By Hugh Southon
We expected nothing and got nothing so we might as well take a look at the positives before becoming too depressed.
Personally I saw enough in the first half, and in the second notably from Felipe Anderson to be encouraged for Wolves and beyond.
At the end of the first half when Arnie had put away a great goal only to see it equalised five minuutes later we had created six chances to the Gooners five and looked quite their equals.
Carlos Sanchez making his debut in midfield looks a real player – an enforcer who is gonna take no messing – and when Arnie had to leave the action in the second half it seemed quite natural he should take the armband. An impressive start.
Felipe Anderson is growing into his game and but for sub Yarmolenko not showing enough bravery to get onto his fine cross after a big run towards the end, we might have come away with a point rather than a perhaps a narginally unfair 1-3 reverse.
Robert Snodgrass put in a mighty shift, Michail Antonio looked to be coming back to what he’s all about before taking a knock, and Fabianski has so far proved himself to be a mighty buy at £7 million with some fine stops.
The downsides centre on Jack Wilshere who at £100k a week isn’t affecting games whilst poor Issa Diop screwed up big time for the Arsenal second. Horrible clearance before it appeared he was responsible for an own goal.
That we again faded so dramatically for most of the second half also poses a question mark over the team’s fitness although it was encouraging to see them rally at the end even though the game was unwinnable at that point.
Ok, no points and nine goals conceded, but oddly I’m not entirely discouraged – there’s a lot to come from this team.
Agreed with the summary of the first half. We never looked second best to Arsenal in that half, and had chances to score again. Anderson did have a good game although I am surprised he doesn’t take people on much like he did in Italy. Perhaps that will come.
In defense I was more happy than in the first 2 games. Diop making his debut scored the OG, but looked far more assured than Ogbonna, and formed a partnership with Balbuena which Ogbonna failed to do. Let them work on it for a couple of games and I’m sure they will gain in confidence together. I am Masuaku’s biggest critic, but today he didn’t do too much wrong defensively ( just the odd lapse ), so I hope he can build on this game, because Cressie looks like he is in trouble.
Wilshere seems to be improving very slowly each game, and seems better suited to the deep holding role he is filling. Stick with him there and he will grow in the team. Sanchez looked unspectacular, but solid and stable. At last a DMF who looks solid, and stable. Keep him there.
The 3 – 1 result was too harsh for our performance. I am happier now going into the next games. Baring injuries, I don’t think we need change it so much for next week.
A quick recovery to Arnie and Antonio.
Well put.I agree totally.Yes no points but you could see the improvement today and we will get there.It just takes time and patience.Positive feeling going forward.
I would agree with all comments except the one on Wilshere, I watched him closely throughout the 90 mins and hand on heart I thought he was by far our worse player on the pitch. I am sorry to say he just does not have the pace to have any impact on a game. He was so easily dispossessed and cannot close down so he cannot put any tackles in. He has to be dropped for the next game.
I also was impressed by our team today but have to say Wiltshire not tracking back on first goal was to blame not masuaku,masuaku was left to deal with multiple attackers with jack just looking on ! People blaming back four but the midfielders have to help and well done to Anderson today tracked back and put a few good tackles in
right about Wilshere not tracking back and causing first goal.
I agree looks like they worked on Masuaku’s defensive work this week he was much improved. I read on another site that Diop was getting a coating for his performance. Personally I think him and Balbuena looked decent together and an unavoidable OG was an unfortunate taint on his performance. Jack looked slightly better without Noble on the pitch but still needs to sort his work ethic out he’s too lazy.