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The road to Redemption?

An Arsenal squad that has, this season, both raised our hopes and dashed them horribly, made their way to the frozen north aiming to cement qualification for the Europa League knock-out rounds. In the PL we have averaged just over 9 shots per game yielding a mere 9 goals in 9 games whereas in this competition, despite still not looking like a well-oiled machine, we have averaged almost 18 shots per game garnering a healthier tally of 9 goals in 3 games. A recent series of disappointing performances and results, leavened only by wins against Manure and tonight’s hosts, left me wondering if we were capable of rising to tonight’s challenge. Could we maintain our 100% record in this competition to enable us to rest key players in the last two group games or would the PL creative malaise infect this competition as well? Could a healthy sprinkling of aspirant youth help us recover from our lethargy?

Mikel must have been reading OM’s fine preview, selecting 10 of his 11, choosing to start Nketiah rather than ESR:

Rúnarsson, 

Cédric, Mustafi, Luiz, Maitland-Niles, 

Willock, Xhaka, 

Lacazette,

Nelson, Pépé, Nketiah.

Subs: Macey, Hein, Bellerin, Tierney, Ceballos, Holding, Smith Rowe, Balogun, Azeez, Cottrell

There was pre-match speculation as to whether Lacazette would reprise his recent deep-lying forward/advanced midfield role or play up front in a pair with Nketiah in a fluid 4-4-2? Starting with four attackers (5 if you include Willock) should ensure that we get more players into and around the box. The bench had that sprinkling of youthful talent hopefully to be given a decent run out if we could make the game safe early on rather than to be thrown on to salvage the game.

Before the kick off there was one minute’s silence in memory of the late Diego Maradona. Mikel Arteta looked somewhat nervously on as Molde kicked off. As many suggested, Lacazette played deeper than the more advanced Nketiah, flanked by Pépé and Nelson. In the opening minutes, Arsenal started on the front foot, pressed high and a neat chip from AMN forced the Molde keeper to tip it over the bar. The game then settled down to 10 minutes of toothless alternate cut and thrust. Then a nice burst forward by Nelson led to an Arsenal corner culminating in a wild effort from Pépé that sailed high over the bar. Seconds later, a neat one-two with Lacazette at the edge of the box gave Nelson a shot from 6 yards but the keeper got a foot to his effort. Immediately thereafter, a wicked Molde cross from our right eluded Luiz at the front post, zipped across the six-yard box past Rúnarsson at his near post and was met by a Molde player sliding in at the far post. Fortunately, that player’s impending collision with the post caused him to screw the shot along the goal line to be gratefully poked clear by Rúnarsson still poised at the near post. Lucky Arsenal! 

Then a clever dribble into the box and low cross from Pépé induced a flick from Nketiah that failed to beat the keeper. Pépé subsequently fired a shot straight at the keeper. A Pépé cross from a corner was then headed well wide by Luiz. As the first quarter ended Pépé drove aggressively at the defence, drifted in but curled his shot past the far post. Nketiah then broke through the middle but was tackled as he ran into the box. Then a long, angled ball from Nelson on the left just failed to find Lacazette running into the box on the right. 

Minutes later a Cédric cross was grasped by the keeper as two Arsenal forwards leapt for it in the six-yard box.

The bounce of the ball on the artificial turf and its slippery surface were causing us a few problems and early on, several players lost their footing. However, this was a competent display from Arsenal and but for the Molde opportunity on our goal line, we had managed their attacks well and created several opportunities.

Molde then won a corner after AMN blocked a shot from a dangerous cross from the left. A clash of heads in the box poleaxed Luiz who looked shaken but resumed play after treatment.

An encouraging aspect of the first 30 minutes was the number of mobile forward options that our midfielders had ahead of them and the pace with which we moved the ball. After another Pépé dart forward, Nketiah curled a shot from the edge of the box but it flew tamely into the keeper’s hands. Molde then put a ball in from our left that curled across our six-yard box and was just missed by a Molde forward.

