Arsenal - v - Leeds United ***Matchday Thread***

[Billyni]

If we hadn’t committed suicide in the first half, then who knows.

[UbiqueLUFC33]

To be completely fair, we gave it a good go in the 2nd half and Arteta was looking mildly concerned. Costa and Roberts played better than I expected but that's really not a high bar.

Raphinha was (once again) our best player by a mile and Struijk seemed to grow into the game. Meslier needs to stop fannying about with the ball and accept that we aren't Barcelona or Ajax. The only defender we have that is capable of bringing the ball out of defence is Ayling. We will be better at that when Koch and Sicknote Llorente return. Not sure Shackleton is good enough.

[WTF11]

If we hadn’t committed suicide in the first half, then who knows.

What happened in the first half could have happened in just about every game this season. We have been extraordinarily lucky that the number of times Meslier has been expected to play the role of a fully fledged, (and very skilful) outfield player haven't bitten us like they did today. A relatively modest movement in the make-up of the back four brought that chicken home to roost big time.

Not suggesting we resort to hoof ball, but the GK (whoever it is) MUST be allowed to aim for the half-way line and beyond when the need arises, as opposed to EVERYTHING having to be played out from the edge of the 18yd box.

Meslier needs to be given the opportunity to train at hitting specific targets more than 35yds from his area, from goal kick and "free play" kick following a collected attacking move, and the outfield players need to support him in clearing lines longer if required.

[ColombianWhite]

Cant give a team 4 goals , and then start playing ,
Strujik not the replacement for Phillips ,
Shacks better in midfield ,
Meslier terrible 1st half
Need Phillips back , would give Shacks a run in the Kiltch role
Move on ,
MOT

[WTF11]

To be completely fair, we gave it a good go in the 2nd half and Arteta was looking mildly concerned. Costa and Roberts played better than I expected but that's really not a high bar.

Raphinha was (once again) our best player by a mile and Struijk seemed to grow into the game. Meslier needs to stop fannying about with the ball and accept that we aren't Barcelona or Ajax. The only defender we have that is capable of bringing the ball out of defence is Ayling. We will be better at that when Koch and Sicknote Llorente return. Not sure Shackleton is good enough.

Agree with all that. (Just where was Shackleton supposed to be playing?)

[asturianblanco]

easy to say we won the 2nd half, would arsenal have shipped 2 goals at 0-0, dont think so personally. We were shighte, even Bielsa got it all wrong today. One to forget.

[Tichi1]

easy to say we won the 2nd half, would arsenal have shipped 2 goals at 0-0, dont think so personally. We were shighte, even Bielsa got it all wrong today. One to forget.

It was tongue in cheek mate - and I doubt they could have done much about any of our goals - unlike the fiour we gave to them.

[leedsutdman]

We are officially the entertainers. And Souness is leeds through and through. 😂 😂 Oh and today the GK was a fecking muppet. I think that sums it all up.

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

We are officially the entertainers. And Souness is leeds through and through. 😂 😂 Oh and today the GK was a fecking muppet. I think that sums it all up.

Felt sorry for Meslier - Cooper who is the captain and leader just constantly gave it to him and put him under pressure and to some degree so did Ayling and Alioski.

He then had no options and had to hoof it.

[Billyni]

Suppose in reality, we’d have taken a 2 goal defeat.
Architects of our own downfall makes it harder tho.
Injuries are crippling us but don’t hear many media comments about that, whereas other teams are getting the sad sad story instead.
Swiftly moving on.