{"id":2124,"date":"2021-01-03T16:26:31","date_gmt":"2021-01-03T16:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=2124"},"modified":"2021-01-08T20:06:48","modified_gmt":"2021-01-08T20:06:48","slug":"a-promising-return-to-the-old-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=2124","title":{"rendered":"A Promising Return To The Old Normal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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\u2019s steady and irreversible march didn\u2019t 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 \u2013 responsibly done, of course \u2013 the Arsenal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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 \u2013 Sam Allardici \u2013 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\u2019s old playbook of survival may be in need of some thorough rewrites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/sup> FA Cup in Mikel\u2019s very first season as a manager (he was \u201chead coach\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leno<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bellerin \u2013 Holding \u2013 Mari \u2013 Tierney <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saka \u2013 Ceballos \u2013 Xhaka \u2013 Aubameyang <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ESR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lacazette <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The WBA squad had a smattering of ex-Gooners. Our long serving left back and a member of the \u201cBritish Core\u201d 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 \u2013 following his equalizing goal against Liverpool \u2013 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We started brightly, with a good cross by Auba from the left. First Bellerin shot at goal which was saved by the Baggies\u2019 goalkeeper and Saka\u2019s attempt from that clearance was blocked by the defense. 
Around 5th<\/sup> minute ESR, dropping deep, almost put Saka through for a clear run at the goal. The fluidity and intelligence of ESR\u2019s movements and his spatial awareness \u2013 even on a TV screen \u2013 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<\/sup> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s free-kick was thumped out by the goalkeeper and Tierney\u2019s attempt flew over the bar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On our right side Saka and Hector continued their good understanding. On 16th<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t been able to capitalize on our early prominence and the conditions were definitely going to make playing incisive football harder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A minute later a wonderful moment of individual brilliance easily made us forget this near mishap. Kieran Tierney \u2013 playing in half-sleeves and rolled socks in sub-zero temperatures, later Arteta marveled at his overall physical resilience \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WBA 0 \u2013 Arsenal 1 (Tierney 22\u2019) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 25th<\/sup> minute Lacazette showed great control and composure but couldn\u2019t quite curl in his finish. A few minutes later we scored a signature Arsenal goal that we haven\u2019t 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\u2011> Bellerin\u2011> ESR\u2011> Saka\u2011> Laca\u2011> ESR\u2011> Saka. A sumptuous team goal that should do wonders for the players\u2019 self-confidence about their own creative potential. A goal like that instills a lot of faith in their training regime and in their coaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WBA 0 \u2013 Arsenal 2 (Tierney 22\u2019, Saka 29\u2019) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s attempt was deflected goalward by Ivanovi\u0107 \u2013 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 \u2013 and was saved well by Johnstone who, despite conceding two goals that he could do nothing about, was having quite a good game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s crisp, unhurried forward passing meant we didn\u2019t miss Gabriel \u2013 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\u2019s attempted pass back to Leno spun out of control and went straight for a corner. Around 41st<\/sup> minute Bellerin saw a yellow for a tackle that he couldn\u2019t quite control because of the surface conditions. The half ended with Laca\u2019s turn and shot saved again by the goalkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controlling tackles and passes were getting harder by the minutes. Hector was taken off by Mikel on 55th<\/sup> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another most pleasing aspect of ESR\u2019s play \u2013 and Gabi and Saka too share that same quality \u2013 is his impeccable defensive awareness and willingness to help the defense out. He showcased that in this match too, noticeably so around 58th<\/sup> minute. The game was entering a phase where one WBA goal would have made it very tense for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Couple of minutes later it was Arsenal that scored to settle any nerves. Saka curled in a good looking cross from the right, Ajayi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WBA 0 \u2013 Arsenal 3 (Tierney 22\u2019, Saka 29\u2019, Lacazette 60\u2019)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cwingers\u201d. From one such movement Auba set Tierney up on the left and Kieran\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WBA 0 \u2013 Arsenal 4 (Tierney 22\u2019, Saka 29\u2019, Lacazette 60\u2019, Lacazette 64\u2019)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saka was subbed on 70th<\/sup> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Willian \u2013 hopefully inspired by the young talents \u2013 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 \u2013 on 92nd<\/sup> minute \u2013 he made his second attempt on goal in his PL appearances in Arsenal colors. It was saved by the goalkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 77th<\/sup> 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 \u2013 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\u2019s latest performances must have been inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The match ended without much significant action after the 4th<\/sup> goal. Dani was handed a booking, Leno saved a long distance shot at 89th<\/sup> minute, there were a few crosses thrown in the Arsenal box that between Holding, Mari and Leno were dealt without much fuss. On 93rd<\/sup> minute \u2013 just before the final whistle \u2013 there was a rare attempt at Arsenal\u2019s goal which Leno saved well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us hope we maintain and then improve upon this forward momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy New Year everyone!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s steady and irreversible march didn\u2019t get caught in some kind of infernal loop where we are forced to relive the surreal nightmares of the last few months. If […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2124"}],"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\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2124"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2149,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2124\/revisions\/2149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}