Arsenal wrapped up preseason with an Emirates Cup Game against Athletic Club of Bilbao and Arteta started with the XI that is arguably his strongest team albeit he has recently declared that his old tier system of selection has been abandoned:
Raya
Timber Saliba Gabriel Calafiori
Ødegaard Zubimendi Rice
Saka Gyökeres Martinelli.
It was reassuring to see that Gabriel was fit enough to start, given that his recovery from surgery had been interrupted by a set back that ruled him out of all but the late stages of the Villareal game and moreover because of how how error prone our defence has looked without him.
We started reasonably briskly but stray passes as we built up initially gave us an undercooked look. After only 2 minutes, Gyökeres was welcomed to his second Emirates appearance by being wrestled to the ground on the halfway line as he took the ball down and turned his defender for which the defender received an early yellow card. It was an early preview of Gyökeres’ ability to win the ball in midfield and hold off the defender, later examples seeing lay-off to team mates.
A feature of the first half was the long high ball out of defence to Saka on the wide right only one of several of which he failed to trap and beat the covering defender. On two occasions he burst through towards the near post but his low hard shots were blocked by the keeper. When he cut it back it was cut out before reaching Martinelli or Gyökeres.
On the other wing a busy and motivated Martinelli made several driving runs into the box, laying it off to Gyökeres to his left or shooting low and hard for the near post but finding only the side netting. Calafiori, another gratifying returnee from injury, was elegantly gliding up the left wing to support Martinelli in a manner from which the flying Brazilian has not recently been accustomed to benefit.
We had a couple of jittery moments in defence at this early stage of the game with Timber carelessly losing possession outside Arsenal’s box, a mistake that ended in a weak shot from an otherwise anonymous Williams. Five minutes later a pass inside Arsenal’s box from Calafiori to Martinelli was cut out by a Bilbao forward who should really have scored but his shot was weak and comfortably saved by Raya.
By 20 minutes, we were looking much more in sync, moving the ball swiftly from back to front and nice interplay on the right between Saka and Zubimendi saw Gyökeres connect with a cut back from Saka to send the ball towards the far post but the Swede didn’t get strong enough contact and the shot was saved by the keeper. After a period of pressure, a lovely move with one touch passes involving nearly every outfield player sadly then came to naught.
Calafiori continued to link well with Martinelli and after a neat flick from the Italian, the flying Brazilian released Gyökeres who drove forward, cutting the ball back from the byeline to Calafiori who side footed it over the bar when a goal looked a possibility.
Bilbao were making no headway against our midfield, let alone our defence and Arsenal’s pressure at the other end was beginning to tell. Zubimendi was looking imperious in midfield and his sweet pass to Ødegaard saw the Norwegian’s clever forward pass into the box lofted over the bar by a panicking defender to prevent an Arsenal runner connecting.
On 35 minutes, Saka collected a cleared corner wide on the right, cut the ball back to Zubimendi who struck a curling cross first time into the centre of the box. Gyökeres’ leapt like a salmon and his head connected perfectly to send the ball powerfully past the keeper’s flailing right hand. The lad doesn’t score with his head, eh ? Red and White account opened.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Athletic Club – Gyökeres, 34 minutes
Only 3 minutes later, a lovely chip over the defence by Ødegaard on the halfway line found Martinelli and Saka running towards the goalkeeper. Martinelli took the ball down perfectly and as the keeper approached him laid it delicately to Saka on his right and our Starman stroked it into the net past a desperately backtracking defender.
Arsenal 2 – 0 Athletic Club – Saka, 37 minutes
Before halftime, Martinelli made a couple more darting runs down the left to the byeline only to see the first low cross cut out by the keeper and the second deflected for a corner. He then connected with a layoff from Gyökeres but his hard drive was blocked for a corner.
Half Time: Arsenal 2 – 0 Athletic Club
Madueke replaced Martinelli and White replaced Calafiori with Timber switching flanks to left back.
The second half saw more of the same with Arsenal dominating possession, Gyökeres running the channels and Ødegaard and Zubimendi, in particular, putting vertical balls through towards him. Madueke was lively on the left, repeatedly driving directly at his fullback and one lofted cross aimed for Gyökeres was headed clear before the Swede could connect. From the corner, Rice found Gabriel at the far post but though his lofted header back towards the near post found Timber, the Dutchman was underneath the dropping ball and couldn’t direct it towards goal.
Gyökeres then demonstrated close control and strength to retain the ball at the left touchline – the lad doesn’t have close control, eh ?
There then followed a sequence of crosses vaulting across the Bilbao goal from either side. The first, from White that a diving Timber just missed at the near post, then Madueke clipped it back from the left towards the same post and Saka just failed to connect. All this in the first 11 minutes of the second half !
