After the disappointing result and performance last weekend, at home, against a relatively mediocre Manchester United side, Mikel Arteta had said that maybe the players need to be reminded of how good they actually are. The fact that he said it openly may also have been a gentle corrective to what he must have perceived a current of negativity among Arsenal fanbase, on the matchday audience and otherwise. The last few years had naturally preconditioned some in the Arsenal fanbase to anticipate a collapse of the title challenge whenever there is even a hint of failing becomes apparent. Do we dare to believe, consistently and unshakeably? Or do we try to protect ourselves from the eventual heartbreak by assuming the worst? Or, do we simply just enjoy the ride, with all its terror and exaltation, anxiety and release, the uncertainty adding to the joy of the achievements when they arrive?
We each have our own ways of being in the world. I belong to the third group, surfing the waves as they come. But I fully respect others who perceive the ups and downs in our performances differently. I respect, as long as I am not forced to have to defend what at the end is a purely aesthetic choice. The events within every match as well as the statistics gathered at the end can always be interpreted in many different ways, through different lenses, and even though sometimes educated guesses can be made about the outcome of the season, most of the times the patterns unfolding aren’t very clear until the season ends and we have the privilege of looking at it as a whole.
An away match against an in-form Leeds, playing in front of their raucous home supporters, seemed a stern enough test for Arsenal following two draws and a rather unpleasant home loss. The performances in PL in that period, or even a few matches before that when we had to dig deep to overcome inconsistency and sloppiness that seemed to have lately crept into our game, had begun to raise concerns about different facets of our game, but mostly in the goalscoring department. On the other hand, the fact that we had topped the CL league stage with a perfect eight wins out of eight and goal difference of +19, and were still topping the PL table with a goal difference of +25 (only one less than City in the second place, four points behind) offered assurances – especially to most here in the ‘Holicverse – that that dip in performances and results were merely temporary, likely caused more by fatigue following a busy and difficult winter schedule, and didn’t point to anything fundamentally amiss with the squad or the tactics.
The midweek CL match against the Kazakh champions saw Kai Havertz starting for the first time since his return from a long injury, and he played a different version of the left-sided number eight role, working almost as a partnership with Gyökeres, setting up a goal for him with a delightful through ball, and scoring a goal himself with Viktor blocking defenders to make space for Kai to finish sumptuously. As we wondered in the preview, the combination and how they operated looked so clearly intentional that it was likely to be tried again very soon. It turned out to be as soon as this next match after that. Arteta sometimes gets criticized for tactical predictability and even conservatism. While he has a bias towards consistent modalities of operation – which has served us magnificently, lest anyone needs a reminder – he has never lacked courage to move pieces around as and when needed. Resting Ødegaard for such a pivotal match, and trusting the Kai-Viktor partnership to work out was a courageous decision. In hindsight it looks to have been a perfect decision, but that doesn’t take anything away from the willingness and courage to change. It is possible it was also prompted by the physicality of the Leeds midfield and defense, and in that case too the decision turned out to be a finely judged one.
The rest of the team looked as expected. However, Bukayo Saka felt some niggles in the warm-up and was replaced by Noni Madueke. The fact that such a forced substitution just before the match eventually worked out so well is not an accident, it is a testament to the preparedness of the player himself, the coaches, the manager, and the other players, to be able to adapt to changing situations and rise up to any challenge. That adaptability, when complemented by quality, is the key to consistency and eventual success.
Raya
Timber-Saliba-Gabriel-Hincapié
Havertz-Zubimendi-Rice
Madueke-Gyökeres-Trossard
Leeds lined up in the 3-4-2-1 formation, with Ethan Ampadu at the heart of the midfield and Calvert-Lewin as the lone striker. Farke had mostly been setting up his team in 3-5-2, but the slightly altered variation one suspects was meant to offer a staggered layer of defensive screen to protect against transitions if the attack minded wingbacks lose possession.
Leeds started with intent and energy, full of pressing from the front and running off the ball. Saliba-Gabriel were back to their serene best, and despite the intensity Leeds didn’t find their way through to our box.
