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Well, all good things must come to an end, but hey, at least the end was a point away at Crystal Palace. Not a great result, but given our low expectations of this season, I’ll certainly take that.
The game was lost on two blunders. The first came from Mustafi who lunged into a player inside the 6 yard box. A totally stupid challenge, but hardly unexpected from a player who does stupid things in every game. The second came in the second half when Xhaka planted his foot in the box, Zaha leapt into the offering and won a very clear penalty.
The afternoon really could have done without mistakes like that. Our players were clearly leggy from a tough away trip in Lisbon this week, and against an impressively athletic Crystal Palace, we were going to need events to roll our way.
After going a goal down, it felt like we might have pulled off another second-half masterclass. Granit Xhaka won a freekick to the far right of the 18 yard line. He fizzed a screamer that curled into the top corner. A stunning strike. Shortly after, some luck did fall on our plate, Lacazette couldn’t beat a shirt tug whilst tussling for a corner, he swiped at the ball with his hand pushing it to Auba to tap in at the back post. A wrong made a right.
Sadly we were unable to preserve the lead. The team went into a bit of a panic and lost control of the game. Part of me thinks that a draw might have been a good thing. The pressure of the winning streak is now off, so the players can get back to focusing on the chasing pack.
I think the day was lost on the substitutes. Emery’s luck failed him. He explained Welbeck as a defensive option to counter Palace bringing on Meyer to create chances. In hindsight, that wasn’t a great decision. Aaron Ramsey was kind of hopeless as well. Still, tough to knock a manager who has made some inspired decisions this season, can’t win them all, unfortunately.
I think we have some problems, and our squad certainly doesn’t look that strong. Xhaka as a left back really is a horrible thing to watch. Surely there has to be a better option against Liverpool next week? We’ll get massacred if he has to play. I have even bigger worries when it comes to Lichtsteiner. He’s really struggling with the pace of the league. Part of you is loving the shit-housing, the other part knows that he’s doing that because he can’t keep up. A long-term Bellerin absence could be a real issue for us.
It was also a worry to see Ozil back to his absolute most anonymous. He was rightly pulled on 70 by the manager and refused to shake his hand when offered. Emery didn’t seem too fussed.
“Every player wants to continue playing,”
“I like the players who show character.”
“He was not happy because the result was not good at the end.”
I don’t understand how you can go from such a dominant performance to an absolute stinker in 6 days. Maybe it really is his poor fitness? Maybe he’s just really inconsistent? Whatever it is, we need him back to elite sharpness for the Liverpool game next week.
Still, back to the positives. We took 22 points from 24 in our last 8 games. Set that against previous title winning seasons (cheers, Redtruth) and you have to be pretty damn pleased.
First 10 games of 2001-2 season:
Arsenal: 19 points
First 10 games of Invincible season:
Arsenal: 24 points
I’m not saying we’re going to win the title, but it shows we’ve come a long way, and it shows how intense competition is this year.
Right, let’s see you in the comments!
Can we go after Zaha in Jan?
Sell them Rambo…. stay in London
He is a player… plain and simple. pace, technical ability, etc.
Its just a matter of time before he leaves.
An upgrade on Iwobi for sure.
A front line of Laca, Auba, Zaha is quite nice indeed
Yes that bug is PITA
Sorry Jaime… you just posted that you hate Zaha. My post was not in response to yours… just the timing was similar.
Anyhow, Zaha > Iwobi
As CA pointed out yesterday, Auba is not a great outlet man. Having another pacy player who can actually dribble, take players on and score gives us a more robust attack. Especially moving from defense to attack…. a better outlet for sure. Having Ozil in this does not work. He slows the game down on every touch. At one point in the game, I told my son, Ozil will stop the run of play with his first touch… and yes I was correct. That happens quite frequently. Palace was a good test. They do have some horses on the team…… Read more »
Guns of SF –
No worries! I get that Zaha has admirers, I’m just not one of them. I’m not even sure my dislike of him has much to do with his footballing ability. Something about his attitude; he’s always whingeing about something post-match.
At this point, though, I agree that he is certainly more technically proficient than Iwobi.
Gonsterous
“lol, are you seriously suggesting wenger played a weakened 11 in the europa league ? not one first 11? are you sure ???”
