Originally Posted by
Power_n_Glory
People were optimistic about Cazorla and the defence looking better. We were all curious about how the new boys would fit in and when things weren't clicking, common sense said it's the opening two games and the team need time to gel.
We played well against Liverpool, but Brendan Rogere likes to play possession football as well which makes it easier on us. He's having to adapt to coaching a new team, which plays to our advantage and he wasn't going to sit back and try to counter attack or park the bus like most teams do either. Southampton are a newly promoted side and we tore them to shreds and after those two games, there was hope that we may actually be in with a good chance of winning something this year. But as Ice said, we soon reverted back to default mode and it's clear to see that this team struggles against certain tactics and the balance in the squad isn't right.
Out of our 4 wins in the league, two have looked convincing. That is pretty significant in my book. We haven't been shocking all season but we haven't looked good and had sustained run of good form as you suggest. We're yet to step into gear and we have probably had more toothless performances than good.
For example, the problem with Pod out wide has always been there. He's always had quiet games and never been a menace to wingbacks compared to how we see Theo, Arshavin or even Gervinho on a good day. In games where he has scored, he's been quiet on attack but worked hard on the flanks. Now he isn't working as hard on defence and I suspect that is a tactical decision by Wenger. Check out his recent comments on Theo, when he said the role of the winger is changing and they need to focus more on attack instead of defence. Podolski hasn't really found his stride in the team yet and it was noticable from early on. But, I thought it was more of case of him needing to adapt but now it seems like he is hit not suited out wide.
Our striker situation hasn't changed either. Giroud is still struggling and Wenger has no idea who his main striker is for the year. We're finding it hard to get him involved in games and it is probably why he's played Gervinho up front but he can be just as bad or worse because he is wasteful.
Our attack hasn't hit that free flowing football gear yet. We're not even in tippy tappy mode. At times it looks disjointed. The only way I can see things changing is if we start to get certain players back. Losing Diaby was a massive but predictable blow. If he were to get fit or if Wenger swallowed his pride and played Theo and Arshavin, I'd have more hope for our season. We shall see what he does tonight for the Schalke game.
