Greetings bruv, who are the big men on the bench for your plan B? None.
The team just behaved very childish when 2 ahead. Like you said, the senior players have to come to the fore now, Partey was shocking,Xhaka was just there, at least better than Partey.
But this is where you also need the most senior player–the coach– to step up.
It was baffling that he left Saka on the field, if Partey deserved the sub, Saka definitely did. This boy Saka has been used way too often by Arteta, infact last season, it's a small miracle how Saka didn't cop a career threatening injuring due to overuse. This game was crying out for a Saka to exit the pitch, early. Trossard can play there, Nelson too. There is no time for favoritism or something, even against Liverpool Saka wasn't at his best. The boy is tired, it's not his fault, he needs a recharge.
When Saka is not up to it, it affects a phase of Odegaard's game because, he hurts the opposition by dovetailing beautifully with Saka. Gabriel Jesus could have been left on the field for much longer.
I always say that, Arteta is a fast learner because that's what I see all the time. We hope he does the trick again, that bench is rich enough to ammend errors on the pitch.
Cheers man.
RE: Have Arsenal blown their chances?