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Amor fati – love of fate: not just accept the vicissitudes of life with a stoic calmness but celebrate the entire spectrum of experiences as a joyous necessity. This may or may not be a philosophy to live by, or at least an attitude to dress up in (the boundary between those two nations of mind is forever shifting, I admit), but for an Arsenal supporter nowadays loving our fate seems to come rather naturally.

We are not in Champions League? The midfield composition continues to have glaring deficiencies?  A squad with an unusually high number of central defenders but they are either injured, or inexperienced in Premier League, or simply not good enough? There seem to be floating uncertainties around quite a few players in the squad including a key player who has become (whether intentionally or not) a rather unfortunate divisive figure lately? Our self-sustaining club’s finances are rather precarious in this pandemic-stricken times to expect immediate external solutions in the market?

Not a problem! Such complex set of challenges at the beginning of any other season would have had us in a collective depression so heavy that the inevitable comic reliefs offered by a neighboring club on their amusing adventures through the Balkan hinterlands would not have lifted the mood even for a moment. But even though we are not quite dancing on the streets – these troubled times call for more measured expressions in any case – there is a palpable current of optimism flowing through the world of Arsenal. The paradox of finishing last season with our lowest ever position in the league in 25 years – the disappointment of which was albeit partially mitigated by a spirited run in the FA cup and winning it for the 14th time — and starting this season with as buoyant a footballing mood as possible I think demonstrates the central role of relativity in our emotions.

I don’t mean the space-time interweaving kind of relativity, but the fact that we feel good or bad about something always relatively to how we feel about some other things. The trauma of living through a pandemic that is still raging has definitely created in us all a more balanced sense of perspectives – it is hard to indulge in the world-is-falling-apart hyperbole about football when the world is, if not quite falling apart, is going through a painful mutation. But even on the footballing front it is the dysfunction and chaos of the last couple of years that has injected in us a better sense of balance. No longer taking things for granted (consistent presence in the Champions League, even though that cannot be the only goal, is still something to not scoff at), and learning to better appreciate quality and potential.

However, nothing feeds optimism as much as a genuine sense of new beginning. Part by accident, part by design, and part because of the laws of mutual attractions, we have finally found ourselves at the promising start of a new era. Whereas credits should go to many different people involved in the Arsenal family, including various players and staff and not just the decision makers, the main protagonist inspiring this burgeoning sense of revival is our new manager.

From the very first day Mikel Arteta returned back to Arsenal on his first managerial job — the recent promotion from “head coach” to manager is merely an acknowledgement of the obvious —   he has articulated with an impressive clarity his supreme ambitions for the club and the strong foundations on which such goals can be planned to be achieved. He has been a unifying figure across players, the staff, the hierarchy, and a bitterly fragmented fanbase. And then demonstrating a glimpse of the possibilities through a series of shrewdly maneuvered victories over stronger oppositions and winning a cup to salvage some dignity from a miserable season has now firmly established him as the most recognizable leader of the club.

It is vitally important that the team starts the season with performance, attitude and results that sustain that mood of positivity which will inspire and encourage further excellence. Such a feedback loop between the fanbase and the players are fundamental to the success of the club.  The competent victory a couple of weeks back in the Community Shield over the League champions assured us that the lessons of tactical discipline, hard work, and fighting for every single ball until the last moment have now started to grow strong roots. We will definitely be a much harder team to beat in this season compared to the last few, but the question remains if we will have enough quality and nous also to win consistently especially against teams that will simply be happy to let us have possession, and will not make themselves vulnerable against what seemed to be our most potent weapon in counter attacks.

Our opening match against Fulham may give us some clues about how we plan to approach such opposition. Even though Fulham – without looking up the record books and based purely on what I think I remember, they seem to be one of the more see-saw teams of the English football, oscillating between the Premier League and the Championship – will be at home they are likely to play with a degree of conservatism and caution normal for a newly promoted side. I confess I haven’t seen them play at all in last year’s Championship, but I did read about a certain reputation for playing positive football, and in Mitrović they have a highly capable goal-scorer to benefit from progressive passages of play. Arsenal fans definitely remember their manager Scott Parker, if only as an ever-present member of one opposition London club or another and often at the receiving end of a typical Wenger era masterclass of attacking football.  Looking at their squad I notice the presence of Mario Lemina, formerly of Marseille and Juventus, on loan from Southampton. He is capable of moments of genuine quality.

However, with all respect to them, I think it will be Lemina’s Gabonese team-mate wearing the Arsenal captain’s armband who will once again provide some of the key moments of the game. An elite goalscorer of rare consistency, under Arteta Aubameyang seems to have improved his game further by enthusiastically contributing to defensive work as well as aggressive pressing from the front. The rest of the first eleven are a little harder to guess due to a combination of injuries, late returns from internationals, new squad members, and one or two established ones apparently on the verge of leaving. Then there is the question of the formation: will we continue with the 3-4-3 that Mikel employed so effectively in our cup run and towards the end of the league last season? Or does that formation depend on the presence of David Luiz whose strengths are best accentuated, and weaknesses best addressed with three at the back? Will Luiz’s childhood friend and fellow Brazilian Willian make his first Arsenal appearance as an inverted winger, a midfielder or even a wingback? Will we risk either of our two new defenders, both gifted, imposing but still very young – the Brazilian Gabriel or the French Saliba – for their first PL appearance?  If Luiz has indeed picked up an injury in the training as is rumored, may be we will be forced to start with at least one of them? My guess is that if Luiz is fit we will continue to play with the three in defense as we slowly move towards a more progressive 4-3-3 over the season, but if Luiz is not starting Arteta will use that formation already. So, my guess for the starting eleven are:

(With Luiz, 3-4-3)

Emi Martinez

Holding – Luiz – Gabriel

Bellerin – Xhaka – Ceballos – Tierney

Pepe – Laca – Auba

(Without Luiz, 4-3-3)

Emi Martinez

Bellerin – Holding – Gabriel – Tierney

Xhaka – Ceballos – Willian

Pepe – Laca – Auba

As for the world famous Holic’s pound, I suggest a convincing 4-1 win for the mighty red-and-white with 2 goals by the captain, and one each by his fellow forwards.

Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend, enjoyment heightened further by the experience of watching some exhilarating football.

Come on Arsenal!

148 Drinks to “New Beginnings on an Old Ground”

  1. 1
    Osakamatt says:

    Am i first in the feedback loop?

  2. 2
    TTG says:

    A preview worthy to begin a new season Dr.F. Literate, balanced and realistically positive it whets the appetite for the new season. Some seasons ( especially the last few under Wenger ) I approached the season with a sense of foreboding. This season I am much more optimistic although this squad is far from balanced and has a number of flaws. But we are well coached and I am sure we will be ready for a footballing challenge.
    As C100 attests Craven Cottage is most Gooners’ favourite away trip and it is a ground where we usually do well.
    Sadly Luiz is out for some time so we will need to blood at least one young tyro in central defence. Mitrovic will cause problems but let us hope we have the rhythm and drive to win tomorrow. I’d suggest 3-1 to Arsenal might be a decent bet

  3. 3
    Osakamatt says:

    Up to your usual high standards,
    thanks Dr F.
    As Luiz is definitely out, I think
    we may see a Saliba – Holding –
    Tierney back three. Not sure I’d
    want to switch to a four in the
    first game of the season.
    I think I’ll go with a tad less optimistic
    3-1.

  4. 4
    ClockEndRider says:

    “ Such complex set of challenges at the beginning of any other season would have had us in a collective depression so heavy that the inevitable comic reliefs offered by a neighboring club on their amusing adventures through the Balkan hinterlands would not have lifted the mood even for a moment.”
    The very definition of purple prose! Well played, Sah……..

  5. 5
    BtM says:

    Lovely stuff, Dr F. VERY important that we start the season with a win and, like you, I’m optimistic that we will – subject to following your prescription in your paragraph seven.

    Saliba has had longer to familiarise himself with his fellow players and also had the benefit of an outing against MK Dons in pre-season. I think he’s more likely to start than Gabriel and, like Matt, I’m expecting to see Saliba-Holding-Tierney as our back three. I’d add Bellerin and AMN as wing backs.

    I really like the look of your 4-3-3 team too, agree that Emi should start in goal but hope to see Willian contend for a right wing berth with (who else) Mr Partey being introduced alongside Ceballos and Xhaka to add real midfield punch.

