Following a controversial VAR decision to deny Arsenal a win over Crystal Place, the Gunners find themselves at the 5th position in the premier league table just two points above a rejuvenating Manchester United.
Probably not news to us, Arsenal blew a 2-0 lead with goals from David Luiz and Sokratis Papasthapopolous in the early stages of the game. However the same old Arsenal was in full display yet again as inconsistencies, poor defending, boring play and poor attitude led to a 2-2 draw at the final whistle.
This was not the first time Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead, on September 15th 2019, Arsenal were leading a 2 nil score line against Watford but a poorly organized Arsenal blew it away to end the match at 2-2.
Yesterday’s match summed up the mess and the cracks at Unai Emery’s camp. Frustrations were all over the emirates stadium and it was clear when Granit Xhaka was substituted for Bukayo Saka. Fans booed Xhaka as he walked off the pitch and as a result of spilled emotions, the Arsenal Captain threw the Captain arm band on the pitch, told the fans to f** off and tore his kit as he stormed to the tunnel. This was interpreted as lack of respect by fans including Arsenal Legend Ian Wright who termed it as disrespectful and demanded an apology from him.
So what happens next after this consistent poor display from Arsenal? What do we expect from Arsenal in the coming days?
- Granit Xhaka to be Stripped off his Captaincy
After that dramatic exit from the pitch, Arsenal fans were breathing fire on their captain. From the trolls on the internet, fans are calling for xhaka to be stripped off his captaincy. This can be confirmed from Unai Emery’s post conference where he admitted his captain was on the wrong side and he will make a final decision by next week.
2. Emery Could be Sacked
As of late last night, it was reported that Unai Emery met with Club’s director Josh Kreonke in the back doors of Emirates Stadium to discuss the future expectations of the club.
In the last 16 months of Unai’s stay at Arsenal, confusion has settled in the club’s fan base. Ever since Arsenal bottled a chance to finish third last season and failed to beat Chelsea in the Europa Final, Unai became a subject of scrutiny. Inconsistencies in Arsenal performance over the last 10 premier league matches have also exposed the manager. It has also been unclear to which is the best first eleven despite having a handful of players to pick from. His tactics have been questioned, his attitude and his general performance but is it time for him to leave?
3. Expect More Boos From Home Fans
During yesterday’s draw, supporters across the emirates stadium voiced their support for Mesut Ozil by chanting his name proudly. This was after he was left out of the squad again for the 7th time this season. It is not clear yet as to why the German has not been receiving game time despite the manager saying he is fit. Fans have called out unai emery to be clear with Ozil’s situation as the team suffers from lack creativity in the midfield.
More boos than praises were heard when the captain was subbed. This is a clear indication that fans won’t hesitate to express their voice when they feel more is expected and all indications point that Unai Emery will be the next victim.