As Arsenal put in an impressive performance against Basel in the Champions League, we take a look at the five things we learned from their 2-0 win.
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott misses a chance to score
Arsenal beat Basel 2-0 in the Champions League thanks to a Theo Walcott brace as he continued his impressive goal scoring run.
Walcott scored twice as Arsenal put in a dominant and emphatic performance at the Emirates, with the link-up play of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Walcott particularly impressive.
Walcott has now scored five goals in seven games in what has been an electric start to his season for both the player and the club, with Arsene Wenger’s side winning six of their last seven games.
Against Basel the damage was done in the first half, and it should have been more but for the heroics of Tomas Vaclik, who repeatedly denied Sanchez, as the Chilean worked tirelessly, but could not get the goal his work rate deserved.
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott celebrates scoring their first goal with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez
While Walcott will take the headlines after his two goals, it was Sanchez who provided the cutback for Arsenal’s first goal and played Walcott in for his second on 26 minutes.
With Arsenal now level on points at the top of Group A with Paris Saint Germain, we take a look at the five things we learned from their 2-0 win.
1. Walcott continues to shine
Against Basel, Walcott continued his impressive start to the season in what could prove to be a key campaign for both Arsenal and the midfielder.
Walcott’s five goals in seven games have seen him form a scintillating partnership with Sanchez, as Wenger’s side have started the season unbeaten, with the performances of Walcott a key factor.
Should Walcott continue in his current form he will undoubtedly be a key man in the England national squad under Gareth Southgate.
2. Sanchez worked tirelessly, but the goal didn’t come
Sanchez was once again superb in the centre-forward role and his link-up play with both Walcott and Ozil bewildered Basel.
The Chilean looked in breathtaking form and his ability to draw defenders away from space showed just how pivotal he will be as Arsenal will look to advance into the latter stages of the competition.
But try as he did, the goal just wouldn’t come, not for his lack of effort, but more due to the heroics of Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez in action
3. Arsenal thrilled
Arsenal thrilled against Basel, and while the Swiss side battled hard, they were no match for Wenger’s side, particularly in the opening half.
While Sanchez, Ozil, and Walcott were superb in their attacking play, Santi Cazorla and Granit Xhaka controlled the game expertly, with Cazorla particularly influential with his ball play.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil misses a chance to score
4. Could this be the year Arsenal grab the Champions League by the scruff of the neck
Arsenal’s form this season has seen them start both their Premier League campaign and the Champions League impressively.
But it is the Champions League that Wenger will want to add to the previous trophies won whilst manager at the Emirates.
If Arsenal can maintain their strong start there remains a belief at the club that they have all the pieces in place to legitimately challenge Europe’s elite clubs in their bid to win the Champions League.
5. Basel were bewildered
Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik had a match to remember, and just how busy he was showed the extent in which Arsenal dominated the game.
At times Basel looked lost and struggled throughout to come to terms with the tempo being set by Cazorla and Xhaka at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
They may be a different beast at home, but they will have to put in a better performance than this to challenge Arsenal and PSG in the group.
Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla in action with FC Basel’s Eder Balanta
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