Opinion
Another game and another poor performance from Arsenal as we are now down to 15th in the Premier League table.
Not sure where to start here. We dominated the game, had possession, had some chances although not many were clear cut. In the end, we were undone by two shots on goal as Spurs defended extremely well in what was a perfect tactical game from Jose Mourinho.
Thomas Partey started, and you could see straight away the difference he makes to our side. We were controlling the match before being hit on the counterattack.
Son Heung-Min picked up the ball and was allowed to run unchallenged toward our goal before he curled a superb effort past Leno to give Spurs the lead against the run of play.
After conceding the goal, we still had control of possession but as has been the theme this season, we struggled to find any real way through Spurs stout defence.
Just as we were getting into the game and putting Spurs on the back foot, we got a decisive blow to our chances of winning the game.
Thomas Partey had limped off injured and left us exposed at the back, at one stage it was four on two, Son ran at the defence and then played a neat little ball to Harry Kane who smashed home from close range giving Leno no chance as they doubled their lead.
After halftime, it was honestly difficult to watch. We controlled possession but did not threaten Tottenham’s goal aside from Alexandre Lacazette’s shot which forced Hugo Lloris into a rare save.
Mikel Arteta. (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It was a rather tame second half as we lacked any real urgency and willingness to attack the Spurs goal. It was a disappointing night for us as a club and unfortunately, questions are going to be asked about this team and their manager.
Takeaways
Where was Reiss Nelson?
At the time of writing, I am not sure as to why Reiss Nelson was not even in the squad. I am assuming he was injured as it is the only logical explanation for having him out.
Time for Ainsley Maitland Niles
Whether it be a right-back or in the midfield, I think we as a fan-base have seen enough to warrant his selection in the starting XI. His pace, power, and willingness to run could have been an asset tonight. Maitland Niles has to be starting from now on.
Thomas Partey injury is another huge blow
I did have my doubts when I did see his name on the team sheet to start the game. I wondered exactly how fit he was, and we found out just before halftime, he was not fully fit.
Fans would have understood had he been on the bench as he is a prized asset for us. Just how long he is out for remains to be seen but given our current state of affairs, we can not afford to have him miss significant time.
Lacazette best player on the pitch
For me anyway, Alexandre Lacazette was Arsenal’s best player tonight. He showed real grit and determination and most importantly looked up for the fight, something that can not be said for the majority of the team.
Whether he remains with us after January is still unclear however tonight he can hold his head high with his performance.
So all in all a disappointing night, not much fight, aside from Kieran Tierney and Alexandre Lacazette, and once again creativity was a big issue. January can not come soon enough as reinforcements are desperately needed. We just hope that the club is not too far gone when the window comes around.
Many Gunners are sitting at home now and are truly disgusted by the performance and they have every right to be, if the club is not at a crisis point already then it is coming like a freight train.
Next up is Burnley in the League and three points is a must.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Not only did Erling Haaland's header hit the bar, but Bernardo Silva missed the rebound tap-in that came off his knee. Manchester City went…
After Manchester City saved Luka Modric's shot, the person in the stands didn't return the ball, holding up the penalty shootout for almost a…
Bayern Munich scored the only goal to defeat Arsenal 1-nil and progress to the semifinals. Former player Martin Keown says it's disappointing his former…
After taking an early advantage saving a Real Madrid shot, all momentum was lost when Bernardo Silva just chipped the ball at the keeper…
Manchester City’s campaign to retain the UEFA Champions League is over after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid despite dominating almost every…
With his team chasing a vital goal Martin Odegaard was not happy the officials didn't see a touch from the keeper as the ball…