  6. 6
    bathgooner says:

    Great stuff, Dr F. Your early knockings read like the opening to a thesis on the necessity for Arsenal fans to be Stoics. I have always felt that different personalities (and perhaps subconscious followers of philosophical schools) are drawn to support different teams.While there are a range of personalities in all fanbases it would be interesting to evaluate the relative proportions in each. In the early 90’s I think it would be fair to say that Arsenal fans were more stolid and risk-averse than those at the flakier, sub-hysteric end of the Seven Sisters Road (or at least I and my fellow GoonerFinancial Advisor agreed this).

    It’s now clear that Luiz is crocked. A neck spasm is not a good thing for a centre back. I would call Trev if I were him. Despite his absence, I don’t think we will play a back four as neither Holding nor a young debutant centre back are any more secure in a back four.

    I therefore think that the team will be:

    Leno;

    Saliba, Holding, Tierney;

    Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, AMN;

    Willian, Nketiah, Aubameyang.

    I have selected Saliba over Gabriel as he has been training with the squad since the lockdown. AMN gets the nod over Saka at LWB due to his post-lockdown performances. Willian gets the nod on the right as there are doubts about Pepe’s match fitness and he needs game time with his new club. Saka is a credible alternative for that position. Nketiah likewise seems likely to be closer to match fitness than Lacazette but if the BCD friendlies have brought Laca as close to match fitness as Eddie I would give Laca the nod.

    For the reasons Dr F identifies, this is a must win game. Let’s start with three points.

    Go win, Arsenal.

  7. 7
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Nice one Doc. Much obliged.

    As CER pointed out that is a cracking line about the comedy club touring the Balkans.
    I like the holic’s pound too. 4-1 ain’t a bad shout.

    I reckon Mikel will pick:
    Martinez
    Saliba, Holding, Tierney
    Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, AMN
    Willian, Laca, Auba

    UTA

  8. 8
    bt8 says:

    Thanks Dr. F for a lovely introduction to the season as well as tomorrow’s match, which is strategically timed to kick off before the family will have awoken from their deep slumber. I must remember not to howl loudly if we score in the first half, or my peace will be broken. 😉
    COYG
    FMBD

  9. 9
    Goonersince54 says:

    Fine fine introduction to the new season Dr F
    Interesting to see the diff in opinion in the bar re the Keeper for the first game.
    Aprpros of that,i am sure i read somewhere that Emi said if he was not chosen to start the season,then he would be looking to move on.
    I also read somewhere that he had apparently already agreed personal terms with Villa,on wages of 60,000 quid a week,which astoundingly was 40,000 more than his current wage at the Arse of 20,000.
    I assume that the players know by now who is walking out to start the campaign at the Cottage,the big question is whether the 2 recalcitrants will be on the subs bench or not.
    Personally,whatever the lineup,i will be brutally disappointed if we don’t come away with 3 points.
    TTG
    If you read this,i missed your kind words first time round@77 in previous drinks,but did spot them later,and i responded @92.
    I don’t want you to think i was ignoring you. !!
    Also you will be pleased to know that the under 21’s had an excellent 2-1 midweek away win at a full strength Ipswich in the first group game of the Leasing Cup,which sits underneath the League Cup,and is for all the lower league teams and a lot of EPL under 21 teams.
    Very good exposure for the youngsters against seasoned Pro’s.
    And finally for my old mate BTM,
    You will be pleased to know that i recently repainted my door,and it is a gloriously bright shining RED.
    cheers

  10. 10
    Goonersince54 says:

    And no sooner do i post my missive @9,than i am reading reports that Emi is not in the squad for the Fulham game.
    If that is true,then the assumption is that he is in talks with Villa,and Mikel has made the decision to stick with Leno as the incumbent.

  11. 11
    Osakamatt says:

    I guess Emi is off too based on
    not being in the squad. I also
    expect Pepe / Laca to start but
    fine if we go with a fitter Willian/
    Eddie combo. Nice choices to
    have.
    Emi is our longest serving player
    these days but the hope that he
    or Leno would be willing to fight
    it out over a season seems a
    forlorn one now. We should sign
    a replacement before letting him
    leave.

  12. 12
    TTG says:

    I heard you could purchase Jack Butland for £8m.He is homegrown and always played very well at our place . I wouldn’t mind Tom Heston as a back up were he fit

    Clive,
    Saw the EFL result with young Lewis scoring.
    Sadly the U23 lost to Southampton 2-1 today

  13. 13
    North Bank Ned says:

    Excellent, Dr F, from the first two sentences onwards, which went from Jane Austin to Eddie Izzard as seamlessly as an infinite loop.

