It started fantastically with Aaron Ramsey getting a goal that surely he has dreamt about since his horrific leg break back there in 2010. His subtle celebration was clearly a pop at the fans that booed him ever since and I loved every second of it. It was also the first of a hat-trick of assists from Mesut Ozil who again proved what a playmaker he really is. A free kick that was originally a shot was spilt by Begovic and Ramsey was there to slide it underneath him.
Then Stoke pulled on back when a fantastically floated ball was spanked against the post by Arnautovic before Cameron placed it into the far corner. But we didn't let it effect us and moments later we were back in front. Ozil again the provider, this time from a corner which was flicked across the goal by Mertesacker. The two Germans combining well to give us a lead going into the half.
In the second half the game slowed a little there were a few efforts from both side but the final blow came in the 72nd minute when Bacary Sagna headed the ball high and over the Stoke keeper from another Ozil corner. This effectively ended the game and from there on we were in control. Ozil made way to a standing ovation and was replaced by Mikel Arteta in his first appearance for us this season.
The only downside of the game was the loss of Theo Walcott before the match with whats been described as a muscular abdominal problem, Wenger admitted that he didn't know how long the winger would be out or even what exactly the problem was which is worrying for us and our already thread-bare squad. He was replaced by Serge Gnabry who held his own relatively well and with game time and experience could be a very tidy player.
We travel to the Hawthorns on Wednesday night to take on West Brom and I suspect the squad will be fairly different to the one yesterday but a report on that will be up soon. Until then enjoy your day.
