Sevilla gave Arsenal a far tougher test on Sunday compared to Benfica in the Gunners’ second Emirates Cup clash.
Arsene Wenger put out a slightly stronger Arsenal starting XI against La Liga’s Sevilla in their second clash of the Emirates Cup but they had a far harder time than the side the boss put out on Saturday against Benfica.
The Gunners dominated the opening exchanges, with Laurent Koscielny going close with a header in the fifth minute. Unfortunately, the centre-back didn’t quite have enough power behind it to see it into the back of the net and the shot was saved.
Mohamed Elneny continued to impress in central defence.
https://twitter.com/LeutrimRexhaj/status/891680657923035136
I'm afraid to report that Mohammed Elneny is now the best centre back in the League.
— Sultan (@WMFormation) July 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/Stillberto/status/891681396422586368
I can see what Wenger likes about Elneny as a CB: he's easily the best passer, runs constantly, and intercepts opponents passes so well.
— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) July 30, 2017
Mad if we sell Elneny. The kind of squad player that doesn't usually come cheap and he's probably happy to stay.
— Billy Dunmore (@Dunmoreorless) July 30, 2017
In the 15th minute, however, Sevilla hit the post after via Ben Yedder picked up a lovely pass through the middle of Arsenal’s centre-backs.
The Spanish team went on the have a strong spell, keeping possession and highlighting, as teams so love to do, the Gunners’ lack of energy at times.
Arsenal picked up a free-kick on the edge of the area after Nacho Monreal was fouled, which Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain skied.
Alex Oxlade-Inthebin
— S (@attwood10) July 30, 2017
putting him on free kick duty, changing his first name to "the", and people wanna say Weng isn't doing everything he can
— Joe (@jbaseball44) July 30, 2017
Minutes later, Mesut Ozil, who had a quiet came, took another free-kick slightly further out and looped in into the path of Sevilla’s goalkeeper.
Arsenal attacked again after the ball had been cleared. The ball was crossed into the box and all Hector Bellerin had to do was poke it into the net but instead he skied it as well.
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 30, 2017
Hector & Chamberlain having a rugby competition
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 30, 2017
Bellerin leaned back, what a rookie mistake
— Leutrim Rexhaj (@LeutrimRexhaj) July 30, 2017
Unlucky Hector. Great link up play by Welbz and Chamberlain
— Ross Anderson (@rossaaaanderson) July 30, 2017
Danny Welbeck was the next player to get close as Arsenal turned the screw.
Should of took it with your left Welbz!!!
— The Peoples Champion (@TroopzAFC) July 30, 2017
Unlucky Welbz
— FARDAH BIGGZ AFC (@MoneyTeamK) July 30, 2017
Alexandre Lacazette appeared to be combining well with Welbz, with the former Manchester United striker continuing to get into threatening positions. However, the former Lyon forward seems to have started to worry Arsenal fans with his lack of willingness to have a shot.
Has he been told not to shoot or what?
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 30, 2017
The Wenger effect lol. Xhaka and Elneny both said it last season. Wenger doesn't like them to shoot from deep.
— NebraskanGooner (@nebraskangooner) July 30, 2017
Lacazette's tempo isnt up to pace yet #COYG
— winDleagueAgaiN (@SEANcescLEO) July 30, 2017
Nolito broke at the end of the first half with a massive hole appearing in Arsenal’s defence. Kos intercepted his cross.
Sevilla went ahead just minutes into the second half after yet more terrible defending from Arsenal.
https://twitter.com/Med_Goha/status/891696918220484610
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/891696323933724672
Another load of pants defending.
— Connor (@TikiTakaConnor) July 30, 2017
1-0 to Sevilla, epic defending by Arsenal there
— Arsenal Obsessed (@ArsenalObsessed) July 30, 2017
1-0 Sevilla, some typically static defending by Arsenal. #AFC
— Carl Bövis ⚽ (@CarlBovis_AFC) July 30, 2017
Arsenal defending is just shocking
— Mr T (@Tazza_Mia) July 30, 2017
Arsenal’s second half continued to look uninspiring with no one really going close until Lacazette in the 58th minute, who had his shot saved.
Lacazette sidefoots ball to Sevilla's keeper Soria after touch from Ramsey. Good interchange but perhaps shot could have been more forceful
— Layth (@laythy29) July 30, 2017
Arsenal sub:
Xhaka on, Willock off.#afc— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 30, 2017
The former Lyon man had obviously either been spoken to at the break or decided to kick it up a notch since he was the man to equalise. Welbz delivered the assist with his mis-kick.
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 30, 2017
WORTH EVERY PENNY
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 30, 2017
LACAZETTEEEE
— Arsenal Related ™ (@ArsenalsRelated) July 30, 2017
Welbeck whiffs, Lacazette finishes. Telling.
— Daniel Campbell (@DCamp0308) July 30, 2017
Lacazette with that poachers finish
— Nathaniel Ellis (@7Natty) July 30, 2017
What percentage of Welbeck's assists are fluffed shots?
Still love Welbeck.
— s4dfish (@s4dfish) July 30, 2017
The lead didn’t last for long though, as N’zonzi scored a worldie just minutes later, putting Sevilla 2-1 up.
N'Zonzizou pic.twitter.com/pmw9nxMqru
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/891703574912278529
Not long after scoring, Lacazette got kicked and had to be taken off. Hopefully it’s nothing serious. Alex Iwobi came on in his place.
Lacazette is injured. Welcome to Arsenal.
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) July 30, 2017
Lacazette injured. Hope it's not too Sevilla.
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 30, 2017
Lacazette injured wow it's already started welcome to Arsenal lad
— R (@tellemrye) July 30, 2017
Ramsey took a thumping shot in the final few minutes but shot just wide.
Despite a disappointing result, Arsenal win the Emirates Cup because of goals scored. Our cup, our rules.