Second straight win for the Gunners
It took three games but victory over West Ham presented Arsenal with their first three points under the guidance of Unai Emery. And with a kinder fixture list ahead of them, I can see this being the first of many for the Gunners in the coming weeks, starting On Saturday at Cardiff.
Cardiff
Cardiff are on two points from three games which is by no means a disaster for the newly promoted side. But having not scored against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Huddersfield, manager Neil Warnock must have concerns about his side's capabilities in doing so against the so-called bigger teams, four of whom they play in the next five games.
There’s no doubting their ability to defend resolutely, two clean sheets so far shows how Cardiff will be a match for many sides this campaign and the spirit of the manager will see that they won’t just simply lie over and have their belly scratched. Joe Ralls and, and in particular, Harry Arter, have caught the eye in midfield and seem to epitomise the kind of desire the Yorkshireman demands of his players.
Neil Warnock must have concerns
However, their top-tier status is likely to be determined by the goals they score, or don’t, as is most likely to be the case. Relying on the unproven ability of Kenneth Zohore to score regular goals at this level appears a strange judgement call from the manager and one that could backfire.
Arsenal
Not always known for their strength of character, Arsenal showed great spirit in coming from a goal down to eventually dispose of a dangerous West Ham side last Saturday. Their ability to dig in when the going got tough would have pleased Emery, but Arsenal were far from their best at the back and on another day could have been on the other side of the final 3-1 scoreline.
Looking sharp and threatening frequently
As ever though Arsenal were exciting going forwards, creating chances galore from their superior amount of possession. Neither Aubameyang nor second half substitute Lacazette could get themselves of the mark despite looking sharp and threatening frequently – surely it’s only a matter of time before they’re up and running for the season. I think so at least.
The confidence brought about by a win will count for a lot here. Even with a questionable backline which, let’s make clear, still requires some serious work if Arsenal are to make the top 4 this season, I fully expect Arsenal to post a second successive victory, this one in more comfortable and convincing fashion.
Match Tip
Cardiff, as they do, will make life difficult for Arsenal but there’s going to be a clear gulf in class between the teams come the end with the hosts clearly very limited and the visitors anything but.
