3) Arsenal’s defence is woeful
6
As an attacking performance, well it was 8/10. A lot more pace about our side is encouraging and attracting as the boring side-ways passing seems to be going out of fashion. A beautiful display by the Ox, rewarding himself with a goal will do masses for his confidence and I can’t go a post without mentioned Alexis’ name. What a goal eh? His volley made it 12 goals for the Chilean so far, and the only real downside to our attack was the misfiring Ramsey. He’ll come good again though, mark my words. Defending in their third of the pitch was also reasonable. Welbeck and Sanchez both have exceptional work-rates, so winning the ball deep in their half often catches opponents off guard leading to mistakes or carelessness. Seen for our third goal, a superbly timed slide tackle for Alexis cued Oxlade to go individually and place home his effort. But isn’t it a shame we can’t deploy these two in our defence, the actual location we are meant to tackle. Currently with a weakened back-line, Arsenal fans are agonised at the news of Isaac Hayden’s one month injury. Ha, bet you never thought you’d hear that. Our inability to defend crosses is unreal. How simple can it be, to have Steve Bould drill it in to you to stay organised, on your man, and goal-side. Goal number three, culprit: Mertesacker. The Germany World Cup WINNER failed to complete the basics of defending last night as we saw our three goal lead go to dust. Nacho Monreal, granted he’s playing out of his depth in a new position, should be goal-side and not trying to wrestle down his attacker. And thirdly, what is it with our players not going out to the crosser to close him down. Basics lads, basics. When we finally master these, then we can talk about winning our Champions League group.