The season was supposed to start with BANG, but it’d be fairer to categorise the Newcastle showing as a light crackle, not even a firework, I’m talking a bag of Quavers in the cinema.
The opening game of the season was all about delivering a win, something we didn’t manage last season. It was also about showing that the club had moved on defensively. We delivered against both objectives, landing a clean sheet and a 0-1 win.
The football wasn’t very pleasant and had most of the hallmarks of last season. We struggled to make use of the possession we were afforded, there was little coherence moving forward, and we looked similarly one dimensional.
That said, it’s hard to fault the manager on this occasion. Most of our new players are either injured, unfit or off the pace of the league. Kola and Ozil were dealing with criminal issues in London which don’t sound pleasant. So Emery really had to roll with a makeshift starting 11.
That gave Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson a start, and it also offered up Emery the chance to leave Mustafi out of the 11, something he wasn’t prone to doing last season… so we saw Chambers gifted a start. I think you could confidently say that with a fully fit squad, at least 6 of the player wouldn’t have featured.
We controlled possession with ease but struggled at times to deal with Newcastle’s aggressive pressing approach. We struggled to create chances, so you felt that we were going to need a decisive intervention. Auba to the rescue. The man doesn’t need much of opportunity to devastate teams. We hit Newcastle on a quick break led by AMN who intercepted a stray pass and drove forward, his threaded pass to an unmarked Auba was truly special, the finish was tight, the deadliest sharpshooter in the game lifted the ball over the keeper and did just enough to make the difference.
We took control for the rest of the game, introduced Pepe, Martinelli and Ceballos all made their debuts and all did very little. The Spanish U21 looked extremely off the pace, which is to be expected, but also a big problem because we need a ball-carrying midfielder that can do the job now.
Of the kids, I think Chambers had a solid game, Joe Willock looked comfortable but a touch meek, Reiss was largely anonymous for me, he did create two chances though, and that’s what he’s there to do. He will need to impose himself a little more if he wants to earn more chances.
The player that really stunk the house out was one that’s dropping £170k a week. Mikhi had a shocker of a game, he’s so out of sorts it looks like he’s come out of retirement to play in a charity game at Old Trafford with Robbie Williams best mate… but to be fair, I think Robbie’s best mate would contribute more to the game. Outside one devilishly good pass to Auba, he spent the game getting himself dispossessed or spraying the ball at imagined shadows. His pass completion rate in the final third was 55%… even for someone taking riskier options, that’s kind of appalling. As someone said online, it’s like peak Alexis Sanchez without the goals or assists.
The big thing I’m focused on this season is how Emery evolves the style of play. Our pressing seems very unstructured at the moment and I’m concerned that this system he’s building is easy to suss and not exactly a chance creation machine. We had two shots on target yesterday, that’s really poor when you consider the level of striker we have upfront.
Hopefully, those numbers will improve as we integrate pace and quality into the side. I’m very interested to see what David Luiz brings to the table. Xhaka isn’t the full ticket, but whatever you think of him, you can’t deny that he’s vital to our ability to move the ball forwards and his long balls are a chance creation option in a side that doesn’t create a lot of chances. When opposition teams know where the creativity comes from, it’s easy to control us. Xhaka can get away with being Xhaka against teams like Newcastle, but he’s easily wiped out when you have a team that aggressively pursues him.
Problem is… I’m not sure Matteo and Joe are ready to hold strong in that midfield with Ceballos. Could be a touch weak sauce and it’d be open to bullying. So I’d imagine the main hope is that if we put more mobility into the midfield with Willock and Ceballos, hopefully, we’ll offer more creativity and more running options. Having a midfielder that can move the ball through agressive press is also going to be game-changing. It’s so easy to box our midfield in at the moment.
This squad is exciting because I have literally no idea what it’s capable of producing. The great thing is it’s all on Emery to unlock heat, these are his guys. 8 of that starting 11 are Emery players, probably 9 as Chambers wasn’t a regular fixture with Wenger. All 3 subs were his. No more excuses.
