Arsenal are definitely still making too many defensive errors, as our record of conceding 8 goals in 4 games makes abundantly clear, but in the past we would have been used to the Gunners giving up, especially away from home, but it looks like that attitude has changed completely under Emery.
Against Chelsea we conceded two early goals, and although we lost the game in the end, at least we fought back to 2-2 without putting our heads down. Again, against West Ham we went 1-0 down but fought back to win the game 3-1 in the dying minutes, and today we also saw Cardiff equalize twice but still did not give up. This is something to be proud of. As Emery said after the game: “The reaction was very important. We have done it in each match, and today it was the same. It was the same [reaction] when we needed to win [this game] after they equalised twice. I think the reaction was very good for continuing with our personality.
“The most important was to be calm and continue working. They found chances and options in the match to score with their attacking movements, and we need to continue to improve in our defensive movements. Also in our box, not conceding these chances to the opposition. Cardiff had strong moments but before that, I think we controlled the match. With this way, we won.”
You have to admire his concise and positive comments, and I am sure the players are picking up on it and acting on it. Last season after we lost two games to Man City in a week, our confidence disappeared completely. This season we started by losing to Man City and Chelsea, but we were still very positive about things getting better and they have proved it by never giving up.
This is the Arsenal we want to see, and it gives me great confidence for our hopes for the season. What do you think?
Sam P