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Magpies for the pot?

Jan 8th, 2021 by

(c) GettyImages

The first FA Cup Final that I remember watching Arsenal contest was the 1998 Final against Newcastle. Goals from Overmars and Anelka secured Arsene Wenger a first Double and the club’s first since before I was I born. I jumped around in our lounge and made a lot of noise. Top day, that.

Ever since then I have enjoyed this tie when it comes up. In 2002 we drew 1-1 at St James’ Park but prevailed in the replay, running out 3-0 winners at Highbury with goals from Pires, Bergkamp and Campbell (sploosh!) That was one hell of a team and of course it went on to collect our second Double in four years.

In 2008 we played them in the fourth round and again beat them 3-0, Emmanuel Adebayor plundering two of the thirty goals he scored in all competitions that season. Unfortunately, that year did not end so rosily for us. We went on to lose 4-0 to Manure in the next round and a week later Eduardo’s leg was broken in an incident that so shocked the team that they fell away in the League and slipped from first to third. A sliding doors moment for the club and a horrific injury for a popular and prolific player who never quite returned to his best form afterwards.

However, although we have not challenged for the league as often as we would have liked since then, the last few years have seen some wonderful results in the cup and we have won it more than anyone else. Tomorrow will see us begin the defence of the trophy that we won in such magnificent style last year. The restrictions on gathering meant there were quite a lot of us jumping around in our lounges and making a lot of noise that day! Being 22 years older I also consumed rather more beer than I had done in ’98. Top day, that.

The Opposition

Newcastle fans are beset on all sides. Mike Ashley is still their owner and their manager is Steve Bruce, who, whatever you think of him, is not coaching a side that are easy on the eye. I watched them play Leicester last week and they were not at all pretty. They have a decent shape, Bruce is no mug, and they have players who put a shift in but lack the quality of many other top-flight sides. 

Callum Wilson appears to be someone who can continue the Tyneside club’s tradition of quality strikers and they rely on him to hold the ball up and nick goals. Creativity comes from Almiron, although he is not a player I rate highly. They are also waiting on an all clear for Saint-Maximin, one of the last of their players to return to contention after a recent outbreak of coronavirus swept through the club. The Frenchman is far from consistent but he is about the only player they have who, on his day, is genuinely exciting and unpredictable. Although if he is not available to enliven a dour Barcodes side then I won’t miss him.

Dave used to appreciate a mastery of the Dark Arts and we will have to watch out for that tomorrow more so than ever – there is no-one better qualified in this area than Lord Voldemort himself, who could line up in midfield. He may have changed his name to Jonjo Shelvey but he is fooling no-one. Mind you, if his arch enemy had been Kieran Tierney rather than that Radcliffe chap it would have been an hour long tv special and no more. KT would never have taken seven books and eight films to come out on top. “A bit of dark magic? It hurts no-one.”

Anyway… If we do get ourselves a lead then I expect the last fifteen minutes will be them thumping long balls at Andy Carroll from any and all conceivable opportunities. Didn’t we play a Fat Sam team last week too?

The Arsenal

The busy festive period saw a marked upswing in results and, having made it through that punishing schedule, our boys have had a full week to prepare for this match. I imagine that Arteta will rotate somewhat for this one but quite how many changes he makes we will have to see. He might decide to go wholesale, giving the youngsters a rest and allowing their older colleagues the opportunity to prove that they are worth more than simply chucking on the scrap heap whilst the kids take over. 

So, we might get a bit more Willian. Oooh yeah. Perhaps some Pepe, hopefully the spicy one that lashes shots in with a vicious left-foot rather than the luke-warm, underseasoned one who gets passed the ball with three blokes in front of him and then runs straight into the first one anyway.

I think we probably will see David Luiz. It is even possible that Partey may be in contention, although I am sure all Gooners everywhere are happy to wait to see him until he is actually fully fit. Let us hope the staff assessing this are more cautious than they were the last time he came back. If we could get him in the starting line-up with any regularity it would really add some power, quality and experience, and provide an actual midfield platform for our attacks. If he is fit I’d still have him on the bench tomorrow.

AMN should play, perhaps at left-back so KT3 can have a day off? Or he may go at right-back, Cedric staying on the bench and the indestructible Scot looking to add to his goal tally now he has got the taste. Go on Kieran!

I think this one will have a Europa League feel to it. Willock may start. Apparently, Nelson had an injury that has kept him out of the team but he appears to be available, so he might well be given a chance to get back into things. Will Gabigol be rested? Or does he need game time more than rest? I think we need to start ESR in the league, so I suspect he won’t play tomorrow but I might be well off in that assessment (guess).

Will Saka be deemed un-droppable? Or will he be allowed a chance to sit on his arse at home after some inspiring performances that, although they have been exceptional, must have taken something out of the young man who has played a lot of games this year. (Well, last year, but you know what I mean.)

Do we play Auba to try to get him scoring again? Or Laca, to continue his streak, and because he likes the physical challenge a side like Newcastle bring? Is this one for Eddie, who has been largely absent recently? Might we even see some of Balogun? I hope we see the young striker at least make the bench. And personally, I hope the even younger Miguel Azeez also gets in the squad. That is a player I want to see more of. Yes please.

