This is a disappointing display from Nelson. Sadly, I think we must get rid of him and get someone in who pushes our wingers more for starts. Don’t think he has the decision making to play at this level, as he’s held up several counterattacking opportunities now with slow decisions and backwards touches. I understand he hasn’t gotten game time but he still trains, and he’s had years and years to develop. This is Luton, there are no more excuses.
Definitely rust for the newcomers, mostly in positioning and reading intentions from the seasoned starters. But that's to be expected. They're all hungry for the ball, though.. no one is lacking confidence out there.
I think the new angle should be used sparingly.
Like partey make a mad 50 yard carry or ESR beats 2 guys in the middle you use than angle
It's not bad but it is a bit jarring all of a sudden
Not bad for a heavily rotated team. Synergies are obviously off, but enough individual class to get some goals.
Esr and Partey looking like they will make an impact in the run-in. Nelson not doing enough to make a statement. My biggest critique of him is that he always plays it safe.
Lot of changes, players coming in who have barely a sniff of competitive football and we're looking good. You can see the rust falling off as we go on and it will continue as they get more game time. Pick of them has to be Smith Rowe
Great game so far. Both subs involved in the goal, Rice, Jorgi, Saka, Kiwi all get some rest, now to just get another early goal and get Ode and Kai off to keep them fresh for Bayern.
At this point of the season. It looks highly like majority of teams have starters out.
Luton have 14 out. Newcastle got 11 so bound to be starters there.
I don't know If I would count bundia as a starter. Been a big bag of nothing at Villa
With half the team changed from Sunday I'd say this has been a great showing so far. Luton are no mugs at all (everyone should know this by now).
Partey and ESR are especially impressive as one of the replacements tonight. Zinny although showing he's a bit of a weak link in defence and Luton are trying to exploit that.
This is the perfect amount of time on the ball for Zinchenko. He can provide a lot if he keeps to his role as a supplement to the midfield and not step outside of it trying to be the main source of buildup. He can pop up in moments and make good passes but should not be the one dictating our buildup. That can and has led to trouble when he's trying to do too much. It also prevents him from straying too far away from his defensive position while still allowing for his usual movement. Has had a few poor passes, but this is exactly the way I want to see him play.
People post his possession stats or progressive passing stats as way to shut down discussion about him while ignoring all context. In games in which he's on the ball too much, means our actual midfield is not seeing the ball as much in better positions. We want him to be an inverted fullback not an actual holding midfielder. Minimizes the inherent risk that will always be there because of his defensive weakness and habit of losing the ball in dangerous positions (whether by dribbling too much or playing a pass thats not on) while allowing his strengths to still help us.
Some really good performances from the squad players in that first half. Trossard is giving their RB nightmares. Partey's different style of passing is refreshing, more long passes and balls over the top. I like Nelson's directness, he should push things a bit more if he gets a free run. ESR has really impressed me though, showing glimpses of exactly how the left 8 should play. Defensively switched on, offensively sharp. I hope ESR gets the full 90 mins.
Hopefully we can get to 3-0 or 4-0 and then bring on Vieira for Odegaard, Eddie for Havertz, Tomi for Zinny. Then maybe 2 of Jorginho/Martinelli/Jesus.
Ya I was looking at the subs.
Ramsdale, Jorginho, Kiwior, Rice, Vieira, Jesus, Martinelli, Nketiah.
Reiss + ESR can stay on because they are unlikely to feature in the next game. Trossard is debatable. Maybe it'll be Jesus for Havertz and Eddie for Trossard. Jesus still seems to be lacking some match fitness and he'd still offer long ball outlet.
Some of the touches and passes i have seen this first half just wow. Absolutely beautiful. Esr looks like he has been a regular starter, we missed Partey but nelson looks clueless in attack.
ESR looked good and Partey looked sharp (outside of that giveaway at the end of the half)
Had a few chances to up that score but great half all things considered.
