Arsenal (H) Post Match Thread

[Neville Kneville]

agreed, Its been nice to be almost able to name his starting 11 (unlike last season) however we do have quality on the bench. Gundogan is quality on the ball, dont forget a long lay off and B Silva will improve as he gets used to the physicality of the prem. Danilo is a great addition to come in and we still have Kompany and Mendy missing

All of those players are class imo, but I'm just making the point that the 'first 11' is (almost) a perfect blend at the moment.

It isn't proven that if KDB misses 5 games & is replaced by Gundo or Bernardo, that we reach the same level. We might do, or be better in a different way, but it's still an 'unknown'.

 

[asahartford1]

We have become something very special, and the beauty is we can bring 5/6 players into the team and they don't weaken us. Looking very strong with an amazing spirit

But who is Gundogan equal to or better than, as a direct replacement out of the 11 who played v Arsenal ? Imo, nobody.

Reads that you don't rate gundogan as an elite footballer. I find that surprising.

 

[mekonmcfc]

I think it's quite important now to start getting some minutes for the likes of Bernado and Gundogan. Obviously cracking players but will still need time to integrate into the team, get used to how players play, etc. Every time we drop them in for KDB or Silva we're going to get a bit of a drop off in performance. Nothing against them just the realities of not playing as much.

And for all the talk of Sanchez in January I really would love proper cover for Fern. That guy has really put the miles in for us over the seasons and even the fittest players will drop off.

Yes i think Gundogan can do thats once fully fit, although long term cover is needed

 

[mekonmcfc]

All of those players are class imo, but I'm just making the point that the 'first 11' is (almost) a perfect blend at the moment.

It isn't proven that if KDB misses 5 games & is replaced by Gundo or Bernardo, that we reach the same level. We might do, or be better in a different way, but it's still an 'unknown'.

Yes completely agree, my point being we are actually replacing class with class these days, and not many clubs have that luxury. The starting 11 is flying at present, KDB looked a little tired 2nd half, so its nice to bring him off and replace with a competent performer. There are not many players in the world that can replace KDB like for like at the moment.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Yes completely agree, my point being we are actually replacing class with class these days, and not many clubs have that luxury. The starting 11 is flying at present, KDB looked a little tired 2nd half, so its nice to bring him off and replace with a competent performer. There are not many players in the world that can replace KDB like for like at the moment.

No there aren't.

But it might be the case of course, that a City team with a slightly different formation, is just as good, in a different way. Barca or Bayern didn't have a KDB.

We will probably find out soon, as the cup games become more intrusive.

 

[mekonmcfc]

No there aren't.

But it might be the case of course, that a City team with a slightly different formation, is just as good, in a different way. Barca or Bayern didn't have a KDB.

We will probably find out soon, as the cup games become more intrusive.

yes the big games are the 2 in December where we need a fully fit starting 11. If we can keep going until then and take at least 4 points from Spuds and Rags we will be sitting very pretty.

 

[Cotton Weave Blue]

The great thing about the win yesterday is that we we leggy after the champions league and still managed a comfortable (for the most part) 3-1 against a top 6 side. Bodes very well.

 

[Chippy_boy]

But who is Gundogan equal to or better than, as a direct replacement out of the 11 who played v Arsenal ? Imo, nobody.

He's not a direct replacement for anyone, but he brings as much quality to the team as pretty much anyone bar KDB imo.

 

[Esteban de la Sexface]

We looked comfortable for the majority of the game. Defended within ourselves. Any chances coughed up were down to us making mistakes. They defended superbly and rode their luck. Only for some excellent last ditch interceptions and tackles we'd have demolished them. Their defenders earned a wage yesterday. Zero protection from midfield. Ozil is a shit bag.

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

If you did bother to know the offside rule, you'd know there's no ambiguity, no open to interpretation, no benefit of doubt to the attacker. It was offside, just less obvious than we thought at the time.

Was it though? I've freeze-framed it at the point I think Fernandinho actually touches the ball for the pass to Silva and it suggests he's level: