10 years worth of neglect = slow rebirth

by .

via @Arsenal

via @Arsenal

Arsenal kicked off the new era in a painfully familiar fashion. A leaky defence, a second-rate performance against a top 6 side, star names under-performing, along with the customary zero points. Unai Emery witnessed first hand the brilliance of Manchester City and probably now realises how much work needs to be done to move Arsenal into the modern era of football Arsene Wenger steadfastly refused to acknowledge existed.

There was also a bit of a subplot with Arteta sitting in the opposition dugout, he was the frontrunner for the Arsenal job until Gazidis lost his nerve. The big hugs from Pep after the second goal hinted that our excaptain may have been given an outsized role in deciding what the plan was going to be for the afternoon (like he was last year).

Whoever concocted the strategy, it worked. Manchester City blitzed us from wide positions, Mahrez and Sterling causing us all sorts of problems, with Mendy and Walker showing off their raw power and pace. Our defence looked pedestrian at times, AMN really suffering before going off with an injury after a collision with a full speed Kyle Walker.

Their goals were standard Arsenal switch off moments. For the first, a poor Bellerin clearance found Mendy who often took up central positions, Sterling ghosted Bellerin, shrugged off Guendouzi and slammed his shot past Cech who didn’t dive. The second goal was classic Arsenal, Mendy powered the ball up the park, played a one-two with Sterling, crossed low into space in front of our extremely deep defence, Xhaka was pondering, no one in our defence reacted, Bernado Silva was first to it and rocketed his chance into the top corner.

We had some good moments in the game, but as with preseason, our transitions to attack were generally quite poor. Ourdefence looked extremely uncomfortable on the ball, Petr Cech was comical at times, nearly passing into his own net at one point. Flabbergasting that the coach wants to play with a keeper regista, but opted for Cech, who I absolutely refuse to believe has been dropping passes like peak Zidane in training. With his hands, he was excellent all game, he made some wonderful saves. However, in the new era, the keeper is expected to play with his feet. He is not the guy you want breaking the lines. It’ll be very interesting to see how long Emery sticks with that decision.

It didn’t help that we had nothing performances from Ramsey, Ozil, Auba and Mikki. Our attackers looked like they’d never played together, Ozil was particularly depressing to watch. His touch was poor, his passing was unusually shite and he just looked disinterested. Ramsey couldn’t find a way into the game either, a very bland performance for someone chasing a deal (or the exit door).

Aubamayang is an incredible finisher, but he lacks the all-round impact a striker like, dare I say it, Giroud can offer you by bringing players into the game with great hold up play. I’m not crying for Giroud by the way, I’m merely pointing out that Emery has to find a way to work Auba work in big games like that.

Still, on the positive side of things, the manager was scheming during the game about how to make us better in the second half. He subbed Ramsey on 54, a real power move if he wasn’t injured. Lacazette gave us some hope with two chances early on, one of his half-volley grazing just wide.

I thought Lichtsteiner was a real asset when he came on. He got forward a lot, he was rugged in defence and he really does bring an air of nasty to our team. What a competitor he is.

Guendouzi had a good game. I mean, he made a lot of expected rookie mistakes, but as everyone keeps saying, he never shied away. He demands the ball all the time, and despite being at fault for the first goal and nearly gifting them a second when he set Aguerro free, he was a bright spark out there on the pitch. Give me him in midfield over Xhaka every game. Telling that our best player made two shocking errors and I’m pleased.

Another telling moment was Xhaka being subbed off for a defensive midfielder when we were trailing. The Swiss was typically average. He landed a yellow card because he’s so fucking slow, he gifted them possession and he just generally looked off the pace against an aggressive Manchester City. Moving forward, he can’t be starting. He’s one of the most average players I’ve witnessed over the years, literally no redeeming qualities in a league that demands physical presence. He is a liability against anyone that presses him, and teams like Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea and City will all know that.

