A big game loomed in beautiful Andalucía as the reality of the Champions League became real. After a home romp against PSV and then a subdued defeat against Lens, it was time to get back on the horse and, just three short days after a tough game at Stamford Bridge, cope with a tricky trip to Sevilla, a multiple Europa league winner. They are struggling in La Liga, but with a new coach showed their mettle last weekend with a draw against the mighty Real Madrid. A strong Arsenal team was called for and Arteta duly delivered.
Raya
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu
Jorghino, Ødegaard, Rice
Saka, Jesús, Martinelli
On the bench: Ramsdale, ESR, Nketiah, Kiwior, Cedric, Trossard, Viera, Nelson, Elneny, Havertz, Hein, Zinchenko.
So, Raya remains the number 1 and Tomi replaced Zinny at left back, a reward for some strong performances off the bench. The other change that so many of us wanted to see was Thomas Partey next to Rice in midfield. However, he has evidently picked up a muscle injury in training and wasn’t in the squad. For Sevilla, their very experienced three of Ramos (age 37), Navas (age 37) and Rakatic (age 31) were all in the starting XI.
Before the game, the travelling Gooners sang Jose Antonio Reyes’s name and were loudly applauded by the Sevilla faithful. A nice touch for a player with strong links to both clubs.
So, with Arsenal in teal, 1800 away fans in the stadium, many of whom travelled on Sunday to enjoy a mini break, we were off. A fairly bitty first five was notable for how far forward Tomi was playing. The first great chance came from a defence splitting pass from Tomi to Jesus, who moved it on to Martinelli in the area. He should probably have scored, but the keeper blocked it.
In the warmest city in Spain, you could see the rain pouring down. Arsenal were playing well, moving the ball quickly and efficiently. Saka was being closely and physically marked by the left back, Acuma, who was, to say the least, a big old unit. Raya loosened the bowels of your correspondent by passing straight to a Sevilla player. Fortunately it came to nothing, but was another play out error by Raya.
What was noticeable was how little Ødegaard was on the ball, just like against Chelsea. The theory of the GHF cognoscenti is that he doesn’t get the same space when Jorghino plays rather than Partey. Whatever the reason, our super little Norwegian captain seems to be going through a bit of a slump at the moment.
As we moved towards half time a pass from Jorghino was intercepted and Sevilla counterattacked. It broke to the centre forward in the box, but under pressure from Tomi, he steered the ball wide.
Right on half time, Arsenal scored a superlative goal. From a cleared corner by Gabriel, Jesús spun the two men pressing him with a delicious Cruyff turn, then played an absolute peach of a pass through the middle for Martinelli, on his Champions League debut, to run onto. He burnt past Ramos, went round the goalkeeper and slid it home. A truly great goal. Gabi to Gabi to Gabi. Martinelli has now scored on his CL debut, Europa league debut, Premier League debut and League Cup debut!
Half time: Sevilla 0-1 Arsenal (Martinelli 45+4)
A first half of few chances, but the counter looked on for both teams. We made it count, they didn’t.
There were no changes at half time. Early in the second half, Jesús pressed hard and the ball fell to Ødegaard who blazed over when he should have done better. But five minutes later, we were 2-0 up. Jesús, who had been everywhere, scored a worldie. He picked up the ball wide on the left with nothing really on. He jogged towards the area, made himself a half yard of space and absolutely smashed a curler into the top right hand corner.
What!
A!
Goal!
Sevilla 0-2 Arsenal (Jesus 52)
Five minutes later, Sevilla won a corner on the right. Gudelj rose unmarked and powered a powerful header into Raya’s net.
Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal (Gudelj 58)
The game was now frantic. Sevilla were back in the game and their crowd were loud and proud. The ball was being pumped into the Arsenal area at every opportunity. Jorghino was booked for a high foot. Rice made a storming run through midfield but Saka miscontrolled the pass he gave him.
In the 72nd minute the ineffectual Ødegaard was hooked for Kai Havertz. He became the immediate target for David Raya to launch high passes at. The ex-Sp*rs player, Lamela, dived in the penalty area after Saliba breathed on him He was rightly booked for simulation. Cheating spud bastard!