Lacazette then collected the ball in the box, fed Nelson who dribbled through a crowd of defenders before falling only to have a free kick awarded against him. As the last five minutes of the first half approached, our energy level and drive seemed to drop giving Molde much more time on the ball. In possession we reverted to the ‘arc of death’ on the edge of the opposition box, moving the ball sideways then all the way back to Rúnarsson. But it was only a flash back!

Nelson who was combining well with AMN, then curved the ball over the bar from the edge of the box. A break from Molde resulted in a cross-shot from our left clearing our bar. Then Xhaka blocked a shot from the edge of our box which otherwise might have beaten Rúnarsson. Immediately afterwards, a superb Nelson ball to the far post was headed clear from Nketiah as he was poised to connect. The resultant corner was touched over an Arsenal head for another corner leading to another corner from a blocked Cédric shot. This was cleared into our half and Rúnarsson promply had Gooners’ hearts in mouths as he ran out of his box to clear and missed it completely. Fortunately, AMN covered the gaffe. Shades of Flappyhandski!

HT 0-0

We had started the first half well, looking more coherent and creative and taking more shots than we’ve done recently. However, we had struggled a bit with the surface and our energy seemed to drop briefly after 30 minutes but we raised it again to force a series of corners as the half closed. In the first half we had 51% possession, 9 shots vs 7, 3 on target vs 1, 6 corners vs 5, 246 passes vs 241 and 87% pass accuracy vs 84%. Not much in it. We definitely had the edge but they messed up the best chance of the half though they hadn’t created much else.

Holding replaced Luiz for the second half probably due to that late clash of heads. Two minutes into the half, Cédric curled a ball towards Nelson on the edge of the Molde penalty box but a defender nipped in before he could connect. On 48 minutes, Pépé took a pass from Cédric, cut inside and bent it towards the top corner of the goal, beating the keeper. Sadly, it hit the bar. A trademark Pépé effort. More please!

Seconds later, a cross from Willock on the left reached Pépé at the far side of the box. He took a touch and curled the ball past the Molde keeper and inside the far post. Beautiful goal! The path to Redemption?

0-1 Pépé, 48

Pépé was smiling again and followed his goal up with a dribble out of our half beating several players but he was tackled just as he was about to pass the ball to Nelson inside the opposition half. Nketiah then had a poacher’s goal chalked off for offside after a fine shot from AMN at the edge of the box. Pépé’s goal certainly lifted us and we began to move the ball sweetly and stream forward whenever we regained possession. Willock then darted up the right flank and fired a low ball along the edge of the six-yard box for Nelson to run into the centre of the box and fire it through the keeper into the goal.

0-2 Nelson, 55

A four man break out led to a beautiful Pépé cross to the edge of the six-yard box that Nketiah unfortunately headed over. That should definitely have been three! Holding then gave us a fright as he let ball and man past him in our box but the ball was smothered by Rúnarsson. On 60 minutes, Molde made two substitutions. We then had to defend a free kick from our left which we did without any problems. Xhaka was then replaced by Ceballos.

Pépé quickly latched onto a high ball that his defender had missed, drove towards the box and stroked a lovely low ball towards Nketiah which he tried to back heel into the far corner but he failed to connect properly. Pépé was clearly enjoying this game. Holding then intercepted a Molde pass on the left, ran forward, beat a couple of Molde players and played a lovely line ball for Nketiah who drove towards goal but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked. 

As the last quarter loomed we looked comfortable at the back and when we regained possession our defenders linked well with our midfielders who built forwards down either flank with the full backs or through the centre with Lacazette. Lacazette took a shot from the edge of the box from a gentle touch-back by Nketiah that drew an excellent save. Holding then put an effort past the near post from the corner. Willock then had a strong run to the half way line only to be fouled as he was about to pass forward. That was one of the few times our moves were disrupted by a foul – quite an unusual experience these days!

On 74 minutes, Tierney and ESR replaced Willock and Lacazette. Tierney took up his usual LB position and AMN moved to the right of midfield. A good curling shot by Bolly running into the box from our right beat Rúnarrson but fortunately also cleared the bar. On 80 minutes, Molde replaced their captain and another fella. At the same time Balogun replaced Nketiah.

