{"id":3199,"date":"2021-05-06T11:04:15","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T10:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=3199"},"modified":"2021-05-07T14:27:11","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T13:27:11","slug":"mutts-nuts-or-dogs-dinner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=3199","title":{"rendered":"Mutt\u2019s Nuts or Dog\u2019s Dinner?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<a id=\"FOekkAWrS5VFStruUKatJQ\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.co.uk\/detail\/1232629620\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" rel=\"noopener\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'FOekkAWrS5VFStruUKatJQ',sig:'cjZaj0SmUn6d59RLU-lqrBIRbLJ7v1cyVE4R_XCwOH0=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1232629620',caption: true ,tld:'co.uk',is360: false })});<\/script><script src=\"\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\" async=\"\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, dearest Gooners, here we go again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once more we face a make-or-break match. If we do not make it through this tie, then the rest of the season will surely fizzle out as we scrap about to finish in the top half of the league. If we get past Villareal then we will have a European final on the horizon and a possible route into the Champion\u2019s League. The stakes could not be higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, we have the added intrigue of facing Unai Emery, our erstwhile boss. Last Wednesday, for the first time ever, he pleased us all with his natural caution, getting his Coq out just when it looked as though an attacking second half from the men in yellow might well put this tie beyond us. Fortunately, he let us off the hook, and Pepe\u2019s penalty gave us an away goal, and a mere one goal deficit, that gives us genuine hope of turning them over back at our place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem for us fans is the same as it has been all season \u2013 we have no idea whether we will play a blinder like we did in the second leg of the last round against Slavia, a stinker with one more frantic jamming of the self-destruct button thrown in, or just another lacklustre horseshoe passing masterclass that sees us limp out without really giving it a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problems for Arteta are slightly different. He must resist trying to out-think Emery, a man whose tactical vision is impossible to counter simply because it as incomprehensible as a VAR offside call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Incidentally, I have heard on the prehistoric grapevine that Emery only accepted the Villareal job after rejecting an offer from the PGMOL to be their Official VAR Spokesman, a link between referees and the outside world with responsibility for explaining all their decisions. When he made himself unavailable, they left the post unfilled as no other candidate had the necessary ability to speak for an entire interview without saying anything anyone could understand. Mike Dean was apparently furious \u2013 he had desperately wanted to be a \u2018protaganist\u2019.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our boss said after the first game that \u201cwe\u2019re still alive\u201d but that was no thanks to his choice to play ESR as a false 9. I am a fan of Arteta\u2019s, but he got that badly wrong, and there will be a lot of eyes on the selection and the tactics tomorrow. Quite rightly so. He really did get away with one last week and may well consider himself lucky. This week he would be best not to rely on being <em>lucky<\/em> again, and instead show everyone something that many of us suspect, but that he has not provided enough consistent evidence for \u2013 namely, that he is <em>good<\/em>. (If he proves to be <em>both<\/em> then we are going places, folks!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make no mistakes, if we play well, then we can expect to win this. We have, on the whole, better players than they do, and when we \u2018go full gas\u2019 we are capable of looking like a pretty good side. Not a great one, but well capable of beating this Villareal team. So, the boss must play to get our attacking players not only into the game but dictating it. Statistically, our defence is doing okay this season, but few of us will be anywhere but behind the sofa if we are playing to defend a 1-0 lead with ten minutes to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, when the final whistle sounds, a hard-fought 1-0 to The Arsenal that takes us through the tie would have a nice resonance to it after the last time we played them in a European semi-final. Especially if they miss a penalty! But until the whistle we\u2019d all be having kittens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Villareal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Villareal played Getafe at the weekend, winning 1-0 after a goal from Pino, assisted by Grigio. They will be without Foyth, who sustained a hamstring injury against us, but have everyone else from the last game fit to choose from. I expect Emery will set them up similarly to last week (although he and Arteta give each other a run for their money in the \u2018least predictable lineup\/tactics\u2019 stakes). He is already bricking it at the thought of facing Auba, who he describes as \u2018a killer\u2019, so we will have to see if he makes defensive changes to counter him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreno, Trigueros and Chukwueze will all be looking to inflict more damage on us, knowing how crucial away goals could prove. Alcacer will want to create decisive chances, after his half-time withdrawal last week gave us a way back into the tie. We may expect to see Coquelin from the start after Capoue saw red last time out. Unfortunately for him, and all of us, he won\u2019t be getting an appreciative round of applause from the home fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Arsenal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quite how Arteta decides to go about coaxing one of our good displays from this team remains to be seen. I am assuming that Auba will start. Certainly, we need to <em>start a striker<\/em>. (Surely he will do so this time?) If the captain is not deemed fit to start, then Martinelli would be my, and most people\u2019s, choice to replace him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The possibility of a return for KT3 has been dangled temptingly before us but I expect that he will not be quite up to speed. No matter how good he is, playing him when he is not fully fit will not help us, as his game relies on his capacity to get up and down the flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ceballos is out (not necessarily a problem given how his Europa form has been, but it may trigger that most Arteta of things \u2013 a tactical reshuffle) so we could see Mo \u2018Goal Machine\u2019 Elneny replace him in midfield, unless Xhaka starts there and Cedric or Tierney play left-back. Before Dani\u2019s red, I would have been surprised if Arteta abandoned Xhaka at LB having given him so much game time there since Tierney\u2019s injury. However, the left side of midfield will be an important tactical call. Ceballos will not be drifting into that space from CM to help Xhaka, so if Elneny is not seen as someone who can play Dani\u2019s hybrid central\/left role, then might Cedric slot in at left back? That would free up the Swiss to push into central midfield where, in a sign of our lack of depth, we have missed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That decision will directly impact whether it is Gabigol, Pepe or ESR who gets the nod as the left sided player in our front three, where