BBC pundit Garth Crooks was not impressed by Arsenal’s first game under interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg. The Gunners came from behind twice to draw 2-2 against Norwich yesterday.
The defensive failings that have been everpresent this season were once again on show at Carrow Road, and Crooks was not shy in his criticism of the away side’s display:
“Arsenal’s performance under interim manager Freddie Ljungberg was far from convincing. As for their defending? Well, that was a joke.”
Crooks was, though, more complimentary of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s performance after the Gunners captain scored a brace:
“Fortunately, they have Aubameyang, who couldn’t save Unai Emery’s job but did save Arsenal’s blushes against Norwich at Carrow Road. The Gabon forward kept his cool under enormous pressure to finish with a retaken penalty, and then pulled the Gunners from the brink of defeat with a sensational finish.”
The striker is certainly doing all he can to help his side but the poor defence is really making life difficult. With Ljungberg only in the hot seat for a few days, it will be hoped that he can resolve some of the issues on the training pitch.
If things don’t improve, however, the calls will become louder to find a permanent manager as soon as possible so he has enough time to rescue Arsenal’s season.
