Given the unanimous popularity of the somewhat tangential Valentine musings in the Leeds match report, I thought it is all the more desirable to start this preview with reminiscing about another Valentine’s day victory, in 2016, this time maybe with a higher degree of relevance.
Danny Welbeck, playing his first match since April 2015, came on as a substitute for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 83rd minute with the game evenly poised at 1-1. As the table stood, Leicester was leading with 54 points, some other London team was second at 51 points and we were at 49 points with only 12 games left to play in the league. Leicester had earlier gone ahead with a Vardy penalty but lost a player to a red card, Schmeichel pulling out a string of extraordinary saves to keep us at bay until Giroud brilliantly headed down a Bellerin free-kick for Theo to equalize. Then came the 95th minute, possibly the last kick of the ball as we got a free-kick in our right side of the Leicester half. Mesut Özil, pulling strings all match as he used to do in those days, sent in a wonderful dipping cross in the box for Danny to jump up and head firmly down into the goal past Schmeichel’s desperate dive. And then he ran ecstatically into the corner to be mobbed by the supporters and his teammates. It was a moment of such pure euphoria and celebration that remains in the footballing memory forever.
I myself had thought that after that match we would win the league that season. We had a relatively clean bill of health – though the captain himself, one Mikel Arteta, was unfortunately spending much of his last season with us plagued by injuries, and I think in this match we also lost Koscielny to injury – with Alexis and Özil ably supported by Ramsey, Giroud, Theo and now Danny I had felt we could now go on a run now and build on our successes in the previous two seasons FA Cups that finally had ended the much discussed “trophy drought” for Arsène. At the end of this match we were only two points behind Leicester, on the same number of points with the neighbors – who, frankly speaking, we all knew would start to implode soon as they dutifully did – and with 12 matches to go. From that position we continued to lose ground to the Foxes as they ended the season on 81 points, 10 more than Arsenal who finished second. I still feel we had underachieved that season and given our pedigree and overall quality in the squad and given that all of City/United/Chelsea were in transitions we missed out. We were the only team in that season to have beaten the champions both home and away, and for much of the season we had played some wonderful football.
Since that league win Leicester have remained a force to reckon with in the premier league though they haven’t won any other trophies after that. And their European adventures have all suffered unceremonious ends. Including this season’s Europa league round of 32 where Czech football’s second best team – historically speaking, behind the much more successful Sparta Praga, the old stomping ground of one of my favorite Arsenal players ever, super Tomáš Rosický – Slavia Praga dumped them out 2-0 at their home of King Power stadium last Thursday.
Speaking of the Czech, we ourselves too of course came very close to suffer an ignominious exit last Thursday in a style of such absurd follies that easily brings to mind the comic ineptitudes of people populating the literary universe of Jaroslav Hašek. And let us be honest, this is also a style we have not only trademarked in recent years but worked tirelessly on it to improve upon its sheer unpredictable brilliance. Over the two legs we won against a competent but very limited Benfica team 4-3 where we scored four sumptuous goals and conceded from a questionable penalty, a free-kick at the end of the penalty box given away due to a tired looking challenge, and an absolute howler of a mistake.
Now back in the premier league, we really cannot afford to give away such chances against Leicester — our opponents for the Sunday lunchtime clash – who have been remarkably efficient in their football this league season and currently stand as the runners-up to the by now runaway league leaders Manchester City. In this strangest of seasons Manchester City have made their squad depth — with two world class players almost in every position – count, and Leicester, despite not possessing that sort of quality across the entire team, have maintained a high degree of consistency by playing a brand of efficient football effectively. Defensively compact and well organized by their veteran goalkeeper, their attacking efficiency comes from the complementary qualities of Maddison, Barnes and Vardy, Vardy continuing to successfully deploy all the tricks of his trade, even the ones that one would have thought by now VAR should have been able to root out of English football. However, the highly talented and skillful Maddison remains the creative heartbeat of that team and I have no problem accepting my hope that the injury that kept him out of the Europa league match keeps him sidelined for our game too.