Better football has to be on the menu. Raul and Edu are Barca/Wengerball types. Top 4 needs to come with style. Emery has the players now, let’s see what he can do.
ALSO, did you watch the Chelsea vs United game? The most Brexit game I’ve seen in a while. Neither side impressive, but I’m still unsure how Chelsea managed to lose 3-0. Both squads are not good enough, both managers are not good enough. Top 4 really should be ours! Interesting that Chelsea are going so hard at youth with players that don’t look up to scratch.
Final thought before we go… it was interesting that Jose Mourinho was being so kind about Arsenal players. This on Auba.
“That control looks simple but it’s not simple, it’s genius. Then the finishing is beautiful.”
A few voices indicating that he has deep ties with Mendes and might be trying to ingratiate himself with the Arsenal fans/execs if the inevitable happens earlier than May.
I wanted to hate that idea, but then I started to like it. It totally goes against everything I believe our next manager should be, but the guy has prestige, he’s built winning machines and now I love the idea despite knowing the risks.
There, I said it. I’m really sorry. It was literally a fleeting thought that got out of control.
See you in the comments. x
P.S. I cleared out the banned list as it’s the new season. Same rules apply, agree with me or go elsewhere. Just jokes. But play nice. All are welcome.
Guns that day when you ranting you also threatened someone. But I suppose that’s ok yeah?? Lol
Anyway I find you harmless and as I said before I remember you changed when Pedro was bigging up Gazidis a few years back.
S
Same song
That was someone else. There was two Guns of Hackney at one point. Me, the original one and the other one who had an umlaut above the u in guns.
Hard to see but it was sorted out. I’m a nice guy who try’s out my stand up routine online. That’s all.
I’m a lover not a fighter. Just like Michael Jackson.
Were*
I’m a lover not a fighter. Just like Michael Jackson.
I know dude.
Ok I’ll take that back.
Yes true Joe was no racist. Just a little immature.
Un na nai on the other hand considers anyone not English inferior, the David Luiz and Ceballos fixation isn’t based on ability, he simply wants British boys on the pitch.
Did anyone notice his comment about the number of Brits in the man united vs Chelsea game??
Anyways like Marko just said this place mirrors the world we live in.
Receding, wanting brits in a football team isn’t racist.
Joe was definitely racist. He said “I rather be a short Indian than have all my intelligence in my penis like a black man has”
I would say that comment is indeed racist.
Lighten up. Stop policing the site with Dissenter and chill out.
Eh aren’t you the one telling people not to bully someone
Lolz
If someone from outside read this garbage…we would all be locked up.
Keep up the good work guys. “Indians with short legs”. Luke Shaw is English and has legs like a Lego man on a human sized torso.
Bloody hell. It’s not even the evening crew in yet!
Receding, wanting brits in a football team isn’t racist.
Nah you know Don’s a racist. You banned him for it before and you warn him to stop bringing up politics. You’ve only to see how he interacts with Freddie to know he’s a racist
To be fair I’ve never seen that Joe comment. That is racist.
Un is very right-wing and I have indeed reminded him about some of his views not being welcome here.
Maybe perma ban racist behavior on here? Can’t believe that question even has to be asked
Marko
Bullying is not good under any circumstance. You also can’t condone the bullying and subjectificafion of women. It’s not the 50’s anymore.
Lighten up.
Strange that Un is like that, he’s very familiar in the area I was born which is as multicultural as it gets in South London.
Racism is weak. Period.
Boris Johnson is going to ban people called Marko from England.
Mark, Marc, Marcus and even Marco is fine, not Marko.
Hey dumb-asses.
Learn the difference between racism and nationalism and stop embarrassing yourselves.
21.13. Le Grove just went dark. The nighttime crew are in.
Pedro there is a context issue to it.
