There have been many Arsenal fans (like Konstantin!) saying that we played badly yesterday against Blackpool and rode our luck, but as far as I am concerned Unai Emery made the perfect changes to make sure that our first team players were well and truly rested for the big game against Liverpool next weekend. Only Guendouzi and Mustafi kept their places from the Palace game, and we gave many youngsters the chance to show their worth against Blackpool.
Our new Spanish coach had studied our opponents and made sure he put out a team that could handle them, while respecting the dangers. “For me, it’s a very organised team.” Emery said about Blackpool. “Tactically they do very well and it was difficult to win against them. They have players with quality. I don’t know the level in League One for this team against other teams, but for us I know, and I spoke before the game with people to know the level of this team. They are in League One but they said they watched every match and in every match it is difficult. I know that this team was in the Premier League eight years ago. It’s a reason also that firstly I have respect and secondly because I want to win each match, like today against Blackpool. We needed our performance with a big preparation.”
The important thing as that we won and now have a chance to beat the Spuds, but more importantly we will have a fully rested team to take on Liverpool on Saturday. I am sure that Emery knows exactly what he is doing, and hopefully his prudence will pay off on Saturday.
Stop knocking the team when we played with our Second XI with some youngsters thrown in, and still earned a place in the Quarter Finals!
Sam P