Focusing back on us, I think we do have the right players now and have arrived at a certain degree of dynamism in our creative attempts to give Leicester defense a real test. We had already met them twice this season, winning away 2-0 at the Carabao Cup in late September, and then losing 1-0 at home in League in that string of wretched results where we were not creating enough chances, not taking the few that were coming our way, and not being defensively solid enough (though much better compared to the shapeless glob that Mikel inherited) to not present the occasional chances to the opposition.
Our attacking play since then has improved significantly, with the two Hale End graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe being the driving force behind that transformation. Their energy, quality and desire have inspired in their teammates a sense of urgency and purposefulness that saw us starting to play better, create more chances, and recently our talismanic captain returning back from a prolonged slump — much of which was, as we learn, due to personal circumstances that everyone can sympathize for – to start scoring again, getting goals now has started to be less problematic. Aubameyang now has 13 goals from his 26 appearances this season and let us hope he is planning on catching up quickly to keep up with his own prolific numbers in Arsenal colors.
Given that there is a one-week rest before the next match, given Auba’s renewed confidence after the heroics at “home away from home” Athens, I think Arteta will start him on the weekend. The temptation to start Saka will be very high indeed given the quality of his performances even when he is visibly not physically at his best, but I feel that he looked sluggish on Thursday and yes even though that didn’t stop him from making such match winning contributions, giving him a breather will serve us better in the rest of the season. I would like to see Nicolas Pépé – who had finally started to put together a few consistent performances on both ends of the pitch, and not rely only on unpredictable moments of brilliance – given a chance to express his frustrations at being left out in a constructive manner on the pitch. Lacazette too hasn’t been playing much lately and he had combined well with Aubameyang and Pépé at the tail end of the last season and that front three – though missing the superlative quality of Saka on the ball – have a good combination of qualities and mutual understanding to trouble defenses, especially when ably supported from an attacking midfield position. ESR has lately been asked to play on the wings following the arrival of Ødegaard. He has played well enough on the flanks, but I think he is at his best centrally as he can then use his superb positional awareness and the mastery of the half-spaces to great effect. Martin may also feel the physical intensity of Leicester’s game a little hard to handle coming immediately after his string of energetic performances in the last couple of weeks.
Xhaka had reverted back to his ponderous worst in the Benfica match, he might be well served with a rest too, and Dani should be given some chance to cool down after a few nightmarish moments on Thursday. The Partey-Elneny combination complemented each other very effectively in our away win at Manchester United and their fresh legs will help as well.
Cedric should definitely start ahead of Bellerin who too looked jaded on Thursday. I don’t think Bellerin has been as bad as some have portrayed him to be, but he has not really fulfilled his promise of the earlier years. There has been matches where he has played well enough, but he hasn’t really put in a Bacary Sagna-like consistent run of performances on both ends of the pitch. I was originally very skeptical about Cedric’s role in the team but in the recent past given a chance on the right fullback position he played well enough, and has a very good cross from the right. His more typical right back playing style too combines better with Pépé compared with Hector; the latter pair has yet to find a good tactical understanding, both preferring to attack the box more than go on the outside.
Holding remains in post-concussion recovery – and thankfully nothing more alarming following his head injury – and I myself worry about a temperamental Luiz against Vardy and his little sneaky ways. I like the composure and calmness of Mari but can he and Gabriel make it work both being primary left-footed? Gabriel too had an unusually off day against Benfica and maybe having a seasoned cool head in Mari next to him would protect Luiz from his own maverick temptations.
It is hard to predict Mikel’s starting eleven – except for the fact that we will see Willian at some point of time etc. etc. :–) — but this would be my preferred line-up:
Leno
Cedric – Luiz – Mari – Tierney
Partey – Elneny
Pépé – ESR – Aubameyang
Lacazette
However, I won’t be surprised if Arteta sends this team out:
Leno
Cedric – Luiz – Gabriel – Tierney
Partey – Xhaka
Saka – ESR – Willian
Aubameyang
I think we will score at least a couple of goals but won’t keep a clean sheet either. So, a 2-1 win for the mighty Arsenal with Aubameyang riding the crest of his goalscoring waves with another double.