Arsenal had the first sight of the goal. There was one more tactical tweak in this match. Zubimendi started a little bit higher up and Rice stayed back on the left side instead of his recent roaming left sided eight role. Kai was playing more centrally and often moving across the field, and in combination with Rice’s slightly more defensive positioning that allowed Zubimendi to break through the lines vertically and use his uncanny ability to find pockets of space to contribute more in the attack. From one fluid passing movement he made space to shoot at the goal, but the finish lacked power or conviction.
Madueke, with his directness and his ability to go outside and inside with equal ease on either feet, started to create considerable uncertainty in the left side of the Leeds defense. Gyökeres occupying the central positions and Havertz moving intently in and around the final third, the central midfield and defenders couldn’t really get out to help Justin and Gudmundsson. That uncertainty allowed Madueke to deliver a wonderfully precise cross for Zubimendi to head home for the first goal. Darlow, the Leeds keeper, almost pulled off a superb reflex save but there was too much power. This was Martin’s fourth PL goal of the season, all of them are finishes that showcase the versatility of talent and his extraordinary ability to find space and read the situations. Just like his Sociedad and Spanish team mate Mikel Merino, his game is going to evolve to even greater heights in the red-and-white.
Leeds 0 – Arsenal 1 (Zubimendi 27’)
Not only Madueke was giving the defense a torrid time with his dribbles and runs – Gudmundsson saw an early yellow – his delivery from corner-kicks were excellent too. He has become remarkably good in his deliveries over the last couple of months and even when he is playing in place of Saka, we no longer miss Saka’s pinpoint corners that much anymore. From one such delivery – a curling, fast, looping inswinger straight in front of the goalkeeper heading towards goal, needing just any touch – that bamboozled both Darlow and Calvert-Lewin enough for the goalkeeper to bundle the ball into his own net. I didn’t quite understand the logic behind awarding this as an own goal, surely the ball was heading straight to the goal? Hopefully the dubious goals panel or however they are called nowadays will rectify this later and deservedly award Noni his first PL goal in Arsenal colors.
Leeds 0 – Arsenal 2 (Zubimendi 27’, OG (Darlow) 38’)
Arsenal played out the rest of the second half with confidence and composure, quieted the crowd and asserted their control over the match. I felt it was important to not give away any opportunities with mistakes.
Farke introduced a couple of changes at the beginning of the second half, bringing Longstaff and Okafor to offer what I suspect more directness. They started brightly, the crowd was behind them, and for the first ten-odd minutes we were defending deep. Leeds were putting more men forward, and Trossard used that opportunity to put Gyökeres through with a lovely one-touch pass. Viktor’s run from the deep was good, but he took too long to finish and Rodon ran back fast to block his goalbound shot. The fact that he finished well from a very similar movement following an excellent outside-of-the-boot Martinelli pass in the Inter match underlines a crucial point about the main challenge Gyökeres is currently facing: his lack of acclimatisation to the new reality that compared to the rest of Europe, PL defenders are stronger, faster and for the most part technically superior. Whether that lack is due to any innate limitations or simply a matter of readjustments, only time will tell. I have my own opinions, and they tend to be positive ones.
Around the 60th minute, Arteta made his first changes: Ødegaard came in for Havertz who continued his much awaited and encouraging return, Martinelli replaced Madueke who had played one of his best matches for Arsenal. Gabi went to the right flank while Leo stayed back on the left.
Gabriel Martinelli is a wonderful footballer. Yes, he is not technically the most sophisticated – especially in a team that has players like Saka, Ødegaard, Zubimendi or even Trossard sometimes his lack of nuance becomes too obvious – and neither is he consistently threatening with the ball on his feet. But he has a lot of great qualities – physical, psychological and also technical. I am probably in a minority, but I think he offers a combination of abilities that is genuinely unique and something that is a big plus for this squad.
There was a great bit of play from Martinelli who ran onto a pass from Ødegaard ahead of Struijk, made space for himself, and delivered a wonderful cross into the box with his left-foot – worth noting how much more two-footed he has become lately, it is an obvious but underappreciated fact, very good players continue to evolve their game in all directions even when they are established professionals – which Gyökeres scored from with a typical center-forward finishing, holding off the physical challenge from his marker. It was also worth noting that in recent matches the team has started to find him with a bit more frequency in the box, and while his finishing still leaves room for improvement, maybe the goals too will start to come with a greater frequency.
