It's that day again, guys. The Brittania has been a house of horrors over the past several years, for Arsenal fans, those committed to human rights, and people who like aesthetics. We've repeatedly seen Arsenal get bullied here, pushed off the ball, and counterattacked like crazy. And yet, the same thing happened last week, and Arsenal managed to pull of a crazy comeback. It's time to see if that's the sign the club has turned a corner, or if NorthBank starts the Anfield thread. Time when the orcs start booing Ramsey for getting in the way of Shawcross's boots: 1730GMT/1230 ET/1130 CT TV: NBC *last year's 4-1 win doesn't count. Stoke had nothing to play for, and played like it. I hope the same complacency sets in on Saturday.
Thoughts/questions: Are Stoke as much of a hot mess as they appear to be? If we win, that would make two on the trot without Alexis. Does that change anything with regard to our position on his transfer? Assuming we start again with three at the back, who exactly is our first-choice back three? I'm unclear on this. Holding-Mert-Monreal Bell-Ramsey-Xhaka-Kol Ozil-Laca-Welbz Ox could start in place of Bellerin, Mustafi could come in for Holding or Mertesacker.
If we lose this one it will be impossible to go un defeated in the league this season. That's all i've got for this. Maybe start Giroud/Laca up front?
I'd like to see us try playing them together. Man City went 3 at the back and 2 up top this past weekend, worth a look.
Always an ugly match that will get chippy accompanied by the classless Stoke fans hurling insults. We should and need to win this however. Play around them not through them. Wouldn't mind seeing Kolasinac body slam shawcross into the dirt once or three times.
I just can't stand watching Welbeck play. Its just so...awkward to watch. He obviously he talent, his body just can't do what he wants it to.
As long as Ramsey thinks he's a forward we will be susceptible to the counter. Xhaka cannot stop every counter himself if we play 3 in the back.
Yeah I noticed that. Is that a way to accommodate both of them in the lineup? Can't remember saying Belleroni play on the left before.
continuing wenger's usual bullshit of attempting to placate potential free agents by playing them at or closer to their desired position to get them to sign.
And what was all that talk about this feeling like a new stadium? Did they close in one more corner? I see at least one corner that's still open.
I think of it more as: Bellerin is a natural defender, so he can switch sides of the field with less decline in performance than Ox.
"diouf did really well. he put his shoulder into ramsey enough to knock him off balance." aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, because ramsey attempted to play football instead of flop like a dead fish, we were boned out of a call. as much as i hate flopping assholes looking for penalties, you can understand why sometimes.