Spine looking good but the magic is still missing

by .

CREDIT: Arsenal Instagram

Arsenal kicked off their Europa League campaign in less than sexy fashion. If that game were a human being up in the cluuuuub, it’d be the ugly guy that pulls at the end of the night, picking up someone crying in the corner because they’ve messed their pants. 

It’s difficult to knock a win, but as wins go, this was another you’d put on the unimpressive list. Now, you have to caveat that the Europa League is not the competition young kids dream of growing up. It’s a form of punishment. It’s detention for elite clubs. We shouldn’t be there, the players know it, and that clearly impacts motivation on some level. Factor in that a chunk of that starting 11 was fringe, here on a favour, or we attempted to sell them this summer as well.

Rapid Wien were out the traps faster than us and their young side nipped, shoved, and kicked with vigour. The interesting thing is that the physical approach didn’t impact our spirit, it just kept the game from really flowing. We nearly conceded early when Bernd Leno had to claw at a Gabriel block that was heading over him. We had one good chance as well, David Luiz steered a beauty of a header across their keeper, but he managed to palm wide. They were the better team in the first half. We were slow on the ball, we didn’t create chances in the final third, and we looked a little bored.

The second half was different, we started badly, then conceded. We were playing out the back like we have done for 9 months, Luiz passed to Leno, the German took a touch, lost the ball, then flapped at the shot and it went under him. It was a poor mistake. He doubled down on it by making two more horrendous errors with the ball at his feet. Very concerning.

We eventually kicked into gear. We played with a bit more urgency, we moved the ball into pockets that caused problems, and we looked a little more interested. Our luck broke when another of their tactical fouls gave us a freekick. Nicolas Pepe whipped it into David Luiz who was on point to nod into the net.

Our second goal came when we brought on Hector Bellerin for Cedric and Auba for the anonymous Eddie. Mo Elneny drove through midfield, slipped in Hector B who controlled the ball and weighted a perfect pass into Auba who finished with casual ease.

There were no real problems after that. As a sign of respect, we ran the ball into the corner to see out the game.

An away win in our first Europa League game of the season, against the best team in our group, is not to be sniffed at… but we’re football fans, so let’s sniff at this like we’re looking at a semi-naked Newcastle fan in December after one too many.

ATTACK

We dropped 650 odd passes, had 68% of the ball, but only managed 4 shots on target. That might have had the Özil weirdoes in our fanbase rubbing their knees, but for everyone else, it had us wondering where the solve is coming from? I understand that the system is rigid because we want to be solid. We are solid. If that game doesn’t have a bad keeping error, we’re doing what we should be. But here’s the thing… we are always going to have to deal with mistakes, and we cannot rely on an outrageous conversion rate in every game. The pattern is clear, we do not create. This cannot go on all season.

MIDFIELD

Now, I thought our midfield looked pretty decent. Mo Elneny gets a lot of stick but he covers a lot of ground and he’s a good passer. He lacks ambition in a 4-4-2, but he didn’t do too badly… his assist for the assist was vital.

Thomas Partey was the star though. I think he’ll surprise people this season. He looks like a Rolls Royce outside a chip shop in EL. His positioning is excellent, he shields the defence really well, and he seems to have that special knack of knowing where danger will come from. More encouraging is that he was pretty sharp going forward, he progressed the ball nicely and he’s certainly no sideways merchant (sorry, Mo). Owen Hargreaves called it ‘one of the best debuts I have ever seen.’

After the game, Arteta seemed to make a point that he can control the midfield on his own.

‘I think he held the midfield by himself in the second half when we were a little bit more open,’

‘He started to take more chances attacking certain spaces with some players.’

‘I think he was fantastic and there is much more to come from him.’

That hopefully means there’s a 4-3-3 coming our way at some point. That begins to open up some options for a more progressive approach to our attacking play. Overall though, a really, really good debut. Controlled, classy, decisive.

  • Touches: 102
  • Completed passes: 83
  • Pass completion: 90.2%
  • Duels won: 10/13
  • Possession gained: 8
  • Tackles: 5
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Clearances: 1

DEFENCE

Well, a lot to unpack here. Firstly, someone needs to get Kolasinac and Cedric off of my screen. It is astounding that Cedric had to be yanked to save the game. Both can’t even perform against minnows in the Europa, shocking that they are still here.

… but, on a positive note. David Luiz might be a joke when it comes to freekicks, but he was a demon in the box last night. Two of our four shots on target came from his head. It’s great to get a turn out of him in a bland game. BUT, the real star, was Gabriel. What a fucking player this kid is, 22 years old, slipping into a new team, bossing games like a champion. He’s right at the top of the passing charts in the Premier League, and he took that form into last night. He’s clever with his immense strength, he reads danger really well, he’s dominant in the air, and he’s plenty fast. He just looks so incredibly comfortable on the ball. What a steal he was at 30m euros.

