We have bought three attacking players yet we haven't scored a goal in over 180 minutes. We haven't bought any defensive players yet we have kept a clean sheet for over 180 minutes. The irony of football. I actually enjoyed today's game although it was quite frustrating. We don't need to panic, there is no crisis. We simply need to be patient. Any other season a point away at Stoke is classified as a good result, especially considering they never lost a game at home against a top four side last term. The goals will come but the attacking players still need to gel properly. All of Diaby, Giroud, Podolski and Cazorla are new and that accounts for basically our whole attack. This is a transition period and please don't get drawn into the doomsday talk.
We missed a couple of opportunities but there were no clear cut chances. Podolski probably had the best chance when he capitalized on a slip in the box by Wilkinson. Unfortunately luck was not on our side and his shot was blocked by the recovering defender's arm. Should have been a penalty but it was extremely difficult to spot. Giroud had a half chance in the box with a spectacular overhead kick but it hit the ground and bounced over. I was very frustrated with our lack of shots in and around the box. We always looked for a pass instead of trying our luck. We need to take more risks, especially with our final product. Risks get you goals and we didn't take many. Giroud tried an incredible long range lob but it went just over the bar. If he had scored that relative sitter last week and that shot went two inches lower, he would be an immediate hero.
We coped with Stoke's physicality really really well. I was very impressed by our whole defensive line as well as the midfielders who closed down quickly and got stuck in to the tackles. Our defense has been a big positive and if we keep that up we will be hard to beat. A successful team is built on a solid back line and when the goals start flowing... well you can just imagine.
The next week will have a massive bearing on where the title lands up. We need at least 3 more players to compete in all the competitions. In my opinion, we need a versatile defender, a defensive midfielder and a creative winger. If I was to be extra greedy, I would call for a goal scorer. Podolski and Giroud will come good though. Lets hope we get the business done before Friday.
'Till Tomorrow
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