Chelsea V Arsenal Saturday 18 August 17:30 kick off BST

[AFC Leveller]

Under Wenger, going into these big away games was a scary thought, especially from 2012-2018 but with Emery there is hope and its all new, we dont really know what to expect which makes it a bit more interesting.

Anyway, i think Chelsea are a very good side and if Sarri can have his playing style drilled into them, they will be a force again.

I would swap Xhaka for Torreira, Ramsay for Laca and play an attacking but balanced line up.

Cech
Bellerin
Mustafi
Sokratis
Nacho (hes in full training) or Leich
Guendouzi
Torreira
Ozil
Mkhi
Auba
Lacazette


1-1.

[IBK]

I'm looking forward to seeing what lessons Emery has learnt from last weekend.

[GP]

Under Wenger, going into these big away games was a scary thought, especially from 2012-2018 but with Emery there is hope and its all new, we dont really know what to expect which makes it a bit more interesting.

Anyway, i think Chelsea are a very good side and if Sarri can have his playing style drilled into them, they will be a force again.

I would swap Xhaka for Torreira, Ramsay for Laca and play an attacking but balanced line up.

Cech
Bellerin
Mustafi
Sokratis
Nacho (hes in full training) or Leich
Guendouzi
Torreira
Ozil
Mkhi
Auba
Lacazette


1-1.

I would do basically this but I'd keep Ramsey in. Mkhi makes way for Lacashite.

[GP]

Kickoff is at 5.30, btw.

[Marc Overmars]

AMN is out for 2 months with a fractured leg.

[Özim]

Interested to see what Emery will do here and whether he has learnt his lesson too.

If Xhaka starts we'll lose, so I sincerely hope he doesn't play.

Lacazette has to play as well as Leno.

Hard game this one, Chelsea have some worldies, just wish we'd bought a genuine winger, the lack of one is a real hindrance.

[Marc Overmars]

Don't really know what to expect from this. I think it will probably be a conservative performance, it's too early to expect us to approach these kind of games with some new found bravery and confidence.

I'd take a draw if offered.

1-1.

[Mac76]

Don't really know what to expect from this. I think it will probably be a conservative performance, it's too early to expect us to approach these kind of games with some new found bravery and confidence.

I'd take a draw if offered.

1-1.

Reading Emery's press conference, i'm a bit concerned - first of all he seems to say he'll start with Cech, also there's one or two mentions of sticking to the plan, which presumably is this thing of playing out from the back - i'm actually a big fan of that in general, it's really annoying when the goalie keeps kicking it aimlessly upfield, but as others have pointed out, there's a balance to be struck and City started to pin us down in the last match - i hope Emery realises that and encourages a more flexible approach

And if Torreira and Laca are on the bench again i'll not be happy ...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kickoff is at 5.30, btw.

Amended the OP. :good:

On the match itself, oh fuck this shit.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Expect Cech to start as Emery has sad he will....and expect us to play out from the back. He isn't going to chop and change because we played a decent team.

[Power n Glory]

They came down hard on Pep too for trying to always play out from the back but he stuck with it and now look at them. We'll have to be patient even when results don't go our way. Won't be easy.

I wouldn't be surpised if he doesn't change all that much against Chelsea in terms of style of play. Heck, he may even opt for the same team. Still a learning process for the team. Can't give up on the first go.

[SMatthews]

Drop Guendouzi and play Xhaka alongside our new midget. I have a feeling Iwobi will come in for Mikhi as Emery might play it cagey and want another man in midfield like last week (well that was the idea at least). Rambo will definitely start unless he's injured. Our midfield and forwards have to show for the ball a lot more this week to relieve some pressure off the defence once Cech plays the ball out.

[Özim]

Why would he play Cech when he clearly can't pass and struggles badly with the ball at his feet? He's got a keeper he bought for 20+ million and doesn't seem to trust him despite that very abject display by Cech where he was very luck not to kick it into his own net.

I just think keepers are one position you don't want to play around with, you find your number 1 and play him most games, they don't get injured too often and don't exactly run around all game so they don't really get tired.

