The Newcastle United goal scored on Saturday has become the talk of English football following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat.
Mikel Arteta was extremely vocal to the press about the VAR decision following the game. “Embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands, in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world. I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week. When we’re not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility.” On Sunday, the Arsenal Football Club posted their total support for the Gunners manager and his post-match comments.
Here’s my opinion on this topic. Quite possibly, VAR got it wrong, especially on the push of Gabriel in the six-yard box, and even more possible on deciding if the ball was previously out-of-bounds. However, anyway you want to look at the VAR decision is totally up to you, HOWEVER, I believe if Arsenal had played their game, the one goal decision would not have been a factor. Arsenal had just one shot on target for the entire match. ONE! The Gunners controlled the ball 60% of the match, produced no offensive threat.
If you are going to be a championship club, and win big trophies, this overall performances wasn’t enough.
Obviously, the Gunners missed Martin Odegaard, who was not fit enough to play. Declan Ricer was at his usual best, but Kai Havertz and Jorginho struggled controlling the midfield, and whatever David Raya was trying to do to prevent the cornerkick goal, obviously didn’t work.
Following the Gunners miserable display in Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, I was hoping for a comeback performance. I was hoping for a match in which Arsenal would control the game, play with creativity and score goals. This didn’t happen, their overall performance good have beaten Sheffield United, but it wasn’t enough for a top tier club like Newcastle. Overall, and with only three days until our next match, v Sevilla in the Champions League, Arteta, his staff and his squad needs to get this cleaned-up, move on and win their final two games before the next international break. There is no other option. If this doesn’t happen, Gooner Nation will be in a total panic mode!
On top of all this, let’s talk about two quick things…
- Why is Arsenal accumulating so many injuries. Partey, Smith Rowe, Jesus and now, Odegaard? This issue continues to be part of the Arsenal curse, going back over many seasons.
- Is it time to give up on Kai Havertz? We were all hoping for more from the former Chelsea player, but at this point, we have seen very little to impress us. Obviously, the boss remains confident Havertz can play his way out of his slump. But one has to think, he is the next Nicolas Pepe?
So, November is off to a very bad start for the Gunners. This can be corrected, and this two-game losing skid must come to an end.
However, it’s going to take more than hope and prayers from Gooner Nation to get the job done!
COYG!
Gunner1953
Manchester City has lost five matches in a row in all competitions while being outscored 4 to 14. City will play Liverpool at Anfield on December 1st.
Nov 30 – West Ham United (A)
Ethan Nwaneri scored his first senior team goal for Arsenal v Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Nicolas Pepe is far better than Kai Havetz. This guy is a real scam and this shows lack of class in those that are managing arsenal transfer and Edu because this guy Kai Havertz is not a top performance in Chelsea wonder why going for him in the first place and the most annoying thing is his wages which doesn’t correspond to his performance.
I blame Arteta for the way arsenal is struggling for goals this season meaning that he’s just an average coach who lacks ambition of winning EPL. Attack is very poor compare to lack season.