The boss has a lot of choices for this one and then five days before we play Palace in the League. It is a tough one to call, so my team might be well out here:

Leno

AMN, Luiz, Mari, Tierney

Xhaka, Elneny

Willian, Willock, Nelson

Eddie

Do not be surprised if we line up completely differently. The boss has alternate options in every single position barring central midfield, when even a fit Partey would still see us needing to field one of the Xhakneny Axis of Average. I will look forward to suggestions in the drinks as to how else we might line up and be perfectly happy if I get five out of eleven correct.

The holics’ pound

Well, I quite fancy us to get through this one. We have hopefully turned a corner in our results and we look like we can actually score goals. Recent history is on our side. And Newcastle aren’t great. I shall be watching the match on the BBC, just like ’98, so that’s another good omen. Unfortunately for those chasing a bit of value the bookies agree with me. We are comfortable favourites and there isn’t much of anything attractive being offered.

I will suggest waiting until the team-sheet comes out before placing your money down. If the Icelandic lad starts in goal then don’t bet on a clean sheet! Assuming Leno gets the nod I am torn between 2-0, available at a skinny 6/1 and 3-0 which is available at an equally uninspiring 9/1. Both of these are through William Hill and if you shop about a bit you may find a slight improvement. On balance I am going to go with 3-0, to make it a hat-trick of three goal home cup victories against this lot.

I do love the FA Cup. Let’s put in a good performance and keep building momentum.

Have a good one ‘holics.

Posted in Match Preview | 71 Drinks »

A Promising Return To The Old Normal

Jan 3rd, 2021 by

The tumultuous and disturbing Two Thousand Twenty Common Era finally gave way to a new number in the Gregorian calendar, and contrary to our worst fears time’s steady and irreversible march didn’t get caught in some kind of infernal loop where we are forced to relive the surreal nightmares of the last few months. If that alone was worthy of joyous celebrations – responsibly done, of course – the Arsenal’s recent upturn of form and results in this (in)famous festive period in English football calendar added a glass or two of spirits to that festive cheer.

So, we approached the Hawthorns with a certain jauntiness in our steps and sparkle in our eyes. Some of us were feeling optimistic enough to even hopefully predict an old-school thrashing of the West Bromwich Albion team who just a couple of weeks back were our fellow fighters in the lower half of the table. Since then Mikel Arteta’s merry men in red and white were dragged up the table by the youthful energy of returning Gabriel Martinelli and the two supremely talented Hale End scholars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe. WBA now being managed by that great Italian tactician of the relegation battles – Sam Allardici – on the other hand had a more of a mixed bag of results. A typically rearguard 1-1 away at Liverpool followed by a 0-5 demolition at the hands of Leeds. Football has moved on very fast in the last few years and Sam’s old playbook of survival may be in need of some thorough rewrites. 

Even though David Luiz and his childhood friend Willian returned to the squad following a short stint at the sick bay, Arteta kept his faith in the players that have been instrumental in the last two wins and in the 4-2-3-1 formation which is where I think the team has been evolving towards. Martinelli though was dropped to the bench to accommodate the captain and Lacazette both in the starting eleven, and Dani Ceballos starting instead of Mo Elneny. Based purely on current form and the balance of the team Gabi probably deserves to start ahead of Auba, but it is in our very best interest to help our captain find back his goalscoring form that had really saved us from calamitous league positions in last two seasons and was instrumental in helping us win a record setting 14th FA Cup in Mikel’s very first season as a manager (he was “head coach” at that time but you know what I mean). If needed we can always bring Gabi in the second half to introduce energy, directness and goal threat. 

Leno

Bellerin – Holding – Mari – Tierney 

Saka – Ceballos – Xhaka – Aubameyang 

ESR

Lacazette 

The WBA squad had a smattering of ex-Gooners. Our long serving left back and a member of the “British Core” Kieran Gibbs was on the bench, as was Kyle Bartley who came through Arsenal academy and had a solitary senior appearance for the Arsenal. In the middle of the defense was Semi Ajayi, another Arsenal youth product who in a recent interview – following his equalizing goal against Liverpool – highlighted how much of an influential role Arsenal set-up has played  in his career with particular mention of admiration and gratitude for Per Mertesacker.  

We started brightly, with a good cross by Auba from the left. First Bellerin shot at goal which was saved by the Baggies’ goalkeeper and Saka’s attempt from that clearance was blocked by the defense. 
Around 5th minute ESR, dropping deep, almost put Saka through for a clear run at the goal. The fluidity and intelligence of ESR’s movements and his spatial awareness – even on a TV screen – was noticeably encouraging. Given that how he was fouled a few times in the early minutes it was clear that the WBA defense too was aware of the danger he can cause. 
First creative involvement from the midfield came via Dani on 7th minute. His chipped pass over the defense deserved someone to run onto.  A couple of minutes later Laca played his 9-and-half role perfectly by dropping deep and passing on to the path of Saka who shot at goal. The keeper made his second save of the match. In less than 10 minutes after the start of the match we were able to engineer two shots on goal!  Almost like the good old days. 