Believing anyone who doesn’t share the same nationality with you is inferior is racist. Un na nai has constantly displayed that on here. Some of his comments on Swedes and the Irish …SMH
Anyway I am not asking for anyone to be banned, just want you to be a bit more fair in your approach. Some people get away with murder on here while you attack others when they are simply giving back what was doled out.
Yea nationalism not racism, he gives it out regardless of skin color. All he needs us your country of origin.
Point taken Alex
This cutter guy has as much input as Rambo Ramsey. Comes on to abuse people then fucks off again. You just know both weasals are not half this brazen in the real world.
I can recall various racial slurs from Don. The other week he was on here saying “peace out niggas”.
Again, its the internet and you can’t reprimand anonymous posters on a blog meaningfully so this, again is part and parcel.
I’ve had to read deplorable things written here over the years (as recently as this weekend) about where my father was born, and that even though I was born in London, I’m “less English” than those born in London years after me. Stupid.
Political rhetoric in the comments section should be moderated, and those who flaunt the rules should be banned. This is an Arsenal blog ffs.
“This cutter guy has as much input as Rambo Ramsey. Comes on to abuse people then fucks off again.”
As opposed to you retards endlessly going back and forth with CG?
Fuck off. Don’t be stupid and you won’t hear from me.
Without people like pierre, CG, red This place wouldn’t be fun. They teach you tolerance and great bantz when they are on a roll.
As for Racism, instead of Ban, might as well allow them in the site, name and shame them. That will serve them well.
Guns of HackneyAugust 12, 2019 20:57:05 That was someone else. There was two Guns of Hackney at one point. Me, the original one and the other one who had an umlaut above the u in guns. Hard to see but it was sorted out. I’m a nice guy who try’s out my stand up routine online. That’s all. I’m a lover not a fighter. Just like Michael Jackson. —– That was an absolute lie.. A coward and a liar to boot it seems.I recall that comment vividly it was you. Threatening to have your way with someone’s wife and kids,was… Read more »
Boris Johnson is going to ban people called Marko from England.
How long before Boris realizes that he either can’t fix or do anything or before people realize that he’s a complete buffoon and he walks away. I think he’ll be gone inside a year. I can wait that long
Threatening to have your way with someone’s wife and kids,was beyond the pale.
Oh yeah I remember that one.
Boris is gona start putting his knob in letter boxes in a town near you.
“Marko reminds me a little of RvP. Except it’s the little prick inside of him“
That’s between Marko and his childhood pastor
CG winding everyone up and getting responses is more interesting than you dropping tough guy abuse because its the internet and theres no repercussions. You keep it up tho you little bitch.
Cutter, Rambo Ramsey and the angry aubergine fella. Bunch of internet tough guys you pricks.
“I would say that comment is indeed racist.”
That comment you deemed not to be racist would’ve got a man punched up, put it that way.
It’s a racist trope, don’t be naive.
Agree with Thomas. Maitland Niles , Guendouzi , to name but two are not good enough for Arsenal.End off. It’s a bit like defending the likes of Senderos, djourou, Jenkinson….not good enough….all these players spent too long at Arsenal getting paid top dollar, depriving the club of wages that could have been utilised elsewhere. Unfortunately, Emery ( like many on here) seems happy to continue with below average young prospects that will keep us as an also ran outfit. As for Ozil and Kolasinic…..what a joke. Two blokes hanging around their house after dark and it’s a security alert and… Read more »
Hey hey hey guys I turn my back for 2 hours and the usual suspects are agitating again 1) I’m not racist. Genuinely. I believe all people are equal. All races are equal. All cultures are not. I wish no harm on any other human being whatsoever and I want strong borders. I view most of the worst violent crime to be imported and I want more English players in the team. I’m married to a Jew. My best friend is Indian. Not English Indian. Indian. Like he came here when he was 14. Not racist. 2) Goh was being… Read more »
Perceived not conceived
Unaai’s best mates with Joe, the truth is finally out there.