Come on Arsenal!
A thoughtful and comprehensive preview Dr.F . It’s hard to set up games nowadays with the frequency of matches, fatigue , travel weariness and the preference for many sides to play away . Leicester are much better away than at home probably because they love to counter-attack rather than make the play .
They have a lot of pace upfront with Vardy and Barnes and as Dr F points out we are not replete with speed ourselves in central defence . We must also be at a disadvantage after a four hour flight from Greece .
I have no idea who Arteta will pick. You have to play Auba and he never leaves out Saka . We are much more effective with ESR central . He will pick Xhaka and Partey in midfield . I think we will be too tired to recover in time although we are capable of beating them if we start well. Let’s hope we do
The FFL medical report, which tends to be surprisingly accurate, gives Maddison a 50% chance of being healthy enough for this one, so we might see him featuring in a second half cameo which, if so, would put considerably more attacking responsibility on Barnes who is capable of hurting any team. Pepe as you say Dr. F does deserve a start (and Laca too?) but no matter his partner I hope to see Partey in midfield. About time we rub Vardy’s nose in a zero-pointed bouquet. COYG
Excellent preview, Dr F. You are becoming quite the master at meandering to a very definite point.
Xhaka and Partey to start, I suspect. Luiz and Gabriel at the back between Bellerin and Tierney. One of Saka and ESR to be given the day off, or at least allowed to take their leisure on the bench, with Pepe starting if it is Saka, Ødegaard if it is ESR. Your observation that the Norweigan is better playing in the middle than on the wing is well made. I sincerely hope you are wrong that Arteta will start Willian.
Bad results for U18s-0-3 v West Brom and U23s-0-4 v Liverpool. This would suggest there is a big variation in quality at the Academy at present
The upside, TTG, is that five of our best U-23s are in the first team squad.
Thanks Dr F, an enjoyable preview
of a game that’s quite difficult to
call.
I guess Mikel won’t rest too many
as we still have a chance to move
up the table this season.
I’m expecting a fairly cagey affair
as I doubt we will commit too many
forward – 1-0 to The Arsenal.
Saw AMN put in another 90 mins
for WBA yesterday. If they get
that lucky every game this season
they will stay up and Brighton will
go down. But I suspect not.
Alas poor Welbz missed a penalty
though Kyle Bartley got the
winner in an ex-Arsenal flavoured
game.
I saw some of Baggies-Seagulls, and West Brom were inordinately lucky but Fat Sam will of course have told the players you make your own luck.
AMN looked his confident self in the parts I saw, especially in helping to run out the clock at the end.
Willock brought needed pace to the Newcastle team v. Wolves, especially after Almiron and Saint-Maximin went out with injuries.
It looks like our game is only a few hours away, I had best get some sleep before then
yes, Newcastle needed something
in midfield as they were in free fall.
Looks to be between them and
Fulham for the 3rd relegation spot
as Fulham have been showing signs
of life recently
Nice stuff Doc. I very much agree with you about Pepe. He’s been consistent ever since we signed him.
I also agree with TTG that we are more effective with ESR in that central position? I don’t know enough about Ødegaard but has he played in other positions? I like him as a player but if he is only with us for half a season then I would rather see ESR play that role snd be allowed to develop.
This is the start of a really vital time for us. I would suggest that in about 4 weeks time we may well be a lot more informed on how good certain players are in this squad, and about MA’s potential as a top manager. I hope we start with 3 points today.
Onwards and upwards.
Thanks for the memories, Dr F. I agree that Saka deserves to put his feet up and that Cedric deserves a run out at right back. Will it happen? With several players in need of game time but also a forthcoming week to heal our wounds it’s hard to work out how Arteta will choose his starting eleven. Hi first choice line up still hasn’t established itself. However this is yet another opportunity for this team to show that it should be competing higher up the table. Will it take the opportunity to do so? Having spurned several barometric matches to date, it’s difficult to say.
