I've been on vacation and missed the first two games, which means they don't count, right?
After our unfortunate failure to snatch a point or three at the Bridge, I'm going to take the three points earned today as our due. It could have been very different had the Hammers taken their chances. On the other hand, Fabianski (I always liked him and wish he were still with us) saved a goal or two with some stellar reflex saves. We were on top most of the game.
Both defenses looked pretty bad, I thought. I was screaming at the TV as West Ham players simply dribbled 40 yards upfield without a challenge. To be fair, Emery's system has Bellerin (and sometimes Monreal) way out of position when we lose the ball, Mkhi wasn't covering well, Xhaka is next to useless in these situations, and I certainly don't want Mustafi or Sokratis diving in as the last defender. The Hammers could have had five or six, if they finished a whole lot better than they seem capable of. West Ham's defenders just looked befuddled, as the ten men they kept behind the ball seemed unable to prevent several great opportunities that might have put this game out of sight with a half hour to spare. Lukas bailed them out (and Cech had a very good game too).
Jack's return to the Emirates did not result in anything that looked like a statement, unless it was "Yeah, this really is what I've become." Lucas Perez had his chance to put a dagger in our hearts but his attempted cross was way too far in front of the shadow-of-his-former-self Chicharito.
I was a bit surprised it was Guendouzi making way for Torreira, but the tactical move proved to be the right one. Laca also was a shot in the arm--I love the way he plays defense from the front. Ramsey, Mkhi, and Iwobi were disappointing, but not awful. Auba was closest to that for us, but we saw flashes and I think he'll come good soon.
Why did we loan out Chambers? Is Emery expecting Kos to come back and be the CB he was years ago? Unless Torreira is another Kante, we're always going to ship a cheap goal with Mustakratis. I expect to see Mavrapanos sooner rather than later unless those two start clicking.
Who does not love Nacho? Rhetorical question; everyone loves Nacho. Welbeck is another guy who has once again proven useful in a clutch situation. Kudos to Emery for putting him in for PEA.
I don't know anything about the Ozil situation. I expect it'll get sorted out easily enough. Aaron needs to decide what he wants to do. I wish he'd have done that a month ago.
At least we aren't bottom of the table!