the role required will depend on who is playing left back. Lots of moving parts, lots for the boss to chew on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Luiz is fit, he will start. If not, it will probably be Holding, but Chambers got some CB minutes against Newcastle, so it might be him. Unai would not see that coming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gabriel will play. Unless Mari does instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At RB it will be Chambers. Or Bellerin. Or, ironically out of left-field, it might be Cedric. So, that clears that up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In attacking midfield positions we have a full compliment of Saka, ESR, Odegaard, Pepe and Martinelli to choose from (on my final re-read of this I noticed I forgot about Willian &#8211; I hope the boss has too). Lacazette appears to be fit but I think he will start on the bench with Eddie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite some dodgy form from Leno, and Ryan looking very solid, I think we will see the German in goal. If he does face a penalty, he must channel his Inner Jens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Partey will start in central midfield. That is the only player\/position combo that I\u2019ll stick my neck on the line with!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, with no confidence whatsoever\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Leno<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Cedric<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Partey, Xhaka<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Saka, Odegaard, ESR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Auba<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that is the starting line up, then all I can say is that I hope my score prediction is as accurate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Holics\u2019 Pound<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hahahahaha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Predict this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gulp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bookies are not offering great value here, and frankly I\u2019d keep your hand in your pocket, or perhaps spend it in the off-licence to help you get through this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for those so inclined, William Hill will give you 7\/1 for a 1-0 to The Arsenal, and 12\/1 for a 3-1 win if you don\u2019t fancy us to keep a clean sheet. I quite like the sound of 2-0, so that is what I am plumping for, but 8\/1 seems pretty skinny. As always, you will be able to find similar, but possibly better, odds from other providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a big match. In a surreal season that has been like no other I am almost comforted that the nerves have well and truly settled in for this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing can be taken for granted. Like so much surrounding the club right now, it is all up in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what is not in question is that we will all be cheering our boys on tonight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This season we never stood a chance of repeating our heroic Double of fifty years ago. But it would be one hell of a way to celebrate that historic achievement by giving ourselves a chance at making a new piece of history in Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go win, Arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Victoria Concordia Crescit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>THE CONVERSATION: EPISODE ONE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven\u2019t yet watched our exclusive video of Bob Wilson and Pat Rice\u2019s conversation about the \u201970-71 League Campaign, click on the image below (or on the Youtube link below that) to watch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>\u201cEpisode One: We Won the League at White Hart Lane\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video oncontextmenu=\"return false;\" controls=\"\" controlslist=\"nodownload\" preload=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ghf_ep1_league_at_whl.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, watch here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wJDv-LBxMnY\">Episode One: We Won the League at White Hart Lane<\/a>\u201c<\/strong>&nbsp;(on Youtube). This is especially helpful if you\u2019re having any loading issues with the link to the one the site is serving above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For the fans&#8217; perspective of that historic campaign, <strong>click the image below<\/strong> to read our recently published blog.  And, as well as <em>sharing your own<\/em> <em>reminiscences<\/em> about that famous night at the Lane, do let us know what you think of Episode 1 of The Conversation in the Drinks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=3115\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"644\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-05-at-13.13.31.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-05-at-13.13.31.png 644w, https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-05-at-13.13.31-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-05-at-13.13.31-75x42.png 75w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>THE AUCTION<\/strong>: NOW ACCEPTING BIDS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/auctionitems-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2891\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We are also pleased to remind you that our auction of signed 1970-71 Double memorabilia&nbsp;<strong>is now open for bids!<\/strong>&nbsp;For full information, please visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?page_id=2492\">The Double\/Willow Auction<\/a>&nbsp;tab above.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just a taste\u2026the lots offered are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lot 1<\/strong>: A 1971 Cup Final replica shirt signed by Bob Wilson, Pat Rice, Frank McLintock, George Graham &amp; Charlie George.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lot 2<\/strong>: A 1971 Cup Final programme signed by Bob Wilson, Pat Rice, Frank McLintock, George Graham &amp; Charlie George.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lot 3<\/strong>: A second 1971 Cup Final programme signed by Bob Wilson, Pat Rice, Frank McLintock, George Graham &amp; Charlie George.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lot 4<\/strong>: Bob Wilson\u2019s autobiography, \u2018Behind the Network\u2019 signed by Bob Wilson &amp; Ars\u00e8ne Wenger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All proceeds from the auction go to the Willow Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"534\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image.jpeg 534w, https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image-300x87.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/image-75x22.jpeg 75w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Embed from Getty Images Well, dearest Gooners, here we go again. Once more we face a make-or-break match. If we do not make it through this tie, then the rest of the season will surely fizzle out as we scrap about to finish in the top half of the league. If we get past Villareal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3199"}],"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\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3199"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3199\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3264,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3199\/revisions\/3264"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}