Arsenal Match : Post game comments

[Roboklopp]

We started very well & looked very much like the Liverpool of the end of last season. We shouldve had a penalty & been 2-0 up, but it was obvious that everything we were doing right was what we havent been doing for the rest of the season - pace, urgency & focus- so why then did we start the next half at a low tempo & invite pressure back on to ourselves against the best attacking side in the league. This would've been a mistake even had we had the standard of defence we did last season, but it was ridiculous under current circumstances.

The second half was symptomatic of all that is frustrating about the years under Rafa. When we've played well- e.g. the back end of last season- we have been like the unstoppable crushing machine that was Valencia, but when we play badly we look utterly clueless and directionless. The very basics of football are forgotten & we look incapable of passing at all, let alone the the progressive which is so integral to the way we play when we reach those brilliant heights.

That was the reason I was so stressed about losing Xabi in summer as he was a key part of that strategy, although it is inexplicable that we have suffered so much without him. Often the team looks like it has never played the sport at all.

I just dont understand how our passing game can be so inconsistent- that is the key to both our extremes of form under Rafa.

[Helios Creed]

Apologies for not reading through this whole thread before posting, but the main points I would like to make are:

1. Bring Stevie G back to CM. This could spark off a whole new debate which I don't really want right now, but for me Stevie is and always will be a CM. And one of the very best in the world at that.

2. Get another striker up front for home games. We must play 4-4-2. Too many times we have half decent balls into the box and Torres is too isolated or not even in the box!! Personally I would start with Pacheco and take it from there.

3. Seriously consider GJ as a RM. I knew he would be vulnerable at the back and we are letting in goals for fun from the oppositions left because of his defending problems.

We were outsanding in the first half yesterday and then we just seemed too cautious at the start of the second before lady luck ****ed right out of Anfield yet again. I hope Rafa lets the team off its reigns as he did in the last 10 or 12 games of last season - especially at Anfield.

I agree with point 1 - even if you think it's not his best position, we need him where he can have most influence on the game, and more importantly, on his confidence-lacking colleagues.

[SimonNo7]

I agree with point 1 - even if you think it's not his best position, we need him where he can have most influence on the game, and more importantly, on his confidence-lacking colleagues.

Personally I would consider putting Stevie to RM moving Dirky boy to ST alongside Torres (for me a lot of Kuyt's goals seem to be follow ups) and as long as he is fit Aquilani alongside Mascha for the creativity. As for the LM either Benny or Riera with a rocket up his @rse.

[javier_monsterano]

is Fabregas injured? i need to decide if i keep him in my fantasy team.

[red g]

is Fabregas injured? i need to decide if i keep him in my fantasy team.

dont think so

[javier_monsterano]

it says he had a back injury and is doubtful