The big one is HERE. Arsenal take on Spurs in the battle for bragging rights in North London. Unbeaten in 18, this is a huge test for Emery. For Spurs, this match is really about whether they have the minerals to be championship fighters. They’ve started to perk up of late and they certainly put in a boss performance against Chelsea.
Much is riding on this from an optics perspective for Arsenal. Lose and the pattern of top 6 struggles will continue for Emery as it did for Wenger. Lose, and United will start to look a lot more difficult. Lose, and the klaxon of progress will start to sound a little meek.
So what are we looking out for?
For me, similar to the Liverpool game. Give us a performance that shows the fans that we’ve progressed. I want to see a strategy that’s interesting, that shows we had an extra few days on the training ground… one that exposes their weaknesses, or does something smart to nullify their strengths.
If the Chelsea game is anything to go by, they’re going to try and swamp JorXhaka in midfield. He’s the key to our game moving forward, and not just that, he doesn’t always perform well under immense pressure. This game is really will be a barometer for his improvement this year. He needs a barnstormer. He needs have a blinder if we’re to succeed.
Additionally, it’s going to be interesting to see what sort of Mesut shows up. Emery dropped him last week and, in my opinion, accidentally called him a pussy in the press. I think the real reason he dropped him was about preservation and the simple reality that he struggles with fitness. Last time he was rested he flew out the traps. Sure, it was against Leicester, but let’s not pretend they’re not a physical side. If he can’t raise it tomorrow, it really will say something about his future with Arsenal.
We’re going to need a fresh-legged performance from Torreira. The signing of the last 10 years in my opinion. Petit had an interesting take on the Uraguyan.
“Arsenal have been too glamorous in the past few years, and not dirty enough, but with Torreira, the dirt is coming back into the team.
“He is not the most talented player, but he is like a dog on the pitch, he is a leader and sets an example.
“He doesn’t impress you physically, but you can feel his breath on your neck, and his foot in your calf because he is there all the time, and that is the kind of player you need in a team.”
He’s going to need to be at his dog like best today. The concern is that he’s doing the job of two because Xhaka doesn’t have the mobility or physicality in midfield. Ideally, we’d have two Torriera’s, but such is life.
I also think there’s some interesting choices to be made going forward. Will we make sacrifices with our formation and go with one up front and rely on swift counters? Does he continue to have the best of both with both our forwards? Will Iwobi get the nod? Will he give Mikhi another run-out?
The great thing is this: We have no idea what Emery is going to try. But you can bet your bottom dollar it’s not going to be a case of ‘express yourself and hope.’ I think his comments about the game were spot on.
“At the moment, Tottenham is better than us in the table and better than us last year but in history Arsenal is better at other moments than Tottenham,”
I’d rather the conversation be about Arsenal being better now, versus the insecure retort of ‘we have a better history.’ Spurs are in a better moment than us, of that there is no doubt, the power is with them. That can be easily overturned, and a good place to start is now.
This is where the money is made. This is what cements legend amongst fans. This is what we live for.
Have a great day, see you in the comments! x
P.S. Take a listen to our podcast before it becomes old.
SPOTIFY | STITCHER | ITUNES | GOOGLE | POCKET CASTS
Arsenal should negioate new deal with Rambo…
His old deal was given after the horror tackle
He should show loyalty as well as the club.
‘Instead of piling on the hate on Özil, I’m really really hopeful this result will kick him out of his self inflicted complacency’
Fuck him, 30 year old man child.
£300 000 a week and we need to kick out of complacency.
Need to kick him out of the club.
I can’t believe no one gave Emery a chance. Some idiots on here even called him Wengemery.
Those people should be ashamed.
Emery was enjoying every second as well
Wow. What a performance. Haven’t felt this way about Arsenal for a long time.
Torreria is a beast!!!!
No. Ramsay is still shit.
Arsenal can’t afford players like him.
Instead of piling on the hate on Özil, I’m really really hopeful this result will kick him out of his self inflicted complacency
We’ve heard it all before and he continues to look like someone who doesn’t care about football. First it was Germany being knocked out of the world cup then it was his retirement from international football will see an improvement from him and then it became the substitutions and starting on the bench will light a fire under him. It’s just a big no
Özil is the new Winston Bogarde.
