{"id":8662,"date":"2023-11-03T09:35:48","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T09:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=8662"},"modified":"2023-11-05T15:05:27","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T15:05:27","slug":"break-the-codes-gunners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=8662","title":{"rendered":"Break the \u2018Codes, Gunners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alan Turing’s ‘Enigma’ codebreaker<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Be warned! This is a long read. If you wish to ignore history, start seven paragraphs below. But, reader beware! You know what they say about the consequences of that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday sees The Arsenal making the long trek to the New Castle of the distant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A town with a long history that began while the ancestors of the ruling elite in that benighted land were simply the most successful local tribe at stealing land, sheep, camels and women from neighbouring tribes. A geological accident\/stroke of luck transformed them from lowly, but aggressive, camel-traders and sheep herders into predatory multi-billionaires who have decided to buy world sport and as a result have changed the fortunes of this northern city\u2019s broken-down, old football club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The settlement in which Saudi Sportswashers ply their trade began in the 2nd century AD as Pons Aelius<\/em> on the northern bank of the Tyne beside a bridge built by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian – an affiliation with questionable autocrats clearly started early. After the Romans departed, the settlement became Anglo-Saxon \u2018Munucceaster<\/em>\u2019 but in 876 AD was destroyed by the Danes along with other settlements along the Tyne. However the strategic importance of the site was subsequently recognised by the Normans and Robert Curthose, son of William the Conquerer, built a wooden castle on the site in 1080 and the town was thereafter known as Novum Castellum<\/em> until the Geordie language was invented, changing this to Neeeeewkasel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newcastle United FC was formed in 1892 by the absorption of Newcastle West End by Newcastle East End (somewhat prescient on a small geographical scale). Both clubs had been founded in 1881 and West End had played at St James Park since 1886 but had run into financial difficulties while East End became a professional team in 1889 and a limited company in 1890. No doubt an early, object lesson in the benefits of financially-focused leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018codes had a proud history until their recent transformation into a sports-washing vehicle for Saudi Arabia, a nation with an execrable human rights record whose leaders apparently believe that buying, promoting and hosting world-wide sports events and sporting clubs will distract the rest of the world from its repressive police state, Jamal Khashoggi\u2019s murder and dismemberment, public beheadings, the war in Yemen (no marches for those casualties?), rampant misogyny including imprisonment of rape victims, homophobia, etc. Good luck with the World Cup in 2034, chaps. I won\u2019t be watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018codes\u2019 proud history includes never dropping below the second tier since joining the Football League in 1893, spending 91 seasons in the top flight, being a member of the Premier League in all but three seasons since its inception in 1992 (when football began according to Sky TV), winning four League titles, six FA Cups, one Charity Shield and the 1968-69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (equivalent to the UEFA Conference League). This apparently represents the ninth best trophy haul by an English club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, success is a distant memory. Their most successful period was between 1904 and 1910 when they won three of their four league titles and an FA Cup. Their last major domestic trophy was the FA Cup in 1955. Hence an extended trophy drought in ‘Geordieland’ has generated huge hunger for success. Desperate circumstances call for desperate solutions and after all they had to live under the erratic ownership of Sports Direct autocrat, Mike Ashley for many years. So, don\u2019t expect any criticism of Saudi policies from anyone on Tyneside. For many years, the team has run out to the Knopfler’s \u2018Going Home\u2019 from \u2018Local Hero\u2019 and the fans cling to their traditions by giving regular renditions of the local ditty \u2018The Blaydon Races<\/a>\u2019 but if Saudi investment yields silverware, we might even expect the Geordies\u2019 gratitude to extend to Saudi Sportswashers entering the field to a traditional Saudi dance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time of writing, Saudi Sportswashers sit in 6th place in the Premier League table, 7 points behind the Arsenal. They have been playing catch up since losing 3 of their first 4 PL matches against Abou Dhabi Sportswashers, Liverpool FC and Brighton FC.  