₦airaland Forum

iamoyindamola:
Abi gyokeres
That's what they said

Watching the first half, Gyokeres also missed some chances too.

ChristineC:
and what have Arsenal won with back to back W's for more than 3 seasons?

useless wins against big teams only to fail to small teams when it matters. That's why this new narrative of Arsenal not having title mentality because they can't beat big teams just dey funny me..

BlueRayDick:
Eze was not all that in the match yesterday. I was expecting him to really seize the opportunity to perform very well but he didn't.

These short clips didn't tell the full story of his game play yesterday. He was rated 6/10 by most rating sites.

I just wish he could be more influential in the final third so Odegaard can stay on the bench for a while.

Second half i watched Eze and I wasn't really impressed too. But odegaard true true isn't as fast in thinking as he used to be.

Fkforyou:
Our First half was fast and Direct. The moment Odegaard came in, penetrative passes through the middle reduced and we kept hanging on the ball and slowed down very well.

It’s very obvious who the cause of it was, the coach must surely see this.

Anyway, as predicted, Kai won MOTM.

I would like to see more of Norgaard, especially in the premier league. He can come good unexpectedly you know.

Madueke is one hell of a funny guy, quick footed but slow in thinking and execution. Such a wierd combo. Him, Martinelli and Jesus were the major culprit of chances wasted yesterday.

i noticed this too. Madueke and Jesus was just busy doing nothing, especially Madueke. He seems to know how to move the ball forward untill it is time to execute. Great dribbling skill but zero sense of when to do simple stuff.
Yeah, kai was great, it is left to see how he can play in midfield against epl teams. But what a great night he had. Was involved in all the goals and most progressive plays.
I don't know how starting kai in that AM role will play out against Leeds, but I will love to see it this weekend, either as a starter or as a sub.

Fkforyou:
Fair enough.

What are your thoughts on today’s game? Especially between the first half and second half.

I think, there are some games that would suit Ezes style of play, the manager just needs to figure out how and when to use him.

He fancies that simple one two in between spaces. I think he would have thrived under Wenger than Arteta.

But let’s see how it goes going forward.

Kai was my man of the match sha. So good to have him back.

Eze to me plays more like a street footballer, he enjoys spaces and try to penetrate, but when it is man to man marking, he loses it a lot.
I didn't get the opportunity to watch the first half, but the second half wasn't it for me. Lots of wasted chances, this is a game where we should be putting up the goals to create more fears and respect, but......
Odegaard is still all about passing around to gain possession, though he made some real passes forward that created chances, but he should be doing more. Eze playing the lw and Calafiori on the lb should open up more chances, Arteta should look into that.
Norgaard was solid.
Kai, I won't say anything about him yet untill I rewatch the first half. But I think the first half was more about attacking than the second half.

Spy360:
You're right. Plus many teams are now relying on low block defending to nullify Arsenal.

This makes the burden or load required to overcome to score a goal to increase. Then after exerting many energy doing that, defending it becomes another challenge

teams have seen that low blocks frustrates Arsenal, so they're keeping to that. It is left for the coach to find a suitable way of breaking them and creating chances, we can't be blamed for how other teams approach us, but we can be blamed for how we respond to it.

Fkforyou:
Nope. It is not entirely because of our finishing. It only seemed like that because of the wastefulness of kai and the unseriousness of GJ.

Infact. there was a period where, Saka, Martinelli, Trosaard and even Odegard had over 10G/A.

Our decline started when teams figured out how to counter our set up especially with the inverted full back thingy where we get to overload the final third.

We were so obsessed with inverted full backs that we stuck to it even when teams where playing low block against us.

We were supposed to react quickly and adjust our game plan, these adjustments would have helped the players to adapt and improve their game.

Arsenal needs to be more direct and quick in transition just like how we used to be.

Tell me, is this how we use to play compared to previous seasons.

Was Odegaard dropping so deep to collect the ball from Saliba or Zubi?

Watch our previous 2022/2023 games against Brighton, Man U, Tottenham or With Fulham and tell the difference between how we played then and now.

we always forget that epl has changed so much. No team allows you that space to play that kind of 2023 ball. Especially against us. You will watch other matches and see how teams are willing to risk and play ball, but once they meet us, they are comfortable sitting back and frustrating our free flow. But like you said, it is left for the manager to change that. But one thing is certain, we can never be as free as 3 seasons ago when the league wasn't more physical

mostob:
Yea.. They should rest.
Mosquera, White, MLS and Hincapie should start. Norgaard, Odegaard and Zubi (Rice and Merino are out). Eze, Gyokeres and Madueke

if Arteta get sense, he shouldn't start Zubi. That guy don try. He is always getting tired compared to early season..

mostob:
Now that we have Hincapie and Calafiori back, guess who and who got injured. Saliba and Timber.

