A great first half and a fantastic result against Leeds threw up a huge number of talking points in the late (only) kickoff this Saturday.
Apparently, Rob Holding reported some racist abuse during the match. Everything else can take a back seat whilst we still have to face these issues with such depressing regularity. We, as a football community, must do our part in what is undoubtedly a wider societal issue, and bring education and basic decency to places and people who are sadly in need of them. Let’s keep taking on that challenge.
As for the football itself, well, I am not going to do this one blow-by-blow as I’d still be writing at midnight. We could have scored double figures today, and although it is strange to say of a performance in which we scored four goals, we really did not make the most of the chances we created.
I’ll make a few points and look forward to the discussion in the drinks!
First off – there is so, so much to like about this young side. Saka was just immense. Gabriel Martinelli has grabbed his opportunity to be a deciding force in matches in a way that is just a joy to watch. Martin Ødegaard has found his feet in this league and is starting to show what he can do. His ball through to ESR was perfect, just perfect. And not a single one of them is anywhere near their ceiling. These are exciting times!
Tomiyasu is an absolute beast. He is just playing so well. Furthermore, his position is key to our success. Having a defensively secure right back who can contribute going forward, as well as tuck in-field when necessary, is vital to the structure of the team. As well as the quality of his actions, it is just the fact that he is almost never out of position which is so useful to the ten other blokes in matching shirts. What a player!
Gabriel is excellent. Nuff said. Ditto Ramsdale.
Now, Ben White got some serious minus points for a stupid tackle to concede a clear penalty. Although he amused me with his pretence that it was a good challenge, in an effort to throw Andre Marriner off his game (kudos to Ramsdale for how quickly he cottoned on to this and went with it. A classic bit of “yes, and…” improv from a young keeper who seems able to do pretty much anything)
Raphinha showed Laca, and anyone else interested, how you take a penalty. He smashed it into the top corner, and no-one is saving that.
Speaking of Raphinha, he was perhaps lucky to be on the pitch. Not because of his own actions but because of a certain cretin he had the misfortune to play against who tried very hard to snap his shinbone with a disgraceful challenge that I was embarrassed and disgusted to see.
Yes, folks, it is time to talk about Granit Xhaka.
Now, cards on the table, for anyone who has been living under a rock… I really don’t like the guy. I don’t like him as a player. I don’t like him as a man. As a player he is slow and his recklessness makes him a complete liability. As a man, he talks a good game but consistently behaves in a way that lets his team down. Whatever code of conduct he adheres to, it is a Granit Xhaka personal code of ethics. And if that code clashes with the Arsenal Football Club code then he doesn’t give a toss. I will never be on board with this sort of individual who pretends to be a team player but consistently lets down the badge.
So, with that disclaimer out of the way, I will simply say that he played quite a good game, including a lovely pass for Gabi’s second, but he should have been red carded, the yellow he did get for time-wasting was brainless, and if I never saw him in my team’s colours again that would be a lovely Christmas present. Thank goodness Raphinha was able to continue. If Xhaka had done that to him in the street he would be arrested for assault. Just a nasty, horrible, needless challenge lacking in basic professionalism, let alone the class we hope to have as a club.
Which brings us to VAR. If it is not going to send him off for that challenge then what is point of it? Just like every other week, it proves itself unfit for purpose.
Partey has stabilised somewhat. Not great, but a solid presence. He also took a shot that was on target. I assume his contract stipulates that he will be fined for this.
ESR scores when he wants. He is just brilliant. So good to watch.
Lacazette has every right to see who is offering what money for his services next year. And he won’t be getting a bumper offer from us. But if he fancies a one-year deal I hope we make him a decent offer. The guy is playing some of the best football of his career. ESR, and especially Gabigol, are wonderful foils for his current interpretation of the striker’s role, as they both get into the box when he has dropped back. He needs them to be there, or it just looks like he is in the wrong space, but defenders struggle so much when they don’t know whether to stick to him as he drops off, or track runners, or whether this is the time he is going to make the near post run. He is a clever player. He also played the whole game tonight and is good captain material. Even if he does leave at the end of the season, he is really giving everything for the colours. Top man.
Leeds will go down if their standard is like it was tonight. They made it easy for us. We missed so many chances, in the first half especially. Our goal difference could have been given a huge boost tonight. Saka in the third minute missed an absolute sitter.