Marko
Ozil only has himself to blame for his troubles
The whole world can’t be wrong. He’s got an awful attitude and I’ll be glad to see him go. Never wanted him in first place
We could have had di Maria but we took him instead
Doing a turnaround on Ramsey is far too knee jerk and the Ozil deal has fucked the club a bit.
Emery had everyone feeling it today which is probably why he dropped Ozil, gigantic flange who couldn’t be up for it if you shoved half a tonne of Viagra down hie throat.
Let’s make dvd and send to the spuds.
Wot a day.
WE HAVE OUR ARSENAL BACK.
Seeing Bellerin pushing around those spurs players gave me great pride in him again.
In my mind, this result makes up for when we drew against them.
If we win versus United, that will make up for the late draw against the Eagles.
I hope we have something left in the tank to apply against United.
I would love to beat Mourinho.
I think the little ding-dong Ramsey had with Alli in the first half woke up him a bit and contributed to the intensity of his performance in the second half.
By them, I meant Wolves.
I can’t believe no one gave Emery a chance. Some idiots on here even called him Wengemery. Those people should be ashamed.
Don’t forget that horrible cunt who bragged about his father killing foreign peasants. That one should feel ashamed too but I doubt it
If Arsenal play like this against United…it will result in the sacking of Jose.
United are terrible and should be ripe for beating.
Marko
Yeah he should be he doesn’t.
I think the little ding-dong Ramsey had with Alli in the first half woke up him a bit and contributed to the intensity of his performance in the second half
That’s some fucking stretch right there and honestly pretty incredible considering it was caused by Lichtsteiner and Guendouzi looked more involved as well
Marko
His father was killing men who were trying to kill him too. These weren’t innocents
Let’s keep it frothy. Arsenal beat spurs convincingly. Rejoice.
Marko – Chill out a bit. Have a drink or spiff or whatever.
So uptight.
Not a stretch at all btw. Unless you’re blind you would should’ve seen Ramsey and Alli probably having the most heated exchange of that silly melee.
Brilliant game and great to see the Stadia buzzing for this. Like I always say, fcuk the Spuds. No matter where we end up on the table season end (above or below them) will always get joy over any victory over those clowns. But a bit OTT to suggest this was the best NLD over a decade!? Like WTF? Can you say “Fickle!?” Emery winning this NLD does get his feet under the table and a result against Maureen and those “Posers” at OT will cement his place. That will be a far more difficult game as you just know… Read more »
Torreira man of the match yet again. Let’s face it the purchase of this dynamic player was a stroke of genius. Magnificent player with a massive heart. If this is the quality of our scouting system then senate in really good hands.
There’s never been a better time to play the mancs. Shame it isn’t at home. If we beat them at OT, surly they’ll sack Mourinho.
I fucking hate Tottenham.
Substitutions won the game. Kudos to Unai.
am I the only one who thinks kolasinac had a great game ? He bullied that left side in attack and defence. He created a great chance for iwobi and then for auba when we were 1 nil up. He isn’t as good as Montreal defensively but attacking wise, he’s thriving under emery.
Only person who did more running than Torreira today was Emery!
COYG
You aren’t the only one, gosterous. Kola was great going forward. 3 at the back with WBs might be our best formation. We still need a CB though.
Everton shot cleared off the line. So unlucky.
After Vorskla game now convinced that with astute purchases by Sven, the best academy team to emerge for years and brilliant coaching by Emery, we will be able to compete with a small budget.
Cesc
I have been calling for 4-4-2 diamond for months. That’s more or less what we were playing at the very end, although he had Ramsey playing a little more like a false 9 than a CAM.
Either way, we’re best with both Auba and Laca up top.
I would love it if we beat them in my best Keegan impression.
We have nothing to fear, United are ordinary. As long as we have the same desire and intensity we showed today we should be fine.
Gonsterous
I thought he was incredible.
Solid as fuck
Mad a great tackle too
But I might add that the best way to keep your spending down is to tell everyone you have a limited budget instead of boasting how much cash you have in the bank
Also was impressed with Kola
Not a stretch at all btw. Unless you’re blind you would should’ve seen Ramsey and Alli probably having the most heated exchange of that silly melee.
Huge stretch considering that you were implying that exchange was a factor for the win. He actually looked like he was playing peace keeper during the whole thing.
Breathtaking performance. I’m falling in love all over again.
