Arsenal swatted Tottenham aside in one of the best North London derby days of the last 5 years. We didn’t have to bet on Spurs dropping their level. We didn’t win on luck. We outfought one of the best teams in the league and dished out a deserved destruction.
The game had everything you could have hoped for. The atmosphere in the ground was venomous, the players were hyper-charged, and some of the goals were sublime.
Things were looking pretty good early on in the game, Arsenal were in control for the most part. We even managed to pick up an early goal. Vertonghen swiped the ball from Mustafi’s head from a corner, Mike Dean of all people was paying attention and the penalty was granted. Auba stepped up, looked immensely nervy, but sent Lloris the wrong way after one of those awful slow run-ups.
The good vibes didn’t last all the way until half-time. Arsenal would be 18th in the league if there weren’t a second 45minutes. We made sure that poor record carried through with a bit of help from Son’s dark arts. The first of their two goals came from a dubious foul on the edge of our box. The Eriksen freekick at the front post caught the slightest of glances from Dier, he was helped along by some poor keeping, Leno failing to get his body behind the ball, palming it into the net.
The impending OTT celebrations caused a massive ruckus on the touchline. Aaron Ramsey, Guendouzi and Lacazette all involved in some serious handbags, notable was Eric Dier telling Aaron to sit down.
Things went from bad to worse 4 minutes later. Arsenal allowed Son in on the back post, Hector and Holding were jockeying the South Korean, but Holding slid in and grazed a standing foot. Son collapsed in a heap, there was no doubt Mike Dean would blow up. Super harsh in my opinion. Should contact not be meaningful? I find the ‘if there’s contact, he has every right to go down’ mantra so tired these days. You go down if the contact is heavy, otherwise it’s cheating. I hope VAR stops this nonsense. Anyway, Harry Kane sent Leno the wrong way and we were 2 down heading into halftime.
The manager made some ruthless decisions. He took off Iwobi and Mikhi, who by their standards were not having particularly bad games. Lacazette and Ramsey came onto the pitch, Emery obviously admired the touchline aggression his bench was offering up.
The decision paid dividends. Bellerin played a beautiful ball into Ramsey who cut back to Auba on the edge of the box, the man from Gabon delicately curled a first-time strike into the bottom corner. A second assist followed, Ramsey counter-pressed Foyth, released Lacazette who cut the ball back on the edge of the box, set himself, then placed a shot expertly off Dier’s shin past Lloris. BEAUTIFUL.
The final goal was my favourite of the day. Aubamayeng slipped a perfect pass between 3 Spurs players, Torriera kept himself onside, bore down on goal and instead of squaring the pass, he unleashed fury across Lloris into the bottom corner. An absolute pearler. What a goal.
The game got better for Arsenal. Vertonghen was sent off for a sloppy challenge on Lacazette.
Arsenal took the spoils. North London is red again. What power shift?
Concluding points:
That was the big one for me. That was how you measure your success. We lost to City and Chelsea earlier on in the season, but you could forgive because the games were literally our first. Yesterday, we played a team that destroyed Chelsea last week and beat a solid Inter Milan side midweek. That was an immense victory and no one can take that away from Emery.
We had everything we’ve been crying out for packaged neatly into a 90minutes that’ll stick hard in the throats of anyone who uttered ‘careful what you wish for’ over the past ten years.
Ruthless Decisions:
Mesut Ozil didn’t make it into the squad. Rumour has it the German wimped out with back spasms when he heard he wasn’t starting. Not like we haven’t been here before, is it? Remember Wenger’s last game at home? Emery has sussed Ozil inside three months. There’s no fucks given for your Twitter following or commercial star at Arsenal. It’s all about what you give. Big question is what do you do with the biggest white whale in the Premier League? I think Emery’s press conference tells you a lot about the rumours.
