{"id":11560,"date":"2025-08-07T12:04:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T11:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=11560"},"modified":"2025-08-09T23:21:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T22:21:39","slug":"undercooked-arsenal-underwhelm-but-weve-still-got-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=11560","title":{"rendered":"Undercooked Arsenal Underwhelm. But We\u2019ve Still Got Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

First Half<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a nice jaunt round the Far East, Arsenal returned to N5 to play another in a difficult set of pre-season friendlies, this time against Villareal.  The ground looked full of youngsters and their parents with the pitch of the crowd a couple of octaves higher than usual as a result.  A good opportunity for those who can\u2019t get to league games to see their heroes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, MLS, N\u00f8rgaard, Merino, Nwaneri, Gy\u00f6keres, Saka Martinelli. The good news was that Timber and Gabriel were on the bench, along with Madueke, Zubimendi, Rice and Dowman. Missing were Trossard, Havertz and Calafiori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Villareal started with P\u00e9p\u00e9, who left 2 years ago and Foyth, formerly of the East Middlesex Swampdwellers. with Danjuma on the bench, another who managed to pull himself from the primordial gloop of N17. Merino was the one to give the pre-match speech in the huddle, perhaps unsurprisingly being arguably the most senior player in terms of achievement on the Arsenal side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal showed intent straight away and pressed the opposition back. Interestingly, at times in possession, Martinelli and Gy\u00f6keres were playing noticeably closer than any recent front pair, perhaps something we may look to build on as the season gets going. On 4 minutes, we had a good break after a fantastic turn in midfield from Nwaneri, who was bright throughout the first half, playing directly with zip, with both Martinelli, as noted before and often Saka taking narrow positions to support the attack.  Arguably Saka could have opened the scoring in the 5th<\/sup> minute when a good piece of play saw Martinelli get some support from an overlapping Merino, who crossed well to the back post, only for Saka seemingly to get up too early and skew his header wide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pattern continued, with Villareal barely getting out of their own third, let alone half, until on 16 minutes, inevitably, they scored with their first attempt,. This was a feature of life under late-era Arsene, and in pre-season it has become a feature this season. This needs to be ironed out. It was P\u00e9p\u00e9 who scored and respectfully didn\u2019t overly celebrate. Fair play, Sir. You perhaps didn\u2019t get the fairest shake of the stick at Arsenal, so you didn\u2019t owe us anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal 0 Villareal 1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We continued to apply pressure, forcing them back and actually put together some good moves, with Nwaneri and Saka in particular looking bright.  However it was the visitors who scored next. After a break occasioned by the expedient of a ball over the right midfield channel into space, they manufactured a good shot, well saved by Raya. The ball looped up and a Villareal player was first to react and knock it in as it descended 2 yards out. It was well executed but I hope it gives Arteta and the defence reason to think and work on this as sloppy goals have become the norm in this pre-season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal 0 Villareal 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ground appeared somewhat shell-shocked. This was not what the youngsters in the crowd didn\u2019t pay their money for.  However, there was a measure of recompense 3 minutes later when, from an excellently delivered corner on the left, following a well drilled series of runs and blocks, the ball dropped onto the head of the unmarked N\u00f8rgaard at the back post for him to nod home. That was more like it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal 1 Villareal 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towards half time saw the first real glimpse of what we hope Gy\u00f6keres will do, when he jinked past a couple of defenders on the left of the box and crossed but to no avail. That was his best involvement of the half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halftime:  Arsenal 1 Villareal 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Half<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal subs: off White, N\u00f8rgaard. On Mosquera, Zubimendi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second half started pretty much the way the first had, with Arsenal owning the ball and playing some good attacking stuff. On 49, Nwaneri slaughtered the right back on the outside and hit a low cross. Gy\u00f6keres, however, was stationary rather than looking to get across the keeper.  Not terribly impressive from an expensive centre forward, but at this stage of the season, let\u2019s put it down to players developing new relationships.  This was somewhat counterbalanced in the 60th<\/sup> minute when Gy\u00f6keres had a good effort saved, immediately followed by another from Merino.  