What a limp performance today. Palace was really crap, and should have been blown away. All the possession we had in the first half produced very few real chances, then a superb looping header from Alexis resulted in the goal that really should have just been a launching point for a plastering of a very passive Palace. We actually looked better in the second half, but again, could not make that final ball count. Hennessey didn't have to do anything out of the ordinary, either. Their goal was very well struck, but who was closing down their most dangerous man as he cruised across with the ball on his right foot?
We've seen this so many times before, just this season. I love this team, but boy are they soft. The dishonor roll today has to be topped by Ozil and Bellerin, both of whom had really poor games. Elneny looked underwhelming too. I can't fault Gabriel this time, but why is Per not getting any games? Wenger ought to be able to prepare them for games like this (and the last one, etc. etc.) in which they are in control and have to see things out. He has to make some tactical changes. I liked bringing Giroud in; he's great on defensive headers and can hold the ball up. But Ramsey was not an inspired choice, to say the least. Taking out a defensive mid for (in essence) an attacking one was precisely the wrong way to go. Throwing Walcott in to try to win the game was an obvious move but he does not look particularly strong these days.
I have a lot more opinions on what went wrong, but I just want to forget about this game and this season. We absolutely need a win at the Etihad now, as well as to win the other games, but who thinks we're going to do it? Not me. United may well pass us too, and if they don't, Liverpool may win the Europa League to snatch the fourth place "trophy" away.
If ever a squad needed a tough manager, it's this one. Ozil was jogging around when we didn't have the ball (and sometimes when we did) There have been stories that he's "worked on his body language" to convince the fans he's giving 100%! What bullshit. He's obviously not doing his full job, and needs to be taken to task for it. He's better than that, or he should be. It's no fluke that he's not getting more assists. He's just not that dangerous anymore. Ramsey had fresh legs; with a one-goal lead, he should have sprinted back and clogged the middle to prevent the tying goal. I didn't look for him, but I bet he was still upfield. (Apologies if he at least tried and failed.)
If there's no Champions' League, it gives plenty of reason to can Wenger, and the coaches he's surrounded himself with as well. Steve Bould may be a legend, but he has not stiffened the defense. Clean house a bit, as Tottenham did, and cut Walcott and Wilshere loose. Another solid CB is a good idea. (Chambers has to start producing or he's surplus to requirements as well.) What the offense needs is concentration. Crosses in particular seem to be a lost art for us.
Ah...it's a really nice day...outside.
Fuck.
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