That decisive thinking carried through into the game. Mikhi and Iwobi were having pretty ok games. Some sloppiness in the final delivery and finishing, but not terrible. Emery yanked both of them off and put on the bad boys from the touchline scuffle. A masterstroke. We’ve been dining out on the ‘it’s 70mins, maybe we’ll make a sub’ line for 20 years. Great to see someone manage the game and the tactics on the fly.
Paaaashun:
If a fan says they hate transfer windows or paaaashun, it tells you a lot. But there was a lot of that over the past ten years as people tried to make sense of the cold blue lips of our squad and manager. Not anymore, Emery’s face is all of us. That guy feels every strike of the ball, every missed shot, every goal. I love him on the touchline. It’s sunk into the players. Everyone is fighting. It’s like a brawl out on the pitch. We will not be bullied. We are a team of fighters, and if I’m honest, we were shithousing today… and I fucking loved it.
The Arch Bishop of Shithousery is certainly Sokratis. He’s a real piece of work. An absolute man-beast on the pitch. Getting in people’s heads, gouging at their shirts, niggling all game long. He fucking LOVED yesterday. I love him. But they’re all at it, even Aaron Ramsey was giving it on the sidelines.
Also, look at those celebrations. That’s team togetherness. That’s love for what you do and a belief in what is going on at the club. Beautiful to watch. I’m falling back in love with the club again.
Aaron Ramsey:
Gotta give it to the man, who wouldn’t package Ozil’s contract up in a bow and hand deliver it to the Welshman on your knees? He put in a fantastic 45minutes. He was electric. A total professional. He understood the gravity of the game and put all his feelings to the side. An unreal display given the circumstances.
Performances:
Xhaka was excellent the whole game. I loved his smirking when he’d caused a melee. Torreira embodies everything I admire in the new setup, what a signing. Auba proved he’s more than just an outrageous scoring record with a cracking display. Kolasinac continues to look fantastic. Hector Bellerin was a beast out on the right, so much good stuff game from the floppy-haired boy wonder. Leno made a couple of outrageous redeeming saves. Mustafi and Holding kept Spurs quiet. They all done good people. All of them.
Fan Vibes:
You know what heals divides? Winning. A project to believe in. Knowing your club is doing everything in its power to succeed. We have that now. Everyone can rally round the new regime. It’s wonderful to see.
The only thing that could top this is burying United on Wednesday. Ending Mourinho would bring tears to my eyes. It’d be a thing of beauty.
Let’s pray it happens!
Onwards and upwards! x
So…. the Spud fan who threw the banana skin/peel/covering tries to deflect that he is a racist with the defence that he is a Greek Cypriot. Ahem, how does that change anything? So what is he implying, that Greek Cypriot can’t be racist? Why do a large number of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots despise each other then? Is it because they don’t like each other’s food? Isn’t he trying to imply that racism is a white problem? Newsflash, racism exists everywhere. Furthermore, Why is he especially sorry to Tottenham? Shouldn’t he be actually especially sorry to PEA to whom… Read more »
“Newsflash, racism exists everywhere”
Especially against northern monkeys but I can live with that type.
Leeds
Im with you- and he should apologize to PEA. Sounds like he just wants to keep his tickets to see his shitty spurs team to me.
It is what it is. Sadly
I hope next NLD, Auba scores a hat trick
Guns SF
I just can’t believe he’s trying to feign ignorance and that all he did was to throw an innocent innocuous object on to the pitch. He knew full well what it meant… he just didn’t think he would get caught.
Idiot of the highest order.
Modric wins the Ballon d’Or ahead of Ronaldo, Messi came 5th, and Harry Kane was the only Englishman in the list of 30 names came 10th (obviously Banfords vote wasn’t recognised as important).
Also, are some people only going to say Emery is the right man for the job if he wins the Premier league?
