Second home game incharge for the new boss & there was some real sense of optimism before the game as the the first two fixtures were not easy on paper and many thought that this game will tell us clearly about what emery is trying to do.
The lineup was almost similar to the last game, only change being Ramsey coming in for ill Özil. There were rumours that Özil was left out due to training ground bust with the boss but Emery denied it clearly after the game.There was still no room for Torreira & Lacazette in the starting eleven after impressing as substitutes in the last two games. It was also an emotional return for jack wilshere who faced us first time in an opposition team.
We started the game nervy as we kept giving the ball away and couldn’t control the tempo. We conceded the first goal as our defence & midfield were caught napping. It was a deserved lead for Westham in my opinion at that time as were looking very shaky. That goal woke us up a little and we responded with some drive and equalised within 5 minutes through Monreal after some good attacking play by Bellerin & Iwobi. Then it was a mixed 15 minutes where both team had their chances and both looked imperfect at the back. The high line deployed by Arsenal didn’t look good as any ball over the top caused a turmoil. Also the midfield pivot of Xhaka-Guendouzi looked lost as they couldn’t compliment each other.
At halftime we made our first change where Lacazette came on for iwobi and later Torreira came on for Guendouzi after the midfielder showed lack of experience first time in his small Arsenal career. It really gave us more solidarity in midfield and made us look a better team overall. Second half we showed some good moves and improved defensively as well. The substitution of Lacazette in place of Iwobi completely changed the game in our favour. Have to give credit to Emery as his substitutions have been positive every time but then we all want Lacazette & Torreira in our first eleven. Lacazette came on & looked very sharp as he combined well with everyone & improved the shape of the team. We took the lead for the first time this season through a westham own goal after some very good play by Lacazette. We looked comfortable after that though westham kept getting chances here & there to break us. We added a third later on through welbeck who came on as a substitute after some brilliant play on the right side by Bellerin which was another feature of the game offensively. It was a good result in the end but still a lot of work to do as a team. Defensively we have to improve a lot & finding the right combinations is also key in Emery’s team.
On to the ratings...
PLAYER RATINGS :
PETR CECH - 7
Made some good saves but still looks uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.
Bellerin - 7
Created two of our goals and looked brilliant offensively but has to to be more aware with defensive side of the game. He has improved massively and this new system suits him too but he will need to improve his positioning & defensive side.
Monreal - 7.5
Scored a very good goal & looked solid for most part of the game. Was his usual self where he was one of our good players.
Mustafi - 6
Still a new partnership with Sokratis but can do a lot more two improve. Wasn’t at his best and didn’t look good with his decision making.
Sokratis - 6.5
Slightly better than his partner but still needs to work more intelligently specially with the balls over the top.
Guendouzi - 5
Wasn’t at his best as he tried a little too hard to impress. Showed his lack of experience as he was taken off after 55 minutes. We have to manage him carefully now.
Xhaka - 7
Started the game well but got lost as the first half went on. Really grew into the game in the second half as he dictated the tempo of the game. Looked impressive with Torreira by his side.
Ramsey - 6
Nothing fancy and nothing bad in the game. Improved in the second half as he was pulled deeper.
Mkhitaryan - 6
Didn’t have the best of games as things didn’t workout for him. Defensively he has to offer more protection too.
Iwobi - 6.5
Worked hard until he was substituted and had a hand in our first goal. Has started the season brightly.
Aubameyang - 6
Things didn’t work out for him as well as he tried a little too hard at times to score. Improved when Lacazette came & was later substituted.
SUBSTITUTES-
Torreira - 8
Came on at 45 and looked really sharp with his distribution & positioning. He has to start now as he improves us as a team & makes others around him look good too.
Lacazette- 8 (MOTM)
Completely changed the game in our favour as he was solely responsible for giving us the lead. Gave us a focal point & improved the shape of the team. Another one who has to start now.
Welbeck- 7
Came on later and scored a good goal. Looked sharp & worked hard.
That's all from my review & ratings. I hope you liked it . Thank you for reading. Your comments are all welcome.
COYG♥️💪
Tejasvi Bhandari ( @SaviAfc on Twitter)
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