Official Arsenal team and preview of Liverpool opener

Arsenal could really do with making a good start to this latest chase for the Premier League title, especially after both Manchester United and Man City got off to winning starts this weekend, but the squad situation is far from ideal for Arsene Wenger so the schedule of us facing Liverpool today and then Leicester City next week is far from ideal.

Next weekend the Frenchman should be able to call on Laurent Koscielny, Mesuyt Ozil and Olivier Giroud once again and we might even have signed another player or two by then, but for now the Gunners need to make the most of what we have in this potentially very tough test against a hard pressing Jurgen Klopp side.

I think that concerns about the pressure Liverpool will put us under has influenced the team selection of Wenger as well, as the summer signing Granit Xhaka and the silky skills of Santi Cazorla have been left on the bench, with the more combative and Premier League experienced trio of Coquelin, Elneny and Ramsey preferred in midfield.

As expected the central defence is made up of the youngsters Holding and Chambers, while THeo Walcott has been given the central striking role. The other big decision for the boss was about who to play on the right and he has gone for Alex Iwobi over Oxlade-Chamberlain and Campbell, with the Costa Rican not even making the subs bench.

Cech
Bellerin, Holding, Chambers, Monreal
Coquelin, Elneny,
Iwobi, Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez
Walcott

Subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Wilshere, Xhaka, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlin, Akpom.

It is a strong looking bench but also a strong Liverpool side with Mane, Lallana, Coutinho and Wijnaldum, so we need a strong showing from the Gunners today. Will we get it?

Bob.

Tags Iwobi Ramsey Walcott

180 Comments

  1. Match day is here.. Unlike the others I am slightly optimistic about today’s game.. Yes we are defensively short but what people fail to realise is that Liverpool’s defence is not that great either.
    Never rated Lovren and he will be partnering either Matip/Klavan in centre defence, both of whom are new to the league. The game could go either way but I think we will come out on top. Liverpool are playing away so they will play on the counter and press us throughout the 90 mins. The key will be to make the most of the opportunites that come our way. Also hoping we get to see our latest Korean arrival Co He Sion. Wenger has been talking about this cohesion a lot these last 2 seasons. Time to make it count.

    O.T. Lacazette has scored twice in the first half for Lyon in Ligue 1. If Wenger wanted him he would be here already. COYG !!

  2. Expected lineup. Would have prefered Campbell in place of Iwobi. But why is Santi on the bench. He looked great in pre-season.

  3. wow …the 35m on xhaka was just another vanity purchase then and ramsey over carzola!!!!! … wenger will never learn … cant see this team beating lpool … and lack of pace at back will be big concern given their forward options … so its more about the power of prayer

    1. Coq and Elneny know each others game, Xhaka is brand new to English football. Also those two are more defensive minded than Xhaka, look at our defense, and tell me this isn’t sensible.

      1. as much as ibra and bailey!!!! no idea how many times they played together last season but is was minimal and dont think el neny is any more defensive than xhaka … if anything seems to wander further forward…and xhaka slightly taller and better in air…anyway if our single biggest purchase in the window aint fit to start the opener we are not doing the right things thats for sure

        1. You’re missing the point, I’m talking about partnership, which the midfield pivot needs. The CBs are going to need the best protection available, I believe at this moment it is these two, I said the same two weeks ago. Liv is a huge game, even if you had a point, they played bourn, and Ibra is a goalscorer. Bailey is new yes, but utd aren’t going into a tough game with children at CB.

          1. Partnerships without quality are what loads of mediocre clubs have but the idea that coq and elneny r already a partnership is just silly .., the rest was just a riposte to the familiarity with EPL nonesense

  4. I wonder why wasn’t Xhaka sent in from the first minute. Santi on the bench. Wenger is a mystery even after 20 years in charge. I try to understand but I really can’t. I also have to admit that I would have been afraid to pair Chambers and Holding in the centre. Shows that Wenger has indeed cojones. I would have played safe by adding Nacho and maybe Debuchy there.
    Well, here we have it boys & gals ! Did you miss it? Because is about to begin. EPL, here we are. Up the Guns!

