100% backing…but only until January?

The Sun in London reported today that even though Unai Emery has “100% backing” from the club, the support is not without an expiration date. The report goes onto say Emery’s Premier League results between now and end of the calendar year will decide whether or not the Spaniard stays or goes.

Regardless that no official source was quoted in the article, one would have to believe this is only common sense. If the club doesn’t want to make a change now, there has to be a point in time where a change would be necessary to save the rest of the season, and any hope of European football in 2020-2021.

But why wait so long, you ask. Between Arsenal’s next game on November 23rd and their last game of 2019 on December 29th the club has 8 Premier League fixtures, including Manchester City and Chelsea. 8 games = 24 points. If we stay on our current pace of 1.42 points per game in the league, we would have just 28 total points going into 2020. With that result the club would be somewhere mid-table or lower.

Here are the 8 Premier League games left in 2019:
Nov 23 – Southampton (H)
Dec 1 – Norwich City (A)
Dec 5 – Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Dec 9 – West Ham United (A)
Dec 15 – Manchester City (A)
Dec 21 – Everton (A)
Dec 26 – Bournemouth (A)
Dec 29 – Chelsea (H)

3 matches at home, 5 away. The Gunners road record so far this season…1 win, 2 draws, and 3 defeats, 5 out of 18 points.

Any predictions? First, a lot depends on our international team players returning to London healthy. Second, will Aubameyang return with a chip on his shoulder following the AFTV and Troopz issues? Third, will the team find enough confidence to win a few of their next games? Fourth, and most importantly, will the squad rally around Emery?

I really hope for the best, but expect the worst. There are definitely points to be won in the next 8 games, but does Emery have what it takes to turn this around?

Here are my recommendations following the international break…
1) Play Ozil as the #10 with Lacazette, Aubameyang and Pepe up front.
2) Play Torreira and Guendouzi together as defensive midfielders.
3) Play Rob Holding at center back. Rotate Sokratis and Luiz at the other CB spot.
4) Play with a back 3 and a back 4 defensive alignment. Mix it up. Show the opposition different defensive set-ups during the game.
5) Continue to swap Bellerin, Chambers, Tierney and Kolasinac at fullback or wingback. These guys have a lot of ground to cover so keep their legs fresh through rotation.
6) Work on set pieces at both ends…a lot!
7) Work on finishing in front of the net. Arsenal misses too many easy shots.
8) Don’t play out from the back so much. With our speed at the top of the offense, the long ball could be beneficial.
9) And players, stay off social media…you need support, not more drama!

So there you have it, my Wednesday morning rant.

Enjoy the international matches, and let’s hope our lads come back fit and ready to go.

If you have a comment just click on the date at the top of the post, or send me an email at yankeegooner1953@yahoo.com.

Cheers. Gunner1953