It was a case of watching the same movie over and over. In the States we call it “Groundhog Day.” Arsenal takes the lead, Arsenal loses the lead, Arsenal ends with a disappointing draw. That’s 13 draws in all competitions this season, including 11 draws in 23 Premier League games. That’s a lot of points to surrender, and a big reason why the Gunners remain in 10th place in the PL table.
Here are my takeaways from the game…
1) The young lads played well. Martinelli scored, and Saka really earned his stripes today.
2) We missed Aubaymeyang’s presence.
3) Pepe also played well, and developed several scoring opportunities for his teammates, however, he also lost possession of the ball during several big possessions.
4) Why didn’t Holding get a run out today?
5) Arteta’s tactical plan worked pretty well defensively, however, once again the offense sputtered. One goal will not win many Premier League games.
6) Overall, the team played with purpose and hustle, although they seemed to tire again at the end of the game.
7) Finally, I think Lacazette should have remained in the game until the bitter end.
So, with that game in the rearview mirror, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is next. The Blues lost today to Newcastle United, so Frank Lampard should have his men ready for a big bounce back in their London Derby v Arsenal. This will be another tough test for Mikel Arteta, as we need to build some points in the league soon, or the Arsenal’s season will be one of the worst in many a moon for the north Londoners.
After 23 games Arsenal has only 29 Premier League. There are only 45 points left for the Gunners to win over the remainder of their league fixture list. As I have mention before, I think it’s time to keep focus everything on the Europa League, while continuing to build the confidence of our young players, strengthen their support with the senior players we have, and also hope to gain some needed defensive help in before January comes to an end!
Need I say more?
Cheers. Gunner1953
Arsenal Women will host Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in a WSL clash on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta reports Ben White could be ready and available to play on Saturday at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Football London is reporting Arsenal is keen on a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.
Football Insider reports the Gunners will have no interest in selling Martin Zubimendi in January.
Mikel Arteta on signing a new contract, “We are all very much aligned. Whenever the time is right, we will get that done. There is nothing to be concerned about. We have the same ambition and the same will. Whenever we have the time, we will get that sorted.”
