The Team turned up and you could tell they meant business. Sure, there were some guys who would be missed. In a season as long and demanding as this, that will always be the case. The commitment to do it for them was physically observed. But there were shades of the old days. Some truly Storey-like, calm-but-deadly serious commitment; some Bergkampesque fluidity and speed of movement in the warm-up. Some of the practice routines were well worn and commonly understood. Move into position; Grab the target; Pour. You could see that many there knew when to hold and when to pass. Kick off. The red stuff flowed.
But enough of the third pre-match GFH get together of the season, held in the now traditional favourite restaurant of our very own Bathgooner. There was a game to be played and this was why we were here.
Arriving at the ground, the pre-match crowd was equally clearly up for it. The mob at the bar of Block 10 of the North Bank were in great voice.
The game kicked off and it was a pretty even affair. Early on United fashioned a break with the man with the most punchable face in football, Bruno Fernandes, in a one-on-one with Ramsdale. The keeper clearly got to the ball first. Of course that wasn’t to stop the man with the worst case of labyrinthitis outside of N17 hitting the ground as though Lee Harvey Oswald was shooting at him from the Blackstock Road Book Repository. The referee manged to recover his composure, stop laughing and wave play on.
To their credit, United had come to play and, despite not getting too close to us never gave up on their press. They soon earned their reward when Partey was pressed and lost the ball to Rashford who moved forward like silk and applied the steel with an unstoppable shot down to the right-hand side of Ramsdale. An excellent goal. Frankly, he should play for Arsenal.
United fans were ecstatic. It took a few seconds, but the home crowd really lifted it. I remember George Graham describing what the crowds were like when you went “up north” – never giving in, always behind the team. Ødegaard and Zinchenko visibly appealed to the crowd. The request was heard. The link between manager, team and fans was evident. The crowd roared their support.
Saka was running at Shaw and United weren’t giving him the kind of support that, for example, Newcastle did. Perhaps because United are a club which has a proud history of playing on the front foot which, were they to change their approach it would actually be called out by the media.
It didn’t take long for the team to repay the faith shown by the crowd. After 23 minutes, following a super period of play, Zinchenko, in an advanced inside left position, pushed the ball forward cleverly to Ødegaard who in turn pushed it wide for Xhaka to put in a teasing cross from the left. On its flighted path to the far post Eddie ghosted in front of his nominal marker, Wan Bissaka, and headed home. Well-worked and well-deserved. It is almost like Ian Wright has been mentoring him….
The next flash point was when Saka was fouled for the umpteenth time by his supposed marker, Shaw. Arteta dared to question the omnipotent intellectual midget with the whistle and received a yellow card. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose, as Ollie might say.
Half time came. It had been breathless. Suitable refreshment was needed which was, fortunately, supplied to your reporter by a Canadian Gooner who managed to sneak it into the stands in a way that would have made James Bond proud. You know who you are and it was both welcome and needed. White, who had been booked, presumably for actually turning up and playing in red, was replaced by Tomi. We started at a fearsome pace and after 53 minutes, Saka scored what will be one of the goals of the season. The ball came out to the right of the United penalty area, and Saka came inside Eriksen and hammered a low, unsaveable shot into the right-hand inside netting of the goal. It was a thing of beauty. Saka is becoming increasingly unplayable.
After 58 minutes United won a corner and there followed a calamitous mix up between Ramsdale and the defence. The ball dropped to Martinez who, to his credit, propelled himself towards the ball like a missile and forced it home.
Again, the crowd immediately rose to the occasion and roared their support. There followed a sustained period of Arsenal pressure, resulting in Saka nearly scoring an identikit goal to his first, in the 70th minute. After 82′ Martinelli, who had toiled to no little end against a resurgent Wan Bissaka was replaced by the new boy from Brighton, Trossard; shortly thereafter the Pillsbury Dough Boy tribute act that is Shaw was finally booked by the referee, who had by this time miraculously regained either his sight or his access to his whistle. From the resulting free kick Eddie had a reaction shot which de Gea saved with equally smart reflex save.
