Arsenal will quickly want to forget our humiliating defeat by Liverpool on Saturday, and we could not have hoped for a better opponent to come visiting than Fulham, who are sitting second bottom in the table and who we thrashed 5-1 in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers have only amassed a meagre two points on the road in this campaign, and they had a very rare win in their last game, but that was against rock-bottom Huddersfield, so should not worry us unduely.
What does worry us, of course, is our ever-growing injury list, with Mesut Ozil added to the doubtful list, along with the defenders Bellerin, Monreal, Mustafi, Mavropanos and poor Rob Holding who is out for the season.
We also have Mhkitaryan on the list along with Smith-Rowe and Danny Welbeck. That is doesn’t leave too many options for Emery to play with, and with games coming every three days fatigue will also be setting in.
So this is the team that I am predicting will start, but I am not very confident about Emery making the same choices…
Leno
Maitland-Niles..Lichtsteiner..Sokratis..Kolasinac
Ramsey..Torreira..Xhaka
Iwobi..Lacazette
Aubameyang
And here we have Emery’s official choice, which is coming up here….
One hour before kick-off ✅
Time to name our first team of 2019 📋 #ARSFUL pic.twitter.com/HUkUvLLtPI
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2019
No ozil again
Not sure my hangover can handle iwobis dazzling footwork today
I would love to see Saka get a bit of game time today. He was very impressive in our last EL game, so I want to see his ability against better quality now. Rest of the team picks itself I guess.
The fact that Lichsteiner is benched is a positive step by Emery who seems to feel a back three is appropriate in the absence of Bellerin and Monreal.
I have nothing to say about the team…I’m still down because we dropped points against Brighton when we all knew we’d definitely lose to Liverpool.. Though it’s gone now, I look forward to the future, but I’m not getting excited anymore until we get in some proper players and Emery miraculously puts us in the top 4 with a large margin
@ Eddie
I have two words for you
WAKE UP
We are in big trouble the manager doesn’t play a formation to suit the players but one to nullify the opposition according to him, he actually said it hence no particular style of play.
Jah Son I should wake up? I guess you’re the one sleeping.. I guess you didn’t see where I said I’m not getting excited about the team anymore
Emery is already proving to have his own favourites… Xhaka and auba…do they ever get benched?even after poor performances
Yea ok
Bench a player who’s at the top of the scoring charts ??♂️
No.Its the truth.Even when he performs badly he still starts.There were times he was poor and deserved to be benched but still started.Even at that time he wasn’t the league’s top scorer.As for Xhaka I’m sure Emery must have loved him even at PSG.The fact that you don’t counter his opinion about Xhaka clearly shows you are in agreeance about how such a poor player continues to start for us.
It doesn’t matter if he plays shit for 89 mins ,he does what he’s payed for and that is to score goals ,what would you rather iwobi play in his place most games ??♂️.
Please the argument as about benching Auba when he has a bad game.Its not about Iwobi.When we get two excellent wingers this Iwobi issue will be history.I cant wait.The fact is Unai has his favourites and it’s clear for me and those want to see it to see.
buying multi-million pounds players is also an investment made by our club – so, if we don’t play them or produce them on the pitch then their stock value will decrease, as well their sell-on value. It is senseless not playing auba and those that argue benching him are making no sense. As it’s been said he’s our most effective threat – which say’s it all, really.
Then you are also making no sense if you think continually playing an underperforming player is right.If Auba performs badly over a significant period of time then he must be benched for Laca.However,the Arsenal team is so poor that Unai is forced to start Auba and Laca together occasionally taking off Laca due to the fact that there’s no other backup.Do you know that Laca has been benched several times by Unai?I’m sure you do.Isnt Laca a multi million pound player?So then is Unai senseless in benching him?No because from his perspective he feels Auba is outperforming Laca and he knows that these two players(CF’s) are in direct competition with each other.
@Kev …let’s just see how things pan-out over the 90mins; other than that Happy New Year
#COYG!!
Thanks and many happy returns.
So Aubameyang is continually underperforming with 14 goals? I will want him in my team any day.
