Friday, March 29, 2024

Report: Arsenal 3 – 1 West Ham (incl. goals)

Result: Arsenal 3 – 1 West Ham
Competition: Premier League
Date: 25 August 2018
Venue: The Emirates Stadium

Arsenal gained their first 3 points of the season in a London derby against West Ham at home. It wasn’t always smooth sailing as West Ham sliced through the Arsenal midfield often in the first half, culminating in a goal from Arnautovic on the 24th minute. Monreal hit back a few minutes later to equalize. The second half was much better as Lacazette came on to create the second goal which was turned in by a West Ham defender. Substitute Danny Welbeck, making his first appearance of the season, put the icing on the cake with a goal in injury time. Arsenal fans can be enthused by the number of chances created on goal but should also be equally worried by the defensive issues plaguing team. Emery’s work is far from done.

The Arsenal Team

Starting XI: Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ramsey, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang

Subs: Leno, Holding, Lichtsteiner, Elneny, Torreira, Welbeck, Lacazette

0′ – A RETURN FOR ARSENAL OLD BOYS

The Emirates welcomes back the popular Jack Wilshere and the hero of our 2014 FA Cup triumph, Lukas Fabianski. Ex-players usually have a point to prove against their former teams. Will they have an excellent game with their new teammates? Let’s hope not.

1′ – RAMSEY THE PRESSING INSTIGATOR

Arsenal start out in a 4-3-3 formation with Ramsey slightly higher up to dictate the high press. The full backs push high too while Guendouzi and Xhaka stay deep to cover in defence and distribute the ball.

6′ – ARSENAL FINDING THEIR RHYTHM

Emery wants the team to play a fast tempo game and Arsenal try to do so with mixed results. Some of the passes are not sticking as the players are a little too anxious in possession.

9′ – FREE KICK FOR ARSENAL

Guendouzi is too quick for Wilshere as the ex-Arsenal man takes down the shaggy haired midfielder outside of the box. Mhkitaryan’s free kick is cleared by a West Ham defender.

10′ – GOAL RULED FOR OFFSIDE

Quick counter by Arsenal with Bellerin crossing low for Mhkitaryan to shoot from the edge of the box. A great instinctive save from Fabianski left the ball for Ramsey to head in. Unfortunately, Ramsey is offside and the goal is disallowed.

11′ – ARNAUTOVIC HITS SIDE NETTING

The poor man’s Zlatan beats the offside trap and hits the side netting with his attempt. Major warning there for the Arsenal backline.

16′ – IWOBI GETS STUCK IN

Wilshere breaks on the counter but Iwobi sprints back to dispossess the ex-Arsenal man. Excellent stuff there from the midfielder who is trying to show Emery he’s got the work rate to stay in the first team.

20′ – SNODGRASS CROSS SAVED

Snodgrass’ cross from the right side eludes Sokratis who dangles a lazy leg to clear and misses the ball entirely. The ball almost reaches a West Ham player but is eventually saved by Cech.

24′ – ⚽ WEST HAM GOAL 0-1

Arnautovic combines well with Anderson outside the box. Arnautovic receives the final ball and makes a powerful low strike to Cech’s right to draw first blood.

? GOAL CLIP

28′ – RAMSEY SHOT BLOCKED

Aubameyang releases Ramsey into the box to score but Fredericks makes a brilliant interception to prevent the equalizer.

29′ – ⚽ GOAL BY NACHO!! 1-1

Bellerin crosses the ball from the right resulting in a scramble. The ball falls to Monreal who is in acres of space and rifles in the equalizer. Get in, boys!

? GOAL CLIP

31′ – ANTONIO SHOT SAVED

Antonio creeps in behind Bellerin and shoots just outside the box, straight at Cech. It’s been an open game and we have to be wary of the West Ham counter.

32′ – ANDERSON SHOT BLOCKED

Arsenal fail to clear the ball due to their disorganized defence. Anderson finds some space to receive the ball on the inside left only to have Sokratis make a last ditch tackle to put an end to the attack.

