Arsenal fan reveals why he was left 'absolutely shocked' after attending Saturday's game vs NUFC

After speaking to him prior to the game for our weekly 'Opposition Opinion' piece, we spoke to Arsenal fan James Pearce about Saturday's game - with him explaining to us why he was left 'absolutely shocked' by our approach and overall performance.

Without further adieu, here's what he told us after the game:

"It was my first trip to St James' and it turned out to be a good one for us Gunners, but I was so unimpressed with what I saw from you guys in the end.

"You started pretty well and we're the better team going into the break (even though you didn't actually create much at all) but your second half performance and was woeful. I was absolutely shocked to be honest - especially when Rafa is such a good tactical coach."

"As I say, you did well to keep yourself in the game in the first half, but I thought you'd then build on that in the second. I fully expected you to up the intensity,  bring on your big guns in Rondon and Shelvey and pepper our back four; our clear weak point.

"Considering we're a team who can be got at, you stood off and made it easy for us in the end. We really didn't play well at all and, as a team, we're there to be got at - so I was baffled that you sat off in the second half after doing so well in the first to get a foothold in the game.

"One final thought. I was told brilliant things about the atmosphere at your place, but it was very quiet - with the biggest 'roars' coming when a decision went against you. 

"I'm not surprised when seeing how lacklustre and unadventurous you were in the second half, but it just shows how flat things seem to be after what was such a good season for you last year. 

"Good luck for the season lads!"

I couldn't agree more with James, and I suspect most NUFC fans reading this will too.

Unfortunately, he's not wrong about the atmosphere either, but then again, with a lack of new signings, Rafa's future in serious doubt and poor performances on the pitch, we've not exactly been given much to shout about.

That being said, our team needs us more than ever when we're struggling.

Do you agree with James here?