Will the Emery drama build, and what about the captain?

To my discredit, I predicted a final score of 2-2…and Arsenal did not disappoint. After jumping to a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes, you just had the feeling that score would not last. Unfortunately, that feeling came true…a 2-2 draw.

The game was entertaining, and along the way a few talking points developed we need to discuss. So here we go.

The good news…we had 15 shots, 6 of them on goal. The bad news…no goals were scored during free play. Sokratis and David Luiz provided the only goals with those coming off corner kicks. So take away those 2 shots and we only had 4 shots on goal. I’m not sure this stat will win many games in the Premier League. It sure didn’t today.

As has been stated many times, by me and many others, we lack creativity in the final third. Who was our offensive quarterback today? I’ll be the first to admit I am no tactical expert when it comes to soccer, but I really had a hard time trying to determine our offensive formation. It looked chaotic at times and there appeared to be no real offensive game plan. Let’s not beat a dead horse, but given a chance maybe Ozil could be the spark. As noted on this webpage earlier today, Emery has been quoted as saying he has the support of Arsenal’s front office to exile Ozil from match day participation. Maybe there’s a master plan we don’t understand…but to me, it’s time to put aside this standoff, get Ozil back on the pitch and try to get this season headed in a positive direction. Emery, what do you have to lose?

With the score tied 2-2, Sokratis Papastathopoulos seemed to have scored his second goal of the day, but VAR ruled Calum Chambers has committed a foul before the goal. The 3-2 lead was taken away. However, even the TV commentators weren’t in agreement the VAR call was correct. It looked to me like Chambers with the foulee, not the fouler. It look like we got screwed by technology! I guess, like instant replay in the NFL, VAR will have its growing pains for a long time to come.

Finally, the sad story of Granit Xhaka, our captain. After a rather poor performance, Xhaka was subbed off in the 61st minute. Obviously, he wasn’t happy with Emery’s decision to bring hime off, but that was only the beginning of the story. As he walked off the field, some fans in the Emirates erupted in jeers. The Swiss reacted by cupping his hard over his ear, and then seemed to be inciting the crowd for more. He slapped Emery’s hand, ripped off his jersey and walked down the tunnel never to be seen the rest of the game. This was hardly a great example of leadership from our team’s captain, and where was his support for his teammates during the last 30 minutes of the game? This was hardly a classy move by Xhaka, but also not a classy move by some of the fans who booed him off the field. Emotions and frustrations are high, I get it, but we still need to support our players and respect the game.

Now the off field drama really begins to build. Not only does Emery have supporters and the press breathing down his neck, he has a captain that needs to be disciplined and stripped of his armband immediately.

There is also another member of this squad that needs to be given a shot. We need goals and wins, not a standoff of egos.

If you have a comment please click the date at the top of the post, or email me at yankeegooner1953@yahoo.mco.

Cheeers. Gunner1953