Huge win today, not only for the points but also for a) how they played in good form in a place that's typically a house of horrors for them, and b) for how they rallied after Stoke got their "goal." Yes, it leaves you shaking your head that you don't see this level of play more often, but for today and for the sake of the run in it was great to see. Love that the goals were all quite solid to downright sublime. Hopefully that will inspire the lads to remember of what they're fully capable. Thought this was the best display under the 3-in-the-back formation, even if greatly aided by the evident gameplan from Stoke. The players did a better job of making/finding space and attacking with a purpose. Not exactly clinical, but more in control and more inventive than we've seen in other situations. Sanchez with some brilliant moments, albeit he was all over the place today (surprise!) and that sometimes stifled the transition play. Ozil did very well today and I thought Xhaka was also quite good for his role. Sorry I didn't chime in throughout. Kids busy spending time with the ex for Narcissistic Bully's Day weekend yet needing some emotional support in order to survive.
Rob continues to prove he is what City expected John Stones to be. If he continues to perform this well he may be a starter soon and play for England. Also, Alexis pointing at the badge and then the ground was a thing of beauty. Although many have done that before lol.
Good win. Stoke are douches. Mixed emotions. Should I be biting my nails over making top four? Finishing fourth has become our brand name. It's a letdown and an accomplishment at the same time. Becoming a bigger and bigger letdown more than an accomplishment the longer it goes on however.
Find myself agreeing with the assessment on NBCSN. Reporter has asked Arsene if the team is rounding into form at the right time, to which the Robbie's are suggesting the question reflects the wrong thinking. ie: That would only apply if top 4 is your goal. Arsenal lacks the type of leaders/players that recognizes the need to arrest a slide in form earlier in the season with regard to the title chase, meaning they needed to round into form earlier in the season. Nothing truly new, just a recognition that the team lacks something (grit, work ethic, leadership...) needed to play at this level consistently enough to challenge for the title. Much like we saw last year after the 2nd win versus LCFC. Alas. So take the win today and move on. 3 more to go. They can do this.
I like ramsey in a more advanced position in this formation than as a cm I hope we keep it next year and bring in some layers
Did they eat too many oatcakes pre-game or what? nice to see we played Stoke how they have played us over the years. Maybe it's tuesday/wednesday nights in Europe after all, considering England will get five places if Man U win the Europa League.
I know I've been guilty of trashing out Calum Chambers in the past but I hope he got plenty of time on the pitch during his loan stint with Boro, I know that it will be very valuable for him and maybe both he and Rob Holding (who I thought played very well this evening) will make a solid centerback core should Laurent Koscielny and/or Shkodran Mustafi ever fall out of favor with Arsene Wenger, indeed, I DO believe that they both just need a bit of seasoning and they will be part of the Starting XI on a more-consistent basis.
David Pleat was a Tottenham manager, and Jon Champion is a hack. Hell, Pleat can't even tell the difference between Crouch's hands and head. Worst color commentator since Tommy Smythe. Or even Bill Walton.
LULZ come on my guy you do realize what we are, who we are and where we are right? MORE WENGER!!! WENGER FI LIFE!!!! £100 million transfer budget headlines, middling signings to get everyone hype, etc etc
I'll buy the shittalk about David Pleat but Jon Champion IS CERTAINLY NOT a hack, in fact he is one my three favorite announcers along with Peter Drury and of course the iconic Martin Tyler. BTW my honorable mentions for best commentators go out to Tony Jones, and also Ian Darke, they're damn good too, Gus Johnson was more of a goddamn hack than any of those five ever will be, thank God he got out of football and and stuck to NCAA college hoops, THAT is Gus Johnson's specialty, he puts the madness in March Madness, and has a loyal following when it comes to college PBP guys..
xG map for Stoke City - Arsenal. Better from Arsenal as they may be getting something of a hang of the 343. pic.twitter.com/atOYf15DQL— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) May 14, 2017 Too many big chances conceded, but this was the best performance in 2017. I still think the 3-4-3 doesn't solve the issues we have. I think Bill Walton's awesome, but he's terrible as a commentator. The only color commentators I really like in footie are Gary Neville and Alan Smith. It'd be great to see more commentators talk about how players aren't positioned right or are vulnerable to being attacked, but I think that might be a bridge too far.