Stephan Lichtsteiner says Arsenal will continue to work at playing out from the back after a nervy first display under new coach Unai Emery.
The Gunners were persistent in trying to impose the Spaniard’s new tactics in their opening game of the season with Manchester City but their endeavours went without reward as goals from Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva sealed a 2-0 victory for Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.
Petr Cech nearly put into his own net with one misjudged pass in the first half and the visitors’ high press repeatedly raised the collective heart rate of the Emirates faithful before the game petered out.
“We’ve got to do it and we will work very hard to improve,” said Lichtsteiner of the tactics after the match.
“We will work very hard to come back.”
The Swiss added: “We improved in the game. We’re Arsenal and we like to play football, even against Manchester City.
“It’s very difficult, but like I said, he’s [Unai Emery] had us working very hard.
“We wanted to win! But we will look forward and work hard for next time.”
We will be hopeful, and we believe in you and the new manager. COYG!
Are we getting behind this team and manager? The stadium was half empty towards the end. At least Arsene won’t think it was just him then.
isn’t that just the fickle nature of fans these days…or maybe they had trains and buses to catch
Lichtsteiner really looked the part today. Some positives from the performance overall.
We could do with a few more like him, even at 34
New lad was good. The one with the silly hair. And Lacazette livened it up when he came on. Nice to see early subs for a change. I guess Lichtsteiner wasn’t terrible. Good saves from Cech but his distribution was dodgy at times. On a whole we need to get better at this new style so let’s hope that happens quickly.
you guess Lichtsteiner wasn’t terrible? Piss off. Arsenals best today imo
You know Tim, that’s your opinion and while I don’t agree I’m not going to tell you to piss off.
Wonder if Lichsteiner can also cycle into the middle. He isn’t short by any means, is aggressive and quicker than the Greek Statue. Maybe another alternative next to Mustafi. But first we need the Lbacks back. Hope MOnreal is ready for next weekend. Poor AMN, he did well I thought and was growing into the game. One superb pass to Bellerin to set up that shooting opportunity for the Spaniard (who put a great touch to fashion the shot) Lots of positives. Just a reality check. They are a more balanced squad and their fluidity is better largely bc Pep… Read more »
I like this guy.
Lichtsteiner was really good. You can tell he’s graduated from the Italian school of defending. Left a little bit on Mahrez in each of his opening tackles to make him think twice about holding on to the ball. Smashed a few city players in non-dangerous areas and then told off the referee for giving a free kick. Scrapped with his marker before a corner came in, only to then tell the referee to watch out for his marker holding on to him. Add to that his positioning is good, his passing is good, he’s obviously still in great shape and… Read more »
Lichtsteiner was really good. You can tell he’s graduated from the Italian school of defending. Left a little bit on Mahrez in each of his opening tackles to make him think twice about holding on to the ball. Smashed a few city players in non-dangerous areas and then told off the referee for giving a free kick. Scrapped with his marker before a corner came in, only to then tell the referee to watch out for his marker holding on to him. Add to that his positioning is good, his passing is good, he’s obviously still in great shape and… Read more »
I really liked Lichtsteiner’s attitude. Had the mad Jens about it.
He also looks a quality player.
Hope it rubs off on the team.
solid. will add something to the squad. when he got hardly touched and instant held his head acting like he got hit wasn’t my favorite moment tho.