The game crept towards the end and Arsenal were pushing for the win. In the 89th minute some patient build up play resulted in the ball coming to Trossard who turned and played it to Zinchenko on the left wing. He crossed and the ball cannoned off the hapless Fred, towards Eddie who performed something of a pirouette in order to direct the ball into the net. Cue chaos in the ground. We had done it. Justice had been served.
Credit where it’s due. United came to play, unlike Stokecastle United. They gave it a go and weren’t good enough. We played with a power and passion which described an underlying belief in the mission and the club’s ability to bring it to fruition.
Red, Red wine, goes to my head…..
That was a great game and another statement win for this young team. Eddie was everywhere, ran his socks off, pressed and of course was the fox in the box when it counted. Credit to Mikel for swapping Tomi for Ben White and Trossard for Martinelli who was not getting much change from Wan-Bissaka. Other standouts: Zinchenko, Bukayo and Gabriel but in reality they all put on a great shift.
The Arsenal fans were in terrific voice again today, we have come such a long way in a few short years. Credit to Mikel, Edu and the management.
Hope you enjoyed your pre-game get together.
Splendid report of a splendid day, CER. And good to see the GHF top table adding depth and quality to its squad.
Fine stuff CER, wish I was there for both lunch and the match!
To be honest I thought 3-2 flattered them. They were certainly in it during the first half but we were totally dominant for most of the 2nd. Good subs by MA, we kept Rashford out of the game much better in the 2nd half and the rest of their attack is toothless. Fantastic goals and performances from Bukayo and Eddie ensured justice was done and now we can rest a few until the Everton game.
To be even more honest I thought the ref didn’t have a bad game 😱
He ignored the deceitful de gea and the most punchable man, didn’t
make any really ridiculous decisions and generally let the game flow well.
On to Shitteh in the FA Cup, a free hit I think. I’d love to win that game
and the cup again this season but it’s a tough draw at the second best team
in England and they do have good squad depth. Personally, I’d just give it a go with
the team below and see what happens
Turner
Tomi Rob Jakub (?) Kieran
Mo Sambi
Marquinhos ESR Vieira
Trossard
I don’t think that is what Mikel will actually do, it’s just what I would do
A masterful report, CER. I don’t know how you got that out so quickly. I’m still dazed and speechless. Just settling down to watch the Sky broadcast, relive the experience and see the details. The boys done good. Ooooh, that second half! Great company at lunch too.
What a great, fantastic, tense, cold and ultimately triumphant day! It began as the GHF fraternity gathered in an Italian restaurant in Stroud Green Road. Our third such get together this season, with a hard core and various other attendees. Yesterday it was good to meet Ollie, who must keep the Eurostar going with his commutes from Paris to watch The Arsenal. I salute you sir! And how nice to meet True Storey for the first time. As always, after the wine was poured, our first thought was to rise as one and toast Dave Faber, the Goonerholic. Much good talk and wise words followed. Eventually, stuffed, we rose from the table and headed south to that place of so much pleasure this season. I didn’t see an empty seat as the atmosphere boiled. North London for ever rang out in the frigid North London air.
The game has been brilliantly described by CER above. Moments were flashing across my mind as I lay my weary head on the pillow last night. The moment when Eddie channeled his inner John Radford and pummelled it home in a true centre forward’s goal. The moment early in the second half when, in our North Bank seats, we were right behind the wonderful shot from Saka as it curved unerringly inside De Gea’s post. And then in the 90th minute when it seemed Eddie had scored the winner, but my first look was to the linesman as I thought Eddie might have been offside. The big screen didn’t show a replay so it was obvious VAR were getting involved. The bigger roar and celebration came when the goal was finally given. Pandemonium in the stands. I’m an old codger, but the even older codger in the row in front of me who is normally fairly taciturn was doing his filbert. He leaned across the seats and we gave each other a big hug. My son was going bananas in the seat next to me (half his friends are United fans and even more than Spurs gets truly wound up for this game). The feeling in the stadium as we walked out was comparable to that night in 2011 against Barcelona.