On 82 minutes, a sweet ball from Ceballos found Tierney running up the left wing. Tierney passed it to ESR running into the left of the penalty area. ESR swiftly squared the ball to Balogun who turned and stroked it nicely into the box. That’s Balogun’s first first-team goal for the Arsenal. Sign that contract, laddie! ESR had displayed excellent vision for his assist.

0-3 Balogun, 83

On 89 minutes, Holding’s square pass to no-one on the edge of our box almost put us in trouble but otherwise we were dealing competently with the Molde attack and on regaining the ball stroked it swiftly forward through midfield with confidence. As the game ticked towards its end, Balogun was unlucky to be caught marginally offside on a ball over the top by Cédric. The energy, mobility and enthusiasm of ESR and Balogun up front enlivened the last few minutes of added time.

FT 0-3 Arsenal

Apparently, this is the first time that we have won our first four matches in a Europa League group. We looked a more fluent operation than we have for some time in the PL. This was probably at least in part because Molde committed hardly any fouls to break up our play and our players were able to run with the ball and run into space without being chopped. The curse of Sam Allardyce apparently hasn’t reached the frozen north. The second half in particular was most enjoyable viewing.

This was a pretty competent performance all round. Rúnarsson did have a dodgy moment with his fluffed clearance, got lucky with his save from Molde’s best chance and had very little else to do. Cédric brought the ball forward well, linked well with Pépé and made several excellent passes and crosses. The three centre backs we used contributed to a generally solid defensive performance though Holding had a couple of ‘daft moments’. AMN had an excellent game and linked well with Nelson when he went forward. Willocks shone again in midfield, provided an effective link between defence and attack and deserved his two lovely assists. Xhaka produced a very competent performance both with and without the ball which Ceballos didn’t surpass when replacing him. Pépé and Nelson were our most dangerous attackers, giving their markers a torrid time and deserved their goals. Lacazette worked hard between midfield and attack, provided several good through balls and was unlucky not to score though I remain unconvinced by him in this role. Nketiah put in a good shift and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet but really should have taken one of his chances. Surprisingly KT3 is still able to run while the 10 minute cameos from ESR and Balogun have given us a tantalising glimpse of a possible future. Could they match DB10 and TH14? No pressure, lads. We’ll hopefully see more of their skills in the final two group games.

Job done. Now we have to sort out the PL performances.

31 Drinks to “We CAN do it on a Cold November Night on the Fannfjord!”

  1. 1
    Trev says:

    Cheers, Bath, nice write up !

    A bit of a game of two halves. The second half did indeed offer a glimpse of what might be with some nice flowing moves. Balogun looks about as good as you can in a few minutes on the pitch. Amazing what happens when you move the ball quickly into space where players can run into passes without stopping or breaking stride.

    Can’t wait to see Martinelli return to our attack and merge with the pace of Auba, Pepe on tonight’s form, and Nelson.

  2. 2
    TTG says:

    Very fair and comprehensive description of events Bath , many thanks .
    It’s hard to know with a game like this whether we genuinely played better or they just aren’t at PL level . To be honest I think we look like flat-track bullies this season in the Europa ( and at Fulham) but we are carrying a passenger upfront ( Lacazette) who is blunting some of our attacking thrusts and tonight I was underwhelmed, again, by Eddie who didn’t have the attacking quality we need in that position. It may be Serendipity that Balogun came on and scored but he created a bigger impression in ten minutes than Eddie in eighty .
    My MOTM was Nelson because he had a much better first half than Pepe but Pepe looked a completely different player in the second half and scored a sumptuous goal and almos5 got a better one.
    In fairness I’ve never seen Xhaka move the ball quicker or more consistently forward and I also thought the full-backs ( including AMN before he moved into midfield ) were very decent tonight and didn’t give any foul throws away!
    Runarsson copped a bit of stick but by and large I thought he is a better sweeper keeper than Leno although I doubt he stops shots as well .
    Nice opportunity beckoning to both rest the overworked stars ( except Tierney the lazy bastard😀) and blood some future stars who were on the bench tonight. I think we will see Azeez and Balogun start next week and Pepe can keep match fit .
    No extra English sides likely to qualify for the Europa either

  3. 3
    Bathgooner says:

    Thanks guys.