This was the cue for another raft of substitutions, with Raya, Saliba, Kiwior, Nwaneri, Saka and Gy\u00f6keres off, replaced by Kepa, Timber, Gabriel, \u00d8degaard, Rice and Dowman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merino immediately went up front, in the absence of Havertz, and linked up well, showing the benefit of time in building relationships with teammates.  Immediately noticeable was the pep added by Dowman. However, once again, this was undone by a single Villareal pass from their own third, the kind which we hope to see often from Zubimendi as the season progresses, which cut our defence apart. We seemed to be following the Postecoglou Defensive Playbook – few defenders, up around the half way line. Villareal\u2019s single attacker received the ball with no Arsenal player within 10 yards and stroked home past an isolated Kepa. Yet again, pee-poor defending, reminiscent of many, many games under Arsene in the first 2 decades of this century, notably against Chelsea and Man U. Not good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal 1 Villareal 3 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We caught Villareal dallying in the box in the 75th<\/sup> minute and a nice trick from Dowman, again, resulted in him being clearly upended and the referee gave the penalty, duly despatched by \u00d8degaard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal 2 Villareal 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that was that really.  The game played out with Dowman continuing to look the best player on the pitch and the whistle finally blew.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was a penalty competition for a bit of fun after, which we lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lessons to be learned?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are undercooked and as a result we underwhelmed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gy\u00f6keres has only been with his new teammates for a week so understandably they are still working on those \u201cautomatisms\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We absolutely have to cut out the ludicrous defensive mistakes if we are to have any chance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dowman looks great, but let\u2019s remember he\u2019s 15 and therefore needs to be used sparingly, for his own long-term benefit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquera looks a physical presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is much work to do on the training ground in order to be ready, but there is also time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two more things, Holics ….<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, it’s time to sharpen your pencil, get your thinking cap on and enter the new season’s Predictathon ….<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Predictathon 2025-26<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy the new season playing the Goonerholicsforever Prediction Contest, in aid of the Willow Foundation!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, the contest\u2019s purpose is twofold. First, to enhance the enjoyment of the upcoming season by providing a degree of light-hearted competitive rivalry as the season progresses. Second, to support Bob Wilson\u2019s Willow Foundation with another generous collective donation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rules of the game are straightforward:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The object of the contest is to predict the final 2025-26 Premier League table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The winner will be the player whose predictions are closest to the table at the end of Matchweek 38.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. This will be determined by a points score using the Difference Squared system. The lowest total score wins. The reward for winning is a full year\u2019s bragging rights as the bar\u2019s top know-it-all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For full details and how the scoring works, check out the Contests tab<\/a> at the top of this page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To enter, download the entry blank<\/a>. Email your completed entry form to ghfpredict@yahoo.com. We must receive your completed entry no later than one hour before the new season kicks off, i.e., by 1900 UK time on Friday, August 15<\/em><\/strong>.  No changes to entries or new players are permitted after that deadline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contestants are honour-bound to donate to the Willow Foundation (<\/strong>link here<\/a>) at least \u00a325. This covers entry into the League Positions contest and the three bonus predictions (first manager to get the tin tack, and the winners of the two domestic cups).<\/strong> You can donate more to Willow \u2014 we encourage you to do so \u2014 but it will not guarantee a higher placing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We are pleased to publicise a plea from Layth, the Editor of The Gooner<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong> and a very good friend<\/em><\/strong> of<\/em><\/strong> GHF to help save the Gooner fanzine, a publication well worth your support. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Layth’s Take: Help Save The Gooner Fanzine <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been sad to note the recent demise of more printed football fanzines, in Manchester City\u2019s long-running King of the Kippax as well as Watford\u2019s Yellow Pages, not to mention the continuing shrinkage of print media in general.