36′ – RAMSEY STRIKE SAVED

Ramsey manages to find some space in the box and is put through by Mhkitaryan. The shot is deflected and saved by Fabianski. The Armenian has been making some great through balls thus far.

36′ – ARNAUTOVIC GOES CLEAR BUT IS OFFSIDE

Somehow West Ham counter immediately and make it a 2v2 situation at our back. Arnautovic races clear after a looped ball lands at his feet but the referee calls for offside. A very close decision.

39′ – AUBAMEYANG CURLER FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX

Aubameyang attempts a shot on goal but it skims just above the crossbar.

41′ – AUBAMEYANG FOULED 

Aubameyang is taken down by a nasty foul from Diop who rakes his studs down Aubameyang’s shins. He tries to walk it off despite looking uncomfortable.

43′ – XHAKA AND SNODGRASS COLLISION

Both men clash when challenging for the ball and it looks to be a painful one for both players. Xhaka is lucky not to earn a yellow for the late challenge.

45 + 1′ – SNODGRASS ALMOST SCORES

Another scramble outside the Arsenal box sees a through ball to Snodgrass who races through on goal. Cech sprints off his line well to cover his angles and saves the low shot.

HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 1-1 WEST HAM

It’s been a crazy and open game of football as West Ham went ahead first through Arnautovic on the 24th minute before Monreal responded with an equalizer 5 minutes later. Arsenal has been too susceptible to counters by West Ham with numerous long balls bypassing our midfield and finding its way into a disorganized defence. Perhaps Torreira could help us out in the area if he played. Arsenal also need to hold on to possession better in the final third. Lacazette would be useful in the second half.

46′ – LACAZETTE COMES ON FOR IWOBI

Emery shows off his proactive instincts with another half time substitution. Aubameyang shifts to the left with Iwobi coming off. Can Lacazette help the Arsenal attack hold on to the ball better in the final third?

47′ – MUSTAFI CHANCE

Aubameyang crosses from the left and Mustafi heads a looping header to the far post, only for Fabianski to palm it away from danger.

52′ – LACAZETTE’S FIRST ATTEMPT ON GOAL

A nice ball through the lines from Xhaka reaches Aubameyang who lays it off to Lacazette to shoot straight at Fabianski. Decent build-up play.

54′ – ARNAUTOVIC ALMOST SCORES AGAIN

The Arsenal back line is stretched again as Anderson runs down the left wing and squares it for Arnautovic whose shot bounces off the pitch to nestle safely in Cech’s arms. A better strike could have resulted in a goal.

55′ – TORREIRA COMES ON

Emery has seen enough and brings on Torreira for Guendouzi. Can he plug the holes in our defensive shape?

56′ – LACAZETTE ATTEMPT ON GOAL

Another strike on goal by the Frenchman who has been lively and active in finding space in the final third. Good save by Fabianski. Monreal scuffs the rebound when trying to volley the ball with his right foot.

58′ – WEST HAM SUBSTITUTION

Arnautovic limps off the field due to injury and is replaced by Chicharito. The Austrian has been dangerous for West Ham and many Arsenal fans are happy to see him leave the pitch.

61′ – LUCAS PEREZ IS SUBBED ON

Another ex-Gunner joins the fray, this time coming on as a subfor Antonio.

66′ – LACAZETTE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Lacazette looks sharp so far – making flick-ons, keeping the ball and dropping deep to combine with the midfield.

69′ – ⚽ GOAL ARSENAL! 2-1

West Ham let the ball bounce in the box and Lacazette takes the opportunity to gain possession, holds up the ball well with his back to goal and swivels to shoot. The ball hits Diop and deflects into the net.

? Goal Clip 

71′ – ARSENAL CHANCE

Ramsey shimmies past the defence on the byline and pulls it back for Aubameyang but the shot is cleared by Diop. Arsenal is smelling blood and it’s one way traffic in favour of the Gunners.