So what have we learnt? Not a lot. We knew this was going to be a tough season, and we knew it was highly unlikely we’d be a match for the second greatest team to grace the Premier League. We won’t play teams that good every week, and by the time we play them next year, it’ll be a different story. The players will have adopted Emery’s ideas, the defence will feel more comfortable playing the ball out the back and you’d have to hope the manager will have found his true starting 11.

The big questions for me:

Are Emery’s ideas that good? Can he compete with the like of Pep, Sarri, Klopp and Pochettino? All masters of their various offerings. Another big question is how the players will react to defeat.

How enthused will they be about the new setup? The double sessions? Being shouted at like never before, but the same things happening on the pitch…

How long will it take to see progress, and how long will the fans roll with it? For me, we have to be real. It took Pep a year with a blank chequebook. It took Klopp a year, and his path is much more aligned with the challenges we face. So whatever you’re thinking now, you have to park it for at least that long.

Top 4 is the goal, it’s going to be tough because there are 7 very good teams this season.

Anyway, don’t be down in the dumps, today was the short-term cost of progress, this will get better as the year goes on, more joy to come (hopefully).

Let’s hope the reaction is great. Sarri up next. Excellent.

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Dissenter

Closing the transfer window early and not not starting VAR are two cluster-fucked decisions that the league took in the same year.

mysticleaves

Ishola back on your regista juice?

Guns of SF

Guendozi showed at age 19 he has the balls to be a starter and he played pretty damn well.

As some are saying, Xhaka should be benched.
Our game will benefit from the mobility of Tor and Guen

Outside of that, we still have a team full of number 10’s faking it being wingers or a striker

Ishola70

mystic

You do like a bit of regista eh

And the comment that Xjaka is and can be a calming influence on the midfield is a silly comment.

He lacks the character to be so. Goofy twat.

mysticleaves

what we have to do is pull in Rabiot in January. He’s a DLP and a good one at that. He still hasn’t signed so his value will drop further. Move on Xhaka if he doesn’t improve.

If not wait till next summer, get someone more under that radar like Torr, get a winger and go full 4-3-3.

Ishola70

How many 10s we got in the team now.

Xjaka is a deep 10. Ozil is a fake 10 now as well as Mhiki who can even be termed a 10.

Only those with Wengeritis deep in their blood would crave for so many 10s in the team.

Marko

66% on 19 touches isn’t staggering? 66% on 50/60 touches is one thing but 19? That’s something

Ishola70

One 10 in a team is sensible.

Wenger really overcooked it didn’t he.

mysticleaves

“And the comment that Xjaka is and can be a calming influence on the midfield is a silly comment.”

Your comprehension of my post was silly if this is what you made out of it

Receding Hairline

And the comment that Xjaka is and can be a calming influence on the midfield is a silly comment.

quite nicely said

I wonder who he is calming cos it certainly isnt his team mates

Ishola70

mystic
”Your comprehension of my post was silly if this is what you made out of it”

ok so what’s the point of continuing with Xjaka then.

He is never going to be this calming influence you talk of.

Marko

Xhaka is neither deep 10 or a calming influence. His passing is erratic and he panics when he sees a shadow. I’ve seen him hit 30 yarders to a full back and 5 yarders to the opposition. He’s pony

Ishola70

Xjaka himself thinks he’s a deep 10 though.

Receding Hairline

what we have to do is pull in Rabiot in January. He’s a DLP and a good one at that. He still hasn’t signed so his value will drop further. Move on Xhaka if he doesn’t improve.

It was a human being that handed Rabiot his PSG debut at 18 or so. He did not become this good by sitting on the bench watching lesser players play. You just don’t want Guendouzi for reasons best known to you and they are not footballing that’s for sure

Marko

If Xhaka thinks that then he’s a bit of a dumbshit which is surprising no one. He doesn’t even know his own role in midfield

mysticleaves

“He is never going to be this calming influence you talk of.”

Good, sell and replace with better. Thats why his contract was extended.

Marko

Rabiot keeps turning down contract offers it would be advisable to line him up as a free transfer in January to replace Xhaka in the summer. Play Granite enough that someone anyone will buy him next summer and be done with him

Ishola70

Marko

Xjaka struts around like a 10. He even does the 10 swagger foot drag lol.

