09 Aug 2018 21:12:17
Looks like Mr Wise shares our concern

Wise says there is not enough pace in the Gunners backline which will ultimately be their downfall this season.

"The defenders that he's brought in, I think that was a key part of where Arsenal struggled, " he said (via Express) .

"I think they conceded 51 goals which was quite high for Arsenal. But what they haven't added is pace.

"Sokratis is not for me. I watched him play against Chelsea and he got dominated and he lacked a lot of pace.

"Lichtsteiner is obviously 34 years old, hasn't got a lot of pace and they haven't added that.

So, therefore, I think they're going to struggle.

"I look at the personnel that they've brought in and the position they ended up, sixth last year, and that's where I see Arsenal.

"I don't see that they've improved loads. My concern is their defence still.

"He hasn't convinced me with who he's brought in.

Difficult to argue and a bit disappointed in Emery's attempt to sort the defence. Happy to give me the benefit of the doubt despite the crazy Chambers decision.

1.) 09 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 21:32:23
Is Mr wise Denis Wise?
Yes I would have liked to have seen more radical overhaul of the defence and the Chambers decision is still very strange to me but Leicester fans 2015 -16 probably weren't thrilled with the prospect of Hugh and Morgans pace going into that season but as I remember they were pretty awesome at the back that season and none to shabby going forward either.
Who knows but new managers sometimes get more out of the same players and get very different results with them than their predecessor did.

2.) 09 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 21:38:21
Im sure we may well get caught out a few times but last season most of the goals we conceded were just rank bad defending, lack of awareness and organisation, which led to sloppy goals. The percentage that were solely down to a speed race was minimal. i'm sure Dick will account for that in our set up. The player who actually got done as much in a foot race was Bellerin.

3.) 09 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 22:05:39
Hope so 62 as he has put a target on his own back with his first window. In terms of being organised: the Chelsea game showed we are no smarter. Be it corners, pissing around with the ball at the back or getting caught with a high line by a simple ball over the top.

If it was budget - then sell Mustafi don’t buy a keeper but buy a strong defender

Fingers crossed that the midfield really helps and Emery has a strong first season.

4.) 09 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 22:55:31
If we'd beat Chelsea 10 0 and denied them a single shot i wouldn't be thinking job done SY mate and neither am I thinking here we go again based on that game.
Is Emery really so naive as to take this job and not see what everyone outside Arsenal has seen for years? That's to far fetched to put in eastenders, what are the odds on Arsenal finding the only other manager in the world other than Arsene who thinks our defence is ok as it was?

5.) 10 Aug 2018
09 Aug 2018 23:41:53
How well Torreria settles in the DM role will be key to how well we do I feel, if he can provide that essential protection well it can negate the that lack pure pace of the CB's. Sokratis as it stands I am 50/ 50 on tbh and jury is out weather he can hack the pace of the EPL but Greeks are generally good defenders so we will see. Kos is still a big miss and I will be much happier once he is back. Loaning chambers is odd move a this point. Attacking wise we look good and I think Ozil free from the shackles of the National side can really shine this season and give us a A game. Aubu and Lacazette are gauranteed goals given the chances and I would not swap either of them for any other sides forwards tbh.

6.) 10 Aug 2018
10 Aug 2018 06:45:10
Defending is not solely about pace, but positional sense and timing are essential. John Terry wasn't blessed with pace, but was a top class defender. On Sunday we may play two rapid fullbacks in Bellerin and Maitland-Niles, whilst Mustafi doesn't lack pace. With Torreira adding much needed protection in front of the back four, Leno being more a sweeper keeper and Emery's new defensive coaching and tactics, we should compensate for Sokratis's lack of pace. I had not noticed him being exploited whilst in Germany. In addition the pressing style Emery utilises leaves little time for opposing players to make quality passes in behind the defence, as they will be under pressure to pass. Modern defenders need to be quick over the first 5 to 10 yards, which is often aided by quick thinking and positional sense.

7.) 10 Aug 2018
10 Aug 2018 07:26:51
Emery was right to allow Chambers to depart. Having seen him in training and in pre-season matches, he clearly believed him to be the weakest of our 4 fit CB's, which I fully concur with and I fail to understand fellow Gooners who rate him. My reservation is that we only have 4 fit CB's until the New Year when Koscileny should return and we are able to buy a CB. A single injury to a CB means we have one CB to cover 2 players for half the season.

8.) 10 Aug 2018
10 Aug 2018 08:31:27
I don't think it'll be as bad as everyone makes out. If they can read the game well I'm sure it'll be okay. Most importantly let's wait and see them play before we panic.

9.) 10 Aug 2018
10 Aug 2018 08:36:59
Dennis Wise hates Arsenal, what've they done? brought in jorginho and a quality keeper. anyone see his interview (jorginho) saying he's going to show the prem something they've never seen before? game passed him by, last two i seen him in that shade of blue.

10.) 10 Aug 2018
10 Aug 2018 11:34:07
Forget the friendlies this Sunday will be out first glimpse of Arsenal under Emery, the test is a tough one but to be enjoyed not feared.