Match Reaction vs Fulham (away).

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Great five goals really.

Six in a row, above the Spuds. Maybe above Chelsea too.

Aubameyang and Lacazette raining goals in.

Not bad.

[SMatthews]

9 on the bounce, lots of goals, what more could you ask for?

Emery showing great use of the system again, great effort from the whole team.

Leicester and Palace up next after the break. Good to have confidence back we will turn these teams over.

[Edinburgh Gooner]

Picked the game up just after the first goal. Looked great 2nd half. Ramsey's goal was fantastic team play. What a ball from mikhi to hector in the build up to the 4th.

[Master Splinter]

The only negative today was that ten minute sloppy spell at the end of the first half.

Superb performance, superb goals.

Everyone playing with confidence now.

Torreira probably MOTM.

International break to fuck everything up?

[Gooner23]

Wonderful stuff, had forgotten what it's like to watch us in full flow. Best team performance of the season by a distance, even the usual suspects managed to cut out the brainfarts.

Laca and Auba are great, but my new favourite player is Torreira :bow:

[Mac76]

Torreira bossing it, ok so Fulham aren't a great side but compare this result with spuds just scraping a win against baadiff at 'home' :lol:

We need Saints to do us a favour against Chelski now, the good news is i just put Azzar in my fantasy team so he's neutralised for a start...

[Marc Overmars]

Finally it all comes together and Emery gets his statement win.

Very much a work in progress but we’re playing some lovely stuff right now and it’s great to see.

Keep up the good work guys. :bow:

[Özim]

For so many years we've hadn't repetitive rubbish football, never playing two strikers up front, never playing players who are goalscorers, as soon as we show a willingness to play goalscorers and as it the case two of them we look so much more lethal.

Emery definitely showing flexibility, it's early days and I don't agree with everything but on the whole it's been a very positive change and just shows what you can do is you're more flexible.

[KSE Comedy Club]

It may be early days but I really feel like this is it guys, this was the game where Emery’s grand plan starts to come to fruition.

We’ve been doing well and under the radar for a while now, but this game we really switched on.

We have our Arsenal back :scarf:

[Marc Overmars]

Played our most fluent and slick football of the season.

Without Ozil.

:coffee:

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Started watching just before 30th min and missed the last goal- but can't remember the last time I was this satisfied with us.

While watching the 1st half I decided to look up the stats and confirmed this season we've only scored 1st half goals from open play when either/both Iwobi or Mhki start the game.

I've said it before, but those 2, especially Iwobi, put life into the football Emery is trying to play- and I think the difference today was that the tempo was set straight away instead of waiting for the 2nd half to bring one of them in as a sub.

I strongly hope Emery notices this and starts us off on the strong footing in games to come.

Thoroughly enjoyable match, great performance.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Played our most fluent and slick football of the season.

Without Ozil.

:coffee:we look worse when he does play. He slows things down, loses the ball, misplaces passes and gets stroppy everytime he does.

I think he needs to be dropped for a while tbh.

Right up until.......January time. Things change around a bit in January ;)

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Played our most fluent and slick football of the season.

Without Ozil.

:coffee:

Over 90mins I agree but I think our best half of attacking football was the 1st half of that Chelsea game- and yeah Mhki and Iwobi started.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

For so many years we've hadn't repetitive rubbish football, never playing two strikers up front, never playing players who are goalscorers, as soon as we show a willingness to play goalscorers and as it the case two of them we look so much more lethal.

Emery definitely showing flexibility, it's early days and I don't agree with everything but on the whole it's been a very positive change and just shows what you can do is you're more flexible.

I still think Emery has a lot to learn about these players and doesn't know his strongest lineup, but cleary he's getting more from them than the man who knew them inside out.

If AW in his latter years wasn't so fixated about tippy tappy Barca rubbish, he would easily have achieved more with this bunch.

[dostoy]

I saw some of the second half and to score 5 goals away from home is fantastic.

I want to see Arsenal beat a top team away from home, that would be great if it happens.

Unai Emery is doing a great job so far.

Great stuff but they have to keep it going.

[Gooner23]

It's refreshing that he's not complaining about fixture congestion, early kick offs and such like. Just seems to want to get on with it, and I think that attitude rubs off on the players.

