I'll be honest, I normally take Arsenal defeats really badly, but after today I'm calmer and generally less concerned.
Firstly, a huge part of this game was defined by the fitness and comparative stamina of the two sides, Ramsey, Wilshere and Ozil have simply played too many games at too high an intensity this year, meaning they are unable to get up and down like normal. This left the midfield insanely open to powerhouses Fernandinho and Yaya Toure, with only Flamini to get through.
Admittedly, we were poor defensively, Koscielny ball watched on the first goal and the zonal marking was shaky throughout, Monreal got beaten too easily for the fourth and we were just sloppy on the third. But having said that, the last two City goals were as a direct result of the removal of Flamini, with Wenger understandably going for the win at 4-2 down.
Moreover, the game could have been completely swung had we had a combined £60 million of striking talent up top, regrettably we have Giroud, who is an excellent player, with a usually deft touch and very good movement, but who lacks the arrogance to finish chances, particularly in the big games.
I see this game as progress, we played a lot better today than we did in January, save for some unfortunate defending.We scored three goals, two very good ones, but I do feel this is a season too early for us (subject to change based on Chelsea result) but we will only be stronger next year, whilst City and Chelsea will still be in transition and can't really improve much more in terms of squad.
The futures bright, just need a little patience and perspective, not knee jerk attacks on Giroud, Ozil and Wilshere.
Cheers, Couchy
This isnt the end.
posted on 14/12/13
To the op this is arsenal best and probably only rare chance of winning it. Man city had poor away form. I think soon chelsea will drop points at home, maybe after a hard game in the champions league followed by an early saturday to a team fighting for top 4.
posted on 14/12/13
Let's hope Kos & Ozil are happy to wait for the classic promise of 'next year', this has to be the year if we're left empty handed it will be bitterly disappointing, the new ambition is a definite plus but a decade of no silverware would be hard to take
posted on 15/12/13
I meant man city not chelsea.
posted on 15/12/13
This is probably the best article I've seen on yesterday's game. City are monstrous at home, we all knew that, and yet despite a whole host of factors conspiring against us we still gave them arguably the biggest run for their money they've had yet. Even in losing we've still improved massively on last season and previous years.
posted on 15/12/13
Ocelots a lot of other teams given a better account. It was amazing though last 20 minutes your team gave up defending apart from mertesacker who kept sliding in. Rio ferdinand would have stayed on his feet a lot in mertesacker occasions.
I think if giroud had any awareness he would have got arsenal another 2 goals.
posted on 15/12/13
Ocelots a lot of other teams given a better account. It was amazing though last 20 minutes your team gave up defending apart from mertesacker who kept sliding in. Rio ferdinand would have stayed on his feet a lot in mertesacker occasions.
A couple of teams have been similarly competitive but Utd certainly weren't one of them
Ferdinand had an horrific game and City coasted the last 30 mins
Hafijur has a very odd memory
posted on 15/12/13
Coasted, you mean couldn't get out the half for last 30 minutes and if it wasn't for the post and a miss when in on right hand side you could easily have been embarrassed. You just had 4 shots on target scored 3 goals either side of half time. The scoreline heavily flattered you. If we had defended the penalty box better or got a bit of luck you most likely wouldn't have scored any goals.
posted on 15/12/13
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posted on 15/12/13
71% possession 13 shots to man city 5 2nd half. You scored 4 goals from 4 shots on target. All the goals de gea had a chance of saving, he seems to have shockers against man city.
posted on 15/12/13
Does it really irk you that City have the temerity to be clinical?