Although it's a niggle and hoping they're fit for weekend.

it's the same issue that made Saka miss the xl against Forest. Thank God our next match isn't a must win match.

iamoyindamola:
You have entered that lab again abi

shebi u missed that version of him.

BlueRayDick:
Once a team is not doing well, different agenda will start showing face from left to right so I understand.

I'm sure if we were sitting atop the league table with 18 points gap despite getting our goals through a combination of open play goals and set piece goals , nobody will be fixating on all these narratives we've been reading since Sunday. You would be seeing the same media praising the team for the same thing they are flaying us for now.

It is what it is.

I was just surprised seeing Zinchencko that has cost us points in the past suddenly being pushed as the one who would've made the difference for us this seaon. I shock!

The same way they started the partey and Zubimendi comparison some weeks ago. One of my guy that has been talking about how Zubi is a downgrade to partey for like two weeks now checked the statistics of Partey last season which was his best season and that of Zubi this season even though the season is not yet over and he hasn't said a word ever since. If to say I no watch partey make mistakes too that cost us or was somehow managed, I would join and crucify Zubimendi too. But some people just like to ride the wave and don't care of what force is behind the wave.

Fkforyou:
And who is/are responsible for creation through the middle? and why are they not working on it? We are facing similar issues just like city.

The common denominator here is lack of a proper attacking mildfielder.

Only Man U and Chelsea(prior to palmers absense) currently enjoys the presence of attacking midfielder.

Mind you, this issue has been persistent for 3 seasons now but our coach just believes so much in his captain and is afraid to make bold decisions despite his claims of beign an evolved manager, earlier in the season.

Arsenal and City have more goals scored than the two clubs you mentioned. While city have more open play goals, Arsenal is just 3 goals and 4 goals apart from both teams in terms of open play. Chances creation have never been an issue more than the subject of clinicality is or ever was, even in the last 3 years, which was why the shout for a striker became so loud till we hot one. Now the striker here, but both him and other attackers still lack that great finishing touches.

In as much as we can say Odegaard is performing below expectation, but there are moments when he created excellent chances and we watched it being wasted by our attackers. We signed a creative midfielder who we expected to compete with Odegaard, but he has shown countless times that his play is different to what Odegaard can offer and what we expect from him as the creative mind of a possession dominating team.

BlueRayDick:
Baba, you literally clamoured for us to sell Zinchencko.

There are tons of posts from you on different match days complaining about him while he was here . You always call him the weak link in the team (which is actually true); but now u are making it seem like we did the wrong thing selling him when that has always been what u wanted.

i shock as I see am. I come check the moniker again to be sure. When the media wants to sell an agenda they go deep to find proves that will unsettle the fans. Same media that even though chenko was bad defensively made him look more bad than it was. Now just to create a solid narrative, they are bringing up stats that support their claim.

iamoyindamola:
Add OG % too
To make it 100

we have scored twice the number of set piece goals through open play. But somehow they media wants to create the narrative that we depend on set piece. The fact that we mastered the act of scoring through set piece doesn't mean we utterly depend on it. The problem is our attackers not burying our open play chances, and that has made the agenda sell well. The team sees set piece as a weapon and knows that when it happens there's a chance.

That being said, we really need more creativity through the middle and not always the wings, that will make life more easier for everyone. If we can be shooting more often in such congested low blocks, there will always be a possibility of an own goal, reflection and rebounds.

mostob:
As for the bolded, the one-in-one-out injury palaver this season is the reason why some of these players are being 'overplayed'. For instance, Norgaard who is a natural deputy for Zubi is said to be injured for yesterday's match. There was a time when we had like 4 CBs out.

BTW, any attempt to rest some players will be met with backlash from some set of fans. He did the same by resting Saka and Trossard. Thank God you're here to see the gbasgbos. After women, fear Arsenal fans.

Entertaining every suggestion and opinion from outsiders is a killer mindset. He knows the players, he knows the system he wants to play and those closest to perfecting it. He shouldn't over play the star players just to seem perfect. That's why he is a coach, he should find an approach that favours some players and tweak tactics to suit them. You can't rest some players and your game plan is reflective of they ones outside the pitch. Play a system that favours the players you choose and when it doesn't work out, change the players and the tactics. Na why dem de pay am.

BlueRayDick:
Yes please! His constant injury this season that Lewis Skelly has decided to be shiiit is really a major issue for us.

