Site Articles
Borussia Dortmund (a) – Arsenal suffocated & destroyed by Dortmund’s pressing machine
Ciro Immobile's goal was poor from an Arsenal perspective. How he was able to run unchallenged from the half way line is beyond me. There was no protection in front of a defence that was back peddling from so far back. Immobile may have been fortunate to have the ball bounce into his path after a lucky break just inside the penalty area but his finish was assured. That goal came just before half time, a bad time to concede such a cheap goal.
Borussia Dortmund (a) “Wasteful Welbeck, Invisible Ramsey, Out of position Ozil, out of his depth Arteta” – Q&A
Dortmund wanted it more and Arsenal were nowhere near sharp or pragmatic enough to get anywhere near them, by the end Arsenal were mentally shot and even the basics were a struggle. Tactically Arsenal were setup to fail, overwhelmed in the middle of the park and devastated on the counter making the final score look flattering. For such an offensive setup, Arsenal sure didn’t look like creating anything with Wilshere, Ramsey, Özil and to an extent Alexis all competing to be the primary central figure, too many cooks and all that. Welbeck missed three decent chances but it seems immaterial given such an inept performance
Borussia Dortmund (h) Confirmed Line Up: Bellerin and Welbeck start
19 year old Hector Bellerin starts in place of the injured and suspended Mathieu Debuchy. We are back to full strength at the back with Gibbs returning. Mikel Arteta comes into the side in place of Mathieu Flamini and Danny Welbeck continues in attack.
Borussia Dortmund (h) Thoughts: Flamini, Bellerin & Rotation or Momentum
Borussia Dortmund have plenty of injury problems of their own which is heartening. Mikel Arteta and Kieran Gibbs will almost certainly come back into the team which will give the side a little more freshness. Freshening up the side is something that the boss will have to carefully consider. Against Manchester City on the weekend, the players gave a lot and it may well be a lot to press in the same
Manchester City (h) – Encouraging attacking, disheartening defending & Thoughts on Özil & 4-1-4-1
The goal from Alexis to put us 2-1 up was even better. Wilshere heading over the defence to Alexis lurking in the box and his controlled side footed volley was perfectly placed past Hart. With 8 minutes remaining it was very disappointing to concede from yet another set piece. Something has to be done about this area. There is no use blighting on about zonal marking because we have always adopted this system and I think we conceded the least amount of set piece goals last season. We just have to get back to doing it well. I suspect that missing Giroud and Sagna has contributed to our current defending. Oh I hope Sagna enjoyed the game, he did manage to get a great seat to view the game, lucky guy.
Manchester City (h) “He was everywhere and he played with real purpose and drive” – Q&A
Wilshere and Sanchez definitely. They drove us forward quite quickly and were fearless to take players on and take them out of the game. Both were tackles incessantly during the game and the City players couldn't keep them in check. Both did their fair share of defending and Alexis especially worked his socks off the entire game. Both goals we scored today were absolutely fantastic, Wilshere's one was special maybe a career-changing moment. Bodes well for the side if we can keep both of them fit throughout the campaign
Manchester City (h) Confirmed Line Up: Welbeck & Alexis start
Rambo has recovered from ankle knack and comes back into the team. Even a Rambo below his best is still vitally important due to his goalscoring threat and also his defensive contribution. City know they will have to watch his late runs and that is a good thing.
Manchester City (h) Thoughts & Line Up: Chance for Welbeck to shine
Mikel Arteta will almost certainly come back into the team in place of the erratic Mathieu Flamini. Cazorla, Alexis, Oxlade-Chamberlain and perhaps Mesut Özil are vying for the two wide places while you would assume that Danny Welbeck will start at centre forward. Yaya Sanogo is also in contention after his three goals for the French u21s