Per Mertesacker says Arsenal’s lack of concentration saw them drift to an unacceptable 3-2 defeat against Olympiacos that leaves their Champions League hopes on a knife edge.
The Gunners were the architects of their own downfall on a night of abject defending as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deflected in Felipe Pardo’s 33rd minute shot and David Ospina dropped a corner over his goal line. Arsene Wenger’s men did twice level before Alfred Finnbogason took advantage of further lackadaisical defending to net a second half winner for the Greek underdogs.
Reflecting on YANDNIEFA®™ (‘Yet Another Disappointing Night In Europe For Arsenal’) Mertesacker couldn’t hide his frustration.
“First of all, we are disappointed because we started quite well, especially on the break after they had set-pieces,” he told Arsenal Player.
“We lacked that concentration and it is not understandable why we drifted and did not do the job we are used to doing. That is not acceptable and we will be punished [for that] in the Champions League.
“We need to get behind the ball and play better defensively. We lacked discipline, even when you get a goal back don’t rush yourself. Get your discipline back and with possession you get your chances. If we are not disciplined and do not chase the ball we have got no chance.”
Arsenal face Premier League leaders Manchester United on Sunday; a team who’ve successfully taken advantage of our gung-ho attacking tactics at the Emirates over the years.
Looking ahead to a vitally important fixture, the BFG continued: “We have got a couple of days to look back on that performance. I think everyone will have regrets and it is good to take that away.
“It will take a couple of days to recover and to think about Manchester United and play in a different competition, which will be a good opportunity to come back to the Emirates and play our football with possession and dynamism.”
YAWN
Same ‘ol shit, just a different day.
Really tired of the fragile mentality excuses. When we loose we always come up with we need confidence, concentration, discipline, etc…
We didn’t just get promoted so we know the necessary requirements to be at the top level week in, week out.
Just my view on things, but what the fuck does a fan know…
As always…
Forever COYG!!!
Unless we start boycotting matches,no one will listen to us.There’s plenty of bark but no bite.
We may as well be boycotting matches already what with the silence and overall negativity at the Emirates. When my friends give me abuse about our poor home fans I literally have no comeback because its true mostly. No atmosphere at all.
Arsenal talk a good game.
sad but true
True, but really would appreciate it if just once either the manager or one of the players would just come out & say: “Well that was shit wasn’t it. We’re genuinely sorry. As supporters of the club you deserve better”.
After yesterday, it would be nice to hear that from BOTH the manager AND the players. Silent Stan could also chime in too any time he see’s fit. Sometimes you actually need to start with the truth for things to change.
Group of Death.
Surely instilling discipline in the players comes from the manager? Why don’t they learn?
i think when a player with as much experience as Per stands and watches an opposition player poke home the winner you can’t really blame the manager, unless its about player recruitment and improving the squad. because Pers defending was a fucking disgrace, and he’s the last person who should be on here talking about it. I appreciate he has media commitments, but why not just say ‘we made mistakes. I made a big mistake. I wasn’t focussed, and at this level its simply not good enough. I’m sorry’
He also cost us versus Leicester with abject defending against Vardy, slow BFG and impulsive Gabriel – United will have a field day
Unfortunately, they will make same mistakes against Bayern and Per will come out and make the same comments.
Obviously it’s not the biggest issue on the night, but I was struck that players like Gabriel and Chamberlain had collapsed to the floor on the final whistle. No mate, you’ve got no right to be exhausted or feel sorry for yourself. Get up, applaud the fans and get yourself in the dressing room for a good telling off. Yeah, it just pissed me off seeing them feeling sorry for themselves. Ugh. Anyway, Per was on the pitch for the third goal and if you want to talk about discipline then he’s the one that should have been enforcing that… Read more »
I really didnt like that either. It reminded me of when Ospina conceded that goal to Monaco and he dropped to the floor as if the world had come to an end. It makes us look weak in front of a global audience.
On the Ospina Monaco thing you mention… Not only for the reasons of perception that you cite, but also because your head drops if you let it. It affects your teammates seeing you react like that. Extreme example, Gallas at Birmingham. I’ve every bit of understanding why he did it. That game, Eduardo’s injury, the fucking referee and the way they equalised, were traumatising. I sympathise completely, and maybe I would have done the same, I don’t know, but don’t let it show, for fuck’s sake. I’m a goalkeeper as well (a long suffering five a side team) and I… Read more »
And so we ‘bounce back’ again!
Like a rubber ball.
Now we go into handbrake mode and then respond against the team we play after united.
