IT’S TORTURE, CHAMBERS
Kolasinac 47 Chambers og 22, Sema 23 COMPLACENT, shambolic and lucky to be in the last 16.
If the Gunners players wanted Arsenal Fan TV to stop tearing them to shreds they have a funny way of showing it.
This was Arsenal at their arrogant worst, given a bloody nose by the minnows of Ostersund after rocking up believing they had already done the job in Sweden.
No wonder they have flopped against Premier League strugglers this season. Graham Potter’s side became the latest to shine against the alleged superstars.
This was supposed to be a late chance for Arsene Wenger’s fringe players to stake a claim for Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City.
A night for the Gunners faithful to relax in the knowledge their home form was strong and they could yet become the second team in a week to prove City really are mortal.
Instead in the opening 45 minutes they witnessed an addition to the Arsenal Hall of Shame – outfought, outmanoeuvred and outplayed against the sort of team they should beat with a minimum of fuss. Their first-half display was nothing short of disgrace.
Then again, they make a habit of talking the talk and then bottling it against lesser teams.
Wenger keeps insisting Arsenal’s best chance of reaching next season’s Champions League remains a top-four finish, even though they have lost at Stoke, Watford, Bournemouth and Swansea.
Now Ostersund. Another team to leave Wenger tearing strips off his underachieving men who seem unable to step outside of their comfort zone long enough to stand up and be counted.
Hector Bellerin slammed critics who used internet site Arsenal Fan TV to attack the team. His cause was not helped by this performance.
Ostersund should have gone ahead long before they did. From the outset they showed the greater appetite and willingness to work. Arsenal’s B team turned up expecting to win.
Five minutes in, Jamie Hopcutt found himself through on goal. With a bit more belief he could have tested David Ospina. Instead his hesitation allowed the home defence to recover.
Soon after, Brwa Nouri led a counterattack with an exchange of passes releasing him in the box, unmarked, but allowed the ball to run under a boot. Arsenal would not get another reprieve. On 22 minutes a fine though ball picked out Hosam Aiesh, whose shot deflected off Calum Chambers and into the net.
Just 70 seconds later the Emirates was again shell-shocked when Ken Sema turned his marker in the box and powered in a far-post finish.
Arsenal pulled a goal back two minutes into the second half when Bellerin crossed, Ronald Mukiibi missed his kick and Sead Kolasinac made no mistake.
Danny Welbeck and Mohamed Elneny were denied by keeper Aly Keita as Arsenal pressed for a second. But home fans were made to sweat as Ostersund refused to roll over. .