Mesut Ozil was back in the Premier League starting lineup and his presence was a blessing to the team at the end of the early kick-off match. No regrets he is back after a confusing absence. Confusing because we have been kept in the dark over happenings surrounding the German at the club. At a time it was illness, later a back spasm and most recently he was left out for 'tactical reasons'. Well, let's take it as we were told and believe all is well between him and the manager.
The 30-year old who captained the team was a vital figure in the 14th-minute opening goal where his magical move caused him to pull an unbelievable pass through to Sead Kolasinac (how this happened is still unknown). This led to a goal for Aubameyang, giving Arsenal a first-time lead in the first half of a Premier League game this season. Number 14 scored in the 14th minute. This has placed him at the top of the league's goalscorers list directly above Liverpool's Mohamed Salah who surpassed him with one goal away at Wolves the previous night.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles broke free at the edge of the box minutes later and attempted a shot but it was an easy save for Joe Hart.
Nacho Monreal added to Arsenal's defensive injury woes having just recently returned. He was replaced by Stephan Lichtsteiner moments to halftime. Just a goal separated the sides at the break and Unai Emery was finally able to break the jinx of a no-lead at halftime in the league since his arrival.
It did not take long after the game had restarted before we extended our lead from a counter attack. Kolasinac sent the ball to Alexandre Lacazette and the Frenchman spread it to Auba. The Gabonese then superbly drove it past Hart to record his brace.
In the 63rd minute, confusion broke out for Arsenal as several players tried clearing a rebounding ball only for Barnes to hit a right-footed shot home, making sure we did not leave the arena with a clean sheet. They would still get punished for that.
Five minutes of added time seemed short but not to Iwobi. The Nigerian converted from the far post following a sweeping team move. It ended 3-1 and it was the home side who left with all three points. What a way to respond after being humiliated by Southampton and Tottenham after a 22-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
We now move on to play Brighton in midweek then head to Anfield for the big one next weekend. We won't be at the Emirates Stadium till 2019 as our last two games for the year are away fixtures.
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