On 80 minutes, Jesús, who had been quite brilliant, went down holding his hamstring, and was replaced by Eddie. At the same time, Saka went off for Trossard. On 90 minutes, Kiwior came on for Martinelli. The board went up showing six minutes added time. This was real backs to the wall stuff.
At 94 minutes, Sevilla won a corner from a poor Raya punch that could have ended up in the net. The Sevilla keeper came up. It was beaten away. More crosses came into our box. Eddie was sent away with a few seconds left and corner flagged expertly. The final whistle went.
A famous win, made possible by two moments of outstanding skill. Our first CL win away in Spain since Real Madrid in 2006. Jesús was off the scale. Tomiyasu, Rice, Saliba, White, Gabriel and Martinelli were all excellent.
An absorbing game. A big win for the Gunners. Top of the table and in control of the group with two home games left. In the other game PSV and Lens drew. The table looks like this, all played 3.
Arsenal 6 points
Lens 5 points
Sevilla 2 points
PSV 2 points.
And breathe!
First!!!
MCMBD
awfully damn nice, c100. i agree we were largely excellent, and stand by my comment under ned’s post that our defense was just top, top, top. our only blemish was raya, who really needs a rest if only to see how aaron has tightened his game after a few weeks on the bench. really insecure behind our brilliant defense.
and if we win our two home games we top the group no matter the other results.
COYG!
Great report c100 on a great and timely result. I didn’t see the game but you have drawn a lovely picture.
Excellent, C100. We saw the same game. You’ve nailed the standouts in an all-round top team performance.
Gabi to Gabi to Gabi could be the new Xhaka to Saka to Lacca.
If Jesus can keep producing those couple of moments of sublime skill every game we could go deep in this competition. I hope his hamstring injury is not as bad as feared.
How wonderful it would be if Martinelli could keep his ‘first’ sequence going with his first goal in a Champions League final.
Bath: as a footnote to your drink on the death of Bill Kenwright, Everton’s chairman, 777 partners, the would-be purchasers of Everton, have a 15% stake in Sevilla, acquired in 2018, although they have since fallen out with Sevilla’s president, Jose Castro, over the extent to which Sevilla’s fan who so passionately got behind their team tonight want to be ‘monetised’.
C100
Congratulations and thanks for an express report which enables us to debate the game while it is still fresh in our minds . You’ve captured the essence of a pretty frantic game perfectly .
Well done to Arsenal too. That was a performance that illustrated how much we had learnt from the reverse in Lens . CL football is a notch above Europa League ( as Sevilla found out last night !) and mistakes are usually punished ruthlessly . Last night a terrible Raya blooper early on ( worse than in Lens ) should have cost us . I hope we kept the receipt for Raya although as a loan signing we can presumably just give him back ? I’m inclining that way at this stage .
You picked out all the most impressive individuals. Tomi was excellent at left back and didn’t need to be hooked at 70 minutes as Zinchenko does, the centre backs were solidity itself and the two Gabis upfront were electrifying. Rice showed yet again what an inspirational player he is .
On the debit side Odegaard was non-existent. Our game is based on his constant touches and use of the ball. Saka is not in prime form but received heavy attention again and never hides . Partey is a problem , he is extraordinarily fragile nowadays, not a great attribute in a holding midfielder so our midfield isn’t well-balanced. Jorginho is ok but no more in my view and Havertz is peripheral , evidenced by his body language when Jesus scored . Away from the bunch of subs looking shy and a bit distant . One hopes Saturday might give him a chance to show what he can do in place of Jesus as Nketiah isn’t quite cutting it .
Props to the 1800 terrific Arsenal fans. That would have been a memorable night for them although they wouldn’t have expected that weather in Sevilla ! .p
Progress made and we are now in control of a competitive group which has produced three draws in six matches .
Thanks C100 for a great report and to Ned too for a fine preview. Travelling meant I missed the game but I have caught up on a couple of cracking goals now and on a health plus at least I didn’t put my heart through what seems to have been a finger-gnawing finale.
