Arsenal Vs FK Ostersunds: 5 things we learned – Peak Gunners

1. When will Arsenal manage games?

Arsenal took a three-goal advantage into this leg. In the end, they needed it. That should have always been in their mind. It clearly wasn’t.

As Rob Holding played a pass into Alex Iwobi’s feet immediately after the first goal, both Mohamed Elneny, the primary holding midfielder on the night, and Sead Kolasinac, the left-back playing behind Iwobi, bombarded their way up the pitch. Iwobi subsequently took a loose touch, lost the ball, poorly, and Ostersunds, one pass, turn and shot later, would go on to extend their lead.

While Iwobi was largely at fault for this, the lack of game management on display was painful. At this point in the match, Arsenal had a two-goal aggregate lead but were struggling to contain an Ostersunds buoyed and energized by their surprise Emirates lead. It is seemingly common sense to, at this point, play a little conservatively, take the sting out of the game, and control proceedings a little. Not, apparently, to Arsenal.

Next: Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: Player ratings

I have no idea what Elneny and Kolasinac were thinking. No idea whatsoever. But it is indicative of the desperate lack of intelligence that Arsenal have displayed time and time again when it comes to managing games. They just can’t do it, and this was another prime example.