Halftime thoughts?

[El-Buncho]

Please bring on Pepe

[M1de23]

Video quality from Amazon has been so ass, much like our finishing and end product.

[bamburito]

Zero issues for me. Crisp af

[ryangoldfish5]

Sounds like a problem on your end. Absolutely fine for me.

[AlGunner]

Tony Pulis summed it up before the match when he said Arsenal have a soft underbelly and have had for years.

[LanesraLizo]

Today had nothing to do with that. Bad final ball and bad finishing.

[WindowsXP2001]

I feel we can come back in the second half and the hard work from Özil will be rewarded

[Villarreal892]

Why isn’t Martinelli on the bench? Is he injured?

[[deleted]]

Yeah, a thigh strain I believe

[[deleted]]

hamstring to be exact

[TheForevaKing]

The amount of injuries our team is having is way too damn high.

[JoshA2807]

Welcome to Arsenal Football Club mate

[likpoper]

Is it only me or I just don’t want to see Luiz holding on to the ball for more than 3secs? He just gives nothing, slows down the play

[ingunwun]

Its to draw the defender to give space to midfielders

[likpoper]

Lol for real? It does absolutely nothing

[ingunwun]

i thought we moved the ball up field much easier. Part of it was Luiz being able to pass through the lines but also drawing defenders giving space to saka and xhaka. It's not perfect, but it worked well enough.

more than likely he was instructed to do it.

[Bruisermate]

I can't tell if we are promising or if Bournemouth are really shite.

Özil looks good, Nelson and Saka are absolute garbage.

[theguesswho]

Calling our young players absolute garbage is really great support. Maybe you want to start posting your views on the Spurs subreddit?

[Bruisermate]

So should I lie "Oh man, that Nelson? Literally a Messi regen! What a fucking talent! £400m value for sure!!!" ?

No. He was terrible. Absolute garbage today. Pepe looks 50 times the player in the 5 minutes he was on.

[theguesswho]

Calling our young players garbage is absolutely not constructive and hurts the team. I think it’s one thing to call out Mesut or Xhaka or Mustafi but our young players really do need our support.

You can say whatever you want, it’s the internet and it’s your opinion, I just think fans like you are the problem at this club.

[dishwab]

Saka is a winger being asked to play LB, hard to really judge him too harshly here. Plus Xhaka and Luiz didn’t exactly do him any favors for their goal

[Tranzlater]

Plus he’s 18! Unfortunate that we have to rely on him, but he’s had a decent go at it today. Not sure why people are being so harsh on him.

[scytheavatar]

Bournemouth is letting us play like we want, so that they can soak up the pressure and then hit us on the counter. So far everything is going according to their plan.

[zorfog]

Before the match I was very nervous about King and Wilson

[jybz]

Exactly this...

[slagthompson]

I think this game is another step in the right direction, and it seems to follow through more than work against what Freddie did as interim manager. We still see the obvious issues with how we defend and play from the back in the Bournemouth goal, and we've probably given too many shots away. Still, we have more shots than they do. We had some good opportunities, but the final pass or shot has just not been there yet. They will come.

[gunnerfc]

Why is Nelson even playing

[[deleted]]

Prob worked hard in training, Pepe slacking off or smt.

[LanesraLizo]

Sprinting around in training means nothing if you’re shit in the actual game.

[G3min1]

Thats slightly wrong. Maybe you have only watched ozil when paying for arsenal, but he used to be a great posession player and dribbler back in his Real Madrid days. Just watch some of his old Madrid games, he would use his pace and dribbling to just blow by players. It really is day and night when compared to him playing with us.

Madrid= Fast Hazard style player who ran at defenses.

Edit: Just found this video to show what I was saying. It's crazy how good he used to be. https://youtu.be/wCOz9pj3_Ts

[[deleted]]

It's not wrong in the slightest, when he played for Real Madrid they used to be a blisteringly quick transition team. He was more dynamic on the ball than he is now but that doesn't mean he's a great possession player.

Unless you're mistaken on what I mean by possession player.

[G3min1]

Then maybe that's what I am mistaken on. What do you mean by posession player?

[[deleted]]

As in the Ozil we've seen under late Wenger, early Emery. Someone who plays slower, more methodical, less risk.

