₦airaland Forum

Fkhalifa:
Chambers is too slow for Anfield, Sokratis can beat firmino on air, luiz can battle it with Matip and V.dijk, We can cope with their crosses, the only thing I fear is their power and pace..
To stop Sallah, just choke all spaces to run at, Mane is almost unstoppable.
Guendozi can hold and calm possession in the middle, but won't cope with their energy and pace ...
Anfield isn't for xhaka, Torreira and Niles/luiz would have been the best option.

...... Man City and Real Madrid showed how to beat Liverpool at their own game. Excellent off the ball movement is required which will require a lot from us. I don't think we are capable because our intensity this season has been below par which is due to a lot of reasons.

...Lol, Sokratis was there when Firmniho headed in the ball last season or was it Mane? He was also beaten by Sallah which caused a penalty but you are right, partnering him with Chambers isn't wise but I am still not convinced about our heading abilities. We allowed Burnley players to head the ball mostly undisturbed in our box last game. Let's hope things change in the next game.

Spy360:
If Niles can focus more on defending I think he can have a good game. His major problem has been match reading. Not being a natural left back, he finds it difficult to track back when we lose possession.

Ceballos is a type that will help out in defending from midfield. In addition to being able to hold possession and release a through pass, he can break Liverpool's dominance in midfield.

Compared to last season, I think we have a good team to at least give Liverpool a run for their money.

.... Niles problem is beyond tracking back, the guy just gives away the ball willingly and without pressure in dangerous positions. That madness will get us punished against a Liverpool team that thrive in forcing such things to happen and then go on to score. It's how we were demolished Last season. We lost a lot of the ball in dangerous areas. The guy gives me heart attacks whenever we play the top sides. I think only Man United are the only top side we have beaten with him in the team as a right back, the rest have been quite embarrassing.

.... Ceballos will be targeted for sure but he will be the key to anything we do. Liverpool's main attack comes through the wings, we just have to cut out their supplies to their wingers and frustrating Firmniho's game. That guy is their main man to me.

Fkhalifa:
The game is a write off for me, so far we win all our winnable games, That's the reason I'll be happy with Burnley and Watford wins.

Anfield and Etihad are the only grounds I expect nothing from, other grounds are winnable or drawable..Though as a football fan, I'll go support and be hopeful, but won't be disappointed with any outcome so far it isn't a cricket score. ..

At the Emirates, we are good and teams will fear us, Even klopp confessed 1 point at the Emirates is a good result for him anytime.
Though I'm more confident with this squad than that of Litchterner,kolasinac,mustafi,koscienly we paraded last time

.... Lol, I don't think it will be a cricket score but while we have not clicked yet, Emery now has a better squad and a very important player in Ceballos who is good in bringing the kind of moves Emery was known for at Sevilla. Forcing teams to come at them and then creating counter attacking moves through vertical play. I saw a glimpse of that on Saturday and I was impressed. Ceballos is key to anything we can get from that game.

..... We made lots of mistakes from that game last season and thank God some of the culprits won't be playing next weekend. Liverpool will be wary of our attack too so I expect them to be cautious. We are getting better at beating the press which is encouraging but the real test will be this week.

... The only thing I fear is our failure to head out balls in our last game. Guendouzi shys away from that, so did Sokratis. Monreal and at times Luiz were the ones heading the balls out. It was annoying and that is where Xhaka comes in and Chambers too. It's a dicey situation regarding people that will start that game. Robertson and Arnold are amazing with pin point crosses but if we fail to head out as we did against Burnley, we will be in trouble as Van Dirk, Matip and Firmniho are dangerous in the air.

... Arsenal's record againstLiverpool since the reign of Klopp: 0W-3D-4L and 23 goals conceded.

.... We have also scored only 12 goals against them during his reign, two of which came in last season.

... Last time we defeated them was in April 2015, Last time we won at Anfield was in 2012.

... Last 4 times we faced them at Anfield : Conceded 15, Scored 5

.. Scorelines:
5-1
4-0
3-1
3-3 ...

... These are the facts and the reason why some of the fans including myself don't see us coming back with anything there especially if we fail to be disciplined in whatever approach the coach decides to use.

Spy360:
With skillful players like Pepe, it doesn't matter who the defender is, he can get beaten. That is why I am a bit confident going against Liverpool.

If the push high we have the resources to catch them on the counter. With speedsters like Pepe and Auba, and Ceballos to beat the press, Liverpool won't find it funny at all.

Pepe one on one with Alex Arnold or Gomez or Robertson, he will pass at least once in two occasions.

.... I don't think People realize the loss of Bellerin and Holding was massive to our horrible defeat at Anfield recently. Their loss was primarily the reason why the defense couldn't handle the pressure and press of Liverpool. Mustafi and Torreira contributed to 2-3 of their goals. Having Luis and Ceballos to beat the press will help a great deal. While we now have a scary attack, Niles is still a big problem.