Of course everyone knows that he is not a good 10 in any real top sense.

Countryboy

It was a human being that handed Rabiot his PSG debut at 18 or so. He did not become this good by sitting on the bench watching lesser players play. You just don’t want Guendouzi for reasons best known to you and they are not footballing that’s for sure

This.

mysticleaves

“It was a human being that handed Rabiot his PSG debut at 18 or so. ”

Rabiot almost left at 19 (or was it 20?) because he wasn’t getting playing time. He was bedded in properly.

You think PSG will a green 19 year old from championship who has talent in their team? Look at how Psg bed in their youth players. Kipembe last season. Watxh Weah this season. That midfielder we nearly signed. Let’s see the ones that will start weekly for them.

Pierre

Not often I agree with big sam but he is spot on here ” on Talksport, former England manager Allardyce was highly critical of the tactics used by Emery, claiming that Arsenal should played more long balls rather than passing out from the back, which allowed Man City to press them and win back possession. “It is the manager’s fault,” Allardyce said. “Don’t ask somebody to do against Man City what you shouldn’t do. You shouldn’t play out like that against Manchester City. “What do Manchester City do? They press, press, press so why do you try and play out… Read more »

Countryboy

Arsenal do not need another Xhaka replacement. We already have him in Torreira. If anyone should be fighting Guendouzi for his place, it should be Ramsey, Elnenny or AMN. The are the CMs able to do the box to box not the tanker

mysticleaves

RH you keep acting like I said Guendouzi is shit. Problem with le grove is a player must be world class or shit. Many people don’t actually stop to understand what people post.

Guendouzi is a talented young boy who shouldn’t be starting for arsenal at this level. He should properly be bedded in and allowed to learn without the hype he is being subjected to now.

We were there with Wilshere, Bellerin, Chambers, Holding and there all were worse off for it.

Dissenter

Mystic
“You think PSG will a green 19 year old from championship who has talent in their team?”

You’re really comparing Arsenal with PSG.
They are owned by a nation-state and will simply but their way out.
Keep reaching deep into that bag of excuses as you try to discredit Guendouzi.

Receding Hairline

Rabiot almost left at 19 (or was it 20?) because he wasn’t getting playing time. He was bedded in properly

I will let Unai Emery a manager of 14 years experience decide the proper way to bed him in. I do not know why you are worried for a kid who does not appear remotely fazed.

Alex Cutter

Great play by Rooney yesterday. DC had brought their keeper up in stoppage time:

https://youtu.be/9-44-7VZmF4?t=1m27s

Countryboy

Pierre

I don’t really care for Allardyce’s opinions about playing out the back. What does he really know about it. If he coached Barca, he would probably tell the goalkeeper to boot it out every time.
What I will conceed however is that Cech’s distribution leaves much to be desired. When keepers distribute, it’s not compulsory to play sexy 20 yard passes to a mid in front of goal. Sometimes it means finding a full back free on the wings around the half way line

Receding Hairline

Guendouzi is a talented young boy who shouldn’t be starting for arsenal at this level. He should properly be bedded in and allowed to learn without the hype he is being subjected to now.

All this your bedding talk is getting a bit stale

We were there with Wilshere, Bellerin, Chambers, Holding and there all were worse off for it.

Wilshere had injuries, the rest are not good enough.

mysticleaves

Dissenter keep up. Receding compared Arsenal with PSG not me.

RH, okay. Let Unai be the judge

Ishola70

mystic has a point.

Guendouzi lacks discipline and stability at this stage however people like his style of play and that he is busy.

But as others have said Xjaka is a problem himself anyway.

All what this really highlights to me is that Arsenal don’t look like top four contenders.

Confidentgoner

Read most of the comments , but I have a slightly different take. Emery underestimated what it takes for Arsenal to take down City. He relied only on his own analysis without lifting off Klopp who had been there and done it! We went without wide men and when defending against a team that plays wide and fast, we had only one striker with pace. wtf! AMN was all alone patrolling the right against their RB , Walker. That was tactless. Again on the right Mikki did little to help Bellerin againsf the overloading on the right. Two strategic errors… Read more »

mysticleaves

“Wilshere had injuries, the rest are not good enough.”