    That is the $64,000 question. I think Molde’s game was a stark contrast to the last two PL games if not all bar Fulham. Our fluent play tonight was as much a result of Molde’s lack of press, aggressive tackling and fouling as it was due to our changes in personnel and formation. I have become so used to our forward moves being broken up by rotational fouling that the virtual absence of such fouls against us in this game came as quite a shock. It does make our game much more pleasant to watch. We need to move the ball faster in PL games so that the thugs can’t get their fouls in on time.

  4. 4
    Osakamatt says:

    Thoroughly reported Bath!
    Pleased for Pepe as that is a
    good response and shows some
    character.
    Happy for Balogun, scored his
    first goal with his first touch of
    the game and thwarted the
    Holic Pound in one fell swoop.
    Welcome back ESR 😃

  5. 5
    bt8 says:

    Nicely painted picture of the game, Bath. Being away in the off-grid wilds near Canadian territory I didn’t see the game for myself so your description serves as something of a Braille-like viewing experience until I return to town in time to anticipate the weekend’s expected display of rotational fouling by the opposition. Hoping my DVR did its job so I’ll be able to verify your Molde impressions and actually see The Arsenal sticking the ball in the other guys’ net, Balogun’s landmark first goal being the one I want most securely implanted in my memory bank. Cheers!

  6. 6
    Countryman100 says:

    A fine minute by minute report on the game Bath. It brought back memories of some of the late landlord’s reports on games he watched on TV, delivered at lightning speed. I have seen some describe the first half as boring. I cannot agree. I thought in that first half we looked more creative, running at the opposition, progressive passing and with more options around the box. Now whether that is due to the inclusion of livelier players, playing four at the back (thus releasing another player into midfield) or, as you suggest Bath, the absence of a high press and niggly fouls is of course one to be proved in the Premier League. But I thought a good half and all that was missing was the goals. They duly arrived in the second half playing the same way. This time last year we were all purring about Gabby Martinelli, soon to return from injury. This year it’s Balogun. I plead with everyone not to heap too much pressure on his 19 year old shoulders. Let’s get him tied down to a new contract and gradually ease him into the first XI. There is much competition for that central strikers berth and I fear Laca’s day is done. He has now been clearly past his best for some 18 months and we should look to move him on in January.

  7. 7
    Countryman100 says:

    Esso I fear I had departed the blog when you began your call and response last night (see last drinks). However even if I had been there I don’t know that chant and can’t recall it at any game I’ve been at in the last 45 years. Can you give us the full version?

  8. 8
    Gunnersaurus Stunt Double says:

    Cheers Baff. Top report.

    I had to listen to the match on the radio so your detailed description was especially helpful and appreciated.

    It sounds as though it was an excellent night for us. Good performances from Pepe, Nelson and Willock, amongst others, are great news as we head into a busy spell when we will need to use the full squad. It is equally excellent to see (hear) ESR back with an assist and Balogun getting a goal. Hopefully they both play more minutes next time out. We got a fairly comfortable 3 points and secured qualification on a tricky pitch. And moved on from Pepe’s red as smoothly as could be hoped, barring the fact that he played so well that people will miss him all the more as they watch Willian try (and hopefully succeed) to drag himself out of the funk he has been in. At some point ESR may be snapping at his heels too.

    Less positive seems to be underwhelming performances from Laca and Eddie. If the latter were playing for England u21s I think he would have scored a couple last night but he does not finish as clinically for us. He is not a player who adds enough to justify a place in the team if he doesn’t put chances away from inside the box. He might go on a hot streak, and I’m not anywhere close to writing him off, but he is not pushing on at the moment or looking like a prem level striker. I think this also raises people’s hopes of Balogun being more like Saka and Gabigol- players who can have a decisive impact in games despite their youth.

