This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
It’s too early for Arsenal fans to start thinking too seriously about their chances of finishing inside the top four.
While picking his team of the week, Garth Crooks made some interesting comments about Arsenal and their league position so far.
What’s the word?
BBC pundit Crooks has a weekly column that goes out after the weekend’s Premier League games.
He recognised that David Luiz had a dramatic effect on proceedings on Sunday as Arsenal recorded a 1-0 win over Bournemouth, with the former Chelsea and PSG defender getting the only goal of the game.
The Gunners’ now find themselves in third place and just one point behind last season’s title winners Manchester City in the Premier League table after the Citizens’ 2-0 defeat against Wolves. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also dropped points.
In the discussion of Luiz, Crooks elaborated on his point by talking generally about Arsenal and where they find themselves in the standings.
“I cannot believe this Arsenal team are third in the table”, said Crooks.
“I know we are only eight games into the Premier League season but their defence has been so bad, how is this possible?”
Turning a corner
David Luiz is expected to play a big part this season for the Gunners’. Loanee William Saliba, who is currently playing for Saint-Etienne, will be expected to feature heavily for Unai Emery’s side during the 2020/21 campaign.
With the addition of the Brazilian to the side and with the improvement of academy graduate Rob Holding, Arsenal are improving defensively. The Gunners’ have conceded just six goals in their last six games in all competitions and have found the net on 17 occasions.
Luiz has also had a significant impact on the Arsenal side and having the home advantage benefits the Brazil international immensely. Out of his last 12 Premier League goals, 10 of those have been on home soil.
Crooks’ comments are harsh due to the steady improvements that Emery’s side are making.
The Spaniard is building from back to front and identified defensive issues when he came to the club. As a result, Arsenal have appeared to turn a corner.
Crooks has made a mistake here.