It's been two games mate, against City and Chelsea. Was never going to be an easy start for a new manager and coaching set up.
Typical game against two teams that haven't got it together yet. But have to say we could have won that if not for our terrible misses and defensive mistakes. Gendouzi for me was the best player on the pitch for us and it's great to see someone with so much passion. He was the most pissed off when Abamayang missed an open goal. On the balance of play we should have won, a draw a minimum. But it was a good defeat in that we created plenty and was responsible of our own downfall. We have plenty to improve on and the manager will see where our problems are. First thing is benching Mustafi and Xhaka for me.
I accept it has only been 2 games, however just wondering if the focus should have been on defending rather than on playing from the back or any other system change. I accept we started with 2 difficult games, however a manager with a bit of nous should get something from at least one of these games. The only difference from the previous regime is hopefully we can sack him relatively easily and more importantly any finish less than 5th place should earn him a sack as well!
Bit harsh on Emery, he's only started, inherited someone else's players and played two of the best team's in Europe and PL. In the Chelsea game, we should have won if not for some woeful finishing and poor individual defending/mistakes which you can't blame Emery for. We really can only judge him over the season rather than a few games. Even if we win handsomely, i would be saying the same thing. In my opinion, a manager should be allowed to stamp his own philosophy and that includes bringing in players that will support it. Even if it means moving players like Ozil on, he should be allowed to and bring someone who will work best in his vision. It would be sad to see certain players go but he should be able to call the shots and be supported appropriately.
He wants to work on everything. Some of the things Emery is trying to implement are working. For example we are alot more direct when going forward. He is not interested in having possession just to keep the ball (unlike Wenger) - we've seen against City and Chelsea quick moves with only 2-3 passes that have led to goals. City look a different class TBH but it was an even game against Chelsea - the result could have gone either way.
I think you are misunderstanding what he means Pisk! Dont think he is saying Emery should be sacked, just that in the event that he SHOULD be sacked you wont be saddled with him for 3 more years like you were with Wenger. Which is surely a good thing? Correct me if i am wrong omogooner
Kind of reads that he should be sacked if we finish lower that 5th. Not sure if he means this season, or over the long term once he's settled in and been assessed. But I do agree that the situation with Wenger was allowed to become detrimental to the club, when it became almost impossible to move him on.
Bodinki, you are 100% correct sir! I pray he does well, I want him to succeed. He also has to work with what he has and be pragmatic. No one in their right senses will be expecting him to win the title or qualify for Champions league. However, I wonder what the Board's expectations are, I do expect a slight improvement on Wenger's position.
That is a tough question mate. Football is a results based business, I think the current team even with a rookie coach should be able to finish in the top 6/7 comfortably! How long should he be given, is all conjecture, if heavens forbid we lose 10 on the spin, would you carry on with him?
Guendouzi has been brilliant. Bare in mind he's 19 and his first two EPL games have been Man City and Chelsea at the Bridge. He's energetic, has a great long pass, he can tackle and always seems to be trying to get the ball forward.
I'm actually happy with the teams progress so far. Results will come. They need to continue working hard, it all come together. Guendouzi is making me happy. Iwobi needs to continue working. He could be a key factor if the likes of Ozil and Mikhi are still struggle to impact games. City and Chelsea was always going to be a tough start. All things considered, if we look at things rationally, the signs are good. Looking forward to the West Ham game now!
Firstly, that was under Wenger so he gets a pass. Secondly, 2 goals and 4 assists in 11 starts for Wenger. Hardly poor there. Admittedly, he's the type of player to also lose the ball and miss some sitters but thats what you get with a creative type and he's always making decent runs.
I'm not a stats guy. Walcott on paper was very effective for us, but I couldn't stomach watching him for the most part. May be just my taste in footballers. I am in no way saying we give up on Mikhi and Ozil. But if they do not step up under this new regime, they will not get the same grace Wenger gave. Emre will pull the plug in a game with no hesitation. It's why I say Iwobi could become a major factor if he continues working well. He's got the legs and strength over them, but they have the experience.
