Gunners Brush Off Basel Challenge
Sep 28th, 2016 by 'holic
For the visit of Basel Arsene Wenger made just the two changes to the starting line-up that destroyed Chelsea at the weekend. As expected David Ospina was recalled in goal, and Granit Xhaka deputised for the injured Francis Coquelin. Basel arrived with an impressive record of four wins and a draw in their last five matches against English opposition in the Champions League.
The visitors determination to press all over the pitch was quickly evident as the match got underway. Gradually the Gunners started stringing fast and accurate passes together. Nacho Monreal went close in the seventh minute and moments later Alexis crossed for the revitalised Theo Walcott to power a header past Vaclik in the Basel goal.
Arsenal 1-0 Basel
Basel were far from down and out. From a corner Suchy climbed highest but thankfully failed to direct his header on target. The Gunners responded with a wonderful attack orchestrated by Alexis and ended only by an offside flag against the onrushing Mesut Ozil. When Alexis broke again the industrious Suchy had to haul him back, and in so doing earned the first yellow card of the contest.
In the twenty-sixth minute the two brightest players of the half combined for a second Gunners goal. Theo Walcott played a one-two with Alexis and applied an accurate finish off the inside of the far post. It was breathtaking stuff.
Arsenal 2-0 Basel
Appetites still strong, the same pair combined to give the Basel defence another nervous moment before Balanta managed to scramble the ball clear. Then Vaclik had to be quick to pass sideways under a challenge from Alexis. Walcott and Hector Bellerin then tore Basel apart and set up Alexis. Unfortunately the Chilean shot too close to Vaclik and what may have been the goal of the season was passed up.
The ‘keeper had to be quick to block when Walcott put Bellerin through in the inside-right channel, and then Vaclik watched relieved as Ozil lifted one just wide of his far post as the Gunners threatened to run riot. Monreal chipped one behind the defence for Alexis to hit another fierce drive at the overworked Vaclik. “Eye catching football from the Gunners” purred the commentator. He wasn’t wrong. The North Bank and the Clock End exchanged chants. Watching Arsenal is fun again.
As the half drew to a close Basel were hanging on grimly. Alexis crossed for Ozil to hit an effort into the side-netting. The whistle that Arsenal didn’t want brought relief, if only temporarily, for Basel. How on earth it was only 2-0 was a mystery at this point.
Arsenal restarted where they had left off. In the opening minutes of the second-half Monreal got behind the defence and Vaclik again had to be brave to thwart the incoming Alexis. Walcott, chasing his hat-trick, was played in by Alexis again but chipped wide of the far post as the offside flag was raised against him. Alexis broke again but failed to pick out Ozil with his final ball and the other Xhaka cleared the danger.
Arsenal’s Xhaka was growing into the contest and hit a sixty-yard pass to send Alexis clear down the left, before narrowly failing to connect with Santi Cazorla in the Basel box. Alex Iwobi, perhaps feeling left out, burst half the length of the pitch to fire an effort narrowly wide of the near post from the inside-left channel.
Martin Keown, co-commentating on my stream, observed “If this was a boxing match the referee would have stopped it by now”. Cazorla galloped free down the left flank but whipped his cross into the grateful arms of Vaclik.
Ospina’s concentration was tested when Basel broke to earn two corners in quick succession and the Columbian dealt with them both. A minute later he was worked again and saved in spectacular fashion from the Icelandic international, Bjarnason. Ospina looked less convincing when flapping at another corner and Bjarnason fortunately missed the target at the far post.
Alexis attempted to free Walcott again and was a fraction off with his forty-yarder. When Walcott repaid the Chilean Alexis side-footed wide of the far post from twelve yards. With twenty minutes to go Arsene opted for a little rotation, sending on former Basel man Mohamed Elneny and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Iwobi and Walcott, the latter being afforded a deserved standing ovation. How Walcott is changing opinions, mine included.
Shkodran Mustafi, having an otherwise quiet evening, played a superb ball nearly half the length of the pitch for Bellerin charging into the Basel box. With quarter of an hour remaining Kieran Gibbs got a bit of match practice replacing Monreal.
The substitutions had an impact on the Gunners fluency in the closing stages, but in fairness it appeared as though the Gunners had knocked the fight out of half-decent opponents. Alexis weaved his way towards the box and was brought down, From the resulting free-kick Cazorla hit the base of the wall. Oxlade -Chamberlain rounded Vaclik but the ‘keeper recovered to block the attempted cut-back. The goalkeeper completed an amazing night blocking another Alexis effort in the orchestra stalls.
With PSG getting an away win at Ludogorets Razgrad the fight for top spot in the group remains tense. Arsenal could do no more than they did. Another fine performance and the final scoreline again flattered the visitors. That is now four wins in a row since the draw at PSG away. Thirteen goals scored and just the one conceded is a measure of how well the Arsenal are playing right now. Whisper it softly, but we are looking a bit good.
