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.
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