[Özim]

Lacazette has been amazing this season, really coming good, glad he's getting his chance, always felt he would be very good for us given the chance, IMO that would have never happened under Wenger as he wanted someone who got too involved in the play, under Emery playing his natural game he's really flourished and become the striker he was at Lyon.

To think we might have ended up selling him had Wenger stayed on as a fair share of people weren't very impressed last season and thought he wasn't good enough, good to see him come good, having two top strikers is a real positive and it's been so long since we've had that.

[Özim]

Problem with today is that Ramsey played his part and that he'll be gone come next season.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

That's a problem for next season, not this one.

[I am invisible]

Emery’s been getting his team selections more or less right with the “B team” in the cups, and this was probably the closest thing we’ve seen to a B team front 4 in the league so far - more players playing in roles that suit them, and it sounds like the difference was night and day? Good to see the players who have been delivering for us being rewarded with starts too. Looking forward to seeing the highlights later - sounds like things are starting to fall into place...

[Letters]

Problem with today is that Ramsey played his part and that he'll be gone come next season.

He did but we’d have won without him.
He’s nothing special.

[SMatthews]

He did but we’d have won without him.
He’s nothing special.

Either way, I’m sure it’s not a new situation for Emery to be experiencing and he knows what he’s doing.

[I am invisible]

Just seen the goals - loved the last one! 3 passes, straight through the middle and through on goal - simple as that!

Even the usual “A team” players seemed fired up and in sync when they came on - not sure what’s suddenly changed or clicked, but I hope we keep it going...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It's on!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What is beneficial is that we have very few players that will go away for internationals, or the ones that do, probably won't play much.

[Marc Overmars]

Emery’s been getting his team selections more or less right with the “B team” in the cups, and this was probably the closest thing we’ve seen to a B team front 4 in the league so far - more players playing in roles that suit them, and it sounds like the difference was night and day? Good to see the players who have been delivering for us being rewarded with starts too. Looking forward to seeing the highlights later - sounds like things are starting to fall into place...

I don’t know why people were getting in a huff early on because he was giving the under performers a chance. It’s so early in the season and as far as I can see he’s giving the whole squad a chance while he works out what’s best for the team. The fact that we’ve won every game during this experimental period means he deserves a fair amount of credit.

It looks like the team are enjoying themesleves again and responding to some proper coaching and a new way of thinking. It’s still early days and we’re due a slip-up but I’m really encouraged so far. Long may it continue.

[SMatthews]

Only Chapman, Graham and Wenger have won 9 in a row.

Title is in the bag.

[Power n Glory]

More like it. That was good to watch. I didn't expect Emery to tinker with the team selection so much and switch formations in one weekend. Good to see he's not wedded to one system.

Iwobi is a game changer. He's a totally different player under Emery.

Lacazette too. He's doing the link up play but also scoring for fun. He's become a crucial part of the team and not just a goalscorer.

May this continue. Good around performance. Keep Ozil out of the starting line up until he's able to come off the bench and contribute. If we're playing 442, Aubameyang will do some damage so I think he should be starting games. Good to Mkhitaryan get his spot back as well. Hopefully he keeps it.

Good win.

[Power n Glory]

I don’t know why people were getting in a huff early on because he was giving the under performers a chance. It’s so early in the season and as far as I can see he’s giving the whole squad a chance while he works out what’s best for the team. The fact that we’ve won every game during this experimental period means he deserves a fair amount of credit.

It looks like the team are enjoying themesleves again and responding to some proper coaching and a new way of thinking. It’s still early days and we’re due a slip-up but I’m really encouraged so far. Long may it continue.

Technically, Ozil had a back spasm so wasn't officially dropped. Besides Sokratis, I think most of the usuals that started off on the bench had reasons outside of football for being dropped. We have to wait to the next game to see if changes stick. Hopefully they will.

[Letters]

Only Chapman, Graham and Wenger have won 9 in a row.

Title is in the bag.

Wenger :bow:

[Bumble]

4th place is in the bag. pity we aren't playing spurs and united next up.... really good chance to put points between us. also with more or less the same players.... perhaps Wenger is replaceable?

