I’ll be honest, there were times when I thought this game was not going to go our way, but in the end we were 4-3 winners – report and goals here.
We went ahead, we went behind, then we won it in the last 10 minutes, an amazing start to the season and for the second year running the first game of the season has been a 4-3 – only this time we were on the right end of it.
Here’s how the players rated.
Incredible at the end. Lots to think about in terms of defence and midfield, but the atmosphere in the ground… was a bit tetchy when they were up 2-3 but when Ramsey equalised it was completely rocking. When Giroud scored it absolutely exploded. Amazing experience
With Alexis back we have some very serious scoring depth. That’s nice. And Kolasinac is a total weapon
Oh and so many people in the ground wearing third kit! Finally got one right Puma, well done
The third kit is so good.
Let’s remember that our back 3 tonight was made up of our 5th choice cb and two left side fullbacks or wing backs.
But how do we get into these situations? Other teams do not start off the season with such a mess at the back, while it is all too common for Arsenal.
You’re right, most clubs don’t have players that come back late because they were out winning international competitions. Most clubs don’t get to play in the Community Shield and have their CB’s head busted open. Most clubs didn’t have their CB sent off in the FA Cup semifinal because they weren’t in the FA Cup semifinal. Guess we’re just “unlucky”…
Last season on opening day Arsene stated players were not ready. Yet other teams played players who had been in the same situation.
Will Jose Fonte & Emre Can play this weekend? They both played Confederations cup.
Understand your point but the confederation cup finished a week before the euro final had and each players body is different.
Scott P, Per was cleared to play. He did not start because his weaknesses would be too easily exploited by Jamie and Shinji. Keep making excuses Scott. I’m sure that will solve all of our defensive woes.
You the man who lives in Wenger’s head?
StunnaGunna is right. We get ourselves in these positions far too often. In an ideal world Mustafi shouldn’t play. However, with Kos, Gab & Per out he should have played!! That is a simple decision. His experience at the back could have been the difference between a 4-3 epic and a straightforward 3-1 victory.
This is always a no win situation for Wenger (or any manager). If he rushes players back and they get injured (Ramsey last season), he gets shit.
If he gives them time to be completely ready, he gets shit if something goes wrong on the pitch.
Do you know something about football ?
Well, we had another CB that could have played (and already had in preseason, better than Holding I might add) in Chambers, who wasn’t even on the bench.
But Arsene Wenger wants to sell him for some inexplicable reason (so that when Mertesacker retires next season and Koscielny’s a year older with the same injury problems) we have to go and spend a £squillion on a CB no better than him.
Liverpool, Chelski…. stop moaning. That is football. 4 CB’s out injured, 1st game of the season, so of course will be some problems for us defensively.
But why though? Under prepared yet again. We had an attacking player at left wing back also and el neny is terrible. He just runs around 4alot and plays backwards passes.
Except when he crossed the ball inn for alex laz. Goal!
I agree Elneny is too mr average.
I just don’t get the Elneny haters at all. Thought he was excellent …. once again.
Is ‘kolasinac’ pronounced “kolasinatch” or “kolasinats”?
It’s Kolashinats
See here for him pronouncing it hinself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kY5YWVyoK8
So it’s kol-as-eenack
I think he just want to make easier for english supporters to pronounce it..since he is Bosnian it’s definetly kolashinats
The bloke that emailed blogs said it was Kol-ashi-nats and then there’s this:
https://www.pronounceitright.com/pronunciation/sead-kolasinac-13640
which is kol-azhi-nats
I’m totally confused!
Actually, the bloke that emailed blogs said it as Kola-shi-nats.
What ever happened to just calling him Sid?
I read that he likes to be called Seo (say-o), which sounds good to me.
I don’t think Cech is up to scratch anymore. There was hesitation in his game for two of the goals. A commanding, confident and maybe younger keeper should have been taking charge inside the box for those corners/crosses. Yes a gk can only be as good as the defence in front of him but I think Cech is well past his best and we have to start considering his replacement. Would be terrible to have such a great outfield team this season only to fall short because of goalkeeper errors or losing a penalty shoot out in any of the… Read more »
If only we had a younger keeper that was more commanding than the second choice gk at the club – he could have been groomed to take over from Cech/replace him now (if he was better than him – we’d need some evidence of his ability though, maybe proving himself in a top league in Europe). Ah well, never mind, maybe Martinez might come good at Getafe.
