Arsenal Banter Archive December 03 2017

 

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03 Dec 2017 13:39:27
A spirited attacking performance by Arsenal was countered by a brilliant defensive performance by United and De Gea.

Arsenals defensive sloppiness with the ball and the failure of the midfield to get back and provide cover during the United counter attacks is indefensible and the blame must land squarely on both the individual players involved and the manager. These same mistakes were clearly evident when we played Huddersfield, we repeatedly lost the ball through misplaced passes and dwelling on the ball when under pressure and inviting the tackle. We got lucky in that match because of the lack of striking ability of Huddersfield, considering the number of times we handed over possession in dangerous areas of the pitch and failed to get numbers back to defend after the error, the final score flattered us.

The manager should have noted this behaviour and stopped it dead in its tracks during training sessions leading up to the United match, instead of which it continued unabated and Uniteds striking potentcy deservedly punished us.

Early on it was obvious we were doing this even before the goal but Wenger just sat on the bench rocking and wringing his hands with the occasional complaint to Boldsy. Mourinho by comparison was up from the very beginning and calling players over during every break in play to correct weaknesses, plug holes and modify strategy to counter Arsenal. The only time Wenger ever got up was when he wanted to sidle up to the third official for a whinge (often warranted I may add) .

Yes we had three clear penalties ignored, but the writing was on the wall from the 21st minute when Rojo was allowed to drag Lacazette over by the neck to stop him getting on the end of a squared ball in the box right in front of both the goal and the ref, there was not going to be a penalty given in the game however obvious it was.

We had great attacking pressure but failed to get the ball in the back of the net, partly because of one of the best goalkeeping performances I have ever seen as well as Uniteds determined defensive attitude to get something in the way to block everything they could but also because of our gradual predictably as the game wore on. Eventually we had 4 of the 5 players we ever play as a striker on the pitch at the same time but continued to try and play through the middle of an ever increasingly crowded defence. We never tried to get to the bye line and cross the ball in. If the players don't spot this on the pitch the manager needs to from the bench and then get directions to the team vary the angle of attack.

I agree that a manager cannot be held responsible for the occasional mistake by an individual player but they can be for a pattern of behaviour by a number of players across a number of matches and it is their job to fix it and Wenger repeatedly fails to do this.

The top teams in Europe all have proactive managers who work hard from the bench modifying tactics and correcting errors during matches and the very best also have a leader on the pitch who ensures the team follows the match plan and drives the players to excel on the pitch picking up on individuals poor play in real time and having an appropriate word, we have neither.

There are a lot of positives to take from what was a great game but ultimately we still lost it. The most entertaining team doesn't necessarily win the league. Giving away sloppy goals and then having a spirited come back makes for entertaining games but isn't a successful strategy for winning the league. We often start matches slowly or don't look up for matches against lesser opposition and the blame for this must rest with the management team whose job it is to prepare the team physically, mentally and tactically for the match.

In my opinion we will never challenge for the league with Wenger in charge and no leader on the pitch.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

03 Dec 2017 14:50:53
Post of the year

Well done Gunny.

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03 Dec 2017 14:54:21
I watched the players walk out and thought how UN up for it they looked and I’ve no idea why anyone would be happy after yesterday’s performance, I’m not saying you are by the way, we lost to the rich Stoke City by doing what we continually do in games we need to win.

December 4th and we are yet again out of the title race, not for a minute have I believed we’d be in it once the new contract was signed so totally agree, we are never going to win it again with Wenger at the helm.

We have lost to City, lost to Liverpool, lost to U5hited, drew with Chelsea and beat a deflated spurs side. 4 points from a possible 15.

We are about to lose our best two players who are out of contract and will undoubtedly be leaving and probably to rivals yet again making us weaker, appalling management.

I really need reminding, what is there to celebrate, that shocking 20 minutes turned from the potential of being 1 point behind that dross to 7 points behind.

Yes nice effort, nice football, countless attempts on goal but it’s still the same old same old.

What exactly is this loss going to lead to, how or why does it take us forward?

Comments like if we play like this and we’ll be fine do my nut, fine for what, to avoid relegation or secure 4th place.

Fricking fabulous. 🙄.

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03 Dec 2017 15:58:21
I don't think anyone is suddenly convinced Arsene is the future
Sanchez and Ozil will have a change of heart and stay
Kos Cech Monreal are going to all reverse the aging process and see their prime playing days again.
But 10 minutes in we looked set for yet another Arsenal meltdown but instead we saw spirit effort passion and fight that have all to often been embarrassingly abcent.
That's what everyone is pleased about.
We are not any closer to being competitive now than we have been for a decade but we have shown more fight since the city defeat and hopefully that will continue after yesterday's defeat too.
From where I'm standing with Arsene looking to be our manager for 2 years possibly even longer our best 2 players leaving and Kos and Cech in steady decline things aren't looking to rosy for the next few years ahead either but still the fight passion and effort against Spurs Utd and Burnley have been most welcome to see again.

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03 Dec 2017 16:29:49
I think you’re all being harsh, on any other day that would have been 6-4, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Firstly the razor sharp attacking and finishing of United which was a step up from what we have seen so far (despite all the goals we have scored) but then the incredible pressure and misses of Arsenal. It as just one of those days for you.

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03 Dec 2017 16:32:36
Agree Stoner,
Like I posted yesterday, hard to extraxt any positives from losing 1-3 at home to one of our nearest rival's.

Especially, as it was so self inflicted.

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03 Dec 2017 18:10:16
I don't think it's hard to fine positives at all. I'm not forgetting the negatives and I agree it's that what we need to address. It really was one of those games where united were fortunate and got run of the green. Their first two goals were gifted and de gea put on a masterclass. He is by far their best player and if not for him the last few years they have had would be more embarrassing then they already were . If not for him they would have been hammered. In al fairness they could have got two more but we could have had ten. If any other keeper was in net they would have shifted 6-8 goals. It really was just one of those games.

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03 Dec 2017 18:33:18
Sanogo,
Were you an A* student at school, but happy to get a C- in your exam results? 😂.

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03 Dec 2017 18:54:55
Not happy at all about it. The result didfnt suprise me at all . On another night it could have been 6-0 to us. Forget the mistakes because on another night united could have missed those oppertunities. It wasn't like the other gutless defeats we encountered or like been tortured by Liverpool or outclassed by city. There's only one team winning the league and from 2nd to 4th is up for grabs. Yes we won't have the ability to kick on under the current regimes but I think united, chelsea, Liverpool and to some extent spurs that are all in the same boat.

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03 Dec 2017 19:09:17
I hear you Bruv 😁.

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03 Dec 2017 19:45:57
I think the point is we have slipped from being a A student, we haven't been that for a very long time.
I think we ate a b- with all the potential to be an A+ once again.
Pretending to be an A has been our problem for a very long time rather than roll out sleeves up knuckle down to some hard work and once again actually walk the walk of a real contenders rather than talk the talk of a pretender.
The fight effort passion in the last 4 games is a good place to go again from.

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03 Dec 2017 20:13:55
I actually expect us to turn up against Southampton and that is a real improvement in my opinion levels of the current Arsenal team.
I lost all patients for a long time but the way they have bounced from the city game has earned my respect back to a large degree and I fully expect them to bounce again after yesterday's set back and if they do rather than go into hiding as they have so often in the recent past that does deserve to be recognised in my opinion.

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03 Dec 2017 10:33:18
Hi lads just wanted to say cracking game of football yesterday. You guys played very well apart from the first 10-15 minutes where you weren’t at the races and we took full advantage. Have not watched a game like that in a long time and it was reminiscent of the games of old.

I think the difference was De Gea yesterday. The guy is on another planet and he does things that shock me more every season. If you play with that intensity, tempo and pace you will smash a lot of teams this year. Really hope you do get into the top 4 as it I a shame seeing a great club like arsenal not in the champiosn league.

Good luck for the rest of the season and see you at Old Trafford!

Believable3 Unbelievable0

03 Dec 2017 15:47:48
Respect mate.

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03 Dec 2017 09:54:56
That game was fantastic to watch.

Loved the switch to 4-2-3-1, it makes us so much more fluid going forward.