74′ – IT’S DAT GUY

No goals for Aubameyang but it’s time for Danny Welbeck’s first appearance of the season. He replaces the Gabon international to provide some graft down the left.

77′ – FIRST CHANCE FOR WELBECK

Lacazette hounds Perez and wins the ball high up the field. Ramsey receives it and crosses the ball for Welbeck but his header is weak and Fabianski saves easily.

78′ – WEST HAM PINNED BACK

West Ham are struggling without Arnautovic and it’s all Arsenal since he was subbed off.

79′ – YELLOW CARD, WEST HAM

Fredericks receives a yellow for a poor tackle on Monreal.

82′ – RAMSEY HALF VOLLEY SAVED

Fabianski is having a great game, this time saving a fizzing shot to the bottom corner.

83′ – WEST HAM COUNTER AGAIN

Best chance by West Ham in the last 20 minutes as Anderson charges down the middle. He lays off the ball for Perez on the left who crosses the ball for Chicharito but it goes out for a goal kick. Arsenal is risking too many players forward in the dying minutes when they’re a goal up. Some things never change.

87′ – YELLOW CARD, WILSHERE

Wilshere scythes down Welbeck at the halfway line to prevent an Arsenal counter.

89′ – YELLOW CARD, SOKRATIS

Sokratis is booked for time-wasting and blocking of a West Ham free kick.

90′ – WEST HAM GO CLOSE

Anderson crosses low into the box from the left but no West Ham forwards take the risk to make that tap in.

90 + 1′ – ⚽ GOAL BY DAT GUY! ARSENAL 3 – 1

Another fast break by the Gunners and Welbeck receives a ball from a Bellerin cutback. He had all the time in the world to turn and stick the ball in.

? Goal Clip 

FULLTIME: ARSENAL 3 – 1 WEST HAM

It was a much better second half from Arsenal as Lacazette’s introduction helped produce passing angles and fluid movements in the attacking third. It was his deflected shot which created a West Ham own goal to give Arsenal the lead. Arsenal were the better team from then on but still managed to give West Ham a couple of chances on goal. Danny Welbeck punished West Ham with a goal in injury time to seal Emery’s first 3 points of his Arsenal tenure.

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Pedant

Shame for Wilshere, he should have stayed and played for his place.

Three points at last!

Hantal

Why? He wasn’t any better than our midfielders today

Pedant

He’d still be at the greatest team the world has ever seen. He had the chance to be here still and play for his place. Or be at a worse, mediocre club.

I like him, would prefer for him to be at our great club.

I AM ARSENAL

He was better than Ramsey…Although Ramsey helped him by being absolute shite..He ran around alot though.

Too Drunk To Be Offside

Don’t see Wilshire fitting in this team to be honest. Where would he play? First off, Congrats Unai on the first win. Ramsey must have set some kind of an EPL record for giving the ball away most times, while being under absolutely no pressure from any opponent player. Not sure he is worth a new contract. Should be sold ASAP. Exactly the kind of over-rated players who ruined much of Wenger’s 2nd half of his reign. Good one in a while, utter sh!te on most occassions. The win will hide his sh!te showing for sure, but if he keeps… Read more »

Raphael

Could not agree more on ramsey. Most overrated player in premiership. 1 in every ten things he attempts comes off. So many blinded by how shite he is.

Uba Ngenegbo

Now people are beginning to realise just how average Ramsey is . Started digging him out years ago

Martin

Why doesn’t he play our best centre half Chambers. Oh dear I nearly forgot

Big Sheezy

Chambers looked awful last weekend. Dont bring his name up again.

Martin

Maybe he does for Fulham but at the back end of last season he was excellent and in our pre season matches. Certainly better than Mustafi and Sokratis.

atom

I get that Jack was an academy player and had the great games in the past, but in his current state he is nothing more than a squad player at a top 6 club or a starter for a mid to lower table team. One of the best things Emery appears to have done is gotten rid of the Wenger preference for playing favorites

Mayor McCheese

Is it true that Welbeck scored with a foot?