[Goonermerree]

It's unfortunate that we had to start the season against two of the best teams in the league. Nobody expected us to beat City and few will expect us to beat Chelsea. I think where we are at will be a better gauge when we play teams lower down the league, especially away when we were dreadful last year. A bit of fight and urgency tomorrow is all I dare hope for, maybe a goal for Laca or Aba.

[Bumble]

Why would he play Cech when he clearly can't pass and struggles badly with the ball at his feet? He's got a keeper he bought for 20+ million and doesn't seem to trust him despite that very abject display by Cech where he was very luck not to kick it into his own net.

I just think keepers are one position you don't want to play around with, you find your number 1 and play him most games, they don't get injured too often and don't exactly run around all game so they don't really get tired.

Isnt the keepers main purpose to make saves though.... which is what Cech did. Leno is only 26 so still has plenty of time, this might be good to allow him to settle into England and see what the football is like. would Leno made any difference to the result against City. No. Would he make any difference to the Chelsea result .... probably not.

Anyway on the Chelsea game, I think we can draw this. We have more fire power up front but the chavs have a better central midfield although 2 of the parts are quite new. they have the best player in Hazard but are suspect as centre back (which obviously we are a little too).

I can see Iwobi playing wide left although Welbeck could be used to press, chase and harry the defence and keeper with good affect. Don't think we need both Ozil and Mukhi to start.
1-1

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

They came down hard on Pep too for trying to always play out from the back but he stuck with it and now look at them. We'll have to be patient even when results don't go our way. Won't be easy.

I wouldn't be surpised if he doesn't change all that much against Chelsea in terms of style of play. Heck, he may even opt for the same team. Still a learning process for the team. Can't give up on the first go.

Like you I don't expect him to change much.


Came across this just now from Stillman....

https://arseblog.com/2018/08/laca-balance-auba-under/

In fact, most of Arsenal’s squad is unbalanced, but the forward line has a lot of individual quality and players in their prime which ought to reduce the impact. I still think that this squad is most suited to a back 3 given the lack of dominant centre halves and natural wide players. Arsenal have a top class number 8, a world class number 10 and two good strikers, all of whom could be well accommodated in a 3412 system.


He mentioned something in the link article that I hadn't thought much about which is the interchange of the full backs with the forwards in wide positions. Bellerin could be left without an option but this is where the front 3 can be fluid in their movement and combination play with a solid base behind.

Anyway I'd play....

-------------Cech-------------

------Mav--Mus---Sok--------

Bell---Ramsey---Tor---Monreal

-------------Ozil----------------

--------Laca----Auba----------

But I think he will play...

Cech
Bellerin
Mustafi
Sokratis
Litch/Mon
Torreira
Guenouzi
Ramsey (if fit)
Ozil
Auba
Laca

[dostoy]

If Torreira could only play 20 minutes last week, he won't be fit enough for 90, just six days later will he.

I just want to see a bit of fight and a bit of resilience because I am not confident of even a draw.

Even if Arsenal lose 2-1 but show a bit of fight, that will be a improvement from what Arsenal were doing for the last few seasons when that French incompetent fool was in charge.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Hearing the first team played a full game Monday against Palace first team. WTF!!

The era of the slacking is well and truly over.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

If Torreira could only play 20 minutes last week, he won't be fit enough for 90, just six days later will he.

I just want to see a bit of fight and a bit of resilience because I am not confident of even a draw.

Even if Arsenal lose 2-1 but show a bit of fight, that will be a improvement from what Arsenal were doing for the last few seasons when that French incompetent fool was in charge.

We'll see. It isn't a precise science and we aren't privy to the decisive factors.

[Power n Glory]

Isnt the keepers main purpose to make saves though.... which is what Cech did. Leno is only 26 so still has plenty of time, this might be good to allow him to settle into England and see what the football is like. would Leno made any difference to the result against City. No. Would he make any difference to the Chelsea result .... probably not.