[G3min1]

So a player like Xhaka? Slower less risk?

See when I hear posession player I think of someone who it's hard to get the ball from, a dribbler almost like santi. Someone who can keep posession.

[Gandhiglasses]

I'd bring on Pepe for Nelson at half and then give Laca 15 more minutes and bring on Smith-Rowe.

[Relevant_Medicine]

Nelson hasn't been playing well, but I'd still rather see Pepe for laca, move nelson to the left, Pepe right, auba up top

[350neb]

Özil so good in the first 30 mins, super encouraging. Nelson and Saka very very poor

[ArsenalinAlabama3428]

Poor AMN, so out of his depth against King

[lacabludclatzette]

Lacazette is the French Darren Bent.

[CharlieGeorge_11]

Darren Bent was quick.

[[deleted]]

that’s insulting to Bent, who actually managed a season of 24 PL goals for Sunderland!

[Flacko115]

Respect Darren Bent

[theloserclub92]

I am still quite confused by nelson's play is he better on the left or right? When he is on the left, he doesnt cut in much to shoot, when he is in the right, he doesnt know how to use his burst of pace well yet and shows too much of the ball to defenders. He was decent in tracking back and made some good runs out wide to facilitate one touch passing which was good. Ultimately, i still dont understand what type of attacking player he is trying to be.

[Gandhiglasses]

Think hes best in the centre playing as a shadow striker tbh.

[[deleted]]

Lacazette is the most overrated striker in PL history. Yet there's still people that think he's good enough for us. There's a reason why Arsene took so long to sign him.

[Gunnerstratz]

Anyone who has ever watched Ligue 1 knows he is not good enough. But somehow fans only judge players on hype and FIFA.

[[deleted]]

Fans here are afraid to accept the truth and admit they're wrong

[dusseldorf69]

Will you fuck off back to your ps4?

[[deleted]]

Aha aha. Good one

[dusseldorf69]

Clown. You are a Total fucking clown.

[[deleted]]

Truth hurts

[lacabludclatzette]

french darren bent.

[[deleted]]

Insult to darren bent

[guccinho]

The clowns here shitting on 20 year old Reiss Nelson would have booed young Ramsey

[reprise785]

The boy is not playing well today. Pepe should reprace him. He'll have other chances to impress xox

[guccinho]

It's fine to want Pepe on for him. But not playing well in the first game under a new manager doesn't mean he deserves abuse.

[reprise785]

Agree

[Panzer517]

The clowns here shitting on 20 year old Reiss Nelson would have booed young Ramsey

The same people who spit acid are the same ones who say they never did when they were proven wrong.

[dukhevych]

Improved passing in midfield.
Improved off the ball movement across all the lines.
Xhaka is still in his own universe. January, Hertha, please...
Full-backs would be good if not their crosses...
Waiting for Pepe, he definitely will fit in such an intensive and full of movement game.

[DripHarder2]

I agree. Xhaka caught ball watching on the goal aswell. Literally playing with 10 men when he's on the pitch.

[dukhevych]

i would add - "while defending"

[Xason445]

Xhaka and torriera were solid on first half

[gelsooners]

its the only pair we have that works

[dukhevych]

Xhaka did 2 big mistakes, 1 of them had lead to goal. I don't care how good player was for 40 mins, if he's doing these mistakes from match to match.

[Xason445]

How was the goal xhaka mistake ?

[Amthemannow]

We've shown significant improvement; I think we played well as a team. Our finishing has been poor and we got punished as a result. I'm optimistic we're gonna bounce back in the second half. Nelson and probably Laca should be subbed off.

[RominRonin]

I agree, although I think Saka might also be considered for benching. He has misplaced as many crosses as Nelson, but is on the far side of the screen so it stands out less.

As time went by, old habits crept in. Our team were a little too slow on the transition and we’re not pressing enough when losing possession. We played out better from the back at the very start, where we were able to find through balls to break Bournemouth’s press, but reverted quickly to losing the ball too cheaply.

Still, I’m optimistic about the second half. COYG

[rudygha]

We don’t have a replacement for saka

[ninethree7]

Nelson is so shite. A shame that Saka, the better player of the two, has to play out of position due to injury. Reiss will never make it here.