Hantal

I had to wait for the replay to confirm no nipple contact

Pakgooner

Nipple contact loooool

TeeCee

Well, if they managed to put a chunk of Santi’s arm on his ankle, who knows what’s on Welbz’s foot?

Anonymarse

Doesn’t that mean he handballs all the time?

Michael Bolton Wanderers

He was actually quite good

Paul Roberts

Very good imo.

Martin

He has been good since he came back from injury. Sorry Southgate only gave him 10 mins in Russia

Maniac

I don’t know how much more obvious it needs to be that Lacazette should be starting with Aubameyang. We looked a completely different team with him in – his flicks and tricks allow us so much more fluidity in attack and he is fantastic at bringing others into play. You can see that the two like playing together by how often they find each other. Many of our best moves, including the own goal, were Lacazette trying to feed Aubameyang – they just complement each other so well.

Flash

…but who would you leave out then?

John Reed

Iwobi

Paul Roberts

Elneny?

Hantal

I agree with emery that ideally we want to control the midfield more but we aren’t doing that so might as well play to our strengths and include both of our (probably) best players in the lineup

David C

I feel Laca drops back a little and actually helps us control midfield better, he has to start.

Maniac

From today’s lineup, and as Emery did, we should have Lacazette on in place of Iwobi with Aubameynag out wide (assuming we want to stick to 4-2-3-1).

Lobster

Any of the others really, Iwobi, Micki.

Ozil seems to be doing all he can to get left out.

I AM ARSENAL

Ozil and Ramsey at this point…Could do them some good also

Mpls

Ramsey was practically 90% of the press in the forward half of our squad.

I AM ARSENAL

He was also 90% of the ball being given away and us being countered.

Raphael

I think they call that check mate I AM ARSENAL ?

Greg in Seattle

Mkhitaryan. Iwobi brings more and different at the moment, or Ramsey/Ozil with Mkhitaryan at the 10.

Kostas

I would have changed formation to fit them both. Maybe 442 or 352.

Mpls

In attack this is true, and I love to see it, but there’s a reason Welbeck came on and that’s the defensive cover we lose with Auba out wide. If we could get them both on and still stay strong on the left it would be ideal.

Too Drunk To Be Offside

Play both. PE-A on the left wing ahead of Iwobi and Laca through the middle in attack.

Jack

Is it me or did Chicarito turn into Martin Kemp over the summer?

Paul Roberts

He was twitching a lot on the bench, I put it down to his makeup itching.

Black

Good for our first points of the season. Torreira needs to start please.

Deepak john

Really glad with the first win of the season. Now, onwards and upwards! COYG!

Karma Dioup! That OG was for the one on the shin of Auba.

John Reed

I think there is no doubt that Laca will finally be starting the next game after that. Completely changed the game when he can on. Also is there anything to be said for playing Bellerin right wing instead of Mkhi and bringing Lichsteiner in? Would surely make us a lot more solid at the back.

GFSammy

John Reed: I think there is no doubt that Laca will finally be starting the next game after that.

Emery: Hold my beer…

Ordnance Dave

So much for Emery sorting out our defensive issues. We look worse than last season at times. I don’t know if Laca coming off the bench is a tactical ploy, but we look so much better with him in the team. Only 3 games in, but Auba either has to play on the wing or has to be benched. He was shocking today.

Raphael

good three points. Need better players than Ramsey Xhaka Bellerin Mustafi and the Greek if we are to challenge for honours. How many times did Ramsey lose the ball.

Mistafi

Looks like you need a different team to support.

ConscientiousGunner

Did you watch the same game? Agreed Bellerin is found wanting at times in defense, but two assists? I think he is improving with his final ball for sure. Xhaka was much better in the second half with Torreira playing.

David C

Bellerin should be a winger, drop Lich in behind him and we’ll control the right flank

A Different George

Emery (like Guardiola, like many modern managers) wants his fullbacks far up the pitch. The idea of Lichsteiner/Bellerin on the wing is almost the exact opposite of what he is trying to do.