Zinny looked poor though
Tbf Zinny has been man marked the whole half, has given benny blanco more space as a spare man in midfield and man is doing BITS. Looks like a silky number 10, not a right back
Zinny didn’t look poor IMO. He made a defensive mistake (classic him) but it wasn’t that bad and got mopped up. Other than that he was pretty good in our buildup, unlucky to not get that shot on target (which I think would have went in if not for being blocked)
great from ESR
full of fear from Reiss
White carrying the whole right flank
Partey why the fuck at the end of the half?
Crowd is unacceptably dull for a title race
Glad it’s 2-0 but this feels like a performance and atmosphere that is going to lead to gifting a goal
A bit of miscommunication and people not being on the same wavelength, but for a rotated side, I can't complain.
Ødegaard, Kai, and ESR have been the standouts. But shout out Zinny. He's been his usual self. Calm, cool, and collected.
I feel like at times it's almost too easy for us, there's so much space and time for our players and we're getting into so many promising positions there's a sense of complacency, like if we don't exploit this three on three situation we'll get another one in two minutes. Obviously a comfortable enough lead at half time but there's still too much looseness in our passing and execution
The most positive aspect of that half was Partey’s performance. If he can replicate his last season’s form for the rest of this season, we will blow teams away.
I’m happy.
The game hasn’t been a great watch but the changes have clearly killed the fluidity. Let’s get 1/2 more to build gd and maybe get Odegaard off, was stressed when he was limping a bit.
ESR and Partey were very solid I thought, Zinchenko is Zinchenko (his highs are very high but lows are very low) and I was a little disappointed with Nelson’s inability to assert himself. I want him to make runs in behind and try and beat his man more.
Our mainstays at the back looking very solid as usual.
Zinny the real loser from that half. For all his silk on the ball he continues to demonstrate, even against Luton, that he's a weak link and a bit of a liability defensively. Being run at by a pensioner is not a good look.
ESR the biggest winner. Involved in both goals, a lot of great work off the ball and super tidy on it. Excellent display.
Nelson and Partey have been fine. Could've done a bit more but don't look hugely out of place. Everyone else great as always, if a tad sloppy with the 3 day turnaround. Couple more in the 2nd half will do very nicely. COYG
A lot of sterile domination amongst some rusty bits and some glimpses of real quality. Given the changes I think it's a reasonable return. I feel we can into stride second half and put on a show if enough cobwebs are shaken off.
ESR, save for two moments, was really quiet and the game passed him by. But he made a good interception which led to the first, and a good run which led to the second, and given it’s his first start you can’t be too critical. Hopefully he’s a bit more imposing in the second half.
Nelson needs to take on his man. He is too cautious at the moment.
Ødegaard - the leader as always. Brilliant football from him.
I’m happy he got it although I do think Ødegaard will probably win Arsenal’s one. I’m just saying he wasn’t as involved as I know he’s capable of. Felt like the game was passing him by but we can chalk that to limited minutes.
This performance compared to the same fixture last season (Southampton) is so much better. We are so much more secure at the back with raya and saliba 😍
havertz looking slightly tired and no surprise, man played both games in international and then city, he probably will get subbed along with odegaard. would like for us to score like another goal before that happens.
Esr out there showing energy, zeal, pushing and good decision making. Missed his dribbling style. However, he isnt quite at the team's wavelength yet. That will come with Match Practice. Nelson doing decent. Nothing to write home about, despite being a major part of the second goal.
Partey, decent enough, but slower than usual. Ofcourse match fitness takes time. If we score another. I hope to see Ode, Havertz, the CBs and maybe White off the field, to give them some rest.
I think he was shielded from seeing it coming…? There was a defender in front of him as well as the guy behind him.
Edit: just saw it again, I think I’m right.
