I thought Giroud was good when he came on - he helped us see out the game well. As for the goal and Kosc - it was Podolski at the back post who should have been going for it and was in the better position, Kosc was jumping back and had another player right next to him. And Mannone should not have come for the ball like that.
Giroud had very little time as you say, but the baffling thing to me was how deep Podolski played the first half. His utility is appreciated, but I think today it went a bit too far. He was never in the zone when needed.
Happy with the point. Mertesacker, Arteta, Cazorla, Jenkinson were all excellent, Gervinho not so much
Also Gervinho doesn't deserve the critisism, he obviously felt the pressure a bit today but he constantly gets the ball in good positions and no-one has any diea where he is going so he is a dangerous player. He held up the ball really well and was good on the counter. In the first half he won the ball back alot as well. It didn't quite come off for him but he's doing well this season.
I agree, that's why we looked a bit clueless in front of goal. He's been our most consistent clinical forward. I think he dropped back a lot to support Gibbs. But we really need to start burying our chances. We didn't have that problem as much last season because of you know who... but hey... we're playing much better as a team and I'm happy we're not relying on one player for goals. I'm sure Giroud will come good soon, I just hope it isn't by the time the title slips through our fingers.
That was very satisfying. City must be absolutely gutted. giving up the lead two matches in succession. If that was us the old soft center cliches would be coming out. Congrats on a fine fight back!
an 100% Walcott is unplayable - look at his performances against Barca, Tottenham, Chelsea etc... There's alot of competition for that spot and whoever is playing better will get to start. Walcott needs more game time so we can get him to sign a new contract though
That attempt at a cross from Walcott late in the game had me pulling my hair out. We had loads of players in the box, as well.
Very encouraging performance by our team, can't wait for the Chelsea game next weekend. Could have nicked a win with more clinical finishing in front of goal.
A 100% Walcott comes every few games a season. As it was stated, I'd rather have a consistent 50-70% Gerv. If Gerv becomes more clinical, Walcott will become a distant memory. Pod, Oxo, Gerv.
Only in very rare circumstances where the opponent's defense is all over the place. Against decently organized teams he's a waste IMO, but I'm not basing that on this season, he hasn't had many minutes yet. (and frankly I hope Oxo gets ahead of him) I think our standard forward line-up will be Podolski -- Giroud -- Gervinho after a few more games.
Exactly. At home especially, against teams that park the bus, he is becoming next to useless. At least, Gervinho beats people and creates panic. By doing that he creates space for the likes of Cazorla, who will use it do inflict damage.
Jekinson is improving with every game. Today he was outstanding. Kos came for TV and showed that he is a better player. Cazorla was again magnificent and i prefer him to Fabregas in Arsenal. Gerv seems to be a one trick pony who can not really shoot. Mert was monumental, he seemed to have done a lot of gym work. We still have not yet sorted our attack. Who is our most trusted central striker? Arteta is not human, he is a football robot. Hence his haircut. Wilshere if he comes back strong will be an improvement on Diaby. Walcott should play one or two games for reserves. Put Ox ahead of him. Podolski had a decent game but was at fault for the goal - Lescott was his responsibility. Mannone rushing forward and misjudging that corner did not help either. But he seems OK for Chelsea game. Gibbs is definitely our no 1 left back now. But Jenkinson looks to have bigger potential - he can be a proper beast. Ramsey has improved and became more aggressive. We can beat Chelsea if we will be just a bit more clinical.
Despite a few dangerous runs, we kept Yaya Toure in check for most of the game. How many other teams can do that?
He's an excellent player but I think teams show him too much respect with how much distance they give him. Ramsey did well in just "sticking" with him through everything which made him choose the safe back-pass more often.
They actually looked like a team today. Tracking back and chasing everything down for each other. Impressive improvement . IF and its a big IF , they can perform like that throughout the season we could do well . Just need to be quicker on the break and more clinical in the box. For me , the defence problems are sorted . The midfield runs like clockwork . Great start .