.... Moreover, we can't go through with one plan and tactics in mind. We might either start with a flat four and try to seize control of the Midfield with excellent off the ball movement which we haven't perfected yet because Emery doesn't use the lines in Midfield, he prefers using the wings. So we will most likely use a 3 at the back at a point in the game. The exact one Emery starts with is what I can't tell. But absolutely, we can't go in with one strategy against them, just absorbing pressure and countering. That will be a grave mistake. If Emery tinkered with formation against a Burnley side, then I expect more tinkering against a team that come out in full throttle and play their best against the top six at home.

...... I don watch that Pepe Nutmeg tire, chai.... the guy wicked oh ..... pesin papa. I guess the notion that he can't dribble in tight places have been disproved. I was wrong about that. He attempted six take ones in 45 minutes and completed 4, we now have Iwobi's replacement and we know Ceballos attempted the same numbers with Pepe and completed same, although it was for around 70+ minutes instead of 45. Such skills are going to be massive for us against teams that frustrated us last season.

.... I also watched Ceballos's highlights and I saw purpose and meaning in everything he did. If he continues like this, it won't be only us who will bid for him, Guardiola might even chook head although I think we have first refusal on him, not sure though.

... The competition is huge in the squad, at the moment only the defense, Leno and Auba is assured of a place in the first eleven and as the season goes on, those assured places might just be only Leno and Auba and Pepe. By the time the whole squad gets back, Willock and Nelson won't even see the bench, it is perhaps why the former is killing himself on the field because he knows this, I don't think Nelson knows this. It's a massive squad now. Great times ahead.

Miremoses1:
£99m plus pepe and we still won't sell him.

..... Say wetin happen when Zidane still prefers Pogba ..... As long as Zidane remains the coach there, getting Ceballos is highly possible.

FergieRaww:
Buy what kid?!

just try and make top 4 and give us our Modric replacement back

whether he starts from the bench for us next season or not, is our business

..... Anything is possible Baba. That kid could be ours next summer.

...... Josh Kroenke was at the Emirates yesterday to watch the match. I am glad he was there live to witness Ceballos's magic, probably figuring a way to buy the kid now.

Spy360:
We could use it to finish games, especially when leading. Its a counter attacking formation.

.... True! While I am not excited about that particular game, I am excited about our prospects this season.

Fkhalifa:
3 at the back will get us raped, Sallah will have lots of space down the left, kola won't track back, Auba can't defend..Arnold and Sallah will have a field day on that wing.

..... Niles and Monreal cannot defend against Salah and co either as Auba and co won't help them in defending. Xhaka and Torreira, both who are not currently fit cannot control that midfield. So I don't really know how Emery will approach that game. It's a dicey situation.

MrDojo:
I don't think most people will agree with me, but I believe it's down to individual ability if you want to beat a pressing team. Take Ceb for example, he was able to wiggle out of tight spots down to his own ability. Sometimes, he took two men out of the equation even when pressed. Meanwhile, Guen and Wilock had a more difficult time. Forget Xhaka, everyone here knows my opinion about him (when pressed), Lucas, on the other hand, had a terrible day the last time we visited Anfield. He, too, can sometimes wiggle out of the press, but the only problem will be his fitness.

To be honest, using any formation that has 3 at the back is an open invitation for pressure, and I think that is something bwe should avoid going to Anfield.

Play 4 at the back with hardworking Midfielders, surrender possession and look for the counter. Although Liverpool are press Masters, they're human, too. Survive the onslaught of the first 30mins, grow into the game, then anything can happen. However, we must be extremely disciplined (that will be the real challenge for us).

..... Playing for the counter is inviting pressure too and Pepe who will be instrumental for that to work isn't match fit yet. You are right, Torreira is decent in beating the press same with the youngsters but it takes superior skills to beat the press as shown by Ceballos.

.... I remember how compact we were against a high pressing Chelsea side where we won 2 - 0 last season. If we can be that disciplined, it could help us. I will be looking forward to how Emery will set the team. For hardworking midfielders, we have able men there. We need to win the midfield that's why I am advocating for 3 at the back.

MrDojo:
This is what I said a few days ago. If a good winger (pacey) faces AMN, they usually get the best of him, same with Monreal. I can't imagine Niles doing anything to stop Mane, I just can't see it. Monreal, too, can't match Salah for pace. The baba of them all Xhaka, if he plays, Gini and Henderson will press shege out of him, hence baba will make mistakes up and down.

Well, unlike Liverpool, we are chasing Top 4 while they're chasing the Title. Once all our players return, and the team gel, we would give them a game at the Emirates.

For now though, it would take a very disciplined performance and a little bit of luck for us to walkaway with something from there. It's been over 3+ years we beat Liverpool.