Covid has certainly changed the Fantasy League landscape! We will have to keep an eye on developments as there are serious issues about the viability of playing matches for the first time in a while. Christmas with cancelled matches would be very depressing.
I laughed very much at Graeme Souness on Sky. He is just so bitter about everything. I hope something good happens to him soon, although I have no idea what he might consider to be good. Tonight he looked like he was only breathing grudgingly, and on the condition that he could use the oxygen keeping him alive to make criticisms.
Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit. Some of our football tonight was brilliant. We have exciting young players who want to attack and score goals. It is increasingly easy to see how the basic structure provides the platform for them to express themselves and improvise some truly wonderful football. I am tearing my hair out at the manager for his sadistic picking of Xhaka in the middle of the park (it just hurts me at this point) and he has a lot to learn. But he has taken plenty of stick when things have not gone our way, and I think most people can now see what he trying to build. Top four this year, then onwards!
Right, that’s all a bit jumbled up, so pick out the bits you like and talk about them in the drinks. And tell me what bits I’ve left out…
Have a good one ‘holics.
GSD,
That’s a really positive, comprehensive and enjoyable report .
I get very nervous before we play anybody nowadays but I felt we’d win tonight unless we had a serious case of Evertonitis. We won very easily although we gave away a needless penalty but we played some superb football and Martinelli and Saka were a delight to watch . I also agree about Tomiyasu and only hope he is not badly hurt .
I was going to make a flippant comment about Xhaka because as is well known I am not an admirer . You’ve expressed your dislike very clearly . Let me express mine. He has a wand of a left foot and in a game where he can sit off under very little pressure despite the famed Leeds press he can look a decent player. He produced a great through ball for Gabigol . BUT apart from the fact that he is glacially slow and unreliable I find a degree of malevolence in him which I hate to see in Arsenal players . His sly laugh after the tackle on Raphinha was shaming to him . If Arteta is contemplating reinstating him as captain it would be a huge mistake and would set us back enormously .That’s enough about him on a good night for the club . So much to enjoy and so much more to come from some of our young stars.( I still like White a lot as a distributor but doubt his credentials as a top defender . I’d like to see him in Xhaka’s shirt )
Good work GSD
All points well made, GSD, and little if anything to disagree with. The only thing, for me, that you left out was the blow-by-blow as I wasn’t able to watch the game, although I’ve caught up with the highlights, which suggest we should have scored a few more. You can see why Meslier has his admirers. Martinelli’s goals were both top-drawer finishes, however, as was ESR’s.
Nevertheless, three points in the bag are worth more than a game in hand, so that’s all to the good.
I suspect Arteta won’t name a permanent skipper for a while, perhaps not this season. His leadership group seems to be performing the captain’s role internally to the manager’s satisfaction, and the senior player on the day can take the armband for a match.
Thanks, GSD. Very enjoyable writing.
ESR and Gabigol now score for fun, Saka is relentles and unplayable, Odegard finding his moyo.
It was a pleasure to watch Arsenal tonight. I’m especially happy for Laca, he is clever, relaxed and a real fighter as well. I like his spirit, good to see him enjoing his play between the young ones.
Xhaka… oh my…
COYG
Ned,
In the first half we recorded a record number of shots on target (11) so I have some sympathy with GSD’s approach o the game. We nearly scored three times in the first five minutes .
I think your instincts about the captaincy are right but I do prefer a focal point of authority ( if it’s the right one!)
GSD. Thank you for a lovely, positive review of this very exciting team. Three games in a row we have produced terrific pressing counter attacking football and we are scoring great goals. We are playing great, easy on the eye football and could have scored eight. Gabi has forced his way into the team and is scoring fine goals, full of pace and verve, for fun. I missed out on a ticket for this game by the skin of my teeth but the away fans were, once more, magnificent, coming over loud and proud on the TV. I took my first, light, whisky and water when we hit two nil up, but several more have been consumed as I pen this. A large one of your choice on the bar for all fellow Gooners tonight.
Next three games, if we are spared, Sunderland, Norwich and Wolves. I am due to attend all three. Fingers crossed.
Very good first half, flat second half. Why do we never destroy teams that are asking to be destroyed? 1-4 but should have been 0-8. At least.
Dear Santa
For Christmas please can we have a right foot for Bukayo Saka.Ta.