Leeds 0 – Arsenal 3 (Zubimendi 27’, OG (Darlow) 38’, Gyökeres 69’)
If we watch the goal again, it is worth noting Ødegaard’s role in it. Zubimendi, staying deep between the two central defenders, starts the move with a pass to his right to Saliba. Saliba waits for a passing lane to open up; watch Ødegaard swiftly moving horizontally through the middle on the wrong side of the midfielders, ghosting in to receive the ball from Saliba in a congested midfield, and within a few seconds move forward and finds Martinelli in exactly the kind of open space that Gabi thrives in. That I thought was a masterful demonstration of understated brilliance. Whatever has been ailing him nowadays, it is worth remembering the old adage: form is temporary, class is permanent. He has always been, is, and will always be a magnificent footballer. He looked sharp and fresh coming on as a sub. Maybe a bit of rest and recovery will do him good. He is the connective tissue of the team, and when he is at his best he is one of the best creators in the league.
Gyökeres and Hincapié were soon substituted by Jesus and Calafiori. Jesus had two good chances almost immediately – he missed a one-on-one with the keeper after Rice found him, and his header from a Timber cross was straight to the keeper – and his sharp movements troubled what was now a tiring Leeds defense. Arteta made his final sub, bringing Eze in for Trossard. His early season efficacy in the final third has dropped off a bit, but today he was very good in keeping control of possession, helping to defend, and circulating.
Then the sumptuous fourth goal came. From a Timber throw-in on the right side, the ball arrived to Calafiori via Ødegaard and Rice, Ricky went on one of his puzzling in-out-in runs that tends offer some much in terms of unpredictability to our attack, he passed the ball Ødegaard, who found Jesus through a crowded defense. The hold-up play, the dragback to make space for himself, and the curling finish using the defender as his shield was world-class. He has always been capable of those moments, and has produced many of those over the years. Maybe just not consistently enough to be thought of as in the same class as all the great Brazilian strikers, but at his best he is a genuine match-winner.
Leeds 0 – Arsenal 4 (Zubimendi 27’, OG (Darlow) 38’, Gyökeres 69’, Jesus 86’)
This was a performance of high quality, great control and composure on and off the ball, and demonstrating an ability to move through different phases of the game with exactly the right set of ideas, executed expertly.
As Rice mentioned in the post-match interview, if we can continue to play each game as a cup final as we did today, the squad has a great opportunity to create their own Arsenal legacy.
Excellent report, Dr. F! Same game I saw.
Legacy.
I like the sound of that word. 14 matches left. It’s in our hands.
Let’s play like nothing is on the line. Dance like nobody’s watching. Lads are stepping-up.
Get ready.
MCMBD.
Excellent report, Dr F, all the more so considering the speed of turnaround. It was an excellent return to form for the team. A couple of points.Firstly, it was interesting that Gyokeres had probably his best full game for the club playing in the same side as Havertz, hitherto unavailable this season. It will give the opposition a completely new problem to consider, having to face this combination. Secondly, while last weekend brought all the moaners and whiners racing to the surface like scum on a pond in summer, it is instructive just how positive the away fans are. I was fortunate to be up there yesterday and the level of positivity, from picking up the coach at The Emirates at 8 am to being dropped off at 9.30 pm was fantastic. Inspired by C100, I have been attempting to get to away games for the last couple of seasons, after a considerable hiatus due to minor issues like work and bringing up a family. These days are a real treat and yesterday was no exception. It was my first time at Elland Road and I loved it. A proper old school ground, with ferociously loud away support. The welcome from staff and police was warm and friendly. And the noise generated in this bear pit by the away fans was quite something. A great day out. Thirdly, I imagine Saka will be out for a good few weeks now. It was great to see Madueke really step up. I want to see him go for The Cockroach on Tuesday night with the same zeal and confidence with which he destroyed the Leeds left back yesterday. And finally, well played Mikel for being bold enough to rest Odegaard and in so doing give Leeds, and the rest of the league, another problem to think about in terms of our formation. Happy Sunday, All.
An excellent report on a very fun game to watch, which I did this morning before going on a bike ride with a few thousand friends in honor of two fellow Minnesotans who were recently killed without justification by federal agents. It was a very worthwhile watch in the morning and an equally worthwhile ride in the afternoon so a good day on multiple fronts. Thanks for helping me to relive the game Dr. F. This bunch of players has already achieved a great deal and I think they can achieve a great deal more so it is gratifying to see them back on track.