May it continue for a while yet.
50 Responses to “Gunners Brush Off Basel Challenge”
Boom.
Another brilliant display.
Long may it continue!
Up The Arse.
😀
The Guv’nor just gets faster and faster…
I hope the missed opportunities don’t come back to bite us. I think we drop to second in the table by dint of PSG having scored more goals overall (tiebreaker criteria 7).
A great report, as usual, Holic. We are looking a bit good is right. Hope we win something big this season.
Vaclik looks a worthy successor to Cech in the Czech Rep national team. He kept Basel from a paddling as much as Ospina salvaged us a point in Paris.
Arsenal have got Fun to watch again, Serious strength in depth, partnerships blooming like flowers in Spring and pictures being painted that would make Picaso weep, and I dared judge the man at the Helm – Time to sit in a dark corner and self flagellate – Ohh Matron,
We are on the cusp of another great team, time to sit back and enjoy the ride like a young Walter Swinburn heading towards tattenham corner on Shergar,, it should be exhilarating !!
Cheers ‘H: UTA!
https://youtu.be/rtxbM7-jAD0
AL 🙂
More than a bit good, just like the blogger. Nice one ‘Holic.
We are back on track, BtM. ??
Yip, enjoyed that.
Like the look of the new German, promises a great partnership with Koscielny.
Who’s the guy wearing the Walcott mask? 😉
Thanks for an excellent report Holic as I again missed out on seeing the game. It seems Theo has done OK? Long may it continue without inj*ry.
bt, i think theo is finally realizing he needs to show up well on chris’s big tv… 🙂
Express report Holic. I read it on the train coming home.
You’re right it’s fun to watch Arsenal again . There is unity amongst the fans at last and joy in a squad that is the strongest we’ve had for a very long time ( ever?) Tonight, particularly the first half was a delight to watch, Sanchez , Walcott and Iwobi were superb, the latter reminds me more and more of David Rocastle. I have totally revised my opinion of Mustafi. I think he is a huge addition to the team and Xhaka is a thoroughbred who I think will be a major star at the club.
The only possible concern was that we didn’t punish them as severely as we could have done but we were superb. Something brilliant is building now. I think I said 2-0
Of course we brushed ’em off..who are we, Utd? Chelski? No!
Chris must be all smiles. Can Theo get us ten more this season pls? Feo en fuego!
Off topic: Are we the kinda squad that Conte likes with ball-playing CBs, a deep playmaker, and a marauding striker? (Life after AW/ Roman gets bored question)
And can we give dap to AW for choosing Alexis as a 9 to save energy in the opposite half instead of tracking back into our own?
Happy national beer day! 🙂
Thanks scruz (last drinks also noticed), I’m relieved for Theo, while fingers are firmly crossed that injury doesn’t herald another false dawn.
You are indeed getting faster and faster with your reports, ‘holic. Much more of our current form and you can start writing them before games start!
Gotta laugh! … http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37500995 … the short reign of Sam I.
Don’t like the band, but love the song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GCSUSwcDwg
Theo’s current form simply shows that one bad season, and that’s all it was really, doesn’t make a player dreadful.
No problems with coverage now Sky in NZ has got its act together, I’ve seen every minute of every game so far LIVE. Well, not quite watched live on account of the hour, but I’ve recorded the live coverage and enjoyed it over breakfast in bed. Not the same as your luxury point of vantage at the Ems Trev, but a far easier commute! 🙂
hot toddy ain’t too shoddy
at least not my personal recipe
if i may be bold enough to say so
please pardon the commercial interruption
and now back to your regularly scheduled programming
Anybody get the feeling that the Barnsley coach is going to carry the can for some much bigger names in this supposed corruption scandal?
The Telegraph made big noises about Premier League managers and all they have revealed so far is an assistant at Barnsley and JFH (whose Piggybank nickname from years back seems appropriate now) taking or asking for, what are in the scheme of things, tiny sums of money.
Great stuff from the lads again…
The Sanchez cross for Theo’s opener was just obscene…and Theo’s second was worthy of Henry…
Happy Days.
BBC Sport are running a “Pick Your Best Wenger XI” thing today : good fun if you are bored at work this morning…and very difficult…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37430014
@28,
Here’s my best .. erm.. 7:
Cech, Pires, Ozil, Cazorla, Vieira, Henry, Bergkamp.
I’m not even going to try for the best defense; so much competition and quality!
Finally, I’m going with Adams, Koscielny, Bellerin & Winterburn.
(Just couldn’t pick A.Cole.)
I am elated we won 2-0 as I predicted afore hand, my worry is d failure to increase goal tally in d 2nd half; dis must be food for thought for Wenger nd must be addressed quickly b4 opponents use it against us later in d season!gud report holics nd congrats for another scintilating display boyz; humility nd more humility, I agree wit AW,dats wat d team needs most.shallom!! !