Humbug etc,
That sounds like I’m not happy with the performance or win but I am. I just wish we’d give a team that is asking for it a good bollocking some day. Second half was frustrating.
Xhaka. Was he trying to get Christmas off?
Great performance. Arguably our best performance of the season albeit against a pretty hopeless Leeds side. What made me laugh most was before the game all the noise was that this game was unfair on Leeds because they had lots of injuries and they would be forced to play their U23s only for the average age of their starting line up to be older than ours. Almost as if having a thin squad and running them all into the ground isn’t a good idea? Anyway, we were very good, we really should’ve scored 6 or 7 but we’ll put up with a measly 4. The whole team apart from xhaka was very good and shoutout for the players for not getting Covid like the rest of the league. Petition for the league to be scrapped apart from Arsenal games. Just think, the entire nation was watching that footballing masterclass. The premier league is a much better place when it’s just Arsenal playing. Match of the day certainly lived up to its name tonight. Not sure why they put us on last though. But a great victory, hopefully another step towards sending dirty Leeds orcs packing to the championship.
TTG@4: there is a central point of authority: Arteta.
Thanks, GSD. I really enjoyed reading your impressions of the highlights and the only significant lowlight (other than White’s rash challenge that conceded the penalty). A useful three points but we should have padded our goal difference by two or three more.
Arsenal women’s home match with Brighton postponed
due to Covid.
Cheers GSD. Fair review.
Fair assessment of the match and players.
I don’t have the same personal problems with Xhaka, but how on earth did he not get a red for this dangerous act of thuggery?
How good is Gabi?
And I’m on board the give Laca a one year option. Thus he can choose.
He won’t begrudge him leaving, but I like his work and he seems to have a good relation with the young ones.
Good stuff, GSD. It’s an absolute delight to watch waves of young Gunners rampaging through the opposition’s midfield and defence to score excellent goals while blunting opposition probes and restricting them to a few half chances.
The first half was as good as it gets in an away game and we could have been six goals up at half time. I have no problem with the team managing the second half without producing the driving aggressive attacking play and goals of the first half. By then I too had shed my pessimistic expectation of an attritional scrap in the Elland Road trenches and was hoping for a 6-8 goal margin of victory. However, given the forthcoming busy Christmas schedule and recognition of the merits of the same starting XI, I can see the wisdom of seeing the game out without unnecessarily exhausting legs or provoking Leeds players into frustrated violent retribution.
I think our kids are the Mutts as the Guvna would say but I want to single out Lacazette for huge praise for his performances in the last three games, his clear enjoyment of his role and the apparent absence of resentment of the situation into which his ‘best mate’ has landed himself. I’d offer him a handsome one year extension with an option now.
I don’t share the depth of GSD’s antipathy towards Xhaka though I do think our midfield will benefit by his replacement as soon as a suitable upgrade is available. I see why our coaches play him but as with many things in life, when the accumulated negatives are eclipsing the positives, it is time to change. His unnecessary foul seconds after being warned about obstructing a free kick in the Leeds half was probably the result of red mist rather than mere foolishness and it is truly extraordinary that he was not carded. His smirk as Raphina lay on the ground was loathsome. I expected him to receive a yellow. I think a red would have been harsh but would not have been surprised had it been red – especially given the manner in which he has been carded before – much like the Old Bill, refs, not unreasonably, appear to take a suspect’s ‘previous’ into account. It was extremely ironic to see him leading the protests about the similar (but in truth less severe) Leeds foul only a minute or so later and successfully getting the Leeds forward carded. The yellow card Xhaka subsequently received for time wasting towards the end of the game should have been his second. Who can be certain that if he had already received a yellow card that he would not have been so incautious at that point? I wouldn’t bet a penny on that. How would we have fared going down to ten men at that juncture? Who knows? It wouldn’t have helped. Taxi for Xhaka!
Another fly in our otherwise balmy ointment was Ben White’s rush of blood and dive into a tackle in the box – or did he slip mid-challenge? Hopefully he will learn from that. Otherwise it was an excellent day at the Office and another important milestone for this young team.
Just a quick heads up – there’s scheduled to be a tribute programme for Ray Kennedy on BT Sport at 8pm tomorrow.
Cheers Cynic.
