Sunday 3 February 2019 Eastlands USA TV: NBCSN 11:30am ET Whilst we came out of the midweek round with a bump, picking up points against our likely rivals for 4th place, and believe it or not we occupy that position now, based on goals scored... It’s hard to be real optimistic about our trip to Eastlands. Pep & Citeh will have a BIG point to prove after their shock defeat at Newcastle. And with us being down to dregs in our back line (Sok gone, Kos day to day, AMN doubtful), it’s not hard to imagine getting spanked. Not to mention my karma may not be so great. As I started this fixture’s thread last year, when we lost 3-1. BUT... MAYBE just MAYBE Emery can come up with another big-game tactical masterclass, and take a page out of Wenger’s book from Jan’15, when we were similarly underdogs against a team with a 14-game undefeated streak, and did this... Ohh Santi Cazorla! Respect
I have faith in you! Aside from their win at our place, I think Emery has set us up for success against big sides. Execution is another thing, but I expect to see Ramsey pressing the crap out of Fernandinho. Also, is walker fit and playing? That will be the real battle him vs Kola. Assuming no AMN—I heard Kos will be fit though. Maybe something adventurous? Torriera at RWB? Mustafi——Kos——nacho Torr—-guen—-xhaka—-Kola ————-Ramsey ——-laca————pEA
I have on my PC an image saved from that '15 match where right afterward the stadium was essentially empty but the visitor's section, which was full! Great day. Alas. As I often say I'm a believer in form being crucial. Win or lose my desire is that the Gunners show good form, play to their strengths, and leave it all on the field. If you're going to lose make sure it's because the other team really had to be better. For this match I would say that means Arsenal needs to at least put their shots on goal, pressure Citeh out wide, and defensively play a conservative, deep line that minimizes the chances of giving up breakaways. Whether or not the personnel can execute...
I'm going full Emery on this occasion. 48 hours ago we took care of business. Chelski, Citeh and Yanited did not. Meanwhile, 47 hours and 59 minutes ago Emery began chugging red bull vodkas while watching Pep fanboy marathon videos while somehow simultaneously signing the Spanish Ramsey. I hope we can field an 11 that can play 90 minutes in full DNFC mode and leave it all on the field. If we can do that, I may not even bother watching the Superbowl.
I think this is going to be another game where we have to defend collectively as we did against the other big clubs, it's okay to cede possession, but we have to track the runners on the overlap, especially with Silva/one of their outside backs (walker) overlaps or KDB tries to move through he lines. Closing down and surrounding the player with the ball to limit options (easier said than done vs city). The other key is going to be defending set pieces well and taking our chances when we get them. Think this game maybe better suited for us to play a 3-5-2 and have a little bit more width to support laterally across the pitch in defense, and to have outlets for the defense when we win the ball back ---------------------Leno-------------------- ---Mavropanos---Koscielny---Nacho--- Jenko------Xhaka----Torreira-----Kolasnic --------------------Ramsey--------------------- -------------Laca-----------Pea---------------- Based on how the match is going, brining in Denis Suarez or Iwobi for Jenko or CB and reverting to a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield might be a way to get some more offensive potential out of the line up as Iowbi/Kolansic combining down the wing has been our most dynamic offense this last month. Gut: 2-1 City.... Heart: 2-1 Arsenal.... Draw would be a great result, especially with United having Leicester this week and Chelsea playing "sorry-ball" right now
With Mkhi back and signing Suarez it's hard to see Ozil sniffing the team. I don't have any idea what to expect from Arsenal in this.
I'm gettin on the road for the weekend. So enjoy the radio silence from me. Oops, hope that doesn't land me in Evin prison Iran. (obscure reference)
Apparently, xhaka, miki and AMN didn’t travel with the squad to Manchester, but Suarez did. Could be a new setup for pep to chew on tomorrow.
Xhaka's reportedly hurt. Only way that makes sense. Corporal Jenkinson to start against Sane and Sterling? His new nickname will be "turnstile."
Fvck the fans, if that’s the case. Injury is the only acceptable explanation. (Not that Emery gives a shit about acceptable reasoning...)
In light of our current situation, I’d go... ———Leno —mustafi—-Kos—-nacho Torriera—Ramsey—guen—Kola ————-ozil —-laca————pea In this game the expectations are nil to be honest so might as well have a pop. Torriera use to play winger so he would offer more than jenko or Lichtsteiner
Team news is in from the Etihad Stadium for our 16:30GMT commentary:Manchester City and Arsenal make three changes from their respective midweek fixtures. #MCIARS 📝&📻: https://t.co/3RWKOqVam2#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/QxHjyXz6dK— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) February 3, 2019 Looks like a back 3. That city lineup is quite something.
Gündogan at left back? Interesting. If we can get the ball at any point we should try to overload that area, but unfortunately Lichtsteiner will be a part of that.
It looks like Iwobi will be the only horse going forward Brilliant!!! This is shaping up to be massacre