Raphael

It’s such a shame that a defender is found wanting in defence.

Giddygun

Emery’s new pattern depends on pacy wingers cutting the ball back in at the flanks (a la Valencia/Young of Man U under Ferguson). This makes Bellerin one of the first names on the team. And he has been living it up

Sank

Still not the Arsenal we are hoping for.

But good to start with 3 points.

dr Strange

Good to get a win and we are looking ok going forward but the defence is a nightmare. We need to get that sorted asap and let’s drop at least Mustafi. He’s had loads of chances and he’s as poor as he’s always been. Let’s have a greek tragedy instead. I was surprised Iwobi was subbed at half time. Thought he was good and would have taken Ramsey off and put Iwobi in the nr 10 role. For me he’s currently better than Ramsey and he would be a great nr 10. Bellerin is good going forward and a tiny… Read more »

A Different George

Do you mean Mustafi had “loads” of attacking chances? I thought only one or two. On the other hand, I saw a lot of clearances from our area, tackles, aerials won. I would have to watch the game again, but I don’t his positioning was to blame for West Ham’s chances (unlike Chelsea’s first goal). So, I would say a very good defensive performance.

Getso gunner

Not really a game to remember but 3 valuable points to remember

Lord Bendnter

And what are those three points? Could you list them please?

Mpls

1. It’s good to score goals
2. It’s good to score more goals than the other guys.
3. When you score more goals than the other guys you get 3 points.

89 was fine

Much needed 3pts. It’s clear to see we need so much more work. Hopefully a win will give everyone a boost.

Nketibag

Lacazette and Torreira completely changed the game.

GunneRon

For all of Guendozi’s energetic all action display, I believe what we have missed the most in recent times is a Cazorla like midfielder who can control the game through his quick feet, positioning, passing and tactical play from the centre of the pitch. In that regard, Torreira ideally suits the role and can offer more protection to the defence . If today’s game is any indication, I am excited to see how Torreira will perform for us this season. He sure is going to be a crucial player for us, the little Uruguayan tiger !

TRoberts

If anything, Guendozi will be a Xhaka replacement on the pitch.

eternalflamini

This a million times. Santi is the one we have never replaced.

Johnny Bud

Cazorla would have changed much of the last cpl years. Sad as hell for all of us

Mpls

Yes. Torreira staying positionally disciplined and deeper really freed up Xhaka to work tempo and passing in the middle. And he still found opportunities to join in the attacking third possession.

And Lacazette added a ton of hold up and combination play up top.

It looks to me so far that if we don’t have Ozil on the pitch and on form, we need Lacazette in there for the playmaking, holdup, and outlet he brings.

George Wang

Relief to get a win. Lots of rooms for improvement. We seem to be defend worse than the Wenger era. That is terrifying.

Laudgunner

Truth be told Aubameyang should be benched. At least he would be more focussed and determined to keep his place like Lacazette. Welbeck and Lacazette are really a handful for defenders.

AndrewTheEmerati

Great to have the 3points in!
Toreira has to start if we are going to be playing Bellerin and Mikh on the same wing. Both of them seem lost defending but good going forward. Aubameyang and Lacazette should be starting together, they will score goals. Oh and we need to hire a defensive coach since we didn’t get any players worth for defending.

Billy Bob

I think Lichtsteiner should replace bellarin at this juncture, better still have a three man defence!!! That would resolve the dilemma about having auba OR Laca in the same squad, as you could easily go with the two with a three man defence ?

Christopher Wreh

Christ we needed that. Think we’ll find some form now.

Fatgooner

Emery in!

Good! We’re up and running under the new boss!

Bob

Just curious, why was this downvoted? I mean I normally enjoy a good Fatgooner downvoting as much as anyone, but do people disagree with any of the statements in that comment?

Godfrey Twatsloch

Because he’s a tit.