Anyway on the Chelsea game, I think we can draw this. We have more fire power up front but the chavs have a better central midfield although 2 of the parts are quite new. they have the best player in Hazard but are suspect as centre back (which obviously we are a little too).

I can see Iwobi playing wide left although Welbeck could be used to press, chase and harry the defence and keeper with good affect. Don't think we need both Ozil and Mukhi to start.
1-1

Saving the ball with your hands should be first priority for any keeper. I'm pretty sure the first mistake this keeper makes, it will be pounced on and the price tag will be the stick used to beat him with. He had a rough season last year in Germany. He may need some protection until he gets his confidence back. Doesn't seem wise to drop him in a high pressure situation because I'm certain the barage of cristism won't stop and he'll never get the support.

[Power n Glory]

Like you I don't expect him to change much.


Came across this just now from Stillman....

https://arseblog.com/2018/08/laca-balance-auba-under/

In fact, most of Arsenal’s squad is unbalanced, but the forward line has a lot of individual quality and players in their prime which ought to reduce the impact. I still think that this squad is most suited to a back 3 given the lack of dominant centre halves and natural wide players. Arsenal have a top class number 8, a world class number 10 and two good strikers, all of whom could be well accommodated in a 3412 system.


He mentioned something in the link article that I hadn't thought much about which is the interchange of the full backs with the forwards in wide positions. Bellerin could be left without an option but this is where the front 3 can be fluid in their movement and combination play with a solid base behind.

Anyway I'd play....

-------------Cech-------------

------Mav--Mus---Sok--------

Bell---Ramsey---Tor---Monreal

-------------Ozil----------------

--------Laca----Auba----------

But I think he will play...

Cech
Bellerin
Mustafi
Sokratis
Litch/Mon
Torreira
Guenouzi
Ramsey (if fit)
Ozil
Auba
Laca

Yes, I caught that article this morning. After buying Aubameyang and playing three at the back, I don't know why Wenger didn't make a slight adjustment and just play that formation. Instead of one up front, flip the triangle and play two with Ozil behind strikers. Three players in their preferred positions. Sorted.

I don't think Emery has played a three at the back formation so I just don't see him doing it. I don't think he has a record of playing various shapes

[Özim]

Isnt the keepers main purpose to make saves though.... which is what Cech did. Leno is only 26 so still has plenty of time, this might be good to allow him to settle into England and see what the football is like. would Leno made any difference to the result against City. No. Would he make any difference to the Chelsea result .... probably not.

Anyway on the Chelsea game, I think we can draw this. We have more fire power up front but the chavs have a better central midfield although 2 of the parts are quite new. they have the best player in Hazard but are suspect as centre back (which obviously we are a little too).

I can see Iwobi playing wide left although Welbeck could be used to press, chase and harry the defence and keeper with good affect. Don't think we need both Ozil and Mukhi to start.
1-1

It is yes but if you're going to play out from the back the keeper is going to need to be able to pass. 26 isn't that young, he's not a kid, we paid 20 odd million for him which isn't pocket change and certainly not the money for a backup keeper.

There's an argument that Cech might have been very slow to react to the first goal for City, for me though he's past it, last season he had a nightmare and quite honestly he's never been the same since the head injury. Cech is the past for me, Leno is hopefully the future (time will tell) but I personally think he should have played.

This isn't the Wenger era where we mollycoddle players, if you're good enough you play that's the way I see it. Welbeck hasn't featured at all in pre-season and came back late despite not playing at all for England, I reckon he's got no future here.

[Özim]

If Torreira could only play 20 minutes last week, he won't be fit enough for 90, just six days later will he.

I just want to see a bit of fight and a bit of resilience because I am not confident of even a draw.

Even if Arsenal lose 2-1 but show a bit of fight, that will be a improvement from what Arsenal were doing for the last few seasons when that French incompetent fool was in charge.

Torreira played in the World Cup, he should be fit enough, Man Citys players played a week after returning from holiday!