ESR was playing with a well-earned freedom to roam which he used cleverly to both keep possession and to trigger attacks. He earned a foul near the penalty box and Dani’s free-kick was thumped out by the goalkeeper and Tierney’s attempt flew over the bar. 

On our right side Saka and Hector continued their good understanding. On 16th minute Bellerin put Saka through by a great pass. Saka made a typical surging run and his left footed attempt at goal from the right evaded the goalkeeper, the post and our captain who made a late attempt to steer the ball in. A couple of minutes later Saka crossed from a similar position for Aubameyang to head in but Auba was well managed by the defense.

We almost conceded a goal from a rare WBA foray into Arsenal end of the pitch. It all started with Martin Atkinson refusing to award us two fouls in a row near the opposition penalty box and from the counterattack the WBA forward line kept possession impressively and created a very presentable opportunity. But the shot was relatively simple for Leno to save. If that goal went in would VAR have reviewed the two non-foul decisions which were clear and obvious errors? The snow had started to fall heavily by then and it felt that the game now might turn on small margins. We hadn’t been able to capitalize on our early prominence and the conditions were definitely going to make playing incisive football harder. 

A minute later a wonderful moment of individual brilliance easily made us forget this near mishap. Kieran Tierney – playing in half-sleeves and rolled socks in sub-zero temperatures, later Arteta marveled at his overall physical resilience – received a pass with a lot of ground to cover before he can cross or provide a cut-back. He also had to beat their right back who was in front of him. KT ran with the ball, ran past the defender and then turned him inside out and cut through in the penalty box. With Lacazette and Saka waiting in the box it was expected that Kieran will either cross in or run further and then provide a cutback. He did neither but curled in an accomplished finish from his lesser foot, and the ball flew in past the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper who was caught by surprise like everyone else. It was a goal that Aubameyang would have been proud of, and was a clear indication of how Tierney is rapidly growing in stature and self-confidence in his role in this team. He is marvelous player of considerable talent on the ball and extraordinary work ethics and intelligence off it. We fans can be rightly excited about his growing influence in the team.

WBA 0 – Arsenal 1 (Tierney 22’) 

On 25th minute Lacazette showed great control and composure but couldn’t quite curl in his finish. A few minutes later we scored a signature Arsenal goal that we haven’t seen for a while. A series of quick, precise one-touch passes cut through WBA defense at the end of the move ESR from the right set-up Saka for a close finish. The goal involved this passing sequence: Dani‑> Bellerin‑> ESR‑> Saka‑> Laca‑> ESR‑> Saka. A sumptuous team goal that should do wonders for the players’ self-confidence about their own creative potential. A goal like that instills a lot of faith in their training regime and in their coaches.

WBA 0 – Arsenal 2 (Tierney 22’, Saka 29’) 

The snow started to now accumulate heavily on the ground, dragging the ball and creating very challenging conditions for a passing game the players did well to still manage the tempo of the game and continue to create opportunities. At the end of another flowing move Laca’s attempt was deflected goalward by Ivanović – the Serbian defender who we are well familiar with from his many years at Chelsea, who is now back in PL following a stint in Zenit – and was saved well by Johnstone who, despite conceding two goals that he could do nothing about, was having quite a good game.

The match slowed down after that as the Arsenal players were being extra careful about the weight of the pass and the slipperiness of the surface. The team focused more on retaining the possession and seeing the game out until the half time without conceding. Mari and Holding were both playing with calmness and composure, and Xhaka was circulating the ball well. Mari and Tierney seemed to have built a good understanding between themselves and Mari’s crisp, unhurried forward passing meant we didn’t miss Gabriel – still in isolation after contacting Covid-19 — as much as we were concerned about. The part that the conditions can still play was further highlighted when Holding’s attempted pass back to Leno spun out of control and went straight for a corner. Around 41st minute Bellerin saw a yellow for a tackle that he couldn’t quite control because of the surface conditions. The half ended with Laca’s turn and shot saved again by the goalkeeper.

Arsenal came out in the second half with an unchanged team, but WBA brought in Charlie Austin who has a history of scoring goals against us. WBA started with purpose in the second half and scored a well worked goal just couple of minutes into the half, but it was a clear offside.

Controlling tackles and passes were getting harder by the minutes. Hector was taken off by Mikel on 55th minute and Ainsley Maitland-Niles was brought in, most likely because Bellerin was already on a yellow and on a surface like that it was quite likely even a well-timed tackle can go easily wrong and earn him a second yellow. AMN the London boy was dressed up for the occasion, unlike the flying Scotsman on the opposite flank. 

Another most pleasing aspect of ESR’s play – and Gabi and Saka too share that same quality – is his impeccable defensive awareness and willingness to help the defense out. He showcased that in this match too, noticeably so around 58th minute. The game was entering a phase where one WBA goal would have made it very tense for us.