I was about to say I agree on that and realized you’re a boilermaker. And hence, I disagree with everything you have to say.
We were brilliant going forward but dreadful defensively. Now Forget about champions league, let’s have crack at Europa sounds more realistic.Chelsea won Europa first before they won the champions league. Bayern Madrid Barcelona were always gon win the champions league anyway. It’s not the end of the world
We have to finish 3rd to qualify for that no guarantee there then!!!
Umm, no. Actually chelsea won the CL and came 6th in the league but still qualified directly for next year’s CL. I remember this vividly because we came third and sp*rs came 4th losing out (LOL). Then next year, Chelsea hilariously failed to get out of the group stages but ended up winning europa not so hilariously.
Seriously, is this what some fans accept? Europa league football? I would rather finish on 0 points(as embarrassing a possibility that is) Than sit and watch Arsenal in the fucking europa shitty league. Fucking spurs shitty european challenge cup, thats what that is. A waste of energy, there is a slight possibility we can still stay in the CL. Il hang on to that. Fuck the europa, CL or nothing, id rather the players and manager focus on the FA cup and PL than play in the thursday shit fest. I would take the FA cup again, over winning and… Read more »
Once again players turn their backs from a shot from outside the box.
Take one in the face; get winded or even sacrifice your balls.
It’s a badge of honour and the team, manager and fans love it.
Earn your fucking wages!
They had a bloke who did a really brave header on the line to stop an equaliser.
Yep, it was Cambiasso, I think.
Why do not our players do that? Didn”t they teach that in defending 101?
Tbf, Gibbs against Spurs.
Is this an old interview, or one from last night?…..I can’t tell
Hahaha… It’s Groundhog Day!
I knew this was coming after the end of yesterday’s game.
Bad losses are always followed by next day Mertesacker “we’ll do better next time” quotes.
These players are all just shits with no spine and responsibility whatsoever.
The 3rd goal was just ridiculous. I for one if i’m not on a yellow and see my team is about to concede i pull a player down, get my yellow and regroup to defend whatever is coming. That’s where ‘indiscipline’ is tottally called for.
Coquelin were he on the pitch would have done such a thing. It’s not even football it’s about using your brain.
Everything is stupid.
Say this in the dressing room before the game – better that way I guess. All this wisdom after the harm has been done is cosmetic for me.
I personally wouldn’t mind winning the Europa League (which would be the minimum for the shame of going out so limply…AGAIN). We aren’t a champions league club, not really. We haven’t been champions for a long fucking time. I think the humiliation of not getting through the group stages would force Wenger and the clubs hand into strengthening appropriately. The lack of game management last night was the final straw.
Agree the Europa is more at our level.
But I can’t go into another summer believing wholeheartedly that Arsene’s learned his mistakes and is going to rectify our glaring midfield imbalance
Martial to score a hat trick looks a good punt
Sometimes it’s better just to be silent, Per. Your words only hurt us more. I agree with the others that you should be saying this before the games not after.
…and please walk the talk, mate.
Yet another example of us being mentally feeble. We have no leaders and no-one prepared to roll up their sleeves and work for it. No-one barking out instruction to their under-performing team mates. They all want pretty, pretty football and no-one seems prepared to toil. Until we rectify this, we won’t seriously stand any chance of winning the UCL – and I seriously doubt our chances of the EPL. Totally pissed off!
“Perhaps we played with the handbrake on, because the player lacked a bit confidence and didn’t want to lose. You can see that the defeat on Tuesday was still in our heads.”
Arsenal interview after match against Manchester United on Sunday.
That was seriously fucking bad last night. Absolute carnage. Whatever Fatgooner says today I agree with him.
I don’t think we have to go that far…
No worries Per, we will only miss 2 extra games if we fail to qualify. Uefa cup here we come !!!
Whoever built this team should never have put the handbrake next to the self destruct button.
Please just shut up and get a win against manure.
All you guys do is talk and talk and end up flopping.
Just keep quiet Per!
3 things I saw while watching the match 1. From the first freekick they got we let them go behind our defence unmarked and they almost scored, something I have noticed almost every game so far. 2. On corners our marking is so poor, we let opposition players run at us with no obstruction and let their players free near the edge of the penalty area, Noticed it before they scored but the players didn’t seem to notice or care. (Happens every game) 3. Every time we make a mistake its costs us the game, and somehow the mistakes made… Read more »
AW so wanted to revolutionalize footballing methodes, he abandoned the conventional and proven ones like headed goal, man to man marking, long direct balls, crosses. etc.
Bouldy must be eating his heart out working for AW.
