Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
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Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
A straightforward cup game where we did the job in the first half and saw it out in the second. One of the giant slayers of the previous round arrived attempting to repeat the magic but found themselves on the receiving end of an Arsenal team at their best.
The first half was similar to the one at Brighton in the last round. We were in complete control and were stroking the ball around with fluidity and precision. Ozil and Cazorla, the former playing just in front of the latter, completely dictated the play and were untouchable all half. With the movement of Alexis, Welbeck and Giroud on top of that, we were creating plenty of chances and Middlesbrough barely had a kick - not even at our players' ankles or shins.
Giroud scored twice and that set-up a second half where we decided to stick with what we have and just see the game out. I'd like to see Arsenal be more ruthless in these situations and really pile on the goals, but I suppose I can't complain too much given how comfortable we were. Inevitably with this approach, Middlesbrough had a few periods where they attacked us but for the most part we dealt with them well and had very few moments of panic at the back. Gabriel couldn't have wished for a better game to make his debut in. His yellow card aside, he barely had anything to do except pass.
And that's it. I like games like these because there's hardly anything to talk about. We played well, we made chances, we scored goals, kept a clean sheet, and won the game with no real tactical issues or bad refereeing to speak of. It's how it should be at home against teams in a division below us.
We're now only one more game from a return to Wembley. We've been quite fortunate with the draw the last couple of years, so I've a feeling we'll be given a tricky tie this time around.
The first half was similar to the one at Brighton in the last round. We were in complete control and were stroking the ball around with fluidity and precision. Ozil and Cazorla, the former playing just in front of the latter, completely dictated the play and were untouchable all half. With the movement of Alexis, Welbeck and Giroud on top of that, we were creating plenty of chances and Middlesbrough barely had a kick - not even at our players' ankles or shins.
Giroud scored twice and that set-up a second half where we decided to stick with what we have and just see the game out. I'd like to see Arsenal be more ruthless in these situations and really pile on the goals, but I suppose I can't complain too much given how comfortable we were. Inevitably with this approach, Middlesbrough had a few periods where they attacked us but for the most part we dealt with them well and had very few moments of panic at the back. Gabriel couldn't have wished for a better game to make his debut in. His yellow card aside, he barely had anything to do except pass.
And that's it. I like games like these because there's hardly anything to talk about. We played well, we made chances, we scored goals, kept a clean sheet, and won the game with no real tactical issues or bad refereeing to speak of. It's how it should be at home against teams in a division below us.
We're now only one more game from a return to Wembley. We've been quite fortunate with the draw the last couple of years, so I've a feeling we'll be given a tricky tie this time around.
Jay29- World Class Contributor
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Re: Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
Very good professional performance and win from the lads.
The intend was there from the start. We strung together delightful passes and Giroud took his chances brilliantly, and once we were 2-0 up, that was it really, because we pressed well enough and kept the ball beautifully so that Boro really couldn't get a sniff back into the game.
We're going on nicely atm in the Cup, and hopefully with a bit of luck and continued momentum-building we can rally ourselves to Wembley again. One game at a time though lads.
And I quite like this setup, what are the thoughts of y'all on it?
The intend was there from the start. We strung together delightful passes and Giroud took his chances brilliantly, and once we were 2-0 up, that was it really, because we pressed well enough and kept the ball beautifully so that Boro really couldn't get a sniff back into the game.
We're going on nicely atm in the Cup, and hopefully with a bit of luck and continued momentum-building we can rally ourselves to Wembley again. One game at a time though lads.
And I quite like this setup, what are the thoughts of y'all on it?
----------Coquelin/Flamini----------
-----Cazorla
---------------Ozil
Alexis----------------------Welbeck
----------Giroud-----------
-----Cazorla
---------------Ozil
Alexis----------------------Welbeck
----------Giroud-----------
El Gunner- An Oakland City Warrior
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Re: Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
A good debut Gabriel and good win. I take the 2-0 but we should have scored more goals. Girouds second goal was nice, Ozil MOTM, great to have him back.
Lets hope for a easy draw.
Lets hope for a easy draw.
Raptorgunner- World Class Contributor
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Re: Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
Raptorgunner wrote:A good debut Gabriel and good win. I take the 2-0 but we should have scored more goals. Girouds second goal was nice, Ozil MOTM, great to have him back.
Lets hope for a easy draw.
Don't think Gabriel was tested to much but he did make a good tackle late second half. There will be much tougher tests for him yet. But as of yet he'll struggle to get ahead of Per & Kos.
Just my 2 cents.
FRANTIC- Prospect
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Re: Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
FRANTIC wrote:Raptorgunner wrote:A good debut Gabriel and good win. I take the 2-0 but we should have scored more goals. Girouds second goal was nice, Ozil MOTM, great to have him back.
Lets hope for a easy draw.
Don't think Gabriel was tested to much but he did make a good tackle late second half. There will be much tougher tests for him yet. But as of yet he'll struggle to get ahead of Per & Kos.
Just my 2 cents.
I dont agree he would struggle to beat Per tbh.
Raptorgunner- World Class Contributor
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Re: Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
Raptorgunner wrote:FRANTIC wrote:Raptorgunner wrote:A good debut Gabriel and good win. I take the 2-0 but we should have scored more goals. Girouds second goal was nice, Ozil MOTM, great to have him back.
Lets hope for a easy draw.
Don't think Gabriel was tested to much but he did make a good tackle late second half. There will be much tougher tests for him yet. But as of yet he'll struggle to get ahead of Per & Kos.
Just my 2 cents.
I dont agree he would struggle to beat Per tbh.
Maybe in the very near future he'll get ahead of Per but taking this season into account Wenger would prefer the Duo of Per & Kos specially in games such as Utd and Monaco. Plus Gabriel don't have the experience like Mertersacker has in the English game.
Good signing tho none the less.
FRANTIC- Prospect
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Re: Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough
That I agree, Wenger respects Mert too much to drop him. I dont think anyone was expecting Gabriel to be a starter. I think next year if he has a good preseason would replace Mert .Good to have choices at CB again, we can breath easy.
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