3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s away win against Bodø/Glimt

Positive #2: Rotation

It was a tougher-looking squad for Arsenal in this match with the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Martin Ødegaard all earning starts. But their inclusions were necessary. Bodø had a 14-game unbeaten run at home European matches heading into Thursday’s encounter.

Still, seven changes were made from the side that beat Liverpool on Sunday and the Gunners once again proved they can win in difficult circumstances with a much-changed team.

Negative #2: Sambi hate

Sambi was a tidy performer in midfield and yet, he still divided opinion. Some praised him highly, others made sweeping statements like “he’s not cut out for this level”, which were very unfair.

There are a few things people need to realise in the case of Sambi: Firstly, development is not linear, so what other 22-year-olds are doing should not matter. Secondly, it’s unfair to hold him to Thomas Partey’s lofty standard of performing the #6 function.

Sambi is such a talented player in his press resistance and overall play and yeah, he misplayed some passes and lost possession a few times today, but he’s young and every player on the pitch did that given the strange playing surface.

He’s still maturing and got plenty to learn, but he’s certainly showing signs of improvement. This notion that he’s not good and never will be is short-sighted and simply wrong.

Continued on the next slide…