Hey Steemains

I'm a pretty passionate supporter of Arsenal football club, I've supported them since 99 when I received my first Arsenal shirt from a family member and never questioned my allegiance to any other club since. In the early years as a fan, it was pretty smooth sailing but as the years progressed trophies dried up and it became harder and harder to be a Gooner. 

After 22 years we finally parted ways with our beloved Wenger who we thought was the real problem behind Arsenals deterioration and gave [Unai Emery](https://steemit.com/sport/@chekohler/unai-emery-announced-as-arsenal-manager) a chance to take the reigns and restore Arsenal to the top of the premier league. 

The manager addressed key areas within the budget he was given. He did some recruiting in the summer spending 70+ million pounds on: 

Number | Player  | Position | Team | Fee
-|-|-|-|-
11 | Lucas Torreira | Defensive Midfielder | Sampdoria | £27.00m 
19 | Bernd Leno | Goalkeeper | Bay. Leverkusen | £22.50m 
5 | Sokratis | Defender | Borussia Dortmund | £14.40m 
29 | Mattéo Guendouzi | Defensive Midfielder | FC Lorient  | £7.20m 
12 | Stephan Lichtsteiner | Fullback  | Juventus | Free 


Having a new manager and 5 new players had plenty of Arsenal fans fired up for the new season even though we would be facing last years Champions as our first test. After watching the Arsenal vs City tonight many fans have already started moaning but I've seen quite a few of things from this first game.

![_102944662_sterling.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmeeZyW4giD5t63rbiQFVmcauy1CnXVNfPWXpE6yQJSzCq)

Photo: [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45073327)

## Struggling for an identity

Unai insists on high-intensity pressing and passing out from the back and building from the back, these are attributes previous Arsenal teams did not have and you could see the players from the previous regime struggle to adapt to the new style. Cech in particular simply couldn't get the hang of it and even though he made a few stunning saves he brought stability and doubt to the backline.

## Deadwood

Arsenal fans are moaning about the loss but we have to remember this is Unai's first EPL game against a team that won the league with 100 points. He's working with a limited budget and plenty of the players his working with had it easy under Wenger. Ozil, Xhaka, Ramsey, Mhki, Mustafi and Bellerin have all benefited from preferential treatment and have really been deadwood. They either need to improve their performances or be dropped entirely, which I think Emery will not be afraid to do.

## Teamwork

Even though they had a bit of a pre-season to gel in this new 4-2-3-1 system I think the new lads faired better than the old guard and really showed some Torreira and Guendouzi, in particular, looked like they have something about them to be future contenders for the Arsenal midfield. I think these guys aren't all on the same wavelength yet and it's up to emery to get them singing off the same hymn sheet

## Lack of pace

There is a serious lack of pace in the Arsenal squad at the moment with only Auba, Bellerin, Iwobi and Nelson the only ones with any sort of real ability to open up and go past players, to stretch the game and create space and options for our more technically gifted players. Having 3 lazy number 10's supporting 1 striker simply doesn't work when you're trying to play in a high press game.

## Some passion

I was glad to see some passion from both the players and the managers, not getting their head down too badly, even though they're still a bit lacklustre especially upfront. Emery, Sokratis and Lichtsteiner looked vocal and it was nice to see a bit of leadership on the pitch and I hope its something I hope the team carries with them and continues to make part of their game.

## Have your say

Are there any Gooners on Steemit? What did you think of Arsenals first game? I'd love to hear your thoughts, drop me a comment!

## Let's connect

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## Follow me

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## Previous Arsenal Posts

* [Arsenal Transfer Targets 2018/19 Season](https://steemit.com/sport/@chekohler/arsenal-transfer-targets-2018-19-season)
* [Why I Think Arteta Is A Fine Choice As Arsenal Manager](https://steemit.com/sport/@chekohler/why-i-think-arteta-is-a-fine-choice-as-arsenal-manager)
* [Unai Emery Announced As Arsenal Manager](https://steemit.com/sport/@chekohler/unai-emery-announced-as-arsenal-manager)
* [Santi Carzola Arsenals Missing Link](https://steemit.com/football/@chekohler/santi-carzola-arsenals-missing-link)
* [Arsen Wenger Resigns - End of an Era For the Arsenal - 20 April 2018](https://steemit.com/arsenal/@chekohler/arsen-wenger-resigns-end-of-an-era-for-the-arsenal-20-april-2018)