He could've rested one of Saka or Martinelli but I suppose we don't have that many games coming up. Really need to sign a winger though.
I don't mind. Do the damage quickly. Get in a comfy position (2-0, 3-0 if we are on serious form), take them off by 60th minute or thereabouts
flobaba what was that about getting into a commanding position early?
I'd take Elneny and Sambi off for Xhaka and Partey.
Tad aggressive, but Arteta certainly means business.
Hoping for a commanding performance from Lokonga.
... and a little surprised that the likes of Nwaneri and Cozier-Duberry aren't involved at all. Though I note Nathan Butler-Oyedeji makes the bench... a striker, I guess?
Pepe LeFrits
Yeah he's a striker. Agree that it's a shame that that neither of the two you mention have a place on the bench as well as the fact. Also question why Marquinhos doesn't get a start (if he can't get a start against a League 2 side...?). Only thing I can think is that Arteta is trying to avoid a complete overhaul given the way we play is so reliant on interpersonal understanding but it's a bit chicken and egg if we never rotate.
Pepe LeFrits he was on the bench for the Newcastle game too.
Don Pacifico he might be trying to give Eddie more game with them to build understanding too.
Just noticed Marcus McGuane is starting for Oxford (ie. the lad who left us a few seasons ago to join Barca as ana academy player). Wonder how he feels about the choices he made with his career...?
Soft free.
Nice pass from El Neny there
Viera our most sickly looking player since Rosicky?
Jaysus there's a fuckin Newcastle player playing for this lot
Pepe LeFrits his twin brother. Was confused for a second when I saw it. Especially since he came off the bench in their last game lol.
Nketiah looking a little off
Poor so far. Midfield isn't good enough at all.
Elnenys gloves are off, he's going to score a screamer now.
Decent commentator on ESPN+
Not sure why we continue to challenge their LB in the air
Lacklustre performance so far.
Expecting a lot more of Sambi
IBL
I half agree but a big part of me is kinda 'what do you expect' given he barely gets any minutes. I still believe he has a lot of potential (fantastic first time pass in our best move of the game) but I think we've pissed around with his development.
Tomi, Holding, and Tierney looking quite poor out there. Elneny, Sambi, and Vieira mediocre at best.
Saka really is next level, even when he's sloppy he's brilliant.