Hincapie at LB is such a nightmare to watch. Hincapie should be made to play LCB paired with Saliba in games against mid table teams to rest Gabriel for big games.

The coach should also not do mistake of parking Hincapie with Mosquera at CB. A pairing of Gabriel and Mosquera is also welcome to give Saliba deserved rest. Skelly should be restricted to FA cup and maybe this upcoming champions league match that we already sealed our finishing position

Hincapie does his defensive duties well, but attack, nah!!!!!. Not the kind of LB we need for this run biko. MLS will pick up, I am sure of that. I expect to see both Timber and Zubimendi rested on Wednesday, and skelly starting. Rice and Merino won't play due to suspension, so Rice will also get his deserved rest. Saka should be rested too. Playing Norgaard with Odegaard and Eze won't hurt anyone.

What happened to Martinelli is gradually happening to Saka and there's no solution for it yet.

We need Calafiori back.

Even Wenger dey vex for our inability to influence and win games from open play. What a shitshow, whatever happened to 2023 Arsenal dynamic attack. The defence that has been saving us all season collapsed.

Make this man try rest Zubimendi and timber for 2 matches, they have tried. Almost every match timber and Zubimendi dey play, and Zubi's own is mad cus he has an alternative on the bench who is premier league tested. If norgaard can play cb and calm his cool why not play him in some matches and rest Zubimendi. Now Zubimendi can't even complete 60minutes without gassing out. Ucl game nau, he go still start am.

Saka and trossard just dey play wetin I no know, so called best legs oooo.
Arteta go dey see a pattern replay over and over and yet depends on individual brilliance and corner kicks. Yesterday, corner kicks tried but individual brilliance don die since 3 matches gone, so nothing came out.
Well sha, we have been dominant against the big 6 for 3 years with nothing to show for it, lets see how we deal with the other teams and see if we can show something for it this season.

johnjunior39:
All three goals look like old Arsenal defence.


They boys didn't come to party but I think is a good thing actually because it is important for them to wake up and be realistic

they were so relaxed thinking 7 points is such a magical figure. The spirit of mustafi decided to pay our defence line a visit, Zubimendi don dey run down but Arteta no go see am. Zubi needs rest, even partey no play for us reach like this, and he's still new to the league. We have a very solid squad but somehow it is not working. Arteta said the reason for buying Gyokeres was to have another flow and system of games, but so far it has been the same approach with no visible change as regard to the front three playing.

mostob:
Na from that Liverpool match I don let go. We will continue next season. But I sincerely wish Arteta can resign so we can have De Zerbi abi na that Michel Sanchez.

bro to be honest, I am not worried about who would replace Arteta should he be sacked. He already made the team better, any good coach can still take us far just like Liverpool did last season. It will be a shame if he leaves Arsenal without a trophy, especially this season cus wtf!!!.

The crazy thing is that Man city has never lost a title race, to beat City to the title you need to be several points ahead. Now the pressure will be much than earlier in the season cus na now our Bleep up dey always start. Make I hear say any Arsenal fan never dey get doubt already.

iamoyindamola:
That's what I am saying
This have been happening since lfc match, but we will rather pick gyokeres as the scapegoat, what are they doing on the training if we can't create chances for strikers
Jesus was MIA today

the spirit of mustafi decided to fall upon Saliba today. Arteta focused on his game plan without considering utd's strength. First time we're conceding 3 goals in ages. First loss at the Emirates. Both our AM are washed and another was sent on loan before trial in the position to see if there will be a change.

iamoyindamola:
Which attack bros
Scummies had no attack, just smash and grab
While we just pass around waiting for corner kicks

that smash and grab was better than whatever we had. Total rubbish play. Leaving the midfielders so wide knowing these guys plays through the middle and are fast too. No excuses.

daveP:
👌🏾🚶🏾‍♂️🚶🏾‍♂️🚶🏾‍♂️

drag me like tiger gen bro

Roland17:
Na now those lost Forest points go begin look like lost games.

na now that forest draw pain me wella. We deserve all the criticism we will get. Arteta could not find a way to neutralise utd attack, knowing fully well that they will attack through the middle, yet he couldn't find a way to sabotage it.

mostob:
I think I need to stop pretending but what's going on with Norgaard? He's like thr backup to Zubi and he should surely be making the reserve list on MDs.

he was said to pick up a little injury that is being managed by the medical team. Maybe fitness and all

A strong attacking team. Let's hope they go all out attack from the first minute, no need to play the same game plan as we did at Old Trafford.
Saka to score.

Everyday is a blessing, no day is special. Always thank God for the gift of life.
✌️