Arsenal - Reading Match Report

Cazorla celebrates his 3rd after a Man of the Match performance

Arsenal, again had took part in a goal fest at the home of The Royals. A 5-2 victory with Cazorla proving his worth scoring 3 goals, Walcott proving his lethality down the middle scoring late on and Podolski showing off his cool finishing was enough to come out on top against a weak Reading side. Cazorla scored his first hat trick for the club after Podolski opened the scoring for Arsenal. A late comeback seemed to be on the horizon when Adam Le Fondre and Jimmy Kébé worried Arsenal fans  

after scoring 2 quick goals. However, all was calmly dealt with when Theo Walcott cut inside and put it 

past Federici, finally putting the game to bed. 

It was a change in personality this time round. 7 weeks ago we played a weaker and less experienced team with only Walcott as our big name game changer but tonight we were going out to prove a point to all football fans. 

From the very first whistle we caused a threat. The Ox broke forward and hit the post, Walcott came close with a freekick and it was only about time we opened the scoring. The front three were playing with more freedom, more pace and more unity. Their job was made easier by the Midfield who were often getting forward and posing a threat. This threat makes Reading's defence tighter and pushed their full backs more central. This now allows space for both the Ox and Podolski to run into to provide balls in the box. Evidently this worked as two of Cazorla's goals came from the wing. 

It was a promising first half and three points looked as if they were heading to North London. I didnt expect much different from the first half. It has become a stereotype that as of lately, Arsenal have been unable to hold on to a lead but the best form of defence is attack and thats what we did. 

There was a period for about 10 minutes where our flowing football had stopped and Reading pulled back a consolation goal. A stupid pass from Gibbs and a slip from Arteta allowed Le Fondre to slickly take it around Woj and put it home. Again sloppy play allowed their second when Jimmy Kébé scored to reduce the lead and increase Arsenal fans heart rate. 4-2

Reading were starting to build confidence and with a few minutes to play Walcott delivered. A relaxed move by Cazorla allowed Walcott to latch on to his pass, fool the defender by cutting inside and slotting it past Federici reaching for the back post. 5-2. Coquelin and Giroud came on in replace for Walcott and Cazorla and saw the game off.

Walcott brought something different to our game tonight. His runs allows space for the Midfield to run in to so they can join the attack, stretching the defence. Arsenal were never a team who whipped balls into the box for a big man (Giroud) to get on the end of, but mostly played through the middle with the speed of Henry and composure of Bergkamp. Wenger must sell off Arshavin and Chamakh or even cut their ridiculous wages and offer Walcott what he wants to he doesn't move on to other clubs and become a hero for them. 

With the nervy 10 minute period aside, it was an enjoyable match for any football fan and especially any Arsenal fan. Our best attacking performance since the 6-1 victory against Southampton and 3 points are ours, moving us up to 5th. The next few games are all must wins as we now need to stay with the pack and compete with the 'Big Boys' so we dont fall behind. Forget the haters, tonight we saw a glimpse of our old Arsenal we all love so dearly. 

Up the Gunners 

Keep the Faith 

Arsene Wagner