Another Arsenal match; another borefest.
It seems that Arsenal are now completely incapable of breaking down even Europa League teams.
Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night could have the one away in Serbia. Or the Gunners’ Carabao Cup clash against Norwich last week. Or any number of other games we’ve played this season.
Basically, it was boring as hell, we created little and didn’t play very good football.
Gooners’ first heart-vomit of the game came when reserve goalkeeper Matt Macey, who was given the nod ahead of first choice Petr Cech, almost conceded within five minutes.
Although Arsenal were getting forward with Theo Walcott taking control of the game, as you’d expect, Red Star were getting in behind our three-man defence far too easily.
The second heart-vomit came in the 10th minute when Olivier Giroud went down clutching his hamstring. However, he almost scored as soon as he got up, so that was short-lived.
It's not a pull, he just took a knock and he's a baby
— Lee Hurley (@HLeeHurley) November 2, 2017
Fortunately, the 10 Arsenal fans at the Emirates were in fine voice. Sort of.
Just like when the Gunners traveled to Serbia, they found it hard to break Red Star down. Although that just seems to be the norm for Arsenal now.
This arsenal game. One of the worst games I've seen.
— Poets Corner (@PoetsCornerUK) November 2, 2017
When Arsenal did get the ball into Red Star’s box, they were wasteful or just sloppy, with Olivier Giroud getting increasingly isolated and Francis Coquelin – as usual – being frustrating.
I don't think Coquelin could be worse if he tried. In fact, I'm sure he's terrible on purpose. It's the only explanation.
— Lewis (@LGAmbrose) November 2, 2017
Fuck's sake Coq. Has to do better.
— Terje (@ArsenalTerje) November 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/TheGoonerette/status/926186438764498944
Ah dear, Francis Coquelin, take a bow
— Gingers for Limpar (@Gingers4Limpar) November 2, 2017
Coquelin. Are you serious.
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) November 2, 2017
After 35 minutes, Arsenal had 63.9% of the possession and had taken four corners but only had one shot on target.
Despite a shaky start, Matt Macey made a couple of really good saves to deny the visitors, who were definitely beginning to knock on the door, including tipping a shot from Savic onto the bar.
Brilliant save by Matt Macey pic.twitter.com/XVr8IkI5iO
— Terje (@ArsenalTerje) November 2, 2017
Macey making some more good saves, glad he’s got a chance
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) November 2, 2017
In the 45th minute, Coq fell over, Arsenal’s defence got caught too far up the pitch and Red Star broke. Luckily, Chelsea target Richmond Boakye sent the ball sailing over the bar.
At half-time, the score was still 0-0, Arsenal had 64.1% possession, had completed 85% of their passes, although it felt like a lot less, and had two shots on target.
ZzzzzzzZzzZZZZZzzzzz
— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) November 2, 2017
Jack with only 20 passes in first half, only Giroud has less in Arsenal team.
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) November 2, 2017
This Arsenal team better get their act 2gether 4 the 2nd half!
— Geoff Peasah #AFC♥ (@awuahpeasah) November 2, 2017
We're forced to come and watch #Arsenal in the #EuropaLeague; please don't make us even more miserable with shite football! #AFC 0-0 #RSB HT
— Keyvan Hedvat (@Hedverse) November 2, 2017
I just want to let you guys know that watching this Arsenal match is genuinely killing me a little inside. Carry on
— Arogundade Ade (@ade_aro) November 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/ChrisWheatley_/status/926194455232827392
The second half started a lot stronger and gave the fans something to get behind. Giroud got a shot in early and continued to get into threatening positions as long as Arsenal were delivering the ball into the box.
There was a fleeting second when it looked as if Savic had handled the ball in Arsenal’s area but it was more ball-to-hand than anything and the penalty wasn’t given.
Pub league standard game
— Welshy (@Welsh_Gooner) November 2, 2017
The best chance of the game fell to Jack Wilshere, who had his shot cleared brilliantly at close range.
Amazing clearance there. Wilshere so close to putting us 1-0 up.
— Renato (@th14Renato) November 2, 2017
A change, however, was needed and after his brace in the League Cup last week, the Emirates crowd were keen for the boss to bring on Eddie Nketiah. Joe Willock was taken off.
Home fans singing "Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!" They want Nketiah on.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) November 2, 2017
After a decent opening 10 minutes of the second half, Arsenal fell asleep again and allowed Red Star to come back into the game again. Wilshere was showing fight and, as is typical, trying to force the game by himself.
However, very little appeared to be happening. Although Eddie went close, he was offside.
0-0 and that’s all that Arsenal deserve from the tie.
The Gunners are through to the final round of 32 with two games left to play.