Arsenal v Huddersfield Review – The Gunners leave it late but win nonetheless

So this was looking like it should be an easy game for the high-flying Gunners against relegation fodder, Huddersfield, but as usual Arsenal start slowly and although they have lots of possession there is very little penetration. 

In fact we have to wait until the 28th minute before we get our first perfect chance but Aubameyang fires it just wide of the post. Two minutes later Lacazette also finds himself in a good position but again the ball goes flying over the bar.  It starts to get a bit niggly then and we see six yellow cards issued in the 15 mins up to half-time. 

Five minutes before half time it looked like Arsenal were finally going to go into the break with a lead when the ball was in the net, but Laca was ruled offside, which won’t be the first time this season. 

With no Ozil, Ramsey or Mhkitaryan there was really not enough service for our strikers but just before half-time Torreira tries his luck but Lossi had no problem dealing with it.

Yet again Arsenal are not leading at half time, but we have failth in Emery’s changes, and sure enough he brings on Mhkitaryan and Iwobi got Lacazette and Lichsteiner and we are going to go straight on the attack.

20 mins later we get another hamstring injury to a defender when Mustafi goes off, but luckily Monreal has recovered just in time to slot into his position. We are getting very short of defenders as usual.

But Arsenal are well in control and it looked like it was just a matter of time. And so it proved, and although the Gunners made us wait until the 83rd minute to make the breakthrough it was worth the wait.  
Guendouzi crosses in to Aubameyang, who controls the tricky ball wonderfully, and he’s able to kick it back in the air to a waiting Torreira in the middle of the box and the Uruguayan hits an overhead volley straight into Huddersfield’s goal. 

We finally, finally, get a goal. 1-0 to the Arsenal!

After that Guendouzi went down claiming a penalty, but instead got booked for simulation, and Huddersfield probably deserved one more when 
Depoitre was pushed in the Arsenal box.

Arsenal had to endure 7 minutes of added time but we managed to hold them off for a very hard-fought win!

Can you believe…. There were only two shots on target in the whole game!

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91 Comments

  1. A win is a win. The 3-4-1-2 almost worked well, but unfortunately both Arsenal strikers missed the sitters and their CBs lost their cool. I was surprised when Emery replaced Lacazette with the underperforming Mkhitaryan/ Iwobi and I hope Emery keeps using 3-4-1-2 in the next game:

    – Aubameyang and Lacazette: Good movements and work rate as wide forwards, but totally wasted their golden chances. Luckily Aubameyang managed to create a great assist

    – Guendouzi: Did not perform well as a no 10, but managed to create a Sanchez-esque lob ball. Perhaps because that was his first time playing in that position

    – Torreira and Xhaka: Defended well. Good strike from Torreira

    – The CBs: Had they been calmer, maybe Emery would not have to replace Lichtsteiner so soon and could keep the 3-4-1-2 to dominate the midfield

    – Leno: No real test

    1. Leno didn’t really get tested but he was in control of his area well, nice solid punch towards the end and he looked confident throughout the match.

    2. How can you say the 3-4-1-2 worked well?I don’t even get how a completely defensive formation was employed against Huddersfield.Even though Iwobi and Mkhi are bad the do it back helps us better.For us to have a sustainable three back formation we must have serious wingers and WB’s.The only player fully suited to three back in our team is Kolasinac.

      1. It almost worked well, because it produced several excellent scoring chances for our forwards

        I liked it when Aubameyang frequently went wide and flicked the ball to Bellerin (when he was cutting inside). Unfortunately our strikers could not convert the chances into goals

        1. Now you’re saying “it almost worked well”?The player suited to this formation is Kolasinac and as proved by the constant change in formation from three back system to four back system it shows that Emery knows this formation is not sustainable for the team so why use it in a mach like this in the first place?Yes we created chances using it but my point is the players are not suited for this system.

            1. Yes I saw that but you used “it almost worked well” in your reply which implied that the formation was unsustainable.

  2. Funny how Xhaka is still rated by fans and even managers.I just cant believe this guy.For someone who’s not world class its unbelieveable people hype him so much.Today he gave away three turnovers that lead straight to chances.I for one don’t hate him or any Arsenal player as they haven’t done anything to me personally but I hold this club in high standard that I don’t expect a player like Xhaka to be starting for us.I don’t know what’s so special about this guy along with several other players.Ive said it and I’ll say it again that when AMN is given a run of three games in the EPL none of our current CM’s will be able to take that position back.I can’t believe such a special talent is being wasted on the bench quality and today did not even make the team.

