Key Battles in the match against Stoke by AM
Per Mertesacker v Peter Crouch
So what do you do when you have 6 ft 7 in tall striker up against you? You ask your 6 ft 6 in tall defender to man mark him. From Arsenal’s point of view, how Per Mertesacker handles Peter Crouch could possibly effect the outcome of this match. The Englishman has been a thorn in Arsenal’s site, he has scored seven Premier League goals against Arsenal; only versus Blackburn (8) has he been more prolific. He has also scored in both games for Stoke against the Gunners. But last time Arsenal played against Stoke at Britannia stadium, a match which finished in a 1-1 draw, Per Mertesacker was not in the team. The German international is Arsenal’s best bet against Crouch creating a nuisance from long throw-ins, free-kicks and corners.
Jenkinson v Etherington
Jenkinson, in his short career, has already played some ‘big’ matches. This time he will be up against another wily customer in Matthew Etherington. The former Tottenham Hotspur winger now a veteran at the age of 31 and while Peter Crouch attracts most of the attention down the middle, Etherington has enough about himself to cause trouble down the left wing. He is a wonderful crosser of the ball and in the last game against the Gunners, he was the one to provide the assist for Peter Crouch’s goal. Stopping Peter Crouch is secondary, what Arsenal should primarily stop is the supply to Peter Crouch. Jenkinson, who has stepped into the team due to the absence of Bacary Sagna, will have this important task of keeping Etherington quiet and stopping him from delivering crosses towards the box for Crouch to attack. Etherington is also quick on the counter attack and considering that Arsenal will hold a high backline, Jenkinson has to be on his toes to not let Etherington run behind him.
Arteta v Walters
Mikel Arteta, after the departure of Alex Song, now has extra defensive responsibilities on his shoulders. With Stoke playing a 4-4-1-1 formation, Jon Walters will be playing in the hole behind Peter Crouch. He has a tendency to play in between the lines, as in the line of defense and midfield. This can cause problems if one of the midfielders in the double pivot of 4-2-3-1 used by Arsenal, don’t mark him. Arteta plays in a much deeper role than the other pivot, Diaby. He will hence have the job of keeping an eye on Walters. Otherwise, the center backs will be drawn towards him leaving space in behind for the wide men to run into.
Cazorla v Whelan
Expect Santi Cazorla to be in the center of everything good for Arsenal and also expect Glenn Whelan following him like his shadow. Whelan is Stoke’s workhorse in the midfield and last time he played against Arsenal he had the job of keeping Rosicky quiet. Rosicky though was in fantastic form during that period and put in a wonderful display in that match and Whelan was unable to do much about it. Cazorla, who will play in similar role this time around, will also be marked by Whelan. It remains to be seen whether the Spaniard can evade him in the match.
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