100% sure you didn’t think that after watching them play 2 games each. Infact sure it was the opposite, just as you are doing with Guendouzi now. Talk your own let me talk my own oga.

Confidentgoner

Your Comment Here

Receding Hairline

Dissenter keep up. Receding compared Arsenal with PSG not me.

You brought up Rabiot, i was just pointing out that he started young too. There was a break in the game when Guendouzi went to Emery to discuss something, on his own during the game he wanted to discuss tactics cos he must have noticed something. That is not a kid that needs your protection Mystic.

By the way Bellerin, Chambers and all the other you just rattled off did not have the right man to nurture them, they met the wrong Wenger

Dissenter

There is no hype about Guendouzi
Everyone I’ve read had said the sqme thing; he’s raw, wet-between-the-ears and has good potential.
No one said he’s world class, just that he belongs at this level.
You’re the one trying everything to minimize him.

Rambo Ramsey

Pierre the staunch AKB being critical of Emery after one game.

Who saw this coming?

Dissenter

“Guendouzi lacks discipline and stability ”

Who has discipline and stability… at the age of 19 …playing in a top foreign league…for the first time …against possibly the best team in premier league history.

There’s such a thing as context.

Cesc Appeal

I quite like the look of Brozovic as well for a midfield position in a 4-3-3, potential you could mug off Inter as well with some sort of Xhaka deal.

Would also try for Rabiot on a free, but there will be a lot of clubs interested in him.

Receding Hairline

Well Oga Mystic you are advising caution for those who are already cautious

You are basically preaching to the choir. You started off with a lie and decided to defend it, your lie being that Xhaka had a better game than Guendouzi, an assertion Rambo ramsey has already proved false with his stats.

Nobody is bigging Guendouzi up, he is the best of a very bad and gutless bunch. He and Torriera is the best we can offer right now if we are serious about moving the ball quickly up the pitch

mysticleaves

“You brought up Rabiot, i was just pointing out that he started young too. ”

Thereby comparing his situation with that of Guendouzi. Guess what Rabiot plays for PSG and Guendouzi plays for Arsenal.

Ishola70

Dissenter you keep saying Guendouzi belongs at this level. Right now.

We don’t know this when we talk about a player that is this raw.

Paulinho

Marko – Ramsey played the least amount of passes in his entire career yesterday.

That should tell you about the role he played, and the situations in which he gave those balls away i.e with his back to goal.

He didn’t play well but your reading way too much into one game as per your usual rabid style.

mysticleaves

“We don’t know this when we talk about a player that is this raw.”

exactly what it is

Receding Hairline

Thereby comparing his situation with that of Guendouzi. Guess what Rabiot plays for PSG and Guendouzi plays for Arsenal.

Never thought Rabiot played for Enyimba.

Cesc Appeal

Monchi is apparently being considered for the role of DoF at United.

Very bad news for the rest of us.

Dissenter

Ishola Yes he belongs at this level because he acquitted himself reasonably well in the first game he ‘s played for Arsenal against the developing champions. He was the only one of Xhaka and Ramsey to finish the game so I assume Emery was pleased with him too. For someone who write a lot about Regista and midfielders, you don’t seem to have an eye for good talent. You wouldn’t know as a good midfielder even if he came up to you dressed as Santa clause in the middle of the summer. I’m yet to see a 19 year old… Read more »

Receding Hairline

Dissenter you keep saying Guendouzi belongs at this level. Right now.

I think he belongs as well. F*ck that caution shit, we have already seen what we get with Xhaka and Elneney, and i am not interested in that junk this season.

Torriera and Guendouzi, at least if we gonna mess up lets do it trying new things

Receding Hairline

Monchi is apparently being considered for the role of DoF at United.Very bad news for the rest of us.

