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3 positives & negatives from Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City
Positive #3: A quiet night for Erling Haaland
The Premier League’s leading scorer had a pretty quiet Friday night. The physical battle in the first half was much more apparent, with the Norwegian targeting the ‘weak link’ of the Arsenal defence in Rob Holding.
In his 45 minutes, Holding managed to keep him quiet. Arteta did the right thing bringing William Saliba at the start of the second half with Holding on a booking. He certainly didn’t want a repeat of last season’s North London Derby.
Credit to all three of Arsenal’s centre-backs and goalkeeper Turner because keeping the big man from hitting the back of the net is not an easy feat.
Negative #3: Fan reactions
Think it's absolutely ridiculous that you lot absolutely abuse day in and day out of he even dare to step on the pitch regardless of whatever he does on there, and then want him to clap you
— Fabio-lous Vieira (@EmiSmithShowe) January 27, 2023
Did you learn nothing from Xhaka? https://t.co/7mWImHXb7C
I feel like I talk about this far too much, especially when a lot of the second team comes in, but some of the reactions to certain players often get out of hand in matches like this.
Sambi is often targeted, and I’ve already admitted that his performance wasn’t great on Friday, but some of the criticism can fall closer to abuse at times. He and other players are not going to improve their play with this kind of treatment that some “fans” are happy to hand out.
On the reverse, while Sambi’s decision to be the first down the tunnel after the match wasn’t a great one, you can’t exactly blame him.
These players are human, and it’s important to remember that.