..... That's why a back three will suit us better. Luiz excels in a back three. Using Auba as winger is a waste of his abilities and he doesn't track back enough. He left Niles to be ruined time and time again today. The guy no even pity the kid. A back four and Xhaka against Liverpool is begging for serious beating. Hopefully Emery has learnt from the last meeting

Spy360:
Emery is trying to find use for Kola, hence his tactical flexibility. The guy doesn't want to learn fast. Hope a back 3 with Kola at wing back saves us some day.

..... Using Kola was tactical..... Burnley was bombing balls from the wings because they couldn't get through our midfield. Switching to a. back three reduced those scary balls swinging in from there. It might be useful against Liverpool's pacy attack

MrDojo:
If Burnley can do that to us, what do you think Liverpool will do? Especially at Anfield. If we can't comfortably beat Burnley's press, then a tough time awaits us against City and Liverpool. Those two are the Masters of pressing.

.... The midfield used today have never played with themselves before. And still they were decent. Xhaka and Torreira started the last time and both couldn't beat the press. Today's display was encouraging in midfield but like I already said we are not ready yet. That chemistry is still lacking. Xhaka is still currently injured and Torreira is still being eased in so I have no Idea as to what Emery is planning for our midfield against Liverpool but I see him using a 3 - 4 - 3 or 3 - 4 - 1 - 2 formation against them. A back four will be asking for trouble. I don't see another way.

.... Whatever happens, I won't be mad. Those first six points was the Koko for me.

Spy360:
Yes o. Hope we make him permanent. He has already won the hearts of fans. Ozil is hello blues

....Lol... See standing ovation. People sef follow clap for viewing centre. The hunger, passion, technical abilities and work rate was astounding.

Spy360:
You observed well. Guendouzi played at DM today. Whereas he is a runner-box player. Against a better side, we would ship enough goals as he didn't protect the defence well. But he still tried, DM does not fit him.

A combo of Xhaka, Torriera and Ceballos will be mouth watering. I pity for Ozil, because based on what I saw today of Ceballos, Ozil's bench would be made in Germany...

.... Your head is there Baba. Guendouzi changed his game as soon as we went into a back three, he was connecting the midfield well once Torreira took his former position and Willock went forward. Still, it's nice to know we can depend on the youngsters in Midfield to do the job.

.... ....No more excuses of not having world class players again for Ozil and Emery will have an excuse when the backlash comes from benching Ozil. Nevertheless, I hope his head is alright because of the recent happenings as Kolasinac's played his usual game today.

kokaneprodigy:
if we found it difficult to handle Burnley’s press, u should understand my fears with Liverpool.

I can only hope Emery sets us up well against them.

.... I am sure Emery has a plan for them. Let's see how it goes.

BlueRayDick:
Guendouzi has really improved in his defensive game from the last two games, I just think.he needs to work more on the decision making side of his game. He just makes it too obvious if he wants to pass he dwells too much on that thought. It usually kill the morale of other players.

Then Mitland-Niles the way he loses concentration at times when it matters most amazes me. He needs to be more focused. I font even know what to recommend for him. Maybe ogún isoye

.... Person nearly smash im phone today for Game centre after Niles pass ball to throwing. Ticket dey cut, Baba dey form sleeky player for field.. ... He was roasted today by McNeil but he had little cover from Auba. Mane must be curtailed and I hope Niles will behave himself that day.

kokaneprodigy:
Before u read note that I ain’t picking on anyone.

I want to ask. With the slow pace of our game particularly the midfield don’t u think Liverpool will outrun us?

Also I’m not particularly impressed with the vision of some of our midfielders, most often than not the opponent easily predict their passes. Also they hardly pick out players running into open space.

Just my observation. Cos yes we won but it’s a game we could have lost too or shared points with Burnley. I’m glad we got away with our shortcomings but we have to note we can’t get lucky week in week out.

.... Bro, you can call out the player's name, no one will crucify you if you are fair.
Yes, that was one of the shortcomings in today's match. Burnley's press was intense so it wasn't easy to beat their press but we did it most of the times. We can't outrun Liverpool, the goal is to keep the ball and spread play. Willock lost a lot of balls today, same with Nelson and Niles and we could have been punished by a better team.
Guendouzi intercepted a lot of balls today which was his primary today anyway but I think he should use his physique more. He has the body and a better tackler could have stopped Barnes's goal. Still, the three midfielders have never played together at the same time and I think they fared well against a decent opposition and an intense press. It's work in progress.

.... Also, the Midfield shielded the defense well which forced Burnley to use the wings more. Hence, Emery changed to a back three to stem their play from there. Decent and encouraging display. Let's see how Emery sets us up for Liverpool.

Fkhalifa:
Baba abeg sharply edit or delete this, don't let Zidane see it, He wants to come to this thread after their match .They may want to take him back in Jan or place £70M on him.