The likelihood of a lockdown after Christmas is growing by the day and the date being suggested for the start is 27th December . Whether we will go from full grounds on Boxing Day to a fortnight’s lockdown starting the next day is an interesting point . Whether we will see games behind closed doors or a complete shutdown is a big debating issue .
From a football perspective playing behind closed doors only works if the squads are free of Covid . That isn’t the case this time .
Too long a delay pushing into next season would put pressure on the World Cup in Qatar which runs from late November until just before Christmas. I suspect the pressure on Boris from his backbenchers and hopefully better experience with Omicron in terms of hospitalisation will mean any delay is relatively short .But the Marshdwellers will be under great pressure if they have to fit in even more games . They’ve already missed three . If they stay in Europe ( unlikely) they will be severely affected by fixture congestion. Shame
Joe Willock was taken off at halftime against Citeh. It is his 17th game of the season. He has no goals and no assists . I think we got around £20 million for him. It is looking like good business from our perspective although I wish the lad well .
He got 8 goals in 14 games last season
Many were saying don’t good money for Odegaard, keep Willock instead. I think we made the right call.
Excellent review GSD, though maybe just a tad bit prolonged dwelling on your idée fixe. 🙂 🙂
Joking … I actually do not expect anything different from Granit. He has shown not many signs of evolution in controlling his moods of madness, and I have a suspicion Mikel doesn’t expect anything different either. Xhaka gives a pleasing tactical and structural consistency, and when not serving out red card bans is always physically available (possibly one of the least injured players in recent era Arsenal) to play ninety minutes, and until Mikel finds a way of making himself comfortable with Sambi-Partey (which includes defensive consistency from Thomas, and not the inevitable harakiri passes couple of which were not display again last night) we will live with Granit and his shenanigans. He is one of the most un-Arsenal Arsenal players I have ever seen.
Martinelli is drawing all sorts of comparisons from Henry to Aguero…when he first burst onto the scene Ronaldinho had compared him to a young Ronaldo9. Whereas there are all the trademark energy and street-smart of all young Latin American strikers, for a player this young his finishing in the box — with feet and headers — is sensational (so fair comparison to young Ronaldo9), as his delivery with his right foot from the left. The defensive awareness and work ethic is just his own…and if we can keep him fit and protect him enough (a time will soon come he will hacked around by defenders in PL) he is going to terrorize defenses.
But my favorite goal yesterday was ESR’s. Some of his goals this season has been reminiscent of Rambo’s peak days with late runs into the box, but a few others can now probably be called “ESR type goals”. He won the ball in our defensive half, fed it forward and then went straight down the middle. The run was beautifully direct and obvious, but because of the balance, speed and timing there wasn’t much the Leeds defense could do, and then Ødegaard provided one of the best assists I have seen in Arsenal colors for a while. On the move with the ball at his feet the lofted pass was perfectly placed and weighted, had a drop with just the right bounce for ESR to finish. It was gorgeous football.
His quick angle-changing pass to Saka on a moving ball that led to Saka’s goal was sumptuous as well. That front four on song can very well be the making of a great Arsenal team in a few years time, ably complemented by that back five, and couple of “new signings/academy players” in the midfield.
Speaking of back five, tremendous Tomiyasu showed his irreplaceable value when he went off cramped. Cedric looked completely unfit for deputizing him and I wonder whether Ainsley or Chambers wouldn’t be better choices as Tomi’s deputies.
@19: “…couple of which were on display…” about Thomas.
C100@18
Absolutely agree. Odegaard is at a totally different level and cost only a little bit more
I’ve been speculating about Tuesday’s team if we play .
It might be
Leno
Soares Chambers Holding Tavares
AMN Xhaka
Pepe Odegaard ESR
Nketiah
Bench – Okonkwo , Gabriel , Tierney , Salah- Eddine , Partey , Patino , Saka , Lacazette , Balogun
Thanks GSD, a fine review and run through the team. The team has responded exceptionally well to losing a couple away and I love the heart we are showing.
@18 I was doubtful about signing Odegaard I must admit, though I didn’t see the point in keeping Joe W. I was doubtful about signing Aaron and Tomi too, a win treble of wrong calls 😉
0-0 Wolves / Chelsea
Not a bad result for us. We play Wolves soon – they defended well but really lack attacking ideas.
Is Mari fit? If so, I’d expect him to be involved on Tuesday.