    We also have to wait to see if Luiz is available at the weekend, although I was a little concerned that we might pick up a worse injury on a pitch I don’t entirely trust. And we should have Holding and Gabriel available anyway.

    So, the positives far outweigh the negatives and we can turn our attention back to our stuttering league form and hopefully add some of the impressive elements of our Europa league performances to our efforts to overcome Wolves.

  9. 9
    BtM says:

    Well it was only Molde.

    But just like $iteh at Wembley; Liverpool at the Emirates, Wembley and then Anfield; Che$ki at Wembley; Manure at Old Trafford; and the mighty Fulham at Fulham, you can only beat the eleven you play against.

    An excellent summary of an entertaining match Prof Bath. Not a single detail omitted 🙂

  10. 10
    Uplympian says:

    A fine and prompt report Bath.
    I only managed to watch the 2cnd half in which the team performance was encouraging. Some good goals scored in a comfortable win – can’t ask for much more. No doubt we play better against a team that doesn’t operate a hard press – unfortunately they are few & far in the EPL. Some good performances already mentioned by drinkers above with 2 notable exceptions, Laca seems in a complete fugg at the moment and Eddie does not suggest he will operate at the highest level. Let’s hope MA can work his magic on them.
    My most pleasurable moment was the appearance of ESR, that lad is a real prospect that has been curtailed by persistent injuries. I’m hoping he gets an injury free run that allows us to see his true potential.

  11. 11
    Countryman100 says:

    I do think everyone is being very, very hard on Eddie. This is what I meant about Balogun. Patience is required. The odd poor game is to be expected. Put it this way, if we sold him to a mid table premier league club for say £15m, and in three years time he was a 20 goal a season striker, the same people who are saying “he’s not good enough” now would be saying “why on Earth did we sell him”. Trust in Arteta to put him right. His main problem is the space between his ears and that can be worked on.

    Courage mon braves!

  12. 12
    Countryman100 says:

    Eddie is 21
    Gabagol is 19
    Balogun is 19
    Laca is 29 (30 in May)

    Auba of course is 31 and contracted for three more years.

    Our hope is that over the next two years we can replace Auba, hopefully without having to spend £100m on a new striker. For me the three young uns have the potential. Laca does not.

  13. 13
    Bathgooner says:

    I don’t think any of our forwards can reasonably be subjected to heavy criticism at the moment. None of them, with the exception of PEA last season has played anywhere near their full potential for two to three seasons due to our dysfunctional midfield and the poor service they have received. It’s impossible to predict how good they could be with a decent midfield.

    Eddie can be criticised for missing a good chance that Pépé created for him. Shit happens. He regularly gets into good positions to score which is a good habit in a striker. On another day he might have scored a hat trick. He may not become a top top striker but he still has the potential. We should cut him plenty slack and give him game time.

    On the other hand Lacazette looks to be on the downhill slope and we should accept any decent bid for him.

  14. 14
    Trev says:

    Esso, previous bar, that chant you wanted as I knew it –

    Bertie Mee said to Bill Shankly
    Have you heard of the North Bank Highbury
    And the Shanks said
    Yes, They’re the loudest and the best,
    And they all support The Arsenal

    Cheers Buddy !

  15. 15
    Countryman100 says:

    Nice one guys

  16. 16
    Goonersince54 says:

    A very thorough report Bath, on a match that probably didn’t deserve it.
    But another win for the boys and through to the last 32 comfortably with 2 games to spare.
    Wolves on Sunday will be a very different kettle of fish with a different line up and a lot to prove after an indifferent run of results.
    More on that later.

  17. 17
    Bathgooner says:

    Thanks fellas.

    There’s a superb interview with FL8 in the Telegraph:

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/11/27/exclusive-freddie-ljungberg-chaos-arsenal-unacceptable-mesut

    On dropping Özil:

    “It was about the culture and the foundations to put down and to say ‘no, that is not acceptable’. It was something that I felt like, to be honest, that in the past hadn’t always been dealt with. I felt it was my chance to deal with it and to show what I thought was important. That was nothing to do with Mesut as a footballer, it was just a principle of what we do. I played Mesut all the games before that because I think he’s a very good football player.”