At this point, Bilbao woke up and made a couple of forays upfield but they got nowhere near Raya or his goal. Out of possession, Rice was dropping between the centre backs to allow the fullbacks to remain upfield. However, when we had possession, he was still galloping upfield to assist in attack and he was unfortunate to be knocked to the ground on the edge of the box after a run inside by Madueke ended with a square pass to Gyökeres that he delicately slipped on to the incoming Rice. The lad can’t link up play, eh ?
A silky dribble by Zubimendi up the middle allowed him to find Madueke on the left and his cross was met by a diving header by Gyökeres that struck the keeper’s right hand post and rebounded to safety. No comment!
On 63 minutes, MLS replaced Timber, Mosquera replaced Gabriel and Williams, who got nothing out of Timber on either flank was also replaced. On this evenings showing, Madueke was the better acquisition.
This time Mosquera played left centre back with Saliba staying on his right unlike last time out when the Frenchman switched to allow the new boy to play on his right. They looked as safe as houses and at one point Mosquera displayed Saliba-esque calmness, confidence, poise and footwork to evade opposition forwards in the Arsenal box and slide the ball up to MLS.
At this phase of the match (65 minutes in), Gyökeres was still darting into channels on the left, right and up the centre with Ødegaard, in particular, regularly looking to play him in. White committed a cynical trip as a Basque broke out of defence and was fortunate not to get booked but almost immediately afterwards MLS was unlucky to receive Ben’s card for a robust challenge on the halfway line.
On 70 minutes, Havertz replaced Gyökeres.
Madueke continued to look threatening with the ball but also worked hard off the ball to close down ball carriers in midfield.
By the 75th minute the intensity had dropped and Nige, today’s co-commentator suggested that the game had become walking football. That was a tad unfair as White was still overlapping with gusto, supporting Saka as in days of yore and one cross from the byeline that was pushed out by the keeper was deftly back-heeled by Zubimendi to Havertz whose clipped effort was saved. A feature of this game continued to be the elegant control of Zubimendi who let little past him and always looked to pass forward when he gained possession. Our build-ups already look swifter and more vertical as a result of this lad.
Rice has clearly had a good rest over the summer and should start the forthcoming season much better than he did last season (because he was knackered by the Euros). On 81 minutes he tried to take a short corner, passed directly to an opponent who belted up the line into the space vacated by MLS. Rice hared after him, closed down on him just after the halfway line and stifled the breakaway.
Just a minute later, Havertz ran onto a lofted ball over the Bilbao defence by Saka from the middle of Arsenal’s half and he ran from the centre circle into the opposition box outpacing one defender and holding off another (with his new, improved, upper body strength?) to slide the ball from the left across the keeper into the far side of his goal.
Arsenal 3 – 0 Athletic Club – Havertz, 82 minutes.
On 83 minutes, Merino replaced Rice and Nwaneri replaced Ødegaard.
The game wound to a close but not without a comical ball to Saka’s face from White that poleaxed our Starman, but they both laughed it off, a dribbling vignette or two from Nwaneri and a neat series of 1-2’s at the edge of the box executed by Madueke but his chip to Havertz was blocked. However our new signing demonstrated that he has bought into Arteta’s ethos as he chased down the attacker forcing him to run the ball out of play. The game finished with Zubimendi intercepting a forward ball and making a beautiful pass over the Bilbao defence to the onrushing Saka that, in itself, would have been worthy of a fourth goal but sadly not this time.
Full Time: Arsenal 3 – 0 Athletic Club
Like all the other preseason games, the point of this exercise was to increase our fitness and match sharpness while building on-field relationships between our old and new players. The 3-0 scoreline was thoroughly deserved and is very gratifying but much more satisfying was the increased sense of a smooth-running machine that displays urgency, focus and increased readiness for the forthcoming fray.
There was a post-match penalty shoot out that saw some superb penalties from both sides, one miss each and one save by Raya to win bragging rights 6-5.
A man by man analysis is worth consideration at this last public showing before the new season starts in earnest.
Raya: he didn’t have much to do, in truth, and didn’t have to make a serious save but he displayed urgency in getting the ball forward quickly and his long passes to a teammate at halfway were unerringly accurate; in the penalties, where he made one good save, he dived the correct way most times and was unlucky not to reach a couple more but most of the shots he faced were quite unstoppable.
Timber: it was good to see him fit again; he got forward to support Saka well in the first half and slotted in seamlessly at left back in the second half; he’s raring to go.
Saliba: at his silky best; utterly unruffled; plays his best football with Gabby alongside (he should remember that); he smashed his penalty into the top right corner.
Gabriel: it was great to have him back; unsurprisingly, he doesn’t yet look 100% but his calmness helps the rest of the defence to do their best work.