Harsh. I also felt that during our post-December slump but Cech came back with a very impressive run of form. I don’t think we will be conceding many goals when Kos, Mustafi, Mert and Gab are all available. Look at our defensive record to the tail end of last season. We were solid. See no reason to panic this season. Cech maybe 35, but Buffon is still going at 40, and Seaman and other greats played on until their late 30’s. Cech is exactly what this team needs. A change of keeper would have been poor timing and wouldn’t have… Read more »
Hold on hold on…when did Theo come on?…….
Is there a need for this? Is it becoming “cool” to hate on Theo? The guy gets scapegoated despite being our second top scorer last season and one of the few to stay back and thank the fans.
If you had any real guts, you would have commented on ozil’s performance, who was a passenger for 90mins; rather than Theo’s 10 minute cameo. But of course, you’re just trying to look good in front of the cool kids I suppose.
Ozil struggled, sure, but he had a hand in the third! Besides, he’s clearly not match fit. I’d put Bellerin in that category as well.
Ozil not match fit? What the fuck are all those overpaid coaches doing. And Ozil himself. And I have no idea what game Blogs was watching. Ox was so much better than Ozil. Seriously I wish he’d just fucking go. Give the role to Iwobi.
I just watched game recording again and Ozil wimped out of about five tackles in first 5 mins which led to their goal and a ton of pressure.
COYG, but this was really not a great game for us. Love the spirit and the result but we need to get a lot better fast.
I agree about the Ox. I thought he played his socks off. I would play him ahead of Bellerin.
Litteraly.
Except when ozil crossed ball for girouds w inner goal
Xhaka crossed the ball not ozil
Ozil did not ‘have a hand in the third’. Swinging a corner onto the opposition centre-half’s head is not ‘having a hand’ in a goal. Nor did Ozil cross the ball for Giroud’s winner – that was Xhaka, who got two assists in the game which I think merits a higher rating than a 6. We’re so damned prejudiced about all these players I swear none of us actually pay any attention to what they do on the pitch. Last night Ozil gave the ball away on many occasions, was off-target with presentable chances, and was his usual weak self… Read more »
I’m not going to hate on any players, but for the last 30 minutes I did something I never do. I turned the volume on the tv down and put music on. It was brilliant with out hearing the commentary bollocks I thought we played some lovely football. I think we probably aren’t ready but genuinely think we will play the best football in the league this season, I couldn’t say that will mean titles, but it’s going to be great to watch.
Ozil was the worst player on the pitch. Most overrated player ever.
He is not even worth 140k per week. He is lazy, useless, and demoralize his teammate on the pitch with his cowardliness and lack of effort. Sell him asap.
goodbye
I don’t think it’s about being cool. I think it’s about Theo being poor as he proved with an utterly ineffectual display. He watched from the bench. He watched from the right wing. The most useful thing he did was not get in Ramsey’s way for the equalizer. He does not fit in the team. Even in the strange 4-2-4 we ended the match playing. And Ozil was far from his best but he got on the ball and tried to make things happen, particularly in the second half. Theo literally did nothing helpful in the 20 mins he was… Read more »
In fact, his position made it impossible for the Leicester defender to get to Ramsey and block the shot. Maybe dumb luck, maybe smart positioning–but, in either case, almost exactly the opposite of what you thought was happening.
Ozil was awful to be honest. You’re looking at it through the rosy tint of victory. Almost everything he did was either too slow and ineffective or outright wasteful.
I’m not sure I saw Theo touch the ball, so yeah. But he only got 10 minutes. Ozil contributed almost nothing positive in 90.
Theo wasn’t on for 20 mins and he’s clearly taking his turn from Oli and Rambo by the idiots who can’t love the whole team at the same time!
I watched the entire match and the only thing I remember him doing was being caught offside and shooting tamely over after the flag was raised.
He..wasn’t ….on …for….the …entire….match…oh, and the shot was DEFLECTED over the bar
Wellbeck did all those things and worse during his 80 minutes.
who on earth liked this comment ?
Annoying when people like you give more thought to your on screen name, than your actual comments. The guy was our second top scorer last season, we won the damn game, he was on for only ten minutes and didn’t cost us in any way…This is becoming sooo tiresome…just enjoy the result for now and when Theo does actually do something to warrant your criticism, try and construct an argument that actually warrants us not having to waste 20 seconds of our lives reading it…..
Ozil was the reason we conceded the 1st, lazy player who should not get a new contract, let him run it down and replace next year or sell now , we will never win a league with the passenger that is ozil
To be fair he was the only player to go out the corner takers, although too slowly. Where was the other player making it 2 on 2 and who were marking the 2 Leicester players on the back post?
Totally correct.
Ozil is deadweight, totally mediocre most of the time. People still remember him during his glory days during international competition with Germany, but this guy’s skill has declined exponentially ever since.