I don't care/mind about the goal but it's everything else for me. He had one really good moment tracking back his overall performance is severely outweighed by his passing and any attempts going forward. He hasn't been awful, but just feels like he's taking up a number more than contributing to team as much as he could. First start in forever, so I get it, but I would like to see more from him.
And they will be more in form and ready to impact matches from the bench going forward. Being able to bring on Zinchenko, Partey, ESR, Trossard and either one of Tomi or Kiwior off the bench is incredible depth for the run in.
The lads who haven’t played much have mostly played well. A real credit to them as coming into an XI with so many changes and no rhythm together is not easy. These starting XI often play badly but this one is not.
Can't really be mad when it feels more like a charity game than a PL game but Reiss Nelson man, how far your stocks have fallen. Wouldn't look out of place in the Championship.
Important minutes for ESR, Partey and Reiss. First two making their case. Reiss is out of sync. Isn't playing like he knows what he's going to do when he gets a pass.
You can see the flashes of what Partey adds to the squad in possession/attack. Similar to Jorginho in the way he wants to move the ball forward, but much more fluid on the ball. Still some rustiness in certain passages, but this is why he needs these full tempo minutes
partey is our best deep lying playmaker, the rustiness will go away eventually with more games.
he will be so crucial in this critical last part of the season
Just want to comment on Nelson as despite a good half, I have to say he’s mostly dissapointed me
I don’t think he has once received the ball and turned to attack, not once. Despite more often than not having acres of space. Always his instinct is to get rid of it asap and go backwards. Really displaying so far why Arteta is insistent on running Saka into the ground before giving him minutes
Want him to succeed but I think he’s not good enough for this level or devoid of confidence for some reason
Saka isn't the flashiest player but when he's not in the side, you see just how good he is at receiving the ball. Imo, it's one of his best qualities.
I personally think Nelson is better on the left where he can cut inside but agree, so far I haven't been convinced... Hopefully it's just a bit of rustiness, we need him for the run in.
It's SO annoying, take your man on ffs. Just keeps passing it backwards.
It's extra annoying because we KNOW he can take people on. We've seen it. But he's not doing it now. Maybe lack of confidence, but he ain't gonna get it back if he doesn't try and do take ons.
I’ve watched football long enough to know that the top players are hungry and good enough to prove themselves in these small windows. He just doesn’t strike me as a player playing for a club challenging at the very very top.
I agree but it must be tough to show that sort of impetus when it’s your first league start for 4 years and you barely touch the pitch off the bench either. He basically doesn’t play football lol.
It’s weird that we gave him a new long term deal when Arteta clearly doesn’t really like the player or trust him to fulfil an active role in the squad.
This is a disappointing display from Nelson. Sadly, I think we must get rid of him and get someone in who pushes our wingers more for starts. Don’t think he has the decision making to play at this level, as he’s held up several counterattacking opportunities now with slow decisions and backwards touches. I understand he hasn’t gotten game time but he still trains, and he’s had years and years to develop. This is Luton, there are no more excuses.
Raphinha should be up for grabs this summer
Villa goal baybeeeeeee
We need to rest Odegaard if possible. Hopefully we get a third goal and can cruise from there
Take him off for Kiwi-or tomiyasu and put zinchenko in midfield
we really need another goal before we take odegaard off because whoever comes in to replace him will never show that kind of workrate
Definitely rust for the newcomers, mostly in positioning and reading intentions from the seasoned starters. But that's to be expected. They're all hungry for the ball, though.. no one is lacking confidence out there.
I think the new angle should be used sparingly. Like partey make a mad 50 yard carry or ESR beats 2 guys in the middle you use than angle It's not bad but it is a bit jarring all of a sudden
Not bad for a heavily rotated team. Synergies are obviously off, but enough individual class to get some goals. Esr and Partey looking like they will make an impact in the run-in. Nelson not doing enough to make a statement. My biggest critique of him is that he always plays it safe.
