UPSET WITH A POINT? THAT’S PROGRESS

by .

Well, that felt a little more like the sort of Arsenal/United match we’re used to. I mean, for a 0-0. 30 shots, a tactical joust, and some very good individual performances… it wasn’t bad.

We rode our luck at times, no doubt, but at the highest level, that’s how it goes. We could have lost 2-0, but equally, we could have taken the game 2-0.

I actually left the 0-0 frustrated, which is be progress considering where we’ve been. A few of our players weren’t firing at 100% and we squandered the chance to hit a United that felt there for the taking in the second half.

Let’s get the obvious talk out the way. Edison Cavani missed a couple of sitters he’ll be having nightmares over. The first one he fluffed an open goal, likely because he was put off by Cedric’s shadowing. His second, from 6 yards, fell slightly behind him. Outside that, Arsenal dealt really well with their dangerous crossing most of the game.

Arsenal had their chances as well. The first half the front 4 simply didn’t click. It was odd, no one really trusted Pepe early in the game and as a result, Lacazette and Partey opted incorrectly for potshots from 20+ yards. If they knew it was that Nicolas Pepe at the ground yesterday, they might have passed. As the half wore on, Nico had a moment when he dropped 17 stepovers before fizzing one of those trademark low shots wide.

The second half saw Gabriel M taken off for Willian. The Brazilian had a ‘not so shit’ game but his rustiness shone brightly when his shot at the back post was squandered. Pepe was cut in by Willian, the shot blocked by the lumbering leg of Maguire. Smith Rowe tested DDG with a brutal shot. Then Lacazette hit the bar with a beautiful freekick.

We drew, but there was no shame under the circumstances. So what did we learn?

Thomas Partey

Well, it turns out his is fallible. He didn’t have his best game. But, in the grand scheme of midfield performances, the shock was that he wasn’t the best player on the pitch. His pass completion dropped to 73% and his ‘life on the edge’ midfield game was a bit more miss than hit. What is rewarding is that even when he’s not great, he still keeps you in a game against a top side.

Granit Xhaka

Well, he was excellent. HIS PASS COMPLETION RATE WAS 97%. That is world class when you’re playing against United. I thought he really stepped up. He made lots of great progressive passes and his defensive contribution did not go unnoticed.

Holdindo

Sometimes, you just have to accept that Cheddar is an elite cheese. It might not be fashionable, it’s certainly not original, but accept the reality… with Cheddar on your plate, you’re always going be satisfied. That’s Holdinho. He’s an immensely satisfying lump of Cheddar. Understated, reassuring, and always on-point. He’s our best defender in the second-best defence in the league. Wenger SHOULD have paid £50m for him. He’s been a steal. Once again, he dominated his box, dropped an 86% pass completion rate, and kept things tidy. He’s a god. A cheese god.

Smith Rowe

Look, let’s stop pissing around, the kid is absolutely mustard. It’s not a fluke. He is built for this level. Arteta gave him a chance and he’s not letting it go. He had to play with a different group of players today and he was still electric. He follows the opportunities, he defends well, he reminds you of a different Arsenal great each week. I love him.

Nicolas Pepe

Do I think he’s the level of a £72m player? No. But, I am willing to hold my hands up and say that he had a really good game yesterday. He looked like he wanted to perform. He was more than an impression of a good player. He did the dirty work Arteta demands, he gave a lot to the attack, and on another day, two of those low fizzing shots find the net. That was the second BIG performance inside a week against top opposition. I was very impressed.

Willian/Martinelli

It was a bold sub by Arteta, but if we’re honest, Gabriel was offbeat in the first half. He looked behind the game and he didn’t give us the control we needed. Willian slows things down on the left, it’s painful at times, but yesterday, he put in a defensive shift and created two chances and should have scored one. It was pretty decent from him.

