Last night we successfully topped our Europa League group, by coming from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Standard Liege. There wasn’t much riding on the game, we were effectively qualified & unless results really did go against us, we would be just fine.
I didn’t expect much from this game, it was clear we would be ringing the changes, not just because of our game against Citeh on Sunday, but we had picked up a couple of knocks on Monday night. Also, this was a good opportunity to give some minutes to some fringe players & see how they are getting on under our temporary management team.
The game itself was never going to be a classic, you only had to take a quick glance at the “pitch” we were playing on to know that would be the case, it’s the sort of surface you look at & roll your eyes at in this day & age… patchy & bobbly is not something you come across all that often in top flight football. That aside, it can never be used as an excuse in my opinion, both sets of players have to cope & try to play there natural game as normal. It’s understandable to think there’s an advantage to the side who are used to playing there more often however. Freddie went with a back three & wingbacks, a move I don’t think any of us can really question. As expected we saw Guendouzi & Lacazette reinstated to the starting eleven, both with a point to prove it must be said. We also saw chances given to Nelson, Saka, Mavropanos & ESR. We managed to go two goals down, both goals were frustrating to concede, as all goals are really. The two goals were deflected efforts, after both Sokratis & Mavropanos had; 1. Not closed done enough & 2. Pathetically turned their backs when attempting the block.
We continued on with popping the ball about, without overly troubling them. Freddie made some changes mid way through the second half which definitely helped. Martinelli was introduced & off he went, this lad just doesn’t stop working. His work rate is just phenomenal & I wish some of our other senior players could do the same at times. With the new injection of pace out wide left, it seemed to really help the side & we looked a little sharper. It wasn’t Martinelli who would step up today as such though, this time it was Saka. He’s been another prospect this season who has excelled at times. He is of course still very much a prospect with some massive potential & has let some games pass him by when given a chance lately, but that’s to be expected. Last night he superbly assisted Lacazette’s header & then linked up well with Martinelli before calmly slotting our equaliser with his weaker foot.
Saka’s contribution would prove to be vital in the end, we topped the group, meaning we will miss all the “big boys” left in & entering into the competition after dropping out of the Champions League. There’s some big names that have dropped out & it’s going to make this route back to the big time much trickier. Time will unravel just how that will turn out.
We welcome Citeh on Sunday at the Emirates, which should be an intriguing game. As poorly as we have played this season, they’re having an unusual season for their standards & after their loss last weekend, it’s sure they’ll be looking for a big reaction. Frightening thought. Let’s hope we can put in a performance & take some young from the game.
Back Sunday.
The Arse 