Got away with a point. And now, thank goodness, some of the injured players are ready to return in time for the next game. Ox and Theo. Maybe Bellerin. Phew. Back to having a team after dropping only two points in the league and getting smashed by Bayern in a fairly meaningless match using the weak end of the bench.
Giroud makes a better impact substitute than a starting striker. His muscle and height is difficult to deal with after Walcott's pace.
Campbell is more of a Newcastle player than an Arsenal one. He should be sold. Gibbs is a better option currently. Switch Sanchez to the right and you have two wide players who can cross the ball (Sanchez is right-footed, Gibbs left) to Giroud when he is playing.
Sanchez does less well with Giroud on the pitch. Walcott creates space for him. Giroud collapses it. Pushing Sanchez wide at least creates a productive structure, albeit a traditional wing-striker crossing relationship.
Debuchy isn't fast enough to provide protection for Mertesacker. You can't play both together. If Bellerin is injured, play Gabriel at right centre back. Otherwise folks will keep exploiting the channel between the centre and right backs.
Dreadful Arsenal team today. We got lucky.
| 