I just feel sorry for Alexis. We are not champions,so we don’t have mental quality to be in the champions league or Europe at all
Just feel for Sanchez
Just feel for him,
Just feeling his pain
Sanchez pele!
Ok, i’m sad and furious, but i’m laughing when reading your posts, guys: “Oh, they should have done this and that..”, “they lack conviction, balls…”… yes, i’d be curious to see you all on a pitch… but yes, for sure you’d all be much better…
Jog on Mertesacker, you’re finished.
It was so depressing. We aren’t anywhere near the level we should be at. It seems us Arsenal fans are expected to remain positive & see what happens in the next game, but if anyone thinks our squad has the mental toughness & desire to have a season reflective of what Arsenal should be achieving, last night proves them wrong. What is even more depressing is that changing Wenger wont make a difference. It’s the board that is the problem. Arsenal is a money making machine, nothing more.
I cancelled my Sky and BT Sports subs earlier today. Feels fucking great. I’m sure I can find someone to use my season ticket too. That’ll feel great as well. I wont be taken for a mug anymore. Sure I’ll look up the results, but I will not invest another second watching this side with this stubborn arrogant man in charge. I look forward to the day a Guardiola or a Klopp takes over this team, has a look at the side and the bank balance and does what actually needs to be done on the recruitment and the coaching… Read more »
I didn’t renew my season ticket last season for the first time in about 15 times.
It doesn’t help, still annoys the shit out of me that we make the same mistakes. It really is groundhog day.
I can’t agree with you, because even if Arsenal got relegated from the Prem, I would still watch their games… But I really respect your willingness to follow through on your feelings rather than just whining about doing it every time we lose and disappearing whenever we win.
Our selection should’ve won. Even after the Ownspina goal. Defending was, albeit some of it quite good (Gabriel and Kos sliding tackles, Gabriel shot block in our box…) shambolic, sheer lazy, naive doesn’t even cut it, especially corners/set pieces. Trying to rectify our own errors, we always look naive and hopeless as we are pressing more and more, inching closer to a friggin goal, but it’s never enough, when the shit hits the fans. Makes us look like a bunchh of clowns, naa’mean. Every year it seems our teams lack just one final piece to be challening. Now Arsenal, Wenger… Read more »
“We’re used to setbacks” – Theo.
Guys I lowered my expectations for this team long time ago. This team will not win a big trophy under Mr arrogant and deluded Wenger. I wonder who will leave the club first Wenger or Sanchez. I’m afraid will be sanchez.sad really sad.
English teams feel entitled cos they play in the most competitive league in the world. what they have to realise is that since they are the most competitive, lucrative and garner the highest audience, every player, manager and team brings their A game to the table when meeting English sides. They have to put in even more than they do in the EPL when playing in continental competitions.
Flamini would of scored…
Overpaid and overhyped, the english teams feel like they just have to turn up to beat clubs from “lesser’ leagues. Bullshit, still need to work hard and do the basics well. Total arrogance. Oh, and shit coaching!
What is there to say that have not been said. It is either the manager instill winning mentality into the team or give way to someone else who could do it. Wenger keep giving the likes of Mou the opportunity to poke on him. Same excuses every season even now when the financial status of the club has improved. For those who think Europa league is sub, we can’t even win it with this squad. Arsenal is no where close to the big boys of Europe and the earlier we understand this the better for the club and supporters. So… Read more »
We were callous against Zagreb and then done in by Mike Dean next. Hopefully it won’t be another dejavu moment against United this weekend but the odds must be high in favour. We were lackadaisy giving away the second goal against Leicester. To be frank, I just think this tired mantra repeating the obvious is getting on everyone’s nerves because we simply do not rectify our mental approach and I think it isn’t an issue of Wenger not spending in market. To a large extent he has flattered to deceive because he has been great in market identifying and developing… Read more »
Very good comment, 100% agree. Btw I am pro Wenger.
Alot of focus on having the right mentality from the boss or the lack of, but I still cant find any mental coaches on our staff page at Arsenal.com. I used to do thriathlon back in the day and we got alot of mental training because when your body just want to give up your mind is what will carry you across the line. Willpower and dedication is very important in endurance sports. But Even if you are out of form as a footballer you can still run around whole heartedly with a purpose and fight whole heartedly for every… Read more »
Maybe the players, just like us fans, are tired of Wenger’s lack of tactics/Plan B/reinforcements – but they don’t know how to or are afraid to broach the subject with him. And playing like a school team is the only way to drop a heavy hint. Maybe…
I hope we pull our finger out, I quite like my Fridays.