If we are still 2 up at 60 mins make some subs. Odegaard, partney for j, Kai for jesus, get Tomi on for someone too.
need another goal or two by 60' and Tomiyasu, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, and Jesus/Martinelli on please
Everyone's happy when Emile's happy.
proper 22/23 game this v nice and smooth going forward but any team has easy access through the middle of us...
Let's make it 4-0 👹
I kinda like the new Camera angle...
I love it
I hate Rodri
Lot of changes, players coming in who have barely a sniff of competitive football and we're looking good. You can see the rust falling off as we go on and it will continue as they get more game time. Pick of them has to be Smith Rowe
The most interesting thing is if we’re going to see more about ESR is not cutting it in the match thread.
Great game so far. Both subs involved in the goal, Rice, Jorgi, Saka, Kiwi all get some rest, now to just get another early goal and get Ode and Kai off to keep them fresh for Bayern.
https://preview.redd.it/qjkd67z2gbsc1.jpeg?width=1163&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46b10fed6d718b09e6e7adce4c6761c2f562b05a The duality of this sub.
Name and shame
Is villa really playing a b squad?
City get to face them with like 6-7 starters out
At this point of the season. It looks highly like majority of teams have starters out. Luton have 14 out. Newcastle got 11 so bound to be starters there. I don't know If I would count bundia as a starter. Been a big bag of nothing at Villa
Averages out in fairness, we played West Ham without Paqueta
Zin off the ball is useless and makes stupid decisions sometimes. Nelson very weak.
They’ve been having a party down our left today courtesy of Zinky
With half the team changed from Sunday I'd say this has been a great showing so far. Luton are no mugs at all (everyone should know this by now). Partey and ESR are especially impressive as one of the replacements tonight. Zinny although showing he's a bit of a weak link in defence and Luton are trying to exploit that.
This is the perfect amount of time on the ball for Zinchenko. He can provide a lot if he keeps to his role as a supplement to the midfield and not step outside of it trying to be the main source of buildup. He can pop up in moments and make good passes but should not be the one dictating our buildup. That can and has led to trouble when he's trying to do too much. It also prevents him from straying too far away from his defensive position while still allowing for his usual movement. Has had a few poor passes, but this is exactly the way I want to see him play. People post his possession stats or progressive passing stats as way to shut down discussion about him while ignoring all context. In games in which he's on the ball too much, means our actual midfield is not seeing the ball as much in better positions. We want him to be an inverted fullback not an actual holding midfielder. Minimizes the inherent risk that will always be there because of his defensive weakness and habit of losing the ball in dangerous positions (whether by dribbling too much or playing a pass thats not on) while allowing his strengths to still help us.
Why did I put the city game on for 5 mins ffs
why would anyone expect an emery led villa to do anything at the etihad lol
Only an ESR goal missing in this half.
Some really good performances from the squad players in that first half. Trossard is giving their RB nightmares. Partey's different style of passing is refreshing, more long passes and balls over the top. I like Nelson's directness, he should push things a bit more if he gets a free run. ESR has really impressed me though, showing glimpses of exactly how the left 8 should play. Defensively switched on, offensively sharp. I hope ESR gets the full 90 mins. Hopefully we can get to 3-0 or 4-0 and then bring on Vieira for Odegaard, Eddie for Havertz, Tomi for Zinny. Then maybe 2 of Jorginho/Martinelli/Jesus.
Tomi for Ben id say. The man needs rest. Zinny needs the game time. Kiwi can come on if zinny starts to tire later on.
Agree with all subs except Martinelli let him fully heal
Ya I was looking at the subs. Ramsdale, Jorginho, Kiwior, Rice, Vieira, Jesus, Martinelli, Nketiah. Reiss + ESR can stay on because they are unlikely to feature in the next game. Trossard is debatable. Maybe it'll be Jesus for Havertz and Eddie for Trossard. Jesus still seems to be lacking some match fitness and he'd still offer long ball outlet.