Both Theo and Ozil should be sold asap imho
Im certainly not cool, nor bear any ill will towards Theo. But im not sure he actually touched the ball. Doesnt get involved enough for me. We should be expecting more from him now.
We shid have sold him long ago. We shid sell him now. If we are so overstocked with forwards that we are pushing Lucas out and considered letting Giroud go how in the name of fuck does Theo manage to hang around??
Ozil was certainly not a passenger. Worked his socks off and had a hand in third goal.
I thought Ozil worked hard, was all over the pitch, clearly cared, and made many uncharacteristically poor passes. Did not look match fit.
Yes and he hardly loses the ball. Glides around players, within inches sometimes, and never looks like he’s about to get in trouble. The can’t touch him
You’re kidding right? He won a corner, which he took & was cleared. How does that consist of having a hand in a goal.
Perhaps Cech had a hand in a few goals as he took the goal kicks.
Arsenal fans ignorance to Ozil amazes me
Spurs fans’ ignorance pisses me off.
Was invincible and lazy up to 70mins. Seemed to appear at 70mins mark and played very well. Didn’t want the ball the first 70mins. Im not bashing him, we just need to him be much more influential in games.
we scored 4 goals and we let in 3why are we talking of our strikers and not defenders??
Because to a degree you can’t blame 2left backs and a 21 year old who has less than 15 premiership games under his belt for being outplayed at intervals by players who won the league two years ago. Chambers should have played but other than that can’t even blame the manager it’s unfortunate to have 4 centre backs out and you can’t sign another as who says they will even perform short notice on their debut ? If anyone is to blame its steve bould he should be drilling into the team how to defend properly or cech for not… Read more »
Ps – yes youre right, Ozil didnt have a great game. Happy?
It is v cool to hate on Theo yeah
I was at the ground looking down, ozil was superb, lots of effort off the ball and made things tick over on its. He was the one looking for angles and inventive things. Different perspective.
Come on now, Ozil was not superb. It’s only one game and with his style of play it’s to be expected every so often, but be honest. He had a bit of a stinker.
Ozil showed very little effort to prevent the cross for their first goal. That was annoying. Also his touch was off. He is clearly not yet match ready. If Iwobi started in his place we may have won this game more comfortably.
We didn’t sign him to be a defender. It’s a “do what you can” thing for him. I’m not saying he didn’t look rusty at times, but I think that a winning game where we scored 4 on the first day of the season is not really the best time to judge and condemn a forward player’s defensive ability.
Based on what exactly?
How does iwobi in for ozil stop us conceding 3?
I’m still seething about Theo holding us ransom in 2012/13.
How the hell did we get ourselves into a position where Theo had any sort of leverage over us in contract negotiations?
I genuinely don’t think he cares if he plays? Or not?
He’s the definition of happy and just cruising.
I really hope we stick him on the market and he ends up at Stoke or West Brom
Piss poor managemant as per usual thats how
I think our management over the weekend was just fine.
….we could have had that underachiever Klopp or that loser Conti.
It had something to do with his potential to score 19 goals in a season. Why are you rehashing all the crap other people were saying four days ago. Are you points gathering with some sub-group of depressi-Gooners?
Wenger never really depends on feo to come on and change a game and don’t think anyone can hate feo as a person, he’s a delight.. its, just not many rate him as a great footballer and probably rightly so. He’s played top level for 11 years and still hasn’t really found an effective way to be useful when not scoring but that’s his game really, he only got better on his defensive duties a couple of years ago, thanks to the inspiring Alexis. Him and ox: they will beat 3 players and then wouldn’t know what to do with… Read more »
Not Ox. He puts in quite a few decent balls in the box. And his passes are better than Theo’s. Also, he has got a smarter and cooler had over his shoulders.
You can’t be anymore effective than scoring a goal, especially as a forward, so I’d be happy with that… The Ox and Theo are opposites Ox runs with the ball and gets involved but usually has very little end product (look at his record). Theo runs off the ball can seem to go missing but can finish and provide assists and goals. Keeping the Ox is a gamble that he’ll finally come good because for all his promise he’s never really improved.
Not that I thought he had a great game, but we really should acknowledge the fact that he contributes significantly to our team’s goal differential. He came on in the 75th minute today and in the time he was on the pitch we scored twice, equalising and then ultimately winning the game. He might be defensively sloppy, and he didn’t score either of the goals today, but when he’s on the pitch we’re more likely to score. There are some great accounts on Twitter (@GoalImpact being one) who address why, and how, he benefits the side. I used to think… Read more »
I think that with his pace he naturally pushes back his marker without even touching the ball and creates space for others.
