Yes that was just one of the early components of our f-up that I was referring to. And our shape in covering for our 2 CB's who were up for the corner wasn't good. Then there was Lichsteiner not being able to cover a ball over the top and heading it into the opponents path. Maybe there were more facets of this?
Our inability to shut a game down is stunning. Guendouzi might end up being that controller that can shut a game down, but he isn't yet, and it's clear that Torreira and Xhaka can't play that role.
I think it's not as rare as you say. I was totally expecting to have some Arsenal player come from the right side of my screen to latch on to that ball on the far side. But no, not this time.
I miss Petr Cech's first season at Arsenal. You know, the one year out of the last 10 where you didn't have to worry about our keeper.
You see it all the time in Liga MX, on corners and on general open play crosses. Delivery from the wings in that league is ********ing terrible, so there's always a guy on the opposite flank to pick up the scraps of the almost-inevitably overhit cross. The Mexican NT does it too.
On watching the replay, I'd say that perhaps the final component was Leno. The goal wasn't his fault but I think he could've (and has in the past) done better at coming out to challenge the oncoming steam train - Locadia.
That Guendouzi speed was on display for their goal. Lichensteiner really shouldn’t be playing but we have zero choice.
From an ESPN article detailing changes to the yellow card rules: "Premier League: - One-match ban if five yellow cards received before 19 Premier League fixtures (Dec. 26 round) - Further two-match ban if 10 yellow cards received before 32 fixtures (weekend of March 30) - Further three-match ban if 15 yellows received (no fixture limit)" I'm not sure if that means that 10 yellows = 2 matches automatically, or if the two-match ban for 10 yellows only applies to those who also got the 5 yellow ban.
With 20 mins to go, this has become an awful match for us. Can we please show some urgency and score another goal? PLEASE?!!!
Thanks for that. Seems different than years past. And I would guess that 10 yellows period will earn you suspension, regardless of when you earned the first 5.
Lucas is a bit crazy to embellish like that, given he's on 4 yellows, and the potential for missing the trip to Anfield. He should send Anthony Taylor a last Xmas present if he gets through 90 mins without a booking. Edit: WAIT!! BBC now shows him as getting carded. When did that happen?? (That must be an error by BBC... our sole yellow went to Kola, no?)
Not sure about AMN's equine agility but I do know he is not the one you want leading a charge into the final 3rd. Awful 2nd half for Arsenal. They've shown every bit of their defensive frailty since the win vs Spurs and it's now affecting the offensive productivity by cutting into the team's ability to sustain possession. I think the key today was that opportunity for PEA to make it 2-0. Convert that and I think the tenor of the match changes substantially. Alas. Not expecting anything out of Liverpool match, so it's going to get nervy again heading into January.
Brighton v Arsenal one of the most frustrating games I've seen in a while. Brighton so passive (fair enough it works for them) and Arsenal's changes took away their attacking threat. Rubbish.— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) December 26, 2018