Here is a normal squad for Europa league last season ….I trust this answers your question.
Ospina..Nelson…debouchys…elneny..holding..AMN..coquelin..willock..Walcott…Wilshere..giroud.
Subs
Macey.dasilva..nketiah..akpom..mcguane..sheaf..osei-tutu
Alexis started our first EL game.
Let’s get some perspective here. Things even out.
Holding- clear handball against Leicester and second yellow for a red card – no penalty against.
Socratis- pulls Sporting Lisbon player down in area – no penalty against.
Lacazette – plays ball with palm – Auba scores – ref lets it stand.
Karma is a bitch.
Let it be boys.
Zaha has a bit of pace and dribbling, but I still don’t think he has enough class or quality for a top four or CL-caliber side.
Of course, neither does Iwobi.
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
Zaha has one major issue and it has nothing to do with talent, because he has that in bucket loads.
Can he prove to himself that he can hack it at a bigger club? If he can do this, I would take him all day long.
He is a Mummies/Palace boy and is in his comfort zone. He needs to grow some balls and take a step up.
Do a swap. Palace can have Ramsey and we’ll take Zaha.
Good business.
I beg to differ friends.
Zaha was a threat every time he had the ball. He was not given a proper change at Man U IMO
Ive always rated him. For a while, he was on our shopping list but nothing happened.
Sell em Rambo or do a straight swap.
or somehow figure it out. EPL tested… pacy, tricky and can dive for penalties better than LACA
Graham !
Was typing the same thing when you were as well!
Rambo for Zaha – throw in Jenkinson for good measure. Sweeten the deal yo
Guns
Same thinking.
Anyone feel otherwise.
Makes sense to me.
Zaha for Ramsey.
I like the fact Emery got Jenkinson to warm up on the “European stage” against Sporting the other night.
Even though he had no intention of playing him, he still managed to put him in the shop window.
Cunning plan by Emery.
Still might be able to get a couple of quid for him.
“Zaha has a bit of pace and dribbling, but I still don’t think he has enough class or quality for a top four or CL-caliber side. Of course, neither does Iwobi. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)” Which is why you get outed as having an agenda and being obsessive. Something that gets you all whiny and “guy-like”. Sorry, couldn’t resist. – Zaha is the best player outside the top 6 imo, pace, skill, technique, end product, and physicality. He’s a double digit goals/assists winger in a better side, prem proven, and 25. Be a no brainer as far as offering us… Read more »
Offer Ramsey in exchange for Zaha?
There really are some clueless fans on here. Ramsey is looking for a pay packet circa £250k per week Palace’s highest earner is Benteke who’s on something like £120k per week.
Even if it’s something we wanted to do you’ve got to have the player agree to it as well.
Marc
How is that clueless? He is not earning 250K right now is he?
I think he is on about 110K PW
Why is this out of the norm? He might want to stay in London- has a wife and young kids… who knows.
Ramsey is not going to any top team. Forget Juve. If we get an offer from Milan or even a mercy buy from United. we take it and can also use that $ to invest in Zaha…
Zaha? Not elite enough. And a cheat. No way that was a pen. Embarrassing what modern football had become.
There were two similar incidents yesterday. Those refs got it right. Willian booked for diving. No pen given at OT.
Our luck run out yesterday.
I thought it was a penalty. A planted leg is an easy way to earn a pen. I didnt see anything that was close to a dive like some are saying on here. Its Xhaka at left back! WTF did we all expect? And BTW we are not buying elite. Ive given up on my Dembele dream.This team does not have the funds or the power right now to be buying elite. More than likely, young talent that could become worldies. Ex. Guen, Torreira etc. Zaha is 25, EPL tested, not too pricey but oh well lets see what happens.… Read more »
Guns of SF
You think Ramsey’s going to sign for Palace? You say he’s not going to sign for a top team – probably not but a team that thinks 17th or better in the PL is a positive season.
Your other comment then goes on to say forget about buying elite – exactly when have we ever bought elite?
Who the fuck would accept a swap deal exchange of zaha and ramsey……
Are they that dumb…
RAMSAY not even up to the standard of zaha…
Sorry pals… No offense
Just an opinion….
