via @Arsenal Instagram
Good morning and welcome to another Sunday edition of Le Grove.
Watford’s ‘new manager kick’ didn’t last beyond a single game. Manchester City absolutely trounced our St. Albans neighbours with a performance so brutal, it should have had a 9pm watershed. 8-0 is not a Premier League score.
… but don’t worry, I wouldn’t dare draw parallels.
I’m actually weak from finding out my dad is a Bud Light drinker. He went out of his way to purchase them as well. How do you live life knowing that your dad is drinking soft beer like that behind your back? The alpha male theory is a fucking charade, I promise you.
Anyway, it’s all about Arsenal and what the manager can offer up to solve our very clear frailties today.
I would personally play Saka. He had an electric game in the week and looks more than ready to do some damage to lesser teams. His pace and directness could be a real asset at the moment. He’s ready, give him some game time in home games of this level.
Secondly, the theory that Emery plays Xhaka because he’s tall seems to hold weight. What do we think about the potential of moving Luiz forward when Holding returns to the first team? Couldn’t be any worse, could it?
Ideally, we’d have LT in the pivot tomorrow, but we’ll see.
Villa have the potential to bother us, they’ll work hard and menace us start to finish. That said, we have enough firepower to make a weak defence look silly. We need a performance, one has to drop soon, hopefully today is that moment.
I know I have been beating on Emery for a while, but I truly believe he can at least offer up a sustained run of wins. He’s average, he’s not bad. Today needs to be a stake in the ground. Let’s see a positive formation. Play our best attacking players, go into the game confidently, and try and impose some sort of vision on the day.
Huge game. Let’s see what he has for us.
Before you go, Dan, from Heart Of The Holte, has penned some words for us on Aston Villa. It’s a good read. Enjoy and give them a follow @HeartofTheHolte.
How would I rate Villa’s start to the campaign? Above or below expectations?
It would be fair to say that overall our start to the season has proven somewhat frustrating. There have been plenty of positives, and most games have shown plenty of good things that can be built upon, but ultimately the cold hard truth is 4 points from 5 games isn’t the return we would have hoped for. It’s probably a start we could have expected as a newly promoted team, but there is certainly a feeling we should be at least a couple of points better off. There’s plenty of room for improvement but there’s also enough ability and desire in the squad to improve.
How would I gauge Dean Smith’s first year in charge? Are things moving in the right direction or is there any pressure forming?
Dean Smith has been in charge for almost exactly a year now, and it has been quite a ride so far, which gloriously reached its peak in the record-breaking 10 game winning streak which propelled us towards the playoffs and promotion in May. You’d be hard-pressed to find any fan who’d have a bad word to say about Smith and things are moving in the right direction. We do need a few more points on the board and to become a greater goal threat but overall, there’s a real togetherness and spirit right now which resonates from the pitch to the stands which instills confidence that we’ll get to where we want to go.
How do Villa strike a balance between their strengths and weaknesses?
For the most part, Villa are a decent unit and with all the new arrivals this summer, the gelling of the squad has been pretty seamless. We have a solid defensive foundation in fan favourites Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels in front of the experienced safe hands of Tom Heaton, we have a pretty dynamic midfield featuring last season’s key lynchpins of John McGinn and captain Jack Grealish, and there’s promise in big target man Wesley. Our weaknesses lie in our wide positions, particularly in attack and the consistency of performances in our wingers and their defensive tracking back. We also have a tendency at the moment to try and force things a little and give away possession cheaply. Nevertheless, the promise and the talent is there and as we develop and start to really click as a squad we should grow into a very difficult team to play against.
How do I think Villa will set up on Sunday? What are Arsenal’s weaknesses that I think Villa can exploit? And what are Villa’s weaknesses that I worry can be exploited?
As with most teams who have played Arsenal so far, Villa will have to find a way to get at the defence, Arsenal have shown a softness under pressure at the back and their commitment to almost suicidally playing out from the back is clearly an area to attack. But we’ll have to we wary of the lightning pace and lethal finishing of the front three. Stopping Aubameyang and Pépé will prove a huge task for any defence and our wingers will have to do a lot of work in defensive support too, which I fear may not always happen. We will also have to be better in possession when we do have it and seek to shut down Arsenal’s countering capabilities by avoiding sloppiness in possession.