    The Guv’nor would have been all over 4-1, available at 25s.

    If Martinez isn’t in the squad, it suggests that he is off. I think that he would have been on the bench anyway and Leno would have started. And that maybe why Emi is off to Villa.

  14. 14
    Doctor Faustus says:

    Thanks everyone! It was a privilege to write this preview for you all.

    Looking forward to an exciting and enjoyable season. And equally looking forward to your peerless company before, after and sometimes even during the matches.

  15. 15
    Osakamatt says:

    @12 TTG
    Two reasonable options, I like
    Heaton. I heard Butland had an
    awful season at Stoke but he’s
    still young.
    I suppose Reya is favourite but
    I haven’t seen anything of him

  16. 16
    TTG says:

    My dreaded auto correct changed Heston to Heston but Matt knows the real names ! I know Raya is highly rated among people who watch Championship football but as his old coach is with us presumably he is convinced by him. If we are looking to raise money I’d prefer us to use other sources than Emi but he clearly wants a number one berth at a club and one can understand this .

  17. 17
    Osakamatt says:

    Autocorrect 2 TTG 0

  18. 18
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    It’s time to stick my neck on the line before the season starts. Predictions…

    I think we will finish fourth. (If we don’t then I think third is more likely than fifth.)
    Man Utd not to make a top four featuring Oliers, Chavs, Poo and Us.
    Oilers to win the league.
    Eddie to score at least 15 in all competitions.
    Same for Laca.
    Pepe to get at least 28 combined goals and assists in all comps.
    Auba to win prem golden boot.
    Soares to surprise a lot of people with some high quality performances when needed. I think he is a lot better than most seem to.
    Arsenal to win in the league by four clear goals or more at least four times.
    Arsenal to play fast paced stylish attacking football that excites fans.
    Spurs to be complete cunts.

    And so it is.

  19. 19
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Matt. Like two judges differing on the scoring of a fight I will respectfully offer my card.

    Autocorrect 62,735 TTG 0

  20. 20
    Goonersince54 says:

    An Arse mate of mine in a nursing home,texted me this morning to tell me his new specially made reusable incontinence nappies in red and white with the club crest on them, were delivered yesterdayand he is proudly wearing them today.
    Unfortunately the designer push up sprts bra also in club colours,that he ordered to support his over large man boobs, didn’t arrive in time,so he will hopefully get them next week in time for Hammers visit to the Ems.

  21. 21
    Cynic says:

    I just hope he’s wearing a mask, although it sounds like social distancing won’t be a problem for him.

  22. 22
    Osakamatt says:

    GSD
    😂

  23. 23
    North Bank Ned says:

    Looks like a start for Elneny., Gabriel in a back three and Leno between the sticks.

  24. 24
    Countryman100 says:

    Slightly strange looking team

    Leno
    Bellerin
    Holding
    Gabriel
    Tierney
    Xhaka
    Elneny
    AMN
    Willian
    Lacazette
    Auba

    No Ozil, no Guendouzi in the squad

  25. 25
    Cynic says:

    Not happy about the keeper, but what can you do. Elneny is a strange choice, but meh. We’ll see how it goes.

  26. 26
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Clive.

    Surely someone needs to get him some Spurs nappies?

  27. 27
    North Bank Ned says:

    Leno
    Holding, Gabriel, Tierney
    Bellerin, Xhaka, Elneny, AMN
    Williian, Lacazette, Aubameyang

  28. 28
    Osakamatt says:

    subs
    Macey, Kolasinac, Dani, Joe W,
    Saka, Pepe, Nketiah

    Attacking bench and no place for
    Saliba, Soares, Nelson and Torreira as well
    as Ozil and Guen.

  29. 29
    North Bank Ned says:

    Bench: Macey, Dani, Saka, Willock, Pepe, Nketiah, Kola.

  30. 30
    Osakamatt says:

    A fairly makeshift defence, not much
    creativity and a top class attack.
    What could go wrong?
    COYGs!!!

  31. 31
    Countryman100 says:

    Gabriel and Tierney both heavily left footed. No real balance in that back three.

