Well, after figuring out that the Emarites Cup on Arsenal Player is only avaliable in the UK, I set my google powers alight and tried to find a decent copy of the Benfica match to watch.
Here is what I found:
| VPN: Basically this tricks websites into thinking you come from another country. Simple. I use SwitchVPN as they seem to have the best range of servers in the most ideal locations (USA for netfix’s and UK for football). Simple process to sign up, nominal yearly fee and best of all works on Windows, Mac, iPhones, iPads and Android. | |
| Connecting your phone to your TV: I have a Galaxy S4, not the latest and greatest but still cuts the mustard. Using the VPN mentioned above, I can then watch the games via Arsenal Player on my phone. I have this simple adaptor called “MHL” that can connect any android device to your TV and it just screen mirrors. Meaning, whats on my phone is on my TV. Best of all, the MHL adaptor also transmits sound to the TV so I get the full experience. Might sound complicated but trust me its not. Simple as plugging in three cables (See image right. click for bigger). When the season rolls round I use the PremierLeaguePass to watch the games via this method. |  |
| Downloading the Games: Yep, you can dowload the games to watch, this is how I manage to watch the Champions League and Cup matches at home. If you need help just message us on FB | |
| Streaming: There are a host of free streaming sites with variouning quality. I prefer a method called AceStream. Simple and easy, also Full HD. Again for more detail contact our FB page. | |
On to the game:
The scoreline flatters us a bit on the defensive end, as Benfica threatened frequently but could only capitalize once, denying Damian Martinez a clean sheet. Then again, we could have bagged a few more of our own but for some all-too-familiar misses. The game turned into the Yaya Sanogo show as the man not only opened his Arsenal account in the 26th minute but added three more goals, with Joel Campbell also getting his first Arsenal goal for good measure. This one was well and truly over by halftime when the scoreline was 3-0. Still, the final gives us a strong edge going into tomorrow’s match against Monaco. Three points for the win, plus five points for the goals, means we have eight points to three each for Monaco and Villareal, who tied 2-2 earlier in the day.
Player Ratings:
- Martinez – 7 – It was a very solid performance by the Argentine. He made the necessary saves and was commanding in the box.
- Bellerin – 8 – An impressive performance by the young Spaniard. He struggled defensively early on but grew into the game and was brilliant offensively. Set up two goals and was opening up Benfica’s left with ease.
- Chambers – 8.5 (MOTM) – He was the best player over 90 minutes for me. Very intelligent reading of the game and his passing was on point. He seemed to be pretty vocal as well.
- Monreal – 5 – Wasn’t very good in the CB position. Just doesn’t have the physicality or the height to cope and his lack of mobility was a problem.
- Gibbs – 7 – A good performance by him.Nothing more.
- Flamini – 6.5 – Same as Gibbs. Did his job but never really excelled.
- Ramsey – 8 – He was superb today and would’ve been MOTM had he stayed on for the entire 90 minutes. He was in control at all times and was opening up Benfica whenever possible.
- Campbell – 7.5 – He good home debut for him. He scored and managed to assist one. He was dangerous for quite a lot of the game and seems to have convinced Wenger that he has a role at the club.
- Rosicky – 6 – A pretty sloppy performance overall.
- Chamberlain – 6 – He struggled to get into the game and that may be due to a lack of fitness. He did some decent stuff but came off at half time.
- Sanogo – 8 – A very impressive performance by him. He missed quite a few good chances but still ended up with 4 goals. There was a good poachers finish for his third that shows instinct and anticipation to me.
Subs:
- Cazorla – 6 – Sloppy on the ball but did do some nice dribbling to open up space. I wouldn’t look into it too much as this is his first game during preseason.
- Arteta – 6 – A decent performance when he came on, nothing special.
- Coquelin – 3 – Shocking stuff all round. Kept losing the ball due to a lack of awareness. Was slow passing it out and didn’t really defend any Benfica attacks.
- Wilshere – 6 – Like Cazorla, slightly sloppy at times and although he made some nice dribbles, it was nothing special.
- Alexis – 7 – Our first look at Alexis in a Arsenal Shirt, didn’t have much time but managed to impress with some good turns and almost assisted Coquelin’s shot that hit the post.
- Akpom – 7 – Similarly impressive. Almost was one on one but was taken out by the defender. Seems very composed on the ball.
For those who havn’t seen the game or highlights check below:
Till tomorrow
miketheg00ner