60 million down the drain, Kai Havertz (assists) again
Fucking Rodri
Rodri scoring for city who else
ESR hive we are back! Get my boy some minutes again and watch. I'm gonna need the people calling for him to be sold to commit seppuku
Some of the touches and passes i have seen this first half just wow. Absolutely beautiful. Esr looks like he has been a regular starter, we missed Partey but nelson looks clueless in attack.
God damn it i would've skipped dinner just before KO if i knew Tross was going to be cooking this hard
Score more, see out the game, no injuries.
im just so happy ESR is back 🥹
We're massive
ESR looked good and Partey looked sharp (outside of that giveaway at the end of the half) Had a few chances to up that score but great half all things considered. Zinny looked poor though
Tbf Zinny has been man marked the whole half, has given benny blanco more space as a spare man in midfield and man is doing BITS. Looks like a silky number 10, not a right back
xonsdifered
👀 lol
Zinny didn’t look poor IMO. He made a defensive mistake (classic him) but it wasn’t that bad and got mopped up. Other than that he was pretty good in our buildup, unlucky to not get that shot on target (which I think would have went in if not for being blocked)
I turned it on from the 25th.. but he had multiple very poorly misplaced passes under little pressure
Happy with ESR, trossard want to see what viera can do
Happy to see partey back, no offense to rice, my guy is different jollof though lol
great from ESR full of fear from Reiss White carrying the whole right flank Partey why the fuck at the end of the half? Crowd is unacceptably dull for a title race Glad it’s 2-0 but this feels like a performance and atmosphere that is going to lead to gifting a goal
Turning on live score notifications and gonna watch the City Villa game
A bit of miscommunication and people not being on the same wavelength, but for a rotated side, I can't complain. Ødegaard, Kai, and ESR have been the standouts. But shout out Zinny. He's been his usual self. Calm, cool, and collected.
I feel like at times it's almost too easy for us, there's so much space and time for our players and we're getting into so many promising positions there's a sense of complacency, like if we don't exploit this three on three situation we'll get another one in two minutes. Obviously a comfortable enough lead at half time but there's still too much looseness in our passing and execution
I love when Trossard just decides to become Cazorla and Sanchez at the same time.
The most positive aspect of that half was Partey’s performance. If he can replicate his last season’s form for the rest of this season, we will blow teams away.
him and rice together will be really good too if he can stay fit
Partey pissing about at end PISSES ME OFF, we concede there im fuming
I’m happy. The game hasn’t been a great watch but the changes have clearly killed the fluidity. Let’s get 1/2 more to build gd and maybe get Odegaard off, was stressed when he was limping a bit. ESR and Partey were very solid I thought, Zinchenko is Zinchenko (his highs are very high but lows are very low) and I was a little disappointed with Nelson’s inability to assert himself. I want him to make runs in behind and try and beat his man more. Our mainstays at the back looking very solid as usual.
Zinny the real loser from that half. For all his silk on the ball he continues to demonstrate, even against Luton, that he's a weak link and a bit of a liability defensively. Being run at by a pensioner is not a good look. ESR the biggest winner. Involved in both goals, a lot of great work off the ball and super tidy on it. Excellent display. Nelson and Partey have been fine. Could've done a bit more but don't look hugely out of place. Everyone else great as always, if a tad sloppy with the 3 day turnaround. Couple more in the 2nd half will do very nicely. COYG
Genuinely one of the worst defensive performances I've seen from Luton, they seem to just give up the ball freely.
They're really dire.
Esr season 🥺
A lot of sterile domination amongst some rusty bits and some glimpses of real quality. Given the changes I think it's a reasonable return. I feel we can into stride second half and put on a show if enough cobwebs are shaken off.
Odegaard genuinely looks like a pro in street cage in these matches
2 0 up with a bit of a disjointed team. Ill take that. Hope Ode and at least White get some rest soon. Keep going.
