During last night’s tie with Olympiakos in the Europa League, plenty of Arsenal fans all had the same criticism of a certain Joe Willock. Indeed, the 20-year-old was torn into by those below for his lack of passing during the Gunners’ attacks.
As per WhoScored, Willock actually made 26 passes (the sixth-highest in the team) at a completion rate of 80.8% (the eighth-highest) though supporters online were fuming with some of his decision making at times out in Greece. In the 74th minute, he was taken off for Nicolas Pepe before Alexandre Lacazette grabbed a late winner to extend Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten run in 2020.
Overall this season, Willock averages 13.1 passes per game so his output last night was well-above his average but the fact he had 7 unsuccessful touches appears to have invoked the ire of the Gunners faithful on social media. In fact, one fan even suggested Craig Eastmond – who now plays for Sutton United – was better.
With that in mind, here’s a closer look at what some of them saying.
Willock needs to learn that sometimes simplicity is the best way to go in terms of his play, sometimes ignores the clear option
— C (@ctt_carys) February 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/sadi_hezekiah/status/1230593315906740232
Willock deciding before the game if he should pass the ball pic.twitter.com/YFVCd7xJZM
— Kofi 🏴🇬🇭 (@Kofii99) February 20, 2020
Willock just refuses to pass the ball doesn’t he
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) February 20, 2020
Willock needs to just simplify his base game
Give and go
Focus on body shape as the ball arrives – then look after it and GO
Play the game your way which is a running forceful disruptive game.
Don’t stand still and lose it easily is what I would say to him
— Clive (@clivepafc) February 20, 2020
Willock is the worst Arsenal CM in 25 years after Craig Eastmond..
It's possible that Craig Eastmond was better because at least he was more of a defensive player.
— Gene Grey (@EuginhoCortez) February 20, 2020
What did you make of Willock’s performance? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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