In what way? Monchi buys to sell ..is that what United are looking to do? They have a manager who prefers expensive glittering stars, not South American diamonds in the rough

Ishola70

Receding

“at least if we gonna mess up lets do it trying new things|”

lol yeah I suppose so why not.

mysticleaves

RH you are a grumpy guy. Shoot down people’s opinions like some authority on what’s to be thought by people. You are crazy to say I lied when it’s my opinion. Xhaka can’t make 4 tackles and interceptions a game, he’s not that guy. His passing and his control, awareness and off the ball movements is wat he will be judged with (all not at the required level), not his tackles. So that stat is a bit of a validation of both players style of play and not how badly they played. Guendouzi made all those stats and still had… Read more »

mysticleaves

Never thought Rabiot played for Enyimba.

Never said you did

Dissenter

When Abdoulaye Doucouré first came to Watford, he had the elegance of an amputee trying to ride a hammock.
It took several games [and managers] to get him to the place where he was worth 40 million+ last transfer window.
19 year old midfielders aren’t ever fine tuned. They may look better when surrounded by quality midfielders not in the mess of yesterday’s game.

Ishola70

I did actually call for Guendouzi to start in the match against Man City on here like others did because of what seemed like the buzz he is on since joining the club.

But will a combo of Torriera – Guendouzi gain top four? Nah don’t think so.

But neither is a combination of Xjaka with others.

Rambo Ramsey

Mystic loves his shovel so much that he journeys to the Equator on a weekly basis.

mysticleaves

Rambo Ramsey, how are you doing today?

Rambo Ramsey

Mystic, not so good. I’m gonna go lie down now.

Happy shoveling.

Receding Hairline

Mystic i think we have beaten this topic to death.

Xhaka had a great game yet the manager took him off and left the 19 year old on.

Confidentgoner

Xhaka cost us the first goal not Guendouzi. Xhaka gave Sterling the room to pick the his spot. Cech probably guilty of not expecting the shot and not making any effort.

Marko

Paulinho he was dog awful yesterday you making excuses for him doesn’t change the fact. Back to goal… yeah sure that’s it. Plus mate it’s not one game though it’s the last 8+ years for him and the last two seasons for Xhaka. These are no snap knee jerk reactions it’s more of a long term assessment

Receding Hairline

RH you are a grumpy guy. Shoot down people’s opinions like some authority on what’s to be thought by people. You are crazy to say I lied when it’s my opinion

Opinions can also be lies

Ishola70

Who the fuck is George Beattie Receding?

His claim to fame is watching a past it George Best in Tasmania.

mysticleaves

Rambo get a rest you need it man

Ishola70

Chris Beattie.

mysticleaves

Receding, yes we have beaten it to death. Never said Xhaka had a great game you just did.

Receding Hairline

More than Xhaka, Emery will be watching Ramsey’s response today. His attraction to management has always been the psychology of his players. Their behaviour. Their reaction to situations. And how he can tailor his approach to get the best from them. Ramsey only need get on the phone to David Luiz, the Chelsea defender, to learn how ruthless his manager can be. Two years ago this column detailed how one of Emery’s first actions as PSG coach was to call Luiz to his new office and inform the Brazilian he wasn’t part of his plans. “Veterans have a more developed… Read more »

Receding Hairline

Who the fuck is George Beattie Receding?

I do not know him but i like what he wrote and it aligns with my agenda so i posted it.

I learnt from a certain poster here, believe his moniker is Ishola

mysticleaves

Receding so your opinions are lies because I don’t share them? Oh well…as you wish

Ishola70

It’s not that bad an article actually.

He just says Emery is more likely to drop established first team players than Wenger was.

Guns of SF

The real question is what does Emery do with Ozil.
I dare say he played better against City last season! Here he was supposedly better than before, with a new and improved outlook.

His first touch was like him controlling a bag of potatoes
If he sits, who replaces him

Ishola70

Guns SF
“The real question is what does Emery do with Ozil.”

He’s gonna drop him. Like he is going to drop Cech, Bellend, Mustafi, Xjaka, Ramsey,Mkihi. Anyone else I forgot?