Do your best Gooners.
Cheers Doc!
Leno; Cedric, David Luiz, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Elneny; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Willian; Lacazette
Subs: Ryan, Bellerin, Holding, Partey, Ødengard, Ceballos, Saka, Martinelli, Aubamayeng
I didn’t think MA would make that many changes but
a pretty good effort at the starting XI from Dr F.
Still think it’s going to be a scrappy game and
happy to take 1-0
Maddison not in the team or on the bench. Otherwise looks a strong Leicester team. Excellent preview Dr F.
I can’t see this starting XI getting the job done . This is an extraordinarily ponderous midfield with the exception of ESR and I am concerned that Willian gets in over Martinelli .
If you look at the starts that Luiz and Willian get I’m starting to believe the conspiracy theories that Joorabchian has inserted clauses in their contracts to ensure a certain number of appearances . Will we have the pace to catch them on the counterattack and can we get up the field at any pace ?
Partey would be a huge asset today but we are being very cautious with him and Saka must be rested . At least we have Tierney to take them on down the left !
Thanks for a well balanced preview Dr F.
MA has also had to balance the team between those who need a rest & those who need some playing time. Looking at the team just announced it’s not one that inspires a great amount of confidence but it does give those on the periphery an opportunity to play themselves into contention. Let’s hope that our CBs manage to avoid any major catastrophes with Vardy! With Maddison out injured Lester are a little more pedestrian so the 1-0 to the good guys is on!
A start for Willian? MA8 must have really believed what he said about the fella post-match in Athens. The term flogging a dead horse comes to mind but I think we would have got more out of a dead horse than we have seen Willian produce so far this season.
Pedestrian midfield and playing with 10 men nonetheless,
COYG!
Ouch. Not good and punished
Awful from Xhaka
Shocking from Mari
One nil Leicester.
That goal is down to Xhaka trying to force an impossible pass through a Lesta player to Willian when he was the last man on the left and not having the pace to catch the runner.
SO STUPID!
Mari just ran away from the ball. Xhaka painfully slow
Penalty!
They won’t give it.
No penalty.
Correct decision in the end, unfortunately.
I blame the ref….
Is there another player in the league that slows the play and destroys momentum more than Granit Xhaka?
With the very odd exception, I really do not see any positives in him as an Arsenal player.
Willian and Tierney are playing so close together you could throw a blanket over them.
He’s moved inside now, to positive effect
That’s better. Hard luck Pépé and then hard luck Willian!
Surely that’s a booking for Luke Thomas? Pepe should run hard at him
That was clearly NOT by any stretch of the imagination a head injury. It was rather the denial of a scoring opportunity.
Not a clash of heads but Evans, the fucking cheat, holds his head and goes down and the ref obligingly stops play when we were in a good position.
We’re playing quite well – but you feel that Leicester will break away and score at any moment.
There’s that yellow for Thomas. Keep running at him Pepe!
Luiz!!!!!!!
Get in!
WOTTABEAUTEEEEEEEE!
just like watching Brazil!
A goal made in Chelsea
ESR off. Not looking good.
ESR subbed, Odegaard on.
Lovely free kick Willian. The whine from the bleaters may be silenced for a few secs. But probably not. 🙂
Really well worked by Willian and a fantastic finish by Luiz.
Bad news re ESR. Have a rest and come back stronger young man.
That’s a penalty every day of the week!
Surely a penalty?
Looks like a didi handled but will VAR give it? The arm was raised, so it must be a penalty.
Yes. Who will take it?
Come on Laca!
Yesssss
Laca!!!!! 1-2.
YES!
Well deserved.
We’ve actually been looking quite good and building nicely and much less ponderously than I had feared. What a nice run by Willian in the build up to our equaliser. More of that please, young man.
Good half from Pepe. He’s given that left back a good doing.
Deservingly ahead at half time.