Despite these early reverses, the ‘Washers looked strong in their opening game against Aston Villa FC, winning 5-1 and they have recovered that form recently with several big wins, not least in their destruction of Qatar Sportswashers in the Champions League and in victories over both Abou Dhabi Sportswashers and Manchester United FC in consecutive rounds of the League Cup. Only the 0-1 defeat to Abou Dhabi Sportswashers took place at St James\u2019 Park which is, as last season, looking like a bit of a fortress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eddie Howe made 8 changes for Saudi Sportswashers\u2019 impressive midweek 3-0 League Cup victory over a similarly changed but much less impressive Manchester United FC, resting almost his entire first XI with only Joelinton and Gordon keeping their places. There is little doubt that he had the Arsenal\u2019s Saturday visit in mind as he picked his team, as of course did Mikel, but Howe\u2019s B-team acquitted themselves considerably better than Mikel’s. However, Howe is not without injury problems: Botman, a rock in last season\u2019s defence, has a knee injury and unknown return date; Murphy has a shoulder injury and unknown return date; Anderson is out with a back injury; Barnes is out with a toe injury; Isak is out with a groin injury. Meanwhile Tonali is banned until next season for serious betting offences in Italy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we can expect Pope to be protected by almost the same man-mountain defence we faced last season with Lascelles replacing Botman alongside Trippier, Sch\u00e4r and Burn; a midfield containing Guimaraes, Longstaff, Gordon and Almir\u00f3n or Willock (who returned from prolonged injury on Wednesday and scored a superb goal) with Wilson supported by Joelinton up front. Expect the \u2018Washers to defend in depth if they concede possession then strike swiftly, converting 4-5-1 to 4-2-4. Almir\u00f3n, Gordon and Wilson are all on hot streaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can we expect from the Arsenal? We have seen mere glimpses of last season\u2019s brio and silky interplay and have struggled to create chances in almost every game this season while failing to take many of those that we have created after much huffing and puffing and arcs of ennui. We have created (to my mind, unnecessary) controversy in our goalkeeping position, to the benefit of neither of our glove butlers. I am no expert. Both seem better than average keepers to me though neither is in Seaman\u2019s or Lehmann\u2019s class. Ramsdale has his faults but so too does Raya. I suspect that for Arteta, Raya\u2019s calmness gives him the edge over Ramsdale\u2019s emotional involvement and impetuosity. I am content to trust Arteta\u2019s judgement. Will we see Ramsdale regain his shirt against the Geordie \u2018Washers (I know! Contradiction in terms, eh?). I don\u2019t think so. I think Arteta has made his decision. Raya is his number 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this season we experimented with Partey as an inverted right back, destabilising our central defence in the process, so the silver lining of yet another unfortunate absence of the big midfielder is that that particular experiment has to be shelved. However our ongoing and now widely known, and targeted, use of Zinchenko as an inverted left back, leaving acres of space on our left flank, forcing Gabriel wide to cover that space thus leaving another big gap in central defence that the excellent Saliba must move left to cover or the very impressive Declan Rice must drop back to cover, unless we play the vastly experienced but painfully slow Jorginho as a second deep lying midfielder. There is little doubt that, even with the peripatetic Zinchenko popping up at inside right as often as he appears at left back, the combination of Rice and Partey in midfield made us more secure defensively and balanced our offensive and defensive strengths but, of course, that is not currently an option. Zinchenko did add hugely to our midfield control and offensive threat last season but seems less effective this season probably because this tactic is now being countered by smart opposition coaches. Tomiyasu clearly displays more competence in the defensive aspects of the inverted LB role and still contributes significantly to its offensive aspects and fills me, if not also the Arsenal defence, with much more confidence that our left flank is covered effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up front, we have had to cope with a series of injuries to last season\u2019s key players and once again it\u2019s Jes\u00fas\u2019 turn to keep the treatment room busy. This is doubly unfortunate as he had only just returned from surgery for a knee problem, won us the game against Sevilla FC with a superb assist and a wonderful goal before limping off with a hamstring injury that will probably keep him out until December. Doubts about Nketiah\u2019s ability adequately to substitute for Jes\u00fas were allayed for some by his excellent hat trick against Sheffield United FC but revived by his all too familiar unproductive toil against West Ham United FC. At least Martinelli appears to have regained full fitness and has been our most potent threat in recent games while Saka appeared to have recovered some of his bounce against the Blades. Neither player really had time to influence that turgid second half display against the Spammers and neither had any impact (nor did Rice). However, \u00d8degaard’s arrival did change the game and he appeared to be back to his pre-Interlull energy, verve and drive. Hopefully that resurrection is permanent – make sure to touch the hem of Jes\u00fas\u2019 jacket, Martin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so we come to Der Elefant in das Zimmer! Here too, I am in the \u2018trust Arteta camp\u2019. I thought Havertz substituted ably for \u00d8degaard as our right-sided \u2018number 8\u2019 against Sheffield United