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Reading 2 Arsenal 5 | Tactical Analysis & Player Stats Report

Cazorla’s Hat-Trick

Cazorla enjoyed an easy game and went home with a hat-trick.

Readings 4-4-2 allowed a significant amount of space between their defenders and  midfielders. Arsenal’s wingers managed to spread their defensive line as Gibbs and Sagna supported their attacking runs. This stretched Reading’s fullbacks and forced center-backs to cover.

Inevitably, this left open space in the box when wingers went on successful runs. Cazorla’s frequent late arrivals were well rewarded when he found this space. Walcott’s speedy runs in front of him absorbed some of the defense’s attention and left him with space to exploit. Readings defense was so stretched that the minuscule Cazorla even put a diving header home in the box.

Aside from his scoring, Cazorla was highly creative. He had 7 successful take-ons, and completed 28 passes in the attacking third.

Conclusions

Arsenal were by far the best team. The two goals they conceded were concerning lapse in concentration. However, given recent results, this may well be forgiven, as this is a leap forward for in regards to the their attack.

Reading’s defense was all over the place. Their line was too high and allowed Arsenal an enormous amount of dribbling space. They were stretched and simply not good enough. If this form is repeated, it will continue to be punished.

With QPR finally getting their first win, eyes will certainly shift toward Reading as a new narrative for struggling is needed. The Royals only have one win in the Premier League. They look strong on the counter with the ability to finish chances, but they struggle to find enough time on the ball to put together attacks.

While Arsenal’s midweek loss to Bradford is undoubtedly still stinging, Wenger’s side looked stronger than it had in quite awhile. Gibbs and Podolski worked a strong partnership on the left flank and jointly produced fantastic performances. Walcott through the center may well be considered a viable option for the future, considering the chances he invited and the space he provided Cazorla when his runs drew markers away from the Spaniard.

Michael Thot
Michael Thot
Raised in Seattle WA. Sounders FC, United States, and Liverpool supporter.
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