I have to credit Burnley for a well organized and energetic defense. But few teams have been unable to break down Burnley's resistance on the road this year. Add us to that short list. Lacazette spurned our best chance, but Pope made only one save of note that I remember. The good teams find a way to win these games.
The annoying thing is that all the Arsenal players looked sharp to me. I didn't see a weak link, but the chain was not up to the task. There were important absences, but that's not excuse--the team out there was strong and should have done the job. Arteta needs to find some tactical nous soon, or we'll be mid-table again.
Arsenal never seemed able to get it together, even though they seemed to control most of the action. Only once did Burnley mount a dangerous counter-attack. Meanwhile Liverpool continued their long run of success against Crystal Palace in an un-televised game. Albeit Crystal Palace did cut it to 2-1 and had chances of saving a draw up until the late stoppage time goal ended it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes teams play poorly and win; sometimes they play poorly and win. Sometimes they play well, and lose, but on the whole you would rather play well and lose than play poorly and win or lose.
ReplyDeleteI'll take the points. I'd rather we played poorly this game and won on an own goal. Dropping points to the bottom side on your own pitch is not good. We may still sneak into 6th place, but not playing like this.
DeleteA book for consideration: The Club, by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg. Some of the history of the Premier League.
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