Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to West Ham United was undoubtedly a surprise in this headline. As a footballer, I know how precious and indispensable every moment is on the field. Arsenal's performances, particularly with a whopping 74 per cent possession and eight of their 30 shots on target, certainly showed their quality and possession. However, the game was a stark example of how possession does not always equal victory.
First of all, I would like to say that the charm of the game of football lies in its impossibility and transience. Arsenal showed their skill and strategy in this game, but West Ham won with a handful of shots, which is the charm of football. Despite the Gunners' dominance on the field, they failed to translate that advantage into actual scoring. It's like a warning that possession of the ball and chances on goal alone doesn't guarantee victory.
For Arsenal, the game was undoubtedly a painful lesson. Their line of attack, while creating a number of opportunities, has failed to take advantage of them. Especially under the rejection of the opponent's goal frame, the team seemed a little powerless. In this case, the team's strikers need to be more calm and precise to ensure that every shot on goal is as dangerous as possible against the opposition's goal.
Also, I think the mentality of the team is also an important factor. After falling behind in the game, the team seemed to become impatient, which affected their judgment and execution to some extent. On the football field, it's crucial to stay calm and focused, especially in the face of adversity. Arsenal seem to have room for improvement in this regard.
When it comes to the comparison between Odegaard and De Bruyne, it's really a frustration. As the heart of the midfield, they can create great attacking chances, but if their team-mates can't convert those chances into goals, those efforts will look futile. This is perhaps the question that Arsenal need to ponder: how to make better use of the creativity of the midfield, and how to improve the efficiency of the strikers.
In the end, this game is both a challenge and an opportunity for Arsenal。It showcases the team's potential in attacking football, while also exposing areas where they need to improve. As a fan, I hope Arsenal can learn from this defeat and not only do a good job of possession and chances, but also improve in terms of converting chances. After all, the outcome of a football match ultimately depends on the goal.