without Ozil and Sanchez, who seem to dictate how we play, there's little sense of any game plan. A lot of possession but sterile and pointless. Then give the ball away, cue inept defending.
Looks like a team that's not coached in any game plan and consequently doesn't play as a team, just as individuals.
We have a very big squad but not many of them are right up there in terms of quality. Many had a chance to show what they could do last night.

Seems to be a lot of talk about Ozil wanting to return to Madrid. He's supposed to have been quoted as saying he regrets joining Arsenal.

Santi facing up to three months out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/...linkname=sport

I know and would hope that medics tend to wait a bit to see if an injury recovers before reaching for the scalpel, but I still find it bizarre that Santi has been out for 6 weeks, not getting any better and only now does he go to Sweden for the op. I know he's been to Barcelona to consult a specialist there, but surely the club can get several opinions within a month or so?! I wish him a speedy recovery though as we certainly need him. Hopefully the Swedish surgeon is top rate.
Santi is only 31, so no reason why he can't be just as good as before. Makes me laugh when people say how 'old' that is for a footballer.
He's been very unlucky with injury the last 2 years though, but not yet in the Rosicky class and he got a new contract.

Dodgy source acc to ESPN - more a story by some journalist close to RM president Perez (hmm) justifying why they sold Ozil and di Maria. It would make Perez look a bit daft to re-sign a player he sold. Don't imagine Zidane has much say. I'm more worried that Bayern might want him, or Dortmund.

Just reading about Sanogos injury. Apparently he has a long term ",confidential" calf injury. AW says be cannot reveal what it is.

Maybe they have to teach him how to kick the ball in a straight line. that could take a while

Wilshere needs to be recalled from his season long loan at Bournemouth.

Or we could actually buy someone in January...

FA rules have stopped recalling outfield players from season long loans.

Looks like it will be Xhaka and Ramsey fighting it out for the spot - very much doubt we'll buy in January.

I disagree about recalling Wilshere. He's signed up for a season down at Bournemouth and that's that. Plus he would probably struggle for us anyway with the niggly injuries. Play 2, miss 3 and so on. Leave him to get a full season or near as damn it down there without the pressures of playing for Arsenal. The injury to Santi is unfortunate but we will just have to make the best of it.

He's managed to stay injury free so far for Bournemouth playing once a week. I'd imagine Wenger wouldn't overplay him anyway knowing his injury record. I can't think of a better player we can sign in January anyway - there's no doubting his quality and what he can bring to the team which shouldn't be underestimated,. Anyway he can't be recalled so a moot point.

Santi is a big loss as last season proved. Let's hope the signing of Xhaka can be the difference this season. I get the feeling Ramsey is ahead of him in the pecking order of central midfielders though.

I honestly believe Wilshire is better off playing for a smaller club. There is too much competition for him to play regularly at Arsenal coupled with his propensity to pick up niggly injuries.

A midfielder? Why would we? We have loads already. More than most clubs.

Not disagreeing with you. It's recall Wilshere or nothing. No point buying in January as we won't get a player better than Santi anyway.

1-0 up at last at West Ham. Should be 2 or 3 to be fair. West Ham look so poor at the back.

Best player in the league - Alexis makes it 2-0.

Alexis again! 3-0.

He makes it 0-3! He's so good to watch.

Cech just gave up instead of reacting to the rebound.

Ox caps off a good performance. 4-1 and we go second.

Ox! 1-4
Ozil has another assist.

Hattrick for Alexis! Love that goal, just toyed with the keeper.

Even better that it was offside 😂

Indeed great, love Alexis but hope he isnt just putting himself "in the shop window" so to speak

Yeeees!!!!
Is that his 2nd hattrick in England?

Yea, I know what you mean. Well, he wouldn't be the first to do that to us, if indeed that's what he's doing.

Anyway, great win!

Yes he is not exactly setting the world alight at Bournemouth