The heart that Arsenal displayed in match against Manchester United was of a different zone. Can’t believe the same team got run over by Liverpool, gave a scintillating performance. The spirit, the grit, the character, was superlative.
Some say I am an eternal optimist, however what I have seen from Arsenal in the last few games has raised my hopes. At this stage it might seem a bold statement, however this is what I feel. Arsenal are very close to Manchester City, comparing performance style. Last year, Pep Guardiola’s side were dominant moving forward, passing wise, goals, ambition wise. The bigger picture was clear, the expansive football they played, it had an identity, only some small pieces remained in the jigsaw, which Guardiola sorted this summer. Similarly, Arsenal are just a few signings away from exceeding Manchester City.
Arsenal lost yesterday’s match, however the display from Arsenal, the forward moving play, and the way they broke Mourinho’s packed defense, reminiscent of Henry, Bergkamp days!. Arsenal’s picture is ready, just a few signings and Arsenal will be on their way
What is needed?
Arsenal need another central midfielder of a different class. Xhaka is good, however in that zone, Arsenal need backup, someone who can bring stability, understand the theme of the game, and if required, slow things a bit. Bellerin needs competition, someone with an improved final product. Bellerin is good, his pace, and the way he runs back to defend is great, what he lacks is that killer pass!. On the defensive side, a good central defender, with an even better reputation.Defensive side needs a hound, screaming at players to maintain formation and focus, and eliminate the defensive errors that cost the match.
Perennial talk of Draxler, as a replacement for those in current squad,is good, however Arsenal needs additions not replacements. Yes, that means, Sanchez and Ozil have to stay. (another bold statement)If Arsenal keep on playing the way they are now, and in January window Arsenal makes a huge signing (50m plus), then Arsenal will remain an attractive option. Plus, if you compare to 95m offer made for Lemar, is will make financial sense to give 30m to each player and keep them!. A Mahrez could also fit well, however he is again forward moving, Arsenal missed a chance with Kante, Matic, maybe a Jorginho could fit the bill now!
Laca 9
Lacazette is one for the future, the way he is playing, needs some more time, and he is a natural goal scorer. The signs he is showing are encouraging, he needs more full 90 minute games, and confidence that he will play the full game. In yesterday’s game, every time a substitution got announced, Lacazette was getting distracted, thinking maybe he is getting off. This might hinder his confidence, if this distraction becomes a regular habit around the hour mark!. Yesterday his movement was amazing, he was at the right locations, only thing missing was the finish. As he gets goals and confidence builds he will get better at finishing. However, simultaneously, Arsenal need to keep Grioud, the heart he has, the intensity of his game, is amazing, he can become he best super sub, only thing he should come to partner Lacazette, not replace him.
Ramsey
Ramsey was due for something special, and the presence of mind, the unselfishness to pass to Lacazette, and then amazing movement to get out of way, it was truly special!. Unfortunately yesterday De Gea and luck, was against Arsenal, otherwise getting 30+ shots on goal with just one netting is an exception. If Arsenal continue with the same spirit, they can easily dominate games.
The Game itself.
It is the best game from Arsenal in at least the last five years. It was edge of the seat, frequent jumping from the sofa, screaming, adrenaline rush. This is what a football fan want!. Arsenal were the best, the result does not reflect it, similar to Arsenal Leicester two seasons back, Arsenal won the match, but ten men Leicester showed the grit of prospective champions. Similarly, no one should get dejected by the score line, if Arsenal can continue to play in the same manner, at some point a corner will turn, and all those balls that hit the post, missed by inches, will start hitting the net. What I loved was, that the Arsenal identity was back. Last season, more than the losses, what was disheartening was the manner of play, fearful, lacking confidence. This time, Arsenal looked like a Top four side. Arsenal should now brush aside the lower half of the table, and accumulate points, and reach top 4. That will be crucial for getting quality signings. However I think more than lure of champions league football, money and stature of club are more lucrative for players. Pogba came to United from a Champions league side to play in Europa league. Lacazette came when Arsenal dropped out of top 4.
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