We ****ed up the 1st half (that needs ****ing improvement) but the lads showed character to make a comeback. Our system fits a big striker like Giroud. We haven't yet adapted to Sanchez up top yet. Still glad we didn't lose away. Giroud changed the game IMO
That'll do. We need Koscielny for Besiktas or Ba is going to rip us a new one. Mertesacker needs to be eased in on weaker sides.
Rambo what a lad. He plays crap but ends up inspiring our comeback. Top player (though please player better next time). Showed what an asset he can be offering us a different option up front. Great player for a Plan B.
How can people say Giroud is ruubish I don't understand? He scores important goals for always! Lets get behind the 11 that play!
Found this gem on Twiter: "Cracking 2-1 victory that. Great work from the linesman to correctly rule out a second Everton goal."
I am no fan of Giroud but , if you are not going to play him you better have a plan b . The first half was totally aimless . When they got it to the box , there was no one there to cross it to. Sanchez was drawn magnetically to the wings whenever he got the ball. Wilshire .....good grief. Rambo didnt look sharp but thru sheer effort he slapped one in ...good lad. and Yeah the lad Campbell looked like he might offer some cutting edge. That second goal was just inexcusable , they went thru us like a knife thru butter That comeback was worth more than a point . It was a lesson , that HOWEVER shocking you play , it can be sorted if you keep at it.
Aside from the defence which picks itself most weeks, we've just got to play our three best non-defender players in their best positions. Which means Ramsay centre mid. Ozil CAM Sanchez AMR (or AML when Walcott returns) Then the other 3 non defender positions need filling with players who actually PLAY THOSE POSITIONS. Which basically means Flamini until we get a better/proper DM. Campbell or Oxo for AML. Giroud up top until we get a better striker (whenever that may be).
That's not true. The problem is he hasn't been scoring in important games. His record for us is fine.. his record against the Top six is awful. Today though.. and the goal against City in the community shield gives me hope he can improve in the games against big teams.
All three games since the charity shield have been less than convincing - bad passing, 'switch -off' defending and lack of directness on goal. However, in each three games the team has shown some steel and never gave up. The bad bits will click and with the attitude they are showing - Alexis never stops running and tackles back like a good 'un (Ozil-take note)-there will be some good times ahead. We still need that defensive midfielder and perhaps another option up front, but I am not too despondent. We came away from the North West with a point!
I think you would find a lot of people say is that, there is a lack of options....Hope we do not have to rely on Giroud again this season.
Hopefully Wenger will learn that a Sanchez or Walcott won't work up front with this kind of system. If he wants a small guy up front he will have to change tactically to accommodate. We will also need more height/power in midfield to balance out the team if you take Giroud out of the lineup.
Wenger likes converting wingers to strikers. Obvious success was Henry. Walcott if he continues his previous development could be another success. Maybe he believes he can achieve the same with Sanchez who has played as a forward but more suited to an inside forward or a strike partnership. Still, your best striker is Girounit. 11 goals (4 assists) first season. 16 goals (9 assists) second season. Progression.
IMO High points: Giroud - Mertesacker - Ozil Low points; Sanchez - Wilshere - Ox (in the middle) The rest were Ok - not good or bad. I don't think Wilshere or Ox are good enough at ball winning/retention to play through the middle right now, which leaves us a bit short. I'm not calling for a DM like most people, but another box-to-box type would be very useful.