Arsenal won the fourth game in a row against Everton on Sunday, but there are good and bad things for us to take away from the game. For starters it was our very first clean sheet and we showed great resilience to stop Walcott and co from scoring, and most of that was down to Petr Cech. He had to dig deep to keep the Toffees at bay, and Cech thinks that it could have turned out differently if Everton had taken their chances. “Obviously this is something you don’t want to give your opponent at this level but at the same time, we realise that the Premier League is the toughest league in the world because everybody has quality players, everybody can beat everybody and if you allow people time and chances with the ball you can be in a dangerous place. The difference was that [Everton] didn’t take their chances in the first half, in the second half we came on top and scored two great goals.”
So all of us know that Newcastle were the better team on the day, but the fact that Petr and the defence held them off long enough to allow our two deadly strikers to nab us the points. Does this show that the team’s attitude has changed and can dig deep when they need to, and will this new outlook give us a chance to challenge for the League title? Cech thinks that things are getting better: “For any club who wins titles in the recent years, you have a team with the knowhow how to finish it off and you can see it in any sport. I take Tiger Woods – five years since he won a major tournament and the longer it goes, the harder it becomes. This club hasn’t won the league for over 10 years so obviously you need to get back into knowing how to do it. We started with the new manager from scratch basically and we try to get this mentality of winning every game, progressing every game, working every day and hopefully we can build this up and win the title sooner rather than later. That will make the big difference.”
So we have got our first clean sheet and another three points that looked to have been gained by pure mental force. So although we were under the cosh from Everton we fully deserved the points purely for our attitude. So what do you think? A great game for Arsenal or our worst performance so far under Emery?
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I cannot select which one is the best or the worst. Because all Arsenal’s performances in EPL look similar to me, still unconvincing
Because Emery has been using 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 since the beginning of this season, I wonder why he never chased tricky and pacey wingers in the mold of Neymar and Mbappe. Instead of keeping Nelson, he has been starting Ozil and Aubameyang in the wings
Perhaps it’s either he sees Ozil’s, Aubameyang’s and Iwobi’s potentials as wingers or they simply did not have budget to buy a high profile winger
Honestly I don’t think any fan will be bothered about performance as long as it gives the desired results. 3points and a clean sheet, that’s what really matters to me.
Sorry Th14, but you presume to speak for every fan” not being bothered about perf as long as it gives the desired results.” An arrogant presumption to which you have no right to speak on others behalf at all. Seems to me, from myriad comments on this site, that MOST Gooners care very much about performance, because they know very well that good performances give good results over a long period. To have such a shallow view as yours, reeks to me of a meaningless hope which is doomed to fail, unless backed up by solid perfs. We have played only two decent teams this season and lost both. We have beaten five rather mediocre teams and made even that look difficult, in most of those wins( barring Vorskla ). There is no realism in your comment at all.
Like I said, 3 points and a clean sheet. I’ll take that anytime, any day, regardless of the teams performance. It’s all about the results
TWO TOTALLY SEPARATE THOUGHTS ON THIS SUBJECT: Firstly, none of our perfs so far have been impressive. Attacking wise, probably the Chelseas game was our best. Defensively , we have been insecure(putting it very mildly indeed) in every game. There seems no discernable style at all , SO FAR, and I emphasise SO FAR. It is very early days and Emery is tasked with the near impossible, to try to make a defence out of – apart from the new imports – rank bad defenders, Cech and Monreal apart, neither of whom are real top class, despite Cech’s special game on Sunday.
Second, the quotes from Cech in the Daily Mail article have been chosen, DELIBERATELY, to exclude the rest of what he said, which is this:”The Arsenal way was more important than getting the three points sometimes. This is not how you win the league. Sometimes you need to win ugly games when you are not completely playing well and you just dig deep and you just close the back door and win 1-0 no matter how. I think this is what we lacked since I arrived three years ago” And the article also says: Cech suggested that the team had been too focused on what was viewed as Wenger’s philosophy, to the detriment of picking up results. HOW DAMNING !! If a worldly wise, highly experienced man can see this truth so clearly, then why the hell was Wenger allowed to linger so long, further damaging our chances of returning to the top. Betrayal by those in charge, KROENKE, GAZIDIS, CHIPS KESWICK and the other directors traitors who masqueraded as true Arsenal fans. But for us fans, esp those who stayed away, who FORCED then to sack him, we would still be being damaged by this man. A total disgrace! Why did this article choose to OMIT the most revealing part of Cech’s quote, you may wish to ask yourselves?
