I have said it before, but I think this game proves that the Partey at right back idea is a poor one. And Kiwior starting? Nketiah on the bench? Arteta cost Arsenal two points. He's so damned stubborn. He insists on starting Havertz, who has done nothing. This is the third game he's started Partey at right back and Gabriel on the bench. We could have lined up in a more secure fashion and worn down Fulham, but no, we showed them no respect and dropped two points.
The players contributed to this disaster, of course. Saka's horrible giveaway, combined with Ramsdale's poor positioning and Partey's vacating his position, led to the first goal; and Zinky's giveaway when we were a goal and a man up led to the corner that wasn't cleared and cost the win. Credit to Fulham. They earned it. But the first three games show that Arteta's not getting the most out of this squad, and if he does not wise up soon, he'll lose the players' and fans' faith.
Notts County won, anyway.
Arsenal's stumble was a surprise, but Fulham played well and Arsenal still is in good shape at this point. Any team can expect a sub-par performance now and then.
ReplyDeleteIt's been three poor performances. Man U will be a test. The manager will have to step up and properly prepare and select the team.
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