Seems so
Please. Harry Kane isn’t even one of the best XXII players in the world much less the 10th best player in the world. He got that vote simply on account of the Golden Boot and on account of his being English. As for his Golden Boot, it was nothing but ordinary put-aways and penalties, and his World Cup was largely forgettable. He did nothing world class in it, and he has done little if anything world class since. Anyone notice what a dangerous player he was this weekend? Right. One could be forgiven for forgetting that he was even on… Read more »
Bamford10December 3, 2018 23:35:09
Please. Harry Kane isn’t even one of the best XXII players in the world
————————
Just a bit confused here..So today you cite that Kane can’t get into a World XXII.
Whereas before you said Ramsey can get into a World XXXIII.
Curious to know ,or rather interesting to hear how you switch from ,or arrive at World XXII to World XXXIII,in order to support your nauseating arguments..?
What will it be tomorrow,when citing some random argument of yours -a World LXVI?Or a LXXXVIII?
Clown…
The fact Kane was quiet at the weekend was more down to a great Arsenal performance. Sokratis bullied him for most of the game and Torreira and Xhaka kept Alli and Eriksen quiet which basically stopped Spurs going forward. The only Spurs attacker who was a threat was Son, Kane is a world class ST, he doesn’t have the pace, but he’s got basically everything else, lethal in front of goal, aerial threat, great hold up play and as an England fan I especially appreciate his ability there, great link up play, good passer of the ball, can take a… Read more »
Like I get it, I want to win the Premier league 100000%, but there is so many other variables in play other than just who we pick as manager. Firstly and most importantly, other teams. Everyone is trying and 20 teams can’t all win. Especially when we have man city, man U and Chelsea all spending shit loads to out do everyone else. Secondly, our own financial and sporting structure. Our financial power is pretty great in world football, but not enough to throw hundreds of millions of pounds around every summer, but that is where our new sporting and… Read more »
United fans are despondent about the game on Wednesday, literally everywhere you look.
We really need to kick the shit out of them, no reason we can’t.
Sorry for the rant there guys,
Just so infuriating having such a great game on the weekend and seeing fans thoroughly ecstatic with how they see things, for the same group of people to come on and try take them down a peg or 2.
“Anyone notice what a dangerous player he was this weekend? Right. One could be forgiven for forgetting that he was even on the field.“ Buried a crucial penalty after hardly getting a kick, and he was also the one to flick it through to Son through on goal to win their penalty. Basically he was involved in both their goals against us despite us bossing it. You’re trying to cite one NLD as evidence of Kane being a certain standard despite him being top drawer in numerous others – weird. He’d literally start for all of those sides you name… Read more »
Goobergooner
Instead of addressing the room, address the people. Nobody gives a shit about reeling in your excitement, go get your knob out and helicopter the shit out of it anywhere you like.
As much as I’ve bagged on mustafi and xhaka over the last few seasons, I can not deny them the credit they deserve for the game. Mustafi was so aggressive in the pressing from the back, and actually reading the game and putting spuds forwards and kids under immense pressure whenever it got near him. Was great to see. When xhaka got tackled near the end and he just smirked it off when whoever got in his face while he was on the ground was hilarious. Had so much respect for that, that he just kept his cool. The way… Read more »
Goober
The future looks great.
We waited far too long to get rid of the imbecile, but it’s done now and we’re on our way.
Those who want to wallow, let them. Those who want to stubbornly refuse to admit they were wrong, let them, Those who want to carry an agenda forward, let them.
Just ignore. It’s the way forward. The end up in a sad little conversation with themselves.
On to United next.
I don’t know where forwards “and kids” came from. Stupid swipe typing haha
Harry Kane 146 goals the last 5 seasons since he broke onto the scene. Aguero 136 during the same period. Cavani 155 in the same period. Lewandowski 168 in the same period. Aubameyang 147 in the same period. And in the case of Lewandowski, Cavani and Aguero they played for legitimate title winning clubs and in Lewan and Cav’s cases the dominant force in their respective leagues. Point is he’s up there and comparable with the very best strikers in world football one might say he’s world class and to deny it is a bit ridiculous
Haha yeah Cesc, you’re right.
