Arsenal attacker apologises on social media for his poor performance against PSG
Sep 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM
The Gunners must have feared the worst when they conceded in the very first minute courtesy of an Edinson Cavani header, and had to withstand a barrage later on the half as PSG went in search of a second.
However, Arsenal had an especially wasteful Cavani and on-form David Ospina – surprisingly chosen ahead of regular number one Petr Cech for the match – to thank for keeping them in the tie, and equalised in the 78th minute through Alexis Sánchez.
Indeed, Arsenal could have stolen the win late on as Alex Iwobi had an effort saved by PSG keeper Alphonse Areola, and the 19-year-old has taken to social media personally to apologise for not being more prolific.
First taking to Snapchat, the 19-year-old lamented two missed chances that could have given his side the win…
On his Twitter account, Iwobi stated that he was glad to get the point in what was a tough game for the away team, but again expressed his disappointment at not being able to get the winner…
Tough Game , Glad To Get The Point , However Very Disappointed Not To Grab The Winner ?⚽️❤️ #BIG17 #AFC #OntoTheNext pic.twitter.com/cMOF3gtuqG
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) September 13, 2016
Iwobi was starting his first game since the opening day Premier League defeat to Liverpool – his less than stellar display can therefore surely be put down to rustiness.
That said, he was far from the worst player on the pitch tonight.
In theory a draw against PSG might be regarded as a positive result but for Arsenal, Tuesday’s 1-1 draw to kick off their Champions League campaign represents the third season in a row in which they have dropped points in their opening group game.
This was theoretically their toughest game of the group but it was against a PSG team who had started the domestic season in uneven form, collecting one point from their last two league games in which they would expect to win with relative ease.
But frankly, Arsenal got lucky. PSG controlled much of the game, were profligate throughout and should have capitalised on their very early goal. Indeed, they probably should have been three or four ahead by the time Arsenal found their equaliser.
Not even a point away from home or a good performance by David Ospina necessarily defends Arsene Wenger’s team selection. Some of his choices were not entirely illogical, in as much as each individual decision can be defended.
Theo Walcott had a knee injury so his promising start to the season was halted, while Giroud presumably still isn’t quite fit enough to start a game this importanct.
And yet, while some of his choices were imposed on him the decision to start David Ospina ahead of Petr Cech looked even more curious. When your team is already disrupted by matters beyond your control, why choose to disrupt it further?