Agree Lance, can not believe the people on these pages who want to drop the Premier League’s leading goalscorer in a team that’s not playing that well. These people are absolutely clueless. They’ll probably prefer Iwobi, Ramsey and Mkhitarian to Auba, Laca and Ozil. It is beyond comprehension. We are talking about one of the worlds greatest strikers, 24 goals in 34 games and their not satisfied. Unbelievable, Laughable. Please give up talking about football because you’re a joke and believe me everybody is laughing at you.
nobody’s impressed at the starting line-up? then I guess the old apathetic fan’s slogan rings true again: Victory is Irrelevant, Defeat is Inevitable.
@Heyzee so you want the coach to bench the highest scorer in the league,lol some fans are just funny
Oh please,when you underperforming,you should sit,regardless of whatever…alright,tell me what laca did wrong to deserve that treatment from emery??laca gets more involved in play and sacrifices to create more for the team and works hard(Emery’s supposed style) but he still gets the unfair treatment so your point?
Dont worry yourself bro.The standards have already been set so low at Arsenal.If we had a good and proper team I bet you some of our players especially at CM and CB wouldn’t even get a sniff.
Praise the Lord Lichtsteiner is not playing!
Where’s Mesut???
3 points please
Sue, this “armchair gooner ” lark is really stressful!!!!!
I’m worried thay my shouting out words of advice won’t guide the players….or could it be that my words of advice actually turned them off?
I read the article about Ozil turning dowm a loan move and refusing it.
The worrying part of that is UE (I assume) sanctioned it.
The one positive is that he has said he’ll fight for his place, but that again seems to indicate that there is a real question mark over his future at thw club…what is going on between him, lacs and UE?
Next thing you know Unai will be accussed of having favourites!!
Ken I’m astounded at that!! How on earth could you loan out Ozil???!!! I miss him playing… I hope things are sorted out with him soon…
Nice to see Laca starting today… I hope that continues… he’s too good to be benched all the time!
Haha it can be stressful Ken ?
How can Ozil fight for his place when he doesn’t even make the bench?
How can Arsenal place Ozil in the shop window to sell if he doesn’t play?
Having second thoughts about our bet then KEN? I am not!
No Jon, UE will go before Ozil, you know it makes sense.
How do you guys intend on paying the other one, I might get in on this action but I don’t want to leave you in the poor house Ken.
Whoever loses will send the money to the Willow Foundation. We are happy to do that. Very happy! You do not need to make a bet in order to send them your money!
Joking of course but tempted to say do you want to put money on THAT! One thing we can be sure of though Ken, is that Emery will get nowhere near the time Wenger got. No manager, at ANY top club will ever do so again.
ozil doesn’t even bother coming to home games anymore. I cant believe we are still questioning his commitment. He likes the wages and the club are idiots for giving him a mega contract. From the moment it was announced I said HUGE mistake. Liability.
Total Sportek link 4 live feed
Or iraqgoals if totalsportek isn’t working for you
Ozil injured, got a cold or going?
I think PEA always starts as although we don’t use it where else is our pace and speed on the pitch without him?
Also he’s reluctant to regularly start PEA and Laca as without Welbexk we only have two recognised strikers so he fears maybe one getting injured.
We need to be more active than first planned in this window even if it’s just some short term loan to buys maybe?
Coyg a vital win needed today!
Why can’t we go for Andre Schürrle
I think we need defenders rather than wingers…
And good defenders.
Totally OT but how good has Harry Wilson been for Derby? Pity he’s on loan from Liverpool, would love him at Arsenal!
Fulham should be ahead.
Clearly the better side.
Arsenal are just garbage and rotten from the top to the bottom.
I urge fans to boycott games.
Let’s see what happens when the money stops rolling in – lets see how attractive Arsenal becomes to the Kroenke “Family”
Bunch of yank crooks…
1 – nil up … now WHAT you saying?? Don’t watch if you don’t wish the gunners well, its reallythat simple.
I wish them well.
But they don’t instil confidence do they?
You know there is always a mistake there that will gift the opposition.
Wish them well do you? then in that case i’m with you (again). Words are powerful so let’s not put a jinx on the side we want to win. “Happy New Year… #COYG”.
What nonsense defending
Fulham could have been 2 uo
Xhaka!!
Xhaka!!!! …Boooom!
1nil up but Fulham could and should be ahead ,our defence is a joke ,playing a high line on the centre circle ,what sort of tactics are these ?
For those of you who keeping critising Iwobi. Truth be told you are hating on him. To even wonder some of you rate AMN above him is baffling.