Ruthless this man.

Guns of SF

Ishola, Article gives me hope but its too early to tell. I did like how Emery yanked xhaka. I think that was really telling. on comes the 22 year old. Im not a fan of Ramsey- he must be sold IMO. Signing a new contract hopefully does not mean guarantee of starting. Perhaps the details of that type of thing, are what is hanging the entire thing up. Wilshere was told he would not be a starter. If Ramsey wants more $$ than what his value is, and also guarantees of playing time, etc. he needs to look elsewhere. Ozil,… Read more »

Marko

I mean Ramsey’s never been subbed off after 50 odd minutes that’s hasn’t been an injury so there is certainly more ruthlessness than the previous regime

Pierre

Countryboy
“When keepers distribute, it’s not compulsory to play sexy 20 yard passes to a mid in front of goal. Sometimes it means finding a full back free on the wings around the half way line”

Basically what big sam was saying

Goonah

With the personal we have the best solution for me is a 3-5-2 ———————Leno—————– ——-Mustafi–Sokratis–Mavro—– Licht-Rambo-Torreira-Guan-AMN —————-Laca—Auba————– We will be more solid against top teams..just play more direct..find open space for our forwards and fcking hoof it. Rambo with his stamina should push up as soon as we get control and drop back when oppo has the ball. when we play bottomfeeders play more 3-4-1-2 and get Özil his assists The way we started this campaign was a horrorshow by Emery imo AMN out so play Monreal the striker as wingback or try Welbs and se what the fuss is… Read more »

KAY Boss

Guys, Ramsey, Xhaka are rubbish. özil keeps disappointing.
In a way I agree with mystic. Guen should be slowly bedded into the team but the worry is there ain’t enough quality in that position @ the moment.

City’s team might be one of the best ever in PL history but no one should compare them to the Arsenal’s Invincibles!!

Buckhurst Gun

‘If he sits, who replaces him’

My nan – she’s just had her cataracts done aswel so her vision will be spot on – she won’t hide and will show more fight and passion than Özil ever has or will

Pierre

Yesterday was probably ozils worst game for the club since he arrived… Nothing came off for him. Aubamayang, mhkitaryan, also struggled and also probably had their worst games since arriving… Was probably ramsey’s worst game as well… Emery needs to find the reason why. My theory(and I know there will be many on here who will disagree) is that by Wanting your most creative players to keep tracking back into your own box, you are taking away their effectiveness. Creative players need to have enough petrol in their tank to be creative… If they are running on empty they become… Read more »

Goonah

Does the new kid have a name yet? Matt? Guen?

Unai

I think Emery s biggest mistake was allowing so much of the Wenger DNA to remain in the team namely Cech , Bel & Xakah.

I think Guen and Tor will end up starting at the base of the midfield with Lich & Leno also as starters.

A case of not wanting to change too much too soon that backfired. Hope it changes for the Chelsa game.

Hitman

The team played with le handbrake on. AW parting gift.
I think Afc players seem to prefer the lazy way of going things. No prep, no tactics just turn up an express yourself.
All these tactics, keeping eye on the opposition, defending, reading the game, thinking , etc is too much like hard work.
You could tell our players were not enjoying the extra requirements.
UE really has a difficult job on his hands changing the ethos will the current pampered personnel.

Marko

Ozil was poor because he was asked to do defensive work meanwhile Ramsey was poor because he didn’t do any defensive work did I get that right? Well considering the fact that Mendy got two assists yesterday that should tell you that Ozil wasn’t doing that good of a defensive job and yet he was still shite in all other areas. So your excuse doesn’t hold. Also Pierre pretty sure that wasn’t his worst performance

Wenker-wanger

Hey cmon chaps, …..let’s remember we played against a helluva team and with sterling desperate to prove most England observers wrong when they said he was lucky to play over dashboard. Arsenal suffered as Chelsea and probably united would. Emery has a lot to do and I’m sure he will improve the Wenger built and styled shit-show in months to come. By the end of the season he would have transformed the disgraceful 30 odd points behind city and leaking defense into team that was hard to beat. Maybe not competing with city and Liverpool, but scrapping for fourth. Emery… Read more »

Marko

sterling desperate to prove most England observers wrong when they said he was lucky to play over dashboard.

