Ukrainian and Russian clubs cannot play each other in the European competitions, so either Shakhtar or CSKA.
This. Our performances have been pretty poor so far this year but Nacho has been a bright spot, especially compared to last year. If we get a new DM, I don't think we'll need another defender. Ie, we have Chambers as 3rd choice, Nacho as 4th choice CB. For total numbers we have Marty, Larry, Matty, Chambers, Gibbs and Monreal making six front-line options, and Flamini, Bellerin, and the new DM as emergency options. That's probably enough.
Me too. That said, I thought our goal was a pretty poor goalkeeping error, and we have to be able to create a bigger scoring threat than what we've shown so far.
I was speaking figuratively. I know he played 90 minutes against Everton four days ago. My assertion was even when he has had 10 days off he looks tired. Guy needs to take more vitamins and get more sleep. The mono comment was just a joke.
Showed some real heart today. Besiktas were poorer than last week, but the ref made it even. (not talking about the 2nd yellow on Debuchy, that was a clear yellow and idiotic by him because two Flamini and someone else was in the runner's path) Debuchy is a much better attacker than Sagna. Not even close. Jack was immense today. Best match in a while. I have no negative comment about any Arsenal player today minus Debuchy's stupid 2nd yellow. ffs, you are a miserable. Maybe rooting for Arsenal isnt for you.
It appears that Jack and Ramsey on the field at the same time DO actually cancel each other out. How else do you explain Jacks 180 degree change in performance today?
1 - Alexis can play up front. His speed and work ethic will get us goals. 2 - Wilshere and Cazorla are inconsistent. Today, thankfully, was a good performance by them which I hope to see more often. 3 - Flamini is surprisingly not frustrating lately. 4 - Monreal has improved tremendously, for real. Props to him. 5 - Clearly, it will take time for the team to gel, but all signs are pointing to positive things. While I would welcome big money signings, they really just aren't necessary. We will look great up front with the options available and that will become available during the busy winter period.
I think everyone played really well today minus the stupid Debuchy foul. Please stop hating on Wilshere and Cazorla. Please.
Okay. As noted by mebeSajid above, Özil runs a lot. On top of that, he sprints often. And on top of that, he sprints well. He's among the fastest players on the team, and his pace doesn't diminish much after large numbers of exertions. Gawd I'm sick of this 'Özil is lazy' meme.
Jack had multiple piss-poor touches in the first half that left many scratching their heads. He raised his game in the 2nd half. I think it's a case of remembering the good and disregarding the bad. (not unlike Ramsey's recent performances, to be honest - yes?) The whole team just needs time to gel. But patience is hard to come by when points or CL qualification is on the line.
1. Yep. This is what I've been saying and why I'm not not as bothered by the OG injury. We already have our striker -AW said as much in his presser afterwards. 2. AW has been saying that all JFW needs is consistent games! and he's get his burst of speed and ability to separate back. As for Santi, he is best utilized as Özil's backup. We need speed in the forward positions-when Theo gets back, he, Ox and Alexis will wreck havoc. 3. I'd still buy Carvalho or the PSG guy. For the future. Arteta and Flam are too old and best used as squaddies, a la Rosicky. 4. Props to him he hasn't screwed up and actually offered something going forward. 5. Agree, but I'd still buy one of Carvalho or the PSG guy for now to conclude our shopping.
through to the group stage. pretty much what matters. still slightly concerned that the performances haven't been too convincing. credit to besiktas. unlucky to have drawn arsenal. the way they divide the league winners in the playoff round is good to ensure smaller nations can have a representative, but i can't help but feel it's been pretty harsh on a side like besiktas. as for the dream draw, basel, ajax, and bate would be mine. i don't know anything about bate, but it would be somewhat interesting for that reason. also, anyone but olympiakos again.