Frank Lampard's Coventry did what they could, but integrating their new players probably cost them some fluidity. They seldom threatened and the Gunners brushed them aside. Our new man Tzolis was immense on the left wing. He had lots of space--Calafiori's buccaneering approach helped with this--and was key on our first two goals, scored by Havertz and Saka. Odegaard scuffed in the third, wrongfooting the keeper by hitting his shot off his standing foot.
Few of our games will be this easy, but it was a great way to kick off the season. The drama was in team selection. Martinelli and Jesus were not in the squad. Neither were Guimaraes, who took a knock in the Community Shield, and Konsa, who was introduced to the cheering throng as our newest player. Gyokeres, Dowman, and Nwaneri were unused subs.
It seems to me that Madueke's function is simply to give Saka a break. The stats say he created chances, but I saw just one. Most of his possessions ended in our losing the ball. Why not give Nwaneri a chance there? A good showing might help him get a better loan move.
It's Villa in ten days. Maybe Konsa will start against his former club.
No comments:
Post a Comment