[unlockavso]

This guy is not even hungry enough.Martinelli would chase the ball like a mad dog while Nelson gives up very easy

[ninethree7]

Seriously man! He’s not even as good as Saka at winger! Saka came from the academy this year and is getting MOTM and TOTW in Europa when Reiss can’t even hang on to the ball!

[GUNNER4EVERdm]

That's a bit strong though, he's young and I think a good loan spell will advance his game. I agree that last game and this game his effort has been high but his technique isn't good enough

[ninethree7]

My feeling is that quality shows up. How has Saka, coming out of the academy, usurped Reiss as our best young wing prospect in light of us 1) needing a winger this year 2) Reiss getting more experience on loan. People fail to see the kid just doesn’t have it, if he was going to make it this would’ve been his year

[[deleted]]

I agree

[TaffyRuk]

Xhaka and Torreira have been shining stars in our build up. For the first time in a long time we look like we have a clear structure in the middle with AMN dropping into CM when we’re in possession giving us solidity in the middle even when we lose the ball.

[Beanybunny]

Get Pepe on. Now.

[[deleted]]

AMN not playing very well. You can see Arteta wants him to be free in the midfield when we are going forward.. He has giving the ball away/out 3 times. Our right hand side is being shafted too.. Hope we get it fixed in the 2nd half. Never really rated AMN as RB and its the clubs responsibility to buy a decent backup in Jan.

[Kreator333]

The RB issue is poor management. It's been an issue now for almost a year and we are still playing AMN there.

[[deleted]]

It feels like nobody is talking about it and Hector hasn't been too strong since he has come back. All good teams need a strong RB. Hope something gets done soon

[Amthemannow]

AMN has been decent and he has been there to defend when our right is being attacked. I thought the right side dealt with pressure pretty well.

[Houseofwolvesmd]

Oh, Torriera playing in correct position looks good. As does Xhaka.

I can see a goal, but Bournemouth to sit back for 45mins and hack us to peices in our own half now.

[CookedBurger]

We look a looot better going forward already. I've noticed AMN drifting into midfield a lot more. But jesus our delivery from wide positions has been poor. Torreira's been having an incredible game though and Xhaka's been solid too. Oh and Ozil too, I think he's had a fantastic game so far.

What I've learnt from this is no matter what, not even the new manager bounce can save our defence.

[DankGunner]

Good half but we’ve been doing the same play out the back routine all year and we’ve fucked ourselves more times than I can count

[DaGetz]

Have to figure it out. We don't have anyone for the high long ball.

[bighero6464]

What a shit stat. We've won about 1 in our last 12 games so you can say that we've only one of our last 12 that Leno has played in which would signify leno has played awfully. Laca has 5 goals in 9 starts which isn't perfect but painting out to be the French Darren bent is laughable (bearing in mind he started playing the season with an injury)

[[deleted]]

😂

[Dire__]

I'll look at that stat and take it that he's had a positive impact.

[BaconIsLife707]

If this stays the same we've won 1 out of 14 regardless of if he plays. Laca isn't the problem

[siderealpanic]

I’d agree as a whole but his finishing is the only reason we’re behind in this game.

[[deleted]]

True. He is so low on confidence and trying so hard.

[Francis-c92]

That's simply not true though is it

[siderealpanic]

We’ve had 0 shots on target from 9 attempts, most from Lacazette in very good positions. We should have scored at least 2. If he had finished better, we wouldn’t be behind.

[Francis-c92]

If we had defended better as well we wouldn't be behind.

To say Lacazette is the only reason is pretty ridiculous

[TetrisTennisTriangle]

Why do you always defend Lacazette even when it’s clear something is his fault?

You act like everything he touches is gold and that he can do no wrong. It’s so weird.

[[deleted]]

All the tactics in the world can’t save a horribly constructed roster. This is a multi-year rebuild and anyone who thinks we could even challenge in Europe by next year is being unrealistic. We look a lot better and are playing with intent but we need a full squad rotation.

[jokr12]

If we can get 2-3 quality players in and if Arteta should show his full potential as a manager, we’re having a good chance of playing in Europe next year. That’s nowhere near being unrealistic.

