Completely footballed off the park in our own back yard, Arsenal barely mustered any real attcking chances and ultimately deserved to lose a second game on the bounce.
Again, it looked like Emery got it wrong player wise but adopting a back four was right to start. The decision to include Granit Xhaka as CB in a four is just baffling...and what's even more baffling is the decision to change to a back three at half time by bringing on Koscielny but keeping Xhaka there as well. An astounding decision which did not improve the team in any way. Torreira and Xhaka have struck a fantastic central midfield partnership that Arsenal has been needing for years and at the first of adversity, Xhaka loses out and plays in defence. Emery has generally been great so far but I, for one, question the logic here.
The change in shape also saw Aaron Ramsey fizzle out of the game as he became more cramped of room and freedom. Lacazette again looked good entering the fray in the second half but ultimately it was all too late. Slack defending, poor communication and poor judgement led to both Spurs goals which, to be fair, were expertly dispatched by Son and Alli. Maitland-Niles for the first time looked a little troubed in defence and without Mesut Ozil, the creative football really is few and far between.
Whatever the solution, the Ozil situation needs sorting. He is a creative master and although he does lack a two-way approach to his game, Emery needs to fit him in somehow. Arsenal massively lack his creative guile and vision.
Arsenal move on to Burnley in the league next whilst Spurs drew Chelsea in the semi finals of the League Cup. Emery needs to get back to the basics and start winning again. That starts with getting his best players in positions to change games...something we all know. However hard, its now about going back to the drawing board and redesigning his XI. January can't come soon enough!
Ratings
Petr Cech: 6
Didn't do much wrong and was just beaten by two decent finishes. Still looks worrying with the ball at his feet.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 5
Looked troubled at RB for the first time and had little impact on the game going forward.
Sokratis: 5.5
Average from the big Greek who looked a bit off his best. Son troubled him all night before being substituted.
Granit Xhaka: 7
Unfair to judge Xhaka at all based on Emery's random selection. Elneny should have played at CB allowing for Xhaka to continue his excellent partnership in midfield with Lucas Torreira.
Nacho Monreal: 6
Still looks to be shaking off some rust and it ultimately wasn't the best game to do so. Linked with midfield well though and remained a threat going forward.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 4.5
Very little of note from Mkhi who was subbed off at half time. Alhough it could have been one of many coming off.
Lucas Torreira: 7
Dogged and determined once again but cannot do it all himself. Is missing Xhaka alongside him in the engine room.
Matteo Guendouzi: 4.5
Should not have started the game in all honesty. Offered little in the way of anything but always seems to look busy.
Aaron Ramsey: 6.5
Had a good first half where he looked to create but the shift in shape at half time squashed him right out the game.
Alex Iwobi: 5.5
Did some good dribbles but did struggle to really penetrate Spurs' defence. Was eventually withdrawn before the hour mark.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 5.5
Not great from PEA who looked out of sorts. Hasn't found the next in a few games now and Lacazette could push him out next time out.
Subs
Laurent Koscielny: 5
Another 45 in his come back but struggled to adapt to the pace of the game. Kane came on and had a field day against Arsenal's back three.
Alex Lacazette: 6
Looked fresh and hungry but did not have long enough to make an impact on an organised Spurs backline.
Eddie Nketiah: 5.5
Much like Lacazette, young Eddie looked fresh aned keen to make an impact. Worked hard but it wasn't to be.
@craigbennett10
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