Arsenal 2 Birmingham 1

After the hiccups against West Brom and Chelsea, we looked to get back into a winning mood and that was exactly what we got Saturday at the Emirates.

We duely got off to a bright start and there was a business-like feel about the team after the two-week international break. Passes were zipping across the lawn with purpose and it was only wasteful finishing and ill-luck that stopped us getting an early goal. Matches between these two teams will always be overshadowed by that horrible, horrible Eduardo leg break in 2008 and Saturday was no different. Birmingham are one team it would be taboo to lose to.
Very much against the run of play though, they took the lead in the 33rd after their Serbian giant, Nicola Zigic outjumped Djourou to loop the ball over and above Fabianski in goal. The goal caught everyone quite by surprise as Birmingham had offered exactly zero attack-wise, all afternoon.
Nonetheless, we still soldiered on and were duely rewarded with an equaliser when Scott Dann took a swipe at Chamakh’s knees. The big Moroccan buckled under the challenge and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped our now-regular penalty taker Samir Nasir to do his thing, which he did very efficiently to make it 1-1.
Early in the second half, 47th minute to be precise, Chamakh met a cute Wilshire ball in their box and as Steven Carr remained in two minds at to whether he should tackle him or not, the Moroccan went round Ben Foster in goal and slotted in a fine goal.
We then went through the motions and kept them at bay. With their attack almost non-existent, it was easy pickings for Squillaci and the mob at the back.
Late on though, Wilshire spoiled the afternoon for himself and all Gooners with a needless tackle on Zigic, who is obviously twice his size. He got a red card for it, and sadly misses the next three domestic games we play, starting with Manchester City next Sunday.


Below are the ratings:
*Fabianski (7/10) – Is he the new Number One now? Looks like the end of Almunia as Wenger opted for the Pole once again between the sticks. He did well actually and seems to be re-paying the manager’s faith in him. Gone are the jitters and nervousness that had plagued his few appearances over the past year. Might be that he only needed a steady run to cut out all those stupid mistakes and build his confidence. Looks to be working so far for him.
*Clichy(6/10) – This was very steady game for the our now-established French international. He did his stuff on the left back as usual and kept ex-Gunner Sebastian Larsson for most parts of the match. He almost scored himself after a mistake at the back for Birmingham, but it was not be his day for glory.
*Squillaci (7/10) – In the absence of regulars Vermaelen, Sagna and Koscielny, Squillaci was easily the senior man at the back. That he had the armband on also put more responsibility on his shoulders and how well he handled it. He marshalled his troops at the back and after the Zigic opener, took on the role of shadowing the big Serb. A very valuable acquisition he’s already proved to be.
* Djourou (6/10) – His first premiership start in a long, long time. It was a surprise one as well, but with the back strain that sidelined Koscielny and the ‘disappearance’ of Vermaelen, he was the obvious choice to step-in. Beaten to the Keith Fahey’s free kick by the towering Zigic for their goal but apart from that, he hardly put any foot wrong. Needs to use his size more often though and assert his presence more. Will get better surely with more games and less injury.
*Eboue (6/10) – Stepped in for the sidelined Sagna and held his own on the right. Linked well with the middlemen and marauded quite well especially in the first half. His defensive duties curbed his natural attacking instincts all through but all in all, he gave as good as he got.
*Song (7/10) – A very accomplished game by the Cameroonian. Unlike most of the others who were away on international duty, he played just 30minutes for his country throughout the two-week interregnum and it was clear to see how fresh he was. Did well to snuff out any threat from the Birmingham midfield and helped starve Zigic of any service. He helped set up the Chamakh winner with a back heel to Wilshire. An easy afternoon for him.
* Diaby (7/10) – Another one who had a good afternoon. He seems a different player on days like this. Tackled, roamed and sprayed passes with good assurance and self-belief. One of our better players on the day.
* Nasri (7/10) – He always seems to relish it when he is at the heart of everything we do. Scored the equaliser from the spot with great relish and confidence. Let’s hope he stays injury-free because already this looks like the season when he explodes.
* Arshavin (5/10) – Wasn’t in the game throughout and didn’t look like he wanted to be there. It was either he was feeling the effects of the international week with two 90 minute games for Russia, or he just couldn’t be bothered. Was rightly hauled off for Rosicky in the second half.
*Wilshire (7/10) – Not playing for England in the midweek against Montenegro obviously left him fresh for us and it showed all afternoon as he bossed the midfield like and accomplished veteran. It’s a measure of how far Jack has progressed this season that he is naturally expected to put on a show everytime he steps on the pitch. Saturday was no different. A shame about that red card in injury time and hopefully, he’ll learn from it. My man of the match though if you ask me.



Chamakh rounds Foster before slotting the winner on Saturday

* Chamakh (7/10) – Another fine afternoon for the big Moroccan. He may have looked different in a new crew cut but his selfless play and desire was the same. His tenacity won the penalty and it must be said, he knows how to win those very well indeed. That brought the equaliser in the 40th minute and he later scored a sweet goal for what proved to be the winner in the 47th. He has clearly settled upfront for us and with the intermittent and prolonged absences of the likes of Van Persie, the Moroccan is a gift from the gods. Wenger’s words summed up his season for us so far: “It is clear how influential he has been to the team in decisive moments at 0-0, or 1-1”.
True words indeed.


Substitutes
*Rosicky (6/10) – Did well after coming on for Arshavin with 20 miuntes to go and tested Foster in their goal with his regular long-range missiles. Looked up for it and despite his age, possesses lots of drive and enthusiasm.
* Bendtner (6/10) – The bid Dane made his debut for the season in the 79th miunte after a rather prolonged bout of groin problems. He almost marked his appearance with a gaol but it wasn’t to be. Expect more from his soon as he now knows he’s got real competition in the form of Chamakh.


Next up, we host Shaktar Donetsk on Tuesday night in the Champions League as we begin a sequence of matches every three days for the next month. Hectic, but welcoming and pivotal for our season.