It wasn’t meant to be like that but it did happen exactly that way as the Gooners were left frustrated on an afternoon which is bound to confuse them about whether to feel contend about or rue the point they got against Middlesbrough at home on Saturday. The visitors were extremely impressive and created at least three clear chances to score a goal but were denied by Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal. Arsenal dominated the possession with a staggering 75% but couldn’t work the opposition goalie enough to take the three points. Let’s discuss some talking points which surfaced from the game
Arsenal Needs Olivier Giroud Upfront As Sanchez Can’t Do It Against A Deep Defence
In what can be only termed as weird, Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is technically one of the most important player of the squad whose absence is felt almost everytime when the Gunners seem to pass backwards from the edge of the penalty area due to the lack of a presence in the opposition box. It was the same case again as when the Boro defence held their line by virtue of tremendously well executed defensive structure, the Gunners lacked a player who could play with his back towards the goal and bring in the players forward by working the central defender. Without Giroud it looks more and more impossible to execute and Alexis Sanchez once again proved today that he can’t be the solution upfront in those situations despite his abilities.
Santi Cazorla Is The Real MVP In The Midfield
It was not a huge surprise to see Arsenal unable to be decisive in the deep midfield once again with the absence of Santi Cazorla against Boro. It was yet another day when we saw Mesut Ozil disappoint with a timid and uninspiring display as he could not create a single chance just like the same as the star frontman Alexis Sanchez. Even though Mohamed Elneny did pass the ball excellently in the midfield with some really good penetrative forward passes, they were not well utilized and the absence of Cazorla was felt massively who could provide the little moments of real quality to open up spaces in tight situations drawing defenders close to himself.
Boro Can Trouble Opposition With Traore On The Flanks
Boro new signing Adama Traore proved his worth today with his raw pace power and skill on the flanks. Middlesbrough had to keep their top scorer Stuani on the bench to accommodate the winger and after today’s performance he will be getting a lot more game time from his manager. However, Boro can look to accommodate both by changing their shape in the midfield and with the presence of Ramirez, Stuani, Downing and Traore it will be a midfield capable enough to cause the top teams problems. They do have the quality and Karanka just needs to make sure they can get their executions right.