I AM ARSENAL

Ramsey kept trying to give the ball away but didnt stop running. Anyone still excusing Mustafi needs help. Made every error in the book on the first goal alone. Auba cant play upfront alone his hold up play is not good enough. Torreira done well and Xhaxa even looked like a footballer beside him. Always going to be an awkward game. Rumour mill has it that Ozil and Emery clashed in training which is why he was ‘ill’ today.

kas

Re Ozil, Ramsey, Mustafi etc nothing can be done before January now, we are stuck with what we got for now.

Red-Sky

The defense was horrendous!
I dare say we are the worst defense in the premier league.

Greg in Seattle

And you’ve seen em all? The hyperbole is strong here. That said, would rather be running out Holding until Kos returns and letting Lichtsteiner show Bellerin how to defend and cross.

Meneam

can someone plz tell me why ramsey deserves a new improved contract

Red-Sky

He doesn’t.
He’s overrated.

cygan'sbaldspot

If he was looking for, say, £150000 pw or so I would consider it. But dropping £200000 plus on him is absurd in my mind. He’s a good player when fit but we need to start getting rid of some of these softer, luxury Wenger players.

Prolifik

Same question I kept asking all through the match

Boilk

To be honest, I would be happy if we can swop Ramsey with the No. 8 in West Ham anytime…

baz00r

Agreed. Selling the guy and putting the proceeds towards a top centre half is going to do more for our cause then keeping him.

Nachos in Montreal

Tbh,as expected,I kinda miss Wenger,but I didn’t think it would be so soon lol.And I have been a fan since 2012. Our attacking play seems sooo far off from the passing fluency 2013/14 and 2015/16 Wenger sides,which would have brushed aside this West Ham side with ease.Oh well.Heres to hoping (I don’t think it’ll happen this season) the 19/20 or 20/21 Emery sides become attacking prospects far superior to the best Wenger sides (in the second half of his reign,I don’t think his achievements in the first will ever be matched.)

Say whatever u want, I miss Wenger already. This is going to be the longest season for my dear Arsenal in recent memory. I know pipo are still living in denial and talking about giving Emery more time. But its really not easy to see what he is trying to do. Pressing? Defending? Control of a game as he suggested in protagonist myth? This is clearly not working. Its David Moyes 2.0.

Christopher Wreh

Absolutely outrageous statement. You should be ashamed of yourself honestly. It’s 3 games in!!! THREE

baz00r

23 years of Wenger and you’ve given his replacement 3 games. Just come to terms that this season is going to be a write off. It’s easier that way.

Meneam

I know that bellerin doesn’t get the help he should get defensively..but the guy is getting roasted every time a winger come up against him …every LW in the league will fancy a go at him

Prolifik

His tracking back is the poorest in the league so far

Santori

We somewhat laboured the win. But 3 points and we’re off and running. Defense still calamitous. I think someone needs to tell the backline to forget about calling for offside, just go with the runners. We lived dangerously rode our luck a number of times and could have been further punished. The other thing was we pushed too much forward at times and were caught on the break, out numbered in defense. Arnautovic was a constant pest. Aubameyang drew a blank again. In the end Lacazette came on and made a difference. And Welbeck, maybe this might just be his… Read more »

Up North

I’m sure that Emery sees the weaknesses in our defence and will try hard to straighten them out.
The biggest problem for him though is that his two main defenders are moulded in the same form, aggressive tacklers with no leadership skills and complete unableto learn from experience. They play their game over and over again, doing the same mistakes again and again.
It’s a huge difference to have 10 years experience or 1 years experience ten times. Our central defenders are unfortunately in the last group

Greg in Seattle

I’ve lost interest in trying to find a partner who compliments and clicks with Mustafi. Sokratis is stil mildly interesting to me because he has the aura of a badass. Maybe he can play with Kos eventually but think we ultimately will need to spend big at the position.