This is the atmosphere we used to have at the Emirates, crowd happy, cheering new players and youngsters on, Hopefully, the end of slow dry boring football is gone, Entertaining games like this will turn Emirates to Anfield gradually..

Luiz looked like captain, baba didn't smile all day,he meant business..

I was also happy for Guen,Nelson and Willock, had we lost the game,we fans would have heaped curses and blames on them and Emery.. The wins are good for their development..

Pepe reminds me of ousmane Dembele, if he isn't scoring/assisting for barca, he will be entertaining you with dribbles, skills and nutmegs.

For sure, Bellerin,Tierney,Ozil and rest will have to work harder to outshine players deputizing them and that's a good selection headache for Emery.

.... As in ... the way he wasted Baba Need was ridiculous... ..... He opens up space well, when he is fully fit, Pepe will kill people oh.

... People castigating the Midfield don't realize we were fvcking pressed like mad but still the youngsters there found a way to beat the press a lot of times today, one of those times culminating in that move that Guendouzi should have scored. The speed could have been faster, true but the dynamisms and quick transition was a joy to watch some times. The turnings by the youngsters in Midfield was good in beating the press. Xhaka would have faltered under such intense press today. Looking forward this season Guendouzi, Torreira and Ceballos will be a dynamic midfield.

.... Competition is good and I love the fact that the players are hungry. Pepe looked pissed when players kept ignoring his runs and you could see the passion in Ceballos after he gave that assist. Ceballos shone in a midfield of inexperienced youngsters. Other players would have complained of playing with useless players hence why they didn't play well. If you are good, you are good. If and If Perez decides to sell Ceballos, it will depend heavily on the player's choice. If he wants to be in Arsenal and we can afford his price then there's nothing Perez can do but Ceballos wants to go back. I hope he changes his mind.

..... I feel people are not talking about Monreal but the man is turning up. Tierney will have to do something special to displace him but the hunger is back and competition is here, finally. Ozil will have a hard time displacing Ceballos.

.... Damn, that's how to playmate for God sake. We are not there yet but the signs are good. Pepe should be eased in. Nelson is not doing enough, he should take a cue from Guen and Joe, they demand for the ball. He should do something and stop waiting for things to happen. See how Laca hustled for that goal and Ceballos for that second assist. If you don't see the ball, demand for it and go get it. His time is ticking, Raul no send anybody oh.

..... For the first time in ten years, Arsenal have won the first two games back to back.

..... Dani Ceballos' game by numbers vs. Burnley: 100% take-ons completed 97 touches 90% pass accuracy 70 passes 19 duels 7 recoveries 5 crosses 4 take-ons completed 4 chances created 3 fouls won 3 shots 2 tackles made 2 assists

..... Holy shittt !!!!

Dreamswayne:
Torreira, Willock and Ceballos to start in that middle or I riot...

..... Who will hold the ball and recycle possession? One of Xhaka and Guendouzi has to start.

..... @Spy360..... It's like you finally got your Hybrid 8 and 10 with better technical abilities in Ceballos

Spy360:
Willock has a similar play pattern as Guendouzi. The run tirelessly while attacking their man.

Both are full of youthfulness and lack experience. They need to slow down a bit and control the game. But I believe with time the will come good.

... Guendouzi likes to hold the ball and recycle possession.. He didn't do much today but defended more but Willock prefers to run with the ball rather. There's no technique yet in his play and he needs to learn that. You don't run all the time, simple passes can save a lot of energy but he is learning. You could see the difference in play when Torreira came to do his work, holding the ball and doing simple passes while Willock went up there.

.... The midfield was moving and it was dynamic. Xhaka holds the ball and distributes better but that mobility that was characteristic of the three midfielders today. The quick turning with the ball is what we lack when Xhaka starts but he is a better passer of the ball.

Roland17:
truth be told, Leno looked shaky today especially with how he dealt with aerial balls. Luiz looked good especially if you consider this is his first game for us.

....I think it's because of his height... HE is not very tall....

..... Very improved performance in the second half and deadly finishing from both strikers. Good subs and good team play from Pepe. I love that.

.... Man of the match to Ceballos..... Fantastic hybrid of a 8 and 10 and showing the true playmaking abilities we have lacked for a while. Passing from the back was better today which is why Luiz must start.

.... Willock and Guendouzi did enough to give Ceballos space to do his thing and they can only get better.

... Two assists for his first start for Ceballos.... How Zidane doesn't rate this kid is mind boggling... Thank God Emery can see what he has.

.... Good win....unto Liverpool next...COYG!

.... Two mad defenders taking yellows

.... Poor from Auba

.... See Baba bodyguard

...... Man of the match Display from Ceballos.....Twale! Twale !! Twale !!!!.

.... I love hungry players