If games were to end at half-time, we would have 12 draws and 5 losses.
It's been said several times by many different posters. But we cannot keep relying on valiant second-half displays to get us through games. Eventually, these substandard first-half displays were going to be costly and today, against Southampton, we weren't capable of getting one point from the game, let alone all 3.
It was quite humorous to begin with, but it is a recurring theme. And it is a huge cause for concern.
Even though Emery's substitutions have been lauded by many for making instant impacts, his questionable team selections and tactical approach at the beginning of games deserves criticism.
Today was a classic example. What was the need to start Xhaka at centre-half? Why couldn't we just go to a back four with Monreal/Lichsteiner and Koscielny as the two central defenders? Why not start Lacazette, Ramsey or Ozil? I know the latter was extremely poor when he came on, but if he'd started, I think he would have adapted to the pace of the game quicker. He's also still our most creative player by a distance.
Part of the reason why we've conceded so many goals is because not all of our players help out in defensive situations. The likes of Redmond and Armstrong were afforded so much space today with no-one closing them down or shutting the spaces, and this isn't the first time.
We're having no luck with injuries either, but Emery's said we may need to look in the January transfer window to get new players in.
I'm not going to go overboard because this was always going to be a transitional season for us. And today, we had a makeshift backline. However, I think it is a reminder that, though this was our 1st defeat in 23 games, there is still A LOT of work to do.
Onto the next one.
It's been said several times by many different posters. But we cannot keep relying on valiant second-half displays to get us through games. Eventually, these substandard first-half displays were going to be costly and today, against Southampton, we weren't capable of getting one point from the game, let alone all 3.
It was quite humorous to begin with, but it is a recurring theme. And it is a huge cause for concern.
Even though Emery's substitutions have been lauded by many for making instant impacts, his questionable team selections and tactical approach at the beginning of games deserves criticism.
Today was a classic example. What was the need to start Xhaka at centre-half? Why couldn't we just go to a back four with Monreal/Lichsteiner and Koscielny as the two central defenders? Why not start Lacazette, Ramsey or Ozil? I know the latter was extremely poor when he came on, but if he'd started, I think he would have adapted to the pace of the game quicker. He's also still our most creative player by a distance.
Part of the reason why we've conceded so many goals is because not all of our players help out in defensive situations. The likes of Redmond and Armstrong were afforded so much space today with no-one closing them down or shutting the spaces, and this isn't the first time.
We're having no luck with injuries either, but Emery's said we may need to look in the January transfer window to get new players in.
I'm not going to go overboard because this was always going to be a transitional season for us. And today, we had a makeshift backline. However, I think it is a reminder that, though this was our 1st defeat in 23 games, there is still A LOT of work to do.
Onto the next one.
