Marseille at the Emirates - Monreal, Ozil

Two things I came away with on Tuesday night:

1. Nacho Monreal is a quality left back who would enhance our defence. He should be the first choice left back for the Arsenal. Would be cruel on Gibbs, but in matches with the big / European teams I would rather have Monreal in the side. 

2. Still trying to understand Mesut Ozil's temperament. He was his usual self up until the penalty miss. Flings off his gloves in disgust and immediately there was an urgency in his running. The assist in the second half was inevitable. Hope to see more of that and possibly goals as well. 

Corner flag (vol 3.2) - Football in 3D - Arsenal vs Southampton at the Emirates - 23Nov13

I left for the stadium 2 hours in advance of the kick off concerned about the London underground work disruptions that was scheduled for the weekend. I checked online and it said that Piccadilly line was all good. Half way through the journey, I heard some mumbling over the intercom that the train would have to stop at Kings Cross and carry no further – regretfully due to underground work disruption. 

Limited in awareness of what options I have, got off at Russell Square thinking it would be easier to catch a cab. I then saw a gooner still in the train. Jumped back in and decided to ask him on how to get to the game. He had heard nothing as he had his earphones plugged in. Another gooner joined the discussion and said we can get to Finsbury Park station through the Victoria line. Followed the guys and walked along hot dog shops lined St. Thomas's Road with all the other fans. 

I still landed up an hour early from kick off - so grabbed a beer, walked right round the stadium, bought programme notes and grabbed another beer. Met the guys at gate H and headed up. The two guys I was with were impressed with the fact that Mrs & Master Wenerd were back in the apartment on my birthday while I was here to spend 90 minutes watching the Arsenal. 

As we settled into our seats, we learnt then that the match start has been delayed by 15 min because of train interruptions. I don't recollect, in the last 10 years of premier league watching, of a game being delayed because of underground work disruption. One of the guys said that this doesn't happen often, so I guess it was just me.

Southampton was quick to demonstrate the organisation and the skill the team possesses. Smart manager they have in Mauricio Pochettino. Solid in midfield with Wanyama majestic with his interceptions and tackles. The right back was also impressive. The 2 English internationals leading the line didn’t do much, which was reassuring as an Arsenal fan. We had good shape and it was good to see the midfield in action live instead of the 2D version on TV. It was fascinating to see how Giroud is such an important part of everything that goes on offensively - he is the leverage for the slingshot that our midfield is today.

A player that I rate was their 'holy goalie' Artur Boruc - great reflexes and instrumental in their outstanding defensive record this season. I had read however that he is prone to be a bit of a nutter. Early on in the game couple of his goal kicks missed everybody and directly reached their manager in the dugout (prompting the comment made by Wenger in his post match conference). I turned to the other 2 guys and said that this guy is a lunatic - and he promptly showed us how. Dribbling in his own box with Giroud on his ass, eventually gets dispossed and Giroud scores. Emirates roared and we were 1 up. 

In the second half we were in control despite them continuing to be solid in midfield. As the clock wound down, I was getting a little nervous with our one goal margin however one could see that the team looked confident and calm. That is something I would never have gleaned if I were watching the game on TV. The back four, goalkeeper and Arteta in the centre were all well linked. Giroud was very good with his defensive headers during their set pieces.

A lot is made these days about pressing hard to win the ball back - but from what I have seen this season, I see Arsenal adopting a different strategy (or possibly the lack of one). The focus is to retain the 4-2-3-1 shape at all times in order to get our attack going at the appropriate time and thereby prepared to allow the opponent with ball time if need be. "Classic" football I reckon, but something that plays to our strengths. That is why the back 5, Flamini / Arteta ahead of the defence and Giroud have been so critical this season – empowering the midfield to be adventurous and hog all the limelight with the goals.

A penalty at the end and it was interesting to see the high fives going around the Arsenal players – again something I would not have caught on TV. Giroud scores to round off a perfect day and a 2-nil score line. "La la lalal la, Giroud..." wafted through the Emirates at the final score line. Was disappointed not to hear Curtis Mayfield's 'Move on up' not screaming through the PA system. 

The few Arsenal fans I know back home, including me, are being extremely cautious in our expectations from this season. I certainly am willing to bide our time and get through each game as it comes. And that is pretty much what I gathered on the tube back to Earls Court from hearing other gooners talking. "We certainly are not the best team in the league, but...”

The obvious determinant of our success will be results in games with the big teams - where I think the focus should be on winning but should be prepared to settle for a draw and not lose at any cost. If we manage to do that, our league position over the early months of 2014 will start to intimidate the other challengers for the league. Cliched point I reckon, but it is as simple as that. "Classic" football demands simple logic.

Tomorrow night and it will be my first excursion into Champions League football. And hope there are no disruptions on the Picadilly line this time.