Arsenal cruised to an emphatic 5-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates with a
victory that makes it three straight Premier League wins for the first time this
season.
Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott were back in the starting line-up after long absences
and set up an important victory, which sees Arsene Wenger's men climb above
rivals Tottenham and into fifth position.
The German World Cup winner, making his first league start in four months, set up
Olivier Giroud for Arsenal's early opener and the roles were reversed after half-time
as Ozil made it 2-0.
Walcott added a third and there were further goals for Santi Cazorla, from the
penalty spot, and Hector Bellerin as Paul Lambert's men faded badly.
Villa remain just three points above the relegation zone and are without a win in
eight league matches, having failed to score in their last six - a new club record.
Alexis Sanchez was not risked but was barely missed as Arsenal exhibited their
counter-attacking best in the second half and Villa's wait for a goal stretched past
10 hours.
The additions of Ozil and Walcott - the latter making his first league start since
January 2014 - were the only changes Wenger made to the team that beat
Manchester City last time out in the Premier League.
Both were involved early on, Walcott's pace enabling him to threaten in behind
straight from the kick-off, before Ozil teed up the opening goal after just eight
minutes.
The attacking midfielder showed the type of creative touch that persuaded Arsenal
to make him their record signing, his smart flick-on putting Giroud clear on goal.
Giroud appeared to get the ball stuck under his feet as he went through one-on-
one, but recovered to clip delicately past Brad Guzan.
Guzan was beaten again in the 26th minute, only the post preventing Cazorla from
doubling Arsenal's lead as his effort bounced back off the frame of the goal .
0 comments:
Post a Comment