The mist positive position in a team is the wing position… Winger
Of which arsenal have no natural winger in their team…. A culprit has to be held responsible… You know who…
Wingers offer :::
1) goals double figures
2) assist double figures
3) width and stretch the opponents
4) wins you free kicks at dangerous positions close to your opponent’s 18yard box..
Most positive position
Fucking hell the Spud’s are now targeting December 15th as when they’ll move into their new stadium.
Joke of a club.
City to win 3 – 1 tonight.
Marc
Was responding to a comment about Zaha not being elite.
My response was that we do not by elite to begin with
Palace is better than their league standing… once Benteke is back, im sure they will climb table- maybe finish mid table
Anyhow, Rambo is equity and we need to cash in on that. Either swap deals or $$$. I like Zaha – I think he would fit right into to our style and has the pace and energy to press, etc.
If not him, then we need someone in that mold. Young fast and lots of upside.
Our first ever win in Portugal justified Emery playing a strong team.
Guns
No one will argue that we shouldn’t try and get some money for Ramsey. I hope we do but I’m not confident.
The most unusual thing is Welbeck’s in n the exact same position and we haven’t heard a peep.
The Poch has given a quote that is setting up his move away from the Spud’s. Think they’re going to find themselves in serious trouble.
Heres hoping that City put an ass whipping on spurs.
Keep that distance away from us!
Playing a strong team in Porto was a good idea, given how we would always curse Wenger for trying to be smart in the CL group stages, rotating early and it ultimately backfiring, needing wins in the later group games, rushing players into it, etc. We won’t play a harder game in this group. True story. Palace may be gash, but their physicality proved too much against tired legs. we almost won and both of their goals were pens. Granted, both pens are dumb as fuck to concede. The squad is thin on the ground all of the sudden and… Read more »
There is no chance of Ramsay going to Crystal Place because they are a low-tier Club and because they won’t pay him as much as Arsenal are.
Welbeck is gone already….
A massive overhaul coming…
Expecting to sell nothing below 5-6 players… Remember we didn’t sell any player last summer…
Mkhi.. out
Ramsey… Out
Welbeck… Out
Mustafi/koscielny/ kolasinac…. Out
Leichestner….. Out..
Maybe due
Who will be lining up in D against Liverpool? that is the question. I sure hope Bell can recover in time. Please no Xhaka at left back. I would rotate him and Guen in CM with Torriera alongside.
Do we play Ozil as a starter? that game to me, will be a real test to see how far we have come… time to stand up
Maybe due to stans shallow pocket…. We might sell all those listed above or maybe a few included…. And we may not buy any replacement…
Remember this is arsenal… The KSE show…
Just hope I’m wrong
Marc
I’ll also go 3-1 to MC.
You’re right. Spuds are imploding.
Super duper.
Guns
After tonight the Spud’s play (can’t remember the exact order) Wolves, Palace and Arsenal away and Chelsea at home in their next 4 matches. Some tough games in there with Inter at home in the CL as well.
Graham
Have you seen the Poch’s statement he put out earlier?
If I were a Spud’s I’d be shitting myself, definitely sounds like he’s laying the ground to get out.
Disappointing to drop points to Palace but it was inevitable that the winning sequence would come to an end, better it a draw than dropping all three points and at least it was a road game.
Still in remarkable shape given that we lost our two season openers.
Have to say that so far this season Emery has learnt from his mistakes pretty well, so I am hoping that he will learn from the palace game … This will go against the grain on le grove but for me personally I believe that to see a game out when you have a slender lead away from home , it is always better to keep your best passer on the pitch (in other words ,one who passes consistently to his own team mates) and your most explosive ,pacey forward in the pitch. By taking these 2 off you are… Read more »
If we had played a weaker team in Lisbon and lost, you’d all be complaining.
Going into the Palace game, after a loss, would have created a totally different dynamic.
Hence, trepidation against Liverpool.
Too much doom and gloom for my liking.