Couple of minutes later it was Arsenal that scored to settle any nerves. Saka curled in a good looking cross from the right, Ajayi’s clearance beat his own goalkeeper but hit the bar, ESR followed in with his late run in the box and his goal bound shot was blocked by the defender, but his clearance fell to Lacazette who provided a simple finish.

WBA 0 – Arsenal 3 (Tierney 22’, Saka 29’, Lacazette 60’)

We scored three goals and not a single one of them by Aubameyang! That has been a rarity in the last couple of years. It was credit to Auba that despite losing his scoring touch he continued to work at his role diligently, even adding more of the inside forward movements and presence that Mikel likes to see from his “wingers”. From one such movement Auba set Tierney up on the left and Kieran’s precise cross was turned in by Laca with his knees from close range. There might have been a hint of offside but neither did the assistant referee raised his flag nor did the decision go to VAR.

WBA 0 – Arsenal 4 (Tierney 22’, Saka 29’, Lacazette 60’, Lacazette 64’)

Saka was subbed on 70th minute by Willian immediately after being fouled off the ball. It was one more sparkling performance from a player who at the age of 19 plays with a confidence and maturity far beyond his years and with the talent and creativity he already possesses let us hope everything else in his career goes smoothly enough to see him fulfil his immense potential. It would be most gratifying to have a genuinely world class player come through Arsenal ranks. 

Willian – hopefully inspired by the young talents – played with a bit more purpose and forward movements that had been singularly lacking in his disappointing performances until now. Some of his defensive work was still questionable but on the final third he showed glimpses of his abilities that had Mikel so convinced about his usefulness in the squad. Towards the end of the match – on 92nd minute – he made his second attempt on goal in his PL appearances in Arsenal colors. It was saved by the goalkeeper.

On 77th minute Joe Willock replaced ESR. Joe in his cameo demonstrated the difference between him and Emile. Whereas ESR already possesses close control passing range and spatial awareness that are equal to the level needed at PL, Willock — despite all his abilities complemented by great attitude and work-rate – have a bit to travel to get to. He is still very much a highly useful squad player, but if he needed any reminder about the level that he should aspire to ESR’s latest performances must have been inspiring.

The match ended without much significant action after the 4th goal. Dani was handed a booking, Leno saved a long distance shot at 89th minute, there were a few crosses thrown in the Arsenal box that between Holding, Mari and Leno were dealt without much fuss. On 93rd minute – just before the final whistle – there was a rare attempt at Arsenal’s goal which Leno saved well.

Arsenal had entered the festive schedule with a lot to play for, and Mikel with enormous pressure on his fledgling managerial shoulders. Three wins out of three league matches in this very busy period, conceding only 1 goal and scoring 8, with two matches away at desperate relegation fighting teams and a home match against potential title contenders Chelsea is an impressive turnaround of performance and results. Out of such experiences are born resilience, solidarity and self-confidence. All credit must go to Mikel, his coaching team and the players. Everyone has played with full commitment and professionalism, and a few of them with quality and creativity that bode well for the future.

Let us hope we maintain and then improve upon this forward momentum.

Happy New Year everyone!

Posted in Match Report | 90 Drinks »

Gunners to Slip in and out of The Black Country Without Incurring Baggage Fees

Jan 1st, 2021 by

As Arsenal happily say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, they enter 2021 with ever more daunting challenges including an anything-but-trivial visit to the West Midlands on Saturday evening, so it may be a good time to pause and digest a morsel or two of trivia.  The far-flung or more recently hatched ‘holic may wonder why it is called the Black Country (coal seems to be a core issue), or any number of diffuse musings related to our newly promoted opponent this weekend.  As I found out with this computer thingy, West Bromwich Albion’s distinctive badge features a throstle bird perched on the branch of a hawthorn tree.  No less interesting, I assure you, WBA, as the club is often called to fend off any shortage of pixels or newspaper ink, has a longstanding rivalry with Black Country cousins Wolves, with whom the Baggies contest the joint oldest derby in English league football.  As to why the club’s nickname is the Baggies, and other conundrums, I refer the reader to this excellent fact sheet detailing nearly every aspect of Baggies ephemera: http://www.baggies.com/faq/

As to the match at hand, The Hawthorns will see its first Premier League visit by Arsenal since 31 December 2017 when the sides played to a 1-1 draw, and Arsene Wenger presided over his record 811th Premier League match as manager. Arsenal’s lone tally that day was credited as a Baggies own goal from a deflected Alexis Sanchez free kick, and it kept them in fifth position in the table. The point Alan Pardew’s side earned kept them undefeated in three consecutive home matches against Arsenal and moved them off rock-bottom but was not enough to save them from relegation or Pardew from a sacking as they finished the season on 31 points, last place in the table. Swansea and Stoke were relegated with them, but only the Baggies have managed a return to the top-flight. Three years later, Arsenal will start the game not in fifth place but on the edge of a relegation fight despite their two big wins earlier this week. As of Christmas Day, Arsenal sat in 15th spot with 14 points, just seven points better than the Baggies, in 19th spot with seven points. Since then, the Baggies drew with Liverpool at Anfield before getting pounded by Leeds at home, while Arsenal engineered a holiday rejuvenation with victories in the Boxing Day derby at Chelsea and Tuesday’s seaside jaunt to Brighton. As pitiful as it sounds, Arsenal garnered 30% of their season-long points haul this week alone, but at least we increased our advantage over the Baggies to a more respectable 12 points.