      1. Yes.Trust me if you knew me personally you wouldn’t be asking me this question.Some even think I never get angry.

      1. Absolute nonsense!You clearly don’t read my comments well or you’re using general perception in your judgement.

    1. What’s so special about Xhaka?

      – Good deliveries in set-pieces
      – Man of passing statistics
      – Looks tough when doing body contacts
      – Tall
      – The poor man’s Henry Cavill

      1. And puts good pace on the ball. Some people have to up their tempo to do that, but Xhaka, it is natural for him when he’s hitting the ball forward. Every football fan, esp an AFC one, understands why quick passing is a necessity, it’s essential. His passing stats blows away most of the competition in his position, and he’s leading the rest.

        1. Some people just don’t watch …90 per cent of passes lateral or back with a good percentage to those in worse position …endlessly caught on ball sloppy passes at key moments … Weak in tackle … The guy is without a doubt the worst 30m spent at Arsenal in last decade … At least Ramsey didn’t cost us much this guy is a joke … U til we kick him in to touch we will have midfield vulnerabilities …

    2. I have been disappointed at the lack of opportunity AMN has had in the middle.
      I like Guendouzi but he needs to learn how to make himself solid, the way he easily drops worries me and I would like to see him benched for AMN. I do think AMN could do with some more energy in his game like Guendouzi has but at the same time I think Guendouzi could learn from AMN and make himself a physical presence and not flop.

      I’ve said this a few times but I am eager to see what a CM trio of Torreira, Guendouzi and AMN can do in a Emery high press system, I’m even more eager to see if that trio can develop as a lot of us fans hope… 🙂

      1. AMN will easily displace Xhaka and Guendouzi when given his chance.The guy is so intelligent and has no significant weaknesses.Its a shame it’ll tarry before he gets his chance but when he does noone is taking it away from him.The Utd match should serve as a reminder of what he can do.

        1. Really like AMN but he’ll likely replace Kola rather than Xhaka and certainly not Guendouzi, the boy is a star. Makes mistakes yes but when you have the ball as much as he does it is expected that not everything will work. At least he tries to make things work!

          1. Now that Monreal is back he should be given his chance at CM.In terms of talent imo he will be the much better player as compared to Guendouzi.

            1. Good to snatch 3 points but we need reinforcement coming this january
              arsenal lack creativity in # 8 area – Banega, denis Suareaz, fornals?? may be wesley as welbeck replacement?? probably another CB? otherwise we have a long way to go.

            2. How many games do u watch from amn yo said that? To me they are too different players…amn is more athletic, fast and agile…but guendouzi has shown better passes, vision and both are very good on the mark…to me guendouzi is a very great singing and world class material…today i think we miss some creativity…i should star iwobi for guendouzy as number 10, even when iwobi is far away to what i want for arsenal on that position

            3. Honestly I don’t get your comparison… I don’t know how many match you’ve watch AMN playing as a CM Dat gives you so much assurance of his ability in CM… I for one I’ve watch Guendozi boss CM irrespective of his flaws he is 19 and already has the caliber of a star… Tell me what else do you want… One thing you should know is a speedster can’t play through the middle… You can’t get that in any team it didn’t work for the Ox can never work with AMN also… Wenger knows that Emery knows that…that why he is used as wing Back…Kev Guendozi is only going to get better the guy is a gem

        2. I’m a fan of AMN, I’ve praised him up for ages on this site 😛

          If we stick with 2 CM at the base then I would like Torreira and AMN to be given a chance to build a onfield relationship but the high press game of Emery makes me think a 3 man CM will be better and the 2 players who support Torreira should be capable of pressing high up to win the ball back early and then intelligent enough to open up play.

          Randomly, the youth prospects are something I am highly proud about as a gooner.

          With our CBs yellow accumulation and next match issues, what do you think of jumping in the deep end and trust in a couple of youths?

          Pleguezuelo/Medley

          While not experienced at the highest level, they did do well when they was given a chance, to be honest I thought they both looked ready to be squad players when they was given their own chances.

          1. Beng ready is good but bring good enough is the inportant thing.I for one think Pleguezuelo is ready but not too sure about Medley.As to whether they are good enough I can’t really tell.Id start Kos but with another youth CB next if it came to that.