And Elneny too, instead of Xhaka maybe as Xhaka is just back
from injury.
Matt
Mari has Covid. I forgot about Elneny!
VAR was not not involved I think in reviewing Kane’s tackle just now, so a lot of inconsistencies, it was worse than Xhaka’s me think
England captain Kane in ‘not sent off’ shocker.
I think Tuesday is a very important game. I want to see a strong side. Takes us to a semi final.
@27 for sure, but it was indeed a high flying tackle, feet off the ground, studs showing, just awful
Hi fellow gunners, anyone know of a good stream to watch NFL!?
Premier League will tomorrow discuss postponing all games on Gameweek 20, the fixtures on 28, 29 and 30 December.
https://theathletic.com/3025410/2021/12/19/exclusive-premier-league-clubs-set-to-discuss-postponing-entire-round-of-festive-fixtures/?source=user_shared_article
C100. But keep all the other fixtures (Boxing Day) happening before then? What sort of nonsense is that?
(I can’t read the article so not reacting on any possible details)
The headline is the key Ollie. The fact that it is those fixtures which are on the agenda.
@25
Didn’t know that, thanks TTG
TTG@17: To be fair to Joe Willock, one goal and he would be Newcastle’s joint third-highest scorer this season. Ditto for assists. Only Calum Wilson and Saint-Maximin have scored more than once in all competitions for the Toon.
That said, there is no doubt that selling him and buying Ødegaard were the right moves.
We have drawn Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals of the Women’s CL, with either Barca or Real Madrid next if we get through to the semis. No easy games anywhere in there.
Good stuff, GSD !
Xhaka was indeed embarrassing and could easily have reduced us to 10 men – again. Every manager seems to pick this idiot whenever he is available so he must have something going for him. A great pass yesterday for Martinelli’s goal but then the stupid foul in a nothing area of the pitch – a bit like, er, last time. The other related issue is why VAR didn’t at least yellow card him, or red card the Leeds player for the foul on Tomiyasu which was even worse.
We have a shape developing nicely in the side which is allowing our play out from the back to improve game by game – some truly brilliant youngsters and a proper keeper. Arteta, despite his sometimes apparently unnecessary conservatism, deserves a lot of credit for the improvement and the conviction to give these youngsters their opportunity.
Omar Rekik could also be in contention for a place on the bench on Tuesday.
The purpose of skipping the PL’s Gameweek 20 at the end of the month, I assume, would be to clear the infection/quarantine/recovery periods for the current round of Covid-19 infections among teams, more than being about spectator concerns. The infection seems so widespread among clubs, there cannot be much more to come there.
Looks like it’s not going to happen
Ned,
Some very good points in your recent posts .
If Wolfsburg can beat Chelsea 4-0 and if we did get through we are likely to play Barca Ladies I think we will be free to concentrate on the League after early Spring . The early start which was so advantageous to us in hitting the ground running is now catching up with us. Also losing Leah Williamson has had the same sort of effect that losing VVD had on Liverpool. It was nice to see Jen Beattie winning the BBC award after recovering from breast cancer.
Rekik must be in contention but having seen him play I was very unimpressed . He brings the ball into midfield and has a nice eye for a pass but I’m not convinced he can defend based on the couple of games I’ve seen him in, admittedly not live .
Your point about Covid infections among players is a very germane one . I suspect if we do have a fire-break lockdown in UK there will be societal resistance to allowing big sporting events to go ahead . When we might resume I guess depends on the research / results of the next few weeks
Money rules, C100.
TTG, I, too, have not seen enough of Rekik to make a judgement on his defensive abilities, but he is a full international for Tunisia, which is a top 30 country in FIFA’s rankings, so I assume there is something to the 19-year-old’s play. He also seems this season to have shaken off a reputation for making defensive errors. He seems to play the same sort of role for the U-23s as Busquets played during peak Barca, starting in a back three but progressively playing in front of the other two central defenders as a DM who also operates as a deep-lying playmaker. It would be most intriguing if he is being groomed for that sort of role in Arteta’s first team a couple of seasons down the road. This is pure speculation, but we could see a Saliba, White, Gabriel heart to the defence next season with White taking on the hybrid CB/DM role in a formation that would be a twist on the standard 4-3-3 that Arteta seems to be working towards.
>>>>>>>