Dr F
That is an excellent report with very good analysis if a very nuanced performance by Arsenal and good detail on the key moments. It was interesting to see how much more productive and effective Gyokeres was. Coukd it be Havertz is key to his greater threat, is it more confidence or Leeds’ deficiencies . Whatever he did well .
This is a tough place to come but we completely outclassed them and it was highly encouraging. Well done too to our intrepid travellers who enjoyed a well deserved great day out. Our away fans are the salt of the earth .
An encouraging win, very well described
An enjoyable report of the first match in ages that I haven’t been able to watch live. I listened to it play out on Arsenal.com which was a pleasant throw-back to days of yore when a radio broadcast was the only way to keep up with away games. I have now seen the minimalist offering on MotD and the 30 minutes of highlights on Sky which show a superb performance of a highly motivated team in top form. Dr F, you highlight well the excellent work from Ødegaard once he joined the fray after 60 minutes. Not only did he appear re-energised but his vertical passing was far more prominent than it has been of late. The show is back on the road!
One question remains. The commentators on Arsenal.com were incensed by a challenge by Calvert-Lewin on Gabriel which they expected to result in a red card but did not even merit a yellow in the ref’s opinion. It was edited out by both MotD and Sky Highlights which suggests that the referee might have been correct but in the light of repeated evidence of how our news is ‘managed’, I wonder what the opinions of fellow ‘Holics who saw the whole match were of that incident.
Bath@5 – from inside the ground it looked like a late, after the ball “leave one on him” kind of foul, the kind befitting a match played at Elland Road in the 70s. The referee, who surprisingly to no one I thought poor, didnt even blow at first.
Thanks CER @6. Adrian Clarke who was the co-commentator on .com was shocked even with Attwell as referee but when he discovered it was Gillet on VAR, he was unsurprised that the ref wasn’t called to review it. He added that these are, IHHO, by far the worst two referees in the league.
Adrian Clarke is a very good analyst and summariser.
As opposed to Shay Given, who was on MoTD last night. He spent 3 minutes talking about how everyone ought to have sorted out their defence against Arsenal’s corner kicks and shouldn’t be conceding goals. Apparently we always do the same routine, loading the back post with the big lads and attacking the ball. Apparently completely missing the fact that the corner which Madueke scored was hit very much to the near post with nary an Arsenal player in sight and the lumbering oaf Calvert-Lewin doing all the hard work for us. Internal consistency apparently is entirely alien to Given. He is the retired goalkeeper equivalent of the punch drunk former fighter fallen non hard times, wheeled out to comment on big fights out of charity rather than any valid analytical ability. And 3 or 4 times he said that he was not taking anything away from Arsenal. Now the once might be sincere. Twice might be a verbal tic. 3 times or more is a Freudian failure to conceal either his or his paymasters’ frustration that things just aren’t going their own way.
Oh how I laughed.
Thanks Dr F, a fine report of a great game. It’s nice to watch us pass
the ball around in the last twenty minutes safe in the knowledge it is
just a matter of how many. On we go.
Thanks for the report on what was a superb away day Dr F. It was an easy 2.5 hour run up the A1 to Elland Road, where our pre booked parking space on someone’s drive was literally over the road from the away end entrance. We found ourselves up in the Gods, five rows from the back, in a safe standing area. It was a bit snug, but comfortable enough when standing. With the pitch close to the stand and crinkly tin roof above us, it was an ideal set up for a bear pit atmosphere.
At the start of the game, the Leeds fans were loud. Very loud. We enjoyed some banter with them
Jimmy Saville
He’s one of your own!
To which Leeds replied, suggesting that said J.Saville and our own Declan Rice were in an intimate relationship. Or words to that effect. All good clean fun. Leeds pushed us in the first 15 minutes, pressing very hard and being very physical. Arteta responded by pushing Kai and Victor forward in a 4-4-2 and Raya pumping it forward. It worked as the big lads battled hard and won control. We won repeated corners. Then we got the all important first goal. And the game changed.
Just like at Newcastle the crowd fell silent when behind. We taunted them
Sing when you’re drawing!