Performance

It was a 50/50 game… but remember, we were relegation fodder a month ago. Yesterday, we had 17 shots at the United goal. That is a BIG improvement. We looked well-coached, the players were interested, and on another day, we take all 3 points. You can accuse Arteta of many things this season, but one thing you can’t say is that he doesn’t learn from his mistakes.

Young players are now the go-to. He’s massively improved the connection between attack and defence. He’s finally getting a turn out of some of the senior players. Luiz, Willian, Pepe and Cedric were all bordering on very good yesterday. Tactically, we were strong. Everyone knew what they were doing. If we had the resources of United, things might have been different.

It feels like we’re finally on the right path now. There will be bumps in the road, we will still lose games, but it feels like there’s a vision we can all get behind, and it looks like we’ve turned a corner.

If a draw against 2nd placed United feels like a loss, something good is happening at your club.

Onwards and upwards. Let’s smash Wolves on Tuesday. I’m off for a plate of Rob Holding.

P.S. We dropped an ON THE WHISTLE with Johnny (check out his Youtube), Dom, and Matt. It is a GOOD conversation. Tune in. Give it a chance. Tell your mum to tell her hooligan mates about it. THANKS.

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SpanishDave

8 pts from 4th
As if the teams above us won’t get points on the way, get real

Time up

Yessssss Brighton one up

Tom

Pedro, it’s not the gap from or to for me , but rather the amount of clubs that would have to go in a slump while Arsenal remains on a good run.
Not impossible but statistically rare .

At least there’s always Jose and Spurs to wipe my tears lol

Time up

Brighton should’ve been 3 up to be honest, Spud suffering with the Boring One.

WengerEagle

The table is a bit of a mess at the moment really between West Ham to Leeds. Only 6 points separates 7 places with clubs owed games in hand.

I’d say by March we’ll have a much clearer picture of who will push for a EL spot.

8 point gap to Leicester in the CL spot isn’t insurmountable but it’s still a decent distance away.

Kroenkephobe

Seagulls shitting on cockerels

Rich

Brighton going straight for the throat

Graham62

Just want to say how well Patrick Bamford is playing at Leeds.

Can see why Bielsa stuck with him.

A real handful for any defender.

Win or lose, Leeds are great to watch.

Tom

WE
I think Aguero is done in the PL

WengerEagle

Spurs have been so overrated on here. Really ordinary outfit behind Kane and Son.

Time up

Brighton murdering the Spud, all they need second goal.

Rich

What happened to Marc?

AFC Forever

Tom, The season is only at the halfway stage. Despite our below average first half of said season, we have the 2nd best defensive record, another clean sheet Saturday and we are a much better team than in 2020.. Games in hand mean diddly squat, points matter. Everton & Spurs were going to win the league & we were going to be relegated. Not any more. That’s how football changes. Our form is top of the league form, the team has improved & despite the first half of the season we are only a couple of wins off fourth. So… Read more »

WengerEagle

Tom

Yeah looks it. Shame really as I wanted him to break the 200 PL goal barrier which he definitely would have done without his injury.

If he was less injury-prone he could have beaten Shearer’s record.

AFC Forever

Well done Brighton!!!!

Sad Spuds.

WengerEagle

Bale’s steep decline is Fernando Torres esque.

Went from being an elite player to bang average with old-man mobility in the space of a season.

AFC Forever

Graham62

Agree. He’s a good Manager Bielsa, who plays nice football.

salparadisenyc

Kind of feel like the only victory lap we’ll be taking this season is the fact we’ll be set up quite well for next season. Squad settled with very strong youthful look, the dead enders gone for most part and 2 keys signings this summer could make us a real force. A job in itself. That said 5 points separate 5th-10 in table with a couple above having games in hand, the telling number is Leicester at 8 ahead. Top four attainable but not likely for me, require us to probably win 12 or 13 of last 17 depending on… Read more »

Time up

If we think Willian is shit, I don’t know what we’d have called Bale!.

AFC Forever

WengerEagle

Son & Kane have been carrying Spuds.

