QPR v. Arsenal: Instant Reaction

- Theo Walcott still knows how to finish. I was just getting my son settled and ready to watch the match when my Stats Zone app flashed up the goal. Yep, I missed it live. Oh well, if it meant missing goals in order for the club to score, I'll gladly miss them all. With last week's clinical finish, along with today's quick strike, it could be argued that Walcott should be playing through the middle. Which brings me to...

- We missed having Olivier Giroud up front. It's quite clear Lukas Podolski's suffering from his bum ankle, and he consistently struggled against the pressure put on him by Clint Hill and Nedum Onuoha. Before his suspension, Giroud was having a difficult time with his distribution, but what can't be argued is that he brings the ability to loft it to him to allow players to play off his headers. Which brings me to...

- Just what in the hell was that play today? This is a QPR side that laughed as they walked off the pitch after sealing their relegation place last week; clearly, they're not a side that's mentally put together. The midfield lacked a creative edge, as well as a trigger to put pressure on Robert Green. Arsene Wenger's not changing his tactics, shape or philosophy for almost anything, but given the result from White Hart Lane moments before the kickoff at Loftus Road it'd have been nice to see Arsenal put more pressure on Green by shooting early and often. Which brings me to...

- Credit to QPR for coming out and not completely sucking. They looked a lively side, threatening our back line and Szczesny with a vigor usually reserved for sides that have something to play for this time of the season. Personally, while it's nice in a sporting sense to have the strongest competition possible, I was kinda hoping for a side that played as if they'd rather be anywhere else in the world than on that pitch. Which brings me to...

- Wociech Szezesny, a couple of very bad distributions aside, played a fantastic match with more than one match-saving deflection. Competition, they say, is great for everyone, and it appears that he's taking advantage of his time on the pitch. Which brings me to...

- Wednesday's match at Stamford Bridge is huge. Like, crazy huge. But you already knew that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to exhale.