[I am invisible]

I don’t know why people were getting in a huff early on because he was giving the under performers a chance. It’s so early in the season and as far as I can see he’s giving the whole squad a chance while he works out what’s best for the team. The fact that we’ve won every game during this experimental period means he deserves a fair amount of credit.

It looks like the team are enjoying themesleves again and responding to some proper coaching and a new way of thinking. It’s still early days and we’re due a slip-up but I’m really encouraged so far. Long may it continue.
I’m trying to cut the fans a bit of slack as well as Emery at the moment - they’ve been waiting for this change for a long time, so I understand the impatience to a certain extent.

But I agree with everything you say though - we’re, what, 8 league games into a 3 year contract? Nowhere near enough time for Emery to have really sussed our this group of players, both on an individual level and in terms of the combinations that work.

(Plus I suspect that part of Emery’s brief, at least initially, was to try and get what he can out of the club’s big investments before writing anyone off, and that has probably meant persevering with some players a little longer than he would have done others?)

[I am invisible]

More like it. That was good to watch. I didn't expect Emery to tinker with the team selection so much and switch formations in one weekend. Good to see he's not wedded to one system.

Iwobi is a game changer. He's a totally different player under Emery.

Lacazette too. He's doing the link up play but also scoring for fun. He's become a crucial part of the team and not just a goalscorer.

May this continue. Good around performance. Keep Ozil out of the starting line up until he's able to come off the bench and contribute. If we're playing 442, Aubameyang will do some damage so I think he should be starting games. Good to Mkhitaryan get his spot back as well. Hopefully he keeps it.

Good win.
Am I just imagining it, or has Emery seemed a little freer and more ruthless with his team selections since he found out that Gazidis was leaving?

Edit: the decision on Ramsey’s contract also seems to have loosened things up a little where team selection is concerned?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Can't believe we are only 2 points off of top. I fully expected us to beat Fulham well and we did. What a great feeling!

Working on and subsequently trusting his left foot has virtually transformed Iwobi's game. Laca is stepping up a level from his previous club.

If we'd have beaten the chavs as we should have we might have been top now. WTF!!!

[Power n Glory]

I’m trying to cut the fans a bit of slack as well as Emery at the moment - they’ve been waiting for this change for a long time, so I understand the impatience to a certain extent.

But I agree with everything you say though - we’re, what, 8 league games into a 3 year contract? Nowhere near enough time for Emery to have really sussed our this group of players, both on an individual level and in terms of the combinations that work.

(Plus I suspect that part of Emery’s brief, at least initially, was to try and get what he can out of the club’s big investments before writing anyone off, and that has probably meant persevering with some players a little longer than he would have done others?)

MO knows why fans were getting in a huff over team selection if we're talking about Xhaka, Ozil and Ramsey. The introduction of Torreira has helped cover over Xhaka's flaws and has helped steady the midfield but it's far away from being perfect. Still not mobile enough to cover ground on defence or help when trying to play out from deep.

Enough has been said about Ozil. He's definitely not suited to the wing and that proven again today. As for Ramsey, the contract situation makes the decision to drop him even more obvious.

I'm all for Emery working with what he has. Iwobi, Cech, Holding, Bellerin have improved in a short space. Lacazette has morphed into a beast of a player. I can even tolerate Mustafi. But I haven't got time for indulging players and systems that are clearly flawed, showing no signs of improvement and undeserving of such leniency. A huge gripe I had with Wenger was his persistence and faith placed in flawed players and systems. I've always thought the next manager that comes in has to have the courage and balls to shake things up and not accept the subpar performances Wenger would accept week in week out.

[I am invisible]

MO knows why fans were getting in a huff over team selection if we're talking about Xhaka, Ozil and Ramsey. The introduction of Torreira has helped cover over Xhaka's flaws and has helped steady the midfield but it's far away from being perfect. Still not mobile enough to cover ground on defence or help when trying to play out from deep.

Enough has been said about Ozil. He's definitely not suited to the wing and that proven again today. As for Ramsey, the contract situation makes the decision to drop him even more obvious.