Lool the usual rebuttal from Brexits finest “I’m not racist, my cat is black and my work trousers are too”
You can have all those things, it doesn’t make you not racist – just putting that out there.
Anyway, this is a footy blog. So I’mma keep it footy.
Left
Yea very good of you to keep it footy after you stirred the pot some more. High five
Guns you lied to me smh that umlaart story 😳
It’s really a hard ask not to bring up race and nationalistic issues when there’s a troll harping daily about the uselessness of Spaniards and the like, even more so when otherwise cogent posters occasionally and subtly subscribe to this line of thinking when assessing footballers or managers or whatever.
It doesn’t start being about race but it inevitably ends up there. Some people definitely enjoy that discussion more than others, and whatever you think that says about them is up to you I guess.
I unban people and we’ve spent the afternoon talking about racism.
So boring.
Come on Charles, I know you can argue in a room with no furniture but you got to try harder.
If I put laugh out loads in my post, then I’m being jovial. Relax.
… and cannibalism.
Pedro there is a context issue to it. Believing anyone who doesn’t share the same nationality with you is inferior is racist. Un na nai has constantly displayed that on here. Some of his comments on Swedes and the Irish …SMH Hairline My dad is Irish. Literally. 80% of my extended family is Irish. I’m not anti Irish at all. Most of my jibes to marko are about him being a dub. The odd Irish joke is made but I have that banter with my cousins, about 70 of us and it’s all a laugh. You really have no idea… Read more »
We should be discussing footy but you wound everyone up with your Jose suggestion Peds!
Left, I should be able to write what I want. It’s an opinion.
Champagne charlieAugust 12, 2019 22:08:23
Unaai’s best mates with Joe, the truth is finally out there.
I am joe. I’ve set the whole thing up in a dirty scheme with Pedro to load up the comments section analytics.
Worked like a charm.
Keep those cheques coming pedders 😉
Un I was born in Catford, I’m not too far off where Crystal Palace play nowadays
Left
Reeeally? So Thornton Heath?
Of course you can Peds it was just funny as it came after you said we need to make top 4 with style.
Jose is the antichrist to football played with style.
Close Un, close! Noise really does travel as you can hear it whenever they score or the atmosphere is cranking up in there.
What gave you the impression I knew your area well then?
Left
Dulwich? Norwood junction? Gypsy Hill? Croydon?
When I said I was born in Catty, I’m sure I recall you saying you worked there or something similar Un
Any Rwandans out there? Amazon Prime has a series called “This is Football”. They devoted an entire hour episode to the history of Rwandan football.
Left
Drive past selhurst regularly on way into work. If I’m working east Dulwich, Forrest hill, Peckham ways.
Oh so where are you based then Un?
Yeah Junction is where I be
Left
Yeah I remember now. Yeah I work catford less as it’s a little to Far East for my liking but i get in there frequently enough. Traffic is a bastard round there too though so try to avoid it.
Left
Drive through there nearly every day mate
Past the 3 Morley’s en route to back of east Croydon station and then off to surrey from there
Grew up in Clapham/Battersea. Moved out when I got the opportunity to buy. Couldn’t afford it and certainly didn’t want to stay inner London. Always preferred the rural life. Walks in the woods and a bit of peace and quiet from the hustle and aggression of London.
Left
You by the crossroads near the station or further south?
I’m not a fan of Catford myself its my least favourite place in the Lewisham borough. Born there but resided in Se4. The love for Arsenal came from us kicking ball with Wrighty’s sons Brett & Bradley.
Cutter
Saw the first half last night, did not find it interesting.
All I could think about was how upset those Rwandan Pool fans would be that Arsenal have their country’s sponsorship on our kits.
Yeah near the station. I’m so used to London life. I’ve lived a few places in South Un, the only time I ventures out was Hertfordshire. Far too quiet for me, everything closed early and I felt like a fish outta water.
Left
Yeah? We fitted out his old flat in Forrest hill. He sold it to a fella (real prick) who worked security for bbc.