  5. I’m impressed with the new speed coming from here!
    Well done Admin and Co ???

    WARNING!!!
    Butt hurt alert! ?
    Get the Vaseline on standby, we may need it! ?

    1. Deal fellow Arsenal Fans!
      Let’s kindly support our team. Negative comments won’t help. We do have excellent players. The only thing needed here is trust, nothing but trust in Arsenal Football Club. Our current team isn’t that poor. Are you convinced by the way Manchester City won yesterday? I am not. Although Manchester City has Pep Guardiola and has bought so-called big name players, they were only lucky with an own goal from the opposing team. Love and support Arsenal. Arsenal is beating Liverpool. Please mark my words. Gooner for life!!!

      1. 12 years a slave!!!! course we can beat the pool and walcott may score a hatrick but we are talking 38 games and CL and asking what has changed this season over past failures?

    1. Wenger is obviously going for the Rocky Balboa tactics for this game! ? And that’s to wear’ out our opponent, whilst getting battered and then he’ll bring on the changes towards the end, to deliver the knockout punch!
      Hahaha… So Errrrrr Good luck with that Mr Wenger.

  6. Wow, articles coming in thick and fast today. Let’s hope the goals come in quick and fast for us today as well.

  7. Just seen the line-up, and it’s classic Wenger again! Santi and Xhaka on the bench, whilst Walcott and Ramsey start! Campbell doesn’t even make the bench!! Campbell might as well request a transfer, because he’s never getting ahead of Theo and the Ox, doesn’t matter how bad they are.

    Our Bristish core consistently fail, yet Wenger sticks by them. Pep drops under performing Hart straight away, and on the look out for another keeper, notice a difference here!

  8. this lineup is not very strong. I dont like two young CB’s playing together and I’d rather have Monreal at CB instead. And no Xhaka is very strange. I don’t know how to feel about this. At least Alexis is in over Walcott at striker, but it’s not like Theo is a good winger either.

    1. Hahaha ? Seeing is beliving and there’s not long now, until kick off! ?
      Wenger is about to get a Big Kick up the ass, from reality! ?

      Humiliation!… Here we Come! ?

  9. Hoping we’ll win but fearing we will lose. If pool score first and we have to chase the game the flood gates could open with the pacey pool front 4 running riot. Wenger how did you get us here! Coyg!!!!!

  10. It’s obvious Wenger is trying to make us difficult to play against. I like the work rate of these players, only one I can’t understand is Theo on the wing, Wenger already admitted he’s a bad defender. But the rest, it’s like when we say we should be hard to beat away from home, and Wenger should also consider this when at home too, from time. It’s interesting, because Wenger usually sets us up to play and entertain first and foremost, here we are focusing on the threat too. It might be mainly because we are down to our bare bones in defense ..I hope not.

  11. And no Campbell AT ALL, yet Cazorla AND Wilshere are on the bench??? This is ridiculous and it makes beyond no sense. Why do we need two extra CAM’s on the bench. Especially when our wingers are pretty hot or cold depending on the day. Campbell should be ahead of Ox and Theo, but instead he doesn’t even make the squad. Horrible treatment he gets.

  12. Why are so many people worried Liverpool will beat us? I believe in the CB’s. You do know we have players capable of scoring too. It just might be a game of who out scores who but I still have faith in Chambers and Holding.

    1. Chambers has several mistakes in him every time he plays, and Holding is vastly inexperienced, still can’t play the ball out the back well. Two inexperienced defenders against Mane, Countinho, Firmino… It’s not going to be pretty. And last season we went many games without scoring at Emirates Stadium. The lineups not good enough, plain and simple.

      1. I understand your concern but I just can’t admit defeat before the ball is even kicked. I agree with you though that last seasons home record is one to forget.

    2. I really hope that you’ll be feeling in the same way, after the game!
      But As for me, I can only go by what I see and in life, if you don’t prepare or show intent towards a goal!! You will Fail, every time. …. Unless of course, you’re a VERY luck Basket! ?