Wenger tried to instill a pretty, more technical and possession-based football into Arsenal, after the success with his Invicibles method
I think he saw football has evolved, thus he decided to change his system too. Barcelona dominated at that time and I guess he took some inspirations from their style
I never blamed him for trying something new, because he must have seen that his old system no longer worked. I just blamed him for lingering too long with a system that does not work for years, instead of changing it again
Sensible reply gotanidea from an excellent piece from Jon Fox, always the realist Jon.
I can understand “was it the worst”, I can understand “was it the best, but was it the worst or was it the best performance of the season is confusing. It certainly wasn’t the worst of the season and it certainly wasn’t the best, now I’ve confused myself. Anyway Everton could have easily been two up at half time and that wouldn’t have flattered them and that’s worrying however our second half performance was a lot better and that’s encouraging. The good thing about it is how Unai tweeks things at half time something he’s been doing all season and that’s extremely encouraging. The guy knows what he’s doing, give him the tools and let him do the job. Onwards and upwards.
A win is a win, winning the fine way has been fruitless over the years. A champion team win matches even if they don’t play well.
The comments by Martin Keown after this match were telling. When he, Steve Bould, Tony Adams et al were playing in the back four at Arsenal they were renowned for playing a high line; however they were always aligned sideways ready to quickly drop back together to defend space, when the ball was lost.
Why isn’t Steve Bould instilling this defensive awareness and discipline in the current Arsenal back four?
It was great to see Socrates give Mustafi a tongue lashing after Socrates had to take a yellow card for the team and suffer injury to cover for Mustafi’s defensive error. A short time later Socrates had to leave the field due to this injury. This is the sort of tough leadership Arsenal needs.
ozziegunner, your comments on Socrates are so correct. He is certainly proving to be a good buy. With Lec playing with him, the defence would have a really solid experienced look to it. With Kos replacing Mustafi, that back four SHOULD be a force to be reckoned with.
By the way, it was very worrying to see so many empty seats at the game on Sunday.
Don’t know if the media picked up on it, but I would say there were more “empties” than any last season. WHY?
OT. So pleased to see that Per Mertesaker finally put the the subject of Arsene Wenger leaving discussion to bed.
He informed us of the actual timing of the players being made aware by Wenger himself that he had resigned. Per then went on to admit how the players had let him down and that they wwere all stunned by the announcement.
So then let’s put this subject to bed, Arsene resigned as reported by the captain of the club at that time.
Thank you Per for your honesty and factual inside information.
Many empty seats at the Emirates? May be the protests have already started to get sole owner Stan Kroenke to fork out the money for the needed players when the transfer window opens in January.
Lance, do you think that will persuade the man to openhis purse?
Whybuy a season ticket when, knowing the situation, one has no intention of supporting the new manager and his team?
Let some of the 100,000 plus gooners on the waiting list actually support the club and just stay away completely.
All our performances have been poor or average but on the plus side we’ve won 5 on the spin (including Europa League) which isn’t bad it’s always a good sign winning games without playing well so I’m not too downbeat and yes we haven’t beaten any top class teams but nonetheless the premier League is a tough tough league any win should be celebrated, I take nothing and no team for granted anymore! Win our next 4 we go into the international break in a really healthy position ? OT Paul merson really does talk some c**p at times he said Alexis won nothing at Arsenal? Really? I was under the impression he won 2 fa cups! And also claiming United the biggest club in the world! Biggest club in the world my A**e Real Madrid 13 European cups 33 la Liga titles and numerous cups fans all over the world idolised all over south America yeah utd are massively supported too but come on bigger than real Madrid explain how! Merson talks like a drunken know it all down the pub ?
