Özil must have been possessed by the captain’s arm band, or how
else do you explain his larger than life virtuoso display that literally blew
away the foxes? We all know how talented he is or how good he can be, we just don’t
see it often enough, which is such a shame in itself considering the audacity
of his abilities. Its hard not to go on and keep talking about the last two
games against Fulham which was good, while the Leicester city match was great, that’s
besides the first 20-25 minutes of course. That said and all, lets look at the
not so good. I’m sorry but I always have something to cavil about, this wont be
different. Two things, I wonder why Arsenal
can’t seem to keep clean sheets like the good old days, I mean its all nice to
score a quiver full of goals but give me an old fashioned 2 nil to the gunners
over a 3-1 or a 1 nil over a 2-1 to the Arsenal, I will gladly take the clean
sheet scores ahead of the cricket score line. My other issue is the fact that
it takes a bit to get the cannon ball loaded as once again seen against Leicester,
Arsenal was all at sea for the most part of the first half. I am sure a better
team would have punished our sloppy play more. Lets dial back the a few games
past, against Everton, Watford and now Leicester, the turnovers in dangerous
areas early in the games have been quite worrisome. I want to believe its
something Emery sees (as he is BIG on detail video reviews). It is important
the gunners cut this down to the barest minimum. We might get away with it
against bottom fodder opposition but against the top teams, I need not say more.
Hopefully the coach works that sloppiness out of the teams play. Before go to
the preview, Hats of to Ramsey for the goal against Fulham, the build up was
beautiful, the finish…sublime. Özil gets an extra special mention too for that performance against Leicester, Jeeeez do that more often Please. Torreira....just quietly awesome
Its back to Thursday night football with the gunners facing the
first game of the double header against the team I believe on paper remains the
true test in our group. We travel to the estadio Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon
for third group game in the Europa league. It’s the game of the group as it
pitches the group leaders against each other. You get the feeling that whichever
team can dominate this double header tie, will likely top the group. Sporting
lisbon may not be one of the European club heavyweights currently but they used
to be and are next in line behind Porto
in Portugal, they have a rich history and cant be underestimated. Its even
telling that how well they have turned the season around considering the kind
of tumultuous summer they had with players being threatened sacked coaches and all
that. This brings us to Emery’s comments ahead of the game, he thinks Sporting Lisbon
is a very decent side and must not be underestimated but he reiterates his own
hunger for more.
“When you win this competition, you go to the champions league for the
next year and for us at Arsenal, I am telling every player, the supporters and
the club- it is very important because it is one title and also a way to go to
champions league. We are here to play to win”
I sure hope the boyz get his message, one can only ask for a repeat
of the recent second half performances the gunners have been putting in just
start a little earlier. Team news has Monreal, Sokratis and the usual suspects
of Kolasinac, Maitiland Niles, Koscielny all out with an injury of sorts. I
would expect Cech may not make it too as he is only just back in full training.
Holding and Mustafi to continue at center back, Litchsteiner may complete a
back three or be part of a back four. In the middle, I would expect El Neny,
Emile smith, Mikhi to join the fray while Welbeck should be back in the attack.
Özil and the likes of Lacazette, Ramsey would likely start from the bench. Anyway,
my thoughts be …..Can we get the win with a clean sheet on board too? I guess
another 90+ minutes will tell, that’s it from us over here, remember to hit the
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on Facebook Here. Do enjoy the game
wherever you are….Ciaooo
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