I figured we'd need two goals today, but we didn't even get close to scoring. In truth, our opponents might have had three goals but for some last ditch defending. Our offensive sequences produced some quarter-chances at most. Mkhitaryan's blast over the bar (Oblak had it covered) may have been our highlight.
First, what a tragic sight to see Kos writhing on the ground with what looks like a career-ending achilles injury. Accordionists around the world are in mourning. Chambers was very good, I thought, so it may not have made a difference in the game. Our problem was an inability to break Atletico down. Once again, Oblak didn't have to do anything special; his defenders did just enough to snuff out our promising incursions into the 18 yard box.
My comments on the players:
Ospina looked shaky at times but he did what was expected of him. He's not at fault for the goal.
Bellerin was at fault for the goal, and it was an awful defensive lapse. Otherwise, I thought he was fine.
Poor Kos. Chambers was very good.
Mustafi did not convince me, but he was good enough.
Monreal should have done better with his crosses. But he gets a good grade from me overall.
Xhaka was fine. Jack had a good game. Aaron was very good.
Ozil was the big disappointment. He needed to come up big and he was pretty poor.
Welbeck was good. Lacazette played his heart out and I thought he was excellent.
Mikhi didn't look 100%. We can only wonder what could have happened had he been fit enough for 90 minutes.
This game confirmed what we all knew: Atletico is the better team. We gave it our best, and I was proud of the guys as they progressed through the Europa League, but we weren't good enough.
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