Absolutely right John, Merson’s always talked out of his backside, never said a good thing about Arsenal, criticised us for years. As for United, he says that BS to keep his job at Sky, Real Madrid are, and have always been, since I’ve watched the game from the late fifties, the biggest football club in the World and no other team has come near to their dominance, ask Barcelona, and lets be honest , he finds it difficult to put three words together, hardly the best credentials for a pundit. Worst of all, along with others continues to do advertisements for gaming companies after crying on live TV about his gambling addiction. The hypocrite makes me sick, how many kids go without Christmas presents because of their Father’s unfortunate addiction to gambling. Anything for money.
John and Kenny, Paul Merson did recently make the comment that Santi Cazorla is one of the greatest players, he has seen play for the Arsenal.
Absolutely spot on Kenny, Paul Merson is anything but professional it’s as though he says things to annoy fans, I think mainly the reason he’s kept on at sky is because he’s controversial and that gains viewers much like Tim Sherwood and his ridiculous comments especially ones like West Ham have better players than arsenal.. these men are stealing a living! Real Madrid are a colossus and the biggest club in the world by a mile and as you said ask Barcelona who are another colossus that will probably always live in Madrid’s shadow! And again in agreement with you over his addictions, those addictions he publicly admitted to and now making money from he’s an absolute joke and the complete opposite of a role model for young kids!
I felt the performance was similar to almost every other one we’ve had this season…it was very mixed. We’ve not had a performance so far where we have looked solid throughout, especially in defence.
Watching Arsenal this season, I wonder if we’re the luckiest team so far? We have given away so many clear cut goal scoring opportunities, not to mention, a lot solid half chances as well, and our opponents keep spurning these chances. Defensively, we’ve barely been getting away with it against the likes of Cardiff, West Ham, Vorskla, etc, and these are poor teams! We conceded 5, in just 2 games against Chelsea, and City, and it’ll be a similar story in our next big game, unless we tighten up at the back.
That being said, big improvements in the final third though, and that’s why we have been winning, and why we should have got something at Chelsea. Hopefully Torreira starting more, we’ll improve defensively.
Agree with everyone elses statements. It was another unconvincing win, but 3 points is 3 points. As long as we continue to look defensively vulnerable to such a degree, we’re going to struggle. We’ve given these midtable-smaller sides a ton of chances to score against us and the better teams will do exactly that.
Off topic; this year FIFA award is shit,
1, salah top three and didn’t appear in FIFA 11
His puska award is not even EPL best
2, alves with just fifteen appearance made the cut FIFA 11
3. De gea with no trophy and errors at the world cup make the cut for FIFA’s 11 while world cup best keeper and FIFA best didnt
I agree. It’s always complete BS when it comes to FIFA awards, and clearly no one ever seems to watch some of these footballers actually play. After the WC 2014, David Luiz made it into the ‘FIFA Dream Team’, despite almost comical performances, and Messi won player of the tournament, when EVERYONE new James should have won it. It’s almost always the big names, and personalities, over performances.
Dani Alves in this years TOTS just proves the whole thing is a total sham. Didn’t even kick a ball in the world cup and only started a handful of PSG games. Embarrassing show.
I am at pains to understand what we Gooners want. Wenger was accused of putting sytyle above substance now we are accusing Emery of the opposite. I will this time go with the pragmatists to the chagrin of the purists. What is our priority: playing well or winning games? Ideally, the answer would be both but if we can’t fulfill both assignments then I would go with the latter. What matters most is three points not good play or clean sheet. We should not become self contradicting. Many times in the past we were calling for ugly wins, now that we are doing it some people are unhappy. Which is which? It is either one or the other not both. Would any one be happy with a loss after good play and domination of possession? It is very unrealistic to lament after winning. LET US WIN THE GAMES THEN THE GOOD STYLE WILL COME.
But David, We have hardly begun winning ugly yet. We have beaten only very mediocre teams and with much difficulty too. If we had a decent defence , but nothing else, I COUOD SAY , YES, WE ARE WINNING UGLY ,DEFENDING A LEAD. BUT THE TRUTH IS WE LOOK LIKE CONCEDING EVERY TIME THE OPPOSITION COMES NEAR. EVEN AT CARDIFF AMND NEWCASTLE, TWO MINNIONS THESE DAYS. If we could win ugly against such as United, Spurs, Chelsea, you would THEN have a point. But until we do, your point is unproven as yet.
Arsenal fans always seem to expect wins without giving up any chances. Even a cross that is well defended and no one gets to in the box seems to go down as a lucky escape.