What a week of football this could be, and include in that the kids playing in Ukraine, there is so much to look forward to for the seasons to come!
Hahaha Marko,
There is literally only one person who thinks otherwise
Look, until Harry Kane scores a perfect hat trick in a world cup or champs league final, he’s a nothing player. Same goes for Neymar.
8 in 8 NLD too by the way. Looks like a freak though
Haha and not having a go Bam, it’s just funny.
Were you one of the ones saying Spurs has a better first 11 than us? If so did you have Kane in that joint 11 the other day?
And if so, would he not then be world class as he beats two of our quality strikers to that position?
You just have to accept defeat on this one I’m afraid, my friend.
Goober No offense, but that’s a really dumb point. Neither of our forwards is even close to world class, so who gives a fuck if Kane is better than them? That doesn’t make him world class. Marko Just because s player scores a lot of goals does not make him world class. You have to look at the kinds of goals he scores as well as all of his attributes. Kane has no pace and cannot create his own chances from the dribble consistently. Not world class, could not start for a top team and never will start or shine… Read more »
He “buried” a penalty! Sounds like a fucking Spurs fan.
Wow. He finished a penalty. Really impressive.
Madrid are in trouble: why aren’t they in for Harry Kane? Because they know slow-poke won’t change their fortunes one bit. And if they (or someone else) do sign him — they’re desperate after all — watch him fucking disappoint. Guarantee it. He won’t do shit — aside from finish penalties. I hope he signs for a top team; I look forward to watching him underwhelm and to mocking him (and some of you) mercilessly.
Will be good fun.
Banford
I “bleat on about him” because with every accolade, and praise from respected figures in the game, it makes me chuckle that there’s a daft yank on le grove defiantly stomping his feet like a toddler.
“Kane is a good Spurs player, nothing more” – that despite the goal scoring figures presented that outdo Aguero, whom you’ve previously talked up as being someone capable of making chances via “the dribble” (won’t comment on how daft that sounds).
“Because they know slow-poke won’t change their fortunes one bit. And if they (or someone else) do sign him — they’re desperate after all — watch him fucking disappoint. Guarantee it. He won’t do shit — aside from finish penalties. I hope he signs for a top team; I look forward to watching him underwhelm and to mocking him”
Hahahaha he’s full on foaming over Harry Kane, seems like old ‘Arry Kane has given Banfords imaginary missus a bit of “the dribble”. What a whopper
Call me when he starts for a top team. He won’t. Ever. Sorry, Englishmen.
I’m not English yank and you’re so rigid and so wrong on the whole topic it’s not even funny. He’s very much in the lewandowski mould and he’s world class. But I’ll bow out because there’s no convincing you that you’re wrong
Call me when he starts for a top team. He won’t. Ever. Sorry, Englishmen.
Then
I hope he signs for a top team; I look forward to watching him underwhelm and to mocking him (and some of you) mercilessly. Will be good fun.
If it happened you’d be mocked mercilessly for being wrong.
Bamford10December 4, 2018 01:24:26 Rooney at his peak was world class; ———– No,he wasn’t…. Well he never cut it at the Euro’s 2012,nor at the World Cup in 2006, 2010,2014. In addition,he never cut it in the CL Finals either when Manure played Chelsea in the 2007-2008 Final and when he played against Barca (CL 2009 &2011 Final losing 2-0 & 3-1)respectively both times in the Finals..His only notable international campaign was when he made his debut for England in the Euro’s 2004. Isn’t this the same metric you use to judge Neymar & Kane,in terms of whether they are… Read more »
@Pierre ” What is a certainly is that he(Emery) is brave and is prepared to gamble to get a result unlike our previous manager who very rarely gambled in a game .” You are trying to give shallow praise whilst belittling his ‘ Emery’s ‘ achievements. Why was it a Gamble and not tactics?? The man said he’d prepared for different scenarios. What’s a fucking gamble is sticking every attacking player you have on and praying you’re gonna score. Which was repeated under Wenger many times. Then there’s Charlie saying ” Yes, he’s done ok, but one Man & his… Read more »
Once the old senile one had gone..
