Xhaka, Holding, Torrieira, Laca … take a bow. Some fantastic performances out there today.
Some say we should have been down and out by half time, but in a game with two teams who’s first line of defence is attack; there were always going to be chances for both sides.
Today was the first major test for Emery and the team and although we had a shaky start to the game, once we got in our stride I feel we matched them all over the pitch.
It’s great to see our side hungry again with a positive winning mentality, something we’ve been devoid of in recent seasons.
Some random thoughts on the game, in no particular order.
If someone, without any knowledge of Liverpool or Arsenal’s current stature in the league, was watching that game, he would have thought that was two equally matched teams playing. No one would say that one of those teams was considered favourites to win the league while the other, according to most pundits, would struggle to make the top 4.
Any neutral would say we were the dominant side throughout that game. However, Liverpool created the better chances.
For all our defensive woes, we just played the best attack in the league and gave a bloody good account of ourselves. Our defence should and will take huge confidence from that performance.
If this team keeps improving the way they have under Emery in the last 4 months, just imagine where would we be in another year’s time. I hope to hell Emery is given the backing he needs in the transfer market.
The one touch passing and quick movement of the ball is slowly but surely showing signs of improvement. There is clear potential in the players to do much better. We can and should get sharper.
Lastly, as is always the case, consistency of performances will be the key to how far we go this season.
That performance should make us all proud of this team.
Best Arsenal performance in a big 6 game since we beat Tottenham last year. I’d say even though that was a win and this was a draw this was the better performance against a better team. We are so drilled now and organised now. If this is Emery after a few months then things are looking very good.
am i the only one who thought their Mane goal was rightly ruled off ? Otherwise it would be a huge advantage to always have a guy standing offside purely to confuse defense and keeper.
VVD was their best player, which tells you a lot about how the 2 teams played.
Anyways, despite the performance, this draw means we really have to get results against Tottenham and United as the non-top 6 sides won’t be handing us any favours.
Ourselves, United and Tottenham regularly play shit but get wins.