goon tnh would've preferred to pocket the 65m and give whatever time is going to havertz, to the smith instead
Gazza M
We will need them both if we’re playing with attacking mids this season. Otherwise it’d literally be Ode, ESR and Vieira.
It's still only preseason but the new guys look like they need more time to adjust to our game. If the season started tomorrow I'd be leaving Timber and Havertz on the bench with Rice in Xhakas spot. And if he didn't play well he'd be out for Trossard or ESR.
Qwiss yep, they certainly shouldn’t be facing Man City with the midfield we started the game with. Also felt there was some confusion amongst the players - Havertz was pressing as a number 9 but also dropping practically in line with Rice to defend - that’s too much of an area for one player to be responsible for
Qwiss yep, I think that's where we'd find the closest balance to what we looked like last season
Penalties after 2-0. Only in America
naz stuart robson said it was arteta's idea.
Good wake up call. Teams are going to be up for it against us. We need to sort it out, asap.
flobaba
I don’t think it’s anything new. This is exactly how we look when we’re not really up for it or switched on against an eager opponent. Seen it in the Europa League repeatedly.
goon and trossard.
We thinking ESR can contribute at left 8 and left wing?
Vieira omg what is wrong with him?
Vieira. Of course.
goon not a good sign though, we were up for it in preseason last year.
goon also United were way too aggressive for a pre season game.
goon why hasn't Arteta sorted it out by now??
There was no fluidity in the midfield also. It's bigger than just not being up for it. The balance is off. I suspect we'll see the team that will actually start the season in our next game.
Being up for it is important for fluidity. It requires players to be constantly moving into space to receive the ball.
But yeah, the team needs to get used to playing with each other and also where they need to position themselves.
flobaba as it is you're only steaming yeah?
Streaming, yeah.
Mirth they were aggressive and we did nothing about it. The refs did nothing because it's US exhibition shit so the stars can't be sent off and we won't refuse them a preseason match in future because wherever we go to play decides. Preseason isn't about preparation anymore, it's just a promotional tour. Just look at the surfaces we're playing on.
Meaningless penalty shootout and Vieira found a way for his stock to drop further!
goon glad Havertz didn't have to take one