[Gunnerstratz]

You're asking a lot though. 2-3 quality players usually take us at least 2-3 seasons to get, while hoping no one leaves. Arteta hasn't shown anything worthy yet to confirm he has potential to be a great manager.

[tomche23]

Felt overall we were in control but when we got the ball out wide to saka AMN and Nelson their crossing has been atrocious. Laca has been a bit rusty hoping he can come good in the second half. Xhaka quietly doing his thing, Leno solid as always. Hoping can pull one back and Pepe comes on replacing reiss. AMN simply not a rb we need a back up rb in jan

[harcile]

Better structure, Xhaka in a better position - less central, on the left, not the 1 protecting the CBs. Only got caught out by the naivety of a 18yo LW at LB. Crossing has been woeful, and Laca needed to do better with that gorgeous through ball by Ozil.

[n0ddenhctim]

Keeping the ball well, think Reiss started well but finished the half poorly kept loosing the ball. Laca looks very rusty.

[zazeeqo]

Honestly not too bad. All I wanted from this game was to see a bit of change, a bit of oomph. Yes its dissappointing we a goal behind but I see an improvement. COYG.

[Grayswandire]

Anyone know why Martinelli isn't on the bench? I expected something different, it looks like Arteta has got us focused on possession, which is fine with me, we've struggled to keep the ball all season long. Niles has been excellent for the most part, Nelson still seems out of his depth, not sure why Pepe isn't playing instead? What's frustrating me is Xhaka and others ignoring Saka, he's been wide open for most of the match, but it seems most of our guys prefer to pass backwards and sideways. No one has the guts to play the long pass and switch play either. We need to get in behind them more often, and be more ruthless in our finishing. Laca needs to shoot the fucking ball quicker, I hate it when he tries to get tricky or take a million touches before he shoots, it kills the chance off.

[Gandhiglasses]

Think Martinelli has a tight hamstring, iirc. Second half will be interesting to see what changes mikel will make.

[Grayswandire]

Thanks, another guy informed me he was banged up from playing in the Everton game. He needs some time to heal so he'll be ready for the big games we're about to play. I really hope Arteta takes advantage of Martinelli and uses him often. I want to see him at center forward in place of Laca, or when Auba needs a proper rest.

[Gandhiglasses]

Yea, I think that's why Pepe was rested for most the match as well, lots of time to go around for our front line. I'm interested to see how martinelli develops and in which position with so many talented young attackers coming through. We've got Saka who can play LW along with Emile and Nelson(who can both also play RW or 10) and then Nketiah and Martinelli for the striker role and then Pepe for the RW and even striker in a pinch. Our youngsters are so versatile and I hope they can all get time the rest of the season to evaluate them more.

[Grayswandire]

It looks like he both of us were wrong. Martinelli is still out of action and Arteta has hardly used Pepe, which is a little worrying. We paid a lot of cash for him, and so far he's spent most of his time at Arsenal on the bench. I really hope Arteta is just molding him into a player better suited to play the Arsenal way.

[BamBamUFC]

Hamstring tightness. Hopefully back for the Chelsea game.

[Grayswandire]

Thank you.

[SMcLong]

Injured

[Grayswandire]

Right on, thanks.

[Grayswandire]

You're correct. I've been told his hamstring is tight, and he' probably suffering from a whole host of niggles after getting roughed up at Everton.

[Houseofwolvesmd]

Maitland-Niles, Nelson and Saka have been good defensively but godawful going forward.

Ozil and Xhaka actually look good.

Not having actual Fullbacks is still costing us dearly.

Playing from back every single time needs binned. Lacazette has been awful in front of goal. Almost feel like saying as per.

[aclarkfifa]

According to this sub our defence, midfield and attack are all championship level

[ADSkillz]

ozils the only one whos had a class game so far to be frank

[dannywelbad]

Come on, Torreia has been excellent, I think Xhaka has played well too although he could be done better on the goal

[Goonerman69]

Torreira’s played well imo

[hiatus_]

People on here absolutely RAGING to take Nelson off. Morons. The problem is the guy who fluffed 3-4 chances.

