Offical match day thread

If a system is that dependent on 2 players to make it work, and can't sustain itself without them, then that is a huge problem. The system has to change if it's so reliant on one or two individual players being fit.

 

Not really a system problem though mate, more a case of two attitudes.
The intensity (and speed of action) is far better when you have all the young lads together, they even drag Bellerin along with them or give him incentive to perform.
When you have too many of your "experienced" players in the team they tend to be more considered in the build up and the whole thing goes flat.

 

Part of this is true, but personnel and system is a huge contributor. Palace have played the same way against us 5 times in a row. We've struggled to beat them each and every time. They have 1 win and 4 draws against us. We can't break them down and couldn't deal with their attacking players because the way we play is ideal for them. We needed more ingenuity in the middle of the park, the ball needed to be shifted faster through the middle and we didn't utilise our width properly at all. They were comfortable when we had the ball because of the positions we took up based on Arteta's tactics.

 

If we win the Europa but finish 10th or lower, I'd keep (albeit reluctantly).

If we don't win a European trophy but finish 10th or lower, he needs to go. Our squad isn't that good, but there's no excuses finishing that low (without European silverware).

 

Despite the overall mediocre performance yesterday I think Xhaka had one of his best performances.

 

Tonight's line up

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Starting to like the look of our 1st 11. Hopefully Partey back will make a big difference. Get Gabriel back in there and Martinelli and it is not a such a bad line up... We just need Pepe and or Willian to improve, We desperately need someone who can run at the defence when we get a Crystal Palace type game with them playing on the break with everyone behind the ball when we have possession.. Cannot believe we didnt buy either Grealish or Zaha when we had 70+ million to spend . I really hope Pepe come through.
coyg

 

Needs Mari over Luiz but solid.

 

In fact Gabriel or Mari over Luiz would have been sensible.

Bruce will clearly use Carroll as his main offensive tactic - Set pieces and crosses fired in.

And Luiz isnt the best in the air. Seems foolish from Arteta.

Rest of the lineup is good though.

 

Played some good stuff but our forwards have been ineffective.

 

Aubameyang looks like he is one of Liverpools front 3

 

Yep he's missing all the chances he would normally bury.

 

....Just as I say that.

 

I have a knack for that somehow, that's why i rarely comment on the mouser board these days

 

Smith Rowe is a baller. Absolute class

 

How crazy that arguably our best two players are Saka and Smith Rowe - two players we haven’t had to pay a penny for.

More academy players please.

 

Much better today.

Partey is Class - barely misplaced a pass.

Smith Rowe got another assist. Thought he was really good today.

2 Goals for Auba - just the confidence boost he needed.

Also Cedrick was suprisingly good. Could make a strong argument for him starting our next game now.

 

I actually think Cedric was a decent signing on a free : Portuguese international, plenty of premier league experience. The 4 year contract despite him not yet playing was the only odd thing.

 

Agreed! I prefer him to Bellerin! Bellerin has lost his pace and seems to struggle dribbling past players similar to how Tierney does it for us now. Cedric at least tried to be positive going forward and I think defensively he's as good if not better.

 

That was a good night's work all round in the end.

I was concerned in the first-half that Newcastle were winning all the aerial duels and the second balls. It seemed like there were times when our players weren't competing with Carroll or Wilson in the air, and thankfully, the lack of quality around them meant they didn't do much when they did win the ball.
In that first half, I was also concerned we weren't releasing the ball quickly enough and that our attacking players kept making poor decisions in the final third e.g. an inaccurate pass, loose touch, holding onto the ball for too long etc.

Second-half was much better, and we looked so much more assured of ourselves when Auba scored (lovely finish btw). Smith-Rowe's ability to take a man on and move the ball at speed has made such a huge difference in the last few games. Only Bruno Fernandes has created more chances than he has since the Chelsea game.

Partey was different gravy tonight, too. Held the midfield together well, won most challenges in the middle and always looked to progress the ball forward. He's going to be such an important player for the run in.

5 clean sheets in a row, 5 wins and 1 draw from 6, Auba on the scoresheet - can't complain too much . It was important to accrue a respectable points tally as the fixtures we have coming up between now and March are quite unforgiving. I hope we'll be prepared.