WORRIES

Nicolas Pepe did not look good again. Not even close. He managed to land an assist but it masked a largely ineffective game again. His confidence is rock bottom at the moment and I’m not sure his game suits the vision of what Arteta is trying to do… but come on man… be a little more direct. Try and stand up. Stop looking for the foul. Take some risks.

EXPERIMENT

My main takeaway is we keep giving bum players chances and we’re not using these competitions to learn things. Where are the Willocks and ESRs? Why not give Balo a place on the bench? Are we going to give these players a go this season? I don’t know how many more times we need to see Kola and Cedric stink out the place. Do we really need to see Pepe in that game? Hopefully, that was just first-game jitters and we progress at some point to using players with high ceilings.

MESUT

Top social media-ing from our man back at the ranch. I loved the Arteta comment.

‘It’s great, what I want from the players who aren’t in the squad, I don’t expect anything different.’

OVERALL

We won.

Sunday is the game that matters. Let’s move!

 

631 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Graham62

Some posters on here have certainly got the gift of the gab of that there is no doubt but when it comes to understanding the fundamentals of a very simple game, these same people show quite an ignorant and naive take on things. Look at it this way. For years at Arsenal, we have had many substandard keepers which ,ultimately, cost us when it came to competing at a higher level. Due to an unfortunate injury to Mr Leno at Brighton back in June and a wee bit of fate, we at last found ourselves in a position where we… Read more »

Buzzy

Bold call by Bielsa..that’s where a manager earns his money..have we ever seen any Arsenal manager make a tactical subsitiution inside 20 minutes?

Champagne charlie

Ishola

True to form you go ahead and make my point further still. You’re incapable of reading what’s in front of you, and instead you argue POV that aren’t even offered.

So yea I agree, it really is that simple. You’re very simple.

Nelson

That was a goal line clearance.

Tee

“You do realize that Martinez left because he wanted to be a number 1 keeper, right? Arteta (wrongly) preferred Leno over him, and that’s why they sold Emi instead of inept Bernd” Please, stop this obvious lies. I don’t see anything ambiguous that requires any further interpretation in the direct quote from Martinez. Martinez wanted the transfer and he wasn’t denied it. He even thanked Arteta and the club for allowing him to go because he was handed a new contract which he refused. He wasn’t forced out of the club. besides, leno just recovered from injury and there was… Read more »

Ishola70

Charlie

You have been throwing around terms like “cancerous” today in regards Leno.

Really step back and take a deep breathe please for our sakes as well as yours.

Yes it’s not difficult to understand is it.

As Bucks Fizz once told us if you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

Very under-rated tune. Just bubbling under the radar.

Champagne charlie

Ishola

You can read the words I’ve written but it doesn’t mean you understand what’s been said. That much is crystal clear by how many times you’ve fallen over yourself in response to what I’ve said, or what Marko has said.

You’ll get there one day.

Buzzy

great handling by Emi…Leno would have waited and hoped for a defender to clear that

Ishola70

Charlie

There is nothing to take from your utterings today.

All you did was to say that Leno can and could suffer because of this atmosphere surrounding him because of Martinez.

That’s not great insight fella.

And for how many times before now if Leno does “suffer” because of this then he is not suitable to be Arsenal keeper.

Graham62

If Arteta had done the right thing and told Martinez “you’re our new number 1”, he would have stayed.

Guaranteed.

Tom

Grealish needs to work on his diving technique.

karim

look at that cunt defender stamping on Bamford 9 after he hit the ball.
Wanker.

Tom

This is really a good advert for PL.
The level of fitness by Leeds is just insane.

Champagne charlie

“All you did was to say that Leno can and could suffer because of this atmosphere surrounding him because of Martinez.“ I said the following, which shows no mention of Leno suffering: “The last 6 weeks or so has changed my view somewhat about Leno. Not about his ability, but about the fact we probably need fresh blood as our number one because we’ve allowed this weird romantic story to get way out of hand. The noise around him is cancerous now, and I don’t agree for a second that it’s merely “concern” which would be fair game. I think… Read more »

Nelson

Bamford has the size, but he needs too many chances to score one. Eddie has a better feel where the goal is.

Ernest Reed

That was a really a good half of football.