I'm all for Emery working with what he has. Iwobi, Cech, Holding, Bellerin have improved in a short space. Lacazette has morphed into a beast of a player. I can even tolerate Mustafi. But I haven't got time for indulging players and systems that are clearly flawed, showing no signs of improvement and undeserving of such leniency. A huge gripe I had with Wenger was his persistence and faith placed in flawed players and systems. I've always thought the next manager that comes in has to have the courage and balls to shake things up and not accept the subpar performances Wenger would accept week in week out.
I haven’t got time for square pegs being placed in very obviously round holes, especially when there’s more suitable (if not perfect) options there, but I can tolerate the perseverance with limited players, provided we’re only talking a matter of months, and not season after season, as we saw under Wenger. Players like Xhaka, Mustafi and Özil aren’t really my cup of tea (and between you and me I don’t see them getting much better), but as you rightly note, we have already seen improvements in several players’ games in a relatively short space of time, so there’s at least hope for them - I’m prepared to humour Emery and the club on this for a little while longer (especially if we keep churning out the wins). Alarm bells will start ringing for me, if we don’t see any signs of improvement from certain players and then start letting transfer windows slip by with no action taken.

[SMatthews]

I don’t know why people were getting in a huff early on because he was giving the under performers a chance. It’s so early in the season and as far as I can see he’s giving the whole squad a chance while he works out what’s best for the team. The fact that we’ve won every game during this experimental period means he deserves a fair amount of credit.

It looks like the team are enjoying themesleves again and responding to some proper coaching and a new way of thinking. It’s still early days and we’re due a slip-up but I’m really encouraged so far. Long may it continue.

It’s the internet. So many people think they know better than an experienced and successful manager. Everything is over analysed to the point where there is no real perspective or ability to look at the bigger picture. It all has to be perfect right now and if it isn’t then things need to change and the manager needs to do this and do that. Emery has only had 11 games and still has a lot of working out to do. Yesterday’s performance was great but it won’t be all good from here on in as you say. We’ll slog out more games, lose some and continue to mould into something new, shaking off Wenger’s hold over the team bit by bit. 9 wins out of 11 is pretty damn good by anyone’s standards. But you can be sure as soon as we draw or lose the expert fans will be out in droves telling Emery what he should be doing.

[I am invisible]

Lacazette... I think this guy is becoming my favourite player? So impressed with his attitude this year - not just because of how he’s responded to starting the season on the bench (for a new manager who is known to prefer a single CF, who also has Auba as an option), but also for how he’s managed the disappointment of not making the French WC-winning squad. So many players would have blamed that on lack of game time for their club, and would have demanded a transfer and flounced off somewhere else, but Lacazette has just got his head down and made himself one of the first names on the team sheet each week...

[Özim]

It’s the internet. So many people think they know better than an experienced and successful manager.

Sometimes they are when the guy in charge makes amateurish error after amateurish error and refuses to change the obvious!

[Özim]

Lacazette... I think this guy is becoming my favourite player? So impressed with his attitude this year - not just because of how he’s responded to starting the season on the bench (for a new manager who is known to prefer a single CF, who also has Auba as an option), but also for how he’s managed the disappointment of not making the French WC-winning squad. So many players would have blamed that on lack of game time for their club, and would have demanded a transfer and flounced off somewhere else, but Lacazette has just got his head down and made himself one of the first names on the team sheet each week...

He was brilliant for Lyon, sadly last season it wasn't working for him, Wenger didn't get the best out of him, didn't play him enough and to be honest I'm not convinced he rated him.

Fast forward 6 months and he looks a different player, the guy is an out and out finisher, that's what he does, he gets goals, sometimes out of nowhere, he's not someone who's going to produce fancy buld up play or bring players into a match, that's not his job, his job is to score goals. The last manager never rated that attribute and never understood the importance, he wanted a forward who could link up and bring other players in even if he was awful in front of goal, which explains why Giroud was number 1 for so long.

Good to see a manager who values the basics of football, been crying out for a manager who sees and accepts the simple things in football, love the fact Lacazette and Aubameyang are played in the same team as well.

[Mac76]

The more I watch THAT third goal, the more i think the best touch was Bellerin's to Ramsey, brilliant vision and technique - i don't suppose anyone knows how to make gifs and could capture that?

[SMatthews]

Sometimes they are when the guy in charge makes amateurish error after amateurish error and refuses to change the obvious!

