And so, in what has undoubtedly been the most exciting PL title race for at least 19 years, we are down to the last 11 games. I was sorely tempted to make this preview a 2-word Just Win piece of reductionism, however, on reflection, there were perhaps a few things to say about the week’s events and whether ‘tis wiser to suffer the slings and arrows etc, etc. Was that the question?
But Before That – The Second Lump of PL Sugar
Sunday’s game against Palace is our last before the interlull and marks the end of a 14-game run in the league since the World Cup. As you will no doubt recall the 14 games prior to the World Cup saw us open-up a 5-point lead at the top of the table, in 1stplace, which, just to be clear, is higher than all the other places. How have things gone since? In an eventful post-Qatar couple of months, we have suffered the loss of Jesús, delighted in the ascension of Eddie & Leo, endured some winter wobbles, and, of late, roared our team to 5 occasionally heart-stopping league wins in a row. At the end of all that we find ourselves still 5 points clear and with an opportunity this Saturday to make it 8 as Man Shitteh are otherwise engaged. So, in answer to my own question – it has gone pretty damn swimmingly league-wise despite what the increasingly desperate Northern punditry would have you believe. We have not folded at the first setback, we have not panicked, we have not lost confidence and we have re-found Jesús. We will be top after the interlull, our fate will be in our hands, and there will be nothing our nation state competitors and all their money can do except pray our nerve fails. Well, unless they take a leaf out of Barca’s book and just bribe the referees I suppose, I should add ‘allegedly’ as of course there are so very, very many possible reasons you would give millions of euros to a senior referee for a non-existent report other than blatant corruption. Anyway, I digress BMBD-ly and to come back to the point – we are still top and the second lump of sugar has been just as sweet as the first. Now kids, please check with your dentist before you try this at home but I personally am looking forward to that third lump in my great big shiny trophy after the interlull.
The Opposition
Palace were formed in 1905 and have won nothing of any import since. Irritatingly, their only two opportunities in FA Cup finals both ended in defeats to Man Surrey. So, a bust on the previous 118 futile years – what then of this season? Well, three things of note I suppose, firstly they lost 2-0 to The Arsenal in the first game of the season, an important win as it happens. We showed a steely determination to hold our lead and a ruthless streak to finish them off near the end. We welcomed the phenomenon that is SALIBA! and banished any lingering shreds of disappointment from the previous season. Secondly, they took Sambi on loan, which is obviously helpful. However, I find myself with more ambiguous feelings on the third – to wit the panicky dismissal of Patrick Vieira this week. In a way it is good for PV4 to shake off the mediocrity that is Palace and to have gotten some PL management experience under his belt, on the other hand, as with Kompany the decision doesn’t sit well with me. Whilst Kompany made some sound points around the expectations Palace should have with their current squad – (i.e. it’s a poor bunch and Patrick has done well to keep them out of the relegation zone), my own annoyance was the “enormous regret” nonsense from Parish. Personally, I think the mendacious hypocrite leaked the upcoming story himself a couple of days before to smooth the way. Anyway, I certainly won’t feel enormous regret if the decision backfires and Palace get relegated, in fact I will laugh happily and raise a glass to PV4. Let’s set them on their way with a sound thrashing tomorrow.
Oh yes, I almost forgot their team. Usual bunch basically, Zaha, Ayew, Mitchell, Schlupp, Eze maybe. No Sambi obviously. They had not had a shot on target in three games apparently until taking three unproductive ones in their 0-1 defeat to Brighton on Wednesday. Nor have they won in ages so barring a no-manager bounce of extraordinary proportions we should be able to take care of them handily if we play well. A couple of early goals to settle my our nerves and shatter theirs would be just the ticket. Of course, if we don’t play well, then we will have to grind it out, but we have shown recently that we are quite capable of grinding like Cliff Thorburn when needs must. For those of you born after 1985, Cliff Thorburn was the brand name of a popular cure for insomnia in the 1980s.
The Starting XI
To be honest I do not know who is fit now and who is not. I am guessing that William will be available and that our other players will have come out of Thursday’s exertions with a clean bill of health. If so, I would expect the team below………
Ramsdale
Benjamin William Gabriel Zin
Øde Partey Xhaka
Saka Leo Gabi
I would not be at all surprised if that XI is not correct. One worry would be Ben playing far more than we intended but I see few options at RB with Tomi seemingly crocked again, and the other better ‘problem’ would be if Jesús is seen as ready to start. If William isn’t fit, then I expect Rob will start.
Regardless of who starts, I trust the core of this team is good enough for three points today. A clean sheet and no injuries would be very nice side dishes to go with our 8-point lead.
The Holic Pound
After having failed to get a shot on target in three of their last four games and no goals in four games, it seems annoyingly inevitable that Palace will score today so I will go for a 4-1 win at 20-1 for The Arsenal. Hopefully, Jesús will get himself back on the scoresheet and Rammy will save a penalty (winks). Sporting who?
