.jpeg)
It was hard enough staying up the night to watch the game due to the time difference with the US but that's part of your sacrifices as a fan. At least, if you can't be there in person, you can get the best close by any means possible.
Although we lost, I don't think there are any real concerns from the game that have not been addressed, either from other games or through transfers.
I know some fans are complaining of not seeing much of the academy boys like Liverpool did, but we've seen them over the past two games. Our ways are what differentiates us as Arsenal and Liverpool.
An overall good performance, with over 60% of possession but not much to show for it in goals (1) and shots on target (about 6). I reckon with Arteta saying we need to punish teams more.
I think we all now agree that playing Kai Havertz in a midfield role should not be on the table anymore after what we saw last season between when he played there and upfront. Nonetheless, his movement and touches were good, but would have been better utilised as a striker.
We had better be serious not to rely on Gabriel Jesus as our number 9. He either plays a supporting striker role or an alternative to Saka on the right wing. I believe his trickery and skill will be more useful either place. He doesn't give us the presence we need from a point man.
Zinchenko again has shown again that, no doubt, a brilliant footballer - good ball movement, nice touches - but as a defender (his major role), he's far from what we need and can't be relied on. We saw how Salah was glad to take him on. Good thing we have Tomiyasu, Calafiori and Timber if need be. Perhaps, switching him to a more advanced role in midfield might be worth a try, but still, he'd have defensive duties, maybe not as glaring and exposing as a defender.
Even though I've always defended Kiwior, perhaps, he's not just what Arsenal needs. He doesn't look comfortable in that role. Maybe he'd prefer to play on the left - another alternative to Zinchenko. We were opened too easily on many occasions with balls over our defence and that's a point to note.
Hooefully, we can see a bit stronger side when we return to London for the games against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.