The first half i thought we were excellent. We carved an Arsenal side further ahead in preparation than us open at will, winning balls back high up and most of all we looked very, very comfortable playing a high line against Auba (which was my worry pre match).
Sarri's blueprint on the side is clear already, it will take time to implement fully but i honestly thought pre season and probably the first month or two would be a bit ugly but so far it hasn't been really (when our best teams have been out).
The last 30 was a bit horrid but we had a pretty shet side out there up against Lacazette, Ozil etc al. Given the constant rotation of the teams in second half's we can only really take serious stock on first half displays and so far i'm liking what i am seeing, a lot.
The title will be a big ask in the first season with Pep bang in his prime and cobwebs to blow off, but i feel a solid top four place and build from there is a very realistic target.
Encouragement from last night
posted on 2/8/18
First half was very good, great pressing from the front. We looked very good in possession too. If we had a striker on pitch, it would have been 3-0.
Not sure if we can maintain this pressing style for the whole game though, 2nd half we dropped off quite a lot.
posted on 2/8/18
Our attack is good. We create chances, we move the ball quick but we’re not clinical in front of goal.
Defensively we’re a mess. Teams seem to find huge gaps between our back 4 and midfield and even down the wings. I’m sure Sarri will sort it out but I can see us conceding a lot early on in the season.
posted on 2/8/18
A top 4 and a trophy, hopefully the UEFA would be a great achievement.
I think we have the making of a very good first 11 and squad. A little bit of star dust in 1 or 2 positions would be lovely.
We may even blood a few more youngsters through, that would be really special.