<\/strong>Among other titles closing I’ve noted recently is ‘The Lady’. Not that I\u2019ve ever read it – but if an incredibly well-established magazine that can date its history back nearly 200 years is closing due to lack of print readers, then you know the print industry is struggling, badly.  

Yet, while I was flicking through the pages of a glossy, well-known magazine recently, I also noted there were 17 members of staff, including, a grandly named “subscription executive”.

Well, unfortunately our humble labour of love doesn’t have such numbers, or riches (Oh, how I’d wish for a “subscription executive”…) 

However, we’re quite proud in a humble way that everything everyone associated with the Gooner does for our humble publication actually comes on top of their day jobs. Which is actually kind of staggering when you think about it. 

<\/strong>And it has to be said for no reward other than producing what we think is a half decent fanzine that has been standing on the shoulders of giants of those who came before us over the last four decades. 

In an age where avarice is rife among certain kinds of ‘fans’ – those who drum up hysteria, hate and toxicity simply for cash – we’re really proud such heartening altruism is associated with the Gooner, and hope you are too. 

Just another reason to help us Save the Gooner.

By the way, one promise I will make right now, is that if we do manage to save our humble labour of love, I will once again run a half marathon next spring to raise as many funds as possible for the brilliant Willow Foundation again. It nearly killed me to do the last one, so that’s how much I want us survive…)

If you have already taken out a subscription (and thank you so much to each and everyone who has already, you all qualify for a free hug, or firm handshake, next time I see you on a matchday…) then have you considered buying a \u00a330 subscription for a pal<\/a>?

Or even buying a Gooner t-shirt<\/a>, or one of our back copies such as our souvenir 300th issue<\/a>, definitely the best-selling edition over the last five years, for example. Anything to boost our coffers and help us get to our first target of 1,000 subscribers by the end of August. 

A massive thank you to everyone who has already signed up, we simply wouldn’t be here without you – we just wish there were more like you….
…….<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help Us Reach Our Target

<\/strong>The reason we need to reach at least 1,000 to continue is threefold.

Firstly, and most importantly, it means that our postage costs are substantially cheaper when we hit 1,000 mailings to subscribers. If we fail to reach that number, it really is a serious threat to our existence because of the vastly increased costs of postage. 

Secondly, and this is where our ultimate target of 1,100 comes into play, it not only allows us to peg our matchday cover price at \u00a35, and our standard subscription rate of \u00a330 for a fifth successive year under my editorship, it also allows for any bumps in the road \u2013 such as the Royal Mail increasing their postage costs (again) in the near future. 

It also covers any future hikes in printing costs, such as an increase in the price of paper for our publishers. 

And thirdly, it allows for items that are lost in the post. Which has been the bane of my life for the last few years, certainly since the Royal Mail\u2019s service fell off a cliff after the pandemic. 

It is not unknown for us to have to send out two or three replacement copies to cover issues lost in the post. My record is sending four replacements to an overseas address \u2013 which actually cost us far more in total than the person\u2019s year\u2019s subscription. 

The simple fact is, if we don\u2019t reach 1,000 for starters, there will be no Gooner after our next issue, which will be out for Arsenal vs Leeds, because the postage costs will be prohibitive, and we\u2019ll simply refund everyone, and I can go back to sleeping soundly and not worrying about paying Gooner bills. 

I don\u2019t want that to happen – well, the sleeping soundly bit would be nice – but you know what I mean. 

So, if you know of anyone you would benefit from a standard \u00a330 subscription (or a Gold sub of course) to the Gooner Fanzine in their lives, then please do send them our way – and help keep the Gooner Fanzine alive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our \u00a330 UK subscription details can be found on our ‘Shop’ tab here <\/a>on our website onlinegooner.com<\/a>. 

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

First Half After a nice jaunt round the Far East, Arsenal returned to N5 to play another in a difficult set of pre-season friendlies, this time against Villareal.  The ground looked full of youngsters and their parents with the pitch of the crowd a couple of octaves higher than usual as a result.  A good […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[25,13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11560"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11560"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11599,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11560\/revisions\/11599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}