Everton vs Arsenal: Bad Luck & Dominance Count for Nothing

A Little Bit of Luck

Addressing luck, David Luiz‘s shot that hit the bar took two deflections on the way. Some could say it was lucky to strike the post in the first place. Where was that luck when Nathan Redmond hit the woodwork for the Saints?

Luck is important in football. No two ways about it. You can’t, however, plead for more luck when your side register just one shot on target in a second half, that not coming until added time.

The old adage of making your own luck runs true. Until you can create opportunities where any inkling of fortune can occur – ricochets, individual errors etc – luck plays not part.

Instead, a group of players showing no desire to receive the ball for the opening 25 minutes, static in their movement or lacking any at all – Willian leading that charge – set up in a formula akin to the rest of the torrid season should be the primary fallacy.

This group of players are nowhere near good enough. It’s one of the many certainties plaguing Arsenal. A midfield duo not at the required level to be competitive at the club won’t bring you the quality, let alone the luck, you so desperately desire. Again, how much is genuine and not just player protection is debatable.

But, if it’s luck you’re after, why not try your hand at fielding players on meritocracy, those whose profiles match the needs of the collective? Emile Smith Rowe remains unused.