For those of you attending the game from near or far I hope your planes, trains and automobiles deliver you safe and sound and for the rest of us may we enjoy the game from a comfy sofa with a beverage of choice near to hand. Thanks to you all who have read this far and COYGs!!!
Great stuff, Matt !
Some nice humour and a Cliff Thorburn joke right on cue for those who were reared-on (geddit!) snooker. “Ray’s getting on a bit and will take a rest as it’s getting difficult for him to get his leg over…” (Clive Everton, I believe)
4-1 would be lovely but, at this stage, any win … etc etc
Seeing as you’re on a first name basis with William I thought you might’ve known this, but I read elsewhere that Big Willy has yet to unstiffen so is not in the squad. 1-0 to the Arsenal with Capitola Rob scoring the winning header after missing a series of sitters. Actually, I take that back. Your scenario is much more enjoyable so I agree in every detail. 4-1 with Arsenal dedicating the victory to PV4. Also to Antonio Conte for his criticism of Daniel Levy today.😎
Thanks Matt for an excellent and entertaining preview.
Feo and Ainsley crucial on earning a draw against the Spuds
For those in far flung places who don’t get the reference in 2 above: (PS great preview Matt!)
Great preview Matt .
I sense Saliba is much more seriously injured than we feared so God bless the Interlull ! French sources say he is out for several weeks . Trossard was apparently injured on Wednesday but finished the game ( and scored his pen).
I suspect Gabriel Jesus will start unless ESR or Nelson play wide and Martinelli is a false 9 . As Tomi is injured ( and his injury problems may mean we don’t see him in an Arsenal shirt again ) Ben White must play full-back and Capitola Rob will start at CB .
This is a game we should win but ( 4-1 is optimistic!) . I suspect it may be a scrappy 2-0 .
I shall be there as I believe will be a number of us .
I was at Camden Lock Shopping Centre with my beloved today ( please don’t tell Mrs TTG). On a trip to Little Venice I watched a Spud friend express utter disgust as they capitulated to Theo and the Saints . He actually shouted out loud to the Almighty ‘ please don’t let Arsenal win the title !’
Let’s hope tomorrow things are looking even more depressing for him !
From what I can gather of that miserable, ranting nutcase at #4, he is basically saying “I can’t find a bus big enough to throw under all the people whose fault it is that we are crap – especially the owner who has had 20 years to sort out this shit show and get some players with big enough balls to try to win something.”
Please don’t leave, old chap – you’re doing a wonderful job – for us ! 😏
I thought Conte’s press conference was a most magnificently honest act of self destruction. Everything he said was true and the only way it could have been perfectly topped and tailed was if he’d done an R. Budd Dwyer at the end.
An excellent preview, Matt. I like your recommended punt and wish we could field your team. It is vital for our title bid that we bounce back from the disappointment of Wednesday and win this game. The injuries we acquired on Wednesday bode ill for our challenge if they are as serious as the rumour-mill suggests but we surely have enough to win tomorrow and stretch our lead? But I fear that the Norns are fickle.
COYG
Excellent preview, Matt.
Sublime “BMBD” placement! (My work here is done. 😎)
Let’get three points and rest up for the run-in.
It’s in our hands, boys!
MCMBD
I’m guessing 1-0 to the Arsenal. I went back and looked at CP’s record since the start of the year, and other than losing to the neighbors 4-0 at the beginning of January, they haven’t played too poorly. They’ve had draws with Manure, Newcastle, Poo, Brighton, and Brentford. All of the losses have been either 0-1 or 1-2, with the past two matches 0-1 to City and Brighton. Kind of surprised they would sack Patrick a few days before the final match before the international break.
Tim Stillman on Trossard:
Exactly the high spirited preview we needed after the disappointing midweek European night! Thanks Matt.
I hope Tomiyasu’s injury isn’t as bad as we are fearing. But even if he doesn’t recover before the season ends I don’t share TTG’s pessimism about his future with Arsenal. Since the World Cup he has had injury problems this season, and less than at his best even when fit. But last season he was one of our best performers, a fantastic defenders who is still getting better, and versatile. I think he has a big role to play next season, especially given we are likely to need to play two strong first elevens twice a week, following the summer break.
Hopefully Zinchenko, Xhaka and Martinelli all have recovered well after 120 minutes on the pitch on Thursday. If Gaby 11 is still feeling the impact maybe Gaby 9 can start down the middle flanked by Trossard and Saka. The home support on Thursday evening sounded not as electric (on the TV) as we have become used to this season, maybe because of the train strikes? Looking forward to the team and the home fans being back to their best on Sunday.
Come on Arsenal!