How do I think the game will go and what are my predictions?
Our recent matches against Arsenal, particularly at the Emirates, have hardly been memorable and yet we still have the third best win rate of any current premier league team there, so it’s not hopeless. We’re a very different team (club even) to the sorry visitors who insipidly lost 4-0 on or way out of the division in 2016. Arsenal are obvious favourites and are pretty good at home so the realist in me expects a defeat, but the fan in me is hoping we can grab a point. So with my heart ruling over my mind, and seeking to be optimistic, I’ll go for a repeat of the first-ever match at the Emirates. 1-1.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5
6th
7th
Man Utd
9th
I will be there today match report coming after 7
We will best them today I am sure of it
Pepe really needs a big performance today, pref a goal or two, too. Atm he can be let off for being new, settling in, etc., but if it doesn’t start happening for him soon, the questions are gonna start coming, and with it so much added pressure, that it could totally ruin him for a while if he can’t handle it. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get to that!
DM,
If this was 20 years ago it would be fine. But expectations are so high people will be jumping on pepe sooner rather than later.
Dennis, Thierry, Pires all took time to get started can you imagine if the fans and media had been like it is now, back then.
Pedro
Tuesday there is Carabao Cup game , I am sure Saka would start that . Lets not put undue pressure on him .
Up 4 grabs Absolutely. But tbf, when you pay 72m for someone, you expect a certain level of performance to come with that. Sure, it’s not his fault how much we paid, but the longer it takes him to impose himself, the harder it’ll become. For me personally, it’s not so much about the goals – that’ll come – but I have been a little frustrated about his positional movement at times. There have been quite a few occasions on the break when he could’ve used his pace to totally leg it up field and provide an option and instead… Read more »
Yes , there is a league cup tie v forest on the week but I would rather see if Saka can cement his partnership with Aubameyang ( who surely wont start v forest) which has great possibilities due to saka’s excellent delivery from out wide. I believe he will learn more playing with the likes of pepe, Aubamayang, Ceballos and Ozil. In saying that , there is no chance that the manager will start Saka . I can see Emery going with 4-2-3-1 with both Ceballos and Ozil starting ,pepe on the right, Aubameyang up top with Ceballos and Ozil… Read more »
Agree Pierre, as much as we would probably all love to see it, I doubt Saka starts the game today. That may be somewhat sensible this time out but if he continues to impress I see no reason why he won’t become something of a regular in the side before the season is over. He has genuine class.
All that being said I do think we will win today, it may not be plain sailing but a win nonetheless.
You have absolutely no reason to bench Saka today, the lad needs soft home games like this to build high gear momentum.
Bukayo if given chance would do everything a prime Alexis did and more.
I’m not worried at all about Pepe. I’ve seen enough to be confident that he’ll be successful. A goal will settle him, let’s hope it’s today.
Tempting to give Saka time but as Divine says, there is a game against Forest on Tuesday. Ceballos and Ozil should play today and Nelson shouldn’t be written off.
Just hope LT plays at the base of midfield but have little confidence in Emery’s ability to choose the best combination in midfield that includes playing people in their best positions. Trouble is while he picks Xhaka we’ll never have the right combination.
Luiz at CDM? I would have been against it at season start (in fact I rubbished it when it was suggested) but he’s been a bit of a fuck-up at CD for us so I think it’s worth a try. Anything to rid us of Xhaka.
DM,
The transfer fee is always a millstone until he settles an and shows what he can do.
Hopefully with a decent fullback behind him will help.
Also the slow build up from playing out from the back doesn’t help.
Mid week was great watching Martinez throw the ball out fast and try and break the lines, and get us into the opposition half quickly.
Gentlebris’no reason to bench Saka today’. How about a player who’s just turned 18 having played three days ago not playing so soon, when there is an opportunity to play on Tuesday.
Divine
So play martinelli or Nelson Tuesday?
Saka seems the most likely of the 3 to produce a performance there today and that means 3 points. Which we really need and so does emery. If he pulls him out it shows that he can’t help but tinker to the detriment of the first team
Ozil and Ceballos will most likely start today, no room for Saka.