I did scream at TV when he was caught offside though. Should have been 5-3.
May be those metrics will also be able to prove that Pedro was the reason why Barca and messi scored so many goals.. Cz since he’s left Barca messi hasn’t been the same.
Yeah, I mean he only scored 54 goals in 52 games what a joke! Clearly missing Pedro.
Hes unselfish and great with Giroud, he could be his Griezmann.
Interesting. Counterintuitive, but worth a look.
Football is played on the pitch not some different perspective metrics. Theo is useless at best.
How would you know? You’re not on the bloody pitch.
Football is neither played nor managed on the internet.
Except Theo’s goal record states otherwise.
19 in all competitions last season, while not being first choice. He also stretches defences because of his pace and movement.
His ability in front of goal is more clinical than Welbeck, Ox or Iwobi.
He’s no Alexis but he does have a positive contribution to the team.
Lacazette’s goal was obviously huge for him, but even more encouraging is that he looked superb overall, really sharp, great first touch……the real deal!
Yup. And that touch when he brought the ball down perfectly from a long pass. Sublime! His teamwork is top notch, his touch is fantastic, and if not for an incredible save near the end he would have had two. Early days, of course, but looks like a stellar signing.
Ozil has that touch too, but because he didn’t cut out a cross he’s rated as a waste of space and the troglodytes want him out of their club, apparently.
Really hard working too! It was almost Alexis-esque watching him chase down Leicester players up the final third.
Reminds me a lot of Alexis in his workrate and desire
And I love that Laca has no problem tracking back to win the ball back when we lose it.
The whole team was working hard to get the ball back today, it was very refreshing to watch. We must have forced a couple of dozen turnovers in the middle of the pitch.
There was a run he made and one of the boys (could’ve been Xhaka) didn’t see. He was clean through had the ball been played through. I was abit on the fences with him having not watched much of him but I’m so delighted we got him. I like what I saw – pace, movement, finishing and hard work. Also a word on my man Welbz…he never seems to have the ball in full control. It’s always bubbling about him….anyways good goal tonight from him too
I hope mertesacker gets back for the next game so kolasinac could move to lwb. He would be a total beast there. Also at the moment i think chambo is a notch above bellerin and we would be better with him on the right
Yep, was thinking the same. Ox’s power and superior crossing ability should see him start ahead of Bellerin for me.
Was such a roller coaster being there. We started so well but then looked familiarly inept at times. It’s as if Wenger asked Holding to be a perfect example of what he was saying in his speech the other day about young defenders costing him points. The fightback was awesome to behold though. And Kolasinac is gonna be on a lot of jerseys in the stands I think. Lots to work on in the week but what a great feeling to turn it around!
…and there you have it. Holdiing isn’t incompetent, or “not up to it”, he’s still young and still developing his trade, just like all defenders do at that age.
Winning 4-3 with so many lacklustre performances isn’t that bad.
Giroud is a fucking Hero.
More like a superhero. He had two monsters on him for that goal, Morgan and Maguire, and he just threw them off like they weren’t there, powering in the header. He and Sead are both tanks!
I honestly expected us to have a penalty kick when I saw all the holding and shirt pulling before Giroud’s header, but he just shrugged it all off and planted that beautiful header off the bottom of the bar. Magnificent goal.
He’s used to it, happens all the time. Pulled, pushed jumped on fouled and takes it all, like the superman he is.
…and if they do manage to unbalance him he has a nice line in lying spreadeagled on his back and looking over his shoulder for the ref (and being totally ignored by said ref almost every time, unfortunately)
The worst of the lacklustre performance from Ozil but as usual he gets bonus rating for his name. Deschamps must be smiling watching this game. He will end up playing Lacazette and Giroud at the world cup.
Ozil worked as hard as anybody and had a hand in third goal. Certainly not lacklustre.
Like I mentioned before. How does winning a corner, taking it Shitley & having it cleared count as having a hand.
Good corner by ozil for girouds winning header
i think the corner was from xaka.
Holding had a poor match and defence at times was disorganised but to can’t see where there was so many lacklustre performances.
Thought Ramsey made a huge difference. Thought Vardy was going to cry… I like it when Vardy is upset.
I actually don’t hate Vardy, or any of the Leicester players, really. My main emotion right now is just admiration for our team spirit.
I agree wholeheartedly (except for that shit about not hating Vardy)
I’m so looking forward to this season! A great us against the world attitude, new faces, even Europa. Lowered expectations in terms of title helps, but, Oh, the Fracking Potential. If Alexis leaves, I hope the door hits him on the way out (even the Dutch Skunk delivered top 4). If he stays, I think we’re in the title race.
