3 positives and negatives from the 2-2 draw against Fulham

Positive #2: Eddie Nketiah

In my opinion, Nketiah should have started this game – his goal against Nottingham Forest and energetic, albeit profligate, display against Crystal Palace meant it was the least he deserved. Even if you disagree with that statement, his displays certainly have not been poor enough to warrant being dropped from the starting XI.

The 24-year-old may not be of the same calibre as Erling Haaland, but very few strikers in world football are, and therefore it is unfair to judge Nketiah by the Norwegian’s standards. However, what the Englishman has done, time and time again, is prove that he can be relied upon to score goals when it most matters – as he did once again against Fulham in this match.

In my opinion, Nketiah has to start against Manchester United at the weekend.

Negative #2: A change of system needed

Another negative in my opinion is the new system that Arteta has so far adopted this season. Theoretically, it’s a very elegant solution which on paper allows the side to gain more control over games.

However, in reality, that does not seem to be the case. Thomas Partey at right back is causing an imbalance on the pitch, with a lack of overlapping runs for Saka becoming an issue. Building up from the back seems to also be an issue, with our centre-backs struggling to find effective passing lanes into the midfield.

Reverting back to a system more similar to the one we adopted last season, whereby, Thomas Partey returns to the midfield, perhaps at the detriment of Havertz, and Benjamin White returns to right-back, seems the best option for the team at this current moment in time.

Continued on the next slide…