Arsenal 0-1 West Ham Match Reaction

[HCZ_Reborn]

Because I don't agree that every team we play sets up to defend against us in two banks of 5 in their own half.
That is mainly a situation that ends up happening because our style of play makes it the easiest way for any team to defend against us.

We just don't counter attack - ever.
As soon as we might win possession, we start to make a run, maybe get near the 18 yard box, but then it's always either pass it back, pass it sideways, pass it out wide, lay off Raya running up near the half way line....etc.

It is never a direct attack where a player has the balls to take a shot on, or two attackers running alongside each other to do a quick side pass and shoot into an empty net.

No you’re right

Man City doesn’t, Liverpool doesn’t, Spurs doesn’t

Chelsea probably won’t

We’ve seen the difference when we played teams that don’t defend deep against us


We thrashed City 5-1, and we thrashed Palace 5-1


Some of those goals…wait for it….came on the counter attack

[KSE Comedy Club]

On a scale of 1-10, how likely is it do you think that I’m going to take a lecture from someone proposing that we can and should play counter attack against teams who play with 11 men behind the ball.

The point is NQ does what he always does when he has no answer, shift the goalposts. I don’t know whether it’s deliberate or alcoholic delirium

For me it seems a bit pointless to be talking specifically about the here and now and in response to my saying I don’t think we have the players to do what you think we should do, to say well why don’t we get those players.

Which becomes a different discussion entirely, if the discussion is why don’t we adapt this turgid football we are playing now when the summer comes by bringing in players that can mix it up, that’s almost a no brainer isn’t it…who would be against that

What I can’t understand is this petulance howling like a dog that’s been kicked in the nuts by people, about how we should be able to score goals if only we magically change up the way we play when a) albeit small there are indications that we’ve already done that b) you can build a house from sand but it’s going out with the tide come the evening.

We won titles playing counter attack. Liverpool are going to win a title by playing counter attack

What I don't understand is that these are the same players mostly that did play this way in the second half of last season, but now they are not capable of it?

[KSE Comedy Club]

Cool, so if I choose not to run into a brick wall, it’s because I lacked the courage to believe I could become ethereal and will myself to pass through it

there is literally no middle ground with you is there!

[HCZ_Reborn]

The only games I can think of where we didn’t at least once try the counter attack when ahead are games like Ipswich who seemed to decide that losing 1-0 was ok, and Brighton where we had almost no attacking players starting the game due to injury and illness

[KSE Comedy Club]

So this is why I’m kind of taking the piss with you

Our front three is out, I get what you’re saying about our build up play being too slow etc but it’s academic now. We are playing a very average midfielder as a centre forward that’s how academic it is.

A Kriss Akabusi style Positive Mental Attitude isn’t going to change things.


After the Man City game, we still had two of the front three and only Liverpool scored more goals. Whilst you’ll get no argument from me that we were too slow, too predictable etc. It makes not a fuck of difference now

I agree, we are fucked this season now, but my worry is we cannot even maintain 2nd place.

[HCZ_Reborn]

there is literally no middle ground with you is there!

I’ve honestly tried being nice and patient

But if people want to promote a narrative rather than analyse the situation for what it is. I’m going to be sarcastic and off hand. Will I get anywhere doing this? No but I’ve clearly got no where being patient and understanding and at least this way I have more fun

[HCZ_Reborn]

I agree, we are fucked this season now, but my worry is we cannot even maintain 2nd place.

It’s a laudable worry but I’m afraid there’s not much we can do about it

People dont like feeling powerless and helpless to prevent something and they’ll do anything to fight against it. I suspect this is why I’m getting so much resistance.

[HCZ_Reborn]

We won titles playing counter attack. Liverpool are going to win a title by playing counter attack

What I don't understand is that these are the same players mostly that did play this way in the second half of last season, but now they are not capable of it?

Because we didn’t open the scoring on the counter, in many of those games we opened the scoring via a set piece. I think it’s 50% that teams have worked out how to defend our set pieces and 50% that we are missing Saka and White who were instrumental in them.

Now if you’re saying to me, we shouldn’t rely on just one way to open up the scoring. Totally agree, or at least I would have before our front three all got injured

[KSE Comedy Club]

So to confirm not that he’s either carrying a knock or exhausted, out of form or low on confidence. Arteta decided that our biggest creative player was just playing too well?

Because you’ve been a bit sensitive today. I want to confirm that is your explanation

A yes or no will do

Sensitive?! LOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!

I gave a one post tongue in cheek response, I actually couldn't care less

All those things you said are probably to an extent, true, I have no doubt he is not in form as it shows.
However, if he was doing hi sown thing and not following the instructions of how Arteta wants the team to function, I very much doubt he would be playing.

[KSE Comedy Club]

The only games I can think of where we didn’t at least once try the counter attack when ahead are games like Ipswich who seemed to decide that losing 1-0 was ok, and Brighton where we had almost no attacking players starting the game due to injury and illness

I have probably seen about 3 games this season where we attempted a full on, proper, from start to finish, counter attack.