Match Reaction v Chelsea (away)

[Letters]

It's not the stupidest point. It was a great goal and a cool finish but the slip definitely contributed.
It wasn't like Henry's against Spurs where he basically ran past all of them and slotted it in.
He's definitely looking like the real deal though.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'm not suggesting it doesn't contribute, I am only suggesting it doesn't necessarily detract from the goal.

[Marc Overmars]

Kante would obviously get the ball because Martinelli's second touch went about 10 yards ahead of him. Players make mistakes all the time though and that's often because they've been forced into panic or to adjust to something unexpected from an opponent.

Regardless, running the length of the pitch and having the composure to finish still takes some doing.

[Letters]

The finish was the best bit, having run all that way, having the coolness and skill to slot it past the 'keeper, that was impressive.

[Mac76]

The finish was the best bit, having run all that way, having the coolness and skill to slot it past the 'keeper, that was impressive.

definitely, players often mess up the shot after a run like that

[Marc Overmars]

When you have time, that’s the hardest part about finishing IMO. You’ve got what might feel like an age to weigh it up and choose your shot. It’s easy to hesitate and fluff your lines.

It’s more straight forward when you’ve got no time and you’re just trying to hit it on target in hope it beats the keeper.

[Globalgunner]

When you have time, that’s the hardest part about finishing IMO. You’ve got what might feel like an age to weigh it up and choose your shot. It’s easy to hesitate and fluff your lines.

It’s more straight forward when you’ve got no time and you’re just trying to hit it on target in hope it beats the keeper.

This situation is commonly known at the Walcott conundrum

[Penguin]

Ceballos was just as poor as Ozil under Emery, but you'd think it would be a clean slate now. For some reason, Arteta doesn't seem to rate Ceballos, Holding, Guendouzi or Willock. It has to be the only explanation for why they're barely playing while others continue to pub it up.

I can see why Smith Rowe was loaned out, but he was another like Saka who nearly always played well when he was given a chance. I can say with complete confidence that he would be an infinitely better option than Ozil. Even if he had got injured again.

Holding had a shocker against Leeds so I can see why Arteta doesn't trust him yet. It's a shame because that was probably the worst kind of game for Rob to play in, as a first game back from injury.

[Niall_Quinn]

Kante would obviously get the ball because Martinelli's second touch went about 10 yards ahead of him. Players make mistakes all the time though and that's often because they've been forced into panic or to adjust to something unexpected from an opponent.

Regardless, running the length of the pitch and having the composure to finish still takes some doing.

That's right. You have to want to look up the pitch towards the opposition goal, rather than face your own goal anticipating the simple and safe sideways or backwards pass. You have to want to inject the blinding pace. You have to want to go straight at the opponent and put him under pressure. Poor first touch or not, the touch takes the ball in the right direction and at the right tempo. Which limits the time Kante has to react. Kante's not going to slip if we're doing our 2mph sideways bullshit.

And then you have to run full pelt with the ball tied to your foot, actually outpacing the defender. Few can do that. And finally you have to keep your head, make your decision and slot the ball into the net.

If there was any luck involved then Martinelli made it for himself with his positive attitude and play.

[WMUG]

Hopefully that attitude won't be coached out of him like it probably would've been under Wenger. Bit soon to know what kind of manager Arteta will be in that regard.