Eddie was fabulous. Saka gave Luke Shaw a twisted bowel. Zinchenko was sensational. After he gave Ben White a bit of a going over in the first half, Rashford was totally snuffed out by the excellent Tomi (what a half time sub that was). After an honours even first half we pummelled them after the break.
I am still not talking about winning the league. Ask me in ten games time. But my God, what a joy it is to be an Arsenal fan at the moment. Truly, we are blessed.
Proving Eddie was onside
Cheers, CER. Great to meet you and everyone yesterday (some familiar faces and some new ones for me!). Currently waiting in the lounge. Just had coffee but might consider a glass of wine before boarding.
I didn’t feel too bad on waking up, but my head is now feeling somewhat uncertain.
What I am sure of is: what a great day, what a great win, what a great squad, what a club!
Great report CER . It was a privilege to watch it with you
I have a vital bowls match to play but will return later with some Mike McDonald like observations.Just not as intelligent !
Sensational day. Superb lunch meet followed by an excellent performance by The Arsenal. Not much more to ask for really.
Well, reviewing the TV footage of that game brought back the tension in the first half – even though I clearly knew the result and we were clearly carving them open more than they were threatening us. We were so dominant in the second half and turned up the heat after their flukey equaliser – a goal that Ramsdale will not be happy about. After that equaliser it was just wave after wave of Arsenal attacks and we just didn’t give them another sniff at our goal. De Gea has been a fine keeper but he let himself down with a terrible piece of acting after Eddie’s hand brushed his shoulder. Perhaps he got the idea from his weasel faced captain whose ‘head injury’ designed to take the heat off their desperate defenders resolved as quickly as it took him to be helped off the park.
Did I mention we scored three lovely goal? Numbers two and three were at the opposite end of the ground from our seats and it’s difficult to see the craft from that distance. Lovely, lovely stuff from our lads. United were better than I had expected and Rashford was a persistent danger though once Tomi found his feet after a couple of iffy moments, that danger was neutralised. I liked the look of Trossard in his 10 minute cameo – he will certainly add invention and threat to our attack this season. A word for the Referee – Anthony Taylor – he had a great game too and didn’t fall for the Manure playacting.
Saka was MotM for me but all 13 involved were outstanding – Ramsdale made up for his error on the equaliser but made a couple of vital saves. And the atmosphere in the ground was epic and the crowd’s response to each of the Manure goals was exemplary.
As C100 observes, it’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan. Now, just keep this going.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/jan/22/arsenal-strut-past-manchester-united-with-unmistakable-aura-of-champions
Great stuff, CER, I imagine the restaurant heaved a sigh of relief when you all left and they still had supplies in the cellar !
Best match of the season so far, and a performance from the Arsenal to equal the lesson we gave the Spuds last week. I’m not keen on MoTM awards for such a young side where everyone is giving their absolute all to the cause – suffice to say that Bakayo Saka was given the freedom of their area because Luke Shaw was simply too scared to go near him.
Was he better than two-goal Eddie, did he work harder than Martinelli, did he give more solidity to the team than Xhaka, or simply more all round excellence than Zinchenko ..?
I’ll leave you all to decide. For me, I just love this manager, this team, this way of playing and the connection with the fans and the atmosphere it generates. I have to try to get up there soon again.
By the way, while Chelsea are thinking about how to spend their next £100 million, it’s worth remembering that our front three yesterday, Saka, Nketiah and Martinelli cost a COMBINED £6 million.
An excellent & speedy match report CER. I’m surprised you had the energy after the company you kept earlier 😉
It was exhilarating to watch this wonderful team that is being coached by the superb Mikel Arteta. Manure are back as a force to be reckoned with under Ten Hag but they were outplayed by the 11 men ( plus subs ) in red & white. Everyone of them played their part and this is being matched by the fantastic support in the ground. The Emirates is rocking to its foundations,
An amazing stat is that we have dropped just 7 points in the first 19 matches – incredible!