Strong stuff to grind out the win in Sevilla and respect to the team for that – there is certainly some of the requisite balls in the side these days.
In praise of Jesus
https://theathletic.com/4995862/2023/10/25/gabriel-jesus-champions-league-specialist/
Cheers C100!
That’s a top report, C100 at blistering speed, that captures the breathless tension of the game.
As you highlight, we took the three points because of huge performances by Jesús (two wonderful moments but much else besides), Rice, Martinelli, Tomi and Ned’s hard centre but we are going to need a couple more who weren’t up to snuff to step up to the mark if we are going to make the impact on this competition that we would like to make.
It’s a great pity that Jesús went off with a hamstring pull – I would rest him so he has the maximum chance to be ready for Sevilla’s visit on November 8th. We certainly don’t need to risk an exacerbation against the Blades.
A good, solid performance and three very necessary points as a reward.
The themes of much of the season so far were evident, no Partey without Thomas, superb central defence, questionable goalkeeping decisions, peculiarly off-beat performances by Saka and MO, exceptional Rice, vanilla Havertz and electrical Martinelli.
I thought that Jesus had his best game of the season so far. Tomiyasu too was excellent and anticipation of his ability to match Zinchenko as an inverting LB probably helps Arteta on his decision to release KT to his Spanish healthcare centre.
Eddie disappointed on his arrival. He’s fortunate to be at the club instead of Balogun. I wish he was more determined to shoot the lights out to justify his retention.
Win the next game. Start ESR.
Enjoyed your report C100. Great stuff.
Breathless, C100 – captured the action and the atmosphere perfectly.
Your bowels were not the only ones loosened by David Lactulose Rayannarsson !.
He really is turning out to be the David Rayanair of goalkeepers.
Apart from him, an excellent performance. Tomi added immediate security to the defence and you have identified all the other standouts.
Some good points from TTG above too.
Cheers, C100. Excellent and prompt report. It completely matches the periods of the game I could watch when my questionable assortment of dodgy streams actually worked. If Jesus keeps working his divine magic tricks, I might be forced to cave and buy a Paramount+ subscription.
Excellent performance from the team. Those Champions League European nights are not to be taken for granted.
Still a lot of bugs to be worked out, but let’s see if we can dodge the injury bug and put a bit of a run together. UTA!
MCMBD
Wins against Shitteh at home and Sevilla away with a draw at the bus stop in between over our last 3 games.
We have three options to replace Jesus on Sunday ( surely we won’t rush him back against the Blades?)
– Put Nketiah in like for like
– Play Havertz as a hybrid false 9/ target man
– Play Trossard as a false 9
I d like to see Trossard start but this us a good chance to see what Havertz can add in a striking role as he hasn’t I’m immediately adjusted to the left 8 role that he was bought for . Nketiah just doesn’t look a complete enough footballer to understudy Jesus . I might start Trossard on the right and let Saka start on the bench to reduce wear and tear on him and to give the Belgian some minutes
I of course mean Saturday and not Sunday as I am going to the match and meeting some Holics beforehand !
Ok TTG, so here’s radical – start Trossard and Nelson on the wings – interchange if necessary – and try Nartinelli through the middle – especially after the way he took last night’s goal and the one chalked off by VAR against ManUre last season.
Then Odegaard, Rice and Havertz can play in the middle – surely we don’t need Jorginho at home vs Sheff Utd.
Don’t know what’s particularly radical about your suggestion Trev. Sounds like it’s not only worth a try but likely to unleash a spark.
I think TTh and Trev are onto something. I’d be happy to see either Havertz or Martinelli at 9.
Wonder if it’s worth resting Odegaard and bringing in Vieira and ESR against Sheffield?
MCMBD
I like your idea, Trev@17.
I’m glad you checked on date for the match, TTG@16! See you there…..
Lonestar @19 – both Viera and ESR are nailed on to play against West Ham in the league cup a week tonight.
