A fascinating match. I was a bit nervous about the powerful Gunner’s front line, while we were not sure about the health of some of our players until before the match. Without Hendo or Thiago, I was concern about the defensive coverage on the right against TAA, or wondering how to break down the Gunners that is becoming a little bit more discipline. In the end, with Joe Gomez as CB, freeing up Fabinho in the centre, Fab was having a amazing match. It looked really odd to have Naby lad playing so deep as well (normally Hendo’s role even with Fab on the pitch). Naby did an admirable job in addition to the attacking role. My nervousness slowly ebbed away.
The first goal by Lacazette was like a comedy of errors: I suspected that Virg had the slightest of touch, and Robbo was caught out by the deflection. Even our outstanding keeper, who was at his best today; Ali was unable to get to those evil scuffed lucky shot. Talking about at the right place at the right time, Lacazette certainly can prove that.
Speaking of Robbo was not able to make the adjustment from a possible Virg deflection, how about his goal? He was charging full speed into the exact spot that TAA’s beautiful cross (just the routine by TAA throughout the match) supposed to go. But he had to re-adjust massively to knock in the goal, after the ball changed trajectory via a brush to the defender’s head. Willian could only watch.
Diogo, wow, when he came on, it felt as if he already played with our boys at least for 6+ months. TBH, I was worried that VAR would take away his goal, but not to fret, as the ball only hit his “sleeve”. We got to witness our 3 new signings contributing massively already. Now, please, Thiago, Tsimi, with Diogo, stay healthy!
Here are my 3 picks:
- Mane: Looked as if he woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and in a foul mood. After the yellow card, he channelled his annoyance and ran the Gunner’s defence knackered.
- Fab: Those long legs/tentacles of his snuffed out most of the rare threats from Gunners. The positional awareness was definitely better then the CB role in the cup game, perhaps due to his more natural position.
- Ali: Going to sound like a broken record - His focus was laser sharp. What a save against Lacazette when the run was on side. Also came out of the box kicked the ball away when he realised the threat long before our defence realised one of the dangerous long ball that caught out the mid and defence.
Mo would have been one of the pick, as he was everywhere both in front and at the back. But the way he took away Diogo’s chance made me swore at the screen.
Other players, which I did not mentioned above, e.g. Gini, Bobby, also did exceptionally well. Bobby may have his detractors these days, but he was providing the link throughout the match. Really would be nice to see him score.
Oh, how about that long range shot by Virg. Wow. Too bad that it did not go in.