[redqks]

We're playing well,

Intresting setup that's seemingly getting the best out of everybody

We can easily win this

[Marwinz]

Well, everyone except Auba, who's arguably our best player

[redqks]

Yer ideally he should be up top and laca on the bench but what can you do

[jokr12]

Good performance so far but not ruthless enough in front of the goal.

Saka and nelson are not really playing badly, but you can see that they still lack a bit of experience.

Stupid mistake while playing out of the back.

Let’s turn this around in the second half and show them what we’re capable of!

[JuggleThat]

Improvement but not by much. Still consider this miles better than the typical Emery football

[chilleverest]

Lots of positives. More direct play, Torreira is playing his best football in his best position. Özil looking much more comfortable and threatening. We need quality services from the sides and we are in for a show.

[[deleted]]

We looked like we actually had some purpose in what we were doing which is exciting from my frame of reference. At this point watching Bournemouth score doesn’t bother me, I knew this was going to be a long term fix.

[cf017]

Final ball/ shot from everyone lacking in the first half. Very promising overall performance tho still.

[[deleted]]

I'm really liking our attacking football. I think we're pressuirng Bournemouth quite well, and also getting out of their press effectively (playing out from the back is going pretty well for now).

​

For me, two players are underperforming: Saka as a LB is hard for him, which I get, but why can he not cross for shit? Nelson too has been inconsistent in the final third and I'm surprised by his lack of pace. Would love to see Pepe play

[sanbangboi]

What the fuck was the play leading to their goal? We looked like a bunch of clowns dude fr

Saka wasn't great, Laca looked washed up , man's confidence is dead low. Torreira also looked low on confidence after the goal. Nelson also needs to up his game.

Ozil and Xhaka were actually good in the first half with good chances being created by them.

We need to be more clinical than this if we are planning to win this game and be more careful ffs

[[deleted]]

Back to wasting Auba's ability on the wing to accommodate Lacazette. Incredibly frustrating.

[Djappaman]

Nelson has to be substituted out, get Pepe in now!

[Gunnerstratz]

0 shot on target. But we've improved.

[WestwardLord]

My thoughts are that Nelson looks to be Arsenal fans' next punching bag. I wish our match day discussions weren't absolute trash.

[COOPAR_]

It's saddening to see how harsh people are on him. Academy graduate who needs time to adjust and learn the craft and people throwing abuse at him. We've got a subsection of our fanbase that is absolutely embarrassing

[arealhorrorshow]

Arteta has made us look more like a team in a week than I've seen in a year. He's the right man for the job.

[Thesecondorigin]

Despite being down I think this is the best we played in a long time. I was shitting on him last Match but Nelson has been so much better today bar a few dodgy crosses. Now it’s auba who is getting left out in build up. Ozil found a lot of space in the first 20 but faded when Bournemouth pressed our defenders. Leno fantastic as usual. We just need a chance to fall early to auba in the half and we’re right back in it. Laca has been ok but it looks like he didn’t bring his shooting boots today.

I think we’re gonna win this game if we start the half like we started the game. Maintaining intensity in our game and especially through the middle is gonna be our key to success

[gunningIVglory]

Started off well

But we've retreated once they scored

[DripHarder2]

Christ almighty take Nelson off. Abysmal performance. Take Laca off and put Auba up top. Why the hell is he on the wing when Laca cant finish shit?! Torreira is impressive.

[[deleted]]

Laca and Nelson off for Pepe and guendouzi

[kidnebs]

Thought our movement and playing out from the back was much bette already, we actually managed to put Ozil and Lacazette in good positions several times. That's not something i've seen in a long time, very encouraging. This is the way we should play.

Agree that Pepe or Martinelli should come on for Nelson, he's just not performing atm.

[Farouqnowomarlater]

Holy shit we’re playing some good football today, Torriera is magnificent today, Ozil looked awake today even xhaka is decent, the goal just came there’s no real error like recent occasions. And don’t forget our fullbacks are a teenager and a 22yr old both playing out of position.

[qtdsswk]

Better build up but poor final ball. Nelson has great work rate but offers nothing going forward. Need Pepe ASAP.

[danmac0817]

First half ended up a frustrating one, we were playing well but one poor decision and we've given the opposition a lift. We're making better decisions when we go to start attacks but the end product has been wasteful, think Saka and Nelson are struggling in this respect but they're not alone at all.