Poch definitely takes the RM gig if he’s offered it,Real haven’t been so routinely humiliated for nearly a decade which sparked the Perez Galactico 2.0 infusion of Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka, etc. This is far worse though because these results are happening with a host of the best players on the planet in Modric, Kroos, Bale, Isco, Ramos, Courtois, Marcelo, etc as opposed to the Diarra brothers from other mothers, Drenthe, Gago, an ancient Raul. As well as Luis Suarez has played in over two years as well, reminds me of Neymar’s performance in the 2015 4-0 Clasico win at the… Read more »
Lol at Zaha not having enough quality for a top four side… Guy is a nightmare to defend against no matter who he plays.
I see having digs at iwobi is now your favorite past time bamford.. Shameful
Fucking hell, another international break in mid November?
Literally the third one in the space of 3 months since the seasons kicked off, up there as the worst part of being a footy fan.
This same scenario happened many times during the palace game.
Ozil receives the ball ..Ozil passes to a team mate ..the team mate loses possession.
This scenario didn’t or rarely happened during the game …a team mate receives the ball …the team mate passes to ozil …Ozil loses possession..
Marc For your information Arsenal have made a habit of buying elite players. It’s a tradition stretching back almost a century. Are you saying Sanchez isn’t elite? Or Ozil? Neither may suit Arsenal right now, but they are certainly elite. Even at the worst of times, when we rarely won anything, or nothing at all, the Club bought in elite players. Joe Baker, George Eastham,..the listen is endless. Except the austerity period, the first eight years in the Emirates Stadium. I don’t recall anyone elite. a sought-after player, being signed. The bottom-line policy, you see. And the difference is that… Read more »
Lopetegui sacked to be replaced by Santi Solari who has done absolutely nothing with Real Madrid castilla
I’m always grateful we have Emery . Heard Conte priced himself out of the Real job
Pierre To your point about closing out games, we do not have players who are good at retaining posession under pressure. Back when we were Barca lite- 2 players always stood out to me to give the ball to under pressure- that would give me a sense of relief Cesc and TR7 Even Ozil cannot retain possession- he collapses under pressure… Im not sure this team is built on that need… Wenger fell in love with Barca heavy possession game and we bought players to replicate that but it did not work. Although the midfield of TR7, Cesc, Hleb and… Read more »
Mahrez… Just done it
Assisted by R.Sterling
All wingers
I rate Poch, perhaps not nearly as highly as the pundits, but he’s done a great job getting them into the top 3 in consecutive seasons. If he takes the RM gig, who do Spurs get to replace him? The new gagger will have to work on a restricted budget for the next few season at least until they refinance their stadium debt to long-term borrowing. Eddie Howe? Do Harry Kane et al. stay for the ‘project’, or does all the talent jump ship in the summer? p.s. Terrible seeing the NFL field markings on a football pitch at this… Read more »
Pierre
You forgot one scenario:
Lots of team mates wanted to pass to Ozil but couldn’t find him on the pitch
Google Ozil and “hiding” pops up. Maybe not but it could be his middle name.
Wenger’s solution to close out a game was to bring on a defender for an attacker.
This is “the” best way to give up initiative and lose possession. We were hangin on by the fingernails even when playing bottom feeders
Mahrez has 5 in his last 8 but isn’t City quality according to some on here. Sane relegated to the bench, what does that Pep know eh?
Mendy an absolute liability in this game right now. Lamela still looking more like Pamela.
Guess wenger and arteta should be top of the list for Real Madrid
:-)))
W e
The worst part of being a “footy” fan is calling it footy
CC is right – Mendy is an absolute liability. His mistakes will inevitably result in a goal for Spurs. He needs to sort himself out, or Pep should sub him at halftime.
Gives Mustafi a run for his money in the calamitous defenders department.
CC
Not trying to pick a fight but I can’t see how mahrez can be Compared to Sane, Sane imo is miles better as a player.
More skill, more pace, much better dribbler and a better finisher.
One of the most obvious dive ever. Horrible spud cnut
Not watching tonight’s match but for those slating mendy it sounds like he is having an awful game.
However he is a pretty epic talent when it comes to attacking fullback play. Last game I saw him in he wa quality
London You’re entitled to that opinion, I happen to disagree. Not a chance Sane has more skill, or is a better dribbler than Mahrez though for me. Mahrez is arguably best in the league with Hazard and Zaha in 1v1’s, his ability with the ball at his feet is what he’s all about. Sane is a more physically gifted player, quicker, more powerful and athletic etc but skill? Nah, Mahrez isn’t getting outdone by Sane there. Technically Mahrez is on another planet to Sane, and I’m a huge Sane fan, Mahrez is a better finisher as such. I’m not comparing… Read more »
London gunner –
True, his attacking play is decent. It’s his defending that’s been poor in the first half. He’s been responsible for conceding a few great chances with poor decision-making.
