This is another low – as we surrendered another lead and this time it was to Wolves.
A draw was perhaps the fairest result as Wolves had chances – and overall had more shots on goal than we did. Yet again, we’ve been out-shot, and this isn’t on. Wolves is a decent side, and they held us with a draw last season. Let’s not forget that their manager Nuno Espirito Santo has quality, and would have revelled playing against us as he has in three games against us now. He hasn’t lost to us since Wolves got promoted, and akin to his surname gives Wolves a “divine touch” against us.
But then overall our play was limp, and lacking in conviction and enterprise.
These are the points that stood out for me here:
Aubameyang – Heir to Wright and Henry
Aubameyang’s goal got him firmly amongst Aguero and Abraham for the Golden Boot race, and he has been amongst our stand-out players this season.
He surely is the best striker we’ve had since Henry, and he, Henry and Ian Wright form trinity of great PL-era Arsenal strikers.
He didn’t, in fairness, effect much else in the game. But, whilst it seems odd perhaps, a prolific forward at Arsenal completes the side, given the presences of Wright and Henry in our sides. Auba really is a shining light for us – and without him, we’re really lost.
Torreira
Why is Torreira playing so far forward? it could be that he’s looking to get the best of his energy and pressing at a higher position.
But this isn’t working – and teams are still attacking us at will.
Torreira for Uruguay and Sampdoria was far deeper, and more effective in this position.
But as a quasi-number 10, it’s clearly not working well enough.
He is not being supported well in this position – and it lends to the overall tactical shape of the side.
Conservatism and limpness
After we went 1-0 up, we didn’t really capitalise.
it was akin to the Bournemouth game, and Crystal Palace match, and even the Watford game.
We have a serious mentality and creativity issue, and we obviously cannot hold on to leads.
I feel Emery is a very conservative manager, and he lacks the attacking drive and impetus to really take the team forward.
What’s more is that it’s good to take leads BUt we lack the defensive structure to hold them.
The Man United game away was another example. We didn’t’ score the first goal, granted. But then after Auba equalised, it was another conservative and limited display.
With more drive and verve, we would secure more points than we have, for sure.
Ozil
The prodigal son returned, and he did well. His passing and movement were on point, and could this be a comeback? Who knows? the reasons for his apparent exclusion are unclear – but then if he can sustain this over the long-term, it is a boon for us.
Ozil can do well to win back the fans in this case – if he can perform well amidst what is a turbulent time for the club currently.
Many acknowledge his quality – though he isn’t as consistent as he could be. It’s up to Ozil to prove the detractors wrong, and show he can be an asset again for the side.
Emery
His conservatism cost us again, and the formation left much to be desired.
It was confusing, since we morphed from a 4231, to a 4222.
Tactical flexibility is one thing – but then there is no structure, plan or agenda.
We saw the same midfield flaws, and defensive positioning, and nobody else is responsible for this.
We face Leicester City away next week – and it’s on Sky Sports no less. So Souness, Neville and Carragher may once again get angry that they’ve seen the “same old faults” as from many years ago.
And if we do lose, then rightly so – they have every right to critique us.
Could Vardy have a party – and get Emery sacked? Possibly.
Player ratings
Leno 5
Chambers 5
Sokratis 5
Luiz 5
Tierney 5
Torreira 6
Guendouzi 4
Ceballos 4
Ozil 8
Aubameyang 7
Lacazette 4
Martinelli 5
Kolasinac 5
Saka 4
Emery 1 – Limp performance, no midfield/defensive structure, and a timid approach were evident. He doesn’t seem up to the job, frankly.
Man of the match
Mesut Ozil
I believe he did well today He has come back, and let’s hope he can sustain this.
MarbleHallsTV is an Arsenal social media account on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. Been a Gooner since the 90s, inspired by Ian Wright, then Bergkamp, Vieira, Henry, Pires, Campbell, Rosicky, Koscielny, Ozil and Sanchez. A digital marketer/entrpreneur by profession, born in UK living in the Americas now.
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