I hate Green Bay

Let’s put this After a lucked out with youth into context. Tom Brady, second best quarterback of all time was drafted 199th, and only got a start because of an injury to Drew Bledsoe. Sport is littered with stories like these. If any of you have managed an organisation at a high level, you would also have lucked out. On many occasion when someone leaves an organisation, someone from within is temporarily put in that position and turns out to be a gem. The trick is 1, to recognise it, and 2, adequately reward them to make sure they stay.… Read more »

Graham62

One thing in respect to Bale.

Mourinho!

Must be awe inspiring to play for a manager who prioritises playing 5 at the back.

Bale isn’t finished.

AFC Forever

Sal

That’s how I see it. It’s when you can’t see improvement you should worry.

AFC Forever

Pedro

“Arsenal fans tend to overrate other teams and ignore the problems we’ve had to deal with this season”

This.

WengerEagle

AFC

Agreed.

Had a fair few on here that rated their midfield after Hojbjerg’s arrival. I said it on here that he was bang average and that Southampton have actually improved their CM play without him. Saints’ fans weren’t at all bothered losing him for 25m.

Winks and Dier are also painfully average. N’Dombele is talented but is too mercurial and prone to lapses of butchering the basics.

salparadisenyc

Jose set up baseline is hard core defensive back 5 and counter with Son and Kane.
There is no plan B.

Kroenkephobe

Weagle

That’s what shit loads of money, being surrounded by arselickers, and a low IQ will do for you. He’s banality personified and up there with Ozil on the scale of self centredness.

WengerEagle

‘Bale isn’t finished.’

He is at the top level. Physically he’s shot, can’t string a run of matches or form together before his body breaks down.

salparadisenyc

Eagle

Catch that Atletico result?

Time Up

The only players in our side didn’t have around four weeks off during the season are Saka and Holding. I would keep both off the next game.

Our squad look the freshest between the top 10, Vila, Spud, Westham and Leicester looking exhausted due to small squad and just good 11/13 players. 12 points from next 5 games and we’ll be dreaming of top four.

Kroenkephobe

Bissouma looks like hot shit tonight. He seems to be a superior player to Anguissa in my view.

WengerEagle

Sal

Yeah, Suarez brace. I laughed when I saw that, Barcelona let him go for basically nothing and he’s winning Atletico matches over here week after week.

One was a smashing FK. It’s pretty much title in the bag now for them, even if they were to have a wobble I can’t see Real or Barca of this season putting together a huge winning run.

Tom

Pedro, unlike some I never rated this Everton side and for Carlo to take this job said more to me how desperate he was rather than how ambitious they’ve become.
Classy but slow footed James, and overachieving DCL , who’s come off his purple patch, and some lucky results
are reasons Everton are where they are.

Tottenham are way better but for all the talent they have, Jose’s toxic and archaic tactics are holding them back.

Time Up

Unlucky Brighton should’ve been the second. So far 11 attempts on goal to 2 for Brighton.

WengerEagle

They both look like excellent players if we’re honest.

Anguissa in my view is more gettable considering Fulham will likely get relegated.

Rich

Bissouma is brilliant

Really like Matthew Cash for Villa as well, he looks like the real deal

salparadisenyc

Bissouma is looking quite tidy tonight.

Time Up

Non existing midfield for the Spud, Boring Mou playing 523 and they’re getting murdered in midfield,

WengerEagle

Mourinho poisons every club that he takes over. It’s happening now at Spurs, only goes one way from here on out for Mou.

Results start slipping and their paint-drying football is laid bare for all to see.

Kroenkephobe

How’s about a sweepstake to name the Spurs player to storm at halftime after another Jose tongue lashing?

Tom

AFC
The Saliba situation is a non issue for me.
Arsenal’s problems aren’t on defense.

Time Up

This Argentinian with Scottish name Alexis Mac Allister had about 8 shots from distance, non hit the target for Brighton, nevertheless, a good player, Scotland should ask him to play for them.