It seems both managers are looking at this game with eyes open, as a six-pointer among direct rivals. Immediately prior to the win at Chelsea, as the Gunners had suffered a wretched stretch yielding just one victory in 10 Premier League games, Mikel Arteta told the BBC that the next week was going to be crucial in ensuring his side was not dragged into a relegation battle. A few days later, with six points gained, Arsenal’s perspective on that and other matters is a good deal more positive.  As I mentioned, we are 12 points removed from the Baggies in one direction so it is worth adding that we are also only 12 points away from second spot, behind only Liverpool. We must remember that the Premier League is no longer a four-team title race, and nearly all of the mid-table clubs could move quickly up or down the table given the right infusion of ingredients.  And a timely reminder it is, as the transfer window opens Saturday, although Arsenal got an early start by announcing the loan of Sead Kolasinac back to Schalke, the German club whence he came.  Hopefully, one or two other old faces will soon follow Kolasinac out the door giving youth greater opportunity to shine.

Team News

Generally, the same group of players who traveled to Brighton should make up the squad at The Hawthorns.  On Thursday the club announced that Bukayo Saka will be available for selection despite the knock he received late in Tuesday’s match. The aging Brazilian duo of Willian and David Luiz are back in full training after illness. Young Brazilian samba star Gabriel will not be available as he is still isolating due to a Covid-19 exposure issue, and Thomas Partey returns to full training next week so will unfortunately not yet be in the squad.

In midfield we could see Dani Ceballos come in for Mo Elneny who looked a bit off the pace at Brighton.  Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli have transformed the team in the last two matches, and the young Englishman must retain his place but after Alexandre Lacazette’s virtuoso cameo at Brighton, the Brazilian may have to settle for a cameo of his own this week.  The back five should be unchanged but in 27 training pictures on the Arsenal website, every player shown is wearing long sleeves excepting Kieran Tierney, who could be in for a big performance at left-back if the cold weather holds.  With nine players on the bench there is a lot of flexibility for Mikel Arteta depending on the situation when substitutes may be needed, but it would be great to see Joe Willock or Reiss Nelson at some point.

Leno

Bellerin, Holding, Pablo Marí, Tierney

Ceballos, Xhaka

Smith Rowe

Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang

The opposition

Allardyce, West Brom’s relegation scrap specialist, said recently that he regards the Gunners as his bottom of the table rivals. Good luck with that one, Sam. Among his numerous clubs Allardyce has managed 34 matches against Arsenal, which is more than any other club, yet he has won only six, drawn eight and lost a whopping 20 times.  The corpulent one’s biggest task could be to shore up the Baggies’ leaky defence which has conceded a league-high 35 goals, five more than any other club.  His next biggest task could be to increase his club’s goal-scoring threat as the Baggies have scored only 11 goals all season, which is more than only Sheffield United and Burnley, but only five fewer than Arsenal.  The Baggies are owned by Lai Guochuan, a 46 year old billionaire businessman who, according to Wikipedia, became rich by turning a small cannabis nursery into China’s largest landscape development and construction firm. But as he resides in China and only attends the occasional match, it will be interesting to see if the pot magnate splashes the cash in the transfer window in an effort to stay in the Premier League, or keeps faith with Allardyce to pull off a miracle. 

On December 16th, Allardyce signed an 18-month contract after Slaven Bilic was sacked, the club standing 19th in the table with seven points from 13 matches.  But Fat Sam’s time as manager has started a bit worse than optimally as the Baggies lost 3–0 at home to Aston Villa before conceding four first half goals in Tuesday’s miserable 5-0 home loss to Leeds. The Baggies’ current form against big four clubs (not to say Arsenal is close to being one of those at the moment) has been better.  Aside from their 1-1 draws at Liverpool a week ago Sunday and at Manchester City on December 15, the Baggies lost all their league matches this month with an overall goal differential of four goals scored against seventeen conceded; and to make matters worse they garnered two red cards.  Under prior management, WBA lost four straight games in November including a 2-0 whitewashing by relegation rivals Fulham.  As of now, the Baggies have only eight points from 16 matches and remain next to bottom.

Doing their utmost to implement the Allardyce “principles” at Liverpool, the Baggies took only five shots but were far more efficient with their chances, hitting the target three times compared to just two for the league champs. WBA (and ex-Arsenal) centre-back Semi Ajayi leveled in the 82nd minute after his team fought to keep the match within reach for over an hour after Liverpool’s early opener.  By the law of averages there can be little doubt that the Baggies will revert to their tenacious Anfield form against the Gunners.