I watch other games and I never see teams win regularly without giving up a few chances or their goalkeepers having to make a few saves. I think we are so used to our goalkeepers being crap that every chance is a potential goal.
Cech played well at the week-end but he didn’t do anything amazing. He made two decent saves, but it is nothing that we haven’t seen from goalkeepers playing against us on a regular basis.
Whatever people are saying our defence is playing better. Players are under pressure when they are making attempts and they are not getting the time to put them away. Baby steps, but things are improving.
You must have future vision then, to see any improvement at all in our defence. No defence can be any good with such as BELLERIN AND MUSTAFI in it.
You must be almighty God then being able to announce facts like that. Mustafi was one of the top rated CBs in the PL last year, but you are so into the group-speak and feeling of belonging that trashing our own players gives you, you can’t see anything good in any of our players.
Get out of the negative mind-set. Wenger is gone. It is time to be a real supporter again. If you are trashing all our players, you are not a realist, you are just a Spurs fan in disguise.
God here. I would ask you , who rated Mustafi as one of the top rated CB’s in the prem last year? Evidence please for this extraordinary claim! As to the last line insult, I would expect nothing more than that from a total non realist like you. You actually accuse a Gooner of 60 years attending of being a Spurs fan, Even you don’t believe that nonsense. So why write it then? Actually, I will tell you why you did. Because you cannot stand a true Gooner who knows what he is talking about, disagreeing with you by writing realism. THAT IS WHY! But , you are safe; I won’t tell God about your silliness and immaturity.
Mustafi was bad last season. His stats look good on Whoscored statistics is all. That’s the only thing he has going for him. Stats are meaningless without the correct context though. He was a disaster, who are you trying to fool?
What on earth do the words “basically started from scratch” mean?
We finished SIXTH last season, with this “rubbish defence and clueless defenders”.
The club has now signed six defensive players to improve this defence.
Has it happened? Not yet, but why the criticism?
Cech is there to stop goals, why is this seen as a negative when he does what he is paid to do?
When de gea does this, he is hailed as a top keeper, but some gooners don’t seem to see this, instead see only the negative.
Should we play without a keeper then?
Newcastle scored in the last minute after being completely outplayed in the second half, congrats to Emery for sorting out the first half display.
Where does the quote that Newcastle deserved to win come from?
Typical negative reporting of a game that, over the 90 minutes WE DESERVED to win.
Chelsea were lucky to get the three points, if Aba had actually had his shooting boots on, we would have won that game.
City..a class above us, so no complaints there.
Of course our defence is the problem, but when Emery can finally choose his back four free from injuries, the defence that secured us finish sixth place last season should do even better.
I personally view the Everton game as a TEAM performance, from GK through to the CF.
My only concern/criticism is the selection of Ramsey. He was never in the game and shouldn’t be selected anyway. Put him up for a Januaary sale NOW and withdraw the offered contract.
Anyone who thinks we can go through a match without conceding chances is living in cloud cuckoo land. Well done Cech and the team for another three points well deserved.
Now for Deeney and his coujons are up for grabs!!!!
Well said Ken! Whenever we concede chances to the opposition it’s highlighted 10 fold! Man utd have actually conceded more goals than us and not a word uttered about it.. all I hear is mourinho is a winner and one of the best coaches in the world yet nobody likes him! Liverpool concede sloppy goals at times yet we’re told van dijk is the best defender in the world, Alisson makes a routine save he’s the best goalie in the world.. and 100% agreed if we took our chances at Chelsea we would have won that game and be sitting 3 points off top spot with a supposedly weak squad! I don’t expect our performances to be flawless, we got a new manager after 22 years it will be a bumpy ride it would be for any club but as I said earlier not playing particularly well and still winning is a good sign even if it’s not against top quality opposition any other club would be praised for doing so, man city scrape past Newcastle at home and pundits say that’s a sign of champions we do it away from home we’re lucky it’s hypocrisy at the highest order.
