Arsenal got 2019 off in the right direction and back to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates in a match that was probably not quite as entirely emphatic as the scoreline suggested. Fulham had two golden opportunities to go ahead before Granit Xhaka opened the scoring in the 25th minute, followed by Lacazette in the 55th. Fulham pulled one back in the 69th minute through Kamara, however Ramsey and Aubameyang finished the job in the 79th and 83rd minutes. It was a good response after our recent drubbing at Anfield and puts us back on track within 2 points of Chelsea who have a game in hand. Would be nice if Southampton can do us a favor.
Ratings and Talking Points:
Unai Emery: 9
Emery got it spot on today. There was plenty of scoffing on social media about starting with a back 3 against a side like Fulham. However, given the recent state of our defending there was just cause to stick an extra centre back in defense for good measure with Mustafi, Sokratis and Koscielny. Uruguayan Lucas Torreira has looked jaded in recent weeks so sitting him was the correct move. We started with what looked to be a 3-5-2, or whenever Alex Iwobi fancied the left hand channel, it morphed into a fluid 3-4-3. Being 1 nil to the good going into the second half, Emery introduced Lucas Torreira who came on for Shkodran Mustafi which imminently changed the shape to a 4-3-3. At this point, we were able to turn the screw with Kolasinac and Iwobi doing well to push Fulham's right hand side back and also having sufficient central midfield cover in Torreira, Guendouzi and Xhaka. Lacazette was eventually withdrawn for Aaron Ramsey, who scored a very well taken goal less than 5 minutes after being introduced. Sometimes I think Emery does too much tweaking, however on the day, he got it all right.
Bernd Leno: 7
Sead Kolasinac: 7
Shkodran Mustafi: 6
Sokratis: 6.5
Laurent Koscielny: 6.5
Ainsley Maintland-Niles: 7
Granit Xhaka: 7
Matteo Guendouzi: 6.5
Alex Iwobi: 8 (MOTM)
Alexandre Lacazette: 7
Pierrre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7
Subs
Lucas Torreira: 6
Aaron Ramsey: 7
Bukayo Saka: n/a
Laca and Auba Inclusions Imperative
They weren't exactly firing on all cylinders today, but they both ended up on the scoresheet. It's imperative that Emery continues to accommodate the inclusion of both players, especially against the smaller sides regardless of the system he intends to execute. If we're going to defend like a Sunday league side we may as well have both of our best goal scorers on the pitch. Whether it be a 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2, Aubameyang has proven to be versatile enough to be the square peg in the round hole. He's been played out of position for much of the season and remains top of the charts.
Alex Iwobi's Chance
Alex Iwobi's Chance
With the continued speculation over Mesut Ozil, the imminent departure of Aaron Ramsey (likely this summer), and the absence of Henrik Mkhitaryan due to injury, Alex Iwobi has an excellent chance to step up and prove his worth to Unai Emery during this crucial period of the season. Although we were humiliated at Anfield, I thought Iwobi was one of the bleak bright spots for the match along with Ainsley Maintland-Niles.
He was excellent on New Years Day against Fulham, with an assist to Xhaka for the first, lovely interplay with Kolasinac and Aubameyang for the second goal by Lacazette, and was a constant thorn in Fulham's side while he deployed as an attacking midfielder in the first half, and primarily on the left flank when we switched to a 4-3-3 in the second half. It remains that he can sometimes frustrate with his decision making and execution in the final third. However, it's hopefully a wrinkle Emery can eventually iron out of his game. If we're to hit our objectives this season, getting the best out of the 22 year old Nigerian will be crucial.
Defending Remains Problematic
He was excellent on New Years Day against Fulham, with an assist to Xhaka for the first, lovely interplay with Kolasinac and Aubameyang for the second goal by Lacazette, and was a constant thorn in Fulham's side while he deployed as an attacking midfielder in the first half, and primarily on the left flank when we switched to a 4-3-3 in the second half. It remains that he can sometimes frustrate with his decision making and execution in the final third. However, it's hopefully a wrinkle Emery can eventually iron out of his game. If we're to hit our objectives this season, getting the best out of the 22 year old Nigerian will be crucial.
Defending Remains Problematic
Some things just go together quite well. Oreos and milk, tea and biscuits, coffee and mornings. At some point, I wonder when Arsenal and bad defending will appear on the list when you conduct a good ole interwebs search.
The defending was shocking at Anfield and we were punished severely. It was majorly subpar against Fulham as well, however we were lucky they lack the quality and ruthlessness of the league leaders. Needless to say, the match could have taken an entirely different trajectory. Ryan Sessegnon was guilty of missing two clear cut chances. One being a clear one on one against Leno he hit wide. The other a sitter which he completely fluffed his lines on. For the amount of experience between our three centre backs, it's inexcusable. If they're playing a high line, they should know better when to step and when not to step. Where is the organization and communication?
For the goal we conceded, we once again show just how poor we are in transition. Torreira is dispossessed in a really bad central area. While this happens, Guendouzi and Kolasinac are completely guilty of ball watching. Questionable foul on Torreira or not, there is no excuse for the lack of defensive awareness. We've conceded 31 goals in 21 matches. If we want any chance of a top 4 finish there has to be improvement in this area.
@TheTexasGooner
The defending was shocking at Anfield and we were punished severely. It was majorly subpar against Fulham as well, however we were lucky they lack the quality and ruthlessness of the league leaders. Needless to say, the match could have taken an entirely different trajectory. Ryan Sessegnon was guilty of missing two clear cut chances. One being a clear one on one against Leno he hit wide. The other a sitter which he completely fluffed his lines on. For the amount of experience between our three centre backs, it's inexcusable. If they're playing a high line, they should know better when to step and when not to step. Where is the organization and communication?
For the goal we conceded, we once again show just how poor we are in transition. Torreira is dispossessed in a really bad central area. While this happens, Guendouzi and Kolasinac are completely guilty of ball watching. Questionable foul on Torreira or not, there is no excuse for the lack of defensive awareness. We've conceded 31 goals in 21 matches. If we want any chance of a top 4 finish there has to be improvement in this area.
@TheTexasGooner
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