  32. 32
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I hope Elneny has a good game. A top bloke, if not quite good enough for us. I did not expect to see him in our colours again. Certainly not in a league opener. I wish him all the best today and will be interested to see if he stays this season and whether Arteta can turn his regular 6 out of ten performances into something better?

  33. 33
    bathgooner says:

    MA8 has limited options at CB. I can’t believe the quibbling. He clearly sees Gabriel as more match-ready than Saliba. He’s been a regular all last season while Saliba was out injured for much of last season. I thought the latter would get the nod because he’s been at Arsenal since lock-down but he’s only 19 and much less experienced than Gabriel. I don’t think it’s a big deal if we have two left footers at CB (it would never happen at Iprix), we usually have two right footers.

    Elneny is clearly more match-ready than Ceballos. MA8 watches them all in training and makes his judgement. I’m happy to trust him.

    COYG

  34. 34
    bathgooner says:

    I see Bet 365 have pinched my Fantasy Football team’s kit for their advert! I expect image rights!

  35. 35
    bathgooner says:

    COME ON YOU GUNNERS!

  36. 36
    scruzgooner says:

    dr. faustus, nice work on the preview, not least the bit about the woad-daubers’ travels.

    nervous start for us. lucky gabriel’s “dummy” leno was able to get to.

  37. 37
    bathgooner says:

    Get in! Laca.

  38. 38
    scruzgooner says:

    a bunch of fluff, but get in!!!

  39. 39
    Countryman100 says:

    Poachers goal. Well in Laca.

  40. 40
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Get the fuck in!

  41. 41
    Osakamatt says:

    great!!
    er..,,top of the league
    🙂

  42. 42
    bathgooner says:

    ooooooooo!

    Looking tasty.

  43. 43
    bathgooner says:

    Gabriel looks the business!

    So far.

  44. 44
    bathgooner says:

    Good effort, Willy!

  45. 45
    scruzgooner says:

    close, willian!

  46. 46
    bathgooner says:

    Where is everyone?

  47. 47
    scruzgooner says:

    great ball amn-laca, just a bit much…

  48. 48
    scruzgooner says:

    turning the screw.

  49. 49
    bathgooner says:

    Lovely ball from Xhaka.

  50. 50
    scruzgooner says:

    morning baff. dark outside?

    never a yellow, auba.

  51. 51
    ksn says:

    Nice to see you back in full flow, Scruzgooner. Hope all the wild fire problems are behind you for the year.

  52. 52
    Countryman100 says:

    Agreed Scruz. I thought the yellow on the Fulham player was a bit harsh as well.

  53. 53
    Countryman100 says:

    Is Scott Parker going straight from the game to a wedding?

  54. 54
    bathgooner says:

    Unspectacular but competent half

    Gabriel looks the mutts.

    Willian brings drive and creativity in midfield that we lacked last season.

    Elneny LANS, makes himself available, is a reliable link from defence to attack, intercepts well and makes the occasional key challenge.

    Worth our lead. Need another.

  55. 55
    bathgooner says:

    g’day scruz.

    Hope all is safe round you now.

  56. 56
    Osakamatt says:

    Decent first half, could have had
    a 2nd with a bit of luck or better
    ball. Gabriel looks ok so far and
    Willian has started well too.

  57. 57
    bt8 says:

    Decent half, now let’s turn it into a magic three points and propulsion to a great season. All positive mentalities on board.

  58. 58
    scruzgooner says:

    all is better, thanks ksn and baff. physically we are well-kept, the emotional scars will be healed with time and rye. and more arsenal football!

    c100, agreed, sir lawrence is being rather free with his yellows today. [kavanaugh, nm.].

  59. 59
    scruzgooner says:

    c100, that suit is 1/2 size small for him. lacking a bit of sartorial elegance. as for tonsirial strength, he doesn’t quite match our ma8, either.

    COYG!

  60. 60
    scruzgooner says:

    shoot the ball, auba!!

  61. 61
    bathgooner says:

    I know scruz will have loved that from Holding.

  62. 62
    bathgooner says:

    Gabby!

  63. 63
    Cynic says:

    Fell asleep watching the first half! Just woke up in time to see the second half start

  64. 64
    ksn says:

    Gabriel’s first goal!!! 0-2.

  65. 65
    scruzgooner says:

    get in gabriel!!!

  66. 66
    bathgooner says:

    Excellent timing. And a pre- assist from Holding.