Lamps out at Goodison. Unless they have someone already lined up, I doubt we will face a new permanent manager when we play them on February 4. Sean Dyche, Wayne Rooney and Marcelo Bielsa are the front runners according to the betting odds.
Did someone mention we scored three?
There is still the same sort of warm glow at Castle Ned from yesterday’s match as to be got from a particularly fine bottle of claret. As Uply says, the Mancs are back as a force to be reckoned with under ten Hag, and we were simply better.
C100@7: Apparently, what was exercising VAR was whether Zinchenko was offside taking Trossard’s pass in the build-up. He wasn’t by a far finer margin than Eddie wasn’t.
G_KS@16: And three very good goals they were, too.
Save for City, there isn’t a Premiership attack that Eddie wouldn’t walk into at the moment.
Our xG stat was 2.96 against the Manc’s 0.27, which underlines how well we kept them at bay. That they scored two was down to a world-class strike from Rashford and a fumbled catch by Ramsdale.
An excellent review CER of an extraordinary performance towards a well-deserved victory against the old enemy. Even though United played well enough, scored one great and a good goal, the score line still flattered them.
Lots of standout performances as everyone mentioned in a match that would stay in memory for many great reasons. Saka’s goal was one of the best goals I have ever seen by anyone at any league or tournament. It was a nearly impossible goal. There were five ManU players in his line of sight to the goal, he was running parallel to the box with his body shape suggesting he is looking for a passing lane across, and there was almost no back lift to shape up for a curler like that. To even visualise the possibility of that goal needs extraordinary vision and confidence, and then to execute it with such precision and power needs genius. We have seen many a great players for us in the PL era, and I believe Saka can become one of the best ever.
Zinchenko’s best performance for us. He looked physically sharper and even while playing this “roaming connector” role, seamlessly connecting defence to midfield to attack anywhere and everywhere, he wasn’t out of position even once. Xhaka did a magnificent job covering space to accommodate Zinchenko’s movements and that left side of ours, with Gabi keeping two defenders busy in a whirlwind of relentless vertical and horizontal movements in days like this can be unplayable. It was also very satisfying to see how perfectly Trossard fit into the system and how clearly he has understood the role. In a post match interview Zinchenko was praising our coaching team and technical staff and how much hard work they put in, not just the players. In modern football that distribution of responsibilities and a strong coaching team is essential. I believe we have just started to see the fruits of their labour.
Mikel too is getting better at those aspects in which he had been questioned earlier. Bringing Tomi in at halftime for a slightly sub-par White (he is more than entitled to an off day after half a season of imperious performance) was a perfect move to both counter Rashford’s threat and also to provide, because of his two-footedness he can receive a pass under pressure and yet create the triangles on either side, an additional safety behind Partey — who was being double-pressed in an attempt to cut off his progressive passing lanes, and I think other teams will start trying this more now — which helped TP5 to be more decisive in transitions.
The home crowd support was magnificent, as has been the case this season, and it visibly transmitted so much energy and confidence to the team.
I have no idea how the season will end and I am not thinking about it one bit. I just look forward to the next match with impatient eagerness, for whatever happens I know this is a team — the squad, the manager, his staff — are focused on excellence at every aspect.
Kiwior confirmed
Excellent. I hope he’s as good as TTG told me he is. 😉
Bath,
When have I ever misled you ? Ok don’t answer.
