I don’t disagree but we hit the post twice when we should have scored so that’s why I think we deserve to be leading. You did dominate for about half an hour in the first half but didn’t really create anything at all
1-0 FT. Much better second half, but that's not really saying much. Still didn't look balanced or create enough, despite being up against weak opposition.
Personally, I feel like it would have been a bit harsh if we went into HT losing. We hit the post and Lloris made a couple decent saves. This half, I can't complain because we've been poor and looked quite lackadaisical, and you've had more chances.
Fair point I forgot you hit the post! Overall it was a pretty even game but I think on overall chances we just about deserved it
Only saw last 30 mins ( probably just as well by the comments!), but some real positives for me. Always good to beat the Goons and we looked surprisingly creative. If we get the extra couple of signings over the line then season 21/22 may not prove to be the disaster it looked like a week ago....
Skipp looks the real deal. Midfield instantly had more menace when Lo celso came on. If we are insisting on this 433 nonsense, Dele cannot start. He unbalances the whole team and does little more than slow down play or miss golden opportunities. Tanganga easily our best option at RB at the moment and I wouldn't mind us giving him a run in the team there to claim the spot as his. Reguilon had an excellent game, carries the ball forward so well. Always nice to beat that lot whatever the circumstances and a nice break from transfer sagas.
It was a similar story to much of last season for you, dominate possession in large spells and get men forward well, but if Aubameyang isn't in the zone you have zero cutting edge, very few players who know where the onions go.
Yeah I think, even though we played quite well in the first half, : a) we looked vulnerable to counter attacks and quick transitions b) central midfielders weren't always picking up your runners into the box which allowed them to ghost in unmarked c) relying too much on wing play and cut backs to create chances d) not enough penetration or improvisation through the middle e) not utilising certain players (e.g. Aubameyang) correctly which affects the team balance f) I hope it's just a fitness thing, but our level of performance in the second half dipped massively and we can't afford to coast through games There were a few small positives, but nothing that is giving any tangible optimism for the start of the season. Until we get a functioning attack and learn to score goals, it's going to be another long, difficult season.
Nice to see our fans applaud Saka as he came on. Nice touch. Complete contrast to the Chelsea fans who booed Scarlett when he came on.
At this point we really need to consider that dropping Dele back into midfield isn't working and likely won't unless he has a full season learning on the job, and instead consider pushing him up the pitch Having him as a Craig Bellamy-type forward certainly has its advantages
Do you think? I feel like it’s more that Arteta is trying to play in a way that doesn’t suit him. I’m watching him mark wingers and picking the ball up deep on the byline then attempt to take loads of players on. And I’m watching him whip crosses in as well. This isn’t what he’s supposed to be doing nor is it what he’s renowned for. I don’t quite understand what Arteta’s doing with him but if he’s not going to play him as a striker, and is expecting a 31-year old to remodel his game, then we may as well bench him. He offers nothing right now.
I did find it odd last season when he was listed as a midfielder in fantasy football ...and also annoying when he wasn't scoring regularly, meaning I couldn't scum a load of points
I really don’t get this. He’s had the whole summer off, a new manager, surely wouldn’t you want to make the effort at the start of a new season? The sooner he goes the better for me. I would rather he went than sissoko. Not from a talent point of view obviously but I can’t stand players like him with a woe is me bad attitude.
While it does have to be said he recently became a father and that will be taking up his time, there's no denying that we're on the fourth manager who has concerns about his fitness levels But, of course, the Twitter/Reddit crowd think he's Pirlo reincarnated
The teams traded spells of domination, but Spurs created better chances from them. I wouldn't say either Spurs' fans or Arsenal fans have much reason for optimism, especially the latter. They're both in the hunt for sixth, with Spurs looking for the moment like they have the edge. The problem I see at Spurs is that they've got (debatably) five senior #8s and five senior LF/LMs. I don't envy any manager who has to deal with that. There were some positives today: 1. Tanganga looks like a real option at RB. 2. lo Celso improves the team. 3. Sanchez especially, but also Dier, looked decent. 4. Lucas and Reguilon were good. 5. Skipp will be good (even though for the moment he's up and down, his energy and tenacity are impressive).
As last season taught us, there's a run of a couple of games where Sanchez looks like he might be living up to expectations...and then he goes right back to definitely not living up to them While I do say that, out of him and Dier, he is the player I'd rather keep, he's also the player more likely to bring in a decent fee