Bob
Do you think we are more likely to gain 3 points with Nelson or martinelli there instead? We need to play our best in the league. Saka for me looks better than the other two
He starts for me
Looks to already have a nice rapport on the go with Aubameyang
Pepe on the other side will want to dove tail with them and let’s face it he’s not really being used in his most potent position, on the right rather than part of a two man in front of a diamond
Ozil was rested midweek so he is very likely to start today, as well as Ceballos.
Perhaps Saka will get some time from the bench but highly unlikely he starts. As much as a talent he obviously is, overplaying him isn’t going to help him as he will likely play against Forest.
We have seen how overplaying the likes of Wilshere in the past has perhaps been to their detriment so care needs to be taken with our youth players.
Bob,
Saka is 18, an age when fatigue doesn’t appear in the dictionary.
And then today is the real opportunity not Tuesday.
Let’s see Saka with our ‘A’ team and see how he does with them.
Nothing says the boy can’t grab a brace today. Are we even going to debate his chances of starting the next PL game if he scores two goals today?
Unai,
Martinelli hasn’t played this season so the likelihood of him playing is negligible. Nelson has more chance but I would assume that Ozil and Ceballos will dovetail. Saka looked excellent and I would be excited if he were to start today but I just think it’s not going to happen. He may be the next great thing but with an opportunity to play against Forest on Tuesday, he’ll surely get another opportunity to impress then. If he keeps looking outstanding then he should be given PL games but not this week end .
Gentlebris, read Chris’ post above.
‘Perhaps Saka will get some time from the bench but highly unlikely he starts. As much as a talent he obviously is, overplaying him isn’t going to help him as he will likely play against Forest’
How old was Messi when he became the world best player?
Must have been ‘overplayed’ before then.
In my opinion, resting ozil in midweek should have no bearing on team selection for today.
If Saka is the best option for wide left today then play him and leave him out v forest.
Gentle
“How old was Messi when he became the world best player?
Must have been ‘overplayed’ before then.”
Can’t find the logic there mate. Why must he have been overplayed before becoming the best player in the world? I’m not saying he was or wasn’t just can’t follow your reasoning.
Luiz at CM? Can’t be dishing out criticism of Emery and dropping that one in there as an option. Guy has played as an elite CB for Chelsea, PSG, Brazil, and now we want to chuck him into midfield at 32 for a run around? Behave. Chambers played in midfield last season for Fulham, he’s also 24 and has legs (that don’t move quick admittedly, but none of our midfields do). If you’re wanting fresh meat in midfield he’s the only legible pick imo. My novel idea would be to have an XI setup with roles and responsibilities they know,… Read more »
‘Can’t find the logic there mate. Why must he have been overplayed before becoming the best player in the world? I’m not saying he was or wasn’t just can’t follow your reasoning.’ Bojangles, Messi started at the first team around the age Saka is starting now. Messi played so many games from then on easily falling into the category of the ‘overplayed’ according to some LeGroovers but eventually Messi became the world best footballer when most of his age mates were just entering the first team all over the world. My point is Messi is still playing 10 years later…..bones… Read more »
Goes back to the game on Thursday with the points all wrapped up, Auba could have laid it on for Pepe to get a goal to ease some of the pressure being put on him.
I’m sympathetic as we aren’t playing to his strengths at all and our build up play is ponderous. We move the ball so slowly.
‘If Saka is the best option for wide left today then play him and leave him out v forest.’
Exactly the way I see it, Pierre.
We should also note that this Felix kid Atl. Madrid bought for all that money is being overplayed as we speak.
What a wrong move by Atl. Madrid, trying to break the kid’s bones after paying all that money for him.
PSG must have broken Mbappe bones to some extent too.
Gentlebris, your logic is tainted. How many young players who haven’t made it may have been overplayed? Quoting a freak of nature is a poor argument.
Look obviously Saka could play today and be fine. The principle is that you pace and nurture a young player’s development. There are a team of coaches and medical professionals who are employed to make decisions for the benefit of the player.
He can impress again on Tuesday.
Play Saka and do away with the excuses, he’s currently our best option on the left. Fati is 16 and he’s playing for Barca very regularly.
