I said the same, on Partey, to an Arsenal supporting mate. He looked every bit the player who was in Africa yesterday morning and rusty/jet lagged to ****. Fair play to him for the commitment to playing etc. I don't/won't knock that. The second tackle was a poor one though, and probably one he didn't need to make. But jet-lag etc cuts him some slack.
You summed the game up well. Arsenal started like a house on fire and, yes, they probably needed to capitalise on that. Once Pool scored there was a slight inevitability about the out come. The second killed it. And **** me that was a tight call.
I did see "Arteta out" trending on Twitter. Seems harsh. WTF do those people expect? Arsenal are still in transition, there are a few bodies they need shot of (Aubamayang and Xhaka, on that note WHO THE **** gave him, Aubamayang, that huge contract and how soon after were they fired?) and a squad that needs strengthened in a few areas. But there are signs of progress. I don't want to sound patronising, but Liverpool are a step above where Arsenal are ATM and there was/is no shame in losing to them over 2 legs. IThere are four sides who have squads that are better than the rest, The 2 Manchester clubs, Pool and Chelsea, they also have stable clubs, and 3 of them have decent managers. The fact Arsenal (and Spurs) are in a genuine race for 4th, and possibly 3rd with 2 of those sides and WH, says to me that they (Arsenal, and Spurs/WH) are doing ok. Sure cup exits are disappointing, but who would really do a massively better job with that Arsenal squad?
On that note, I had a look at Arsenal and Spurs games in hand. Fook me they ain't easy games. Arsenal have Chelsea (A), Spurs (A), Wolves (H) and now Pool (H) cos of League cup final. Spurs have Brighton (A), Burnley (A), and Arsenal (H). Is there another Spurs game TBC?
Arsenal first, that's games against 4 of the top 8, and 2 of the top 3. Plus a Norf Laaandan derby. No easy points there.
Spurs' games look easier on paper but a lot depends when they are scheduled. If Burnley is later rather than sooner, they could be playing a team fighting for their lives. Or they could be playing a team who are already down. Brighton could be fighting for a European spot, or be on the beach. Then there's the derby game.
I can see 4th, 5th, 6th and possibly 3rd and 7th, being very close this year. I do fancy Chelsea to sort themselves out, but I hope they don't. I do worry about WH slipping away with the European footy taking its toll, albeit I would like to see them (or indeed anyone) make the CL at Utd's (or Chelsea's) expense.