Two wins from 2 games, you can't ask for a lot more.
To be fair, neither performance was great and we were playing teams who I believe will be in the relegation fight come the end of the season.
However, the real hard work starts now. Either side of the October internationals (and the end of the transfer window) we have 4 tough games. Liverpool away is followed by Sheffield United at home before Manchester City away and Leicester City at the Emirates. Of course we also have the Carabao Cup (Leicester again, and if we win that then likely to be 2 trips to Anfield in 4 days next week). And the Europa starts between the two City games.
It goes without saying we are desperate for at least one midfielder, but for the short term our defence is suffering from injuries. Gabriel has shown encouraging aspects of his game, but Tierney pulling out on Saturday is an obvious concern.
William Saliba has yet to even make the matchday squad despite injuries to Mustafi, Mari, Luiz, Tierney and Chambers - and his performance for the U23s was not exactly highly praised. I would assume we will see him in the EFL Cup and Europa in the coming weeks - hopefully Mari too.
It is good to see both Auba and Laca (and Eddie) get on the scoresheet early doors. Willian was credited with 3 assists, but was below par on Saturday, while it is interesting to see what happens with Pepe - who we were all hoping (deluding ourselves) would show second season improvements. The kids - Nelson, Willock and Smith-Rowe especially - look like they will mainly have to make do with Europa/EFL if they stay beyond the window.
Big tests for Arteta's Arsenal coming thick and fast, and we need to somehow combine improved defensive performances with attacking threat. With no more new signings it will be hard. #ParteyandAouarIN
Good start but...
posted on 22/9/20
Still don't really know what type of style Arteta is trying to impliment. Besides the playing out from the back, the style of football resembles a lot of what Emery was doing.
We look more solid but going forward, we still look very average. We have scored the occasion goal from playing out from the back which everyone has been raving on about but on the whole there still doesn't seem to be any consistent pattern of play.
posted on 22/9/20
comment by Castor Troy (U8700)
posted 21 seconds ago
Still don't really know what type of style Arteta is trying to impliment. Besides the playing out from the back, the style of football resembles a lot of what Emery was doing.
We look more solid but going forward, we still look very average. We have scored the occasion goal from playing out from the back which everyone has been raving on about but on the whole there still doesn't seem to be any consistent pattern of play.
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Well the problem he has is he cannot go to a back 4 with the players he has without making us very vulnerable. The CBs aren't good enough, and the midfield blend isn't right. He has found a formation to fit the players and win games, and is now trying to find players to suit a more effective all round game.
posted on 22/9/20
Tierney is made out of biscuit.
posted on 22/9/20
I see progress. We defend better all in all. Not all good but looked more stable at the back.
We lack creativity in midfield which is holding us back. Our frontline is okay but if you dont have the authority in midfield your strikers suffering.
The away game against Liverpool give us a clue where we stand and how far we are away.
posted on 22/9/20
comment by Castor Troy (U8700)
posted 9 hours, 14 minutes ago
Still don't really know what type of style Arteta is trying to impliment. Besides the playing out from the back, the style of football resembles a lot of what Emery was doing.
We look more solid but going forward, we still look very average. We have scored the occasion goal from playing out from the back which everyone has been raving on about but on the whole there still doesn't seem to be any consistent pattern of play.
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You say that, but this is exactly the style we’ve needed for ages with the players available. Defensively we are at least solid. How can you play flowing football with the players we have?
posted on 22/9/20
I didnt think the defence looked great against West ham. Definitely signs of the old disorganisation there. Certainly nowhere near what they were with everyone fit and Emi in goal. Obviously losing players is a big hit, it will only be once we have them fit that we can see if the disorganisation disappears or if it was Emi that brought a lot of the stability.
posted on 22/9/20
The defence has only really looked good against the bigger teams.
We have struggled with other teams especially at home