The signing of Pedro I thought at the time was a great move but I hadn't realized how much that would restrict Hazard to the left side and thus make him less effective. There is no question we are a better team when the front 3 of Willian Oscar and Hazard were interchanging all game long.
That brings me on to Oscar who has been out of sorts for a while but we are still a better looking team with him in the side.
It is easy to forget just how young Zouma is. He is raw yes but he has to play now and Jose must not revert to JT and Cahill. If he can chip in with a few goals ala JT then even better.
Ivanovic was better today but I would still prefer to see Baba and Azpi as the 2 fullbacks.
Great to see that after Cech had moved that a competent keeper was bought. Not just competent but commanding in the area a thing Arsenal still haven't got and it's the thing they need the most.
It is really hard to see City faltering in the Prem this season so from now until the turn of the year lets build and move up to the top 2. Come the spring go all out for the cups. If we have a season like Jose's last 3rd season winning the 2 domestic cups and late stages of the CL then I think we can't complain.
The FA Cup has to be a target, it's a big big trophy....just ask Arsenal fans.
A few thoughts on the team
posted on 19/9/15
Mostly agree with what you say my friend, though Oscar really isn't doing anything for me. Agree 100% with Pedro, made the difference in 1 game, and has now disappeared. Though we have more fundamental issues like lack of movement in the final 3rd and utilizing cesc better, even if that means dropping him to start and bring him in when opponents are more tired. I would like to see us go with a power build circa 2005
posted on 19/9/15
Pedro is quality, all ways shows for the pass just didn't have final product today. I think Willy is the man who really makes us tick, we miss his breakaway energy. Dunno about Oscar but we seem to win if he plays. Hazard is working his way back into form same as Fabregas. Costa needs to stay in the middle.
posted on 19/9/15
comment by Simon West (U1830)
posted 22 minutes ago
Mostly agree with what you say my friend, though Oscar really isn't doing anything for me. Agree 100% with Pedro, made the difference in 1 game, and has now disappeared. Though we have more fundamental issues like lack of movement in the final 3rd and utilizing cesc better, even if that means dropping him to start and bring him in when opponents are more tired. I would like to see us go with a power build circa 2005
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That movement is what is missing and Oscar Hazard and Willian know exactly what to do. If Hazard moves in field Oscar instinctively knows to go cover. Pedro doesn't and Cesc pushed on doesn't. Oscar isn't playing well but he keeps the team shape which was what brought the success. Teams have far more room when Oscar isn't in the team as has been seen when he was out. Arsenal even before losing men did not have the space today. Sometimes individual pieces don't shine but if they fit the team that's what counts. Oscar does that in Jose's set up.
posted on 19/9/15
What SMN said