Ishola70

Charlie The main term and what is of the most relevance in that post of yours is the following: “The noise around him is cancerous now” If Leno lets this “noise” affect him so badly then yet again it has to be pointed out to you that he will be seen as not suitable as goalkeeper for Arsenal. You can feel sorry for him all you want if it comes to this but it still won’t diminish that he will be seen as not suitable. What we all should be hoping is that Leno takes this on as a spur… Read more »

gunnerram

My 2 cents on our team: With Gabriel and Partey we will be very difficult to beat. If Dani plays with Partey and Mo then that’s the ideal middle 3 we need. All 3 are mobile and 2 of them – Dani and Partey will pass the ball forward. If the Front-3 is like Saka – Auba – Willian then we will score a few goals. Both Saka & Willian can play to orders so it again contributes to the fact that we will be difficult to break down. The only thing we havent see any evidence – is wenger… Read more »

MidwestGun

Leeds are sure fun to watch with everyone streaming forward… but defensively they are all over the place and the energy level is unsustainable. Anyhow, regarding the Keeper situation we kept the wrong one.. but it happens.. People act like managers make the right decisions all the time..they don’t. As I said before Ancelotti once let Henry go to Arsenal. because he thought he would never be able to play through the middle.

Nelson

Terry is still happy to be an assistant. Maybe Villa has promised him the coaching job one day.

Daniel Altos

People who are blaming martinez for wanting to leave and not ‘fighting it out’ are very shameless.How can you do that when its been reported that Arteta wanted a clear number one and that wasn’t going to be emi?Did you miss the part where leno basically said he was promised number 1?Nobody gives a f*ck whether martinez was shit for 100 years,I choose to go with what I see with my two eyes and what I see is that he is a better goalkeeper than leno,anyone who doesn’t see this is mad.If you were martinez,would you stick around a club… Read more »

Nelson

Good save by “our” boy.

Buzzy

Leeds look like prime BVB 2012-13 season..crazy intensity and so sharp

Champagne charlie

Ishola

I’m not explaining it any further how your own interpretation of what was said is wrong. It’s been said by me, explained by Marko, and reiterated by me once again but still here you are arguing the phantom.

London gunner

Gonna get a lot of stick for this but eleney is a pretty decent player.

Not a worldie but deffo a good option on the bench his lre assist to bellerin through ball pass was saucy

London gunner

46 min: Leeds are quickly on the front foot. Alioski crosses from the left. Martinez claims well amid a crowded box.

Ishola70

Charlie

You are being ridiculous now in trying to kid on that you have further nuances to what you basically said.

And to bring in Marko is hilarious as he has been acting like a demented monkey on here ever since the Martinez episode reared it’s head.

You are not fooling anyone on here let alone me.

salparadisenyc

What a run Grealish…..

MidwestGun

Wow.. that was a hell of a run by Grealish.. 12 year old Keeper stopped him though.

salparadisenyc

Hahah all that work and snubbed by a pre teen.

Buzzy

That had been coming since ever…cant blame Emi for that though..was actually a good save

Radio Raheem

When did Villa get good at football?

MidwestGun

There we go… Villa Invincible season in danger.

karim

Does that put an end to the Emi debate ?

salparadisenyc

Emi breached… what a counter.

Jamie

Leno would’ve saved that

Radio Raheem

Did Martinez parry that into Bamford?

Buzzy

wasnt Emis fault..he actually made a great save from the inital shot

Danny

Does that put an end to the Emi debate ?
——————-
Ha, good one Karim! Awful goalkeeping there.

Mide

Are we blaming Emi for that goal?

Trask

Anyone got a link that’s not useless for the Leeds game?

Champagne charlie

Ishola
I’m kidding nothing on, you’re just thick. Let’s leave it there because I’m getting second hand embarrassment from you.

Emi with a palm into the 6 yard box, turns out he doesn’t hold onto everything. Call me shocked.

Tom

Wow.. that was a hell of a run by Grealish.. 12 year old Keeper stopped him though.

Ha ha, we’ve been over this, he’s 13

Fire

Debate over… Matinez does his Leno impression.

MidwestGun

No that doesn’t put it to bed Karim.. Its not the Le Grove way.. we have to flog a debate endlessly until it is beaten into the ground .. bleeding and lifeless.

Ishola70

Charlie

I could play your self important deluded vanity game with you but I think I will pass on it.

Tom

I’m really not looking forward to the Leeds game

Buzzy

Someone has to send a spy over to Leeds to record their Rondos..their one twos are so sharp and accurate

Radio Raheem

Wolves outplayed Leeds in the second half.

salparadisenyc

Oh boy.

Nelson

Mings lifts Bamford up with one hand.

karim

Lol Mid, just like the Özil one also

MidwestGun

hahaha Guess Bamford wasn’t hurt that bad. Sweet goal.

Marko

Ishola you struggled to understand what was said initially then said something really fucking dumb in regards to online abuse and since then you’ve tried to explain away your nonsense by completely missing the point of everything. Your opinions on football are basic and your opinions on everything else is dumb

Jamie

wE SolD ThE wRonG KEepEr!!

Radio Raheem

Why was Mings not sent off?

salparadisenyc

Bamford 9 responds to Mings nicely there.

salparadisenyc

No idea Radio thought surely he was off.

Nelson

Looks like Bamford can shoot better when his foot is hurting.