Maybe it’s just me, but I’d take the choice of a new manager who has overseen hundreds of games over the advice of some random on the internet. Daft I know. There’s a hell of a lot more going on behind the scenes we are not privy to which makes external judgements half-cocked, even it relates to what’s on the pitch.

[Power n Glory]

Maybe it’s just me, but I’d take the choice of a new manager who has overseen hundreds of games over the advice of some random on the internet. Daft I know. There’s a hell of a lot more going on behind the scenes we are not privy to which makes external judgements half-cocked, even it relates to what’s on the pitch.

You're the one that signed up to discuss football on GW with complete randoms, genius. :pal: Yes, you are the daft one.

[I am invisible]

He was brilliant for Lyon, sadly last season it wasn't working for him, Wenger didn't get the best out of him, didn't play him enough and to be honest I'm not convinced he rated him.

Fast forward 6 months and he looks a different player, the guy is an out and out finisher, that's what he does, he gets goals, sometimes out of nowhere, he's not someone who's going to produce fancy buld up play or bring players into a match, that's not his job, his job is to score goals. The last manager never rated that attribute and never understood the importance, he wanted a forward who could link up and bring other players in even if he was awful in front of goal, which explains why Giroud was number 1 for so long.

Good to see a manager who values the basics of football, been crying out for a manager who sees and accepts the simple things in football, love the fact Lacazette and Aubameyang are played in the same team as well.

I think he's more than just a goal-scorer and a finisher - his hold up play is fantastic, he brings his team mates into the attack like no one else in the squad, right across the pitch, and he grafts hard to win the ball from the front. Oddly enough, I think he's the exact player Wenger hoped Giroud would be for us, but with mobility and goals...

[GP]

The more I watch THAT third goal, the more i think the best touch was Bellerin's to Ramsey, brilliant vision and technique - i don't suppose anyone knows how to make gifs and could capture that?

It was a great flick. Reminded my of that Ozil assist for Giroud.

[Power n Glory]

I think he's more than just a goal-scorer and a finisher - his hold up play is fantastic, he brings his team mates into the attack like no one else in the squad, right across the pitch, and he grafts hard to win the ball from the front. Oddly enough, I think he's the exact player Wenger hoped Giroud would be for us, but with mobility and goals...

Agree on that. He’s more than just a finisher that gets on the end of moves. He’s busy providing key passes that helps to start a counter attack. He’s playing the link up role Wenger wanted from Giroud but he also has the ability to finish off moves like a true number 9. He’s earned his place on the squad from making an impact off the bench and seeing a clear difference in how we play once he’s on the pitch. He’s a key player.

[Marc Overmars]

Yeah really impressed with Lacazette, he’s turned into a different animal this season. His confidence was shot last year when he went through that drought and Wenger compounded the issue by constantly taking him off. Now he’s come back hungry and seems to have a really infectious attitude that’s great for the team.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I don't really know what formation we were supposed to be playing at the start of the game but I liked the fact we made it work anyhow and all the changes seemed to have positive influences on the team.

I thought Iwobi was unfortunate to come off, but obviously without it THAT goal which really was a thing of beauty never happens. If the angle of Mhki's final ball in that wasn't as acute as it was I don't think Ramsey would have opted for the finish he did. I thought his celebration was slightly subdued due to the off the field stuff, but it didn't take away from witnessing it.

I would still bring Sokratis back into the side though.

[Mac76]

I would still bring Sokratis back into the side though.

without doubt our best possible starting eleven features Sokratis rather than Mustafi and almost anyone instead of Xhaka, hopefully AMN once he's back but i still feel Elneny's not getting much of a looking atm which is a bit of a shame

[I am invisible]

I still love that last goal - really exemplifies how the team are being drilled to move the ball forward as quickly and as efficiently as possible. By all means knock it around and be cute with the passing when you have to, but when the field opens up like that, f--k it! Just go straight through the middle. I love that all 4 players involved were alert to it and ready to play the passes that needed to be made...

[Master Splinter]

I think he's more than just a goal-scorer and a finisher - his hold up play is fantastic, he brings his team mates into the attack like no one else in the squad, right across the pitch, and he grafts hard to win the ball from the front. Oddly enough, I think he's the exact player Wenger hoped Giroud would be for us, but with mobility and goals...

