Match Report, and Player Ratings v Norwich

By The ReMarkable
September 12 2021

It was a poor game. I was shocked to read we had 30 shots, it honestly felt 2/3 and none that we actually created and were genuine clear cut either. The majority of fans love Arteta judging by those I spoke to close by and also the cheers and claps for him. We looked solid defensively any time they tried to attack and really bossed the midfield through Lokonga. Up front is a massive problem for us with Saka strutting around, Pepe not producing and Auba not doing much these days. We will struggle this season in general. This was Norwich at home let’s not forget. David Dein was sitting in front of me in the min Arsenal employee section. He’s a total gent, he was going around loads of different seats to chat to fans pre game, at half time and then full time. He seemed very genuine. At the end he kinda up grunted and through his eyes as if to say ‘well at least we won’. Per Mertsesacker stayed around to pose for some pictures, I reckon he wants the top job, everything he does is working right now and he got a lot of kudos pre match for the academy products. Edu bolted as did Vinai. Both looked very nervous early on and throughout the game. Really enjoyed my trip though.

Ramsdale 7 nothing to do but he is commanding, always talking, looks a presence with big personality. I really like him for that as we need more of that if we want to push on.

Tomi 8 one of our best players today. He’s big, strong, fast and really handy in attack. To help you visualize he’s basically a stronger faster version of Chambers.
White 7 his passing was immense all game and he was almost David Luiz in the sense he was the only one helping to create. He’s so gifted on the ball. Did his defensive work really well too.
Gabriel 7 looked really solid and sniffed out any opportunities that Norwich were trying to get.
Tierney 6 he runs a lot so the fans love him. His crossing is very poor though. One good cross all game.
Lokonga 9 motm. He was amazing. Stronger, agile, always passing forward, can dribble by players.
AMN 6 this was his big chance and he showed nothing.
Odegaard 7 not sure what to make of him. He started brightly then faded. He just makes nice little side ways passes to keep our play moving but not much else. No incision.
Pepe 5 I never criticize Pepe on here as I always think there is a player in there but he was terrible today. His touch was awful. Laca had a right go at him at the start of the warm up as he made some lazy passes and he started laughing which made Laca more angry. Needless to say Laca grew in my estimation after this one and Pepe lower. He should know at this level if you warm up badly you won’t play well 9 times out of 10.
Auba 7 scored but wasn’t great overall to be honest.
Saka 6 didn’t look good. Arteta went absolutely beserk at him near the end when he didn’t bother to run back to get back in position as Norwich started attacking. That has summed him up for me this season. Too much strutting around as if he’s made it already.
Partey 7 he’s so classy. Delighted he’s back.
Cedric 7 he was fine. Brought some energy and determination.

Sorry ESR - he was brilliant. He does things nobody else can do in the squad. He needs to improve his finishing though. He does that and there is a top top player in him.

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