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Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview: It’s Been A Roller Coaster
By Brian Wong
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: October 4
As much as we want to overreact, we cannot. As much as we want to blame Wenger, we cannot. And as much as we want Ospina to stay on the bench forever, we should not.
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- 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
- Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
- 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
That game against Olympiakos has been the definition of everything that is Arsenal this season, and everything that is a Wenger team since forever. Against European opponents, Arsenal simply cannot rely only on talent, and Wenger can not simply rely on the same tactic every time. Yes I agree that all of those points are valid and that game was truly sad to witness, but Manchester United will be a different game. If Arsenal’s season so far has taught us anything it is that there are peaks and low points like a roller coaster ride.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Man U
1) Arsenal will be better but not good enough
As per Squawka.com, Arsenal has not looked pretty in Europe so far this season. In 2 games, Arsenal have scored 3 and conceded 5. However, despite that Arsenal have had 58% possession and only won 55% of their duels. Both better than the 57% possession and 54% duels won statistic from the Premier League games. The difference between the two competitions is what happens during key moments.
As the statistic show, Arsenal have been the same team regardless of competition. The difference is in execution, and it seems like when the lights are brightest, Arsenal show up as small as possible. This is concerning because this is not a problem that is solved over night. It takes time, and so I just don’t see Arsenal coming away with a win. If anything, Arsenal will come out swinging but then falter in the end, causing yet another heart-break.
2) Aaron Ramsey is No Winger
This has been a weekly point for me and I will not stop till this issue has been solved. Wenger’s lack of flexibility is more evident this year than ever before because of what he has done with Mr. Ramsey.
It is clear Ramsey does not belong on the wing, and it is evident that he isn’t as effective there too. Looking back at his previous 2 seasons, Ramsey’s clear decrease in statistic comes in his shot accuracy. It has been going down the more he plays on the wing, and Ramsey just doesn’t look comfortable in that area of the pitch.
More from Arsenal News
- 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
- 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
- 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
- Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
- 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
3) Without Koscielny Arsenal will be even slower
Yes, that is possible. Arsenal can look slower, and we will witness that this weekend. Without Koscielny, Wenger will have to start Per. That will be painful to watch.
Don’t get me wrong, the German is an amazing presence, and a great captain in a relatively young team. However, there is no denying that he is super slow. If anyone looked closely at the first goal against Leicester City, you will see Mr. Per run, at best, twice as slow as Koscielny when recovering against a counter-attack.
Next: When will Calum Chambers get his chance at Arsenal?