    I suspect that we can expect a response from ‘Team Özil’.

  18. 18
    Goonersince54 says:

    And in promising news from the under 23’s,
    They have been very impressive this evening with a 3 – 1 win over top of the table Derby County.
    Chambers and Saliba at the heart of the defence.
    Our goals coming from 3 youngsters including Ben Cottrell, who is well thought of at the club.
    Things are looking up.

  19. 19
    Steve T says:

    Nice stuff Bath.

    As others have said, you can only beat those put in front of you. Pepe has grabbed a lot of the headlines, and for the right reasons this time. To be honest, I was probably as impressed with his attitude as much as his performance. It won’t be the hardest outing he will ever have, but he looked as intent to perform as he ever has. Who knows, this coukd be the turning point.

    A good win means that the youngsters may well get more of a chance in the next two outings. That makes it all very much worthwhile in my view.

    Onwards and upwards.

  20. 20
    Doctor Faustus says:

    Comprehensive and enjoyable review Bath!

    I enjoyed ESR’s short cameo, always picks up the right positions. And of course the quality on the ball is well-known. Let us hope he stays injury free.

    Pleased to see Balogun taking his chances. I hope Arteta’s continued trust will convince him to stay on. Whatever highlights of his game I have seen for U-23s etc. he looks a few levels above his peers. Not just a good goal-scorer but also technically quite accomplished.

    And very happy for Reiss and Pepe. Both of them deserve more regular chances ahead of Willian — who has been unimpressive and unproductive , and probably Chelsea knew what they were doing when they didn’t offer him the extension he wanted — and by current form Laca (what has happened to him?).

  21. 21
    Osakamatt says:

    Cottrell back from Norway,
    playing immediately and
    scoring. Good for him

  22. 22
    TTG says:

    Thanks Clive
    In case anyone does not read Jeorge Bird’s excellent analyses on the U23s and U18s here is last night’s report
    Very encouraging- Derby were too
    Report – Taylor-Hart and Cottrell excel as Arsenal U23s beat Derby County

  23. 23
    Noosa Gooner says:

    Trev @ 14
    My recall as well although I think the Shanks said “YESSSSS!”.
    UTA.

  24. 24
    ClockEndRider says:

    It is with great pleasure that I announce I have secured a ticket for Thursday.
    A night out? What’s all that about?

  25. 25
    Countryman100 says:

    Well done cer. I spent a very frustrating 45 minutes trying, but to no avail. If you let the site pick seats there were none available. If you picked “available” seats they weren’t available. Ah well, let’s hope the ballot treats me more kindly for future games.

    But have a great night. Did you get close to your normal seat and are some mates near?

  26. 26
    ClockEndRider says:

    Next to a regular. I booked for the two of us. To be honest I didn’t even look at where were sitting. Just wanted to make sure I booked!

  27. 27
    TTG says:

    Have a great evening CER .
    You and Countryman epitomise true Arsenal fans. Many would cavil at travelling to a dead rubber on a cold December night in current circumstances . It will be wonderful to be in the ground again . We will all return in the spring !

  28. 28
    bt8 says:

    TTG, Many thanks for the link to JB’s u-23’s report. Much good news to pique my interest on there. Chambers among others is sounding good, and in 12-18 months time I hope he can step into David Luiz’ role as senior central defender at the club, even if he is third choice after Gabriel and Saliba.

    CER, congratulations on winning the lottery! Please report back to us what you have seen after the game. 😁

  29. 29
    Esso says:

    Cheers Baff! And Cheers Trev above – top lad!
    My lad came to tell me yesterday that Eddie had to switch the comments off on his Instagam account because of the abuse he was getting. I really despair of a large part of our online fan base. They are cunts pure and simple.

  30. 30
    Countryman100 says:

    Spot on Esso.

  31. 31
    Bathgooner says:

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