From the Independent after Watford: “Cleverley revealed they had spent the days leading up to the game working on a way to close down Arsenal as they played out from the back – something that paid dividends as the former Manchester United midfielder grabbed his first league goal since January. “I feel like we were well organised from their goal-kicks,” he said. “It is something we worked on all week. We weren’t surprised they tried to play like that. It was just more of a surprise they didn’t adapt during the game and they were pretty stubborn with it.” ”… Read more »
Ok so now we are back to the diamond
Ozil and Ceballos being relied on?
Fuck that
‘ Quoting a freak of nature is a poor argument.’
Well Bob I have quoted about FIVE ‘freak of nature’ and I could find much more names.
Rooney started heavy very early, his bones are still intact.
Fabregas started heavy very early, his bones are still intact.
Iwobi started early, his bones seems to be waxing stronger.
Lots and lots of players started playing regularly from their teens and went on to have fulfilled careers.
And if I may dare say I will say the likes of J.W are the real freak of nature.
My arguments still tainted, Bob?
**seem to be
Saka’s Selection today should be measured by his recovery level from the EL cup game and which game is more important Villa vs Forrest.
The fact he is currently the best choice for the left wing is also a strong mitigating factor.
I’d also like to see Martinelli play, so maybe give both players a half unless game circumstances dictate otherwise.
Here is my team for today:
Saka Auba Pépé
Ceballos
Willock Torrey
Kola Luiz Chambers AMN
Leno.
Works for me Gentle but Emery will no doubt offer something completely different, especially in MF.
Of course Tony, Emery will never allow anything simple and effective. He prefers to twist until he gets twisted himself.
Gentle who knows what the Adams Family reject is going to do next with selections.
It’s farcical at best.
Contrary to my opinion people actually want to play Saka today. How about the prime example of Jack Wilshere ?
“Look obviously Saka could play today and be fine. The principle is that you pace and nurture a young player’s development. There are a team of coaches and medical professionals who are employed to make decisions for the benefit of the player.” Sums up my thoughts too Bob. Every player is different. Players like Messi and Mbappe obviously exceptional individuals, only the club will know how durable Saka is and in the mean time acting on the side of caution is sensible. There is also placing the weight of expectation on someone so young. A tremendous showing in midweek may… Read more »
Pierre “I can see Emery going with 4-2-3-1 with both Ceballos and Ozil starting ,Pepe on the right, Aubameyang up top with Ceballos and Ozil alternating between the CAM and wide left positions. ” It would work if we have a fast LB (Tieney} who can run up and down the sideline fast. Ceballos played as left inside forward for the Spain national team. But he is not a winger. He won’t run past a FB and center. So is Ozil. I am all for investing game time on Saka. He is the only natural left winger available. Both Reiss… Read more »
I can’t believe Watford -olena lost to city 8 nil. After playing us off the park I thought they were a shoe in for the title 😁
Nelson
“It would work if we have a fast LB (Tieney} who can run up and down the sideline fast”
Kolasinac is not exactly slow is he, his attacking instincts are far better than his defensive instincts, so all things considered, it should work .
Though I woukd still like to see Emery take a risk and select Saka, maybe he will surprise us all.
Can’t compare wilshere’s situation to Saka – jack was always predisposed to injuries because of the way he played , Saka is not that player – and for every player we can say was over played , we can name a player that was completely fine after being played a lot at an early age. So when is the right time to start playing ? 18 , 19 , 21 ? – if you show form then why not play ? Why not get 45 mins against a newly promoted team ? He’s not 36 and unable to do more… Read more »
Told you this boy was gonna be a big player…
Why we let Jim go in first place..
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-eyeing-transfer-return-50m-20137768
Another parting gift from the le cunt
Why wenger was allowed to make decisions in the last season is beyond me…
Sobered up yet Tony?
Un
Probably would have if I drank alcohol.