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Hi Ken, Lots to agree with and esp on Ramsey and Cech. An earlier post said he only saved what he should have saved, which I thought very grudging and unfair. I still don’t think him the keeper he was at Chelsea but can’t deny his shot stopping this season has been top class. It was good to see him kicking more confidently too. How do you feel on Ozil though Ken? I think he has had more than enough chance and just does not fancy working, in classic Walcott style. In my view, and esp as he is these days, we are better off without him in the team. You are, as ever, an upbeat optimist; maybe it is just your nature, which is to your credit. I am more curmudgeonly by nature and still see our defence with many holes. I see no real possible progress until we can import some better and real defenders. To me, watching Bellerins and Mustafis vain attempts to defend and thinking of the George Graham famous defence, just makes me want to weep with frustration. I would now try Bellerin as an out and out RW , or not play him at all. He is to proper
defending what I am to The Walcott Appreciation Society. In other words, non existent! On a more general point and about team criticism, I think it a natural and normal part of any fan site. I doubt Gooners are much different from other fans in this. I see no benefit to the club by us fans fooling ourselves that our defence is still any more useful than a collander; full of holes! There is fair criticism though and also unfair criticism. I am hardly an angel in this respect and must plead guilty to more than my fair share. But I would rather be too mean than too easily satisfied with mediocrity. I attach no blame to Emery on this!. His hands, as were Wenger’s too, are tied with strong financial rope, imported from Kroenkes ranch. But in Torreira I see a real quality CDM , though it’s early days as yet , and easily the best- I might say the ONLY one – since Gilberto. Can’t wait until Emery can bring in more of his own players; I wish he would use the ones already signed a great deal more, esp Lichtsteiner.
Jon, how about this defence for Emery to ponder?
Cech.
.Lichsteiner..Kos, Socratis, Kolasinac
A really hard, experienced, uncrompromising back four, just maybe of the Graham/Wenger no nonsence back four era.
Yes, we have to wait for injuries to be cured, but that is why I feel we have to give Emery time and ( for your pleasure!) only two are Arsene’s men).
Ozil? My view is that, firstly, his delight when scoring at Newcastle, more than showed his commitment to the team, something I didn’t really see last season.
On Sunday, like his teammates, his first half performance was not anything special. But the second half was much much better.
I tried to watch Ozil as much as I could Sunday, while still following the game.
When he’s not involved, he looks lanquid and uninterested, but always seems to be near the action when it matters.
He is an enigma in every sense, but I do think he has the ability to be our talisman IF Emery plays him centrally in a team chosen to attack.
It seems that we have a weak first half,… Emery half time talk,… second half dominance.
Emery needs to sort this out, I think playing Ozil in the position he has been made for would help sort this out.
Torr. looks a great signing, just wish Emery had the confidence in the other summer signings.
Cech is having an exceptional season and it seems he has been given the go ahead to use the long ball if he sees fit, PLUS he didn’t make any bad short balls either.
Actually I would go as far as to say the best form (yes only five games) since he joined us.
An interesting reply , thank you Ken. I like your defence, though I doubt Kos will ever now regain his form of yesteryear. But it is still a big improvement on the current one. I am not greatly sold on Kolas either and right now would still prefer Monreal to him. Licht and Mavros MUST now play as first choice(once Mavros is fit again). I disagree on Ozil. I feel too many fans make too many excuses for a man who is simply not working hard enough; an occasional run is nowhere near enough, even though his quality is not in doubt. But how consistently effective is he? I say, not enough! I have total confidence in Emerys ability and pragmatism , given the sub standard tools he has to work with at present( at least , some of them). The real test will come next Jan and esp next summer as to who we can cut adrift and who we can bring in. I have confidence that NEXT season we will be, at least, in serious contention for top four. But Kroenke and his parsimony will always hold us back.
Well said Ken. Most Arsenal fans have turned to implacable moaners. They talk from both sides of their mouth much of the time. When I come here to read people’s comments, I can’t help but shake my head.
So Sokratis had a dead leg, so won’t play tomorrow but should be ok for Saturday. I hope he’ll play & keep Deeney quiet!
I don’t think the Everton game was our best or worst performance… we were poor in the first half, but much much better in the second. Why do we always leave it till the second half to turn up??!! I’m looking forward to tomorrow… Smith Rowe has to play!!
I hope Derby win tonight ?
Sue, as I don’t think he would have played against Brentford anyway, we should count ourselves lucky.