  67. 67
    Countryman100 says:

    I love it when we score from corners! #oldfashionedgooner

  68. 68
    scruzgooner says:

    bath@61, he’s a veritable stalybridge pele!!

  69. 69
    bathgooner says:

    Agreed C100. The ultimate being the nod on at the near post of course. Another oldfashioned gooner!

  70. 70
    Osakamatt says:

    a new threat from corners!
    good strength from Gabriel.
    Perfect start to the 2nd half

  71. 71
    scruzgooner says:

    very free with his yellows. flipping free.

  72. 72
    ksn says:

    Auba!!!!

  73. 73
    bathgooner says:

    WHAT A FUCKING GOAL!

  74. 74
    scruzgooner says:

    auba get IN! great ball willian!!

  75. 75
    Steve-o says:

    Hello all!

    What a debut goal for our big, strapping, shiny Gabriel. More of that please.

    Barman, a round of Talisker, make that a double, por favor.

  76. 76
    Osakamatt says:

    Auba puts it to bed 😄😄😄

  77. 77
    ksn says:

    Two assists for Willian. Great start for our new Brazilians.

  78. 78
    bt8 says:

    Willian looks a massive improvement over Pepe.

  79. 79
    scruzgooner says:

    on track towards faustus’ punt 😎

  80. 80
    bathgooner says:

    Good call ksn. Liking our free Willy.

  81. 81
    Steve-o says:

    Ooof, what a delicious strike. Deja vu from Community shield?

  82. 82
    scruzgooner says:

    our new brazilians are smoooth.

  83. 83
    scruzgooner says:

    tv just gave özil a yellow card!!

  84. 84
    bathgooner says:

    scruz @83, I’d give the worm a permanent red.

  85. 85
    Osakamatt says:

    Time for a couple of subs

  86. 86
    Osakamatt says:

    give Dani a run and Pepe too

  87. 87
    bathgooner says:

    Double standards persist into the new season. How is the pull back on Laca breaking out not a yellow when Hector gets a yellow for a mutual hug on the edge of our box.

    Why do we always have to play against 12 men?

  88. 88
    bathgooner says:

    oooooooooooo

  89. 89
    scruzgooner says:

    hector no yellow? huh.

  90. 90
    Steve-o says:

    How did that not go in?

  91. 91
    scruzgooner says:

    and again?

  92. 92
    bathgooner says:

    Hector escapes yet another second yellow for a challenge worse than the one that brought PEA a yellow. Double standards again from a bottle-job referee.

  93. 93
    scruzgooner says:

    bravo willian 👏👏👏

  94. 94
    Steve-o says:

    The ankle doesn’t look too good, does it. Up walking now though.

  95. 95
    scruzgooner says:

    come on, pepe!!

  96. 96
    Osakamatt says:

    poor tackle on Xhaka.
    Willian off after a hat trick of
    assists

    should of been four, great
    passing!

  97. 97
    scruzgooner says:

    dani on for granit 👏

  98. 98
    Osakamatt says:

    MA read my @86
    😉

  99. 99
    scruzgooner says:

    mo’neny has quietly played a very tidy game.

  100. 100
    ksn says:

    Mitrovich is a man mountain. Wish we had Saliba on the bench; he would have matched Mitrovich for size.

  101. 101
    scruzgooner says:

    good calls, matt!

  102. 102
    Steve-o says:

    Ksn walked the goal into the net without even noticing it. Came off your bum, mate

  103. 103
    scruzgooner says:

    even hector with a bemused grin, wondering what he can get away with before his second yellow.

  104. 104
    ksn says:

    Agree a Scruzgooner, Elneny has had two good games so far.
    Hector tempts fate again by fouling Laca again. He knows the ref is looking after him.

  105. 105
    ksn says:

    Some luck that, Steve-o.

  106. 106
    scruzgooner says:

    eddie for laca. well played, laca👏👏

  107. 107
    Steve-o says:

    No luck there! All casually planned!

  108. 108
    ksn says:

    Nketiah on for Laca.

  109. 109
    scruzgooner says:

    well-in for the season’s inaugural tom, ksn. here’s to many more ton opps this season!!

