OK, it was heartwarming to see Debuchy, Elneny, and Jack score really fine goals, Theo dispatch one of his chances, and Giroud tuck away a penalty kick (twice--encroachment). It was great to finish in such fine style. Of course, the opponent played very poorly. They had a few chances but never made much of them, and on defense they seemed befuddled as the taxi squad Gunners cut through them effortlessly. I got the feeling that if we had to score more, we would have.
Giroud wasn't getting service from crosses, so he participated in the buildup play and in winning the ball. I thought he was great. Some of the one-touch passing up front didn't come off, but it was exciting to watch. Maitland-Niles wasn't as sharp as he has been in Europa League, and Welbeck never really got going. But it's not easy to criticize anyone who played a role in such a comprehensive win.
Since this was a different eleven from the team that lost to United, and the opposition was so much poorer, it's impossible to draw any conclusions from yesterday's game. Europa League knockout stage competition will be a lot better than BATE. We've played our last creampuff, unless we draw more nonleague FA Cup opponents this year. It's going to be a slog, for everyone in the league.
Will we be selling players in January? It will be a distraction.
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