Thursday’s win was big for many reasons

Okay, it wasn’t the greatest performance in Arsenal history, however, 3 points is 3 points, and the Gunners desperately needed a win after dropping two in a row to start the restart.

Offensively, 10 shots, 5 on goal, and 2 in the back of the net. Defensively, a clean sheet! We’ll take that any day of the week. Right?

Also, other than Kieren Tierney’s leg cramps, we got away from St. Mary’s with no real physical woes. Finally!

The win brings the Gunners back into the top 10 (9th), only 6 points behind 5th and 6th place Man United and Wolves. 5th and 6th earn European spots for next season.

Every match is now a “must win.” There are no opportunities to waste, and no points to drop.

Here are my players ratings for the match…

Players Ratings:

Martinez – 7
He made a great save on Shane Long’s strike and seemed confident all day. He needs to work on his long balls since too many were kicked of out bounds.

Tierney – 7
I use to love watching Nacho Monreal work that left sideline, but I think Tierney will eventually make me forget about the Ex-Arsenal player. KT guy will be something special. He had a strong day at both ends of the pitch before going off with leg cramps.

Bellerin – 6.5
The pace is coming back, but his overall performance level is still not there.

Mustafi – 7
The German could be the “Comeback Player of the Year” under Arteta. One mistake lead to a booking, but he seemed focussed the rest of the game.

Holding – 7.5
Thanks goodness he is healthy. His aerial work on corners was superb. I feel so much more confident when he is in the line-up v David Luiz.

Xhaka – 7.5
Glad to see him back in the line-up after his injury v Man City. If he would perform him every match like Thursday’s, I think I might be able to really like this guy again.

Saka – 8
Bottom line…get this man signed! Superb!

Ceballos – 6
Was okay, but was never much of a factor for most of the match. He didn’t hurt us, but he didn’t provide a lot either in the midfield.

Pepe – 5
I haven’t given up hope. I think there is a lot more there than we’ve seen, but it better happen soon because the young guns are in in the wings! (No pun intended)

Nketiah – 8
Great hustle on the goal. This is another one of our young stars in the making. Can’t wait to see him continue to grow. Sure glad Arteta had the smarts not to send him out on loan again.

Aubameyang – 7.5
Strong match end-to-end. The guy just hustles, while creating chances for himself and others, plus he works his tail off defensively, too. He is a great leader by example who needs a new deal, NOW!

Subs:
Lacazette – 6
Kolasinac – 5
Maitland-Niles -5
Willock – 6 – Thanks for the goal!

Now it’s off to Sheffield United on Sunday for a FA Cup quarterfinal. COYG!

Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953