Arsenal secured all three points against Bournemouth in a game where both sides were far from their best. David Luiz’s debut goal was enough for the win but are we repeating the same mistakes as last season?
Good results but underwhelming performances:
Unai Emery’s side went on a long unbeaten run early last season but the performances didn’t quite match the results. Arsenal have remarkably lost just once in 11 games so far but it is undeniable that we are lucky to be where we are.
Emery will be judged based on the results but there needs to be a change in approach, especially at home. Sitting back and absorbing pressure before counter-attacking is an effective tactic but its only a matter of time before our defence cracks to the opposition’s onslaught.
Matteo Guendouzi and Dani Ceballos have been given the freedom to attack but their main responsibility has been to defend. Emery’s organisation has been lauded throughout his managerial career but that, in ways, is being counterproductive to our attacking potential.
Nicolas Pepe has struggled in the new system while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had to convert the one chance he gets. Alex Lacazette’s return will surely have a positive impact thanks to the Frenchman’s willingness to drop back to receive possession.
This is bound to open up a ton of space for Aubameyang and Pepe but the lack of creativity behind them is a big worry. Mesut Ozil is clearly not in Emery’s plans while Ceballos has been more of ball-winner than a creative influence.
However, five wins and a draw from the last six games is a fine record and the returns of Lacazette, Bellerin, Holding and Tierney should make us a lot more solid and that will hopefully tempt Emery to be a bit more adventurous with the ball.
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