FC. OK, it was against the bottom team but he had a very influential game in the exact position in which he made his name in Germany. While I agree that Andrew\u2019s description of him on Arseblog as looking like an \u2018awkward foal\u2019 during our generally limp display in the second half at the Council Stadium was quite apt, most players in that awful yellow shirt looked like rabbits in headlights in that second half. In fact, their misplaced passes made them look totally blinded by headlights. While it would clearly be better if Havertz could make regular assists and score a few goals, I think his contributions to our build up play, his movement to draw or lose defenders, his availability in attacking positions and his defensive work tracking back make him a useful team player. The fee is not his fault. I don\u2019t think he is the mistake some other in this august establishment suggest. I am confident that he will come good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Post-match pictures and interviews after our 2-0 victory at St James\u2019 Park last May revealed Howe and his coaching team to be beside themselves with frustration and anger as they clearly saw us as the team they were most likely to displace at the top of the table. That was what had motivated them to blow us away a year earlier when, faced by their aggression and energy and the bear-pit atmosphere from the envy-driven crowd, we wilted and, as a result, dropped out of the Champions League places. Despite last season\u2019s early successes and stylish play, our mauling against Abou Dhabi Sportswashers just 10 days before we travelled to St James\u2019 in May led them to believe that they would make the Arsenal team wilt again but our ballsy performance and 2-0 victory shocked, silenced and enraged them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have to expect the same bear-pit atmosphere, aggression and physical challenges all over the pitch. Each player has to win his personal duels if we are to take anything from this game. We have to be ready for an aerial bombardment in our box and a wall of giants dealing with any attempt by us to use the same tactic.  Nimble feet, quick passing and give-&-go will be more effective against this defence (think of Brighton\u2019s tactics) than high balls into or across the box though it would be a good time for Havertz to display his aerial threat to productive effect as well as to add defensive height at set pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make no mistake, beating the Arsenal is a cause c\u00e9l\u00e8bre for the Geordies. Those always swaggering, often corpulent, half-naked, broon-ale swigging, tattooed, incomprehensible, northern bar stewards see the Arsenal, its players and fans as pampered, \u2018southern softies\u2019 and hope to sacrifice our title ambitions to their ancient Norse God, Odin or perhaps to their new desert God, PIF. We have to respond with the courage, grit, guile, opportunism and determination that we displayed in May rather than the shock and indecision of 2022. Of course, we had Jes\u00fas in the team in May though Partey was absent until replacing \u00d8degaard on 80 minutes to close out the game at 2-0. This time we just have to do it without Jes\u00fas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that long ramble, I should name my expected starting eleven:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raya<\/p>\n\n\n\n

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00d8degaard, Jorginho, Rice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I was the coach, I would start Havertz rather than Nketiah because his height, movement and nimble feet might be decisive. I do think Havertz will give more problems than Nketiah will to the big centre backs we will face on Saturday. However I expect Arteta to start Nketiah and, in truth, he has been more effective when he has started than when brought on as a substitute and on that basis and the confidence that his hat-trick will have given him, I guess Nketiah will get the nod. I hope he has a great game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Holic\u2019s pound is still going to Ukraine. I don\u2019t care what the Bookie\u2019s say. Have you ever met a poor Bookie? I’d rather give my hard-earned to help resist the Russian fascists than buy a new villa for a Bookmaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can\u2019t see a goal fest. 1-0 to the Arsenal would be a triumph. A draw would be a very respectable result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s going to be a scrap. We need to stand up to their aggression and find and exploit their weaknesses. Expect an abundance of nervous moments. Courage mes braves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s do this! Go win, Arsenal!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Be warned! This is a long read. If you wish to ignore history, start seven paragraphs below. But, reader beware! You know what they say about the consequences of that! Saturday sees The Arsenal making the long trek to the New Castle of the distant Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A town with a long history […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"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\/8662"}],"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\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8662"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8701,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8662\/revisions\/8701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}