Offical match day thread

Superb performance against a very abject West Brom side. I have to be honest, I was worried about this game due to the conditions and manager we were up against, in a stadium we haven't had much joy in during recent times. I'm so glad to be proven wrong!

Saka, Tierney, Smith-Rowe, Bellerin and Lacazette all had great games. Aubameyang was unlucky not to score. I know he missed a few chances, but at least he was getting those chances in this game, as opposed to previous games, where he was feeding off scraps.

Mari and Holding were very solid at the back; dealt with every cross and were comfortable in possession, despite barely being able to see at times.

We still have a lot of work to do and need to keep this vein of form up. As good as we were, I'm fairly certain West Brom made us look so much better due to their lack of pressing, not closing down, not recovering the ball etc...

The youngsters have really reinvigorated this team. Players like Lacazette are benefitting from these willing runners, off the ball movement and quick combination play that we weren't seeing before.

What I hope doesn't happen is that we get lulled into a false sense of security and do a U-turn on our plans to get a creative midfielder. As great as Smith-Rowe has been, he doesn't have a history of being reliable fitness-wise, so it'd be gross negligence to not sign one this window. If he gets injured, we're back to square one.

 

By the way, in the past, Sam Allardyce has habitually made a big deal about how he has the blueprint to beat Arsenal. He even recently said we're relegation rivals with West Brom and that we 'don't know what's hit them [us]' due to being in this unfamiliar position.

Here's Allardyce's record against Arsenal:

Played: 35
Wins: 6
Draws: 8
Losses: 21



The only team he has a worse points-per-match (PPM) ratio against is Manchester City.

The narratives that he's the antithesis of Arsenal, and that we frequently struggle against his teams, are a myth.

 

Truth > Fat Sam

 

Hopefully get to see this team in the next few weeks...

-------------------------Leno-------------------------
Bellerin----Holding--------Mari---------Tierney
--------------Partey---------Xhaka-----------------
---Saka-----------SmithRowe-------Martinelli---
---------------------Laca/Auba-----------------------

Fair play to Rob Holding - he's really cemented himself in the side with his recent performances. Always gives 100%

Also geuine competition for Mari/Gabriel(LCB) and Laca/Auba (CF) positions which is great.

 

Luiz and Willian are a worry. If they go back into that side as starters I'll fume.

 

Yeah Agreed - at least with Luiz though he's had good performances alongside the bad ones. Willian has been nothing but garbage.

 

Willian has been gash. There was a real noticeable difference in quality when he replaced Saka yesterday. From a young player who was everywhere, taking on defenders, creating chances and keeping the ball moving, to Willian who just gave the ball away and ran into dead ends.

Willian has been a great player in the PL but sadly he looks a bit past it.

 

Soo what can we learn from this half.

Firstly Nelson and Willock are well below Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe (ability wise)

Secondly Willian is ****ing useless.

 

How willian is still playing.......

 

Loud cheer when willian was subbed... Me misses thought we scored

 

Appalling game overall and Leno kept us in it at the end of the 90 mins - Carroll missed two of the best chances of the game to seal it for them, but thankfully, we rode a bit of luck and are through to the next round.

Smith-Rowe injected a lot of energy to the game and speed in our passing. Glad that he got the goal. Good assist from Lacazette as well, who did brilliantly when he came on.

I know I criticise him a lot, but it was Xhaka's defence-splitting pass to Tierney that led to Auba's goal for 2-0. Fair play - he did well when he came on as a sub.

Not a game that will live long in the memory. Relieved to be through.

 

The subs changed the game.

Smith Rowe, Saka, Xhaka and Laca all had a big impact.
Smith Rowe in particular - always looking to get the ball foward. Plus he scored a quality goal.

Glad Auba got a goal as well - hopefully he can start to build some momentum.

 

What I'd give for 2 x Tierney's, the guy is such a hard worker, puts it a tremendous shift week in week out, picks the rights passes, dribbles well and his crossing is first class!

Below par team performance but the subs and extra time we were the better side and right now considering the pre Xmas massive hole we were in it's 4 wins on the bounce now. Special shout out's to Tierney, EMR, Saka, Laca, Auba and Xhaka, oh and I think Mari is doing his job nicely which is pleasing to see!

 

Props to Leno today for that last minute save

 

Dont know what has happened to Willian though! Premier League experience, excellent player, Brazil International. Forget the Chelsea connection, however hoping he will come good, he cannot be bad player overnight. If Auba did not have the history, and was signed on big money this season, pretty certain we would be on his case as well. Key is we know Willian is more than capable, he has a 3yr contract, just hope he rediscover his form.

 

Bit worried that our season pros are performing so bad

Still cannot believe that our "A" team is consistently being shown up by our B team.

The gulf between them is huge and worrying at the same time.

 

It's more that Tierney, ESR, Martinelli and Saka have quickly proven they need to be first names on the teamsheet almost. Behind them it's quite so pivotal. Those four inject desire, pace, energy, skill and actual friggin' goal threats.

Even Willian was quite good when he came on with those few in the last 10 minutes against WBA. It's when we rely on Willian et al to start and dictate play that we're ****ed.

 

Smith Rowes performances may well change Arteta and Edus transfer plans.

Maybe a CM/AMF would be better than the 'No.10' they were previoulsy looking to add.

He's been soo bad. Listening to Artetas comments he obvioulsy looks alot better in training hence his constant team selections.

 

Willian has totally lost his confidence in matches, don’t know why this has happened but he needs to regain it quickly. Mind you where would you play him and who would you drop - the same really for Pepe, lacks his swagger, and I think Saka is ahead of him on the RW.

 

Tough draw (presuming Southampton win) for the FA cup 4th round Southampton/Shrewsbury v Arsenal, then IF we get through that tie it's another away draw to possibly Wolves.