The Gunners show their spirit to come from behind and claim the points at Upton Park, as Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott arrive and Santi Cazorla confirms his class…
On the Up
Olivier Giroud
A first Premier League goal, was capped by the assist for Theo Walcott’s winner. The Frenchman has pedigree in his native country but has yet to convince on these shores. He’ll surely take great confidence from this evening’s performance, however, and Giroud could yet present another enticing option up front.
Santi Cazorla
We kept faith with Cazorla in the Watchlist rankings, settling him in third above his in-form team-mate Gervinho: tonight’s performance demonstrated just why. The Spaniard was, once again, superb and this time delivered on his hugely impressive numbers with a fabulous strike to seal the Arsenal victory.
Theo Walcott
A peripheral figure so far in Arsenal’s season, Walcott’s goal and his assist for Cazola’s effort was a reminder of his potential. Contract negotiations are still ongoing – if Walcott can finally settle, he could yet play a role in our Fantasy seasons. Right now, he’s an option that increases the likelihood of rotation in Wenger’s lineup.
Going Down
The Arsenal Defence
Arsene Wenger brought Per Mertesacker back into his back four, dropping Laurent Koscielny to the bench – a decision likely to have been governed by the threat of Andy Carroll. The Gunners backline have now conceded in the last four and, more significantly, with Bacary Sagna and Wojciech Szczesney set for returns after the international break, there is a great deal of uncertainty in terms of personnel. Thomas Vermaelen appears to be the only assured starter, at least until we know more on Kieran Gibbs’ knock that saw him replaced just before the hour-mark tonight.
Gervinho
Giroud’s returns and Walcott’s showing from the bench signals trouble for owners of the Ivorian. Already he was pushed out wide on the right from the off in this evening’s game, only to be replaced by Walcott after 60 minutes after an ineffectual showing. Gervinho’s starting role is now immediately under increased threat, both as a central attacker and on the flank.
Ricardo Vaz Te
The Hammers striker had been enjoying a buoyant start to the season but this looks to have been derailed this evening by a suspected dislocation of the shoulder. Guy Demel also sustained a knock and his prognosis is likely to be a greater concern for Fantasy managers.