I agree I want to see some fight and an improvement on the desire and how we played in the 1st game when we could barely get out of our half in the 1st half and played duds like Xhaka.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

It is yes but if you're going to play out from the back the keeper is going to need to be able to pass. 26 isn't that young, he's not a kid, we paid 20 odd million for him which isn't pocket change and certainly not the money for a backup keeper.

There's an argument that Cech might have been very slow to react to the first goal for City, for me though he's past it, last season he had a nightmare and quite honestly he's never been the same since the head injury. Cech is the past for me, Leno is hopefully the future (time will tell) but I personally think he should have played.

This isn't the Wenger era where we mollycoddle players, if you're good enough you play that's the way I see it. Welbeck hasn't featured at all in pre-season and came back late despite not playing at all for England, I reckon he's got no future here.
Well that’s just it:.... Emery hasn’t deemed Leno good enough.

[Penguin]

Asking Cech to play out from the back is a disaster waiting to happen though, that's the issue here. Cech's has always been terrified of the ball, he's not suddenly going to turn into Neuer. Playing out is completely new to him so it'll take a long time and plenty of mistakes and even then he might never get to a reasonable level. What's the point in trying that with a 36 year old? It's almost like trying to teach Lichtsteiner to play as a forward.

Guardiola didn't waste time trying to teach Joe Hart how he wants a keeper to play. He straight away went out and bought one that could.

[Mac76]

I hadn't realised that Emery hadn't played Torreira last week for fitness reasons, that's reassuring, at the time i couldn't believe Emery left him out.

We've got to be more solid with him in the side, and if he starts with Laca, we can be more of a threat going forward too.

As for Cech v Leno,i agree Leno should get the nod but clearly that's not gonna happen this time.

Hopefully Emery has a plan for Leno though that's more than just cup games

[I am invisible]

Not sure where I stand on the keeper issue at the moment? On the one hand I think the argument that we need to foster competition between Leno and Cech makes sense, and that they should have to earn their place in the side through consistency and high standards of performance. Then again, we had that kind of competition between Cech and Ospina and I can’t say it pushed either to higher levels - instead of earning their place, it felt more like it was given to one or the other by default based on whoever was less incompetent at any given moment?

Then there’s the age thing? Is there any mid- to long-term value in persisting with Cech for the sake of short-term stability, or would we better off chucking Leno in now, while the rest of the team is having to learn and grow together anyway?

In any event, I guess it makes sense to hold Leno back for these opening two games - taking an immediate battering from City and Chelsea won’t do his nerves or his confidence any good. Game 3 onwards will probably tell us more...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Nobody should play because they have youth on their side so if Leno isn't good enough as a goalkeeper why should he be standing there as the last line of our defence? How many people would want Bravo playing for us, just because he can pass a football? Nobody would because he's just not the standard of keeper required.

Emery wants to pass it out the back every time so we have to ask why is he not playing Leno?

Is it any real different to wanting Giroud to play ahead of Aubameyang because he's good at defending our goal at corners.

[SMatthews]

It’s a demonstration that Leno wasn’t a player he had any part in purchasing.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dk5GLmRXgAADAq9.jpg:large

He's a stubborn old goat.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dk5FLabXsAEvLU8.jpg

Not starting Hazard against us seems an error.

[Munchies]

emery out

guy is fucking clueless

[Globalgunner]

emery out

guy is fucking clueless

Xhaka will see to it that he is jobless by Xmas

[Munchies]

Xhaka will see to it that he is jobless by Xmas

The rest of the lineup is bad enough, but Xhaka? Jesus fucking christ, how the fuck is he always picked? What does he do?!?

[Gooner23]

Trying to give him benefit of doubt but that's a really disappointing line up.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I'm looking forward to seeing what lessons Emery has learnt from last weekend.

The lineup he's chosen seems to suggest he has learnt nothing.

I took it easy and defended him after the first game but I have no intention of doing the same if this turns out to be another car crash.

How Xhaka starts and no Lacazette suggests to me he's not really concentrating on the actual team and has his head elsewhere.

