A bitterly disappointing goalless stalemate brings Saturday’s events to a whimpering close and leaves us hoping for a Sunday blowout. Here’s the somewhat limited Stock Check on this evening’s “action”…
On the Up
Kieran Gibbs
Back fit and in the frame, Arsene Wenger restored the left-back to his back four and decided to omit Thomas Vermaelen. While this casts some doubt over Wenger’s first choice central defensive pairing, Gibbs looks assured of starts at left-back when fit.
The Villa Defence
It was only their third clean sheet of the season but a determined showing will have encouraged Paul Lambert. With Reading, QPR and Stoke in the next three, there could be some low-to-mid price potential on offer, with Brad Guzan in goal and Ciaran Clark perhaps short-term punts. The injury to Ron Vlaar, which saw him withdrawn just after half-time, will be a concern, though.
Going Down
Santi Cazorla
Having fetched double figures against Spurs, Cazorla’s impact was again reduced by the abject performances of those around him. Without Theo Walcott, the Gunners again appeared to lack pace and penetration and for all Olivier Giroud’s neat touches, he failed to present a significant threat to the Villa defence.
Bacary Sagna
Somewhat surprisingly rested to the bench, the rotation with Carl Jenkinson could be a concern from this point on. With the Gunners progressing in the Champions League, tonight’s teamsheet would indicate that Wenger will look to give Jenkinson numerous opportunities at Sagna’s expense – another boost for Gibbs as the weapon of choice in the Gunners back four.