Really favor the approach Liverpool took with their back line: invest big in a keystone (Van Dyck) and fill in around with prospects. At least there is upside. The ceiling of our current back line isn’t very high.

mashkeyboardgetusername

I know he’s here to be a defensive midfielder and that, but I was really impressed with Torreira’s passing. He’s quite decisive, moves it with a bit of zip, and doesn’t dwell on the ball too much. Ramsey was just slightly off the boil, a lot of his passes were either a yard in front of where they should be (almost becoming hospital passes) or a yard behind (forcing our player to check their run). Hopefully with a full 90 minutes under his belt that rust will shake off though. Defence a bit of a shambles. Pope a bit of… Read more »

Tarquin

That’s how he’s been for years, attempting to shake rust off.

balls

Unai Emery wants to control possession and dominate games, which is why xhaka and guendouzi start together. They are both very good at short passing and moving the ball. Problem is, neither is very good defensively. With the two of them anchoring our midfield, it’s so easy for teams to get to our fragile defense. I think if Toreira is fit, he should start at the base of our midfield with both Xhaka and Guendouzi on either side of him. I also believe that this playing a high line bullshit should stop immediately. You simply cannot play a high line… Read more »

US Gunner

Spot on! Best analysis of the match and the squad.

johnny bud

100% agree

A Different George

As you said, Emery wants to play a certain way and, for better or worse, he will not listen to your advice. As for me, I think it is for the better, because you are describing tactics for a perennial mid-table club and genuinely boring football. (If you actually think France played like this, based on the possession statistics, you can join the Thibault Courtois fanclub.)

Duno

The game was uncomfortable to put it simply. We were in control for the first few minutes then we weren’t as we kept misplacing passes left right and centre. Our defending was shambolic. I had so many pull your hair moments. In the beginning I was confident of a win then circa 90 minutes I was shitting my pants.
Let’s take this win and work on everything else.

Seb

Why Mustafi has to slip on every match? Maybe he needs some new studs in the boots?

mo974

a good 3 points to start the season that’s the only positive I get from this game. the defense is shit , seriously we can’t challenge for any trophy with that back four . they get roasted everytime the opposition attackers got 3 passes together . Mustafi and Papa are just not good enough , that was just Arnautovic fffs! And Hector can’t defend he should be converted into a winger or instruct a midfield player to slot in behind him when he bombs forward. I am not optimistic at all. too much to be done with that defense and… Read more »

Jean Ralphio

Good to see us get a win. We showed glimpses of attacking swagger and Mustafi played better. I’d bench Bellerin though. He can’t defend. I don’t know what our best starting 11 is

Evang. Simon

Why not just convert Bellerin to a wide forward….

It was successful with Bale

Bob

Bellerin has been very good going forward and is a key component of our right side attack. I understand people have reservations about his defensive ability and rightly so, but he is chosen as he has a massive impact coming a little later and wider to the play, due to his full back position. As a winger/wide forward, he would be in direct scrutiny of the opponent defender and he does not have a trick in him. His strength is pace on the overlap and that is exactly what a modern full back does. We pay for this benefit with… Read more »

Clockendrider

Absolutely no evidence of any plan, any defensive organisation or playing style. It was like warching Arsenal at any time in the last 4 or 5 years. If West Ham had any vaguely competent forwards we would have been behind by a couple or three. Emery gets time as this is not his mess but honestly i would have expected some signs of basic organisation by now.

baz00r

Might take the guy a few transfer windows to get the players he wants to implement the ideas in his head perhaps. He did inherit some misfits lets be fair 🙂

Greg in Seattle

Didn’t make me pine for either Wilshere or Lucas Perez.

shokim

A decent win but our defending was piss poor. Drop Mutafi and Xhaka.

That_Pires_tackle

It’s Monreal for me that made the difference. First with the goal and then with the challenge for the header in the box that led to Laca getting the ball. He is our unsung hero in so many games (and rarely mentioned in our comments). We definitely need him and should applaud his leadership, effort, and timely offence.

Mr.Montenegro

We will make Wenger out of clay I’m afraid.

shaka

we were lucky Arnautovic got injured…..otherwise we were done for. The defense really is so fragile.

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