Get Torreira continually in Pogba’s face, which will be a good recipe for a Red for Pogba.
United have always tried kicking us off the park, but we are far more resilient now and should reciprocate with interest.
This is a game we can win if we apply ourselves as we did Sunday.
Said before I can’t wait to see what Emery has tactically for the game.
What a feeling that is to be excited about what the manager is going to do next!
Just hope we have the legs for it.
Test
What a great time to be an Arsenal fan
What a great win
Well, I was right to be positive from the off of emery’s reign
What a difference a manager with a clue makes.
We would have lost that game under the previous regime had we gone down 1-2.
Emery has given the team a spine. Some balls. Passion and belief.
19 wins on the trot. Hopefully we keep it going v united
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Oh oh oh!
What a great time to be an Arsenal fan
What a great win
Well, I was right to be positive from the off of emery’s reign
What a difference a manager with a clue makes.
We would have lost that game under the previous regime had we gone down 1-2.
Emery has given the team a spine. Some balls. Passion and belief.
19 undefeated on the trot. Hopefully we keep it going v united
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Oh oh oh!
Nothing more we could have asked of emery so far this season
We really should have beaten Chelsea. At least a draw and that would put us above them in this standings.
We drew Liverpool.
Beat spurs.
Won a bunch of away matches.
Emery has an ‘A’ grade so far from me. A massive improvement from our last manager whatever his name was.
Mark
100% spot on
Was a panic buy by Wenger last days of the TW. Should never have been bought and should be sold if at all possible. A way overpaid wasted prodigious talent not suited to the PL. “However the Gunners manager wants to see a change in attitude from Ozil and wants convincing the forward has the appetite to claw his way back into the team. Yet if Ozil is to revive his career at the Emirates, he will have to do it Emery’s way. If not, then a parting of the ways seems inevitable. However, the Gunners know finding a buyer… Read more »
is going to start*
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6454971/Manchester-United-striker-Marcus-Rashford-undergoes-ankle-treatment-bid-fit-Arsenal.html
it’s Tuesday and I’m still buzzing from that win. Onto manure, we all know mou will park the bus and try to hit us on the counter. So I’m sure we will see a lot of the ball. Only problem will be breaking down 2 rows of 4. I have a feeling mou will go for the point.
Hope we absolutely destroy them
also, can we convince alderweired to join us on a free at the end of the season ??
Tony
I have to say, the way Ramsey has played, he’s giving emery a tough choice. Which is great for us.
Does he start Ramsey or use him as a super sub ?
Even though I haven’t rated Ramsey , he has played well. Does he resort to his usual self if he starts ? Or does he play like he did v spuds from the off? Or is he better motivated coming off the bench. Emery will know best. You know Wenger would never of thought of any of this but you know emery is
Joe Difficult conundrum with Ramsey. Maybe see what injuries United have got as it looks like both Smalling and Jones could be out or start caring knocks. Shaw also has a knock as does Bailly. Young is suspended (yellow card totting up) so maybe have ESR & Maitland Niles & Eddie on the bench for the 2nd half. If he’s going to go with youth and pace later, then Ramsey might be a starter. Whatever Emery is going to go with it’ll be our best options where there will be detailed tactics set out. Like you, I am very happy… Read more »
“Its excuses. I wonder if he would have the guts th throw a banana in front of Auba face to face?”
He can try throwing it into the face of Wilder.
TonyD/Joe,
Regarding Ramsey, I will trust the management to make the right decision.
They haven’t put a foot wrong.
Another thing, is that Ramsey is truly better out wide. On the right. Seriously weird. He is really good there.
