I have to admit, I was hoping for a better all-round performance from Arsenal after the International Break. But it was not to be. A win was needed last night and they couldn't achieve it.
Arsenal, without a doubt, have a squad full of class and potential. The problem seems to be their hesitancy in the final third however. I had hope for a different approach in the final third but it wasn't to be. They stuck to the same play of keeping possession in the final third, waiting and waiting. They seem to want to craft out the perfect opportunity to strike but one has to realise that there isn't any perfect time. I believe if the play in the final third can be evolved into a quicker, more direct play, we can score more goals. Had it not been for the persistence of Alexis Sanchez, we would have lost 3 vital points and confidence would have crumbled.
I couldn't believe when we went one-down just seconds into the second half. It is gradually becoming a habit-that of falling behind opponents and then having to put in so much more effort to come from behind just to draw the game. For a team that possess so much quality, it is a concern. Sorry to say-but we are in a crisis situation right now. Some of you may argue- but hear my point first. First, the defence is in a mess right now (when it could have been better prepared during the transfer window-okay let's not get into that, I'm very sure Arsene realises it and I'm confident he will add another defender at the very least come January). But for now, he has no Debuchy and Koscielny. The defence is extremely vulnerable and they have to keep playing games week in week out and it is really taxing considering we are in the Champions League, which means we play more games than most sides in the BPL monthly, it may seem little but the defence isn't rotated enough to rest players.
Second worry is that of the front four. It is here where I highly think they need to be more direct. Stop wasting possession and just go direct attack through the flanks with our speedy Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez and Walcott (when he returns), coupled with the overlapping full-backs Gibbs, Debuchy and Bellerin. Instead, they keep playing passes horizontally across the 18 yard box then to the flanks then back to the centre outside the 18 yard box. And the slow approach means opposing sides just sit back in numbers and hit us on the break. The front four needs to make more runs at the sides and into the box.
If there were any positives in the game, it is that of the spirit of this Arsenal side. They are persistent even behind in games. The number of goals we have scored after the 90 minute is increasing. They do not give up- which is a fantastic trait. And they have generally good stamina.
Bellerin looks to be a promising full back. I watched his game against Benfica during the Emirates Cup and I must say his technical ability and dribbling are great for his age-just 19. He carries the ball up very well and has great ball control and is very pacy. One report I read reported he clocked 0.01 second quicker than Walcott in a 40 metre sprint at Arsenal during a "fun" competition between the lads.
Sanchez and Oxlade Chamberlain should be playing in a more advanced position so that Welbeck can release them into dangerous positions for them to cross into the box or play intricate passes closer to the goal.
Right now, I think we could try playing Bellerin at RB with Chambers moved into Flamini's position. This could be a good rotation. And I'm hoping with Walcott he will spur Arsenal into a more decisive and faster direct attacking approach.
Till next time, COYG!
Arsenal, without a doubt, have a squad full of class and potential. The problem seems to be their hesitancy in the final third however. I had hope for a different approach in the final third but it wasn't to be. They stuck to the same play of keeping possession in the final third, waiting and waiting. They seem to want to craft out the perfect opportunity to strike but one has to realise that there isn't any perfect time. I believe if the play in the final third can be evolved into a quicker, more direct play, we can score more goals. Had it not been for the persistence of Alexis Sanchez, we would have lost 3 vital points and confidence would have crumbled.
I couldn't believe when we went one-down just seconds into the second half. It is gradually becoming a habit-that of falling behind opponents and then having to put in so much more effort to come from behind just to draw the game. For a team that possess so much quality, it is a concern. Sorry to say-but we are in a crisis situation right now. Some of you may argue- but hear my point first. First, the defence is in a mess right now (when it could have been better prepared during the transfer window-okay let's not get into that, I'm very sure Arsene realises it and I'm confident he will add another defender at the very least come January). But for now, he has no Debuchy and Koscielny. The defence is extremely vulnerable and they have to keep playing games week in week out and it is really taxing considering we are in the Champions League, which means we play more games than most sides in the BPL monthly, it may seem little but the defence isn't rotated enough to rest players.
Second worry is that of the front four. It is here where I highly think they need to be more direct. Stop wasting possession and just go direct attack through the flanks with our speedy Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez and Walcott (when he returns), coupled with the overlapping full-backs Gibbs, Debuchy and Bellerin. Instead, they keep playing passes horizontally across the 18 yard box then to the flanks then back to the centre outside the 18 yard box. And the slow approach means opposing sides just sit back in numbers and hit us on the break. The front four needs to make more runs at the sides and into the box.
If there were any positives in the game, it is that of the spirit of this Arsenal side. They are persistent even behind in games. The number of goals we have scored after the 90 minute is increasing. They do not give up- which is a fantastic trait. And they have generally good stamina.
Bellerin looks to be a promising full back. I watched his game against Benfica during the Emirates Cup and I must say his technical ability and dribbling are great for his age-just 19. He carries the ball up very well and has great ball control and is very pacy. One report I read reported he clocked 0.01 second quicker than Walcott in a 40 metre sprint at Arsenal during a "fun" competition between the lads.
Sanchez and Oxlade Chamberlain should be playing in a more advanced position so that Welbeck can release them into dangerous positions for them to cross into the box or play intricate passes closer to the goal.
Right now, I think we could try playing Bellerin at RB with Chambers moved into Flamini's position. This could be a good rotation. And I'm hoping with Walcott he will spur Arsenal into a more decisive and faster direct attacking approach.
Till next time, COYG!