I don’t normally repost but as there is often a lull on here before kick off, have a read of these as there are some real gems. My son has been in tears reading them as I gave them to him as an English reading exercise:
https://www.capbusinessclubs.co.uk/blog/the-funniest-insurance-claims-and-quotes-genuine-scenarios-incorporated-into-a-comic-act-by-jasper-carrott
Messi’s longevity may be due to him using Growth Hormone as a food group
Whereas most athletes would be punished for substance abuse, Messi had high levels proscribed as he was ‘physically challenged’ or whatever the PC term for dwarf currently is
Ozil can not change games anymore, his pathetic whinny attitude means someone else is on the bench, we won’t be able to sell him or put him on loan, so get shot, he must divide the team, and the hapless Emery will once again frustrate and confuse the players and fans. Don’t buy into give him time, he has had a season and a bit to address problems especially the defence, and we are even worse, the laughing stock of the football World. He couldn’t cut it at PSG where he divided the team, we are really going to struggle… Read more »
I would definitely play Saka. The days of saving that tosser Ozil for games he should supposedly perform in are over.
Saka has that individual ability but also has attributes that we desperately need as a collective. Him zipping around Ceballos and other midfielders can offset the chronic lack of energy and mobility in that area.
Ray on LA
“Messi’s longevity may be due to him using Growth Hormone as a food group”
I would say it’s due to him being a very good intelligent footballer , who has the ability to ride tackles which is an art in itself .
I’m not sure it is something you can learn as a player, its like a sixth sense of knowing when someone is about to do you.
Henry had it , Aubameyang has it , wilshere I’m afraid doesn’t have it .
Tony
Yeah? Then what was all that whiskey talk on her about 4 weeks ago? Must have been good if you can’t remember it
Would go with:
————————Leno—————
———–Mustafi—-Luiz—–Sokratis——-
Chambers—Torreira—-Ceballos———–Kolasinac
———-Pepe————————Saka
———————Auba————–
Wtf ?? A Mustardi believer ?? Lolz
I read this morning that Emery has “put some pressure” on Pepe….
What about put some pressure on our Captain Disaster, dear Unai ??
#XhakaOut
To be a good liar you need to have a good memory.
Chambers is NOT a fullback, I repeat Chambers is NOT a fullback.
AV won’t be easy meat. Especially if Arsenal take an age thru passing and more
passing bf they get to the goal mouth.
MC shd be the std in attacking but the blades gave an example of swift passing with 3/4 passes bf scoring.
I would like our guys run at defenders
in addition to passing the ball
Donyel Mallen joined Arsenal after a major fallout with his previous club because of so called lack of opportunities in the first team. At Arsenal he show flashes of brilliance, but in equal measure flash of petulance and dissent toward the coaching staff. He believed his own hype. He thought that he was better than he was at the time. He remind me of Depay. Good but not consistently good enough to be at a top club. He may become good, but I believe that his attitude and arrogance is what will ultimately stop getting a career a la Ronaldo.… Read more »
Afternoon, All the comparisons as to why city smashed Watford and we scrapped a draw are ridiculous. City even with a centreback crisis are better than what we have. And that’s just there defence. Better in nearly all other areas. Most fans are getting sick of gifting goals to the opposition. I have no problem with some great piece of skill, long range shot, amazing build up play against us, but how many more gifts can we keep giving. Mustafi ozil, and xhaka are not good enough for arsenal. And should be nowhere near the league side. They can Make… Read more »
Un
Un
Was advised to give up alcohol after my stent follow up tests last week.
Tony
Oh!! Ok. There comes a time mate. I’ve cut down big time myself. Trying to abstain now until December then go an a 3 day drink drug and hooker bender
Pepe needs to relax and start to enjoy himself.
Problem is, under Emery, one senses that is increasingly becoming an impossible task.
Secondly, Wilshere was an accident waiting to happen with his physical defiences( bow legs) which affected his running style and was detrimental when it came to any aspect of physical contact.
Was he overplayed? Taking this into account, maybe. The thing is, I’m sure our experienced manager and his top notch fitness team were well aware of Wilshere’s predicament.
Of course they were.
Messi was not overused initially. In his senior starting season aged 17 he played 77 minutes across 9 appearances in the league hardly overused. The following season 2005-2006 he played only in 25 games. Initially because of the extra European limit which meant until he acquired Spanish nationality he could not play. Then he got seriously injured during a game with Chelsea. Again hardly overused. The following season he had only 36 appearances equivalent in minutes to less than 31 games. Again hardly the overused player. If Saka were to have appearances in a third of Premiership games and play… Read more »
As long as Sokratis doesn’t play, I am happy with whoever starts.