      2. Agree with you on Guendouzi. He overdoes somethings sometimes and cause a lot of problem for the team. But I believe he will improve over time.
        On AMN, let’s just trust the manager’s judgement, since he is the one that works with them everyday. I am very sure AMN’s time will definitely come. For now let him gradually recover completely from his last injury

      1. Even if he has an absolutely dreadful performance he’d still start for some reason.Well I guess everyone has his favourites.

    3. @kev, I guess you know more about Xhaka than those managers who see him day in day out in training and expert video analysis.

      BE HUMBLE!

  3. I am so relieved!!! I don’t like these ‘leaving it late’ games…. Arsenal games should still come with a health warning

  4. Absolutely shocking performance. Wonderful goal from Torreira with great assist from Auba but what’s all the pass backs about? Two players booked for diving and Iwobi! Wtf, he’s got the first touch of a trampoline.

  5. watched match on sport klub 4 thank god 4 guendouzi all action good bad but at least he up 4 it iwobi my god some of hes play CRIMINAL

  6. Though we won, this was a poor game from Arsenal, but glad we won still. I’m hoping Man City wins the fame against Chelsea, there’s no point hoping City drop’s point since we ain’t challenging for the league this season.. And like it or not, until we get a world class no 10, Ozil is our best Mhiki and Iwobi are both useless.
    Ozil’s creativity and balance he brings to our game was missed against UTD and it was obvious in this game.
    TORREIRA, signing of the season

    1. Mkhitaryan, Iwobi and the other no 10s have not got the same number of chances to play in Ozil’s position

      Had they played more frequently there, I believe they would play better

      1. Gotandidea they’re both useless, forget it. If you don’t show glimpses of what you can do in the position, why should you get more chance? We need to sign a better attacking midfielder.
        IWOBI should be sold PR loaned out to Germany to go learn football, Mhiki is passed it. Bang average player

  7. We should be putting teams like this to the sword early in the game.
    Iwobi, xhaka and Nika not making it. Sorry not 1st team players. Good to see the “wee man” hit the net. Good player .

  8. Down to the bare defensive bones now. Don’t see Emery starting Kos at Saints next week either – he has been out too long and we will almost certainly start with Monreal alongside Sokratis. Crying shame our club’s best CB will miss the whole season. But 21 unbeaten now and going for 22 next week and 23 at Saints. Anyone predict that at end of August? Honestly now! Me neither.

    1. Doesn’t Sokratis miss the next game due to accumulation of yellow cards?
      Mustafi would as well if he wasn’t injured so I guess this injury to him was at the right time, not like I wish an injury on an Arsenal player, if they are going to have bad luck then coinciding with a suspension is the best we can hope for.

      1. As usual Jon fox not quite on the right page, yes most fans follow what’s happening and realise Sokratis misses the next game.

    1. Can’t tell but I’m sure I saw him on the bench last week.We are lucky to have such a special talent I tell ya.

  9. mhiki whats this guys story, what is he spose to do ,amn next to go to bundesliga wouldnt blame him..smith rowe nowhere 2 b seen shame..

  10. Without a fired up Ozil -which is almost a contradiction in terms – we are desperately short of creativity in central midfield. Had more than enough of Mkhi personally and hope he is soon sold. Iwobi seems to have once again stalled and stopped the clear improvement he HAD MADE. To my mind, once his English is up to being understood, the stand out captain MUST be Torreira! His leadership and productive talent dwarf anyone else at the club. If Ozil only had Torreiras strength of character , which he clearly does not, then he would be obvious choice, even above Torreira.

    1. Ozil is even worse compare to Miki and Iwobi and if reports are true i will be very happy, arsenal are trying to sell him to Inter for cut price of 25miln pound in this coming january transfer window which in my opinion will be a very smart move and bring in denis suarez and ever banega and for miki and iwobi they should be also sold next summer.

    1. Good timing with Monreal, though, I don’t like him a CB. Might be good timing with Kosc, we’ll see. I wish Mavro had some games under his belt, looks like we’ll need him. Monreal and Lichsteiner, would make our team too small. So I’m not sure if we’ll go with three back away at Sou, even though, that would be better for an away game, than most home games. Holding looked like he was missed today, even in the attacking sense.

