There were quite a few things wrong with our performance for the first two thirds of the game. Going forward, our build up play was slow, labored, and predictable as it has become over the last few weeks with this lineup. Along with that, our skillful players were giving the ball away too often, specifically Santi and Alexis, or they couldn’t get into the game in the first place, specifically Ozil and Ramsey
Post Match Q&A
Burnley (a) “He had an utterly mind-boggling 11 interceptions” – Q&A
It shouldn't come as a surprise. Burnley's entire existence in the Premier League right now depends on them grinding out as many points as possible and to do that they need to be solid defensively. This was one of the first matches in a good while where we have had to contend with a side throwing 10 men in the box and preventing us from playing the fancy passing and hard hitting counterattacking that we've started to grow accustomed to. Add in their Stoke-Lite fouling tendency which prevented many of our possessions from gaining steam and it's really not much of a shock
Liverpool (h) “There are experienced players who’d kill for his ability” – Q&A
Impossible to divide Bellerin and Coq today. I ran out of superlatives for them in the game. Coq was a bulldog, always there, timing his tackles and interceptions perfectly; through him we were able to recycle possession at ease and springboard so many counter attacks. Whereas Bellerin… wow, I can’t believe the kid is in his first season as a first team regular. There are experienced players who’d kill for his ability, technique, speed, and finishing. That goal… f*cking wow. You’d have been forgiven for thinking he is a striker
Newcastle United (a) “That sexy Frenchman just can’t stop scoring” – Q&A
Well, I’d say this was a game of two halves, but I’m not sure that would do the match justice. The first half was exactly what you want coming out against a team that’s struggling. We pressed them well, created ample chances to put the game to bed before halftime, and never let them get a foothold in the game. The second half was a…. slightly different story. They clearly responded very well to their half time team talk, where we never really got our second half started. We were sloppy on the ball throughout the second half and put ourselves under constant pressure. Luckily, we defended well enough and Ospina was there to make one or two crucial saves that allowed us to hold on. The entire game considered, it wasn’t the best of performances, but three points are always welcome, especially in an away game
Monaco (a) “It seems Özil will forever remain the whipping boy” – Q&A
MOM. For sure. He dropped back when required, drove the team forward and never gave up. All elements he's been criticised for prior to tonight. Playing in an environment not to his preference, 10 players behind the ball, he really adjusted well and was the leading light where perhaps Alexis and Santi showed signs of fatigue. A very important player with hopefully the best still yet to come #OurMesut.
West Ham (h) “It was a vintage Arsenal display” – Q&A
Notable mentions for Özil and Giroud, but it would have to be Rambo. He helped to provide the crucial link between defence and attack and seemed to be popping up all over the pitch. Santi has had a few stormers in CM this season, but the position alongside our most defensive midfielder (whether that is Coquelin or someone else moving forward) is surely his for the foreseeable future. In the big games especially we need his combination of physicality and stamina, with the ability to make late surges into the opposition's box
Manchester United (a) “His rise has been meteoric to many fans” – Q&A
When you watch him closely you can really appreciate the Spanish footballing education he has received. He is technically solid, reads the game very well and is assured on the ball. He also seems to have dramatically improved the physical aspect of his game since arriving from Spain. I believe he has proven his worth to the team this season and Kieran Gibbs has a real fight on his hands to regain his place
QPR (a) “I’m fed up with people criticizing him” – Q&A
Although my Man of the Match was Ozil, I think there should be praise for Coquelin who showed a warrior mentality in playing through injury and truly transformed the look of our side and in doing so our season... Bellerin who we sometimes forget is still a teenager was class going forward and looks to have come back into form from what were a few so so performances previously... and lastly Mertesacker who was dropped at the weekend and did very well especially
Everton (h) “Gabriel seems a lion and doesn’t back down” – Q&A
Honestly I’m ambivalent. He is almost guaranteed to score, but isn’t exactly a great team player. I thought we might have seen him or Welbeck start but I’m delighted to see the Ox back. I see him as a synthesis of Alexis tenacity and Walcott’s pace and directness. Back to Walcott, however, and I do wonder what his role in the team is. Tim Stillman (@Stillberto) made a point somewhere that the quality of the squad has risen so much that guaranteed starters (Poldi, Walcott, Wilshire etc.) are no longer the focal points of the team, but more on the periphery, and I’m glad that's the case. There is no room for sentiment. If we’re going to compete to win and Welbeck offers more in defence and team play I’d rather he starts. That said, I’d like to see him up top as
Monaco (h) “We’ve underperformed in far too many big games ” – Q&A
We need to understand that football is not just about attacking and it’s not just about when you have the ball. Tonight we were destroyed defensively when we gave the ball away, we need to organise things at the back a lot better. Our squad is very attacking, which is concerning. Tonight’s line-up left just three defensive minded players on the pitch in Coquelin, Mertesacker and Koscielny. In the Champions League, that’s not enough. Any side can tear us apart and if by some miracle we advance to the next round, I’m concerned by the damage a bigger side can do.