16 Sep 2017 07:46:56
It is very seldom that prior to playing a match I would take a draw before a ball is kicked. Unfortunately, tomorrow is such a case, unless Wenger selects what I consider to be our strongest team and defends deep, abandoning his suicidially high defensive line. I can''t imagine what damage Hazard, Morata and Pedro will inflict if we defend the halfway line!
Selection-wise, Cech in goal, a back three of Mustafi, Mertesacker and Koscielny - No Monreal please. DM - Elneny and Xhaka instructed to play deep, with the prime objective of protecting the defence. Wing backs - Bellerin and Kolasinac, instructed to concentrate mainly on their defensive duties. The remaining three players would be Ozil and Sanchez, with Lacazette up top. I seriously considered playing Ramsey or Wilshere (yes Wilshere) in place of Ozil, except Ozil had a successful international break and hopefully he can bring that form back with him, although as I write I am still in two minds about playing Ramsey.
Thoughts fellow gooners?
16 Sep 2017 09:03:45
Personally I expect a thrashing and another Arsenal meltdown but let's see what happens because I expected that in the cup final too, the Liverpool game suggests things are still very much as they have been for years at Arsenal let's see what happens tomorrow.
A draw would certainly be the first step of a long very long journey if the current manager and team ever hope to win back any real credibility outside of the 50% of Arsenal fans that comes for free regardless of effort or performance.
16 Sep 2017 11:53:59
I think everyone would bite your hand off for a draw.
16 Sep 2017 12:20:32
I'll be pleased with a draw tomorrow too.
Our lack of defensive cohesion worries me and I fear that Chelsea will exploit Mert's weaknesses (dire pace and age) . Defensive stance by the wings and midfield (whoever that is) will be crucial because Chelsea can score by the handful and I don't see us as able to do the same at the moment.
That being said we have the right players to hit Chelsea in counterattack, question is whether the manager will set up our team accordingly. Sort of pitiful that we have to wonder about his tactics at this point in his career with Arsenal.
16 Sep 2017 12:50:31
I very much doubt Mertesacker will play tomorrow. I think it will be Monreal kos Mustafi.
16 Sep 2017 13:12:10
This season Mertesacker seems to be only nominally part of the first team. 62 I don't see him playing too much at all unless there is a major injury problem. Probably better that way, his prime is well behind him and he seems injury prone himself.
16 Sep 2017 14:30:27
I think Mertesacker behind Xhaka and Ramsey is making life easier than it has to be for Chelsea Cat mate, it's actually difficult to come up with an effective looking line up and formation from our squad that does look capable of getting a result.
The FA cup happened so there is always a chance but at the bridge it's a tough for anyone Utd City Spurs included.