Arsenal's new era began with a 2-0 defeat to Man City at the Emirates yesterday. It was a tough start to Unai Emery's side against the defending champions, who already beat last season's FA Cup winners Chelsea 2-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.
Cech was given captain's armband in the long-term absence of club captain, Koscielny, ahead of other matchday captaincy candidates, Ozil, Ramsey and Xhaka. Sokratis made a Premier League debut, paired with Mustafi in central defence, which did not come as surprise. On the other hand, Matteo Guendouzi's inclusion in the starting XI raised many eyebrows. The 19 year-old impressed in pre-season, having joined us this summer from a French second-tier outfit, Lorient, but this was a bold decision in light of the magnitude of the game.
It was extremely disappointing to see all familiar defensive frailty emerging so soon, after having been told that Emery placed his priority to improving defence in preseason. It took us only 14 minutes to concede a first goal of the season. Guendouzi failed to stop him getting a shot away, while Sokratis only managed to get a slightest touch on the shot. Besides, it is arguable if Cech should have stopped it going in.
Perhaps finishing the first half 1-0 was an improvement over the last season. We were still in the game until 64th minute, when Bernardo Silva doubled the visitors' lead. Lichtsteiner was too slow to spot Bernardo, who was given too much space in our box. City could have extended their lead further, when Guendouzi misjudged a bouncing ball and allowed Aguero to have a clear run. But Cech produced a superb save to deny the City striker. Cech looked uncomfortable playing the ball out from the back, but his counterpart, Ederson, looked even shakier. It was pity we couldn't take advantage of those mistakes. Mustafi had a strong case for penalty when he was grappled by Mendy. If Michael Oliver had seen a replay, he would have given a penalty.
As much as we lament our fragile and too open defence, we regret our offensive shortcomings. As Cech pointed out after the game, we lacked quality in final pass. We created enough chances to get an unlikely result at the end of the game, but the final ball let us down.
After the promising pre-season, this was a disappointing result, but it was only one game against the reigning champions. Lichtsteiner had a decent game in his unfamiliar position at the left-back, showing authority. When he came on for injured Maitland-Niles, we feared his lack of pace against Mahrez and Kyle Walker, but as soon as he came on, City seemed to have stopped attacking his flank. He even made himself useful in attack. Torreira looked tidy in possession after being introduced in the 70th minute at the expense of Xhaka. His pressing put off Sterling from crossing, while he got De Bruyne on the book. The Uruguay international nearly claimed an assist with his wonderful pass to release Auba behind the defence. Unfortunately, Auba's goal was disallowed for offside. Torreira should start, stationed in front of the centre-backs to give them protection. Guendouzi grew into the game after a few mistakes. He is the epitome of Emery's philosophy -energy, intensity and industry-, which probably earned him a starting place. It takes time for a foreign player to get accustomed to the pace of Premier League matches, especially coming from a French second division team. Sokratis did little to impress us. He was booked and gave away a free-kick just outside the area, which could have been a goal, had it not been for Cech's brilliant double saves.
As well as new comers to get used to the intensity and speed of Premier League games, the entire squad have to learn how to play Unai Emery's way. They executed high pressing well in patches, but the trouble was that after they had won possession back, subsequent passing was often disappointing. This style demands players to move the ball quickly under pressure. Against Man City, our players were often seen dwelling on the ball too long.
This game was the extension of preseason. Emery was still experimenting team selections and formations. Lacazette should have been introduced earlier, as he made an immediate impact after coming off the bench in 54th minute in place of Ramsey. Ramsey was not so effective in a more forward position than he is used to. Obviously, Arsenal are still a work in progress.
Long before Arsene Wenger's departure was announced, one of our members in the "Wenger Out" camp said he would be happy to see us outside top four for a couple of season, provided we parted with the Frenchman. Now we got changes we wanted, let's get behind the new coach. Emery's pressing football is a more modern style and his brand-new training regime is promising and seemed to have been well received by the players. He has been playing the right tunes so far. It will be a shame if only one game has spoiled all the positivity. It took Pep Guadiola a full-season's experimentation and an enormous budget to build a title winning team. It's crucial for his players and supporters to keep a faith in Unai Emery and his philosophy.
Cech was given captain's armband in the long-term absence of club captain, Koscielny, ahead of other matchday captaincy candidates, Ozil, Ramsey and Xhaka. Sokratis made a Premier League debut, paired with Mustafi in central defence, which did not come as surprise. On the other hand, Matteo Guendouzi's inclusion in the starting XI raised many eyebrows. The 19 year-old impressed in pre-season, having joined us this summer from a French second-tier outfit, Lorient, but this was a bold decision in light of the magnitude of the game.
Perhaps finishing the first half 1-0 was an improvement over the last season. We were still in the game until 64th minute, when Bernardo Silva doubled the visitors' lead. Lichtsteiner was too slow to spot Bernardo, who was given too much space in our box. City could have extended their lead further, when Guendouzi misjudged a bouncing ball and allowed Aguero to have a clear run. But Cech produced a superb save to deny the City striker. Cech looked uncomfortable playing the ball out from the back, but his counterpart, Ederson, looked even shakier. It was pity we couldn't take advantage of those mistakes. Mustafi had a strong case for penalty when he was grappled by Mendy. If Michael Oliver had seen a replay, he would have given a penalty.
As much as we lament our fragile and too open defence, we regret our offensive shortcomings. As Cech pointed out after the game, we lacked quality in final pass. We created enough chances to get an unlikely result at the end of the game, but the final ball let us down.
After the promising pre-season, this was a disappointing result, but it was only one game against the reigning champions. Lichtsteiner had a decent game in his unfamiliar position at the left-back, showing authority. When he came on for injured Maitland-Niles, we feared his lack of pace against Mahrez and Kyle Walker, but as soon as he came on, City seemed to have stopped attacking his flank. He even made himself useful in attack. Torreira looked tidy in possession after being introduced in the 70th minute at the expense of Xhaka. His pressing put off Sterling from crossing, while he got De Bruyne on the book. The Uruguay international nearly claimed an assist with his wonderful pass to release Auba behind the defence. Unfortunately, Auba's goal was disallowed for offside. Torreira should start, stationed in front of the centre-backs to give them protection. Guendouzi grew into the game after a few mistakes. He is the epitome of Emery's philosophy -energy, intensity and industry-, which probably earned him a starting place. It takes time for a foreign player to get accustomed to the pace of Premier League matches, especially coming from a French second division team. Sokratis did little to impress us. He was booked and gave away a free-kick just outside the area, which could have been a goal, had it not been for Cech's brilliant double saves.As well as new comers to get used to the intensity and speed of Premier League games, the entire squad have to learn how to play Unai Emery's way. They executed high pressing well in patches, but the trouble was that after they had won possession back, subsequent passing was often disappointing. This style demands players to move the ball quickly under pressure. Against Man City, our players were often seen dwelling on the ball too long.
This game was the extension of preseason. Emery was still experimenting team selections and formations. Lacazette should have been introduced earlier, as he made an immediate impact after coming off the bench in 54th minute in place of Ramsey. Ramsey was not so effective in a more forward position than he is used to. Obviously, Arsenal are still a work in progress.
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