Give it a rest you idiot
You should be banned off this site for keep bringing the hate word out .
If fans don’t like a player it’s because he’s sh1t,nothing more nothing less .
Mind you I’ve never seen you post on here before
Nice and respectful comment.
People have differing opinions to you – that does not make them an “idiot”
In fact, the effect has been quite the opposite to what you intended.
The only “idiot” it seems is you…
Who are you ?
I don’t care what you think
My comment was for that pleb for bringing out the hate word .not sure why you have jumped in is it because you’re an iwobi fan ?
I use hate to express my opinion. You directly use the word idiot on me, while also describing the player behind most of our scoring chances this season as sh**t. Tell me who should be ban.
Behind most of our scoring chances this season ,can you back that up with stats please ?
It’s annoying when fans come on here and say you hate a player when the truth is we just think their crap ,there’s no hate involved why use that word ?
It’s usually fans that our from the same country that iwobis from ,see the pattern ?
“truth us we just think their crap”, who’s “we”? Speak for yourself you fool….
Another MOTM performance from Iwobi. sweet potatoes! ??
Wow he’s back wher have you been hiding .
Man of the match you say ? Was he even playing ?
Did t see that one must have been busy watching 10 other players .
Oh yes I remember now ,I remember the commentators comment about him they weren’t to kind if I remember right
But yea he was man of the match ,you are a complete tool fair play
I’ve been sulking after Sue rejected my friendship if you must know, but I feel better now and ready to defend my guy against your kind… If you can’t give credit to Iwobi when due, then accept the hater tag because that’s what you are FULL STOP!
We’re all entitled to an opinion, mine is Iwobi’s useless FULL STOP
????
I thought we were all friends on here Th14!
Such as you who continues to lambast Maitland-Niles without considering the fact that he’s being played out of position is beyond me.Most of the games he’s played at RB since he started for Arsenal’s first team he’s been better than Bellerin.He’s showed better dribbling and crossing ability than Bellerin who’s even a RB.
Bellerin crosses have picked up a bit I think, at the start of the season he looked like he has massively improved on his final ball but since he has slipped in that area but I thought he was picking up defensively.
I think Bellerin has benefited from Emery and his development might kickstart again now, more so if he has real competition for his starting spot, Lich may not be able to offer anything more than Bellerin but AMN versatility could push Bellerin…
I want to see AMN in the middle but it is nice to see him get mins.
Not a bad half but if Sessegnon hadn’t wasted those 2 clear cut chances it would be a different story. Not encouraging.
Terrible defending, terrible chance wasting.
We will rue those misses by Xhaka and Laca.
Question, why do you use power over placement when you are 5-8 yards out? Baffling.
What about Aubameyang’s misplaced header? He must be given credit for being in the right place, but if Aubameyang had taken the chances that have fallen to him, he would have been out of sight for the golden boot.
Is there a referee’s conspiracy against Lacazette, because he can’t earn a penalty for love or money?
Liking our attacking play. Niles, Iwobi, Xhaka and the deadly due are looking up for it. Playing it a bit close at the back, Sessegnon should’ve scored but by same token we should’ve had at least two more. Keep it up lads, you’re looking dangerous and that is what we needed after a confidence lowering Christmas run.
The new year, lets beat our old run, COYG!!!!
what happened today?? So many empty seats at the emirates??
All likely too hung over, while many go abroad these days for some sun. I don’t know, is this not common for new years day.
Oh how I miss the intricate one touch okay we used to bring. Laca and iwobi give us some of this but think back to the days of rosicky, cazorla, Ramsey, Jack, giroud etc remember Jack’s goal against Norwich?
We are winning but how did it go so wrong with our sqaud? No with ozil boy favoured and Ramsey on his way we don’t have a creative spark at all.
It’s all try and get up the flanks with the wing backs but no other really purposeful options.
plenty of empty seats,no prob 4 tickets then,my god abu+lacca mis some real good chances
Came to £150 a piece outside
Admin it baffles me how a fan can call a fellow fan an “idiot”and you just let it slide?this is an arsenal forum and we shouldn’t use words like idiot,I think you should apologize xxnofx.
????? yes sir .
Another iwobi fan ?
Lenohappy, but you see the word “hate” as acceptable when referring to someone’s views?
Tell me which word you find most disturbing?
Thankyou Ken
I used the word idiot because using the word hate this day and age is idiotic ,hence the word idiot .
Maybe I should have held my tongue but it annoys me when I see it and it’s always the same fan base that use it
Always realize that opinions differ. There are other ways to correct even someone committing blatant errors without using the offensive words. The offensive words don’t achieve anything other than make wrongdoers hardened and belligerent.
I like the GOLDEN RULE, which I’ve been working hard to improve on. The golden rule is; whatever you don’t want other people do to you, don’t do that to them.
#peace to everyone of you.
Totally with you on this !
Well said Ken. This monstrous misuse of “hate” is used almost certainly by lucky folk who have not come directly across REAL GENUINE HATE. I hope very much that they never do come across real hate. They would not misuse THAT evil word so lightly then, methinks. Words are important if we are ever to make real progress in this troubled world. We who know the difference should feel it our duty to educate these naive young persons. I am glad to see that you did, (above).
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Ken. I just checked the dictionary for the meaning of hate. It says hate is intense dislike. Would it therefore be wrong to say xxnofx has intense dislike for Iwobi?
Why are you asking Ken when I’ve been in the conversation?
I will say this just one more time for you and anyone else who seem to suffer from reading only posts they want to see and not all posts .
I do not hate iwobi ,I do not care where he’s from what colour he is ,I just think he’s a crap footballer .
I said last season that I thought Ramsey was also a crap footballer (proven right by the looks of it )
Now did you see the countless welsh fans calling me out for hate ?no didn’t think so
Oh and I live 10 miles from the welsh border
Now Lance ,again I haven’t seen you post on here before (seems a few of them today )so next time you ask a question directed at me maybe don’t bring other posters into it,and just ask me
LANCE, Have you ever seen or heard a deeply unpleasant person, in anger , say to someone else” I intensely dislike you”? I suggest to you that you have probably not. “Hate ” is a venomous and spiteful word to use directly to some one and has raw evil intention behind it. “Intense dislike” does not cut it. Also MY dictionary defines it as active malevolence, animosity, enmity and more; all are emotive and unpleasant things to bear or say. I strongly suggest that you do not try to defend the indefensible when and if using it against a person who merely disagrees with your own view of a mere footballer. It is far more important than that and far more damaging. To use “hate” in place of “not rating” is incorrect, naive and harmful. I doubt VERY much that you wish to harm anyone, so PLEASE do not misuse it on here. Nor anywhere else either. HATE HAS NO PLACE IN DECENT SOCIETY NOR IN FOOOTBALL. In the past , even in this mainly tolerant country of Britain , black players have been forced to undergo real ,irrational and plain stupid racist hate. By using it , even unwittingly, you are, even unconsciously, condoning this dreadful bigotry and racism. There is far too much REAL hate in the world. PLEASE do NOT use the word on this fine and passionate forum for decent folk.
So it seems you think “idiot” is wrong(which it is) but you lightly accuse someone of using “hate”. Have you ANY idea how evil REAL hate is, as distinct from MERELY NOT RATING A FOOTBALL PLAYER, FOR GOODNESS SAKE! Re think your monstrous misuse of this evil word. You have vastly insulted a decent person, for a mere difference of opinion about a mere football player. Do think again please! I fervently hope that YOU never have to come across REAL EVIL HATE , personally. You would know the vast difference if you were unfortunate to really come across it.
A tweet on the BBC site bigging up iwobi and rightly so. I’ve always liked him but felt he needed s little guidance and confidence.
Ever since a good showing in the world cup and a little work directly with Unai he’s improved so much.
Am not impressed at all with this Arsenal team. Our midfield is complete zero. I wonder what Guendozi offers in mildfield. His marking is very poor. He hardly create cut clear chances. He hardly make assists. Arsenal needs the like of Carzola, Rosicky, Fabregas or Nasri in that mildfield. Our defence remains the worst in premiership.
As it stands now, I would just have the coach do his job and stop listening to anybody. Let the fans just support the team. I don’t know why some people just like complaining for the joy of it.
People keep asking why the coach is not playing Auba together with Laca, and today both of them are playing with Laca the man at the center. Yet some people are not happy, asking why the coach did not bench Auba who has been underperforming (according to their own judgement). Please, please, please people, allow the coach do his job.
Thank you Gily
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lol you are such a boy,saying you shouldn’t use words like idiots for a fellow gunner and all your little brain can think of is “another iwobi fan”bro there’s life after football so grow up.
