Arsenal vs Slavia Prague: 4 talking points from Europa League draw

Everyone is to Blame for Woeful Game Management

In the seven minutes that followed between Nicolas Pepe‘s goal and Slavia Prague equalising, Arsenal failed to keep possession of the ball for a move lasting longer than three passes.

For seven minutes, the most crucial period of the game, Arsenal did not string four passes together. This is not how you hold a lead. The first rule of protecting your advantage is to keep the ball away from the opponent. This is the antithesis.

Attack is the best form of defence. When you’re winning a game and in relative control of it like Arsenal were in the latter stages, there is no need to shift the approach. Of course, nerves come into play and many players will naturally retreat a few yards, but this insistence to suddenly back so far into your own box and invite pressure is a ticking time bomb.

The decision to bring on Dani Ceballos upset the balance as Smith Rowe’s pressing caused all manner of problems to the makeshift central defenders. This was where Arsenal had the control and while there is sense in protecting Smith Rowe from further injury, three extra minutes will have made no difference to his fitness.

It’s similar to bringing a fifth or sixth defender on in the last minutes, a ploy that while can slow the clock down also abandons whatever got you into that winning position in the first place.

As for the players, Cedric’s frightening lack of a left foot was a contributing factor in the poor decision to fizz a pass back to Gabriel with the pitch open in front of him. As Xhaka said, ‘just clear the ****ing ball away, man’.

Mental weakness unaided by coaching that invites the wrong attitude.