Its sad that we are losing Ramsey while spunking 200k+ wages on totally useless Mikitaryan and Ozil.
So fucking chuffed to bits!!!
This is why I put down Bamford 10’s attempt at this bollocks The Arsenal Spuds best XI. We won! And that is what counts for me!!!
Mind the gap Spud cunts!
Yeah credit to Kolasinac he was full of fight and good going forward today.
Seems Ramsey was fully involved, I think a spurs player was tugging really hard on his shirt
We’ve had a great derby win. Let’s enjoy it, and not spend it running down our own players.
Whether we like it or not, Mesut is an Arsenal player and I want him in his best form because when he is, our club wins.
At the end of the day, I want the best for the club, and a rejuvenated Özil is best for Arsenal… with a hectic schedule coming up until the new year, I don’t see the sense in dismissing one of our key playmakers.
Leeds
He’s a cock and it’s time for him to go
Should have flogged him last year
I appreciate the sentiment but I have none towards him as an “arsenal player”
Leeds
Forget Ozil. He his too lazy to understand the importance of this game. Money has once again corrupted a player .
I personally hope that we find a way to get rid of Ozil.
Northbanker
Loving our youngsters at the minute
Haven’t enjoyed arsenal this much for years
Marko – What is a huge stretch is claiming I said the exchange was a factor to the win. I said it contributed to Ramsey’s performance in terms of intensity.
Keep talking shite though.
We are 4th Bitches……courtesy of the bottler chokers.
Watch em bottle their Champs Lg chances next.
Whether we like it or not, Mesut is an Arsenal player and I want him in his best form because when he is, our club wins.
Our club wins without him too and that’s important to remember. But it stands to reason that he’ll be back in the team with the busy month of December upon us. After that or next summer I don’t see him lasting
Am I saying Özil is without fault? No. However the harsh truth is Emery has no choice but to try to get Mesut back to his best because of the wages he is on he is unlikely to be sold.
If Özil gets back to his best, our chances of winning a trophy or two is immensely higher than not. If win trophies our club becomes a destination club again for the best stars…. isn’t that what we all want?
Is Lacazette injured?
I said it contributed to Ramsey’s performance in terms of intensity.
Maybe. That or starting on the bench yet again or coming on in a derby game finally got a contribution out of him
Until I get a rebuttal with as specific alternate match, I will keep insisting this is my best NLD in a decade.
My best was the beat down when Adebayor scored that volley, that was 2007 I believe in the Fabregas era.
Noting fickle about that. if you’re not going to proffer a NLD better than today’s then kindly STFU.
@ Leeds “Here! Here!” As much as I feel Mustafi is trash (and will always be) As long as he wears the Red and White he is our player same as Ozil. When they leave a’la Alexis, Cesc, RVP or whomever – Fcuk them!! (Lol!) But seriously Ozil also has his part to play to get many fans on his side. No one doubts his talent, what people complain about is his work ethic (although he does do a lot of running during games) and his “I don’t hive a fcuk” attitude he shows during games. He should take a… Read more »
Anyway gentlemen have a good day. Off for now.
Leeds
“Am I saying Özil is without fault? No. However the harsh truth is Emery has no choice but to try to get Mesut back to his best because of the wages he is on he is unlikely to be sold.”
You unfairly tagged criticism of Ozil as hate, not fair at all.
Emery’s mandate is to do well, with or without Ozil.
He has a choice, same as Ozil can choose to stay as a Winston Borgarde .
Proud of that. Certainly a great ‘derby’ win, up there with the best I’ve seen in 35 years. FA Cup semis, and the Kanu goal in the 3-1 at WHL my favs but today was truly fantastic. All that has been missing for the last decade was back today. Long may it continue.
Wonder who replaces Xhaka midweek: Guendouzi, Maitland Niles or Elneny?
I would opt for Maitland Niles. I think Emery will opt for Elneny.
Guendouzi will start midweek. Why would AMN?
Commentators from several networks are calling this particular NLD a “classic”… one to remember.
Same as the general commentary on ASTV from fans at the game.
Paulinho
“Dissenter – Certain posters a few weeks back said you’ll never see Torreira ahead of the ball. He’s far too disciplined for that apparently.”