We still desperately need a good DM to replace Xhaka and a big upgrade at CB.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

06 Dec 2017 13:31:15
To be fair you could argue playing Walcott as DM would be an upgrade versus Xhaka.

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03 Dec 2017 09:49:17
That was a stunning game. Jose picked a pace team and made the, press throughout.

For most of the game we were under a lot of pressure and gave up possession; on another day we would have conceded more than 1. Even I was shaking my head in disbelief at your inability to put the ball in the net. But we didn’t concede a second and we went down the other end and scored another, we also had other great chances we didn’t take.

I loved the game but I also hated it. We broke superbly and scored 3, could have had a couple more. But DDG made more saves in a game than any other keeper; I’m all for letting the opposition have possession but not when they are raining shots down on the goal. A great game but also an odd game, if roles were reversed we would be gutted not to have got a result.

Great game, spoilt by a dreadful foul but it was good to see the 2 teams going at each other.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

03 Dec 2017 21:38:10
Respect matey 👍.

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03 Dec 2017 09:46:53
Thought we played well bar the stupid. mostakes its obvious we need a winger a proper winger someone with pace and can get in behind (Mane, sane, Salah) also I. Thought when Welbeck and giroud came on they could of made more Movement we had giroud and Lacazette but no. Crosses whipped in.

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03 Dec 2017 09:18:37
I hate to loose, But what a great game.
Two poor errors. Mustafi was shocking, looks short of confidence.
I don't think we where outplayed by utd.
City are a cut above everybody, but we can hold our own with the likes of utd
I felt the ref had a reasonable game, missed one clear cut penalty. maybe some pulling in the box,
I think Wenger got our tactics ok, your can't blame him for two errors the defenders made.
And at two down putting awobi on was (for me the right decision)
Cech I thick might have done better for the 3rd.
But that game gives me hope, where as the Liverpool loss was gut wrenching,
De gea was the difference between an Arsenal win and a loss, that's all.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

03 Dec 2017 09:54:37
I don't blame Arsene for yesterday at all, he certainly didn't tell Kos to play another crazy sloppy cross field pass that lead to united first and he certainly didn't instruct Xhaka to play Mustafi a sloppy pass and then for Mustafi to be equally sloppy in dealing with it.
But united were better than just De Gea being brilliant and in truth if we'd scored a second they would probably have got a forth.
United were brilliantly organised disciplined determined and extremely effective.
We were full of passion commitment effort skill.
Both teams gave their all and played their parts in a footballing fiesta but ultimately United's players did their jobs better with fewer mistakes than out players did.
Both managers set out a plan that was very very capable of achieving 3pts but Utds played carried out Jose's plan more effectively than our players did Arsenes.
Nothing wrong with either sides tactics both very different but both equally capable in the in it came down to the players implementation of them.

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03 Dec 2017 09:14:54
If we play like that - speed, desire, commitment, aggression etc minus the stupid defensive errors then we will be fine this season. Hope we keep this intensity up as that's what champions do or teams competing for the league. Teams competing for 4th or 5th don't and that's why we are where we are

Tide is turning may be plus all the bsck room staff but in typical style - is it too late as the team needs huge investment next year so this was the year!

Really enjoyed the game and really really liked our starting 11 - not said that for a while. Lacazette has changed the dynamics up front

Ona negative - Sanchez still doesn't look right and not playing for the team. Too many selfish plays and shots which give possession up.

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Premier League Match Preview Sunday 3rd December 2017

03 Dec 2017 05:35:15
{Ed's Note - we have posted a new article entitled, Premier League Match Preview Sunday 3rd December 2017

Believable0 Unbelievable0

03 Dec 2017 05:12:43
Shocking Arsenal defending with the match lost after 11mins
Wenger should look at how Mourinho set his team out, particularly defensively.
Terrible tackle by Pogba that could easily have damaged Bellerin's knee ligaments. Tackles such as this should be punished by longer term bans than the current 3 matches.
Awful refereeing by the dire Marriner, who missed 3 penalties. In addition to two in the closing stages, there was a third earlier on when Sanchez was pulled over off the ball in the box. Marriner and Atkinson need to be replaced as PL referees.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