Mendy may be a talent, but on this evidence he’s not a defender in any capacity.
I get he’s attack-heavy in talent, but he’s Carl Jenkinson in defensive levels here. 50 mil should get you more and as Jamie points out, Pep will have a rocket for him at half time.
Seems to me either Sane is injured, rested or Sterling is prefered.
Mahrez is a right winger, Sane plays on the left
Goonah is on point too – Sane usually down the left, Mahrez down the right.
It’s Sterling keeping Sane out of the starting 11 I think.
Hard to question Mahrez’ technical ability though. His finishing is exceptional for a ‘winger’, his dribbling is next level. I think he gets a hard time because his legs look like toothpicks. Get the ball to him, though, and he makes things happen more often than not.
CC Sane to me is on a diff level, mahrez is too one paced. Sane has the technical ability of mahrez in terms of ball/close control and its harder to dribble at pace which is what sane does on insane levels. The way he regularly zig zags the ball in the tightest movements around players at fast pace is impressive. Sane is a faster more athletic mahrez basically. Mendy is a beast, if you get the balance right in the team you can have an attacking fullback. Look at Marcello for instance. Either way mendy is new to the league… Read more »
London –
For sure he can improve, and has decent attributes and a worldclass coach who can help him reach his potential, but he’s having a stinker tonight. It happens I guess.
Leroy Sane’s actually footballing ability is prone to exaggeration by his admirers
Good player.. Yet to hit the next level.
As for finishing and dribbling ability ..he has a few classes to attend to be on the same level to Mahrez
London
Not even close for me, Sane isn’t in the same league as Mahrez technically. Not even sure how you arrive at that opinion tbh, Mahrez is one of the few special guys in the league like Ozil, Silva, Cesc who are just amazing.
Mendy can be a beast all he likes, doesn’t make his defending in this game any better. Moussa Sissoko has ruined him 3/4 times.
Shocking miss. Should be 2-0 City.
Nah sane is a true talent.
One of the best young players in the world.
Impirtant to note mahrez is 27 and overall aside from one season with lecister has had a pretty lackluster career.
Sane is only 22 yet had hit higher le els of ability
Sad thing is that Mahrez was the non best kept secret to become and Arsenal player at one time. He fit the bill perfectly, but every summer came and we kept passing on him despite him wanting to join us.
Good for him to be at city.
Sane on the other hand is a beast. He was the cause of the complete implosion we had 2x in one week against City last season. What a nightmare we had against him.
London No it’s not important to note age, because not every player has the same career trajectory. Mahrez was trying to make it as a pro in Scotland and the like as a teen whilst Sane was brought through an elite German clubs academy. That sort of comparison is typically drawn when trying to assert a particular POV. Sane hasn’t “hit higher levels of ability”, that’s an opinion. More than welcome to it but that’s all it is. Mahrez drove Leicester to a title and won POTY along the way so to try and diminish his achievements to date with… Read more »
Complete disservice to say that Mahrez is levels above Sane in the technique department, simply isn’t true.
Happens all too often with athletic freaks, Bale is another one.
The hit higher levels of ability part was particularly amusing.
Lopetegui sacked. They’ll have to pay through the nose for Poch if they indeed want him.
hilllwood
“The worst part of being a “footy” fan is calling it footy”
It’s hard to take them serious …one of my pet hates I have to say.
It’s the sort of thing you would expect Joe to say and “goaltenders” of course.
CC
At the end of the day mahrez is a quality player no doubt, just Sane has a higher ceiling.
Sane is one of the best young talents in the world with scope to improve as most players peak later in their careers.
Mahrez wasn’t being talked about at 22 and tbh he is at his peak years already at 27.
Mahrez performances most likely won’t keep improving whilst Sane likely will barring injury or some kind of syndrome where he turns into a fat Brazilian as soon as he hits 27
The old timers are a bit touchy on the terminology I see.