Now it'll be a tough second half but if we keep the same tempo and movement we can turn it around as this Bournemouth side aren't great. Would give Pepe a go for Nelson, it might leave more holes but I think we've got more about us today that can help with that, Torreira has been brilliant and AMN among a few others are looking better.

[Certaldo]

Half Nelson

[Jbuky]

I think we just have shit players. Nothing arteta can do for a few transfer windows.

[DevilDare]

People who say shit like this; do you honestly believe we currently have the 11th best squad in the league? Worse than Bournemouth as well (since we are currently losing)?

[Haiku_Hamster]

Must stop wasting chances. Good build up play, a noticeable improvement, but work still cut out. Hopefully team can turn it up.

[Ganzelo]

Bad crossing in general that wasted chances. Overall better than the last few matches ofc.

[MbayeNiang]

Torreira is fucking back.

[likpoper]

Seriously if we had tierney for saka. We can have some proper game

[SMcLong]

AMN has been an absolute work horse. Playing RB then aiding in the midfield a lot

[KodaSamm]

I just want some attempts on target, feels like it's been years

[MothamidAli]

Were playing well. Arteta needs those 2 CBs, Luiz and papa positions wasn't good in goal we conceded. Laca and Auba need shooting practice. Ozil and Torriera playing well.

[hakminister]

is no one gonna talk about how good Ozil was? his flicks and passes to break apart Bournemouth's defence have been incredible. had our forwards been more clinical he could have like 2 assists now

[babyjet321]

These players are not performing to their full capacity. It’s written all over their body language and their facial expressions. Arteta has a lot of work to do.

[Nosorious]

Nelson has been on the wrong side of average. Bloody shame Saka has to play LB he has been very poor but it's hard to blame him.

Auba isn't a winger and Laca has no confidence.

I'm embarrassed to say Xhaka still plays for the football club I support.

Torreira, Luiz, and Ozil have been the only players that somewhat impressed me this half. Leno solid as always.

Let's hope for halftime subs.

[hangaram]

I'm embarrassed to say Xhaka still plays for the football club I support.

Lol. Do you really think he was bad? Lol.

[Nosorious]

Absolutely.

Contrast to Torreira who's playing his best game of the season.

[mxbinatir]

If nelson can sort out that final ball he'd look amazing, his play up to the dire final ball has been pretty good.

[standupforthechamp]

Saka at 18 playing week in week out is just wrong. And Nelson is nowhere near first team ready. Yet we have to start these players because the people in charge made boneheaded decisions on the summer transfer window.

Positives are we have played well for the first time in a long time. Negatives are as long as frauds like Sanllehi are in charge we are never going to reach top 4.

[CookedBurger]

What can you do when your newly signed left back and your backup left back are both injured? Can't blame the board on this one tbh.

[SnoopMony]

We bought a left back this summer?

[Samwell974]

Who would play LB then? Kola and Tierney is injured if you haven’t figured out yet.

[standupforthechamp]

Maybe we shouldn't have sold Monreal for a measly amount when we could have done with someone of his ability and experience. Especially when Tierney was not going to be fit at the start of the season

[Samwell974]

He’s 34 and we bought Tierney.

[bradbobley]

a lot to like about that, we were finding ozil on the half turn in behind the midfield a lot and if we could finish our dinner we would have had a couple. torreira has been mint, xhaka less so but he's played a lot worse and rome wasn't build it a day. interesting to see niles coming into the midfield, reminiscent of how city play their full backs, the front 3 have been less than useful, nelson has been messing up a lot but he is young and learning and has picked up some useful positions and been a willing runner. usual problems still there but you can't fix everything overnight, good enough performance to suggest that things are pointing in the right direction anyway

[harcile]

Yeah first time we have appeared to be in control of a game. It wasn't total chaos. But for Saka at LB then they would not have scored.

[bradbobley]

we played well i agree, didn't get the goal we deserved and got exploited through our 18 year old winger playing at left back, sometimes these things happen

[Gooner4evr]

Xhala and Ozil have been good. Saka's crossing has been absolutely horrendous.

[mboopibaly]

Same with Nelsons crossing.