Why? I want to be young, naive, foolhardy and brave . . . And I just watched a whale of a game, played by a bunch of players who were connected to one another and the fans! Electric!
Fracking potential? Did they find gas under the stadium?
Just keeping within the guidelines . . .
Really happy for Giroud. He’s shown himself to be a champion in recent weeks and it was excellent to hear the response to his goal! Have to say, I know blogs is convinced but I am not – Sanchez in the stands today did not look like a player resolved to see out his contract at Arsenal – when has a “strain” (& an abdominal one at that!) ever kept him off the pitch?
Hope he’s going. 11 players, playing for the name on the front of the shirt easily trumps 10 playing for the team and 1 playing for sanchez fc
Xhaka was man of the match for me. …..got two assists and was behind every of our progressive move
Four assists if you count the Leicester goals.
But my favorite goal was the third. Beautifully weighted pass from Xhaka right to Ramsey’s toe. Ramsey’s first touch perfect. Shot perfect. Such an outstanding goal.
He was only at fault for second goal, so your point is shit.
one mistake and two assits not bad at all but my Motmo is ox.
I totally agree.
For me he’s got a mixed bag performance, but mostly good. He had a few stretches where his passing was not up to his usual standard and put us in big danger. Leicester were hustling to close down passes and dribbling and caught us far too many times.
Quite the rollercoaster! Many very mixed performances – especially in defense. Nevertheless the new boys look very good. Ramsey too – maybe a return to 2013/14 form is ahead?!
Love the four goal scorers. Four players we really need to get off to a strong start.
Yes – lost in all the excitement over Ramsey, Giroud, and Lacazette, is that WELBECK SCORED!!! I credit Kolasinac for being in such intimidatingly close proximity that Welbz feared he would not survive to make it to the locker room if he missed the set-up.
Was disappointed that Theo came on instead of Iwobi. When you have a deep defending team like Leicester, we’re losing… Theo is not the man. Iwobi can penetrate with dribbling. Theo is more likely to just disappear looking for space to run in behind when there is none. I’ve no idea why he came on other than Wenger thinking he scored goals against benfica in combination with Giroud.. but this isn’t benfica. Otherwise good subs, that one simply didn’t make sense though.
Losing with 10 minutes left = Bring goal scorers on.
You bring Theo on when you intend to open up the game, which is what we did. Theo and Lacazette with Ozil on the pitch will keep any defense worried. I’m not claiming he’s the top difference maker, but Theo makes smart runs and off the ball movements and opens up space for others.
Yeah bad sub. He came on 2-3 down & finished the game 4-3 up. What a piece of shit.
I thought the Ox was brilliant tonight, our best player for me.
Xhaka has got a mistake in him and defensively he’s a bit casual, but he’s becoming very influential, he’s a massive talent and some of his passing is sublime, but I can see teams targeting him this season, hopefully he keeps growing and rises to the challenge.
Good. Much better than usual defensively. Not MOTM though.
Whoscored also gave Ox MOTM even though he had no goals and no assists. Very responsible defensively, won some headers, and his dribbling was ridiculous. Needs to choose when to cross and shoot better because when he gets that right he’s a world-class talent.
Yeah he was excellent in possession and was always trying to drive us forward, he’s such a positive player I think he’s going to develop into a real star. It’s a worry that there’s no real spot for him in our first 11, he should still bag 35+ starts if he stays fit, just not sure that’s going to be enough to convince him his futures here? I can definitely see him as a deep lying midfielder in a couple of seasons if he stays with us. He’s a good dribbler in tight spaces and has the pace+power to drive… Read more »
That is one of the things that is so strange.
Ox is absolutely amazing at beating his marker, which is an incredibly important ability to have, and yet he has not found a consistent role for himself in the team.
“Yet he has not found a consistent role for himself in the team.”
Because he wasn’t given one. At the moment, he’s a clear starter in place of Bellerin. Once we’ve got our CBs back, shift him to RWB and give him a decent run of games.
I couldn’t agree more….people forget that this is his 3rd game as a lwb……to give him 5.5 shows a serious lack of analysis of the bigger picture. His inconsistency is partly down to injuries, partly down to a manager moving him around and not giving him a sufficient amount of games to build up a rhythm, and being a victim of his own athletic versatility
My thoughts exactly. Ox, more than anyone else, tried to make stuff happen today. His ability to beat a man is incredible. He took half a dozen shots. Okay, they were pretty much all bad shots, but hell, at least he took them! Every time he was on the ball we looked dangerous. He even tracked back and made tackles.
