I knew we were going to concede goals; the problem was I didn’t know how many.
Also, I wasn’t sure what the outcome of the match was going to be. I didn’t want us to lose but, with the team’s defensive record, you’d have to consider that a possibility.
I remember when I wrote last season that gaining top four in the league was not only about outscoring your opponents. It was also about not leaking goals. Last season, Arsenal were the third-highest scoring team but leaked more goals than any team in the top 10.
Tell me how a team can achieve success like that?
I’m more than happy with the fighting spirit the team showed even with a man down. But, work needs to be done.
Not just with the defence but with the entire Arsenal team defending as a unit. I’m not sure what’s happening in training but only a blind Bartimaeus (the one Jesus eventually healed) would not see what’s happening with our defending.
The game picked up when Chambers came on and I believe the manager should play him more. Xhaka is another kettle of fish, to be honest. He’s not a bad player but the manager needs to find somewhere on the pitch were he’s most useful.
I refuse to discuss Maitland-Niles’ red card because I’d go on about a referee who doesn’t deserve the energy I expend on rants.
Let’s hope Unai goes back to the drawing board and finds a way the team can close up our leaks.