Calafiori: looks the business with and without the ball; elegant and creative going forward; adds more to our offence than MLS has done recently and would be my first choice left back.
Ødegaard: looks to be closer to his best than he did for most of last season though perhaps not quite there yet; perhaps showing early signs of an understanding of Gyökeres’ movements.
Zubimendi: class act; imperious; great assist – he will get more; love him; took a short run up to his penalty sending the ball into the net with a crisp shot; what a signing!
Rice: relatively quiet first half but showed his stamina and athleticism; encouraging early signs of symbiosis with Zubimendi.
Saka: looks fully fit; energetic and dynamic throughout; had his full-back on toast and was unlucky with his first half efforts; not sure why he played 90 minutes; took a cool penalty right in the bottom right corner.
Gyökeres: he looks like the number 9 we’ve been missing since RvP; worked hard throughout and took his chances well; and they said he doesn’t score with his head!
Martinelli: he played like he had read some of the over the top criticism and was unlucky not to score and have more assists; worked hard throughout; benefitted from Calafiori and Gyökeres alongside him; 100% a keeper.
White: solid defending; looks back to his mischievous, overlapping best.
Madueke: dynamic, hard-working and committed both with and without the ball; he will be an asset on both wings and will get his share of assists and goals; took a good penalty with a chip down the middle after the keeper dived when he paused his run up.
MLS: solid and unruffled; less prominent offensively than Calafiori.
Mosquera: a very impressive defender; big, strong, athletic and skillful; reminds me of Saliba – quite the compliment!
Havertz: looks bigger, fit and ready to go (and compete for his place and playing time); he took his goal very well indeed; also took a good penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way with a stuttered run up.
Merino: only got 10 minutes; a valuable midfield back-up and third choice centre forward; took an excellent penalty with a confident strike to the left corner.
Nwaneri: likewise only got 10 minutes; showed some nice dribbling and passing skills in Ødegaard’s role; too clever by half with his penalty which he clipped over the bar.
We look better than we did in the last few games both with and without the ball. We are almost ready. Another week in the training ground should increase familiarity and embed some automatisms. Bring it on!
COYG !
Predictathon 2025-26
Enjoy the new season playing the Goonerholicsforever Prediction Contest, in aid of the Willow Foundation!
Again, the contest’s purpose is twofold. First, to enhance the enjoyment of the upcoming season by providing a degree of light-hearted competitive rivalry as the season progresses. Second, to support Bob Wilson’s Willow Foundation with another generous collective donation.
The rules of the game are straightforward:
1. The object of the contest is to predict the final 2025-26 Premier League table.
2. The winner will be the player whose predictions are closest to the table at the end of Matchweek 38.
3. This will be determined by a points score using the Difference Squared system. The lowest total score wins. The reward for winning is a full year’s bragging rights as the bar’s top know-it-all.
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An exhaustive match report, CER. Your player assessments strike me as spot on.
I like the look of Mosquera. I’d have no qualms about giving him the minutes to let Big Gabi ease himself back to full match fitness.
Havertz not only looked stronger but also faster. I’m not sure that last season he would have outpaced two pursuing defenders as he did for his goal.
This fine report was written by Bath, Ned. A classic case of snoozin’ is losin’ on my part! I really like Mosquera too. He looks an absolute beast….
An excellent report of a match I missed, many thanks Bath.
Though Gabi is from Brazil.
HOLICS ROPEYLEAGUE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Could I take this opportunity to remind one and all that the prestigious
HolicsRopeyLeague will once again be open to any and all Holics who
would like to join and test your team selection skills.
Who will challenge that Masked Man from er Kent? Or will it be a two peat
for the Terror of Tonbridge? Come and join us to find out!!!
Any new players just let us know in the drinks if you’d like to join and I will send you
our league code pronto.
Only two rules as ever
– there must be at least one Arsenal player in your squad at all times
– there must be No Spuds in your squad at all times
Matt @3, sorted! What a mistake! Wars have been started over such errors.
Superbly detailed report on an entertaining evening. This game was a very nice antidote to the two prior warm-up outings vs Spuds and Villareal in which our play wasn’t overly inspiring.
TTG enquired in his pre-season questionnaire which new signing excited me most. My response was Zubimendi and everything that I’ve seen since confirms my view that the Z man’s acquisition is the most likely to elevate the team’s overall performance.
At one point last season, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus and Havertz were all unavailable through injury resulting in Merino playing as a makeshift striker accompanied by Trossard and not-so-sterling Sterling for width (“width” – I do miss Steve T’s weekly dissertations on that subject 🙂 ).
