Some positives from the first half and some positives from having a manager that is prepared to make changes. However second half we have not really been at it. The shape and defending not so good, the set-piece defending issues not new (they are good at them and we are bad) but they are also getting lots of corners and free-kicks because they are over-running us in the middle in open play because we have lost control. Lots for Amorim and his coaches to learn from this game.
I don't feel bad after this loss. We may have not created much, but I always felt we were in the game.
Onana has to do better on some of these corners. I'm not sure of im asking too much. It's a tough situation.
Something different about this for sure. I felt we competed more equally against an excellent side than we have in a long time. At least until their first goal. Amorim seems to have a far more recognizable approach, system and identity.
This current incarnation of Arsenal actually remind me of a more modern version of Mourinhos Chelsea team, minus the first trophy.
Arsenal are really good at corners - a lot of them are low, flat and right at the post - basically unreachable for GK without a huge gamble. Probably need 2 of your best headers of the ball at the front post to defend against it, but then you're exposed when the corner is deeper. I'm surprised other teams don't try to follow the same approach. Also Yoro looked really good in second half.
The quality of Rice and Saka delivery from corners is in stark contrast to watching Bruno, Eriksen etc. hitting the first man every time There is a pattern of us putting our good headers (Maguire, De Ligt, Evans etc.) in the middle - so teams just go near-post or far-post and we give up chances every time. We could probably do with some variation in our defensive patters as teams just figure out where our set-piece weaknesses are (wherever those players ain't). Thought there was more scope for Onana to make more of an effort to get to those today - he wasn't being crowded by the oppo (who were just gathering at the far-post and making runs to near-post). Second one went a long way and he made no real effort towards the ball (either the cross or blocking the header back). Plus his kicking was a bit poor today.
Arsenal have the perfect combination to be terrific on corners, both ends of the field. They are clearly well coached and organized. They get excellent delivery 9/10 times. And they are a huge team, with excellent readers of ball flight and physically aggressive players. Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Califiori, Rice, Havertz, Partey are all corner threats in one fashion or another.
Not just English. I always felt the same about Mata. Some players just look busy while being spectacularly unproductive and it always reminds me of some of those people you would know at work who would always be walking around the building looking busy and important with some papers in their hand, but everyone knew they did nothing and were stealing a wage
Some of our players need to get more physical at corners on both ends. We more manhandled (legally) more than a few times today on set pieces.