How many silly Fouls Sokratis gonna commit??
He is not at all able to handle Mitrovic
Love you Laca ?
Kolasinac assist ?
Lacazette!!!!! you little diamond!
How many 1v1 is Rico going to save?
Already 3 this match.
Bloody hell no clean sheet YET AGAIN….?
What’s a clean sheet?
Exactly!!!
Why on earth is Laca being subbed??? SMH!!!
Sue, there is something about Laca which in my opinion contributes to his constantly being substituted. That’s just my opinion. Laca is a very very good, hardworking, creative player. But he has this body language somewhat similar to Ozil. You can easily notice he is not happy when he stays on the pitch for so long and things are not going his way. He might begin to play rough and start committing fouls. That is so much unlike Auba who remains humble and almost always puts on that smiling face. Haven’t you noticed. But that’s just my opinion though. There may be other things the coach knows better about the two players which we don’t because he is the one that works with them.
Nonetheless the subs worked well today – don’t you think so?
Maybe you’re right Gily.. it just frustrates when he’s subbed or doesn’t start! I’d like to see him play the whole game… as he does put a shift in…..
You’re also right – I’m no manager, it’s his decision at the end of the day!
Yes the subs did well, glad Rambo scored as he gave us more daylight! 4 goals was just the job…
I’d rather see a player like Lacazette, show that he has passion and is upset when things go against him.
In contrast Aubameyang often shows the same smirk or blank look, that Giroud used to show when he missed a clear chance.
What a freakin’ bunch of Retardinhos. So pathetic, as if they don’t want to win. Just incredible!
Oh yes they do…..
Lacazette????
what has lacazette done to be treated like this?
Yeeeees! Ramsey!
What a ridiculous substitution, do we really want to win this game?
I would love to know the comments of those who thought AW’s substitutions were crazy…what on earth is UE thinking about?
By the way, notice the timing of the substitution????????
What about now?
Ken, Agreed on Laca. I do think Emery has a problem with Laca and I find that odd , considering that Laca is a far harder working and real proper team player then Auba. GIVEN HIS OTHER STARTING ELEVENS AND SUBS IN GENERAL THIS SEASON, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT EMERY WOULD MORE VALUE LACA. It seems that we fans do so and far more than Emery and I foresee an unhappy player soon wanting out, unless he changes tack.
Yes jon, I just hope that Lacazette’s new relationship with Aubameyang is stronger than his friendship with Antoine Greizmann, otherwise I can see him going to Atletico Madrid.
Also Lacazette, as well as being frustrated by playing time, must be fed up with his treatment by referees. He can’t earn a penalty for love or money, unless he’s hit over the head with the cross bar.
you were saying??you need to eat some humble pie my friend!!
Auba Auba Auba!!! Bang bang bang!
I have said time and again, let us not make things difficult for the coach by questioning his every decision. He is the one who works with these millionaires everyday, so he knows them more than us fans. Our job is to support.
WTF !! Fans booed when laca was being substituted
Arsenal fans are anxious environment WTF was the need to boo the coach he knows better than us
The coach will now have the last laugh.
Gily, why do you think Lacs was substituted?
Good three points and well done The Arsenal.
Come on Cardiff!!!
Sorry I don’t know. I think the question should be directed to the coach, because he knows the players better.
And the result gave a little answer too. Don’t you think so?
Well done lads, nice one. Good confidence booster, we needed it.
Sue, how come you don’t celebrate Ramsey goals, we could’ve had a late slip without a third goal. That was just as important as the Lacazette goal. Well done Ramsey, well done Auba, finish them off. Some good signs, some bad signs, but we should gain confidence as it looked like it could’ve been low leading up to this game.
I’ve only just come back on here BOT! I was very happy (or was it relieved!!) When Ramsey scored!
I’m very happy now, just what we needed after Saturday!! Clean sheet would have been nice, but you can’t have it all hey?!!
Plus I’d like to see Laca play the whole 90 minutes!!
Good to hear.
Pretty sure they were booing the fact he was taken off
Was Kolasinac involved in every goal.
Looks so.
He was also culpable in Fulham goal. Failed to pick up the run of his Man.
Torreira though has been playing poorly. Again, gave the ball away cheaply that led to the counter that led to fulham.