  11. I don’t know why Kev and Jon Fox never see anything good in Xhaka and yet fail to see anything wrong with Iwobi. For once today I was upset with Unai because of substituting Lacazette with Iwobi. I think Iwobi should only come on as an emergency player because he has gone back to his old ways! He is now so profligate with the ball that he makes me feel very disgusted with everything he tries to do. He actually reminds me of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain. If Iwobi can’t change let him be benched. Otherwise like Shakespeare said all’s well that ends well. We got the three points despite not being at our best.

    1. “I don’t know why Kev and Jon Fox never see anything good in Xhaka and yet fail to see anything wrong with Iwobi.”

      Jon: “Iwobi seems to have once again stalled and stopped the clear improvement he HAD MADE.”

      ???

      But Jon… Wasn’t that…
      I guess compliments are totally different now to what I’m used to.

      1. Thank you for pointing out that I have praised Iwobi for his improvement this season but which has now stalled, just as I said. Clearly David Rusa is unable to understand PRECISE English.

        1. No Jon Fox that is not a fair comment. I hope that remark is innocent and has no other connotations. I understand English perfectly well and I can discern precise from clumsy. However what I disagree with is your excessive bias against some individuals such as Arsene Wenger, Xhaka, Ozil and Mustafi. It is a fact of life that each of us has strong and weak points. It is not in good taste to always point out the weaknesses and forget the strong points. There is no perfect person anywhere. I believe it is courteous to support our players and not tear them down. Each of us is at liberty to express their views but those view must not infringe on other people’s dignity or portray individuals negatively without rsasonable cause.

  12. So in the last week we’ve seen :-
    Son dive penalty, Dier offside goal, Herrera offside for Martial goal, Lacazette goals not given v United & Huddersfield, Fellaini red card not given, Rojo red card not given…. and some people say the FA aren’t anti Arsenal…

    1. Not that FA is anti-Arsenal, they’re just butt-hurt we just shifted gears with Emery coming in and Man Utd still haven’t found traction since Sir Alex.

      FA just trying to even the odds; no action against Fellani or Rojo, and just happen to not see fouls and offsides.

      Loving all the videos, likes, and retweets of the obvious bias against Arsenal. Laca WAS NOT offsides; didn’t their defender possess the ball, pass it backward with Laca behind him, yet somehow offsides?

      SMFH, love hearing Riley defend that one

    1. Sue, Well it meant our unbeaten sesson will not be equalled by City and I don’t see Liverpool staying unbeaten either . They still have to play City away.

    1. Nothing to forgive I would rather Chelsea win just because I don’t want another invincible team and the way Man City are playing there are not going to be many teams that can beat them

        1. About Chelsea ManShitty match, I detest it when teams come bragging that Arsenal was not the only EPL team to go the season length unbeaten.

  13. Be careful what you wish for they said and look where we are today. The owner must back Emery with funds, bec we are riding on luck big time. Small team.

    Lets get rid off Ozil and Miki and Ramsey and make some room for some new players. The list of choosing is big so i hope we go out and buy and keep the good work up.

    1. I would hang on Miki for the moment atleast he is showing some efforts but if it was down to me even tomorrow Ozil would have gone through the door is not someone we need at at arsenal right now in terms of everything.

  14. @sue you never know how it will end up may b Chelsea have done us a favour we might be on top of the league come may who knows?!!!

  15. To the people who can’t stop complaining and finding faults,you should know that it is a busy period games coming fast, we have players who have never had a winter break,they ,ll ger tired,have their ups& downs,make mistakes but as long as they give everything they’ve got I,ll be behind the whole team but right now it’s about amassing the points,we have a younger team full of energy and imoroving so please stop moaning.COYG!!

  16. Honestly I don’t get your comparison… I don’t know how many match you’ve watch AMN playing as a CM Dat gives you so much assurance of his ability in CM… I for one I’ve watch Guendozi boss CM irrespective of his flaws he is 19 and already has the caliber of a star… Tell me what else do you want… One thing you should know is a speedster can’t play through the middle… You can’t get that in any team it didn’t work for the Ox can never work with AMN also… Wenger knows that Emery knows that…that why he is used as wing Back…Kev Guendozi is only going to get better the guy is a gem

  17. I see even fans have there own favorite player just like kev and AMN I have watched Guendozi at cm from day one vs city and in many games his class but I can’t remember too many matches I watch AMN at cm to suggest he will do better per United game

  18. I watch Niles in Europe league his currently way behind Guendozi or else u are english(England fan) we are not here to develop players for England Niles will definitely play on Thursday let us watch out and see once again

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