Xhaka was mostly good but contributed to two of Leicester’s three goals. Once he cuts out those mistakes, he’s going to be huge for us.
You were obviously watching the same game as me!
for the majority of the game ox played on left .but he is effective on the right.
My dick is hard! Thank you, Arsenal (Giroud, Ramsey). Seriously, fucking thank you. I would not be able to handle the media nor the divisiveness with another opening loss. Top notch support in the stands. Let’s ride that feeling to some silverware. Props to Wenger for making some meaningful adjustments which won the game. Do you continue with the 3 or return to a 4 back system now? Personally, stick with the 3. I’m getting drunk!
Bit weird
[slowly backing away]
Everything after the first sentence is normal, perfectly normal. Gotta work on that first sentence though. I suppose it’s a better first sentence than “I murdered my wife!” or “Pedophilia is great!”, so good effort on that, but I feel you can do even better if you put your mind to it. Good job, go get em’ tiger.
“My dick is hard”
Loll. Support comes in all shapes and forms eh.. nice one
There’s a few sites where that opening sentence will go down a treat. But you’ve definitely found the wrong Arse.
Lacazette’s pressing is hugely impressive. What a debut! Kolacinac is going to be a cult hero. The team needs 2 signings to be monstrous, a midfield player and probably a central defender. Let’s beat the Stock and keep the party on.
Would rate Ox and Xhaka a little higher. Ox because he was one of our most positive players and did very well from RB, and Xhaka because he got two assists in the end. Looking good going forward, shaky at the back, same old Arsenal. Playing a 3 man defence with two left backs was an odd decision, wondering why Mustafi didn’t feature
Because he only just got back from holiday and isn’t quite match fit. Don’t worry, he’ll play against the orcs, and so will Mertesacker.
We should look a lot better after that but I still question what we’re doing on set pieces. It also lets Kolasinic take the LWB slot which he looks more suited to
An amazing attacking performance mitigated a poor defensive show. I’m not complaining though, as it made it an absolute opening day classic!
P.s. Merc/Kos/Mustafi – can’t wait to see you playing!
LK6- lb
BFG- cb
Mustafi-rb
That is a great back 3 … with height and anchoring in the middle and faster, poachers to the sides.
We’ll have Mertesacker and Mustafi back next week and Koscielny for Liverpoo. I’m actually optimistic about both of those matches. We broke the Stoke hoodoo last spring, and Liverpoo will be reeling from losing Coutinho (Mane is useless without him). Maybe we can make all those pundits who picked us to finish sixth this year think again.
Mahrez is going to see Kolasinac in his nightmares.
Pretty sure he’s not gonna be the only one by the end of the season. What a player he looks. That tackle late on when he just went in like a homing missile on that Leicester player (forget who it was) as they were breaking on us 4 on 4, starting about 10 yards away and taking the ball so cleanly you almost couldn’t tell what a forceful tackle it actually was…great stuff. The guy can assist. He can score. He can defend. He can even do double drag-backs. He was in their box whenever the ball was near their… Read more »
And for the grand total of 0 pounds too.
Kolasinac was great but perhaps he could of been closer to Vardy for the second
He was great overall, but he was culpable for the Okazaki goal. I don’t think he defended well at all – after all, we shipped 3 shoddy goals, 2 from corners. Of course, we had a make shift defence, so it’s hard to judge him yet.
I think he’ll be one of those players whose mistakes are overlooked because he’s just so damn likable.
Juggle, apparently.
but he has to improve defensively.
Holding shouldn’t be starting.
Monreal should not be in the center of a back three … injury/suspension issues.
He was the only cb available who else was going to start think about it we had one cb in the first team and the bench tonight one.
Yeah, I think Holding just needs a wizened true CB in the middle barking at him. Remember Montreal is a left fullback, turned left center back, playing as a Middle center back, organizing the defense. Did what he could, but it’s just never been his gig.
Mark my words. Holding will be one of the best defenders in EPL, one day, when he is matured.
Thank you Arsenal for not being Arsenal
Ox was immense! What game were you people watching
yes his final ball was definitely immense. I also love him, but he needs to improve.
Very well said!
And statistically… he was clearly our best player (and the the Man of The Match too)
https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1190174/Live/England-Premier-League-2017-2018-Arsenal-Leicester
Kolasinac needs to play at LWB and Ox on the right, IMO. I do rate Bellerin, but Ox is so much more threatening on the right. Bellerin can’t really beat a player unless it’s through raw pace and his crossing isn’t the best. However, he’s signed a contract, which is something Ox still hasn’t done.
I tried to tell myself I wouldn’t get as emotionally invested this season, but game one and I was all over the place.
