Bodes well

Haha oh no this is destined for a 0-0 then.

They will batten down the hatches after their hammering and we will struggle to break them down.

I want my Partey back.

goon wrote:

awooga83 wrote:

We have to be winning this again given how poor we've been. West brom have been pretty awful at the back for the most part. This shouldn't turn into another grind fest.

This feels like you’re planting a stick to beat Arteta with later on.

Liverpool, City, United and Spurs all failed to score more than a goal against them, two of them ended up drawing. The only team who scored 3 were Chelsea and that’s because they ended up 3-0 down.

A grind is exactly what I’m expecting.

They aren't a great defensive team. I watched them loads last season because I had them in a bet and they were a threat going forwards but too open at the back. They haven't really changed their squad so it's the same deal just with higher quality opposition.

I've no doubt they will sell up to be defensive to frustrate and if we end up falling into our usual tactic of going down the wings we will struggle. You can anticipate there is a good chance of this happening so you have to set the team up to counter that.

Anyway my main point is we need to be winning this match because I am pretty confident they will end up relegated because they are not a good team overall.

We’ve already gained 6 points in our last two games in relation to equivalent fixtures last season.

We didn’t beat a promoted side away last season so if we do today then again its points gained compared to last season.

Errr yeah. We ain’t winning.

Any chance the game gets rescheduled?

@lorddulaarsenal wrote:

Errr yeah. We ain’t winning.

Literally no chance

Walrus Man will be loving this.

Laca in for Martinelli, Dani in for Elneny.

Excited about the side today. Hope we play without fear and with freedom. We have goals in us. Really hope Ceballos can find some form. He should have ESR in front of him to find in spaces that were unoccupied earlier in the season.

Feels more like Aubameyang in for Martinelli. I'm keen to see how he fares back on the left after a bit. Small part of me left wondering whether Willock would have been more suited to these conditions than Dani but perhaps thats just completely off the mark.

Also interested to see how Xhaka builds on his recent improved distribution and forward passes.

KingslandBarge wrote:

Feels more like Aubameyang in for Martinelli.

Positionally yes, but Auba started last match as well while Laca didn't.

Hoped to see Pepe today, Saka is playing too much for his own good.

Klaus wrote:

Ceballos in snowy weather, eh? Not holding my breath.

He'll be able to pirouette thrice as fast!

Quincy Abeyie wrote:

KingslandBarge wrote:

Feels more like Aubameyang in for Martinelli.

Positionally yes, but Auba started last match as well while Laca didn't.

Was also thinking symbolically in addition to position. You could argue Lacazette has performed better in the latest stretch, his 'compass' is a little more aligned. I'm personally at odds over Aubameyang at CF so thinking of ways in which one of Martinelli or Aubameyang can play right. Think both should be in our first choice front line at any costs. Best at pressing off the ball, running off the ball and finishing.

Wolves dropping points - come on you Gooners

Tierney warming up wearing a T Shirt in the snow...

Quincy Abeyie wrote:

KingslandBarge wrote:

Feels more like Aubameyang in for Martinelli.

Positionally yes, but Auba started last match as well while Laca didn't.

Could be Lacazette behind Auba, with ESR on the wing. Doubt it though

Klaus wrote:

I really think we should have picked Maitland-Niles for this. Hoping for an early sub appearance now. Would have gone with Willock too, potentially. Everyone knows exactly how West Brom will play. A little more steel on the field would have made me less worried.

It’s important to keep the winning back fours together. Bellerin hasn’t put a foot wrong last two games for me.