This from the DM this morning quoting Emery about Ramsey: ‘In the last matches his focus is there. We were speaking between us the coaches and I look at him in every match. His focus is positive for us and it helps us. He needs to think about his future, for his family and for him, but if he plays like yesterday, it’s the best for him and the best for us.’ Asked if Ramsey could stay at the Emirates beyond next summer, Emery replied: ‘This conversation is not for today for us or for me. It’s one situation that… Read more »
if the club goes back on their word and offer ramsey a contract now, it’ll be chaos. He’ll have the initiative and will definitely not ask anything less than what was demanded before.
My opinion, see who comes in for him in Jan and try to get a replacement in asap.
Cheaper, better players out there.
in regards to ramsey, we’ve seen this a million times, he has one good game and now he’ll be anonymous for the next 5.
The Telegraph are reporting City could be banned from CL next season because of their alleged FFP irregularities.
I’d be very happy to see that happen if it means we could qualify in fifth place.
Pierre
My comment yesterday was not directed at you personally, it was based on earlier comments by a couple of other posters.
Based on our regular “baseline rallies” on here with regards our differing opinions, I will always direct the ball in your direction when it is appropriate.
So, based on yesterday, apologies if you took umbridge at my comment.
Imo, the club will not give Ramsey( and his agent) what he wants but they may have said, we would still like you to stay.
Just an opinion.
Yeah Graham I think the same thing. If Ramsey is willing to lower his demands I think he may stay.
In saying that I’d rather him sold in Jan and younger less injury prone and more consistent players brought in.
Good morning Graham ….at least I thought it was a good morning until I saw that your mate Joe was back on the scene ( only joking Joe ) … Apology gratefully excepted ….I was drenched playing golf yesterday ,a medal competition as well…I hate the British weather ….roll on the spring,it can’t come soon enough for me. anyway, let’s hope we can all live in perfect harmony on le grove but let’s not get carried away with the Ramsey and Ozil situation …it will all sort itself out within a few months ..in the meantime let’s enjoy the ride… Read more »
‘This conversation is not for today for us or for me. It’s one situation that was closed one or two months ago.
Closed.
Situation has been closed.
Ramsey is not getting a new deal.
During the game I noticed Bellerin marking Harry Kane for a corner. I hope such mismatch is not replicated tomorrow.
We’re gonna miss Xhaka’s height and set piece delivery but I don’t expect it to be too much hassle.
I’m generally quite confident about tomorrow.
Chika
I doubt it ,Harry Kane’s not playing tomorrow .
Seriously,I agree that was a mismatch …similar to what I was saying yesterday having Torriera defending free kicks at the near post ….why put your smallest player there ,should always be one of your tallest and best headers of the ball defending that area.
Would suck to lose our unbeaten streak against UTD, so I’m actually more nervy about this one than I was for the Spuds.
Not sure about player contracts.?
But surely Ozil is is in breach of his .?
Perhaps Arsenal should actually think
about his terms and conditions.
And act.?
Joe’s back.. . Absolutely fantastic 19 unbeaten run… The last time, we came a goal down to win a NLD was 11 yrs ago…. Never thought I’d say this, but we are going to miss xhaka at old toilet… For some reasons.. His height is definitely useful against magic and Fellaini, that that of LT/MG.. His array of passes… Like that perfect long pass from the set piece to kola, who sent the cut back pass to iwobi, whose shot was cleared off the line by iloris… Ozil if possible shot play this game, because of his little creativity since… Read more »
We should use ozil in a 3-5-2 and not in a 3+4-3… For he will definitely be a dead weight…..
Just an opinion….
It would be hilarious if Emery upset his detractors (Pierre….champagne) by actually beating Man Utd…lol
Sorry for all the incorrect spellings… Just my useless keypads…
I won’t be losing any sleep Xhaka not playing
Xhaka’s simple passes are seen as extraordinary by his fanboys lol