  110. 110
    Steve-o says:

    The hunger and drive shown by Ceballos so far can only mean good things all round for our central midfielders

  111. 111
    bt8 says:

    I’ll give you two Paulistas for one Magalhaes

  112. 112
    scruzgooner says:

    three goals, three assists for willian, three points. clean sheet. what’s not to like?

    top of the league!!

  113. 113
    Countryman100 says:

    Well what an excellent start!

    We are top of the league, say we are top of the league!

  114. 114
    Osakamatt says:

    Happy with that.
    3-0 up and still closing Fulham
    down in the 91st minute.
    I think they got the message
    boss

    Going to be a long hard season
    for Fulham though. Hope they
    can survive

  115. 115
    scruzgooner says:

    off to bed, all. that was fun! didn’t need to get behind the couch once 😉

  116. 116
    Countryman100 says:

    So a banger from Bama, we seem to have bought ourselves a very promising centre half, and those of us who were doubting buying Willian (mainly because of his age and the length of his contract) have been made to look silly. I thought he was outstanding today.

  117. 117
    bathgooner says:

    A well deserved win with good performances all round.

    Boy, is Gabriel a rock? Deserved a goal and MotM on his debut. He will be a fixture. I think Holding was more secure too playing alongside him.

    Willian has added a lot of what was missing from MF last season. Competent ball carrying at pace, driving at defenders.

    Elneny has had Artetatherapy and looks a key link between defence and attack Always available.

    Ceballos was clearly miffed not starting and made sure to show drive and skill in his cameo.

    Return to normal service for PEA and Laca.

    Good pass marks for Leno, Bellerin, Tierney and Xhaka too.

  118. 118
    Countryman100 says:

    My pre match worries about Gabriel and Tierney getting in each other’s way proved unfounded, largely because when we had the ball AMN came into midfield and KT3 effectively went to left back. Sure it was only Fulham, but top start.

  119. 119
    ksn says:

    Three goals and a clean sheet to boot.
    Thanks Scruzgooner, I hope we play as well throughout the season. All this pressing is going to tire us as the season progresses and so it will be very important to give games to everyone in the squad.
    Turned out to be an easier game than I expected it to be but sterner tests are around the corner, OM. Just wish we get the remaining transfers done.

  120. 120
    North Bank Ned says:

    Business done. We should be beating bottom half (bottom three?) teams as routine though, even if it is not something we have consistently managed in recent seasons. Takeaways for me were: excellent and disciplined shape when without the ball; and everyone looking as if they knew what they should be doing when going forward. That is Arteta’s stamp, and a huge advance from the Emery era. What a difference it makes having an organised defence. Promising debut from Gabriel, the Elneny-Xhaka double pivot was solid and Willian slotted in as if he had been in the team for years (and a sumptuous assist for Auba’s even more sumptuous goal). No poor performances from anyone, though. Top of the league. Just have to stay there for the next 37 matches.

  121. 121
    bathgooner says:

    Good call Ned @120. As much as it was a delight to watch our far smoother progression from defence to attack the organisation, positioning and workmate out of possession was significantly better than this time last year. I shudder at what we were like both with and without the ball this time last year. Well done MA8!

  122. 122
    bt8 says:

    Would that ref have sent off that Fulham player had he committed a Fourth yellow card worthy offense? Not to be complaining but what if it had been a closer game.

  123. 123
    TTG says:

    First match report of the season has been completed and despatched!

  124. 124
    North Bank Ned says:

    Guv’nor-esque speed, TTG.

  125. 125
    Esso says:

    Where’s Stevo?

    Love you mate.

  126. 126
    bt8 says:

    Re: Özil carded @83, I saw that too, scruz, along with nervous tv exec laughter. 🤣🤣🤣

  127. 127
    North Bank Ned says:

    The Elneny selection is interesting. He is an experienced international and played well on loan in Turkey by most accounts. I suspect Arteta sees a player in him that he can do a Mustafi on with some basic instruction; he has certainly stopped Elneny running around midfield like a headless chicken as he used to do. Elneny also lets Xhaka play further forward and do more ‘quarterbacking’, which, as Dr F said of David Luiz, best accentuates his strengths and addresses his weaknesses. Different dynamic from the Dani-Xhaka pairing, where Dani is the more forward player. I doubt that either pairing is the long-term solution, however.

  128. 128
    Cynic says:

    Emi’s gone then.

    Shite.