I hate to compare him to such a reviled individual, but Lacazette is almost doing what RVC was when Wenger moved him permanently into the middle. His all-round play is beyond what I think anyone expected.

That he's not a complete cunt and everyone seems to love him is just a bonus.

[Master Splinter]

without doubt our best possible starting eleven features Sokratis rather than Mustafi and almost anyone instead of Xhaka, hopefully AMN once he's back but i still feel Elneny's not getting much of a looking atm which is a bit of a shame


I touched on it in another thread, but I think Elneny is the first player I can confidently say Emery doesn't particularly rate. He's only getting Cup games and even then he was taken off the other day early and wasn't even on the bench against Fulham.

His biggest problem is that Guendouzi can seemingly do everything he does, but better and with much more confidence and conviction.

Guendouzi is obviously the one that would take Xhaka's place once he irons out some of his kinks.

And if Maitland-Niles can show he knows how to play in midfield consistently, then we would have a really good blend of options.

[Power n Glory]

Yeah really impressed with Lacazette, he’s turned into a different animal this season. His confidence was shot last year when he went through that drought and Wenger compounded the issue by constantly taking him off. Now he’s come back hungry and seems to have a really infectious attitude that’s great for the team.

Wenger had something against short strikers. Took him an age to sign Lacazette and a lot of the short strikers he signed ended up playing on the wing.

[I am invisible]

I hate to compare him to such a reviled individual, but Lacazette is almost doing what RVC was when Wenger moved him permanently into the middle. His all-round play is beyond what I think anyone expected.

That he's not a complete cunt and everyone seems to love him is just a bonus.
Yeah, I did think of that odious little shit, briefly, but then it made me sneeze so I stopped.

Lacazette hasn’t found the need to make up his own trophy yet and award it to himself, so hopefully the comparisons begin and end with his playing ability.

[I am invisible]

I touched on it in another thread, but I think Elneny is the first player I can confidently say Emery doesn't particularly rate. He's only getting Cup games and even then he was taken off the other day early and wasn't even on the bench against Fulham.

His biggest problem is that Guendouzi can seemingly do everything he does, but better and with much more confidence and conviction.

Guendouzi is obviously the one that would take Xhaka's place once he irons out some of his kinks.

And if Maitland-Niles can show he knows how to play in midfield consistently, then we would have a really good blend of options.
What about Chambers? Is the door still open for him, do you think, or is he toast?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Chambers is an odd one. I didn't think he had much of a future here, but then he got a new contract.....shortly followed by then going out on loan. I think he is in danger of simply becoming forgotten about all over again particularly with Holding showing once more what he is about.

Elneny is just not progressive enough and now we have the virtues of Torreira which covers a whole multitude of collective filthy sins in this squad...Elneny is slightly more redundant.

I think if Emery gets a proper look at AMN he will like him, which will not help Elneny's cause and make the situation any better for him.

If Laca stays at this level, he is heading for world class status.

[Mac76]

Agree about Guendouzi, a great prospect, and already arguably to be preferred to Xhaka while being quite a bit longer so has the excuse of youth when he gets it wrong

[I am invisible]

Chambers is an odd one. I didn't think he had much of a future here, but then he got a new contract.....shortly followed by then going out on loan. I think he is in danger of simply becoming forgotten about all over again particularly with Holding showing once more what he is about.

Elneny is just not progressive enough and now we have the virtues of Torreira which covers a whole multitude of collective filthy sins in this squad...Elneny is slightly more redundant.

I think if Emery gets a proper look at AMN he will like him, which will not help Elneny's cause and make the situation any better for him.

If Laca stays at this level, he is heading for world class status.
Numbers and quality are both against Mo now - he’s been safe enough when we need him, and I don’t think he’s necessarily done anything wrong, but when you look at where we were this time last season, he now has AMN, Torreira and Guendouzi as extra competition in CM (maybe even Smith Rowe too?), and I reckon Emery / Raul / Sven have simply done the math and concluded that it’s a wage we don’t need to be paying.

What kind of midfielder is Emery going to shape AMN into, I wonder (assuming he even sees him as a CM!)?

[Ralpheroo72]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/15205/11521786/paul-merson-says-arsenal-will-be-on-the-end-of-a-thrashing-soon

[dazthegooner]

Expecting or hoping?