You only sing when you’re drawing!
We fell back into a more familiar shape, with Zubi and Declan in a double pivot and Kai playing further up, closer to Victor and started knocking it around. Here’s a prediction, Kai is going to be very good for Victor. We scored again from a corner before halftime then added two open play goals in front of us to complete the rout. The pleasure and warmth of the away fans towards both Vic and Jesus for their goals was palpable.
Who did well? I thought it was Vic’s best game for us. Timber never stopped running. Declan was superb. Calvert-Lewin who had been treated to a fawning interview on radio 5 live on the way up, suggesting he should be in the England squad, got the square root of sweet f.a. out of an imperious Gabriel. Noni stepped up in a big way.
My own hope is that Leeds stay up and West Ham go down because I know which stadium I would rather visit.
My son was staying up in Leeds with an old mate, so I drove back alone. Another 2.5 hours easy drive, once out of the football traffic. Next up is Chelsea. Come on lads. Time we were at Wembley again.
Thanks CER for the away day report.
Perhaps Given hasn’t forgiven us for the cup final stuffing.
@5 Bath, watching on TV here with Japanese commentary I thought the
Calvert-Lewin challenge was bad and looked worse on replay. I was amazed
nothing was done (so was the Japanese commentator) and come to think
of it so was bt8 in the drinks during the game. Just weird.
Could have been very serious for Gabriel so I’m mostly relieved he’s ok.
And thanks C100 too, a nice day out in Yorkshire for some Holics 😃
Wintery, pouring rain, and once more the good ship Gunners condemns to the depths the notion that Arsenal don’t like it up ’em when it’s cold and physical in a cauldron of noise. A fine display of controlled physicality sank Leeds below the waves faster than a leaden anchor plunging towards Davy ones and his locker. A fine report, Dr F, embellished nicely from the heart of a full day’s action by our roving reporter CER.
I’m enjoying having my spirits rise then sink then rise again on this roller coaster ride aboard Mikel’s boat to glory, battling for victory against all odds, toward a glorious quadruple that will send waves of joy around the Goonerverse. It’s going to be wet, windy and there will be dark days midst the sunshine. Oilskins, sou’westers and wellies are recommended for gale force conditions.
Mikel’s the Vital Spark. Para Handy would be proud. “Mair steam, McPhaill. Mair goals Victor and Bide fit Havertz”.
And then embellished even more by C100. Excellent stuff, fellas.
@8, CER, the change of personnel hasn’t enhanced MOTD and I rarely watch it. I did last night as I hadn’t seen anything of the game. Given was embarrassingly poor and I switched off after his third “I’m taking nothing away from Arsenal here…….” comment. Couldn’t agree more with your viewpoint.
And more thanks c100 for one of your typically evocative away day reports. ❤️
Sharing the goals and assists around
https://bsky.app/profile/orbinho.bsky.social/post/3mdqlkqpefc2c
Dr F – for me that is your best ever report. 100% agree.
No need to repeat what you’ve already said but I will pick out one player for special mention. It might be a surprising one to many in the light of a superb all round performance. It is Gabriel Martinelli. He came on with the most fantastic attitude and worked, as usual, like three Trojans. From the comfort of my dry, not at all windswept sofa I actually said out loud to myself “Do not sell this player !” He has worked his cliched socks off every time I’ve seen him. He has not, for the last two of his own developing years had a consistent partner either behind or next to him as injuries have taken their toll on those positions. He is not the trickiest winger but had tremendous pace and drive and his final ball – very difficult at his pace as Theo discovered – continues to improve. Personally, I would still like to see him get a regular chance through the middle where he would be less of a battering ram, but a quicker, more skilful Gyokeres – who had his own best game so far yesterday.
Lots of great drinks above too.
Great piece from Amy Lawrence
https://bsky.app/profile/amylawrence.bsky.social/post/3mdrwqvo4h22o
An interesting and very fair review from the Yorkshire evening post
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-news-arsenal-daniel-farke-graham-smyth-verdict-5497984
Sorry 21 was me
Trev@18
I thought Martinelli was excellent against Kairat and was very impressive when he got on yesterday . He is a player who never gives less than 100%
C100 @10 – good to see you back amongst it again 👍🏻
Good report on a good win. The result will settle some nerves and send notice we are up for the battle. We played very well and hopefully we can rinse and repeat for the next four months. January was hectic (nine games!) and hopefully the blip is behind us. Pressure is on the chasing pack now and I doubt we will get any favours today.