Hector is great in a 442, but he lacks composure in the final 1/3rd to be a constant goal threat as part of a 352.
In all fairness whether we play Ox or Bellerin at RWB are exactly the type of problems we need at Arsenal.
They’re two cracking young players
His lack of left foot use forces a shortage of creative passes. Sprint, pass back. Sprint, pass back. He doesnt use shorter give and goes when he’s deep. Definitely needs more offensive training.
Does Özil EVER look 100% fit? He was great today regardless. Always on the ball, pinging it around dangerously looking for openings. Of course he gervinhoed the shot on the open net but we can forget it
Lol. Ozil was shit.
But obviously I know nothing about football as I dare to criticize the great one.
Don’t worry Amigo, I know loads about football. Özil is fucking brilliant and we are lucky to have him.
özil came from sickness.he will get better . Wenger should focus on defensive midfielder and welcome the experienced defenders .
I just want to say I fucking love Ramsey. I hate the stick he gets when he isn’t 100%. He always puts in a shift, never hides, is good for a goal and won 2 fa cups!
His first touch for the goal was superb. And with a bit more luck could have scored with his first touch.
Yup. Love Ramsey. Let’s hope for the second coming of our Welsh Jesus.
With the help from Giroud
Just when i thought i couldn’t get gayer for ollie….
And if knows has a line to steve bould let him know the zonal marking system from corners is pants.
Elneny showed his limitations? You’ve got to be kidding. He worked his arse off in defence, rotated the ball quickly and always showed for the pass – basically what a CM is supposed to do. He’s not there to look spectacular. He’s there to make the team tick over, which he did superbly.
Rotated the ball a little too quickly and unnecessarily to Xhaka for their 2nd goal, not Xhaka’s fault. There was a fair bit of that tonight, too much 1 touch passing in our own half for my liking.
Yes it was noticeable today. They pass quickly, as per instructions, but to do it quickly they don’t always look to check that the intended target is actually where he’s supposed to be. So we do tend to spray a few passes into open spaces where somebody isn’t.
Hopefully better match fitness will alleviate this a bit.
5.5 only for Ox what are you smoking?
I’m afraid I have to disagree about Kolasinac. Looked great going forward and he’ll make a phenomenal LWB, but he is definitely not a CB. He was completely at fault for 2 of the goals – went for a random wander for Okazaki’s goal leaving back post completely unattended and was badly out of position for Vardy’s first.
He will be a wonderful player for us and I really like him but today he got nowhere near an 8.
Every one fucked up on the 1st goal, it all started with Elneny’s pointless hospital ball to Xhaka
Why is Cech charging out of the box needlessly? Community Shield including…. We miss Szczesny but not this much. No thanks.
It’s not needless when the striker is clean through and the keeper makes a good tacke
I know welbeck eventually scored but I wasn’t happy with his finishing and decision making. I think ox had a better game than bellerin all things considered. Xhaka had a mixed bag but I would still give him 6.5 or a 7 cause we won. Holding and Ozil were our most disappointing players on the day. Lacazette, Giroud, and Ramsey deserve major props for coming through. A word on Laca, I thought his overall play was very good. He tracked back well and created a couple of chances with his crosses. Giroud came through in the clutch and I have… Read more »
Ox was better than Bellerin, again.
C’mon Chaps! PP scoring. We won for heavens sake! Some great resilience shown. Show some respect for the effort these Guys put in to drag in a result!
It was a game that had my wife warning me, “Remember, we have neighbors.” Still, Still, was certainly a fun game for neutrals. As for Ozil, I thought he was invisible for long stretches of the game.
No, he was there.
Giving the ball away & moaning at his teammates, whilst somehow still holding a spell over most of the Arsenal fans
Chamberlain needs to start at rwb.
The Ox a 5.5? Watch it again.
And properly this time. Man of the match. Seriously.
No way. Some nice bursts, but useless with the ball
Useless? His crossing was far better than Bellerin’s, despite being on his weaker side. He dropped a lovely couple of balls over the top to Welbz and Laca. Great vision and positive throughout. Sure there was sloppiness at times but beating people with wing play is always high risk turnover wise.
Far from useless and should be starting ahead of Bellerin.
Dude. Ox has same number of tackles and aerials won as Hector, but on top of that, he completed 8 dribbles (Hector – 1) and attempted 6 shots (Hector – 1). Also put in 7 crosses (Hector – also 1). Statistically speaking, he was our best player according to both WhoScored (9.2 !!!) and Squawka. Now I understand statistics don’t reflect all aspects of the game (and especially decision making), yet you can’t ignore he was a constant threat, trying his best and making things happen. He could have done far better with those shots, yet after years of passing… Read more »
Ox was terrorizing their defence even with 2 men marking him. He also allowed us to have more space elsewhere. Bellerin offensively offered nothing. I have a feeling your continuous praise of Bellerin and put downs on the Ox have more to do with his contract situation than what they are showing on the pitch
Giroud for me is very Arsenal. The one with potential and class but recently hasn’t reached that potential. Lets hope this season that changes for both of us. He is a real class act.