Radio Raheem

Expect Villa to lose their next 5, service resumed

Champagne charlie

Marko gets it.

Tom

Here’s my question, how do Leeds players know what to do on the pitch without Bielsa constantly barking out instructions?

G8

Leno would have saved those 2 goals!

Radio Raheem

Sal

Football rules can’t be understood, VAR or not. Maybe that’s just the whole point.

I can understand Ming’s actions up until he shoved him away.

Buzzy

Harrison is really ripping Villa a new one..what an athlete

Major_Jeneral

Bamford with an Hattrick.

Tom

Fuck me, Leeds look like peak Barca

salparadisenyc

Looooool who was pundit at half say Leeds would get nowhere with Bamford 9 leading line?

Radio Raheem

Here’s my question, how do Leeds players know what to do on the pitch without Bielsa constantly barking out instructions?
———–+-

What do you think the squatting is for? That’s his telepathy right there.

Dissenter

Villa’s defending is atrocious
They are defending Bamford like he’s Messi.

MidwestGun

Not much instruction needed.. Get ball everyone run towards goal.

Wow… Hat trick.. Somebody shouldn’t have woke Bamford up.

Radio Raheem

Mings released the Ronaldo in Bamford.

Jamie

So, Emi would’ve won us the champions league, right?

G8

Who was comparing Bamford to Nketiah?
Hang your head in shame lol

Ishola70

Let’s hope Leno is watching this game right now.

It may well lift that “cancerous” atmosphere that envelopes him.

You are better than Martinez Leno! You are better than Martinez Leno!

Martinez is not invincible Leno! Martinez is not invincible!

Marc

Sorry I’m confused and not watching the match but don’t you all have it wrong because the almighty Martinez would never concede a goal. Surely it makes more sense that he’s not only kept a clean sheet but has scored 1 and got 2 assists?

Dissenter

Tom
Maybe most of the players have acquired a bit of passable Spanish to make Bielsa’s work easier.

Buzzy

“Nelson October 23, 2020 20:53:29
Bamford has the size, but he needs too many chances to score one. Eddie has a better feel where the goal is.”

Rofl..lesson for you Nelson..you cant count on Eddie to even be a part of a worthy blog comment, let alone the footy

Mr Serge

No EMI chat tonight guys what’s going on ?

Dissenter

G8
“Who was comparing Bamford to Nketiah?
Hang your head in shame lol”

It may still click for Eddie, he is still just 21 years old.
There’a a player lurking in there, we just have to hope it finds it’s way out in time.

Marc

Pedro

It is possible that Martinez had a purple patch that will go seriously down hill at some point.

I’ve seen Xhaka have a good match or two after all!

Nelson

Bussy

This is not the same Banford though. Mings has woke him up.

Radio Raheem

King of sauce, Bielsa, couldn’t sauce out Nketiah fat chance Arteta does.

salparadisenyc

Gotta love the Premier league, even superman gets his ass handed to him on occasion.

Buzzy

none of the goals Emi conceded were his fault..you have to realise hes playing for Villa..their bubble was always going to burst..when it comes to judging Emi his individual performance is more important than the outcome of the match..and he’s been brilliant this game..the goals were down to Leeds being ruthless and the Villa defense being poor

Radio Raheem

What a ball Rafinha

MidwestGun

I’ve seen Xhaka have a good match or two after all!
___

Do you really want to see Xhaka play .. Leeds though? I don’t.

Ishola70

Buzzy

“and he’s been brilliant this game”

Stop it Buzzy. Just stop it.

Marc

Buzzy

Then moving to a team that was always more likely to flirt with relegation was a stupid move.

No one looks at a keeper who’s conceded a load of goals over the course of a season and says “well it’s not his fault”.

Tom

No wonder Leeds are considering a statue for Bielsa, their football under him is special

Champagne charlie

Turns out being a great shot stopper isn’t actually bog standard a GK trait. Emi nowhere near any of them except the one Leno would’ve held onto.

Buzzy

Nelson well let’s hope that some wakes up Eddie too cause hes been nothing more than bang ordinary till now

Marc

Pedro

I’ve always said he manages a couple of good or better performances a season – that’s what makes him such a bad player. If you can turn up against Liverpool at home a couple of seasons ago whats the excuse for all the other piss poor performances?

Buzzy

Agreed Marc. That’s a good point I have to admit!

G8

Dessenter, re Nketiah we will be waiting long time,
especially with Arteta current set up and tactics

10 out of 10 performance from Leeds tonight, and villa didn’t play that bad either!

Little Mozart

Did we or did we not sell the wrong goal keeper? Asking for a friend.

Champagne charlie

26 goal attempts from Leeds.

Must’ve just been the Arsenal defenders Emi covered in safe space sauce. Even his imperious presence can’t organise Villa.