Not in a two man midfield Paulinho…. We had xhaka ,Guendouzi and Torriera on the pitch at the time plus Ramsey so before you get ahead of yourself and think you are being clever ,Torriera had every right being in that position as there was sufficient cover….
@ Dissenter (lol) I am sure in your mini world this is the best Arsenal game ever for the past 10 years as well….Why would anyone waste their time giving you a rebuttal on NLDs that have taken place over the past 10 years? Ok then even the derby cup game where The Flamster scored was a rollicking game. The point is any NLD against the Spuds is a brilliant game (win, lose or draw) for many of us supporters who don’t waste their time picking out specific NLDs under any Manager as barometers….even a boring 1 nil win over… Read more »
Dissenter – Well he was ahead of the ball when we played a two man midfield last week against Bournemouth(their equaliser) and against Liverpool when Bellerin blazed over in the last five minutes.
So you’re wrong.
Surely Ramsey (as well as Lacazette &Auba) being on the pitch in a advanced role would be a reason not to go forward?
But a bit OTT to suggest this was the best NLD over a decade!? Like WTF? Can you say “Fickle!?”
Well said loyika, can’t believe the length people will go. It was another fantastic one to add to the collection of Spuds humiliation, nothing more, thoroughly enjoy battering the lot of them
Dissenter People can criticise Özil but I think it’s a little sad, instead of universally celebrating an emphatic win over our fiercest rival we are spending it running down a player. Why? Sounds like some of us are complaining for the sake of it. I’m not saying he is blameless. He has plenty of faults, but when he is on form he is a great player, and he would strengthen any of our rivals. We can forget selling him because unless he decides to go to China he is here to stay. All I’m saying is let’s make the most… Read more »
Loyika
The cap fitted you didn’t it?
Unless you have a NLD game that you think rivals this NLD, then STFU?
Another poster just said it’s one of his best in 35 years.
Of course is’s my “mini world” Arsenal, you muppet.
It was a personal opinion that I had said was subjective because to each his own. That’s until you showed up with your pompous stupidity.
What’s fickle about saying that?
Wenger was manager in 2007 so it can’t be a knock on Wenger so what in the world is your problem.
‘and he would strengthen any of our rivals’
For 20% of the season. If they want to pay £300 000 a week for that and give us £20 Million, bite their hands off.
That is the problem.
You’re asking for a player that isn’t there and somehow you’re blaming the fans for the fact he isn’t that.
He’s a flange.
No more accommodating players. That time has gone. Put up or fuck off for Ozil.
The little things we have yearned for years made a difference today. -SUBSTITUTIONS,Not waiting till 65-70 minutes to make subs. Early assessment of the game and pulling under-performing players before the game gets away. -TACTICS, changing formation during the game to suit the state of the game. Started with 3 at the back to press them early and put them on the back foot. Changing to 4-4-2 after equalising with Xhaka at the base of a diamond formation. -LINE-UPS, Ramsey’s performance today can be put down to having to fight for his play. No longer can players believe that they… Read more »
@Leedgooner…. You tiny pussy
WTF about ozils wage….
If we continue to win without him in the squad or matchday list, then I would be very glad…
Emery doesn’t need to spend his energy trying to get a 30yrs old player performing well, when he could do without him and spend his time improving other players and help our young stars become superstars….
#Emery’s red and white army.
Leeds
Lets agree to disagree
Emery may feels he can gets better performances from his team with less endowed players who are more committed.
He was appointed manger of Arsenal not the masseuse of Ozil.
Ozil has choices to make.
Since when our stadium didn’t have been so boilent ??
When was our last game with so much electricity, on and off the pitch ??
Damn it was so great to be a Gooner today!!
Fact that you’re asking for people to produce another NLD better means to me, that you don’t understand getting a win over those lot anytime and any circumstances means a lot. Just remove the agenda based rhetoric and you’d just enjoy today as another great stuffing amongst many, even within the last 10.
Arsenal have the most fickle fanbase of any club out there. No wonder Wenger managed to stay on for so long.
‘He was appointed manger of Arsenal not the masseuse of Ozil’
Exactly.
Paulinho
It doesn’t have to be an all or none approach.
Torriera needs to pick the right time to launch an offensive burst.
My son t he remains that he shares the blame in the goal that was conceded after Iwobi lost the ball.
Surely Ramsey (as well as Lacazette &Auba) being on the pitch in a advanced role would be a reason not to go forward?