[SMatthews]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dk5GLmRXgAADAq9.jpg:large

He's a stubborn old goat.

Brilliant line up.

[Globalgunner]

Brilliant line up.

I know where you live SM

Are we actually sure Wenger has left?. Has anyone ever seen Emery and Wenger in the same place?

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

It's unfortunate that we had to start the season against two of the best teams in the league. Nobody expected us to beat City and few will expect us to beat Chelsea. I think where we are at will be a better gauge when we play teams lower down the league, especially away when we were dreadful last year. A bit of fight and urgency tomorrow is all I dare hope for, maybe a goal for Laca or Aba.

Your post is why I'm surprised he doesn't take the non-existent risk of playing both Lacazette and Obama.

I'm really disappointed in this lineup I must say and only costly errors or a capitulation by Chelski can aid us in comming out with anything today.

I'm a bit pissed off honestly.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I know where you live SM

Are we actually sure Wenger has left?. Has anyone ever seen Emery and Wenger in the same place?

I'm not sure even Wenger could be this silly.

Anyway lets see if he has Cech being our no 10 again before I go ballistic.

[SMatthews]

I know where you live SM

Are we actually sure Wenger has left?. Has anyone ever seen Emery and Wenger in the same place?

It’s worth for it for the anxiety it will generate online alone.

[SMatthews]

More importantly it’s junior vs senior Luiz and a chance to see who can give the ball away more today.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

"It's like he's got Tourette's there" - Martin Keown.

:doh:

[Mac76]

Can't believe that lineup

I can only think we've been blaming wenger all this time but it must have been kroenke picking the team all along... :doh:

[Globalgunner]

Can't believe that lineup

I can only think we've been blaming wenger all this time but it must have been kroenke picking the team all along... :doh:

Or the tea lady. She couldn't possibly do any worse these last 10 years

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It'll be fine, it isn't exactly the same as last time. :unsure:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hoddle, McManaman and Fletcher commentating.

[SMatthews]

Strong bench at least.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Aubameyang shot but easily saved.

Come on Arsenal! :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

David Luiz. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pedro cuts inside but sends it way away.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Great awareness from Bellerin as ever.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Oezil on the volley but scuffs it.

Good move though.

[SMatthews]

Good start.

1-0

[Globalgunner]

That didnt take long

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-0 Pedro. :doh:

[Globalgunner]

Honestly, at times we look like a complete amateur team, as if we dont even belong in this league.

WTF is going on?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just over from Barkley.

[I am invisible]

Nobody should play because they have youth on their side so if Leno isn't good enough as a goalkeeper why should he be standing there as the last line of our defence? How many people would want Bravo playing for us, just because he can pass a football? Nobody would because he's just not the standard of keeper required.

Emery wants to pass it out the back every time so we have to ask why is he not playing Leno?

Is it any real different to wanting Giroud to play ahead of Aubameyang because he's good at defending our goal at corners.
Well, this is one of the reasons I started that last post by saying that I don’t know where I stand on this issue - Leno’s competence is one of those unknowns that I just don’t know enough about yet. Maybe he’s not being picked because he’s shite? Maybe Emery is trying to spare him a confidence- / reputation-destroying hammering in his first two PL games? Who knows? For now, I’m choosing to look at this as more of a theoretical choice between GK A (Cech), who represents the more traditional keeper, vs GK B (Leno), who represents the modern, ball-playing keeper. If the reality turns out to be a choice between a competent keeper vs an utterly incompetent keeper, then there is no choice and this entire debate is moot.

With regards to opting for a keeper because they’re able to play out from the back, I think it’s a cometely different situation to someone wanting Giroud over Auba because he can defend corners, firstly because it wasn’t a critical part of Giroud’s job as a forward, secondly because it was nothing that any other player’s job was dependent on, and thirdly because I would assume that that person had never watched football before. in these modern systems though, your keeper’s ability to play out from the back has a direct impact on how we shape the team in our defensive third, as well as how we instruct our CBs and DMs to play (and it may even dictate which players are picked to play around him). A ball-playing keeper gives you the base point of a defensive diamond and provides a vital get-out for the other defensive players when they’re being pressed - If your keeper isn’t a reliable option to pass to and receive from then those those passing triangles at the back disintegrate, and our shape and style of play will have to alter accordingly.

Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that keeper’s who can’t play out from the back are redundant (or, in our case, that Cech doesn’t represent the better of two imperfect options), but l do feel that if we’re going to go with someone like Cech then we should probably have a rapid rethink about how we’re trying to coach the CBs and DMs, because this business of having the CBs split wide as passing options, while the DMs drop into the gap between them as a third option just isn’t going to work. If the keeper can’t play his part in that kind of system then we’re going to be able under constant pressure and relying on those players being able to get themselves out if trouble. Probably need to go back to a solid line in front of Cech, and park trying to teach the defence fancy ways of playing until we can sign a new keeper who we trust.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Wenger has left this team a complete fucking mess.

Yet somehow we’ve managed to pick a manager that could possibly be worse.

[SMatthews]

Auba misses an absolute sitter.

[SMatthews]

2-0

Morata

[AFC Leveller]

First and foremost, that starting 11, especially the midfield, is so lightweight and inferior to Chelsea it’s always going to end in tears. Chelsea are looking a lot better and so dangerous on the ball.

Ida Emery doesn’t fix up soon, he’ll be gone before his 3 year contract is up.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What a miss from Aubameyang.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Going well this.

[Globalgunner]

This team may be damaged beyond repair. A hiding here would be too tragic

[Marc Overmars]

Unai. :rose:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Well, this is one of the reasons I started that last post by saying that I don’t know where I stand on this issue - Leno’s competence is one of those unknowns that I just don’t know enough about yet. Maybe he’s not being picked because he’s shite? Maybe Emery is trying to spare him a confidence- / reputation-destroying hammering in his first two PL games? Who knows? For now, I’m choosing to look at this as more of a theoretical choice between GK A (Cech), who represents the more traditional keeper, vs GK B (Leno), who represents the modern, ball-playing keeper. If the reality turns out to be a choice between a competent keeper vs an utterly incompetent keeper, then there is no choice and this entire debate is moot.

With regards to opting for a keeper because they’re able to play out from the back, I think it’s a cometely different situation to someone wanting Giroud over Auba because he can defend corners, firstly because it wasn’t a critical part of Giroud’s job as a forward, secondly because it was nothing that any other player’s job was dependent on, and thirdly because I would assume that that person had never watched football before. in these modern systems though, your keeper’s ability to play out from the back has a direct impact on how we shape the team in our defensive third, as well as how we instruct our CBs and DMs to play (and it may even dictate which players are picked to play around him). A ball-playing keeper gives you the base point of a defensive diamond and provides a vital get-out for the other defensive players when they’re being pressed - If your keeper isn’t a reliable option to pass to and receive from then those those passing triangles at the back disintegrate, and our shape and style of play will have to alter accordingly.

Now that doesn’t necessarily mean that keeper’s who can’t play out from the back are redundant (or, in our case, that Cech doesn’t represent the better of two imperfect options), but l do feel that if we’re going to go with someone like Cech then we should probably have a rapid rethink about how we’re trying to coach the CBs and DMs, because this business of having the CBs split wide as passing options, while the DMs drop into the gap between them as a third option just isn’t going to work. If the keeper can’t play his part in that kind of system then we’re going to be able under constant pressure and relying on those players being able to get themselves out if trouble. Probably need to go back to a solid line in front of Cech, and park trying to teach the defence fancy ways of playing until we can sign a new keeper who we trust.
The post you responded to wasn't aimed at you particularly by the way....

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Unai. :rose:

lol

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Xhaka with a yellow. :faint:

[Letters]

Wenger In! :angry:

[Globalgunner]

If you are going in for a war the last thing you need are pussies like Miki, Ozil and Bellerin, add to that panic mechanics like Mustafi and Xhaka and its the charge of the light brigade all over again.