  129. 129
    North Bank Ned says:

    If we’ve got £20 million for Emi, as reported, that is a good price. He took his chance brilliantly when it came up and showed he is good enough for regular first-team Premiership football. Cannot blame him for capitalising on that. It is also hard to argue that Arteta has made the wrong choice in going with Leno as his No 1, if that is indeed the case, rather than accepting the reality that he could not hold onto both keepers.

  130. 130
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Aston Villa is a fantastic club. They have a great history, representing the best of English football for many years and winning in the top European competition, which Arsenal have never done.

    If they buy EMI then they will be getting a fantastic keeper and I wish him and them all the best.

    Plus I will be able to get 4 Arsenal players in my FL team, even if one of them is wearing a Villa shirt.

  131. 131
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I am so proud of Elneny and Holding. If we wanna compete this year we will need our whole squad to step up. These two guys always give all they have, and although they are maybe not the top quality we want to have in seasons to come (not excluding their potential to improve) I am proud when they wear our colours.

  132. 132
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Willian showed all the doubters what he is about, no?

    I wait to see how Arteta will fit him and Pepe on the pitch. Because Pepe is gonna be awesome this season. Watch this space

  133. 133
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Xhaka was good. Not my favourite player but credit where it is due. It was interesting to see him get into shooting positions with Elneny covering him. But he did not shoot well today. I’ll go ‘glass half full’ and be interested in seeing him improve that and maybe get his highest scoring season this year.

    I’m also thrilled that Willian has taken free kicks away from Xhaka’s reach!

  134. 134
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Tierney is the bollocks.

    AMN is like Jofra Archer. Superlative when switched on. But has to maintain concentration. I do love the kid though. He is a star.

  135. 135
    bathgooner says:

    Much as I would have liked us to have had the luxury of having two top class keepers compete for our starting goalkeeping position, the reality is that one of them would have been dreadfully frustrated, extremely unhappy and possibly a negative force in the dressing room. Moreover we are scrabbling around trying to accumulate enough cash to add a cash-only talent to our area of greatest need – midfield.

    If we had been offered £15-20m for Emi a year ago we would have jumped at the opportunity. He took his opportunity well and gave MA8 a decision to make. Given Leno’s longer record of consistency at the top level and his multiple point-winning MotM performances over the past 18 months, it’s no surprise that MA8 went for the German.

    Good luck Emi. You deserve a top level career.

  136. 136
    bathgooner says:

    Get in!

  137. 137
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I’m so happy we still have Laca and I don’t wanna sell him. He is gonna be an important player this year. Last year was a blip. The way he plays CF compliments Auba so well. And I expect him to be more clinical with chances knowing how much Arteta rates him.

    Also, interestingly, I expect him and Eddie to help each other to have good seasons. I think they will support and challenge each other in a very complimentary way.

  138. 138
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I am a little concerned that we may have to spend a chunk of the Emi fee in replacing him. Honestly, if we get 20m and spend 10m on a number two keeper it is like getting 10m for him.

    We have a crop of promising young keepers but Matt Macey is by far the most advanced. Yet we are apparently letting him leave. I’d keep him as number two and play Leno in most games. Use the Em money in midfield.

  139. 139
    TTG says:

    I think Scruz departed to the land of Nod as my report landed in his inbox but it is done..honestly . Artur also has a copy if he is online

  140. 140
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    I get all the reasons to let Emi leave and keep Leno. Yet I won’t be surprised when Emi becomes Argentina number one and goes to Barca or Real for 60m after one excellent season at Villa.

  141. 141
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    TTG @ 139

    He is taking a while to correct all the spillchucker contributions!

  142. 142
    Steve-o says:

    @120, Esso! Finally I see ya. How is the wee lad?

    Also, I think followed you on Instagram or something! How great was today’s win? Organised, switched on and a clean sheet. Happy days.

  143. 143
    Steve-o says:

    I meant @125. The sun is getting to me.

  144. 144
    bathgooner says:

    GSD @140, hopefully we have inserted a sell on clause.

  145. 145
    bathgooner says:

    Get in AGAIN!

  146. 146
    scruzgooner says:

    gsd@141, i can do those in my sleep 🤣

  147. 147
    bathgooner says:

    Unlucky Leeds. A questionable penalty at the beginning and a stupid penalty at the end. Three goals in between. They will cause a few teams, including us, a few problems.

  148. 148
    ATG says:

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>