Do some research you’ll see why he hasn’t reached it! And yes, he is class
Laca’s rating is very harsh I think. Even when we looked like we were slumping to a miserable defeat I was very impressed indeed, and honestly I had been a little sceptical of the signing.
Even when he was moved out left everything he did came off. His link up play, his movement, his crossing… all top notch. Very good debut.
Doesn’t Wenger get some credit for bringing on the two goal scorers and changing the formation?
Or should he get blamed for allowing that shit in the first place?
4-3 my hearth won’t take it if this is the plan for the rest of the season
Xhakas performance summed him up – brilliant when it goes right, ridiculously sub standard when not. IMO you can’t have a cm with such inconsistencies, but then again, we lack spark there so maybe a worthy sacrifice? Thoughts?
His passing was consistantly in 90%s last season and generally has been in higher 80s through his career so 82% today is an exception. He shall iron that out easily.
Any midfield anchor has the potential to be costly if a pass is misplaced, its just a very suicidal area because you’ll most likely lose it to the opposing striker or an attacking mid. Remember, he’s Roy Keane with class both metaphorically and footbalistically(lol let’s pretend that’s a word), a very rare combination to find. We had one in Viera but he was more a box to bix.
Implant santi’s brain into xhaka’s body (give him the right foot too). There’s my sacrifice/thoughts.
Here’s one, what?
Out. of. jail.
We won and that was awesome. Our defence will surely be better when we get some centre backs back.
Other than that, Welbeck worries me and Holding needs to keep his passing very simple. And stop the dribbles.
Oh, and shocker, Jamie Redknapp is still a sheightbag.
It was Jamie Carragher.
Him too.
A touch worried about cech. But think the ox was much better delivering with his right foot. So much more effective even at right back… though he definitely isn’t a right back.
Also as an aside how the bloody bollocks did chambers not get into that squad?
Did he shit in someones coffee?
Christ this season is going to be the death of me…
Although we conceded two goals on corner kicks I am not as worried as some because we had Kolasinac in his first PL match, Nacho playing as the central defender and had none of the BFG, Kos, Mustafi or even Giroud in there. Yes the zonal marking is awful, but I know it will get better once some of the regular defenders get in there. I felt both new players did very well. Lacazzette was a threat and did well with combination playing and almost had an incredible goal dribbling through everyone. He will certainly need to adjust to the… Read more »
The difference is he was playing every game and nobody else was getting their share of the goals. Now he’s clearly not Knackered and he is immense when he gets the service!
Important win for the team to start the new campaign. We were too fragile at the back but I guess it’s normal considering only 1 player (Holding) was in his natural position. Kolasinac is a beast and Monreal keeps making his job well. I would rather see Elneny leave than Wilshere. The Egyptian doesn’t add anything to our team in my view, he is that guy who doesn’t want to mess up and keeps it too much simple. I don’t like to see Chamberlain in the left, his movements are too predictable going forward but he did a great game… Read more »
Totally disagree, I think Elneny is becoming a key player for us. Works incredibly hard, great movement and rarely has a misplaced pass.
Stopped reading at ElNeny doesn’t add anything….
I think one of heart medicine companies should sponsor the team.
Sorry, no defender deserves higher than a 4 when they concede 3 goals at home. Unacceptable
The attacking football was fantastic. But it will be same old Arsenal if these defending problems aren’t sorted out and fast.
Sort out the red card? The late return to the squad after the summer? The head injury? I think this will sort itself out just fine, and without any need to crucify the guys standing in for the missing ones in positions that they wouldn’t normally be playing in.
White walker=ToT?
Ozil was nowhere near match fit. I really think Elneny is looked down on too much. He was steady today. Kept the ball moving. Got into good positions. My spuds supporting bro even mentioned his movement and said “he’s basically a less talented luka modric” lol. Xhaka is gonna have an awesome season. Lacazette should prove to be just what we need. Also, huge kudos to wenger. He made changes, didnt panic and we got the win. If this was a chelski turnaround, conte would get all the plaudits. The manager is arsenal through and through. More than any of… Read more »
Bonus rating: -4/10 for Sky Sports’ horrible coverage. Jaime Carragher is a disgrace.