A better way to win a game

Of course we still want the games when we are flying and dismantling sides and also winning the big games but over a long season this is a better way to win some of those games where teams sit deep and are organised and where many a time in recent past we have not been patient enough and either lost (even if unluckily due to pressure) or drew.

More patient and more solid, taking opportunities to attack if there but not forcing it to the point we get caught cold.

Yes Stoke had more of the ball but that was mainly because we conceded space as kept organised so a lot of the possession was in areas of no real danger and you always think we have a goal in us on counter if they lose patience and start to force game.

I can take less spectacular more workmanlike and efficient wins over a season as there will still be games where we get after a team and bury them still amongst them.

So still enjoyed the game but for different reasons, as being organised and solid is a good thing to and think we all know there is better to come and that we can still win games by just being organised and efficient.

Flamini was a big part of that as the shape with him there is obvious and like it when we see a game out with Monreal on for Wilshere as instantly makes it harder for a team looking to bomb on chasing a game.

Think Gnabry and Myachai both showed they would not let anyone down if selected, as both work hard and are good in possession and use ball well. They both do not carry same threat as Walcott yet but that is down to confidence of knowing when to leave their responsibilities and makes runs or take players on, they obviously had their responsibilities in keeping ball and defending as their priorities.

Not quite the drubbing I always wish for when Stoke and now Hughes come to town but still very satisfying seeing him and them leave again with nothing again.

Till he scores next given the options :-)

Stoke are physical and organised and have some decent players, the PL is deeper than ever been for clubs and not many chances were coming today with them playing so deep

Giroud was a bit starved really I cannot remember anything clear at all and we and Giroud did miss Walcott no matter how tidy Gnabry and Ryo were