Recedding
Sane was the best young talent in the hardest league in the world last season.
He was city’s best player after kdb. Sane literally owned every defender in the league and made them look ordinary and the kid is only 21.
He hit higher levels mahrez is good no doubt but he is inconsistent and one paced and lethargic at times.
You have to be intimidated by the sheer quality that City possesses. I guess when you are backed by a sovereign wealth fund it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise.
Weagle
Simply not true because you say?
I rate Mahrez’s technical ability among the best in the prem easily, I don’t Sane’s. That doesn’t for one second mean I suggest Sane isn’t incredibly gifted, so the disservice angle is a nonsense.
WE
I think there is a bit of revisionism about Sane. I think because he wasnt included in the Germany squad the impression people have of his talent level is misguided.
Dudes a rockstar, his peak level has been shown to be higher than mahrez who often flatters to deceives.
CC
You’re always quick to throw around the nonsense label, my point was that Bale gets similar treatment in that he’s nearly a victim of his own exceptional standard of athleticism when people are debating his technique, he strikes and crosses the ball as well as anyone as well as having a brilliant first touch and ball control.
Mahrez is just a different style of player, I don’t think that he does anything in the final third better than Sane does and that falls into the technique bracket.
WE
“The old timers are a bit touchy on the terminology I see.”
wouldn’t be touchy if a 2 year old said it.
Pierre
Well that breaks my heart.
too bad that swing from Mendy missed 🙂
Lamela is a real cunt
Best part about that game is that the Spuds thought they could get back in it right until the end and once again failed. If you haven’t seen Paul Merson’s viewpoint on Spurs here it is again for your viewing pleasure http://footballburp.com/stories/video-paul-merson-asked-if-spurs-are-at-the-height-of-their-success/
@Weagle Because I don’t care for someone like you to come on here and try and surmise an opinion as a “complete disservice” and something that “simply isn’t true” when the counter argument is nothing more than an opinion itself. So as I stated, it’s a nonsense. The fact you feel Bale gets hard done by is of no relevance to me discussing Mahrez and Sane. @London For someone that wasn’t looking to argue you’re throwing about some odd comments. Now there’s revionism because someone has an opinion opposite to yours? Cool. “Dudes a rockstar, his peak level has been… Read more »
BTW regarding Poch and Madrid – interesting in the pre match txt on BBC he was quoted as saying despite Spurs best start since blah de blah he wasn’t happy – maybe the Spanish climate will suit him better (where he has a chance of winning a semi final)……
CC
Lol ‘someone like you’, how’s it up there on your high horse?
I was making a counter to your point, sorry if I used absolutes then. Think you’re talking bollocks that Mahrez sits a few tables up from Sane in the tekkers department then, how’s that?
Sane or mahrez…..both please..
If ,as was being reported , we turned down mahrez then it’s a sackable offence ..especially as it was being reported that his heart was set on coming to Arsenal a few years back.
Weagle
Obviously had a bad day, out here getting offended at every remark made. High horse now is it? Sure thing. You can have whatever opinion you like about what i’ve said about Sane/Mahrez, the attempted baiting is boring. Have a cup of tea after a moment in your safe space ffs zzzzz
Because I don’t care for someone like you to come on here and try and surmise an opinion as a “complete disservice”
Ah jaysus you don’t have to be a dickhead every single day.
CC
Haha how about elaborating on your point about Mahrez being certified Citeh qualidee and his technical ability being levels above Sane rather than being preoccupied with my day…
The truth is that he’s started slowly for Citeh, he’s looked ok but far from brilliant.
Not very self-aware are we Charles for always having a go at Bamford for similar antics.
I was just about to say that. If Bam gave that kind of dickhead response to someone i guarantee you that Charlie would pop out of nowhere with engorged penis in hand ready to cut down Bamford.
Pierre,
Pretty sure we lost a game in the europa group stages last season. And also lost against oestersunds. Wenger knows best And Emery has no clue.
For someone who had no expectations under the old regime, you have certainly stepped things up a notch now.
Anyway Mahrez or Sane it’d be Sane for me. Younger and a much higher ceiling and far more explosive… but sure Mahrez has technical ability to blah blah blah.
I prefer Bernardo Silva or a Mane to Mahrez if I’m honest.