Despite that, the Arsenal still managed to finish as runners-up. The prospect of Kai Havertz and Big Vic through the middle, supported by Martinelli, Madueke, Saka, Nwaneri and Dowman out wide stimulates all of my juices, particularly with the midfield and defensive four that started yesterday’s game.
Mosquera’s signing slipped under the radar (I hadn’t heard of him before he was signed). He looks like the second coming of Saliba to me. Kiwior and Trossard may enjoy relatively few starts this season.
Very comprehensive report Bath, thanks . I didn’t see the game live but saw the goals and a few other bits. I had several friends texting me throughout the game . I’m delighted Gyokeres got off the mark and Zubimendi looks a class act . Haven’t seen Mosquera but as some may know I’m not Kiwior’s biggest fan. Perhaps the most noteworthy moment was the way Havertz took his goal . He looked bulked up and aggressive and one can imagine him and Gyokeres teaming up when we are looking for late winners .
Sounds like we dodged a bullet with Nico Williams
Thanks for an excellent report Bath. I expected to see CER but he clearly didn’t up early enough! I very much enjoyed this game. For the first time in pre season we saw the old firm of Saliba and Gabriel and it looked so much more solid than the others we have seen this summer. The Zubimendi/Rice double pivot was working as we hoped. Zubimendi looks silky class.
All the goals were terrific. Seems big Vic can use his head! From the little I have seen of him he reminds me of Malcolm McDonald. Kai’s goal was quality (said in a French accent).
I’ve watched 4.5 of the five preseason friendlies, sat on my sofa. All for the total price of £9.99. A very sensibly priced offer.
I’m lucky enough to be off to Old Trafford next Sunday. Let’s hope we get off to a flying start.
Funniest experience of the day was hearing Jeremie Aliadiere giving pitch side analysis in a French/cockney hybrid accent!
Bath, my apologies for taking CER’s anticipated byline as read.
A quick reminder that the clock is ticking down on getting your entries in for the 2025-26 Predictathon. Next Friday is the deadline.
Past players should have received an entry blank by email. Check your spam/junk folder if you haven’t seen it.
New players, come and join us. All you have to do is predict the final PL table for the coming season. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Entry banks and details of the scoring system are to be found under the GHF Contests tab above.
As always, the Predictathon will support Bob Wilson’s Willow Foundation.
Force 9/14 etc. UTA!
SuperVic – no ???
Havertz could be to Gyokeres what Tudor was to Macdonald during their peak Newcastle years.
You have a long and good memory Ned.
This Ekitike (the well known palindrome) looks a bit tasty.
He does indeed, C100 @16, His numbers last season were far better than Sesko’s. I’m surprised that there were no reports of our interest when we were being linked with Sesko, Gyökeres and Watkins. Perhaps we had learnt that he’d already made a deal with the Dippers.
Ekitike, henceforth to be known as Emordnilap?
See VAR is still favouring Liverpool. Clear handball by MacAllister not given as penalty.
I thought Palace were the better team and deserved winners. Liverpool look good up top but dodgy at the back.
I didn’t see all of the game but from what I did see I’d agree with C100. Palace are a formidable side but will probably lose Guehi and Eze before the end of the window . Ekitike looks great but with such attacking full backs – TAA on both sides they could get caught on the break by sides with pace
Re VAR Paul Tierney failed to spot serious encroachment by Alisson for Eze’s penalty . It really is a worry that PGMOL regard Kavanagh and Tierney as among their top officials
C100@19: Ditto the old-pro punditry in the broadcast commentary. When van Dijk tripped Sarr for Palace’s penalty, there was a knee-jerk ‘not enough contact in it for me for a penalty’.
bath@15: I’ll take any memory these days!
TTG@21: I suspect Kirkez and Frimpong won’t start too many games together, except when Salah is away at AFCON. Quick though Konate is, there are plenty of counterattacking teams who would fancy a footrace against him and van Dijk through the empty spaces behind a high two-man ‘Pool back line.
Well deserved victory for Palace this afternoon. Although the Dippers started like a house on fire, Palace deserved their equalisers, and a penalty for handball that they were denied by Tierney on VAR (they may claim things will improve but it smells like the same old cookin’ to me) and the same corrupt (or blind) little shit denied them a retake on Eze’s penalty that Alison moved off his line early to save.
Looks like it’s another season where we have to overcome not just 11 opponents on the field but also the 6 officials with a whistle, 2 flags, a stop watch and a monitor. Depressing.
Excellent report, Bath.
There was so much to take in for this match. I think Arteta and the boys are learning each other.
If we can work out some relationships and accumulate at least 14 points over the first six matches, we might accomplish something truly special.
But, a journey of a 1,000 Li begins with one step…so let’s step out confidently. Come on, you Gunners.
MCMBD
>>>>>>>