  13. I am disspointed that Cazorla and Xhaka
    I would have played Cazorla in the middle instead of Ramsey

    However, both Coquelin and Eleney are defensive players so we should be good defensively

    2-1 Gunners

  14. @trevor. Yep Wenger is protecting the cbs for sure. I think that’s the only reason xhaka is not starting as well. He’ll of a day to make his Pl competitive debut at the Emirates. Elneny edges him having played here last season. We rely so heavily on ballerin and nacho overlaps in our attack, going to be interesting to see how attacking they will be today. #nonailsleft

  15. Surprised no one is saying how crap Mignolet is, or how Klopp is fielding a attacking team and just might have overlooked his own defense.

  16. I think it’s safe to say Campbell getting sold this window. Good for him, go play football and enjoy it!

    1. lets see who buys him… if you read this page it will be a fight between barca and real madrid

      1. Funny you guys are talking Campbell to go, an apparent ITK on Twitter swears up and down that Mahrez will be at the Emirates today. Also we might have to let a winger go for that was to happen.

  17. this aint 2015… the manchesters both spent big, upgraded managers intent on winning, LC back to mediocre, arsenal needed to upgrade the center front and back, not feeling it… even spuds upgraded a already potent attack, need a break out season from an unexpected,

  18. If we lose on the day Lacazette scored a hattrick, social media will go mad… brace yourselves folks. This should be a nervy 90 minutes.

  19. Sucks for Campbell, I would have personally went with him over Wakcott and then bring Theo on for whichever of the front 3 are struggling.

  20. That was our break. Now it’s gone. Why isn’t Sanchez taking penalties? That was a horrid penalty.

    1. And great vision by Iwobi.

      Seemed like a bad first touch for Walcott but class finish.

  21. Walcott’s Arsenal career summed up in 90 seconds.Beyond frustrating player, but does JUST enough to not be playing for the reserves.

  22. Good goal. Walcott is not my favorite player but is showing very good movement in this game. I hope he goes on to have a good season. Good goal Theo!

  23. @paddygooner. It always is quiet I think, the biggest library I’ve ever been in? Where have the die hards gone? Can no longer afford a ticket I guess.

  24. That was a ridiculously short wall .. Was about to say a decent half but in the end probably watching our entire season in 45 minutes

  25. LOOOOL.

    Just my opinion but Cech should’ve saved that. That was 30 yards out and Coutinho always directs his shot into same angle. Plenty of time to see where the ball flies.

    1. De Gea would not have saved that! Why can’t people be rational? It took an outstanding free kick to beat him.

      1. No I just wondered, just 3 men on the wall? And did anyone one of them even jump? Coutinho whips is every chance he gets.

        Have to see it again though.. maybe I was wrong.

    1. agree. We can’t lose confidence from that goal. There was little that could be done. Just keep playing the way we have.

  26. I’m unable to watch so what of our cb youngsters, have they been well protected? Had little to do? Or just been individually good?

  27. Not playing too bad. We have a clear disadvantage with all the short players in the team today. I would really like to see Cazorla on in place of Ramsey tho. Ramsey doing decent but I think Santi can deliver better quality balls the Alexis, who’s not really in the game as much as I’d like him to be.

  28. Until silly free kick holding much better than chambers but inexperience will eventually show … Ramsey did nothing and with coq and elneny the midfield is solid but lacks quality… Is Wenger just playing for a point? Probably … I can hear the excuses already

    1. Are you serious, Chambers was winning everything, he looked a man. Holding didn’t do anything much wrong, he just wasn’t really involved much. Chambers played one awful pass, but was easily the best defender at the back.

  29. Killer blow, and it wasn’t even a free kick, isn’t it always the way. I thought we done ok protecting the back, but not passing it quick enough going forward. If it stays like this for a bit, Xhaka or Cazorla will be introduced, maybe even both. Ox may come on too, for Iwobi possibly. Agrrrh, we deserved to go in with the lead, I hope they shake it off and put these to the sword ..COYG.