My old business partner does dinner shows with wrighty. He’s got one coming up soon with Merson too. Last one was a laugh. He’s a good talker. Good at telling stories.
Rwandan’s on le grove? Doubtful. Think they’d think better of it
Left
Na. Opposite. London is too aggressive. People are just dicks to each other. Works me up. All about the nature. Never wanted my kids to experience that harshness. Wanted them to retain a sense of childhood innocence for as long as possible. Kids in London grow up too fast. Learn about things too early. The talk out of 7-8 year olds now is ridiculous
Pedro- I’m very concerned about this Vegan cheese puff and oat milk diet your on. It seems to be messing with your brain chemistry.. Jose Fuckin Mourinho? seriously… his” managerial” style now is to publicly slag off all his best players in the media to motivate them to play better. And it works for a time because … shockingly turns out people don’t like to be embarrassed publicly. Then after a short time period the players get together and they say … Fuck this Mourinho psychological Bullcrap… we are downing tools …The locker room becomes toxic, the organization becomes toxic… Read more »
Yeah used to see alot of him when I was growing up Un. Real decent fella.
Un na
I have to admit that I was gobsmacked when it appeared you were giving morality tutorials earlier on today.
Coming from you,it felt like a blue whale sucking on a single smarties.
You give as much as you get, very much like your adored orange man.
That is true, I have a 12 year old whos schoolmates are 12 going on 20. It’s ridiculous how much they want to rush into adulthood so young Un.
London to me is how its always been. I know theres a lot of the violence being reported in the news etc but it is generally no different to how it was when I was growing up. Mind you I was a jumped up troublemaker back then.
Leftside
The severity of crime in London is child’s play compared to the typical American city. I’m always astounded anytime I’m in London about the subtle manner and quick response of your emergency services.
Which is why this Ozil situation still perplexes me. some day we will learn the full story.
“Saw the first half last night, did not find it interesting.”
Are you Rwandan?
Dissenter
Look I don’t mind taking flack. You know that. I just think it’s a little out of order when respectful posters like Tr7 or Valentin get rounded on and when people like Pierre and CG get such abuse when they never ever give it back.
That’s all. Not claiming I’m an angel but I really only engage that way with people who go in like that. Im cordial with those who are pleasant towards me, weather we share the same views or not.
Un na
Very well.
I’ve learned to accept you for who you are. You don’t hold punches and certainly don’t have a glass jaw. Some of my best professional friends are the most bizzare Trumpites so its all good.
It still irks me that you waved those pompoms for spuds 🙂
Left
There you go. I didn’t realise just how aggressive London was until I went travelling and experienced other places and atmospheres and cultures. Just thought it was normal to constantly be on your toes. Best move I ever made getting out. Wouldn’t have my Mrs or kids if I’d have stayed.
Diss
I’ll let you in on a little secret. I did want them to beat city but once I saw the rise I was getting, I carried it on for the Ajax tie. They deserve credit for the run though.
Dissenter,
Yeah, so much being made over it. These youngsters have always been self destructive, short sighted and ill tempered and it won’t change.
The Ozil/Kola story sounds like theres so much more to come from it for sure.
So cordial.
In Arsenal news Rob Holding completed 60 mins for the under 23’s his second outing since returning from injury
Fair enough Un, I have a couple of close people to me that have also moved out of London for the same reasons.
MarkoAugust 12, 2019 22:49:34
So cordial.
Don’t spoil it……
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/metro.co.uk/2019/08/12/unai-emery-celebrates-joe-willocks-tackle-like-goal-arsenals-win-newcastle-united-10560098/amp/
Great to see from willock here. We need more of this from our midfield. Haven’t seen Torreira make a tackle like this for nearly a year. He needs to get back to that. That bite in his game
No no you’re cordial
I’d imagine we see Holding and Tierney after the international break. Excited to see our potential first team together once fitness and injuries improve.