Ozil is desperate to prove he’s not shit… desperate

Pierre

To be honest, if sterling was asked to play in that Arsenal team and formation against city he would have struggled to make an impact as he would have been chasing after kyle walker or mendy most of the game.

And yes, he would have still made a better job of it than ozil yesterday.

Champagne charlie

“All this your bedding talk is getting a bit stale“ How’s that exactly? It’s far cop to say Guendouzi shouldn’t have made his competitive debut against the best team in the country who press like there’s no tomorrow. He kept showing for the ball and did well at times, but he was a deer in the headlights and made two awful errors that lead to goals. “He’s young he’s going to make mistakes” – yea fine, but risk those against West Ham where we can actually score to compensate. Not City. Really isn’t a difficult one, just a bunch of… Read more »

Pierre

Marko
When did I say ozil was good defensively… I didn’t…
Charlie pulled you up earlier regarding talking bollocks and now You’re at it again.

As for Ramsey’s performance, baffling..

I thought wenger was clueless for allowing ramsey to play in midfield without discipline and now we have Emery playing him as a centre forward.

London gunner

Cc

Your boy xhaka was fast worse.. Hence emery pulling him off lol lol

London gunner

Cc

Your boy xhaka was far worse.. Hence emery pulling him off lol lol

Champagne charlie

London

You make my point. 🙂

Confidentgoner

None of Guendouzi’s errors led to a goal. He was beaten by Sterling, but Xhaka could have closed up on him, but he gave him enough space to pick his spot.

First goal on Xhaka ( as always) and Cech

Redtruth

Ozil’s claim to fame are his assists and when that deserts him he has nothing to fall back on.
Put it simply, he needs to fuck off.

Guns of SF

I know Ozil is getting a slating but he does tend to slow out attack down considerably. When the ball was played to him, he either lost control with a bad touch, was shackled by defenders asap, or slowed the attack down by stopping the flow- spinning and trying to find someone to pass too. Ditto Ramsey… does the same shit. We need someone who is fast, technical, and able to keep the flow going.Between our 3 number 10’s none of them are quick enough to ignite and contribute to a fast attack or counter attack. This passing out of… Read more »

Redtruth

Xhaka is the black sheep of the team and he too needs to fuck off.

Carts

Whoever said Wilshere was our most talented midfielder. Give it a fucking rest.

Even against Liverpool he was totally anonymous, and some might say out of his depth.

Marko

if sterling was asked to play in that Arsenal team and formation against city he would have struggled to make an impact as he would have been chasing after kyle walker or mendy most of the game

His quality and particularly his pace would have given full backs a worry everytime they went forward because he’s so good on the counter they don’t have that worry with Özil. In fact they don’t have to worry at all about Ozil

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Spurs have now confirmed there new stadium will not be ready.
Despite the fact the fa gave them the first 3 homes games away.

They should be massively fined.

The fa have bent over backwards to help them

No other club in any other division will get this assistance.

Champagne charlie

Confident

You’re talking absolute nonsense, both Mustafi and Bellerin reemed Guendouzi after the first goal.

Sterling merked Bellerin, to nobodies surprise, and it was Guendouzi that sold himself instead of covering for Bellerin. Amazing that Sterling skips past Bellerin and Guendouzi and you lay blame at Xhaka.. wow

Marko

It’s incredible a Xhaka fanboy pulling up a 19 year old on his debut making two mistakes when Xhaka made how many errors leading to goals in his two seasons? Not even mentioning his mistakes. But I do kind of agree with you Guendouzi probably shouldn’t have started against City it was too big of a game but Xhaka should have been no where near the team either. What’s his excuse?

Michael24

When Ozil played for RM, he looked bigger, stronger and faster.

Maybe it was the long hair.

Why is it so many players shrunk under Wenger?