  30. That was a Great Freekick…. Gutted not to have went to half time with the lead. Let’s see how 2nd half goes…

    Btw, that was Walcott first taken Penalty in the premier league.. He has never taken one before. Glad he scored after the missed PK.

    1. Makes me wonder, don’t we have penalty kick specialists in the team? At least someone half decent?

      I remember well Özil’s penalties which were equally weak as Theo’s were..

      1. Alexis is surprisingly behind in the pecking order of penalties. Not the first time he’s been on the pitch and worse PK takers have gone ahead of him. I have no idea what the thinking in the team is when it comes to who takes them. Giroud did a good job last season though, so I like him being our first option. Ozil… please no. Penalties are not his thing

  31. Too many haters here. Fellas its the first game of the season. At least today we could have started with some positive vibes instead of all the moaning that u’ll be doing over the whole season.

  32. Bhahahahah, that’s it. We look pathetic again! How can that happen in space of few minutes?

  33. Come on guys
    Losing the first game is bad enough but to lose at Home is embarrassing
    Lets win this thing

    1. Game over friend.

      How lose match:

      – Concede at the end of first half
      – Concede on the first minutes of second half
      – Wait for the nail in the coffin

      Don’t worry, Giroud will be back for Leicester, he’s like a new signing!

  34. Wow … End of road for wenger hopefully … What’s the excuse from the delusional one now … Over to u Trevor … U were saying

    1. @rkw,

      If you would be paid for £8 million a year and in order to keep your job, I’m sure you would be great at lying and making excuses!

  35. And some of you were expecting Wenger to extend his contract. Bloody Morons never learn.??????????????????????????

  36. Pathetic, I thought we’d be hard to beat. We don’t deserve this sh!t, plenty of time to get players in, but we’re going with kids at back, lack of quality up front.

  37. look 95% want wenger out, socan we just not type it every week all year… its understood, to me his biggest fault is he will not do what it takes to win, at the end of the day, it still comes down to the quality of who you have on the pitch…

  38. This senile man has absolutely no clue what his doing at you dimwits allowed him to have another season without being punished??????????????????????????

  39. Im so embarrassed. I hope Wenger is too.

    And you know what? Alexis Sanchez has not been in the match AT ALL. Can we please stop suggesting he lead the line?

    1. thank you! Hopefully Wenger can see that too, but I doubt it, he’s clueless. Alexis can play with 2 upfront but NOT by himself. He’s never been able to so.

  40. Based on this my guess is we will lose a couple of our best players before the window shuts too. Would you stay and put up with it?

    It’s a farce and a utter disgrace. We are a laughing stock. That stupid old fool has done nothing to strengthen the team and we are somehow already short at the beginning of the season!

    It is disgusting.

    1. Part of the reason the reason nothing changes though. Keep throwing money at a club that doesnt care. Once the money stops flowing in from the fans they will have to change. Cause we all know cash is the only thing the board cares about.

    2. U don’t need to be sad for those bunch… you reap what you sow… they are the ones who have supported wenger over the last couple of seasons without any protest

  41. The starting team was not correct
    Why did Theo start before ox
    Why xhaka on the bench
    At 2-1 down why stay with two DM

    I can’t see a how anyone can defend wenger now
    Spend some f#*+ing money and I don’t just mean a CB
    And get a manager

  42. Has anybody ever seen a Stephen King movie called: The Shining
    Well it’s basically a story about a man(Jack Nicholson) who moves into a new hotelwith his family then all of the sudden goes “birds over the cucu’s nest” and tries to kill his family….,,…..Kind of reminds me of the time we happily moved to Emirates before all this happened.

  43. You don’t know what your doing rings out round the Emirates. We are so shi* Wenger you should be ashamed.

    1. Just a reminder that any posts with swearwords will be deleted even if badly disguised….
      It’s the first game of the season and a great spectacle. We have many of our best players out but try and enjoy the game ffs

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