Skip to main content

Sheffield United 1-2 Arsenal, FA Cup. 5 things

Monday

 

1.       Changes What Changes?

At this moment, our slim chance of winning the FA Cup quarter final is probably equally important as our slim chance of getting into Europe via the league. Arsenal made five changes, but it seemed both teams put out strongest teams except perhaps Bellarin and Aubameyang. Maybe they needed a rest. The games are coming thick and fast and rotation is inevitable.

Despite the changes in personnel, it was nice to see 3-4-3 for the second game in a row. It might not be perfect, but at least the players get some familiarity and comfort in their position. Given our characteristically jittery defence, having a third centre back should make us more stable defensively.

 

2.        Right Side Playing Its Part

Saka has felt like our best attacking outlet for most of our season. Which isn’t a bad thing, but it is a concern when not much is going on in other areas of the field. In some games, our right flank has felt like a passenger. For whatever reason, we haven’t had a marauding right-back and a dangerous winger. Instead, the right flank is more of spectator’s hangout.

Against Southampton Pepe had 0.28 touches per minutes, compared to today where he enjoyed 0.46. Pepe has scored or had a hand in 16 goals this season, but somehow it still feels like he could be a lot more involved. This season, Saka and Aubameyang seem to dominate our attacking threat with not much coming from our right-hand side. Throughout this game are attacking flow was much more balanced, which has got to a big positive.

 

        3.   Do We Finally Have a Penalty Taker?

It’s been a while since Arsenal have had a top-notch penalty taker. If Aubameyang had been on the pitch, Pepe would probably not have even taken the kick. The Gabian is a fantastic striker, but when he steps up for penalties he doesn’t fill fans with confidence, at least not in the same way a Shearer or RVP does. In all honesty, fans don’t easily forget a penalty against the old enemy.

Although the duck run up is not appreciated, without the pressure of the crowd, it felt like a given Pepe would score. Thankfully, he obliged and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Their keeper guessed right but couldn’t get close to it. Hopefully the Ivorian can win the right to take penalties, because he looks more assured.

 

4.       Ugly Football is Always Dangerous for Arsenal

Sheffield were uglier than expected, and we didn’t like it. Throw-ins were all launched goal wards, kicks from the goal keeper were long and high, and huge diagonal balls were sent looping into the 18-yard box. Is it because it’s our weakness or because it’s their strength?

Their goal came from a corner. You would think a corner that lands at your defenders feet would be a good thing, but apparently not. The ball falls directly to Kolasinac’s boot, there’s no one within two yards of him, and he clears the ball into Arsenal defenders. The ricochets kindly for the Sheffield striker, who knocks it home from about two yards out.

 

5.       Paying Back His Loan Fee

Ceballos has shown us glimpses of his quality, but he’s never made himself a mainstay of the team. It’s a surprise given the Real Madrid man’s reputation and the seemingly weak Arsenal midfield. Unless there is a serious upturn in the Spaniards importance in the team and his happiness at the club, it looks unlikely the deal will be made permanent.

This goal, however, will go some way to making his loan deal worthwhile. In the dying moments, Arsenal break with Eddie Nketiah who swings the ball to Pepe on the right. The winger dances with his defender, and the ball spills out. In charges Ceballos, taking control of the ball and bursting through on goal. Bearing down on the keeper, the Spaniard has a difficult angle to score from. But as the goalie makes himself big, Ceballos tucks the ball into the near post.    

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool. 5 Things

Monday
1.        Mane Goal Arsenal have been camped in their own half throughout the first 20 minutes or so. Liverpool were dominating play, but fans might have hoped the gunners could hold out and wait for their own moments. There have been games in the past where Liverpool have been two or three goals up by this point. So, being a goal down at 20 minutes in could be called progress. Liverpool have the right side to themselves as Firmino, Robinson and Wijnaldum shuffle the ball around between one another before releasing Robinson to the by-line. He cuts the ball back for Mane, who’s at the six-yard box for a simple tap-in. A well-worked goal that felt pretty inevitable.   2.        Three in Three for Lacazette! Apparently Arsenal need to buy their own Van Dijk. Based on this goal, we already have quite a few of them in the squad. Before the goal, Arsenal had begun to create at least some half chances. Lacazette gets ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arsenal 1-2 Wolves FiveThings

Monday
  The Form The past five fixtures have seen Arsenal slog their way to four points out of possible fifteen. It’s certainly not champion’s league form.  The defence is no longer a shambles, but unfortunately the attack is mirroring their solid, stingy play. Cup competitions have given us slightly more joy. Can we progress for beating the minors of Europa League to beating genuine Premier League opposition? Tonight, we take on a Wolves side that have won three and draw one of their last five games. The defensively solid, counter-attacking team have established themselves as a quality Premier League team over the relatively short time they have been in the top division. Gabriel 30 Minutes The centre back has been a nice addition to the team. He’s strong, fast, and imposes himself on games. William has been less impressive, but tonight he is able make his first goal contribution since the first game of the season. In what, strictly speaking, is the first time Arsenal have scored in...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Things Arsenal History

Monday
  Facts about Arsenal, which should score you some points in your local AFC pub quiz.    The Names   The older generation may be well aware, but some younger fans should be forgiven if they are unaware that The mighty Gooners were not always called Arsenal F.C. The club was originally known as Dial Square, when the club was formed by workers at the Woolwich armaments factory in 1886. Later, the name was changed to Royal Arsenal before becoming Woolwich Arsenal when the team turned professional in 1891. In 1914 they were known as The Arsenal, and the final transformation in 1919 saw the club be officially named as Arsenal F.C.     The Grounds   The world has come a long way in the last hundred years, so it's not surprising most football clubs have had or used several different grounds in their lifetime. Arsenal's grounds include south London locations like Plumstead Common, which is more of a recreational park, and Manor Ground stadium, wher...
Post a Comment
Read more