Though we won against Crystal Palace, we would certainly be better off with more control than chaos.
Arsenal got back to winning terms in the Premier League with a pretty resounding win over Crystal Palace. As resounding as the 5-1 scoreline might be it’ll still be misleading to an individual who didn’t watch the game. This was due to how easily closer the scoreline could’ve been if they were more clinical.
Arsenal for their part were very ruthless and efficient in finishing off their chances, something we weren’t able to do against Fulham and Everton, however it was the defence that was suspect in a game where Raya bailed us out on a couple of occasions.
It almost looked like the 2022/23 Arsenal, excelling in a very chaotic game. We struggled to cope with the gegen style pressing from Crystal Palace, especially at the back with the trio of Raya, Gabriel and Saliba leaving us at the edge of our seats at times due to some risky build up from the back. We should’ve conceded really from one of these risks in the 20th minute when Saiba gave the ball away deep inside our half, but Raya spared his blushes with a really good save to deny Mateta from close range.
The game was almost end to end at times and another reason for it was arguably our midfield, Thomas Partey wasn’t at his best in midfield with the Ghanaian arguably being at fault for the goal we conceded.
Considering the general midfield structure then it wasn’t surprising to see him struggle a bit, Havertz simply doesn’t offer the control and extra cover that Rice brings to the side even though I think the German played fairly well. It wasn’t surprising at all that we had more control when the England international came on for Havertz. Gooners were surely delighted to see us play and emerge victorious in such a chaotic game (especially in the first half) but it’s just not sustainable in the long run.
Things could’ve been much different against Palace, prior to Havertz’s goal killing things off in the first half, Palace had chances to pull level. Even throughout the game, they attempted more shots than us and also had the same number of shots on goal, in what was a keenly contested game between the pair.
In another world where we weren’t as clinical and they were, it could’ve been a very different story! Furthermore, such games are energy draining and could very well lead to injuries like we saw happen to Saka. Looking at the fixtures ahead and the busy January period in store for us then injuries and fatigue is the last thing that we need at the moment.
We were forced into the type of game they wanted to play due to their aggressive approach but we certainly could’ve done better in avoiding it by keeping the ball more and having more composure. The personnel will also be a deciding factor, but we should have the squad depth to play that way regardless.
With that said, we actually won 5-1 and did it quite comfortably at the end too so maybe there isn’t much to bother about the game!
BENJAMIN KENNETH.
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This is where slot as excelled ,he’s got a misfiring midfield functioning from last season with the new players they bought in 18 months ago and found the sweet spot ,their forward line looks formidable.
It helps when you have an exceptional coach in Sipke Hulshoff helping in his back room staff
Where as Arteta keeps on experimenting on a system that doesn’t need it ,Jesus earned his starting spot ,why shoehorn Havertz into midfield and drop Rice ,you could see we were a much better unit when rice came on .
We deserved the 3 points and that’s the main thing but closing that gap on Liverpool is going to be very hard at this moment in time .
“Chaotic” why are we fans sometimes unnecessarily critical? We won a derby away to an opposition that can make life difficult for any team in their home. A 1:5 victory for our Boys is with commending the coach and players for. I don’t agree with chaotic. Result is what we wanted and it’s what we got 3 points simple.
It’s all very well Sylva being happy at the result. I don’t think that anyone is arguing with you there.
But the problem for me is, Arteta’s insistence of Havertz being in the team no matter what. The midfield was clearly unsettled with Havertz presence there.
Even if Rice didn’t start, Arteta had better midfield options to choose from, but he clearly wants Havertz in the side at any cost.
And if were honest, had Palaces chances been taken on Saturday, that scoreline could have been very different.
Better opposition will punish us, if Arteta persists in playing Havertz there when he clearly doesn’t need to.
He does the same with Partey, in most cases there’s no need for it.
Agreed derek absolutely no need for Havertz to be in that starting line up Saturday ,he’s not a midfielder and he’s not striker .
Unnecessary purchase when we needed a forward ,mind you Arteta likes a LB and a keeper ,watch this space in the January sales
@Derek
When it comes to specifics in the game you have a point and I agree with you. I think Rice wasn’t 100% fit to play 90 minutes. Havertz some times is used against physical opposition, he has a good aerial duels winning abilities because of his height. But he is very sloppy at times on the ball which makes opposition to overide our midfield. I bet when Merino fully step up his game we won’t be seeing Havertz in midfield often. Imo Havertz is best suited in the box and not in midfield or may be as a No10.
The write up is wrong. Why must we complain every time. Yes I agree 100% that Havertz was not supposed to be in the midfield, but we won. We used to complain about having so much possession with out results, but last week we played like champions, playing purposeful football with great end product, Arteta should be told to either play Havertz as a striker or bench him.
Arsenal had to have a response, and it rarely gets better than inflicting a 5 – 1 drubbing on the road,
a bit of chaos can be a good thing
chaos = unpredictable
think Everton where they settled too well in to a defensive block
zero attacking intent is easy to keep a defensive shape
endless passing around the perimeter is pointless
a bit of chaos to pull a settled defence out of shape
and Arsenal have shown we can score lots of goals when there is space
many might be surprised that Arsenal have actually scored 27 goals in 9 games in the month leading up to the Palace game
scoring 5 goals 3 times
scoring 3 goals 3 times
Arsenal problem is not volume of goals but spread of goals
so bring on the chaos in those games where plan A is going stale
Agree Arsenal1886. Great comment. If your team truly has superior quality, you have to be prepared to mix it up when the occasion calls for it.
Arsenal won.
Harvertz scored.
No goals from set-piece.
Not so good news combination for some.
So
To unsettle Arteta.
And discredit Arsenal.
Let’s bring in chaos.
Nice job, detractors.
I await what songs you’ll release when Arsenal falls to a defeat ( which you so eagerly await) cos no team goes unbeaten forever.
I shall wait.