Two VAR decisions and both for a nice change, spot on.
Great spot kick from Laca.
Both Pepe and Willian have had impressive first half performances so far.
Pepe is dangerous if he could beat his man and go forward instead of cutting in, which he has done in this game. He gave his marker a torrid time.
Now we want an intelligent second half. Prepare for an early onslaught. Don’t give them a sniff. Make and take an early chance for a third goal then manage the game out.
Love to see a good fightback
COYG
1-0 Down, 2-1 Up.
Classic Arsenal.
Now see it out, lads.
Thomas hooked. He was having a Weston. Albright on on.
Rodgers not too happy about losing his second midfield engine.
Barnes has been their best player in the last month.
Yessssssss
Yes yes yes!!!
Pepe scores!!!!
Nice work by Xhaka, Pepe, Willian and Pepe again! Goal for the prodigals!
3-1 Up. 2 assists for Willian.
Now, as ordered by mission control Somerset above, having got the third, manage the game.
Excellent stuff.
Who would have thought that Willian Pepe would have been the answer to any positive question????
Game management = no Vardy counterattacks
It would be quite nice if Leicester’s best creative players were not wearing white???
Odegaard pay attention
Vardy trying his tricks again to get a penalty and get Mari sent off.
Partey on for Elneny
Only Arsenal can be 3-1 up with less than 20 to play, and you still feel that you need a 4th???
That looked entirely deliberate.
The guys are putting in a real shift and also moving the ball fast which is keeping Leicester stretched.
Auba on for Laca.
Totally agree ksn. So far, a really good team effort.
Oooooooooooooooo Hard luck Auba
Schmichael wasn’t getting there
First Ileana how fouls, then Choyunku knees Pepe and Tierney is elbowed by Under. They are assaulting the Arsenal players but are very professionally doing it.
KT3? Head injury?
Who’d be a referee?
Tierney does it and he is booked. That is the difference. But the ref has had a good game, all in all.
On the front foot, playing it quickly and having a spot of fun.
Iheanacho…
Despite the UK press generating the image of plucky little Lesta, that team has always been more than adept at the dark arts of the snide foul and a readiness to dive to achieve an advantage.
Our experienced players did us well today.
Big win. Well done Bath, pulling the strings from Mission Control Somerset.
A fine performance. Application and character. Well deserved victory. More like this please.
Good three points and we go ninth, ahead of Totts but they have played two games less.
We out played them and the result is a good reflection of that. Very professional and even Willian played well and is improving!
My pleasure, C100! 🍻
Good result. Some compensation for the home game when Laca’s excellent 4th minute goal was ludicrously disallowed. Good all round performance. Willian should get at least one out of ten for his performance today from Arseblog. (Well, maybe 0.5).
Great win. Great team performance. Willian had his best game Arsenal by a country mile. Pepe also excellent.
Good to see Partey get more game time under his belt. Luiz also superb again. I think we are a far better side with Luiz in the team. Not just defensively, but also with his organisational and attacking play.
Now to cheer on Burnley.
BtM. Do I detect some irony @95?
What have Burnley got.
Good all-round performance, and on the front foot, at least after minute six. A deserved win.
I will hold my hand up to say that Willian had a good game.
Excellent result – fully deserved, good all round team display. Our new no 12 looks promising. Now for a rare occasion of cheering on Dyche’s merry men 🙂
Well in for the ton, Uply.
Any news on ESR’s injury? He would be a big loss if he is out for some time.
Arteta just said it was a muscular injury, not too serious.
Many thanks for the assist Ned – a proper score, unlike the pre-assists which seem to be proliferating of late. The youngsters cannot keep up to the required standard 😎
Hopefully ESR’s injury will only be short term.
Great result. Great game from Xhaka I thought, especially second half.
That was a very fine effort given the exertions of Thursday , the awful start and Keicester’s so called quality . We completely outplayed them and Arteta outcoached Rodgers .
In a side with many good performances I would pick out Luiz today . I thought he had a terrific game
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