It seems that Deeney has three broken toes and is having injections for the pain.
I just hope that he is put in his place by Soks, not so sure if Mustafi has to deal with him though!
I believe this game will be tough as well, but if we play from the first minute with confidence, our run should continue.
Hi Ken…. I like your defence (Kolasinac especially!) I wasn’t overly impressed with Lichtsteiner against Vorskla (sorry Ozzie) though.
I saw that about Deeney’s toes, I got my violin out ? yes hopefully Sokratis will sort him out. Imagine him & Kolasinac together!! 2 beasts!!
Are you travelling down for tomorrow’s game?
Sue, agree with the two beasts but imagine four of them!!!!
I’m not coming down tomorrow and also missed Thursday’s game as well.
Got an issue or two concerning health matters, but will NOT let it interfere with premier league games if I can help it!!
did you get tickets for Everton, as there were many empty seats, although they did seem on the middle tier?
Oh no Ken, I hope you’re ok. I did wonder where you were, as I’d not seen you on here in a while.
Glad to hear it, as the Emirates wouldn’t be the same without you in it!
No I didn’t go to the Everton game, I had to work, but watched it on the tv. That is all Martin Tyler.kept on about was the empty seats! It was driving me mad!!! I’m looking at the fixtures though, will go again soon.
Once again, I hope you’re alright & keep your chin up Ken ?
Thanks Sue.
Sue, Lichtsteiner was good until the poor head out by Holding, where he got a bad bounce/ricochet from which Everton scored. Defensively he provides better tactical awareness, positioning, leadership and tough tackling than Bellerin. It was to be expected that he would be a bit rusty, given playing for Arsenal is the first time in his career he has ever gone 4 games without starting.
Yes I do agree as Bellerin would rather attack than defend!
KEN 1945, i am sorry to hear that you are experiencing some health issues at the moment , and i sincerely hope that all will be well sooner rather than later . i know we seldom see eye to eye on here, but , we are all gunners, and the beauty of this site is that we can all write our comments honestly.get well soon my friend in football .
Thank you kind sir and if we all had the same views and ideas, what a dull place this world would be.
As I’m determined to sing “Championies” yet again, we will surely have future debates, disagreements and , maybe, agreements!!
absolutely ken my friend`.
Quite frankly we have not been convincing in any match so far this season.This does not surprise me because Emery has been obliged to play the likes of Mustafi due to injuries to Mav and Kos.However he has persisted with Bellerin and Xhaka when there are viable alternatives who will hopefully get a run out against Brentford.I would hope Emery will play Socratis and Holding against high flying Watford as they have the physical toughness and ability to cope with the likes of Deeny
After given all the comments here some thought and looking back at all our games, I’m worried for our season and Emery.
I want the team to play good football and win games, where good football is not available, they should just win then,I believe should only be against top teams. Every now and then you have that odd game against a small team and win it’s also worth appreciating or even celebrating cos these small teams are starting to park a punch (ask Man U! Lol).
Where I have a problem is when We consistently play poor football against small teams (regardless of a win or loss).
No arguing that our squad is 80% better than all the other teams below 7th position (barring the likes of Ramsey,bellerin,Mustafi).
So why should we play 4/5 games poorly against these teams? Whatever the reason is it’s just not acceptable.
I’ve been saying this and I’m going to keep saying, until we start using real wingers and “reliable” not necessarily top quality RB (for Christ sake look at the kid Arnold at Liverpool and compare him to Bellerin) we’ll keep experiencing these poor performances.
Good Wingers posses the following attributes – work rate to cover the length of the pitch on the wing they play, speed, technique and skill.
Put all these together and our defensive problems will be solved to a large extent regardless of the poor personnel.
They will track back to defend counter, they will support wing back when not in possession or under pressure, they will help pin back opposition wing back who will fear our counter,they will provide good width,assists and goals from the wings (teams find it difficult to defend against a pacey,technical,skillful attack cos there are just too many danger men to mark and danger areas to cover!)
Right now when we defend the whole team comes back because of poor positioning,poor work rate and poor marking, of the attackers do this all day how can they perform well through 90mins? So maybe that’s why our attackers play poorly first half to conserve energy for 2nd half but this won’t work with top teams.