Used to watch Jota play fro Brentford. Cracking little player. If he starts, Kolasinac might be in trouble.
Foreverinourshadows
I agree, based on the other night, Martinez looks the better of the two.
Leno can’t afford any more slip ups.
It’s a relatively small detail but Sokratis has played his whole time here on the left side of central defence, and since Luiz has come in he’s had to move to the right. It’s enough of a destabilising change to make a difference with someone as fundamentally mediocre(even near his best) as Sokratis.
Un
No real problem as hangovers post 60 are extremely long and unpleasant.
Where you going for your bender?
Cuba, Amsterdam, New York, LA, Vegas, Rio?
All fun places
Leno
AMN, Chambers, Luiz, Kolasinac
Guendouzi, Torreira, Ceballos
Pepe, Aubameyang, Saka
That would be what I’d go with. Full backs suck but their time is over nearly.
Chambers has looked decent for us when he’s played so I’d give him a run out today. Sokratis owned up to his shit performance but there has to be consequences.
At 1-0 Watford had three good chances to score.
Defensively Watford were crap and as soon as it went 2-0, they gave up.
Arsenal were pathetic in the second half last week and most Championship teams would have caused us problems based on that 45 minute performance.
If we play as badly today, Emery must feel the wrath of the fans.
Gentle
Messi 2003-2004 played 10 Barca C, 2004-2005 plyd 22 Barca B.
Didn’t play for Barca full team until 2006. Was 18 then. Couldn’t find break down for seasons after that.
England winning comfortably but a fair few handling errors.
Still too slow and predictable for my liking.
No comparison to NZ and SA.
Ah well, early days.
“And if I may dare say I will say the likes of J.W are the real freak of nature.”
Crank up the volume! Dozi played many games last season, no injuries
I am tired of watching Xhaka-Guen play together at the base of our midfield. Let Guen play as a floating midfielder with Ceballos-Torr as our central mid pivot.
If I were Saka I would be really tempted to play against a side like Villa at home on the back of a good performance midweek. I hope Emery doesn’t chicken out once again.
Leno
Mustafi Chambers Luiz Kola
Ceballos Torr
Guen
Pepe Auba Saka
Tony
No real problem as hangovers post 60 are extremely long and unpleasant.
Wtf did you drink mate, I haven’t had a hangover for more than 20 years.
TR7
Basically went for the same team, but Mustafi at RB?
I really do not like AMN at RB but you’d go for Mustafi?
Great run from Anthony Watson.
Handling errors letting them down again.
Nice try though.
33-3.
England look like a team of heavyweights.
NZ and SA look like a team of natural runners and athletes.
Graham
England solid enough and are generally slow starting tournaments.
So great displays by many of the team but need to be more disciplined regarding needless penalties.
Good win and no injuries: perfect start.
Cesc
I absolutely detest Mustafi, the center back. But at RB he is not a bad option. He is athletic and plays with a lot of energy. You can count in him running channels on the flank. I remember him having a couple of good performances in that position in Arsenal shirt. As for AMN, if he is to be given a chance it better be in midfield. He has not got the aptitude to play in a back 4.
Paulinho
Sokratis has played on the right. Koscielny and Holding played on the left.
Emery should go with Guendozi and Ceballos at the base of midfield in a 4-2-3-1.
Bojangles
Single malts, Hine brandy and Belvedere vodka are my go to spirits, not a beer drinker.
What normally got me into trouble we’re Long Island iced Teas with double Belvedere instead of gin.
I was generally calm about today until I remembered we are facing Wesley Moraes,one of the strongest men in European football…if not the best lol 😂….6ft, brutally strong in the air loves bullying defences and facing Arsenal midgets today..I mean what could go wrong?
No one got any comments on Malen…
Lord above.
I recall Gambon n red rruth coating him off…
Told you he is going to be a big star…
All content with arguing with each other an coating off the youth to realise quality when it’s placed before you.
“I assume, by the way, that Mesut Ozil is fully recovered from his arduous 71 minutes at Watford. Or does he need to be a substitute today to ease him into the season?”
Love it. Lol.