I rewatched the game ( after winning three out of three bowls matches )
Some random thoughts
– I’d be interested in how many of the current regular spectators are new to going every home game ? I suspect it’s a serious number
– I’ve seen about fifty Arsenal v United games and this was one of the very best . It was exciting but the football from both sides was excellent
– Not sure if we’d signed Martinez , if we’d then have signed Zinchenko? Martinez is a shortarse but a fine defender . But Zinchenko is a Swiss Army knife of a player and is really vital to the team. I love Kieran Tierney but he’s just a full-back !😃
– Partey has received some criticism for making the mistake that led to Rashford p’s goal but in that sustained twenty minute spell leasing to our winner he was immense . He took such a grip on United they couldn’t get out
– I’d give special plaudits yesterday to Saliba and Gabriel , Zinchenko, Odegaard , Saka ( MOTM) and Nketiah . Nobody played badly but they were superb
– Rashford was very impressive but Tomayisu handled him better than White . He was much quieter in the second half
– it doesn’t have to be Jesus OR Nketiah. They could play together and I suspect they will .
– Trossard had an impressive cameo. I wonder what he and Kivior made of it all yesterday ?
– it was a big advantage to us with them having played on Wednesday – shame !
Arteta is a generational manager . We must hold onto him at all costs
@13 That is amazingly cheap Trev, especially when you consider how advanced they are as they’re six million dollar men…
What a great day that was. A swift ale in the Faltering Fallback, before heading off to lunch. Delightful food and wine were enjoyed with great company.
The game itself was a proper game. As others have commented, the Mancs had come to play. It reminded me of games 20 years ago when they were real battles. What unfolded in front of our eyes was a fantastic performance, full of fight and skill. I agree with almost all of the comments above. Great team, top manager and a crowd that buys into all of it. Their goals yesterday both came from Arsenal mistakes and were avoidable. But that’s all part of the game. The really pleasing thing was the reaction of the players, and even more, the reaction of the crowd. It was all positive and not a hint of negativity. It all makes such a difference.
The win was celebrated loudly in the Tollie until the time came to brave the Sunday trains. From start to finish, one very enjoyable day.
Onwards and upwards good people.
On Benjamin, I think MA doesn’t usually make subs at half time but BW was on a yellow after a rash tackle and it was a necessary precaution. I was going to say we’re lucky to have two such excellent players but it isn’t luck, it’s just top class recruiting!
Welcome to the Arsenal Kiwior!
A good analysis of what he brings, how he fits in, and what he needs to get better at.
Jakub is coming from 15th in Serie A to top of the PL so going to need some time to adjust I guess. Starting away at Shitteh this weekend should give him a feel for the deep end 🙂
Is anyone able to put names to the faces of the shifty looking mob around the GHF lunch table?
UTA.
Noosa @28, left to right:
True Storey, TTG, Bergkamp the Man, Ollie, ClockEndRider, Guest 1, Steve T, Guest 2, Guest 3, Countryman100, bathgooner, Guest 4.
N5’s most wanted. 🙂
UEFA is to change its financial sustainability rules from the summer to cap the number of years over which transfer fees can be amortised to five. Will be interested to read @SwissRamble’s take, but it doesn’t strike me that this is game-changing for FFP. Nor am I sure that UEFA should be dictating contract lengths to clubs, which this will effectively do.
Un.
Fixed, Ned!
CER@33: 🙂
I know that there are many readers of Mike McDonald’s column in the bar but if you’ve not read this yet, you must:
Good work, you twelfth men! Keep it up, lads.
Not everybody at TalkShite talks shite.
Of course it’s an acknowledged fact that she’s a Gooner
Ally’s gone to seed a bit.
More reading for a frosty afternoon. A fine paean of appreciation for our lovable, utterly brilliant number seven:
https://shewore.com
When Mourinho was doing it, it just showed his “Pashun” and how much he cared. Arteta does it and he’s the reincarnation of Pol Pot. Go figure….
On the anti side, Richard Keys and Gary Neville. On the pro side, Henry Winter and Laura Woods. Here’s Henry’s two pennorth (££)
Mikel Arteta deserves more respect – his touchline antics inspire Arsenal
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/368a66c6-9b50-11ed-8201-2ed91f44d1e8?shareToken=bdd643560362f48f05ed991ffd3b6f8d
I know whose opinion I respect more.
