From Stuart J : two surprises from last night
1. Wenger was pro-active and subbed off Bellerin before he was sent off.
2. The ref had the best performance on the pitch.
From Wayne Phillips : Szczesny
Kelvin said, “Szczesny terrifies me. He has to leave the club in the summer.”
He is a nightmare, what has happened to him?
He has always had a tendency for complacency and arrogance plus often in no man’s land but he was almost embarrassing last night – flat footed or on the back foot, footwork and positioning all wrong.
Thank goodness we protected him, except for the Di Maria shot for which he was also all over the shop, got hit rather than made a save.
Compare him to De Gea who made two world class saves at 2-1 from Cazorla and Sanchez. As I repeatedly say, he is the league’s best shot-stopper but not in the same league as a KEEPER as Lloris and Courtois.
Welbeck’s goal last night reminded us that De Gea has lots to learn.
Meanwhile, Fabianski has been one of the league’s form keepers – how could we get it so wrong?
From Stuart Laws :Ozil watch
I tried to watch what Ozil did tonight, and didn’t do.
It was hard to fault him really.
He rarely gave the ball away…..but rarely had good runners to find in goal scoring positions. He needs Walcot / Ramsey / Podolski.
Giroud does not run in behind, nor does Welbeck – and he really should.
The Ox and Alexis want the ball to feet so they can beat a man and shoot.
So often Ozil’s passing looks non penetrating.
Out first goal was a good example – the commentators were criticising Ozil for not taking on a shot on his right foot from 25 yards out!
No one ran in behind, so he keeps possession, and gives it to the Ox rather than force something that’s not on.
Ox does his stuff, 1-0.
Similar thing in second half when he sets up Alexis who took a heavy touch and the keeper saved well.
Another interesting point was his defending. He just puts himself in a position to make the opponent pass it – usually back along the defence.
Compare this to Alexis, who charges in regardless. On United’s goal, he bombs in so fast he falls over, one pass later and the ball is on Rooney’s head and in the net! Had he just got there and stood up, United pass back.
But the fans love Alexis!
There was a line in Fever Pitch….about Jon Sammels maybe? They just don’t understand what he’s trying to do.
Myles says:
Ozil at his best is a very calculating footballer who doesn’t waste many positions. He’s very inventive.
But, as you say, they all want it to feet.
On the gobby Pole, Wenger is clueless on goalkeepers.
Remember : Almunia in Paris didn’t teach Wenger how important a good keeper is.