Id take us not being absolute pussies when playing away at any of the top 5. Apart from Chelsea we were shit against Pool City and United. The one thing this team has lacked sorely since 2006is bottle. nerve under pressure and fortitude when faced with adversity. We bottled 4th last season with 3 calamity games at the end of the season/ I hate to bring the argument back again to Xhaka as I always do. But there is NO way you can build a formidable team with that lump at the core of your team. His lack of athleticism and ball control makes the team nervous and fragile. If he plays every game that he is available, as Im afraid he will, we will again come up short. Arteta cant see Xhaka`s shortcomings. Its a fatal flaw IMO.
We need to be able to take points against the top 4 , home or away. We also need to be able to come back from adversity. Go a goal down and usually we are done. I honestly cant see Arteta as the manager to change that mindset. He is absolutely limited in his abilities both tactically and tactilely in handling players.
I want to see a better team that last season, unafraid and battle ready. Im glad Saliba is here, hope he stays.
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