When players with the technical capabilities and inventiveness of Ozil and Sanchez are on the team, eventually one has to question what it is that prevents Arsenal from creating more good chances, and putting away the ones we do get. It almost has to be a problem with preparation and organization, and that's on Wenger. Man City was simply better than we were. We outplayed Spurs and looked very good in the Man United loss. But the Gunners have in past years been efficient at picking up the maximum points from struggling clubs by wearing them down and scoring when necessary. No more. Newcastle has now gone nine games straight and gotten one point out of them. At the Emirates, this is a team we should have beaten comfortably, at least 2-0, despite their solid defensive organization. Instead, it was an agonizing nail-biter. I'll just hand out some random comments:
Iwobi is going to be a major talent. With a little more awareness of what's going on around him and a better finishing touch, he's going to be very good for us for quite a while. He played his part.
Maitland-Niles did remarkably well at left back. A lot has been said of Wenger putting six left-footers out there but playing a right-footed midfielder at left back, and that's a valid criticism. But he was quite good.
Xhaka is infuriating. He can hit some sublime long range passes when he gets the time and space. He has the size to help out in the box on crosses, and gets a head to a lot of them. But he gives the ball away cheaply and he commits stupid fouls. He also can be gotten around far too easily. Maybe there are some match stats proving me wrong, but I thought he was poor on the day. At least Elneny doesn't cough up the ball.
Jack's not really a big asset yet, but I think if he stays healthy he will integrate with the rest of the team and be more effective. He does lots of good things and works hard, but does fall asleep on defense sometimes and still dribbles a little too long.
We're running Kos into the ground. I love the guy, but he's worn out. What's wrong with Holding? Chambers? They need games, Kos needs a rest, and Monreal (who was fantastic again) should be left back in games like this. Sheesh.
The team misses All-Action AAron.
Lacazette looks off. You can see he's not confident. He seldom goes 90 minutes. This worries me.
Welbeck has become pretty much useless. He seems a nice fellow, but I have yet to see him look as though he belongs out there this season.
Pending the Liverpool result, we're sitting fourth in the table. But if you watch the games, it's hard to imagine Arsenal finishing above Tottenham or Liverpool, let alone Chelsea. City will win the league, and United looks nailed-on for second. Burnley will fall away. It's likely we'll be playing Thursday nights next year too, barring some collapses at our rivals, an improbable title run in this year's Europa League, or a dramatic improvement in form for Arsenal. I can live with that, but I know we can beat teams like West Ham and Stoke, and we better start doing it.
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Szczesny looked his confident, commanding self as Juve swept Bologna aside today. He made the right move, and so did Juve. He made some damning comments about the coaching he got at Arsenal. Unless we improve in that area, the young talents coming up like Macey and Martinez aren't going to reach potential with us.
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