The definitive predictions of WBA’s tactical approach were published on this blog in a couple of the drinks following the Chelsea match report, by Countryman100 (“We all know exactly how Fat Sam is going to set up against us on Saturday. They will sit back. They will get free kicks and launch everything into the box. They will slow/breakup the game.”) and North Bank Ned (“Allardyce will certainly get his team to be disciplined in defence, hold their shape and play for set pieces at the other end of the pitch.”). As erudite as those gentlemen were, if you want to hear it from Fat Sam himself, his relegation “survival blueprint”: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11662/11031332/sam-allardyce-shares-his-premier-league-survival-blueprint hit the interwebs a few years ago giving many an opposition manager a good deal of insight as to exactly what Fat Sam’s teams will try to do. 

Goonerholics’ Pound

Seeing as Leeds did the Baggies by five goals earlier in the week, and Allardyce then called for the season to be interrupted so his beleaguered side could recover, who is to say Arsenal cannot do them one better?  A decent return should be available on a 0-6 score so the intrepid punter might consider casting some savings in that direction.  A more realistic bet would probably be to take the shorter odds on 2-1 to The Arsenal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang coming to the fore with a fine finish to break the halftime deadlock.  

Happy New Year, ‘holics!  It’s safe to say that since our two big wins this week the level of enthusiasm in the bar hasn’t been this high since September or so. A third consecutive win could send us nearly sky-high so the lads must be scheming, not to say snarling, to snatch it. As our Japan correspondent put it after the win at Brighton in midweek: “Next, let’s chew up Fat Sam. Just the sight of his bovine face annoys me so it’d be nice to stick it to him”. 

Posted in Match Preview | 166 Drinks »

Saka, Laca – Boom!

Dec 30th, 2020 by

My lucky Christmas mug – played two, won two

I have never been to the Amex stadium, although I had a ticket for the game that was postponed before lockdown. We had it all planned, fish and chips on the seafront before the game and a curry in Lewes on the way home but sadly it was not to be. I did however visit the Goldstone ground a number of times. My parents had friends in Brighton and, when we visited them, if Albion were at home, the men and boys would go to the game. A great cavernous bowl as I remember it.

Even though I was looking forward to visiting the Amex, I doubt that the team were. In our last five games against BHA we had won none, drawn two and lost three. However, they had not won at home in the league in eleven games stretching back to their game against …..Arsenal.

After our highly cheering win against Chelsea on Boxing Day, Arteta made just one change from the starting eleven that day, bringing in Auba for Laca. Brighton, with 24 hours less rest than us, made six changes, leaving Maupay (booo), Danny Welbeck and Solly March on the bench. Three of the Brighton XI were making their first league start of the season in a curious, rather left field, line up without a recognised striker.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Elneny, Saka, ESR, Martinelli, Auba
Subs: Runarrson, Mustafi, Cedric, AMN, Ceballos, Pepe, Willock, Eddie, Laca.

So no Balogun or Reiss Nelson on the bench. It does seem like Balogun is angling for an agent driven out of contract free transfer in June and Reiss Nelson has somehow incurred the wrath of Arteta (© Ozil and Guendouzi).

The first ten minutes was all Arsenal. Brighton were playing a low block, passing the ball prettily in midfield, but with zero penetration. We were seeking to break quickly and were not afraid to use the ball over the top to Martinelli and ESR. Elneny gave the ball away (I must find a shortcut for that phrase) which led to BHA’s first foray into the area, but it all petered out. KT3 broke down the left, easily outpacing his opposite number. He fizzed the ball in but it was well defended.

Brighton got their first corner from a counter and a mismatch was immediately apparent as the 6’7’’ Dan Burn (cue North Bank cries of “it’s Lurch!”) lined up against Hector, possibly a foot shorter. Burn got his head to the ball, but it sailed harmlessly over. 22 minutes in and frankly not a great game. Several times Xhaka looked up at Auba making a great run and then looked across to make a square or backwards pass. Leno decided to alleviate the boredom by playing keepy uppy from a back pass with a Brighton forward advancing on him, to a collective sharp intake of breath from all Gooners watching.

On 35 minutes Elneny again gave the ball away to the curiously named Mac Allister, who should have slid Gross in. But he went for glory and again blazed over, much to the disgust of his teammate. Brighton stormed back, the ball somehow evaded three men in blue around the six yard box and then Bernd Leno made a great double save. It was all Brighton and we were looking nothing like the team that beat Chelsea. There was no evidence of the space being created wide for the full backs and Auba cut a lonely figure as run after run  was ignored. Xhaka was dwelling on the ball and ignoring forward runs in favour of square passes. Oh for Thomas Partey.

As the half time whistle was blown, the better chances had fallen to Brighton, who grew in confidence as the half went on. We, after a bright start, were frankly dire. Work to do. On another forum, a wise man was telling us that the key stat was nil in our goals against column.

HT Brighton 0-0 Arsenal

No changes to either team at half time. Immediately Hector was called upon to defend well and force the ball out for a corner. From it, the ball fell in a melee to Dunk, who seemed to miss his kick but claimed a penalty (cheating little Herbert). No, said referee Atkinson and VAR agreed.

