Arsenal managed a 1-1 draw with Leicester City in what was a performance fans are becoming more and more used to seeing. Despite there being positives as there usually are with the Gunners, they left the field with a result and a performance that aren’t good enough.
Sanogoals
His own twitter handle embraces his nickname but at what point will Sanogo’s lack of confidence in front of goal begin to concern the manager. Arsene clearly has an immense amount of belief In Yaya and it’s not without reason.
I’m not a Sanogo hater, he has a huge amount of ability on the ball and definitely has potential. But in front of goal he simply isn’t good enough to lead the Arsenal front line at the moment.
His lack of finesse in front of goal meant numerous chances were wasted. With Giroud out until January, Wenger must but a striker or put his faith in Walcott, Podolski or even Campbell up front. Our front three today was Ozil, Sanchez and Sanogo. Two of the best players in the world and a young striker yet to really make an impact at the top level.
Easy Pickings
The attempts on goal stat showed it all. Arsenal had 24 chances to Leicester’s 9. The goal City scored was incredibly poorly defended, whether Koscielny’s head injury had an impact its hard to know.
At the other end we were incredibly wasteful in front of goal, as I’ve already mentioned. It’s incredibly concerning that only 6 of the 24 shots were on target and few of the really challenged the keeper.
We’re seeing a lack of cutting edge in the team that seems to be a combination of a lack of threat in front of goal and poor passing all over the park.
Signs of Promise
For me Alexis looks superb. His speed is incredible and he looks a cut above many of the other players. Above all his other qualities what I find most impressive is his desire to get back when he loses the ball.
Alexis gives 100% the whole game and it should be superb watching him grow and adapt to this league.
Mesut Ozil looked really sluggish against Besiktas but definitely showed signs of improvement today and if he continues to play well on the left it would be interesting to keep him out there.
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t impressed with the result today. Leicester are not a great side and most of our rivals will win at the King Power Stadium. I’d like to see Campbell get some game time but I can’t see it happening.
Arsene’s post match words seem to suggest we’re in the market for a forward now but I can’t see who would fit the bill. A lot of talk about Cerci is floating around but we’ll have to wait and see.
The game against Man City in a couple of weeks time is going to be a huge test for the team and if we play like we have been since the start of the season I can’t see us getting a result.
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Speed up the attack and let OX run at defenders and shoot. That's how Liverpool scored their 3rd goal.Wenger is too arrogant to think any other way is better than his. The results speak for themselves.
His record against the top teams is appalling. According to some soccer commentators,he has won only a handful of games out of 20 games. What is the reason for this? These top teams know how the gunners play ie have 90% possession and pass till midnight. Then they will hit on the break.
I tell you what. it will take another guy some time to undo what Wenger has done with his possession style and endless passing.
His endless passing is to be blamed.The speed with which Pool scored their 3rd goal is how the gunners shd go about the business of scoring.
Bear in mind teams aint going to give the gunners time and space to pass let alone shoot. That's why they will continue to be frustrated in front of goal until and unless Wenger changes strategy.
Btw,I have a sneaky feeling Pellegrini will let Arsenal pass all day and hit on the break. How about this for a scoreline: 1-3/1-4or even 2-6
If Arsenal continue to lose to the big teams blame him and nobody else.
Pool defeated Spurs who play in a similar style to us.Passing all over the place.
So don't be surprised the gunners lose to Mc and concede four or five more goals.And if Arsenal continue to struggle the only way out is to axe Wenger who is willing to accept the flaws in the team.
his tikitak style and endless passing is one dimensional and once the gunners are denied time and space,they are at a loss.
Any decent manager will have plan b or planc but not Wenger.His time maybe coming to an end this season.o