UTA!
seaman
lauren campbell adams cole
(just in front of bellerin, for now)
vieira
sanchez ozil (petit for tough away games) pires
bergkamp
anelka
Nice one, Guvna. Just a bit good.
A most enjoyable evening. We were a jy to watch and in complete control throughout. No worries about the unflattering scoreline. It could easily have been 4-0 at HT and 7-0 at the end but for their keeper and the bounce of the ball.
On to Burnley.
Alexis Sanchez was an animal out there, just magnificent. Theo scores but honestly alexis could have scored a hattrick and had the same no of assists .
Wenger’s best 11-
Seaman
Lauren-Campbell- Koscielny- Cole
Viera
Alexis- Ozil- Pires-
henry- God.
Lot of notable omissions but honestly this team would be a pleasure to watch.
fav 11
a game that will bring only frustration
like
which of yer children is yer favourite
impossible to choose
now !
which is yer least favourite ?
he knows who he is
wee shite
we call him stepanovs
out of earshot
Is there an Arsene Wenger 20th anniversary appreciation column coming up, ‘Holic? I’m one of the fans who joined the Cannon in the ‘bleak’ years (that 2nd leg 0-0 vs Real), so i’m curious to hear how the more blooded Gooners actually feel about our manager since the Arsene Who to Wenger Out years.
Seaman
Lauren Adams Campbell Cole
Vieira Petit
Ljungberg Pires
Bergkamp Henry
Subs
Lehmann
Keown
Toure
Overmars
Ozil
Sanchez
RVP
TTG, we differ only on Sagna for Lauren and Ozil for Ljungberg.
Wenger’s best XI is half George Graham’s
Seaman (although Mad Jens pushes him close)
Dixon, Adams, Keown, Winterburn
Ljungberg, Petit, Vieira, Pires
Henry, Bergkamp
I picked the back five as a unit. As individuals, Cole and Campbell would possibly get in ahead of Keown and Winterburn, depending on my mood on the day, although it would be very tight.
funny story. i’m at the market last night, and run in to a co-worker (one of my IT specialists). we were discussing beer (i was buying a rye ipa and she was wanting a pilsner that wasn’t gluten-free, so i recommended urquell), and then lunch that day; i said i’d been watching arsenal, she asked how they’d looked, if they’d walked it in. i did a double-take, and said i’d not known she was an arsenal fan. she said “well…here’s how i knew to ask,” and sent me this link:
https://youtu.be/6yN2H3–1aw
on. the. floor.
and chris @18, i’ll be a very happy man if theo can play, uninjured, with that sort of edge all year long. we’ve never been able to get used to the balance he brings to the side when he’s on song in that position, not least because his consistency has been woeful. if he has indeed learned not to go missing in games we’re in for a treat.
he’s already built enough goodwill to have an off-game, and even could continue to build it in such a game if his effort was like sanchez’s last night (two assists and great effort on both sides of the ball, though he could have had a hat trick).
i’m glad for you, too. you’ve taken my stick about theo, and others’, and it makes me happy that his success is making you happy, and all of us! otd’s spirit mixed a bit in theo’s? 😀
Bath
Two very good calls. I think the Invincible shape upfront persuaded me not to add in Ozil. But Sagna is a very decent choice.
The difficulty in making so many choices underlines how privileged we have been to watch so many top quality players over the Wenger era. It’s also reassuring that we now have a significant number of current players capable of being chosen to join that company.
The Premier League Show on BBC 2 at 10pm has a sort of round table discussion about Wenger, featuring IWWW, Hartson and Keown. Sadly it also includes Piers Morgan, but Amy Lawrence is on it as well. Might be a good watch that.
And it was pretty good, particularly the bit where Keown wagged his finger and gave Piers Morgan the evils.
Seaman
Bellerin Adams Campbell Cole
Gilberto
Ljungberg Vieira Pires
Bergkamp Henry
Fantastic article by a journalist who visited Duttlenheim to find out what Guy Wenger and several of the other locals think about Arsene Wenger.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/09/29/meet-the-other-wenger—arsenes-brother-reveals-the-arsenal-mana/?
My tribute to twenty years of Arsene. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Back to the CL game … no one seems to have mentioned (apologies if I missed someone) that we could have run up a cricket score (for the second game in a row) but for woeful finishing and a large degree of relaxing in the second half. Was it only me worrying that Basel could have scored (probably should have scored) in a brief period of second half domination, which could easily have invited panic in the ranks?
Yes, on balance we were streets better, but I do wish we could really put teams to the sword with 5 or 6 more often than we ever seem interested in doing. There’s nothing wrong with a 2-goal cushion at the end of a game, but where is the ruthless streak other sides demonstrate in similar situations?
If we miss top spot in our group on GD I may mention this again!