Next up is Chelsea and I think they will throw the kitchen sink at us. If we get the first goal, it could end the tie.
Noni has been awarded our second goal!
https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4577586?utm_source=x&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=maduekegoal
A report that is insightful and comprehensive in equal measure, Dr. F. You’ve put your finger on a number of adjustments that Arteta made to make the fine margins break in our favour.
Thanks, too, to CER and C100 for their on (at?) the ground reportage. A good day out for all at a ground that carries some bad memories from the ’70s.
bath@5: That tackle looked like a late clattering in real time and unquestionably a yellow card offence on replay.
As for the BBC coverage, its broadcasts are not something that we are exposed to on this side of the pond because of rights restrictions, something, from the sound of it, that we should be grateful for. However, we do get to read what is written on BBC Sports’ web site — at least until the paywall on its news site is extended. There, the problem, to my mind, is not so much anti-Arsenal bias (regular denizens of the bar will know that I have said before that I think that has become more pronounced since BBC Sport moved to Manchester), but that the quality of the output (one can scarcely call it journalism anymore) has slid so much. The feature on Madeuke published yesterday is a case in point: a bundle of bland quotes from BBC pundits that come to no very particular conclusion.
Congrats to Noni! First of many I hope
Another review of the game
https://x.com/mike_mmcdonald/status/2017977188700590386?s=61&t=cVFjCyGkt4y-Ne45LtfqkQ
Well. Brentford did their job, over to you Agent Frank Silver.
Shame Fulham couldn’t hold on, but at least it shows Manchester United are still shite.
Not a bad weekend, innit?😎
MCMBD
Thanks everyone for the kind words!
Lonestar- one match at a time. Play to our strengths one match at a time. And the entire support base to get behind no matter what. 🙂
I am shocked that Spurs managed to do us a favour today. They are still useless but not as bad as I thought.
And very best wishes to Oleksandr Zinchenko who joins Ajax on a permanent transfer. He played his part for us in helping to build Mikel the foundations, and like his friend Gabriel Jesus would be remembered by at least some of us.
Personally, I hold great respect and admiration for him, and other Ukrainian sporting heroes, for how they have conducted themselves in the last few years.
A nice goodbye message from him:
To the Gunners.
I will never forget the way you welcomed me.
Still remember the goosebumps I got at the first game after hearing your “Always beliiiiiieeeve”. I couldn’t even dream about it.
From the deepest place in my heart I would like to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family.
To the coaching staff, thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of this amazing club.
To the players, thank you for the priceless experience, fantastic memories and becoming friends for life.
To all the staff, thank you for your help and for looking after me and my family.
And of course to the fans, for love, support and criticism which we as a players need to accept and work even harder.
I just want to wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything what ever you wish.
Once a Gunner always a Gunner.
Thank you.
And Ned, thank you for the insight in your comments on the preview into the uniqueness of the people in the Leeds area. That’s fascinating, and goes to show the wondrous diversity of people everywhere.
Congratulations to the women’s team on winning the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. They are now the world club champions.
Best wishes to our keeper, Anneke Borbe, who was stretchered off towards the end after colliding with Lotte Wubben-Moy.
What Ned said @37.
If Carling made football weekends ….
Six point lead baby. 14 games to go. Women World Club Champions.
North London is red.
Not so easy to win every week 😂
Wot everyone said in the 30s drink really.
I’d echo C100 about what a great weekend it was but I find the tendency in social media and the sports journalists and pundits unnerving. Everyone is giving us the title tonight . This time last week we were bottling it according to many.
I’m trying to work out why people keep saying a game with thirty nine points to play for afterwards has won us the title. It was very reassuring to win as we did but there will be bumps and jigs and reels for weeks to come . Let’s ignore the premature concessions because they are designed to support a narrative that if we fail
to win will prove we bottled it ….and if we do win it was only what everyone said weeks ago. It’s a great position but it’s not going to be easy. It never is where titles are won
Congratulations to the ladies and very best wishes to Anneke Borbe , our keeper who looked to sustain a nasty head injury very close to the end of the match. It was one of the wettest nights the Emirates has known!