[Gooner23]

Merson is probably right to be fair, its how we respond that matters.

Craig Bellamy can fuck off though, he's not a fan so doesn't understand.. kind of answered his own question the bell end.

[Letters]

Merson's more-or-less right. I don't know about a thrashing but we will get found out if we keep defending like we have.
Fulham should have scored early in the game and we gifted them possession for their equaliser. Better teams will punish us more.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I'll be interested to see what Emery makes of AMN. If he is as researched as we are told....he's bound to already have a view. I think with his ability and athleticism he is surely precisely the kind of player Emery would like to have. Cool on the ball and has the ability to pass it out from the back.

Surprised the we've got our Arsenal back has aroused as much discussion in the media/social media world as it has.

Not sure what Merson is on about.... we weren't thrashed by City or Chelsea. Of course we might be beat by Liverpool, but why is he expecting us to imminently get thrashed? Liverpool haven't hit full stride so it's not as if that's a foregone conclusion.

[Bumble]

I'll be interested to see what Emery makes of AMN. If he is as researched as we are told....he's bound to already have a view. I think with his ability and athleticism he is surely precisely the kind of player Emery would like to have. Cool on the ball and has the ability to pass it out from the back.

Surprised the we've got our Arsenal back has aroused as much discussion in the media/social media world as it has.

Not sure what Merson is on about.... we weren't thrashed by City or Chelsea. Of course we might be beat by Liverpool, but why is he expecting us to imminently get thrashed? Liverpool haven't hit full stride so it's not as if that's a foregone conclusion.

we should really have got something from Chelsea. City beat us without needing to get out of 2nd gear really but that was our first game of the season. And neither city or Liverpool have really got going this year. Chelsea are being carried by Hazard at the moment.

we aren't going to win the league but it is nice going on a good run and not expecting it to collapse either in November, March.

[Power n Glory]

I touched on it in another thread, but I think Elneny is the first player I can confidently say Emery doesn't particularly rate. He's only getting Cup games and even then he was taken off the other day early and wasn't even on the bench against Fulham.

His biggest problem is that Guendouzi can seemingly do everything he does, but better and with much more confidence and conviction.

Guendouzi is obviously the one that would take Xhaka's place once he irons out some of his kinks.

And if Maitland-Niles can show he knows how to play in midfield consistently, then we would have a really good blend of options.

Emery definitely has a thing for Xhaka. He seems to be looking for someone that can partner Xhaka in the midfield and not necessarily the strongest duo. It's a shame Elneny can't get a game. It's not as as if progressive passing can't be taught or instructed. It's only after having some time under Wenger that Elneny started to be more cautious. Similar case to Iwobi. Elneny is always on the move with bags of stamina and I think he'd make life a lot easier for us when it comes to playing the ball out from the back. He always looks to find space to collect the ball and we need that. When he first arrived at Arsenal when we lost Cazorla to injury, we were really struggling to play the ball through the middle until he arrived. Emery might be missing a trick.

[Marc Overmars]

In essence Merson has only said what we’re all thinking but would it hurt to publically give Emery some encouragement and credit? He’s supposed to be an Arsenal fan isn’t he? Miserable cunt.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He's a Chelsea fan, as he often points out.

[Unai Tea]

He's a Chelsea fan, as he often points out.

He's also thick as pigshit, the twat.

[Letters]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMdA9WLloX0

[KSE Comedy Club]

Obviously defence it still out weakest area but it does seem to be improving a bit each game even with the simple mistakes.
I did mention early on that it was still shite but Emery needs time to fix it and get them playing how he wants.

But I’m more inclined to disagree with Merson tbh as we are looking a hell of a lot better on the rest of the pitch. The team have a real hunger and desire to win now, more than they ever had in the last few years imo.

It’s still early to be sure, but emery is having a positive effect on this team and the more time that passes and the more we gain confidence and win games, the less chance we will have of ‘getting a thrashing’ no matter how bad our defence might seem.

Oh and Bellamy is fucking clueless and can shut his stupid face up tbh.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Chelsea fan!??

[I am invisible]

Yeah, his boyhood club, or something. Used to get mentioned on Soccer Saturday quite a lot...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Ahh jeez!

[I am invisible]

Explains the drinking and the drugs.