I mean the difference between his runs from midfield and Ramsey’s is he does less and he gets back especially when he’s in a midfield two.
4-2s a jolly good fellow, 4-2s a jolly good fellow, 4-2s a jolly good fe-ellow… and so say all of us.
Arsenal were a 6th place team taking on a Spurs side that is a title contender apparently with Kane, Eriksen, Alli, Son etc.
We’re arriving with a team assembled by an imbecile for years and it wasn’t some law of averages great performance it was a high intensity, highly strategic game which Emery won with his tactics toppling a superior side.
We out pressed Spurs, we out muscled Spurs, we out attacked them and Emery out thought Pochettino.
That is why people are loving it.
It was a real football win on and off the field.
Dale
What’s the agenda ?
You’re so intent on defending Wenger that you don’t even get the absurd silliness of the point you’re trying to make.
If I say it the best NLD since 2007 [subjective personal opinion, by the way],
how can that be anti-Wenger when Wenger was the manger in 2007.
You’re the one with the agenda.
You’re like the fire bridge looking for anti-Wenger fires to extinguish.
People can criticise Özil but I think it’s a little sad, instead of universally celebrating an emphatic win over our fiercest rival we are spending it running down a player
Our supposed biggest and best player and we performed like that without him is important to talk about because if it was an emphatic defeat we’d be talking about it differently.
@ Dissenter You really are a “Doucebag” of the highest order. For some of us that have followed Arsenal a way bit before Arsene and (all things being equal) will still be here beyond Emery, any win over Spurs will be added to the long list of brilliant games against those cunts. Besides, whatever anyone knows of me on this forum, what everyone will know is that I flipping hate Spurs as a team and club, so forgive me if I don’t share your opinion in measuring wins over those lot over any period in our long history. I celebrate… Read more »
Did we just beat spurs??? For some it doesn’t seem like it.
We had 2 back to back 5-2 wins against Spurs both away another so many years back so lets keep best NLD in perspective.
Think we were 2-1 down in both or maybe it was 2-0 in one of them
@ Cesc AppealDecember 2, 2018 17:28:35
Could not have put it better myself.
Some Bin Dippers tears would be the lubrication needed to complete this glorious day now…
Torreira was fucking outstanding today, what a buy! Xhaka had a very good game as well.
I think it’s quite silly when people keep claiming Torreira does the job of two in the midfield.
What a thoroughly brilliant win
Agree with you Samesong… it’s kind of sad.
Emery cannot win the PL title for his first season (shame on him lol), but those who are not happy with his work so far are very difficult to understand.
Loyika
Very well.
I will be the douchebag of the day if that makes you a genius.
You can enjoy the win and still have a personal opinion about where this game stands in the pantheons of NLD.
I’ve given my opinion and you’re so intent on running your barrel dry.
I don’t know what the Trump comment was supposed to serve but then you’re the genius.
Torreira, the new beast in town.
We need to press on from this. I don’t want to win this game and lose against United. Consistency must be the key.
What a way to kick off December.
Wishing all of you the very best.
Auba was 5.5/1 for top scorers at the start of the season, safe to say a fair few savvy heads punted on him.
Northbanker
I wasn’t saying it’s the best ever, just saying that since that game Adebayor scored the volley..I haven’t seen a better one.
It’s always going to be subjective …I didn’t expect that it would be provocative.
You’re referring to the one Theo Walcott destroyed spuds, right.
Everton have had some luck today.
Hope they hold Liverpool down.
The 5-2 at the Emirates were both pretty special too, especially the one where RVP scored that beaut.
Cazorla was the man in the second 5-2 win a season later.
TDS is real. Get help Loyika.
Pool looking out of ideas.
How they could use a little fella like Coutinho right about now hehe…
Lookman’s a player.
A great Arsenal win.
And a very good performance from Leno.
Even though he might have done better on the near post goal.
A very pleasing performance.
Here’s a fun fact: Auba made 5 tackles today, the most of any Arsenal player.
2 goals, 1 assist, 5 tackles- Doesn’t influence games much though, for some.
“Torreira was fucking outstanding today, what a buy! Xhaka had a very good game as well.
I think it’s quite silly when people keep claiming Torreira does the job of two in the midfield.”
…………………………………………………..
Agree! He does atleast the job of 3. 🙂