Fact is we weren't going to win anything big under Wenger, but there is excitement in the unknown. Give Emery time to instill his style and build the team his way. I think we are a sneaky chance tonight.
From BBC... "With Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac out, head coach Unai Emery hinted Danny Welbeck could start in defence." Hello????
Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles, Guendouzi, Xhaka, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan, Özil, Aubameyang Subs: Leno, Lichtsteiner, Holding, Elneny, Iwobi, Torreira, Lacazette
I had a hunch he might start Guendouzi. Well it's time to see how good this kid really is! I'm expecting a loss, and will be pleasantly surprised with anything else. I just want to see some good football. COYG!
Da fuq? That's about as strong as a lineup as we can literally put on the field. What did you expect? Could have played someone else over Guendouzi, but that's about it.
Slight surprises: Guen & Ramsey in. No surprise: AMN at LB (Danny ain't even on bench!) Interesting: Laca & Leno on bench. COYG!!!!!
Agreed. But the manager made a bigger deal about Welbz being versatile enough to be able to play at LB. Seems like he was positioning everyone's mindset for the future, with respect to how we use this player.
I could see that. He sucks at forward, but maybe his athleticism could actually make him a decent wingback if we ever go three at the back. Wishful thinking.
Alright, let's hope this is the start of something new.... in particular, an actual defensive system.
Was nice to hear Emery very humbly say Pep was a bigger player than me, and Pep is a bigger coach than me. Good luck Unai!
It seems extremely rare for a player to change their kit number from a lower to a higher number. I guess with Xhaka going from 29 to 34, it's a matter that 34 was "his" number in the past, but it was occupied when he came to Arsenal.
Meanwhile Cech bails out Mustafi who looked all at sea while defending Sterling's drive to the goal. Not a great sign for veteran CB.
I've noticed in a couple of games that Guendouzi plays super deep, oftentimes part of the back line. Edit: he didn't cover himself in glory there as Sterling skipped right by him to score their opener.