Kostov
Full Member
Xhaka and Torreira made Fred and Matic look like amateurs.
Midfield was the real issue. The way we play you need three hardworking players over there. Unfortunately we ended up with Fred facing all Arsenal midfield all alone.He was good but let down by most around him. At times it felt like a one-man midfield, with Matic occasionally providing help and Lingard non existent. The less said about our defense the better, and up front it was only Martial that was up for the challenge.
Thought he was the only player to come out with any credit last night.
Spot on.
If some of the others had put the effort in Fred did we'd have got something from the game. He's been one of very few positives this season. I thought he was a dud 4 months ago but he's really starting to show he's got something about him.
I agree that midfield is the main issue, but none of our defenders, excluding AWB who was hang out to dry against double teams all match, covered themselves in glory. The first goal for example, Maguire is slow to react and leaves Kolasinac onside for the cutback, and then Lindelof puts in a weak attempt to block the ball and his misskick ends up into a back-flipped assist for Arsenal. The second goal is mainly a mistake by Rashford for failing to track and challenge Lacazette who runs past him from behind, but Lindelof should have been in Rashy's ear shouting to track the guy on the move. Shaw continued his underwhelming performances at LB, him and our two CBs haven't convinced me all season, and have been shaky with constant individual mistakes. We need to reinforce in midfield for sure, but also give a go to other defenders like Axel, Williams, Bailly to try and find a better backline.Midfield was the real issue. The way we play you need three hardworking players over there. Unfortunately we ended up with Fred facing all Arsenal midfield all alone.
When did he last have a rest?
Unbelievable praise being heaped on a player who is nothing more than bang average. Shows where the bar is at!
I like his willingness to always show for the ball but he's far too sloppy and gets bypassed in midfield too easily.