Better get Xhaka off at HT or we could really be down to 10 men

[Özim]

Awful lineup from Emery, didn't learn anything from the first game, very disappointing.

No surprise we're losing, play Xhaka and you lose the guy is a waste of space!

[Özim]

Sarri is a new manager too, who's had less time with his players and has made Emery look like an amateur tbh.

[SMatthews]

Miki does an Auba.

[LDG]

Club I knew is gone. What a mess.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

How has Mkhitaryan missed?

[Penguin]

Awful lineup from Emery, didn't learn anything from the first game, very disappointing.

No surprise we're losing, play Xhaka and you lose the guy is a waste of space!

I hope he's not falling into Wenger's habit of 'trusting' his players. Also known as not having the balls to drop them.

[Özim]

How has Mkhitaryan missed?

The Man U reject is useless, they flogged us another dud!

[Globalgunner]

Psychologist needed for this team. They are mentally ruined.

[hobson's choice]

These players have genuinely looked lost out there. Emery's small man complex is gonna cost this team.

[SMatthews]

The Man U reject is useless, they flogged us another dud!

Sanchez is doing his best to prove otherwise.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Xhaka funnels it out of play with four teammates nearby.

[AFC Leveller]

Chelsea 2 shots two goals, although they have been the much better team. We have missed two sitters and it’s the same old story. It’s gonna be another long season.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

That wasn't Xhaka again was it?

[SMatthews]

Miki!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

MKHITARYAN!!!!

[GP]

Iwobi has been good.

[Globalgunner]

Good strike by Mikhi, if only we were more dead eye we would be leading here

Cech saves

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cech saves from Morata.

[I am invisible]

The post you responded to wasn't aimed at you particularly by the way....
Would have been more relevant 3 hours ago when I started typing, but, you know... kids.

[SMatthews]

2-2!! Iwobi

[McNamara That Ghost...]

IWOBI!!!! COME ON!!!

[Globalgunner]

Love these boys. Wont hear a bad word said about them

[Penguin]

IWOBI

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Guendouzi strikes, a bit weak.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Iwobi has been good.

A breath of fresh air!!!!!

[Globalgunner]

Auba is shit. Get Laca on

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Another sitter from Auba!

[LDG]

Jesus wept Auba!!!

[Penguin]

Auba come on man :doh:

[Penguin]

We should have been 5-2 up :haha:

[SMatthews]

Iwobi with another miss!

[Globalgunner]

Jeepers, we are shite in front of goal

[SMatthews]

Sarri looking like a real amateur.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Why the fuck has emery gone with the same line up as last weekend!?!

All through preseason laca and Auba played together and now he’s doing a wenger!

Emery, fucking sort yourself out lad ��

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Stop leaning back you berks.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

2-2 HT.

The season starts now tbf.

[LDG]

Take me back to Highbury :(

[Globalgunner]

Showing character.....Nice to see. Now if we can only calm down in front of goal. The 1st 15 mins of the 2nd half will be crucial. Chelsea will come out all guns, we need to be strong and accurate. We can win this

[selassie]

2-2 HT.

The season starts now tbf.

We were superb last 10 mins, we tore them to pieces. I don’t like our defending but we look good going forward.

I think we can win this game, we look the better team now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It's going to take all of my power not to chuck something at the TV if I see that Citeh Amazon Prime documentary trailer anymore.

"How one team won the league against all the odds, maybe".

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We were superb last 10 mins, we tore them to pieces. I don’t like our defending but we look good going forward.

I think we can win this game, we look the better team now.

Attacking with purpose on the cutbacks shockingly. Shame the finishing has been, well, Arsenal.

[Penguin]

Chelsea have let us back in it, their defending is almost as bad as ours :lol:

David Luiz is a really, really bad defender. I can't believe some of you lot wanted him here. I put him in the same tier as Mustafi.

[Mac76]

He should bring Torreira and Laca on at HT and and then it could be three points

[SMatthews]

The Auba and Miki chances missed earlier in the half showed we could get at them, the finishing was just awful. Torriera will hopefully come on soon, shore up the back and the win is on.

