FT INT 1-0 ARS After Inter dominated the first 10-15 mins we came into our own and had more than enough chances to win this game, and just didn't have our shooting boots on. Inter got a somewhat lucky PK goal right before HT and then proceeded to play a super effective bunker defense in 2T A "fairer" result might've been 0-0 or an Arse win. But TBH we have no cause to complain... no one to blame but ourselves. p.s. Perhaps the most positive thing for us tonight is to see MO8 back on the pitch. And hopefully for the rest of the season.
It's easy to think (hope) that all we need is Ødegaard back, pulling the strings and creating chances, but I fear it may not be as simple as that. There seems to be quite a bit of doubt has set in for the players. I haven't seen them play with passion and confidence since the City draw.
Here's something I saw on BBC.com: Arsenal attempted 20 shots, their most without scoring in a Champions League game since November 2006 against CSKA Moscow.
The penalty given was ridiculously harsh. The penalty not given to us when Sommer punched Merino in the head was arguably more warranted. We dominated every other statistic, but I absolutely agree that the attack doesn't have enough cutting edge right now. Way too predictable.
But by the book in Europe. If that same incident happens in the league, it doesn't get called. Handball interpretation is a rare PGMOL win.
For his quality defensive purchase we seem to really suck at buying quality attacking players in the EduTeta Era. If we turned up a Saliba level young striker in the last 3 years we win the league. Instead the best attacking player we found was Havertz and they can't claim that because they bought him as a L8 and accidentally stumbled upon him being an elite forward.
Arseblog made this point but it had also occurred to me. When everyone wanted Wenger to buy a DM or a defender, he would buy an attacking player instead. Arteta is the exact opposite.
And Saka was in clear possession in space on the right before the whistle blew. No idea what the hell happened there.
I agree it's usually called in Europe, but it's a really stupid interpretation of the rule. Merino is essentially penalized for having arms. Anywhere in the box, a defender basically has to emulate one of those Irish river dancers to avoid getting called for a handball. And with all apologies to Michael Flatley or whatever the ******** his name is---that's not a natural position for one's arms.
I said as important. I stand by it tbf. The attack still looked dangerous the first few matches. Imo, we suffering from injury. Even with Odegaard, we have a flaw in CM where we don’t have a ball progresser not named Odegaard.
So did Mikel apparently, at least in 2T. But he did also highlight our inability to make/finish chances.
I didn't watch the game but the post match reviews have suggested we looked a lot better but came up against one of the strongest defensive teams in Europe on their home patch and we generated more than they did we were just unlucky they got a penalty and we didn't.