03 Dec 2017 08:10:50
Kos has been brilliant for us and still has some good games in him but he is making more and more mistakes, he did an identical cross field pass v Huddersfield as he did yesterday the only difference is Utd had the class to take full advantage.
He has been our defensive king pin for years but at 32 age is catching up fast and while I'm not saying get rid right now or even in the summer but he does need replacing as number one top man defender who rescues the rest from their mistakes.
Xhaka continues to lose the ball cheaply on a regular basis, at home against Brighton Newcastle Palace we can probably get away with it with either the opposition not taking advantage or us scoring enough for his mistakes not to count but away from home and against the top teams it's going to always put us in trouble.
When Mesut and Sanchez go our own recklessness will become more and more costly over 90 minutes even at the Emirates.
It's not a case of looking for problems it's simply a case of not pretending they don't exist.
Cech and Kos are not what they use to be as age is catching up Sanchez and Ozil are off that's 4 huge gaps that are about to need fillimg asap while Xhaka and Iwobi continue to look completely out of their depth over 90 minutes and certainly over a season.
We can blame the ref all we want but it didn't do Spurs and Burnley any good so I doubt it will us.
We played very very well yesterday but utd were just to well organised disciplined and extremely clinical for us on the day.
De Gea was unbelievable but to be fair Utd defended extremely well as a team worked very hard broke with fantastic pace and clinical clever efficency, no complaints at all from me it was a great game.

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03 Dec 2017 09:20:05
We lost the game in the opening 11 minutes as our shape was all wrong, which meant we had no cover if we did make mistakes, which we did. If we started with the 3 CB's sat deeper, with the 2 wing backs also sitting deeper then in effect we have a back 5 with cover available in all defensive positions, plus 2 defensive CB's. This is exactly what United did and it flattered us as once they were ahead by 2 goals they sat back and hit us on the break. Even when we did break through our players were often under pressure as they shot and they had a world class keeper in top form.
As I have said since the start of the season we need 2 more CB's and this is getting even more desperate as Mertesacker is retiring at the end of the season and Chambers will never be good enough for a team with top four ambitions. Although Monreal has performed well at CB, against top teams he is found out. We should try and sign Van Dijk and Manolas, which would transform our defence.
In midfield N'Zonzi has fallen out with his current manager and has a £30m realease clause, whilst Fellaini is a free agent this summer.
Imagine a defence of Mustafi, Van Dijk and Manolas, protected by N'Zonzi and Fellaini. These taller acquisitions would also provide an offensive threat at set pieces.
We also need replacements for departing Ozil and Sanchez, Fekir and Mahrez or Saha. They are not quite the quality of Ozil and Sanchez, but signing true world class players is extremely difficult.

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03 Dec 2017 10:12:17
fellaini and nzonzi? van dijk and manolas? fellaini's still dross regardless of how he has been playing recently and we're not made of money for van dijk and manolas. looking at what must be easily £100m+ for those two.

are we just replacing the whole squad now? because might as well replace cech, bellerin and xhaka well we're at it too.

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03 Dec 2017 10:15:53
We lost the game yesterday because of sloppy human error that allowed utd to take control.
We can all play football manager RG mate and say this that the other player would do this or that for us.
The fact is no matter who you buy teams like united will always punish a sloppy pass especially at the back, sloppy has become Xhaka's trade mark since joining us and Kos is slowing down simply because of age, Cech too unfortunately.

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03 Dec 2017 03:01:31
It's one of those funny unique games today man united were torn apart and couldn't get a kick (unless it was the kick that went in the net ) if ever you can be happy after getting beat it was today. One of those days I'm afraid.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

03 Dec 2017 08:41:21
Sonago
Agree totally. it was a greet game off football.
We made two mistakes at the back, which cost us the game, but we through everything at them de gea was outstanding


.

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03 Dec 2017 00:18:53
Can't fault our spirit and determination, but our defensive frailties leave much to be desired.

We always seem to start slow in big games, concede a few goals than go all guns blazing.

The third goal was an absolute joke.
A few positives, but you can't take too many positives from a 1-3 home defeat.

De Gea was outstanding, unlike Cech, who in my opinion, was past his sell by date even before he joined Arsenal.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

03 Dec 2017 08:46:46
A great game
I don't like to loose, when I do I like to think we tried everything.
I believe only for De gea we would have won.
For me a lot of positive, but we need to world class defenders.

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