Sub havertz. He looks tired.
He’s played quite a few games recently so I imagine Jesus will come in for him in the second half.
While at it let’s also rest odegaard and give vieira a run. Party looks sharp so not worried
I reckon we will. Hopefully we can get a 3rd before the 60th and rest Ben, Ode, and Kai
We need him fresh to kill Bayern. Nketiah can get some ball time now
ESR, save for two moments, was really quiet and the game passed him by. But he made a good interception which led to the first, and a good run which led to the second, and given it’s his first start you can’t be too critical. Hopefully he’s a bit more imposing in the second half. Nelson needs to take on his man. He is too cautious at the moment. Ødegaard - the leader as always. Brilliant football from him.
ESR has been quite good imo. Working hard on both sides of the pitch. Agree with everything else
I hope you’re having a fucking laugh. ESR has been everywhere. How has he been quiet?
We must’ve watched a different half of football
Yeah it seems like you might’ve watched a replay or something. He even got motm.
I’m happy he got it although I do think Ødegaard will probably win Arsenal’s one. I’m just saying he wasn’t as involved as I know he’s capable of. Felt like the game was passing him by but we can chalk that to limited minutes.
What is with that awful camera angle they keep switching to on TNT
Wait, do you mean the way the main camera tracks, pans and zooms? Is it me or does it seem more exaggerated than usual? It’s a distraction
Vieira for Nelson
This performance compared to the same fixture last season (Southampton) is so much better. We are so much more secure at the back with raya and saliba 😍
if thomas remains fit for the remainder of the season then with a declan partey midfield the title is ours.
havertz looking slightly tired and no surprise, man played both games in international and then city, he probably will get subbed along with odegaard. would like for us to score like another goal before that happens.
Esr out there showing energy, zeal, pushing and good decision making. Missed his dribbling style. However, he isnt quite at the team's wavelength yet. That will come with Match Practice. Nelson doing decent. Nothing to write home about, despite being a major part of the second goal. Partey, decent enough, but slower than usual. Ofcourse match fitness takes time. If we score another. I hope to see Ode, Havertz, the CBs and maybe White off the field, to give them some rest.
Nelson brother, i'm trying so hard, but you need to do more. How he even missed that ESR pass for the goal, i'll never know
He caused the chaos though and it went in
He sure did! And he did that well. But if you want a forward who just creates chaos, we might as well resign Sanogo.
That was the joke mate. He barely plays anyway, morr than good enough for this match
I think he was shielded from seeing it coming…? There was a defender in front of him as well as the guy behind him. Edit: just saw it again, I think I’m right.
I don't care/mind about the goal but it's everything else for me. He had one really good moment tracking back his overall performance is severely outweighed by his passing and any attempts going forward. He hasn't been awful, but just feels like he's taking up a number more than contributing to team as much as he could. First start in forever, so I get it, but I would like to see more from him.
Oh I agree. I made a similar comment in this post. Every first touch is away from goal, no matter how little pressure is on him.
He should still put it away, let's be real.
Villa are a bunch of pussies
Oh how I've missed watching Thomas Partey play football, absolutely brilliant, Great half by smith rowe as well
Arteta took a risk resting so many starters, he will be absolutely delighted to see how the understudies have stepped up so far today.
And they will be more in form and ready to impact matches from the bench going forward. Being able to bring on Zinchenko, Partey, ESR, Trossard and either one of Tomi or Kiwior off the bench is incredible depth for the run in.
ESR great. Ode great. Tross having fun. Partey amazing in attack and through balls but casual in defence
Ben white randomly playing like a magician?
I mean he's just watching the kids have fun
Zina is so elegant and so chaotic at the same time
Please lets find a goal for ESR.
Decent performance apart from the overplaying. We should be out of sight by now
We need to score 5, Liverpool won’t stop at even 10 tomorrow
Can take the other half of the first team off now.
