Playing for 90
Fansided

Arsenal 1-1 Fulham: Gunners grab dramatic point in injury time

By Megan Garbutt

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal (R) scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on April 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian Walton - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal (R) scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on April 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian Walton - Pool/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

3. Individuals disappointed for Arsenal

Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny
Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny turns on the ball against Fulham /

Sunday’s performance lacked a sense of togetherness and, rather than blaming the whole team for a dim performance, it’s easier to pick out individuals who put in poor performances and let down some of the other players on the pitch.

Starting off with Arteta’s team selection ahead of the game, what stood out to me was his choice of midfield in Dani Ceballos and Mohammed Elneny.

Granit Xhaka has done a superb job at left-back replacing the injured Kieran Tierney, but for this game, I would have either played him in midfield and Cedric at left-back or I would’ve chosen to start Thomas Partey with either Elneny and Ceballos.

Without one of Xhaka or Partey in the midfield in a starting XI, you’re going to experience problems, with Ceballos being error-prone and Elneny not taking risks in going forward.

Ceballos has a good game and got forward into the final third to create chances, but on the other hand, Elneny was left in the middle with no passion and drive to get the ball forward and he was often seen passing it sideways or back to his defenders.

Elneny hasn’t had the best career in north London and has never been a fan favourite, with fans wanting him gone in the summer to sign a more experienced and creative midfielder which is what Arsenal need.

Defensively, Gabriel made the mistake of gifting Fulham their penalty to give them the lead during the game, but apart from that he had a solid game, winning seven duels and making eleven recoveries.

The choice of right-back was also another selection that Arsenal fans questioned on social media, with Hector Bellerin replacing Calum Chambers, who has put in some very decent performances.

His stats throughout the game were very poor and although he was able to get forward into the final third, the only cross made that resulted in a chance was when Ceballos’ header was ruled out by VAR and he almost got an assist.

The right-back situation is certainly one for Arteta to look into in the summer transfer window as a more experienced but also confident and threatening option is needed.

Home/Arsenal FC