Gyokeres is so weak Can’t hold it up at all and our midfield is anonymous out of postseason Villa all over us and we’re so open
Fully deserved Villa win Should have been more. We’re are not champions material. We just have to accept that. Villa now 3 pts behind and should be considered more likely for the title than us. Time to admit Gyokeres is absolutely **** too. Has no strengths and is clearly championship level. Same with Zubimendi. Nowhere near PL level, let alone top 4.
FT. 2-1. Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching way to lose the game. To be fair, I felt the goal was coming as we looked shattered in the final 10 minutes, but was hoping we could hold on and we just couldn't do it.
It is gutting to be sure, but if we'd have come out of that with a point it would have been daylight robbery. Thats 2 points from 12 in 4 games where we have been against rivals we knew would be very tough - the 4 really big games. We have failed in ALL of them. We should focus on top 4, because I am calling it now, this team doesn't even remotely look like w title winning side. The issue is not fatigue - it's all mentality and guts. The team simply collapses under pressure. The heads go and the execution in key moments fails - the last moments defending was a classic example and the number of brain fart moments underlines it. That combined with some really poor signings this summer, bringing in lower level players, is now starting to show up on a regular basis. The only thing I can hope for is that we get out starters back quickly.
A draw would have been fortunate based on how the game was going, but that's what champions are meant to do - get points when you don't deserve it. I'm not giving up on the title, but we need to find a way to get through the next difficult patch of games. especially away from home. We also really need players back from injury pronto.
No one gives up until it's over, but we all know this team is not good enough. It's not even the pressure period in the season yet. There are no excuses for failing every time we have a massive game where we can really pile the pressure on others. It's not the occasional incident, it is every time.
The only silver linings I'm clinging onto here are: 1) We are still top of the league no matter what happens - even though that lead is likely to be cut short. 2) At least we have Old Trafford, Anfield, St. James Park, Stamford Bridge, Stadium of Light and Villa Park all out the way already. With the injuries we've had, I felt a result like this was coming. It's a huge shame and it's devastating to lose like that, but we're still in it.
Also, just want to point out. Arteta's come up against Emery 8 times in his career. He has 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses. Unfortunately, Unai seems to know how to get one over on us and his tactics appear to be our kryptonite. We actually play them again toward the end of the month. That game now is absolutely a must win. We need Saliba (and hopefully Gabriel) back for that fixture when the time comes.
