Arsenal 3-0 Cardiff City - Statistical Analysis

Arsenal scored a 3-0 victory over Cardiff in south Wales to heap pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of tomorrow’s matches and assert their dominance at the top of the table. Bluebirds youth product Aaron Ramsey struck a delightful header just before the half-hour mark to put the Gunners in the lead, completing his brace late on in some style on the other side of Mathieu Flamini’s 86th minute strike after coming off of the bench.

Key Stats

Arsenal didn’t see a great deal more of the ball than their hosts at 54%, but were far more efficient in possession as they completed 468 of 544 passes (86%) whilst Cardiff picked out a teammate with just 316 of 415 passes (76%).

As a result the Bluebirds failed to carve out quality chances on a consistent basis, making just three key passes as they opted for crosses (3/19) as a primary means of getting the ball into the box, as the Gunners were patient in breaking down Malky Mackay’s defensively disciplined side and created 10 chances throughout the 90 minutes.

The visitors dealt well with whatever was thrown at them at the back, making 48 total clearances and winning 94% of their tackles.

Man of the Match

Wojciech Szczesny took Man of the Match honours through dealing expertly with Cardiff’s deliveries from wide areas, closing out the afternoon with a Squawka Performance Score of 72.

The Polish shot-stopper was required to make just a single save on the day, instead shining with a punch and three catches as Cardiff attacked with three corners, 19 crosses, and 36 long balls.

It certainly wasn’t the most difficult day in goal for the 23-year-old, but his display of command of the penalty area was indicative of the maturity he has taken on of late and provided the security necessary for Arsenal to keep their opponents off the scoresheet away from home.

Performance Score

A steady showing from Arsene Wenger’s men saw them lead from start to finish in Performance Score, slowly building and oppressing the opposition through the opening 30 minutes until Ramsey header sent them up 182 to -61.

Cardiff were able to recover ever so slightly following the opener and showed signs of life heading towards the break, but business as usual soon resumed for the Gunners as they climbed consistently throughout the second half with the hosts languishing around the zero mark.

By the 85th minute Arsenal were already far in the ascendancy at 405-12, with Flamini’s goal the death knell for Cardiff and Ramsey’s second punctuating the victory as the away club emerged astronomically on top in the Performance Score battle at 489 to -71.

Key Observations

Arsenal’s Heat Map shows just how much time the north London outfit spent probing the hosts’ defence in the offensive third, with tireless pressing ensuring Cardiff never lingered too long on the ball at the back without breaking forward.

Furthermore, the performance of Mesut Ozil needs some recognition too. The Germany international completed 94% of his passes and created three chances, getting two assists.

Mackay’s charges found what little offensive joy they had down the flanks through Don Cowie and Kevin Theophile-Catherine with Arsenal so high up the pitch, but the pair completed just two crosses from a combined eleven attempts as Cardiff couldn’t make the most of the opportunities that were present.

Kim Byo-Kyung, recently emerging as a key man for the Welsh outfit, struggled to leave his mark on proceedings in creating just one chance, completing only 71% of his passes, and missing the target with his only shot to finish with Performance Score of -9.