It’s rare that this happens but I’ll be at our next five games
Blades (H)
Irons (A)
Barcodes (A)
Sevilla (H)
Burnley (H)
Comes to an end after the international break though when it’s Brentford away.
My 2 cents on Martinelli down the middle is that his pace is more potent if he plays wide because he has more opportunity to run at defenders, plus you would lose his tracking back off the ball.
C100@22, right, so, bish bosh, that’s 15 points in the bag.
MCMBD
I’m with those who want to see Havertz play up the middle as a false 9 with Martinelli then Nelson on the left and Trossard on the right with Saka on the bench for emergency use only. I too would start Ramsdale in goal – I don’t think Mikel will though. Given the Blades penchant for high crosses and their concentration on set pieces Havertz could prove defensively useful as well. Hopefully, it’s a game in which Ødegaard can find his mojo again. I’d play ESR in the left eight role.
This morning, Blogs has an explanation for Ødegaard’s recent loss of form. I’m sure he’s right too.
Bath @27 – yes, I’m sure he’s right too.
And that is why it’s important for the game in general that creative players like Odegaard and Saka receive the protection to which they are entitled under the laws of the game. Not special bias, just within the laws.
I said the same in the bar for the Chelsea match report. Saka is another one who is seemingly “quiet “ this season but how many times per game is he kicked, raked and pulled down at speed. His quietness has accompanied a spell where he has been officially injured and needing to be taken off limping three games in a row.
Meanwhile, the likes of Kovacic, Cucurella, Palmer et al are left to carry on their dirty deeds game after game.
This extract taken from an Athletic piece on the key contract situations at each club. The full article is linked to below the extract.
ARSENAL
Technical director Edu has been busy. Since the start of last season, Arsenal have renewed the contracts of Gabriel, Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Reiss Nelson and club captain Martin Odegaard.
The next name on the agenda is defender Ben White, whose deal expires in 2026. After two impressive seasons in north London, Arsenal are looking to tie the 26-year-old down to a long-term contract. Constructive talks have already taken place, and Arsenal are confident of reaching an agreement.
That will leave the club in a strong position. Cedric and Elneny’s deals expire in June 2024, but with both players on the fringes of the squad, that will not concern Arsenal. Jorginho’s deal will also be up, but the club retain an option to extend the 31-year-old’s stay at the Emirates Stadium by an additional 12 months.
Full article
https://theathletic.com/4976739/2023/10/26/premier-league-contracts-all-20-clubs/
bath@27 & Trev @28: if that is the case, all the more reason to rest him now so the injury can heal before the avalanche of games in December.
I thought Blogs’s analysis of Tomi was excellent, too.
C100: the inclusion of Ramsdale in that list doesn’t suggest he will be leaving at the end of the season.
I think Richard Garlick is the one responsible for contract renewals
If Everton get a twelve point deduction what sort of penalty faces Citeh ?
The severity of sanctions is a function of the lawyers a club can afford, not its guilt, TTG.
I am afraid that Ned is bang on the money @33. I fear that About Dhabi Citeh will get a slap on the wrist at most and possibly merely a wag of the finger.
@16 TTG
I’m about Saturday for first time this season, meeting up with Ollie. Would love to meet up with some other holics on a suitable occasion, which is probably not this Saturday as every chance things are gonna get very messy.
and, UAE is one of the UK’s most important trading partners, don’t you know?
It’s gone ever so quiet since it was revealed that the British Embassy in About Dhabi have had conversations with UAE ministers about Shitteh’s ‘little problem’. Given that our Foreign Office is replete with lily-livered, woke, shrinking violets who will pander to the whims of any fashion of the day (along with so many formerly robust British institutions), I don’t hold out much hope for an appropriate sanction for Shitteh’s 115 charges.
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[…] two weeks ago at a rainy Estadio Sanchez-Pizjuan (see Countryman100’s excellent match report, “Outstanding Jesus Ensures Big Arsenal Win in Spain“), Martinelli and Jesus each scored a spectacular goal as Arsenal took a big 2-1 away […]
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