Get wingers so when defending we can have about 2 or 3 players still positioned around midfield ready for counter!
The top striker and top 10 alone should be allowed to skip defending duties so there’s energy to still do good attacking.
Just my 2 cents.
A WIN is a WIN.
I won’t personally criticise Arsenal when they win because all I want is 3 points. Our defence is average so we have no right to demand more.
I’m always happy with a WIN especially a clean sheet ffs. What more do you want?
Even the top teams have bad games and we are far from the Top
So I don’t care if we win the next match 2-1 with an injury time winner. A WIN is a WIN and 3 points is 3 points
But wins don’t just happen like that, not without good players and good coaching anyway. So what if we win the next mqatch 2-1 with an injury time winner. What does that prove? That maybe that time, we had a bit of luck. But luck is not reliable and you don’t win titles by luck. Just being satisfied by a narrow win , with a late goal , as you state, is fools gold. It happens very occasionally but to get regular good results you need top players. Your claim is so narrow viewed. And “we DO have the right to demand more”, cos we are Arsenal, not Sunderland. We pay the dearest tickets in the Prem and deserve an owner who at least cares. But we don’t have one, so you would have us rely on luck as long as we win. Nonsense. Get real!
The transfer window is closed Jon, so what Innit said is perfectly reasonable. We all said its gonna take time, winning games keeps moral up and fans off the players backs ..so they can try and improve on the areas that is within their reach. Fans need to realize that they can become a detriment to the club if they feel they can complain at every opportunity while taking no solace in winning.
It’s not a question of “having a bad game” it’s about improving performances to enable us to have a real chance of beating the likes of Man City, Liverpool and other top six teams.We have a long way to go to achieve this aim and it’s unrealistic to expect Emery to do so with the present first team squad which has so many weaknesses.Let’s hope he uses the next 2/3 transfer windows effectively to take us to the next level.
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I am sorry guys, but all I can think of is -What’s the problem with Ozil. He’s weighing 70-71 kilos?. Our highest paid player?. I just cant stand it!!! He’s so filled with depression. Pls! He needs to stop! BENCH HIM FOR TWO MONTHS AND SEND HIM TI THE DOCTOR. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???
JBX, sorry, but what does his weight have to do withwhat he earns?
Tell you what though, why don’t we rely on the professional medical team already in place at the Emirates?
They see him every day, along with every other player on the club’s books.
He is regularly tested and diagnosed, so let’s just have faith in the club and put our trust in them shall we?
If he is “filled with depression” it’s probably because of reading nonsensical posts such as yours that does it!
Just my opinion of course.
Ken, He is clearly not filled with depression BECAUSE of fans posts. You and I both know that. But he does look depressed and I strongly suspect that he is. As he is playing now he is useless to our club. Depression or no depression , he is simply refusing to work on the pitch. He is timid and lazy. That is fact, since he clearly does not put in the level of effort that he should put in OR that all other players do. That is NOT acceptable. I support the club, not him OR ANY OTHER SINGLE PLAYER, and expect all players, no matter their level of talent to put in 100% and to do so regularly. He does not or will not(which amounts to the same thing, either way). As such , he does not deserve to play. Simple realism!
Jon, I believe we are seeing two different players.
First of all, looking depressed doesn’t mean one is depressed does it?
The club that we BOTH support would hardly let a depressed player out on the pitch now would they?
I accept that these are your views, but I would prefer to back the judgement of fully qualified medical people that are being paid to assess each and every one of our players.
As I have said before, Ozil is an enigma and fans are split as to his worth.
Again, I would rather trust the opinions of our manager (and players I might add) as to his worth, rather than that of ANY individual fan or fans.
The FACT is Jon, Emery sees him as an integral part of his rebuilding plans at this moment in time and I am more than happy to go along with his professional judgement.
If, in January, he sees Ozil as surplus to his requirements, or deems him a depressed character following our medical team’s diagnosis, I will accept that also.
Either we trust Emery and Arsenal Football Club or we don’t…simple really in my humble opinion.