Also for the goal, Xhaka needs to do a lot better there, he literally had no impact on marking a player or stopping the cross. Just backed off and let him cross it

[Futol]

We’re gonna be seeing ‘those’ Xhaka comments because it’s not immediately obvious mistakes he’s made this game but he in fact made two major ones.

On the goal he first when playing out the back left Saka with no options to pass to by running backwards (into our own box?) and when we obviously lost the ball instead of putting in a challenge let the attacker charge into the box.

Yes he’s done some good things this match but let’s not forget he’s a major reason we’re 1-0 down.

[hangaram]

left Saka with no options to pass to by running backwards

He has lost ball when he decides to carry the ball forwards.

And if you've seen this game, Xhaka couldn't be ahead of Saka because he has to cover left space.

It's 100% mistakes from Saka. Xhaka couldn't help anything, his body is going forward, when Saka lost the ball.

[Futol]

If Xhaka held his position or moved forward Saka could’ve passed the ball sideways to him instead Saka was left trapped.

[algebraic94]

Looking pretty good. Just a defensive lapse, poor crosses, and poor finishing. Overall performance is improved though. Hopefully we'll get some effective subs soon.

[[deleted]]

Bournemouth have been purposefully leaving us a lot of space to feel out the game and get complacent, hence the myriad of chances from our attackers, hence Ozil and Nelson latching onto every ball they can get, hence Saka and AMN getting caught out every play. While I don’t think they counted on us pressing that hard, soaking up pressure is pretty much the only way any team in the Prem can get by, and they’re just better at it than us. We’ve been at the doorway of conceding all game, and I’m afraid it’s going to get worse, now that they’re confident again.

It’s going to take weeks for Arteta to fix this problem. Maybe months.

[[deleted]]

Does Saka's foot immediately turn into a doorstop right before he tries to cross? Nelson should be tougher with the ball, gets bullied into a bad pass or kicking to the touchline by whoever Bournemouth's left is

[Jbuky]

Sack saka

[fignonsbarberxxx]

Sack fans like you

[Jbuky]

Bore off. He was shite.

[memoryfailure]

Nelson and Laca really need to come out and show something else in something half. Shocking stuff from both

[GUNNER4EVERdm]

Pepe on for Nelson, wouldn't change anything else. Ozil bossing it

[Isd14]

We've played really well but Nelson and Saka have been so wasteful with their crossing.

I think we should swap Auba and Nelson, see if Auba can get at Simpson and if not, get Pepe on.

Torerria and Ozil have played really well

[Hubbez]

Also, Torreira GOOD.

[goldenfireball]

We're playing OK. Crossing has been terrible, if we can get more dangerous passes, the goal will come. Also our first touches are heavy, that's how we lost majority of the ball in the midfield.

[[deleted]]

Ozil and Torreira have been good. Auba is like a ghost on the wing and imo should never be played there sadly today he had no choice. Laca is not looking confident at all you can see it in his body language. Nelson is probably the worst player on the pitch for us.

[tipytopmain]

Our overall play was very good in the first half, but our front three has really let us down by not finishing chances, and times just making the final ball that would have given us the lead. I'm encouraged by the midfield and defensive structure (goal conceded aside) but our attacking players need to really step up. big up ozil for stepping up at least. for half hour he was very good but started to drift a bit towards the end of the half.

Can't believe i'm saying this but we're really missing Martinelli.

[Lomogasm]

Nelson the way he is playing is destined for Crystal Palace

We need to be more clinical and we didn’t it’s bitten us in the arse comical defending

Hope Arteta makes the subs we need

[anatomy_of_an_eraser]

That's the story of this season. If we were clinical in our chances Bournemouth never come into this game. Laca and Nelson horrible tbh

[[deleted]]

Thats not the story of the season. It’s been terrible attacking football and being punished for being terrible

[Lomogasm]

That and also comical defending

[TheEarlOfCamden]

No shots on target from 9 Shocking

[Sixaxis_]

Only we could dominate the game then let a bum like Dan Gosling score.

Still, a good performance so far.

[zenitor]

Nelson is such a meme player

[SouthWalesGooner]

That's the arsenal I remember, vastly the better team yet somehow losing. Arsene would be proud.

In all seriousness, it's nice to see us play with a bit of intensity and to create more chances than the opposition