The only downside was the execrable Infantino was the ringmaster
Good post TTG @41, many a slip and all that. The other narrative
if we win is how there aren’t any good sides this season, the level
has dropped etc., despite the CL qualifying showing that if anything
the level is steadily rising in the PL. The PL is miles clear in the
UEFA table to see which leagues get the extra CL places.
To be honest one of my few worries is that the team that looks best in
CL qualifying doesn’t seem to win it all that often!
I just noticed that I somehow stole Ned’s 50 in the last
drinks. Stealing from the friars mendicant is never a good
look so I will try and assist this time 😂
As to #32:
Dude did update his math.
Still one day at a time.
MCMBD
Throw in back to the center back…
Vertical to Vik lurking just outside the penalty area
he touches it to me who touches it to thee…
On yer ‘ed, son…
Noddy down
Yes! It was a penalty and a red card for Big Ears
Slides it across the box to the on rushing……..
……and the keeper fumbles it into the net. Owen Goal does it again 😀
Owen Goal!
Great minds, Uply.
Well done all.
Cheers Doc. High level stuff. Lots of great points, a rich and textured report. Fine work indeed.
And lots of good drinks too. Shout out to CER and Countryman from Elland Road, to Trev who knows about Martinelli and to Ned who has the measure of the BBC’s ever diminishing sports coverage.
TTG @41 is spot on.
Merino needs foot surgery and personally I want to see Norgaard get more minutes and more starts in the second half of the season. I think he’s a really good player. That flick versus Kairat shows attacking flair that he’s not necessarily known for and his all-round game is strong. He’s also had 6 months to bed in under Arteta and I think he’s ready. For reasons I couldn’t satisfactorily explain, I really really like Norgaard. It’s easy to forget that he pretty much started every PL game for a decent team for the last five or so years (and was their captain). He is the very definition of a safe pair of hands. Use him!
Cheers Dr F.
A much better weekend.
Looks like the dubious goals panel granted you your (legitimate) wish too.
Let’s surf on!
I’ve not seen an update on our Arsenal Women goalkeeper who was stretchered off in a neck brace last night. Any news?
TTG @41, it’s really quite simple. It’s said, insincerely, to encourage us to become complacent, relax and drop points that if we maintain our focus we would gather easily. It’s not being said by anyone who has Arsenal’s interest at heart. The motive of calling us bottlers is subsidiary and can only come into play if the primary aim succeeds.
Fair play to The Athletic, they have already knocked out an article
listing up possible short-term replacements for Mikel Merino.
I don’t believe we will or should get anyone in personally but I hope just a little bit more now that Declan and Kai can stay healthy
Cheers Doc! Great report.
Well in for the half-ton, Uply.
OM@57: The telling point from the Athletic’s suggestions for short-term cover for Mikel Merino is the pedigree of the names mentioned: Inter’s Davide Frattesi, Bayern’s Leon Goretzka, Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos (redux!) and Wolves’ Joao Gomes. That is elite company for a squad player.
Equally, the players who are a statistical match to Merino this season are a similarly impressive set: Forest’s Elliott Anderson, Palace’s Adam Wharton, the neighbour’s Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez at the Bus Stop and Jude Bellingham at Madrid.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7013902/2026/02/02/mikel-merino-arsenal-injury-transfer/
Feelgood Factor evident above. However, Max Feelgood Factor has yet to make an appearance.
Merino’s lengthy injury and Sak’s hopefully much less serious one come at a very unfortunate time, but thankfully we have a squad with great depth and it’s time we draw upon the strengths of those players. I agree that Norgaard can have a big role to play.
It seems we signed a young lad from St.Mirren and I heard something
about another Dixon from Stoke. No first-team midfielders though.
Also a rumour that Celtic are thinking about The Ox – not sure about
that one, be nice for The Ox to find a club but the situation seems a bit
fraught at Celtic these days.
The update to the GHF Predictathon leaderboard for Matchweek 24 has been posted. I must warn you that it doesn’t make for pretty reading, but we do have a new leader. You know where to find the gory details…
sorry folks, fixed a graphic on a held post of lonestar’s, so that makes om the half ton…
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