. My only criticism of his performance was the lack of balls whipped in the box for someone to get their head to.

Moving higher up the pitch we lacked that cutting edge we had in the invincible season. Gervinho had numerous chances infront of goal which were chances that shouldn't have been missed. He still lacks a good first touch and at the age of 25 I am left wondering wether he can pick his game up and show what Arsene thought of him when we signed him. Podolski's performance disintegrated as the game grew older. He didn't show for the ball and create any chances.

Our midfield however worked non stop. They were the heart of the team and without them we would not have been able to pump rhythm into our game. Both Diaby and Cazorla kept Silva and Toure quite. They didn't get as much of the ball as we thought they would and this contributed heavily towards us salvaging a point. Arteta has proved he has quality completing 484 passes this season. He sat, sat and sat and protected the the defence too!

With this in mind, going away to City is always going to be a tough fixture. With the weather conditions not in either side's favour it was a great performance. What we should be most please about is the team playing for each other. We have found that winning mentality that we lacked in previous seasons. We still remain unbeaten so anything is possible.

In the words of Per Mertesaker - "We will not give up"

Man of the match - Per Mertesaker

Keep the Faith
Up the Gunners

Arsene Wagner