A little taste of the Emirates in the 90th minute on Sunday as VAR checked Eddie’s goal for offside
Glorious! Gives me goose bumps.
Countryman @ 29: they can try to wipe the stains of russian blood money as much as they want, but the odour lingers on …
UEFA is going to now change the rules around FFP to not allow transfer fee amortisation for more than five years span.
I am watching that goal by Saka at least once or twice every day. If we actually didn’t see him scoring it I don’t think anyone would have believed that’s possible. If you pause the recording the moment before he unleashes that curler, and look at his body position and the ManU penalty box, it’s impossible to see how there can be a shooting opportunity, let alone be a scoring one. That was a moment of genius and even though he has had a lot of brilliant moments for us that goal is the best.
Thanks C100 and Bath for the links.
Great stuff from Henry Winter! I thought I wouldn’t be able to read it but the article was free to read I guess.
As Usual, excellent analysis from Mike.
What an atmosphere! A superb call to arms!
Lovely piece in The Gooner
https://www.onlinegooner.com/articles/view/love-and-the-arsenal-a-special-match-day-diary
Some excellent links posted above.
And it looks like a half-ton in the offing.
Slots it home
Cheers CER! An all-around excellent report!
Ohhh yes, it was a sweet sweet victory. I rewatched (and rewatched) the whole game. We were irresistible, determined through and through.
The first half was called even by the pundits but it was not even close. We made mistakes and lost the balls a couple of times it’s true but to have the scoring chance for Rashford was lucky. The ball bounced back and forth before it fell kindly for him.
Apart from this, the half belonged to us.
The subs were perfect, the players coming on and the timing bulls-eye.
I can not decide on the MoTM Saka, Eddie and Zinchenko were all 10/10. Znchenko was literally everywhere. Lef-right-middle, attack, defence, pass, block in everywhere like there were two or three Znchenko on the pitch.
And Eddie, it is crazy but he was even running back into the left-back position to make his defensive duty.
A class act from every player.
COYG
Well in for the half-ton, Pangloss.
Las@51: I read a description somewhere of Zinchenko being like the queen in chess, able to dominate the board by moving horizontally, diagonally and vertically as she will, making her the most powerful piece. Seems rather apt. Also, given his height, he is remarkably good in the air.
@ North Bank Red
I heard Arseblog on his webcast last week refer to Zinchenko as being similar to the queen on a chessboard. Zinchenko has free rein to wander wherever he’s needed and punish pawn misdeeds with impunity.
A drink of his choice on the bar for The Punisher!
U4GN@53: Thanks for the check on that.
*applauds Pangloss*
Bath @ #30
Thanks for that.
UTA.
Stellar report on a stellar day, CER. Between my travels and baskng I haven’t been able to comment until now but I’m so glad the ‘holic lunch coincided with this epic win. COYG TRP
TRP was added inadvertently but reminds me of how well Thomas did.
Zinchenko and Nketiah too.
BT @58 – much appreciated. There does seem to be a strong positive correlation between GHF pre-match lunches and stunning Arsenal wins. Spooky, as C100 would say!
I hear Elneny may have a long-term injury . Did we rush him back too soon before ? I suspect we may see Weston Mckennie and his rainbow hair at The Grove very soon
cer, a well-studied, rapid report of a grand day out and result. thank you.
it certainly does bring back memories. was it as loud this time as last? even spookier: both 3-2 wins at the last.
hopefully ghf fans far and wide can continue to gather under the banner of don carlo in the future. far-flungs, let everyone know when you’re in london!
Hi Scruz,
Noise was similar I would say, I.e. deafening! Bars were rocking and everyone was behind the team. Ollie graced us with his presence on ye5 another if his visits. It was really nice to meet him. Far flung, if you get the chance to come during the season, don’t be strangers.
@61
Hope you’re right TTG as I think McKennie could be very useful for us.
Seems more likely than the stories linking us with Caicedo, Chiesa or
Zubimendi.
>>>>>>>