From this point on the game turned. On 50 minutes we had our best move of the game to date. Saka made a lovely right to left diagonal run which pulled the defenders apart and left him in space on the left. He squared the ball beautifully for Auba who, six yards out, should have scored, but the ball hit Sanchez’s knee as the goalkeeper stood up bravely and it deflected over. Moments later ESR, who was becoming increasingly influential and demanding the ball, squirmed like an eel to beat three tackles before passing to Gabi who hit a lovely shot just over the bar. Much, much better Arsenal!

ESR played a lovely one-two with Saka and then was hauled down by Lewis Dunk. Free kick which led to Martinelli getting his head to the ball but it sailed over. Saka made ground into the box and could have slipped it to Auba, but took on the shot which was wide. We were battering them.

Smith Rowe was clattered by Jahanbaksch who was shown a yellow card. Gabi was taken off, understandably after three games in a week on his comeback from injury and was replaced by Laca. The change worked immediately. The ball was played to Saka in his own half. Dan Burn was touch tight to him (it reminded me of an instruction I once heard a coach make in an U14 game. “Son get into his shorts – and stay there!”). Saka rolled the big man with ease and was off, Burn trailing in his wake. He reached the edge of the penalty area on the right before cutting the ball across to Laca, in yards of space. He took one touch, before firing in a clinical shot, just inside Sanchez’s near post. He had been on the field for 21 seconds. A truly wonderful, pacy, technical, clinical, memorable goal on all levels.

Brighton 0-1 Arsenal (Lacazette 66)

Maupay came on to a chorus of boos (at least in our living room). On 74 minutes, Brighton subbed on Trossard for Jahanbaksch and Ceballos was stripped and ready to come on, probably for ESR. But Saka went down in some pain after a corner after it seemed his foot had been stepped on. He rose to his feet eventually and walked, or rather limped off under his own steam. He returned and seemed able to run but was subbed off a few minutes later, hopefully just to protect him, to be replaced by Dani Ceballos. Saka went to the bench, rather than the dressing room, and seemed in good spirits so fingers crossed no serious damage was done.

ESR moved forward with Ceballos into midfield. With 86 minutes gone AMN was ready to come on. Brighton were pressing forward as we kept giving the ball away in midfield. Bellerin made a lung busting run after nice interplay with ESR in his last contribution. Emile was replaced by Ainsley after a great game. Five minutes of added time were announced.

Laca corner flagged and had his legs whipped from under him. Free kick but no yellow card.  With 90 seconds left, Rob headed away a Brighton corner. We saw out the remaining seconds comfortably and we had two wins in a row!

This was a very different win to Boxing Day. A good old fashioned 1-0 to The Arsenal with a cracking goal, made by Saka and finished clinically by Laca. We are up to 13th in the table. Saka and ESR were outstanding, and Leno was very good, claiming the ball comfortably from crosses and with Martinez like sticky hands. Everybody else put in a solid, if not fault free shift, except for Elneny who gave away the ball far too often and Auba who wasted the several chances he had and is still woefully short of confidence. We were much, much better in the second half. Mind you, we needed to be.

Next up, WBA and Fat Sam, who after a draw at Anfield, were spanked 5-0 at home by Dirty Leeds, including an own goal of a quality to recall Lee Dixon chipping Seaman against Coventry in 1991. I’m giving my new mug all the credit for our turnaround.

Posted in Match Report | 64 Drinks »

Seagulls versus Gunners – What Could Possibly Go Wrong ?

Dec 28th, 2020 by

Well, what went wrong last time we played at the Amex Stadium in Brighton was that we lost 2-1, just as we had done at the Emirates in early December 2019.

Last time.
In that latter game, we had Özil, Mesut Özil, and I just don’t think I understand quite how his situation has arisen, or been allowed to continue, at the club. He won’t be available for this one but he did assist Alexandre Lacazette in that one, for his 50th minute equaliser, which cancelled out Adam Webster’s strike for the visitors. This though was the modern day Arsenal and we found a way of losing in the 80th minute, to a goal from Neal Maupay.


I’m no expert but I believe Maupay translates from his native French as “snide little cheat” ** – a belief borne out by his actions in our Covid-19 delayed fixture at the Amex on 20th June this year. A nasty shove on an unbalanced Bernd Leno resulted in an injury to our keeper that cost us his services for the rest of the season. Sadly, the Frenchman then went on to score a stoppage time winner – of course he did! – which condemned us to a second successive 2-1 loss against that opposition.


** (there are even reports that in the showers of the south coast club, Maupay can often be heard singing “Oh I do like to cheat, be snidely seaside”) Oh yes there are!


It seems I / we may not be alone in disliking Le Mal-pay. In early November, Brighton manager Graham Potter revealed he was left out of the squad to face Tottenham because of an internal ‘incident’. … “I spoke before the game about tactical reasons,” Potter said. However, reports subsequently emerged claiming the 24-year-old had been involved in a heated incident with a colleague and of concerns about the player’s attitude. Sadly, because he can actually be quite good, it seems he has now been restored to the team.