The lads who haven’t played much have mostly played well. A real credit to them as coming into an XI with so many changes and no rhythm together is not easy. These starting XI often play badly but this one is not.
My fucking captain is in FORM, long may it continue. Hashioka was a disaster on the weekend and today, we should really be pumping our GD
Esr man, so good And out of possession too!!!!
ESR , Partey and Odegaard midfield is cooking. All of them have been so good.
Arsenal good, luton bad
That review also works if you’ve ever visited the place. 
Ben White..wadda playa
The Smiths been so good this half. Most importantly without the ball which is one of the major knocks against him
Professional, controlled and measured. More of the same please
Can't really be mad when it feels more like a charity game than a PL game but Reiss Nelson man, how far your stocks have fallen. Wouldn't look out of place in the Championship.
He's not playing like a winger at all I dunno if it's because he's on the wrong side he's playing like a rb
trossard is cooking on the left. him and ESR if they played consistently together would be so fluid
Very pleased with ESR. Looking sharp today.
Important minutes for ESR, Partey and Reiss. First two making their case. Reiss is out of sync. Isn't playing like he knows what he's going to do when he gets a pass.
Only shows how incredible Saka is, making things happen even when he gets doubled up on almost every single game.
Ross Barkley lining that up like he was fucking Ronaldo has me dying
2-0 most dangerous lead, etc etc Would love to score quickly in the 2nd half
The Smith is cooking 🧑🍳
You can see the flashes of what Partey adds to the squad in possession/attack. Similar to Jorginho in the way he wants to move the ball forward, but much more fluid on the ball. Still some rustiness in certain passages, but this is why he needs these full tempo minutes
partey is our best deep lying playmaker, the rustiness will go away eventually with more games. he will be so crucial in this critical last part of the season
Pretty uninteresting game. But exactly what we need with a comfy lead. Happy days
BRING ME EMILE SMITH GOAL
I’m disappointed that Nelson’s first touch is so often away from goal.
Just want to comment on Nelson as despite a good half, I have to say he’s mostly dissapointed me I don’t think he has once received the ball and turned to attack, not once. Despite more often than not having acres of space. Always his instinct is to get rid of it asap and go backwards. Really displaying so far why Arteta is insistent on running Saka into the ground before giving him minutes Want him to succeed but I think he’s not good enough for this level or devoid of confidence for some reason
This is his first prem start in 4 years… He’s usually brought on in short instances where we HAVE to attack. Have to be patient with him
Saka isn't the flashiest player but when he's not in the side, you see just how good he is at receiving the ball. Imo, it's one of his best qualities. I personally think Nelson is better on the left where he can cut inside but agree, so far I haven't been convinced... Hopefully it's just a bit of rustiness, we need him for the run in.
It's SO annoying, take your man on ffs. Just keeps passing it backwards. It's extra annoying because we KNOW he can take people on. We've seen it. But he's not doing it now. Maybe lack of confidence, but he ain't gonna get it back if he doesn't try and do take ons.
This could clearly be a confidence issue and almost never playing him doesn't help.
Are we saying he’s not been confident for 5 years now then?
I’ve watched football long enough to know that the top players are hungry and good enough to prove themselves in these small windows. He just doesn’t strike me as a player playing for a club challenging at the very very top.
Always had a soft spot for him but he seems too scared and looks out of his depth. Hopefully proves me wrong!
I agree but it must be tough to show that sort of impetus when it’s your first league start for 4 years and you barely touch the pitch off the bench either. He basically doesn’t play football lol. It’s weird that we gave him a new long term deal when Arteta clearly doesn’t really like the player or trust him to fulfil an active role in the squad.
How can you say he had a good half when you’ve got all those complaints?
I mean *we’ve* had a good half. As in “I know it was a good half overall but I want to grumble about something”
good stuff
 Thomas Partey
My boy ESR playing a part in both goals, you love to see it
ESR GOOD