Giroud MotM? Ratings v Hull
By Matty Sadler
March 9 2016
We managed to end a 5 game winless run against Championship opposition. Woo! We dominated possession in the first half but created nothing, with the half being disrupted by a couple of head injuries, but took the lead when Giroud capitalised well on a Hull defensive error. We struggled to get going in the second half as we lost another two players to injury, but eventually found some rhythm and scored another three goals in the last 20 minutes to add some gloss to an otherwise poor performance. Nevertheless, we're through to the next round of the FA Cup and will play Watford at home at 13.30 pm on Sunday.
Iwobi looked handy again. I think he'll benefit from a loan somewhere next season. I said before the game this was the perfect time for Giroud and Walcott to find some form. Giroud stepped up, looked hungry and finished well. Walcott was diabolical but got two goals and an assist at the end. Lets hope that Mertesacker, Gabriel and Ramsey's injuries are not serious or we could be in trouble. Anyone know any centre halves available on a free transfer?
Ratings
Ospina - 6. One excellent save, one near f*ck up, otherwise very little to do.
Chambers - 6. A bit off the pace defensively for the first 20 minutes but fine after that. Looked good on the ball throughout.
Mertesacker - 6. Went off injured after 30 mins, but was doing okay.
Gabriel - 6. Did okay before going off injured. Look more comfortable in possession.
Gibbs - 6. Solid defensively, didn't do a great deal going forward apart from hitting the crossbar with an excellent long range effort.
Flamini - 6. Did nothing wrong in midfield. Decent at right back.
Elneny - 7. Did well. Impressed he played for an hour on a booking without picking up a second yellow - Coquelin take note.
Campbell - 6. A bit hit and miss in fairness, but always a hard worker. Great through ball for Walcott's goal.
Iwobi - 7. Another impressive performance I thought. Carried the ball with pace, linked up and always used to ball well. Has a mature head on his shoulders.
Walcott - 6. "P*ss poor" doesn't do this performance justice, to be honest. +1 for his deflected cross with led to Giroud's second goal, +1 for a very good finish for his first goal, +1 for a deflected finish for his second goal.
Giroud - 7. Looked like he had a point to prove tonight and showed fight and hunger that has maybe been missing recently. Possibly motivated by Welbeck's successful return. Two good finishes on his weaker foot.
Subs:
Monreal - 6. I had hoped the days of Monreal at centre half were over, but alas... Solid enough when he came on.
Ramsey - N/A. Rushed on without warming up properly because of Gabriel's injury. Didn't have time to do much aside from nearly scoring an own goal, as he went off injured after 16 minutes. Let's hope his thigh tweak is nothing more than a tweak.
Reine-Adelaide - N/A. A couple of good passes, that was it.