At least it seemed like the players were all trying. Didn’t manage to create anything at all really but put in a decent shift. A rare clean sheet and no loss away from home. Nothing special but better than I expected tbh.
I will take that performance. The hunger was there on show today.. If we had taken some of the chances we could have come away with all 3points against a resurgent Everton and on a difficult ground. Don't even think Leno had a save to make.
Hopefully this is the start of a turn around in confidence at the club. With Arteta coming back and working with Freddie and Mert I’m hoping some pride in playing for Arsenal comes back. I think Arteta will be quite particular in his training and expectations which I think is needed at the moment.
Absolutely, I think if there is anything the last couple of years have taught us, it is that our problems are no longer this player or that player. There is an overall tactical malaise; or just a lack of identity and tactics that we need to resolve. Until we work out the way we want to play and our tactical identity, we cant establish what players can or cannot fit into that system. I understand that many people were tired of Wengerball and lost faith that it could be successful, but we cannot progress until we come up with a new system.
Ugh.. some really encouraging signs. Ozil was excellent, pressing from midfield was much better but Nelson and Sakas end product has been horrendous.
Yeah, there is a general lack of confidence which was (I suppose) only to be expected. Tactically we seemed better and seemed to be creating half-breaks without too much difficulty. It will be interesting to see what happens in the second half. It was nice to see us get more possession, and I do think we just need a bit of luck. I still think there are a couple of players that are not dancing to the same tune as the rest. Although they may make less mistakes, they disrupt our flow and shape. It will be interesting to see if Arteta can get them to shape up, or if he just has to get rid of them.
Not watching the game, following on BBC web, it seems we had a couple of half decent chances and they seemed to score with their first real chance. They have also had their own poor run of form, just hope we can get the rub of the green, we seem to have issues up front with scoring, the poor defence seems to have covered up their lack of potency. Arteta really has his work cut out!
Its all down to Auba. Laca and Saka and Nelson are fluffing everything that comes their way. Bring on Pepe!
Lacazette is simply not a top striker IMO. He's no better than Giroud. A good second choice but I would just keep Auba down the middle.
Overall an interesting first game for Arteta. Think our midfield were all good. Xhaka,Torreira and in particular Ozil. They pressed well and worked hard. Ozil fashioned out some excellent chances. Saka - really puts in a shift but he blew many of our best oppurtunies. Same with Nelson really - no end product at all. Lacazette was infuriating - worked hard but finishing and first touch was well bellow the required standard.
Unlike you Sir, did not see the game, however lets not call out players at this moment in time. To say Laca is no better than Giroud is an insult to both players. Griroud served us well, Laca at the moment is going through a poor run of form, just like half (or most) of the team. They are much better than they are showing and pretty certain they will come good.. I was not expecting them to come roll Bournmouth over, however sooner or later all the work these guys are putting in will click and deliver the end result. Just have to keep the faith! We demanded back to basics and improved work ethic, which from what I have read was not in doubt today..
Also as for bringing on Pepe, 3 managers have deemed it fit not to start him - think we have to trust their judgements on Pepe.
Actually no - dont agree with that. We looked more dangerous when he came on. He's clearly a higher calibre player than Nelson or Saka. Ozil was the main positive from today. He looked like the player who most benefitted from the new system. Torreira and Xhaka also played well.
It was good to see our players pressing and harassing. But without better defenders its going to be a tough Season. Hopefully we can bring in at least one CB this January.
Ok fair enough, like I said did not see the game, you have the benefit of watching the game. However before you go, I know you like your football and more often provide very passionate analysis. So why in your opinion do you think Pepe is being left out of the starting 11 or why are these youngsters getting in ahead of him?
Was thinking this when I saw he was on the bench. I wonder why no manager rates him??? He must do no tracking back / defensive work?
Ozil does not either.. However, maybe there is room for only 1 water carrier (in Cantona speak) in the team..
I think it's for almost the same reason we have often benched Ozil. I think he is somewhat laidback in approach - the talent is there but you have to assess whever you will get more from a player who will give max effort. On top of that he has'nt fully adapted to the pace of the Premierleague. .