[I am invisible]

We were superb last 10 mins, we tore them to pieces. I don’t like our defending but we look good going forward.

I think we can win this game, we look the better team now.
Defending’s probably gonna get worse before it gets better for a while - gotta hope the attack can balance it out in the meantime. Belt yourself in for a mental year people!

[I am invisible]

He should bring Torreira and Laca on at HT and and then it could be three points
Nice to actually have some options off the bench who can make a difference at both ends...

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

He should bring Torreira and Laca on at HT and and then it could be three points

I wish he could do this at halftime.

One of the advantage s of having AW out.. we don't have to wait till the 70th minute.

[Master Splinter]

It's not an exaggeration to say this should be 2-6. Every missed chance was a sitter.

Aubameyang is bottling it well and truly in the big games so far. Let's see if he can make up for it in the second half. Or if he'll do a Giroud v Monaco.

I missed the first ten minutes but Iwobi and Bellerin seem to be playing well and Guendouzi is once again showing he has so much more character than the big names around him.

[Globalgunner]

He should bring Torreira and Laca on at HT and and then it could be three points

Those 2 for Xhaka and Ozil.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Whatever happens...the games this year are going to be a lot more open. Can't believe the sitters we've missed.

[LDG]

Kanuuuuuuu!

[SMatthews]

The little midge is coming on.

Xhaka booted off.

[Penguin]

The little midge is coming on.

Xhaka booted off.

:cheer::cheer::cheer::ladynana::ladynana::ladynana ::ladynana:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Xhaka hauled off!

[LDG]

The little midge is coming on.

Xhaka booted off.

Is Unai not respecting the first 71 minutes? :angry:

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

The little midge is coming on.

Xhaka booted off.

I think I'm happy now.

[Mac76]

Xhaka hauled off!

:patrice::patrice:

[SMatthews]

Both defences and midfields are a shambles.

[Penguin]

Torreira did a Xhaka

:unsure:

[Mac76]

Torreira did a Xhaka

:unsure:

I guess the instruction to NOT do what Xhaka does was lost in translation...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Good save from Cech off Barkley.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well the good news is Aubameyang didn't sky it this time.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Auba steaming the offside goal charts.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Er Iwobi. :lol:

Willian and Barkley off, Hazard and Kovacic on.

[SMatthews]

Get ozil off and Ramsey on

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Cech's been pretty good.

[Penguin]

Cech's been pretty good.

He has

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Jorginho shot, deflection made it easy for Cech.

[SMatthews]

Ramsey on, Ozil off. Good move.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Oezil off, Ramsey on.

[Penguin]

We can't get the ball off Chelsea at the moment.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

You aren't actually Socrates, mate.

[Penguin]

Sokratis get back in position FFS

[SMatthews]

Rash from Lucas

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Iwobi off, Lacazette on.

All out attack. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Morata off, Bif on.

[SMatthews]

Momentum slowly turning I think

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Who is Obiang?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Mustafi booked.

[LDG]

Who is Obiang?

A chinese jedi

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kante clears one.

[SMatthews]

Alonso, 3-2

[Letters]

:ilt:

[Letters]

A chinese jedi

Lacist :sulk:

[Penguin]

Bellerin practically let Hazard cross it for the goal.

[SMatthews]

Bellerin keeps going missing

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Why do we keep playing physio to their players?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cech keeping us in it.

[Globalgunner]

Relax its only Giroud

[SMatthews]

Rambo just over

[Letters]

Why can’t professional footballers cross the ball?
:fury:

[Letters]

Rambo just over

Decent hit. Would have been saved anyway.
:ilt:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramsey hammers it just over.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Three added minutes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

3-2 FT. Football can fuck off.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I think I preferred the 2nd half to the 1st.

We lost but it could have been worse and thats why it is important to choose the right lineup at the start.

This is the last game I'll give Emery the benefit of doubt. He has to show he understands this team and knows how to make it stronger.