Given the ball away cheaply. He could have be murdered by Seri there. That was a blatant foul.
Come on Cardiff, get into em, they ain’t much, they ain’t no big thing.
We desperately need at least one Quality CB in his prime preferrably a ball playing CB
Offer mustafi plus cash..
Skriniar,Koulibaly,Tah, Maguire, Hummels, even Godin… just get one
J.Fox In a recent post I gave my humble opinion as to the possible problems between Emery and Lacca.
I also said that if things do not change he will be gone at the end of the season. It seems that you are reading the situation much like me. Its a shame that a talented, hard working team player is not what Emery is looking for.
For me the perfect result (especially when playing a smaller team) is 3 points, no injuries and a clean sheet. Pretty pleased with 2 out of 3.
Might not have been utterly convincing over the whole 90+ minutes but positives for me as below:
– Both our strikers scored,
– Have to respect Lacazette’s reaction to the boo-ing when he got substituted,
– Kolasinac is a beast going forward, hope he can stay injury free and get some more form, confidence and momentum for the rest of the season,
– Iwobi’s decision making is not always spot on, but currently he is our best out-let getting the ball from our half into the attacking third,
– Guendouzi, yes he’s raw and makes mistakes but he covers an insane amount of ground and never hides,
– Maitland-Niles, can’t wait to have Bellerin fit and back in the starting XI but AMN is a special talent. Really happy to see him getting games.
few people have gone quiet suddenly!their comments show they don,t know much about the game even less about our coach& players,all his decisions were vindicated but I guess they haven’t learnt any lessons in the past then they won’t today!!Iwobi MOTM,Ramsey scoring straight after coming on…..fans booing substitutions,I said it before and saying it again now a lot of “ours” fans are clueless sorry to say!they don,t into accounts many things like a new manager,new few players and in the backroom staff,they don,t even give unai,players…time to change things look at manure it took them 3years and over 460 millions invested and nowhere to challenge for the title or top 4 yes the WENGER trophy peoples were laughing at but teams doing everything to get into it how ironic!is it a British thing kicking people when they’re down?shameful!this the coach first few months di you expect him to work miracles with a team he inherited,look it took klopp 3 seasons and hundreds of millions for his team to be where they are now,similarly the same time it took emerai to built Sevilla,patience & support it’s what we need ti give them,there are 25 places in a squad so we have to move players on before bringing new ones,good,young players who the coach really want who can play his style,so I ask our fans as their new year,s resolutions,patience,support the coach,players..and not to use words like HATE while talking about our players.give them time & support during highs & lows and you might be surprised.COYG all around world we need to stick together!!
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Another unconvincing defensive performance with Mustafi,Socratis and Kocielney all inadequate at various times against a Fulham side which should have been at least two up early doors.I cannot see any of these three improving but hopefully Bellerin ,Monreal and Mav will be available before too long when we can revert to a flat back four and use Torreria as a purely defensive midfielder.Read an interesting article on the effects of Financial Fair Play rules on Arsenal.Basically until we manage to reduce our wage bill substantially we are very much restricted in who we can buy. In these circumstances It could be some time before Emery is in a position to bring in the better qua!ity defenders we need.The situation with Laca is worrying as his displays do not justify being hooked on a regular basis.
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Torreira was again dispossessed in the build up to Fulham game, almost in similar situations as that of Liverpool game.
His game is dropping.
that was a foul though and ref should’ve called it.
In defense of Lucas Torreirs, it was a foul not called by the by the referee. Also Torreira is only 22, is in his first season in the EPL, has played a lot of games and doesn’t now get the Christmas break as he got playing for Sampadoria.
Okay game. Arsenal need to be deadlier in attack though. And it know it’s crazy after we score 4 goals, but there were plenty of opportunities to finish this game off before Fulham could pull one back. Not to mention Fulham themselves had a lot of chances as well. Defensively it’s the same story. Attack-wise, more clinical finishing is needed. I think Iwobi, Kolasinac and Xhaka were out best players and set up excellent chances for the strikers. A shame we will likely go the rest of the season with this below average defense though.
Maybe it’s due to Laca’s work rate he gets subbed, Emery wants to keep him from hitting empty. Having both Auba and Laca fit is key to our season, we need to score more than the opposition with the way our defence is.
Also tactically yesterday Laca was subbed due to us not having to fight as much as we were ahead and to control the midfield a little more?