This time.
On a more pleasant note, Danny Welbeck, formerly of this parish, seems to finally have found some fitness and has just played three times in a week – of course he has! – for his new club. He has played 8 times for Brighton since 1st November, scoring 2 goals, and has become the focal point of the Seagulls attack. He is 30 years old now and has missed, as we know, far too much of his career due to a number of serious injuries, incurred while in the employ of Arsenal FC – of course they were! He’s a likeable fella though and we can wish him well for the rest of his career, while still hoping he has an absolute stinker against us. 


The Brighton manager, Graham Potter, is no stranger to us as he was in charge of Swedish side, Ostersunds FK, when we played them in the Europa League in 2018. Having secured a comfortable enough 3-0 victory in Sweden, we lost 1-2 to Potter’s team at the Emirates in the home leg. The game will be “no formality” warned the Arsenal manager at the time, Arsene Wenger – oh yes he was! – and he was not wrong. 

Tomorrow’s game will also be no formality as Potter has them playing some decent football, but who, exactly, are our opponents?

Just for fun.
To give them their full moniker, they are Brighton and Hove Albion FC. Is everyone quite clear on the distinction between Brighton and Hove? Well, ‘tis still the season to be merry after all, so here is comedian Simon Evans to explain in the following clip, while offending the good residents of Brighton and pretty much everyone else 😆 –
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gPyJMn_RXE8

And now for something completely different, as the Pythons used to say at the end of a sketch –

The serious bit.
We come into the match on the back of a great win against Chelsea on Boxing Day, great insofar as it has surely shown Mikel Arteta the way ahead. Whatever the problems and rumours at the club are, there is no doubt that everyone in the squad for that Chelsea game was more than happy to give 100% for the manager. The young players who came in, Gabi Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe, the now established Bukayo Saka, the ever willing Joe Willock and a slightly older Kieran Tierney, gave the side the pace and creativity it has lacked for a long time.

Maybe, Arteta threw the young players in as a desperate measure or, just maybe, he has been waiting for exactly the right moment in those players’ development and fitness for them to be able to make the impact we’d all been longing for. So who should play against Brighton ?

To be honest I don’t really mind who wears the shirt as long as they fulfil the basic requirements of 100% effort, 100% effort and 100% effort. No-one can ask more than that and no-one should be happy with less than that. If a player is not good enough, that is not his fault as he didn’t recruit or select himself. If he gives less than 100% he should be removed and dropped from the squad. And that 100% should include a genuine fight for his teammates – not the silly squaring up to an opponent and pushing your head in his face because he’s made your shorts muddy – but busting a gut to do your own job and cover your teammates, making yourself available to help them play better and stepping up, within the rules, to protect them if they are getting the “treatment” from the opposition. It does not include the silly, petulant, mock rage at minor indiscretions designed to disguise your general lack of genuine commitment. We have seen at least two costly instances of that this season. No more please.

Thomas Partey’s thigh strain will keep him out of this game. Gabriel will be isolating, having been in contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 – not another player but someone in his bubble, according to the club website. David Luiz and Willian have apparently reported some symptoms and are not feeling very well, although they have not tested positive for the virus. Reiss Nelson is a bit of a mystery. He is not reported as injured but did not feature at all in the squad for the Chelsea match.
If pushed, I could imagine a team of : 

Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Ceballos, Smith-Rowe, Xhaka, Pepe/Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang 

I would prefer to see Martinelli continue but feel he might be rested given his very recent return from long term injury. Saka could also start on the bench as he has to rest occasionally too, and while I would prefer Willock or AMN to Ceballos on the right of the three, I believe Mikel Arteta does not.

Whoever is in the side, it is vital over the next five or six games that we capitalise on the win against Chelsea and start to find some consistency.
Brighton come into this one following their 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday and so will have had 24 hours less recovery time than ourselves. I can’t pretend to know much about Brighton but they do tend to keep the middle of their defence very compact, so stretching them with good wing play will be important. That may well see Aubameyang in his wide left position again.

Brighton have four players currently in the medical room card school – Lamptey, Izquierdo, Andone and Connolly, none of whom has a definite expected return date, so expect them all to be fighting fit for kick-off.

The Holic Pound
We will start this game in 15th place in the league, with Brighton one place and four points behind us in 16th. The odds on offer from the three bookies I have checked reflect that closeness, with an Arsenal win looking slightly more likely than a Brighton one. The draw seems to be the favoured option but where’s the fun in that ? Betfair are offering 7/1 on a 1-0 Arsenal win, 10/1 on a 2-0 win, and 8/1 on a 2-1 win for the Gunners. A win, a clean sheet and no red card may be gifts that all three wise men can’t quite manage just yet so, were I a betting man, my money would be on the 2-1 to the Arsenal. Good luck if yours is!

The referee is Mr Craig Pawson. Like I said – what could possibly go wrong ? 😏 The match is on Amazon Prime this time at 18.00 UK time. If you’re looking for a stream in the UK, they are all either frozen or have burst their banks !

Enjoy the game, Holics !

Posted in Match Preview | 77 Drinks »

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