I have learned to accept the comedy that is CG.. I forget who said It, but if you read all his comments like it’s Will Ferrell saying it… it all makes sense.
Wish we could fast forward the injury and match fitness of many of our players.. we are behind the curve.. and we play Pool and the NLD too soon..
Saw an interview with Holding preseason he looked to be close to ready then but damn that scar on his knee is scary ugly.. hopefully the inside part holds up.
Tierney holding chambers bellerin
Hmmmmmmm yum its so brexit…..
Pepe Ceballos and Luiz will almost certainly start against Burnley with Liverpool on the horizon. No chance of anything against them with the same team that started against Newcastle.
Call me old fashioned but when the athletes these days are trying to coming back from ACL tears in 9 months or whatever, less than a year for Achilles tears…I understand that medicine has advanced but still gets me nervous, can’t bring myself to believe they are recovered enough for the top levels of sports.
Whatever happened to microfracture surgery, never hear about that anymore
MarkoAugust 12, 2019 22:53:32
No no you’re cordial
How observant….
Whatever happened to microfracture surgery, never hear about that anymore
CC???
Your time to shine.
Hopefully Torreira too
Really interested to see what ends up becoming the first choice midfield over the course of the season.
Don’t know about microfracture surgery… but that scar on Holdings knee looked to be about 4 or 5 inches long … bit like Dr. Frankenstein had a go.. at it. I’m sure he had all the best surgeons and all that.. Anyhow, Him and Bellerin worry me a bit for the long haul.. really don’t want anymore Diaby situations. Where you get your hopes up only to realize nope, nope … made of glass. Midfield I’d imagine will be an everchanging setup… seems to be Emery’s thing… horses for courses.. just a matter of whether he gets it right more… Read more »
The Kit War – An interactive data story about the sponsoring of apparel brands for the 500 top football clubs worldwide and all 211 FIFA national teams of the last 30 years and beyond.
https://geolic.net/the-kit-war/
Cutter
No I’m not Rwandan.
Interesting info on that site. Web design is very well done.
Always been a fan of Adidas over the others. First pair of “cool” shoes were Sambas.. in the 80’s . Hell I still wear them occasionally… Not the same shoes from the 80’s obviously .. no idea where those are now.. but Sambas… Grey ones at the moment with black stripes.
Mid So many question marks in midfield for me, there’s not really any grouping that stands out as the best choices at all. Just a little off with every grouping. Torreira is a big one for me as I believe he still has the most potential to becomes a top player, he needs to show improvement this season though. Never saw much of Ceballos before but he seemed half a tick behind at Newcastle, hopefully his game comes up to speed quickly. Seen lots of mixed opinions about Willock’s performance but I thought he did pretty well considering his experience,… Read more »
In view of Ceballos performance at Newcastle, starting with him against Burnley may be a cultural and physical shock he never recover. To me, he did not look like 100% ready. Burnley is a team of bruiser and sneaky (in fact not so sneaky) foulers. However they also play 4-4-2, so the two in midfield should not be overrun. I would go for Xhaka-Torreira with Willock further up or with Xhaka-Willock, Ceballos further up. Having only two CBs against Burnley two strikers would be risky. I expect Emery to play with 3 at the back against them: Chambers, Luiz and… Read more »
In view of Ceballos performance at Newcastle, starting with him against Burnley may be a cultural and physical shock he never recover.
Yeah like I said just before you I thought he looked a tick behind. I wouldn’t use such hyperbolic terms though. I’m gonna just assume you’re trying to be colorful with your words and not that you actually believe that Burnley will spell the end of Ceballos EPL career if he starts.
Luteo,
Yes, I meant that he is in for a big surprise, and not the nice and friendly one. Referees in the EPL are more lenient that he is accustomed to and Burnley has a tendency to sail very close to the limit.
Pires in an interview said that the first game Wenger put him on the bench, he genuinely was scared and thought that he had made a mistake. He joked that he wanted to go home. The game was fast and the tacles were furious. Lol.