Ken. Arsenal are hardly likely to come out publicly and sa y Ozil is depressed are they. But they as professionals will be more aware than any how poorly and nhow unmotivated he is. To say nothing is wrong is to ignore the obvious evidence. More importantlthan any of this though , is the fact he is not earning his place but is still being picked. Irrespective of the reason , he is NOT working as he should. That disqualifies him, in my book- and others too on this site, clearly- from wearing our shirt. Unlike you Ken, I will not try defending the indefensible. WORK, FLAT OUT. OR LEAVE!
But Jon, the fact is that Emery picks the team, not you or me.
He obviously thinks that Ozil is working hard enough to warrant a starting place in the team.
No amount of pontification can alter that FACT, and as I said previously, one either supports the manager or one doesn’t
.
I don’t agree with him selecting Ramsey for every game, but when I am at the game, Ramsey gets my backing because he is part of the team called Arsenal.
What evidence do you ACTUALLY have that Ozil is depressed, apart from your personal views?
Again, looking depressed doesn’t mean one is does it?
Once again Jon, you allude to the others on this site who agree with you, but completely ignore the fact that many DISAGREE with your views.
I have no idea what the majority think, but feel quite relaxed to give my views without the need to have a suggested fanbase that”clearly” agree with me.
I’ve always thought that someone who has a view that makes complete sense, doesn’t need to refer to others as a backup, but I am just stating my own personal opinion of course.
That’s me being a realist on Ozils current mental health and ability, along with Emery’s abilities to select players.
What a goal from Harry Wilson! Come on Derby!!!
Lol! Hope Derby dump utd out! ION did you know Arsene Wenger has scored more goals this season (1) than Sanchez (0) ?
If they do, Maureen’s face will be priceless!!
??? everyone has scored more than Sanchez ??
Have they put Sanchez in goal?! ?
Darn it! Fellaini has rescued them. 6 minutes injury time what a joke.
Yesssssss!!!!! Thank you Derby!!
Who’s getting sacked in the morning Maureen?!! ?
Yessssssssssss!!! Woo hoo!!!
?
I don’t want him sacked, I want to see him drive Utd further, and further down. let the comedy continue.
Plus, they now have fewer games to think about, and to be honest, I’m sure in the grand scheme of things, who really cares that much about the Carabao Cup, what would you prefer, top 4 and CL or a cup no one in the Prem’ is that bothered about.
Yes I know it’s a cup no one is bothered about, but for me, it’s always nice to see United & Maureen lose
Sue , Call it an inspired hunch only, but I get the opinion , quite by chance, that you are not Uniteds greatest fan! I hope Maureen stays there as he is doing agreat job of keeping them in midtable and falling out with his players. Could anyone manage Pogba though, that giant ego on legs?
Haha Jon, whatever gave you that idea??! I have to admit it’s very satisfying watching them lose… and all the disruption Maureen causes, he always manages to upset someone wherever he goes!! Long may it continue hey?!
Bad news for Arsenal.
Utd out of the Carabao.
Less games for Utd now.
Will make the top 16 CL and get knocked out
Will have to get 4th to make a decent season.
May replace Mourinho in the new year.
Same with Spurs.
4th place will be harder to achieve now.
Things just got harder
This is Mourinho’s 3rd season at a club. He traditionally implodes. This is likely just the beginning of their struggles. Lockerroom is starting to turn against him as well. Pogba the new Hazard. This is not the same Manchester United we are used to, nor the same Mourinho. I think it’s good they keep losing.
we are strong this season we are winning tough games if it was Arsene we would have lost at Cardiff and Newcastle sokratis is a rock in our defence
Get well soon Ken 1945, always enjoy your posts which are usually balanced (except for the slight tinge of Wenger loyalty). Maybe Sue would send you a bowl of soup on our behalf.
Regarding the article, I agree with most of the points raised. Especially how we have no discernable pattern of play and seem to win matches by the sheer brilliance of Lacazette and Aubameyang. The defence looks really lost at sea despite the 6 defensive signings made.
Cech deserves honourable mention for justifying his no1 pick despite younger, fitter competition.
Socratis is fair, Torriera good, Mustafi bad (the lad is probably a good guy and tries his best but seems to panick too easily and then slips at inopportune times or makes rash challenges after misjudging the flight of the ball). Like Xhaka, his price tag is easily his biggest problem. He just does not play like a 35M defender. I feel he would be judged less harshly if he had cost 20M or less.