I watched this game at a pub in Montreal (not the Burgundy Lion; pub name withheld because of the awful food). I was encouraged by the overall energy and performance of the Gunners. Both teams played hard and well and it could have gone either way; the result was fair, I thought. Random observations:
Luiz seemed to be the Brazilian Mustafi in Liverpool, but tightened up some in this game. He and Sokratis both took themselves out of the defense on the first goal, though. Terrible.
I don't see why Emery thinks so highly of Xhaka. The announcers said that since he joined the EPL, no one has more red cards than he does. Mistakes like the penalty are horrendous if done once, but when it's repeated often enough, there's a problem.
Our strikers are fantastic, aren't they?
Guendouzi is a star in the making. Dare I say it: his game reminds me of Aaron Ramsey's. Awesome engine, great control, quick passing. He's playing a bit further back, but he has all the tools. I love this guy.
I don't really blame Leno for the first goal. The keeper has to stop the shot, and he did. No way should an attacker be the first to a loose ball in our six yard box. I was happy with Szczesny, but I think Leno is a very good keeper and will be our #1 for many years.
The main worry I have is that every team we play, win or lose, has been better organized defensively than we have. This is about more than the skill and intelligence of the players. Emery's system has either not been fully absorbed by the squad or it's flawed. We're letting in too many crosses and shots; it's too easy to penetrate our defense.
The fightback was admirable. I didn't see any heads down, and the belief (as AW would say) was there.
Well, another two weeks should bring Hector and Kieran and Rob close to being able to feature. If they can all start by mid-October, we'll be a stronger team.
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