31-12-2017, 20:53
I was honestly delighted with a point as I watched the game expecting the inevitable Arsenal which duly, and fortunately for them, arrived. As I was watching it in the USA with no sound, it took me a minute to realise that marvellous man, Mr M Dean, had awarded us a penalty. Yes, it was highly debatable but had it been at the other end of the pitch and NOT given, you can guarantee that Wenger would have been screaming "we woz robbed", or whatever that is en francais. The referee had a perfect view of it so end of.
So the point is great but I don't think it should mask a pretty dire performance that, Phillips excepted, lacked any guile, creativity or pace. We also seem to lack some of the basics of control and passing so that, when we had the ball, we just gave it back to the Arse. We were powder puff up front and honest endeavour can never make up for inability in this league. If it did, we'd probably be comfortable. I think we all share the same view on Livermore; I don't have a clue what his contribution is. He's just awful. Likewise McLean, honest effort but chuff all else...and turning your back on a free kick is unacceptable, made more galling by the fact that it was going wide.
If Arsenal had been even remotely on their game, I believe we would have lost. We got a fortunate break and I'm grateful for that. But if ever a game illustrated our shortcomings and failings, this is was it. Let's hope January brings some much needed reinforcements
So the point is great but I don't think it should mask a pretty dire performance that, Phillips excepted, lacked any guile, creativity or pace. We also seem to lack some of the basics of control and passing so that, when we had the ball, we just gave it back to the Arse. We were powder puff up front and honest endeavour can never make up for inability in this league. If it did, we'd probably be comfortable. I think we all share the same view on Livermore; I don't have a clue what his contribution is. He's just awful. Likewise McLean, honest effort but chuff all else...and turning your back on a free kick is unacceptable, made more galling by the fact that it was going wide.
If Arsenal had been even remotely on their game, I believe we would have lost. We got a fortunate break and I'm grateful for that. But if ever a game illustrated our shortcomings and failings, this is was it. Let's hope January brings some much needed reinforcements