Holding should be able to do the job for the odd match or two while Saliba is out. He played quite well against Sporting. He may not have Saliba’s passing range, coveting speed or close control, he has a lot of PL experience and at home against a relatively struggling team he should be able to do what’s needed with White on one side and Gabriel on the other.
thanks, matt, another fine effort. i don’t know that reference, but i love looking stuff up.
i have heard from other sources that reuell walters takes stiff wilkie’s place in the squad, and indeed may start. and that it’s worse than they thought, so at least through the interlull if not through april. fingers crossed. trev, maybe you should offer your services?
up at 0530 to make the 0700 kickoff at our bar. COYG!
Thanks all for the kind words.
Quite agree it’s a pity about Tomi but I hope he will stay as he is very good on his day.
Need to keep Ben fit now but the idiot Southgate has helped there. Personally I would
keep Saka out the squad this time by hook or crook but I expect we won’t.
Cheers Matt.
Great preview. I anticipate a tough match.
Hopefully we won’t make the mistakes me made against Bournemouth.
Thanks Matt
We need a response to Thursday so I’m thinking 3-0 with Jesus on the scoresheet.
UTA.
Cheers Ollie, Noosa.
Could be a tight game of course, but I just feel we will score early and should be ok from there.
Top preview, OM. Strikes the right bright and breezy note needed after Thursday’s downer. Palace will probably prove difficult to break down, so we’ll have to be patient but squeeze out a 2-0 win by the end. Hope for no further injuries.
3 points puhlease
Stet
No Saliba. Holding starts. Reuell Walters on the bench with Jesus. Otherwise, regular first XI.
Ramsdale
White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard
Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
Bench: Turner, Tierney, Walters, Kiwior, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Nelson, Jesus.
well so much for my insider. walters IS on the bench, though.
come on capitola rob!
No early goal unfortunately, at least we didn’t give one away.
Spoke too soon !! Get in Gabi 1-0
Playing with more confidence since the first goal and deserved the 2nd from
Bukayo. 2-0 to The Arsenal!! Same again 2nd half
Two nice finishes 👏👏👏
Looking good. Now score the third and kill the game.
Your wish is Xhaka’s command….. 3-0!
3-0 and a song for PV4……perfect
Matt’s 4-1 is on!
4-1 and we have killed off the game again!
And my predicted score is right for 5 minutes anyway….
TP5 filling in at right back. And overlapping in the 85th minute, love the commitment.
8 points clear! Love it!
Matt knows.
Prescient call on the score, OM. Great reaction by the team to Thursday. Scruz must be happy with Capitola Rob’s performance.
Pressure is on City against Pool. Hopefully the scousers turn up.
Matt either knows or guesses, but he does hit paydirt. 🤩
4-1 to the Arsenal 4-1 to the Arsenal 4-1 to the Arsenal 4-1
Good call Matt ! I have some suicidal Palace mates who are not happy that Woy is heading back
An excellent and vital victory over a dangerous opponent and moreover, a truly excellent performance given our injury-blighted exertions on Thursday. Three vital points to widen the gap from the-expensively-assembled-€itzens-of-(allegedly)-Off-Balance-Sheet-FC (© Lonestar Gooner) to 8 points and a 3-goal margin of victory to claw the goal difference to only 2 less than the-expensively-assembled-€itzens-of-(allegedly)-Off-Balance-Sheet-FC (© Lonestar Gooner) who seemed to be miles ahead on GD comparatively recently.
WDYG
Keep it up, lads. You’re doing grand!
And props to Mystic Matt for his recommendation of a punt on 4-1 to the good guys. Well done, sir. Any advice on lottery numbers?
From the premier league website:
“At just 21 years of age, (Saka) is the youngest player to reach double figures for goals and assists in a single season, beating Cesc Fabregas’s club record of 22 years old from 2009/10.
Arsenal’s win was their sixth straight top-flight success, while they also became the first side in Premier League history to win nine London derbies in a single season.”
From sky: “Arsenal earned their 22nd Premier League win of the season, as many as they managed in the whole of last term, and the Gunners’ most-ever wins in their first 28 matches of a league campaign.”
10 more wins left to go.
Also from sky: “Leandro Trossard has assisted six goals in 10 Premier League games for Arsenal, at least twice as many as any other player in the competition since his club debut in January. It’s also more assists than the Belgian provided in 50 Premier League appearances for Brighton since the start of last season (5).”
A step up, it seems.
Rob’s hair has mojo.
Mystic Matt has been receiving messages – an octopus named Paul says we’re gonna win the league! I believe him…
I learned today that we have 9 players in our squad with title-winning experience in various leagues. Quite reassuring in a way. Thanks to Amy in The Athletic for that information,
Good work on the holicpound, Matt!
And I am shattered after Crystal Palace….
*assists*
As sweet as the Saka left foot. Bang!
Tierney like assist Ollie!
Report sent to techies last night
Well in C100!
>>>>>>>