Arsenal v Man City EPL Match Reaction

[Power n Glory]

Don't agree with any of that. Ozil is getting caned because he's not playing like Ronaldo, not because he's playing badly. People are judging by expectation rather than performances. He gave the ball away a few times, which is rare for him, but so did other players, particularly Ramsey. But he'll still provide at least a couple of incisive passes a game and they often make a difference. Playing him on the left is a criminal waste and that's down to the manager. Expecting him to cover back is just dumb, that's not his game. Stick him in the Silva role and you have twice the result. Welbeck was a good presence up front, much more mobile than Giroud, hassled their defenders, stole the ball back a few times and wasn't afraid to take responsibility. Was an inch away from a dream start. Media will be all over it like they were about his cross that was perfectly good but Sterling gave up on. They'll ignore the fact with his chance today he was sharp, got into the position and looked plenty composed to me given he didn't lash at it. When Wenger says he'll improve him it makes me shiver. Probably end up with another back to goal flickmeister.

Ozil is caned because he's playing shite! He was just as bad in the middle , where he often drifts out wide anyway.

Did you see those poor efforts on goal that went well wide? Yes, I expect better from a professional. He had no influence on that game and the one or two incisive passes he makes just isn't enough to warrant a starting place. He's lost his place in the number 10 role for a reason. If Jack keeps playing like that and if Ramsey gets his game together, where will Ozil play? He needs to step his game up. Damn right I'm expecting more from him.

[Letters]

I think it's too harsh to say he's playing shite but he's not playing like a £40m player.
We have high expectations of him - rightly so - and he's not living up to them. Not consistently enough.

[Power n Glory]

It's simple enough. We had the tools to beat them today but the manager blunted them with his negative team selection, crappy tactics and laughable substitutions. These are the games we HAVE to win. Massive victory for the gypos today, they'll take an away point against a rival any day. Defeat for us. We had something to prove but all we proved is the manager will hide when the tough games arrive.

If Wenger played Arteta and Flamini, that would equate to negative tactics. We went out to attack and played a strong squad. There isn't much he could have done except start Arteta and Gibbs but they're coming back from injury. Playing Ozil out wide is the only eye raiser, but who do we leave out if he starts?

[Niall_Quinn]

He'll play in behind Welbeck - obviously, and rotate the role with Santi. Absolute no brainer. Any other manager would be doing it. This business about who will go where, the team picks itself, no difficulties at all when injury, suspension and cups/ CL are factored in. It's just that Wenger then goes and messes it all around and makes it complicated. Also never forget that Jack is shit, a flop, failed, useless, has been and we should sell him. Or maybe not now that he's started to play well again having come back from a year out. Same with Ozil, just because the media says so doesn't make it so.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I thought Flamini was poor for both goals and I'd happily replace him in the side for Rosicky.

Glad to see Wilshere making progress which imo he has been doing all season so far. His right foot is arguably his biggest weakness so good to see him finish with aplomb on it. Welbeck did well but really should have scored. Chipping a ball accurately between two goal posts is a skill all pro's should be able to execute most of the time. From forwards to goalkeepers. Scholes' comment was annoying but true.

Sanchez was great, although he does tend to hold on to it a little too long at times. Monreal looks like he is running through water whenever he has to defend.

I actually didn't think Ozil was too bad today.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

In isolation, a draw to the current champions and arguably the favourites for the league isn't a bad result.

However it's disappointing because of certain factors exclusive to us:

- Yet more dropped points this season especially coming off the poor Leicester result. Six points lost is a lot after four games.
- Yet another failure to dispatch a big team. A worrying trend coming of the back of last seasons results against them.
- Another poor performance defensively. We've shipped far too many goals so far.

There's a long way to go but with Chelsea in the form their in, Man City with their squad depth and United throwing millions to reclaim former glories, it is quite worrying. Top four could be challenging let alone the title.

Really thought City were there for the taking and with some better tactical organisation and defensive maturity we could have done them today.

Annoyed with the DM situation as well. Everyone knew that we needed better than Flamini and Arteta at the start of the window yet we've ended up stuck with these two. To be fair I can understand Wenger's logic that with the number of replacements already brought in that adding more would disrupt the squad but I think it's cost us this season so far. Flamini just isn't good enough - someone needs to be brought in this winter.

Tl;dr - We need to start a run of wins urgently.

[Niall_Quinn]

I actually didn't think Ozil was too bad today.

He wasn't. But there's a plot line to maintain and ratings depend on it. Also now that Jack isn't a shit loser any more and has become the new Jack Wilshere overnight, Ozil will have to carry an even bigger burden in the media.

Flamini is for Stoke and Hull to save Arteta getting beaten up, proper player required for technical games.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Oh yes...and even though Ramsey missed that sitter, his run was amazing. You could clip it and use it as a textbook, perfect example of how to make a run beyond a back line. Beautiful to watch....even if not the finish! If his form doesn't pick up....just play him CF.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I do find the wilful and constant dismissal of Wilshere on here annoying and slightly strange but he doesn't always help matters with comments or getting caught smoking etc.

I'll be delighted for him to ram it down peoples throats though.

[Power n Glory]

I think it's too harsh to say he's playing shite but he's not playing like a £40m player.
We have high expectations of him - rightly so - and he's not living up to them. Not consistently enough.

Forget the price tag. I remember Nasri having similar performances and I was just as critical and he's a much cheaper player. He hasn't had enough influence in big games like this and it's not good enough. A few safe and accurate passes isn't enough, especially when we lose so much defensively when he's on the pitch. You need to be a beast on attack if your not going to defend.