I doubt there was any Arsenal supporter who did not see this coming. The Magpies are in great form, our away form is awful (we set a Premier League record for us for consecutive away losses, and we're the only EPL team not to get any points away in 2018). The lineup was puzzling to say the least. I get why Ozil, Bellerin, Ramsey, et al were left in London. But if we were going to play like this with a high back line, why the glacial Chambers at right back instead of Maitland-Niles? A back three would have been better, with AMN at right fullback and no Willock. Joe Willock is a nice prospect, but playing him as a #10 today was just stupid. And of all the players not to rest today, why Mustafi? I think he was partially at fault for both Toon goals, and did little to justify his presence on the field. I'm not saying Holding looked good either, but Shkodran is dreadful. The worst part is when he points at everyone else after a goal, when he's usually the guy most at fault. Steve Bould must get no respect from our defenders if he can't break Mustafi of this terrible habit.
Our front line did fine, for the most part. The midfield was just OK. Our defending was bad. The tactics were abysmal. This is another exhibit for the prosecution in the Trial of Arsene Wenger. I don't know if seventh is "good enough" to get a Europa League slot this season, but that's where we're going to end up if Burnley keeps playing well. I'm dreading seeing Antoine Griezman dribbling at Mustafi.
An afternoon to forget, for sure. I'm starting now.
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