Match Day Thread Sunderland vs Arsenal - Matchday Thread

To Sunderland's credit, they've played how I'd expected them to thus far and their game plan has worked to a tee.

But we need to shoot more and stop taking a million touches. It's like we're trying to score the perfect goal. Sometimes just leather it when you're on the edge of the box, rather than playing the perfect pass. Be direct instead of trying to do Cruyff turns and flicks.

I think we've actually upped the ante in the past 10 minutes, but not been able to find that final action.

 

We look toothless
Eze is again a disappointment. Needs to improve second half.

 

And just as I type that, they could have made it 2-0 at the end of the half.

They had two players free and Mukiele should have scored to be honest.

Arteta needs to give them a rocket and also tell them to be more direct.

Saka had a chance in the final 10 seconds of the half to whip the ball into the box, and instead he took too long and the referee blew his whistle.

Be more urgent.

 

All of them have been disappointing. Saka, Eze, Trossard, Rice...we need big second halves from all of them and none of them have performed how I'd expect, especially considering how much of the ball we've had.

Saying all that, Sunderland have had the best two chances of the match and scored from one of them.

 

Ugh ****ing pissed off.

When was the last time Saka had good game? its been ****ing ages.

And Eze needs to do ALOT more he's hiding in games. Saw some stats recently comparing him and Odegaard and he's nowhere near Martin creatively soo far.

Trossard is nearly always **** so no surprise there.

 

yep, Eze is indeed hiding. playing safe passes time and time again. Same with Zubimendi.

They look scared of Sunderland.

 

If we’re honest, we’ve been really poor this season. We’ve scraped games and been very lucky. Incredible contrast between our **** football and where we are in the league.

I think we need to change our style. We’re one of the least creative teams in the Premier League, so playing on the break might suit us more.

 

Na - football isn't just scoring goals. We've been very good this Season.

But that one area has been below par. But look at all the offensive options we are missing.

 

We keep trying to play around the block rather than playing through them.

If all we're going to do is play the ball side-to-side, then that will be meat and drink to them.

Now they have a corner because of a lack of communication at the back...

 

At least we've created a couple of decent chances 5 minutes after the restart...

 

Xhaka is so good.

 

Saka drags a shot just wide from a tight angle. Unlucky.

 

****in get the **** in

 

SAKA! 1-1!

 

Thank ****.

Rice's workrate getting us out of trouble.

 

We've absolutely battered them this half. We need to make it count.

 

Argh. That shot from Rice was straight at Roefs. Either side of the goalkeeper and it's 2-1 Arsenal.

 

is Merino still playing?

 

Calafiori What a stupid challenge to make in a dangerous area.

 

Much better.
Ref now cheating though to try and help Sunderland.