I did watch it live, and I just don't think that's a fair representation of what happened. For their best chances (Arnautovic hitting the side-netting and Snodgrass being played through for a one-on-one) and for the goal we had enough people on the right side of the ball to deal with the situation. We just failed to close them down properly. That was more about communication than anything for me. Also has to be said, I think Čech should've done better for the goal.

I agree that Emery should have attended to the defense first. It was glaring that it was the part of the squad that was in most need of attention and repair. He did make defensive minded signings. I think he didn't realize how deep the issue was and for the remainder we are stuck with the defense we have till the next transfer window.

I can't connect with Özil. Can't warm to the guy. Obviously nothing to do with his talent or ability but I just feel very removed from him. Which I never did with players in the past. Give me a peak Santi over him anyday.

It's quite odd, everyone expected that with Emery's alleged attention to detail and tactical nous he would focus on the defence and actually get us more organised, disciplined and positionally aware. In short, make us much harder to play against. At the moment it appears the opposite has happened, our fullbacks appear even more gung-ho than under Wenger leaving huge gaps in behind them and our centrebacks are asked to play a highline which they are ill-equipped for. It's a recipe for disaster and West Ham could have scored five in the first half alone.

Bellerin was basically playing as a right winger and whilst his cutbacks and final balls appear to be improving he is leaving enormous gaps defensively which opponents are readily exploiting on the counter. Monreal is not a lot better in terms of positioning either.

The points Alan Shearer has made are correct, with the lack of protection down the sides and in front of them it's almost an impossible task for Mustafi and Sokratis (not that I rate either of them particularly).

If we a player like Kante, with his speed around the pitch and ability to read the game and plug gaps, it might be less of an issue. Torreira may the player to provide that protection but its too early to judge.

We do look a mess.

The biggest plus is Emery's willingness to make early substitutions.

I can't connect with Özil. Can't warm to the guy. Obviously nothing to do with his talent or ability but I just feel very removed from him. Which I never did with players in the past. Give me a peak Santi over him anyday.

Well you're lucky if it's only the one Darren . 1972 I liked everybody in an Arsenal shirt , they were all demi gods .... even bit players like Nelson and Kelly . Now ... I don't think there is a player in this squad I like ..... except for some of the kids .
Overpaid , underperforming , tweeting tattooed d*ckstops ....... except for the woolly haired tryer ; I'd be quite happy to see the rest of them going through their paces in the Falkland Islands league .

I think Emery is on a hiding to nothing. People judging him after 3 games. He’s got no chance

He has probably 4 performers under 30 who are able to retain an element of consistency in their game in Bellerin, Aubameyang, Mickey Tarragon and Lacazette. Outside of those 4 the rest turn up 40% of the time I reckon with many over 30 or approaching it.

Let this cheer you up Kiwi. https://youtu.be/kxO_1ETos0c

tweeting tattooed d*ckstops .......

Have this in exchange ..........
....... think I'll have a big rum ; that cures most ills .

I've heard a story or two that he may no longer be able to secure a job at a top club..

ok I probably shouldn't ask but here goes. Where did you hear this story?

ok I probably shouldn't ask but here goes. Where did you hear this story?

Reiss Nelson joining Hoffenheim. Bad news.

Hadn't heard anything about this. Is it a loan or permanent transfer?

Permanent transfer.

Permanent transfer.

Mixed reports on this. The Mirror is saying a long term contract with Arsenal and a loan to Hoffenheim

Would be very disappointed if Nelson let permanently, but at the same time I can't say it would be a bad move for him. This is another area where money has ruined football, it's very hard to give young talents a chance because the financial stakes are so high. The exceptional talents like Fabregas, Rooney and Sterling will always make it but for the tier below it's difficult at top clubs. Not even sure the club hasn't managed him right, 5 starts and 11 appearances last season as a 17/18 year old is certainly not bad.

Interesting examples though, because fabregas and Sterling both made moves at 16ish for different reasons.. But I take your point. If you look at say Ashley Cole and Bellerin two of our successes in recent times, both had huge slices of luck with long term injury and dodgy passport dealings removing the players in front of them giving them their chance. Maybe they’d have broken through anyway but would they renew contracts if they’d had to wait two more seasons for starts?

I hope it is a season long loan after signing a contract, could be great for him, but selfishly I’m sad I won’t get to watch him in League FA and Europa cups.

Yes, I also hate it when people from a different generation doesn't behave like my generation.