WengerEagle

Our problems remain much the same despite the good run of form.

Ball retention, creativity and ability to play through the middle although Thomas has helped with that since he’s been back.

Most of our creativity is coming from the flanks still.

AFC Forever

Football goes through stages. For a while Tija Taka was vogue. Now it’s playing out from the back & the risk)reward that brings None of these are in Maureen’s bag of trick, he’s stuck in the past, boring defensive football.

Maureens biggest weakness though is his inability to recognise his own mistakes – he always blames someone else. There is no way that is good for team spirit which is why he loses changing rooms and causes mayhem. It never ends well.

Tom

It would be harsh to blame Lloris for the Brighton goal but he didn’t even move for that shot.
Considering his performance vs Liverpool I’d say the spuds have a goalie issue.

AFC Forever

Tom, yes there are no defensive issues. That is the first thing Arteta fixed & he deserves credit for that. Without the ball it is the best we have been for years. We have to improve in the final third, signs we are doing that but still work to be done in that respect. But when you build a team it starts at the back first.

Time Up

Love the way ESR plays. It reminds me of story said by Xavi’s father when asked, what makes your son a good player and can’t be touched or fouled?.

He answered, when you want or attempt to win the ball of him or tackle him, you find he already had released the ball to a team mate.

Not saying they’re the same level, but that’s how ESR plays.

Kaz

Mourinho needs hungry talented players with a mature attitude and unfragile egos.

In this day and age its rare as fuck.

That’s why he struggles.

Chris

Spurs first half xG 0.03 !

Kaz

Luke Shaw is actually playing very well now, just how Mourinho wanted, took him awhile but he’d not reached this level without having Mourinho dig him out years earlier.

N’dombele has been amazing for Spurs this season, issues last season but he got into.

salparadisenyc

This games has vibe or two halves, feel like Brighton going to get punished for not getting more than 1.

Henry19

The defence was fixed when the Architect of the problem finally exited the club after years of comical errors.

I hate Green Bay

When looking at the teams above us, the crucial factor going forward is squad size. We have cover everywhere, a back four that’s totally interchangeable, and options everywhere. That’s not by fucking luck, it’s by design,. (Let’s wait for the “yeah but it’s all because of Emery comments”)

Kaz

Arteta was awful this year. Make no mistake, the remit after the FA Cup was to challenge for top 4. Denying it makes you a liar or stupid. I wanted him sacked too. However it looks like he now understands how to set a team up and the importance of primary and secondary creators (duh) sooo now we can only have to wait and see. The signings we’re making seem sharp and on the pulse, if he can improve himself in how he sets teams out and continues to gain points then I am sure I will change my mind.… Read more »

Kroenkephobe

Time Up

I used to watch his dad, Carlos, play when I lived in Argentina. Played for Racing Club, Boca and Ferrocaril among others. He has a few international caps as well I think. His dad looks properly, gingerly Scottish, like Jimmy Johnstone, but the whole clan is as Argentine as you can get.

Kaz

Pedro suggesting Arteta hasn’t been awful this season is very very stupid.

salparadisenyc

Cmmmmon Brighton put them down.

Kaz

He picked a poor unbalanced team consistently.

He set them out in a very negative manner.

His back was up against the wall before Willian’s covid scare, only reason ESR was selected.

His continuation to pick Eddie all year has been more than baffling as is his refusal to select Saliba over Mustafi.

AFC Forever

Kaz

Arteta hasn’t been awful, that’s a ridiculous comment.

Kaz

I can go on but in truth you just ignore it like you did then and will continue to do.

Kaz

Lol. Our worst start in years but Arteta hasn’t been awful.

Sure.

Leedsgunner

In my opinion, Arteta has made up his on AMN.

Loan him to a club which will help us the most to our recruitment plans in the summer.

Either they are willing to give us the most money to make the loan permanent or they have a player who will strengthen our first team… that’s why I think Leicester should be a good contender.

Maddison would strengthen our midfield for sure.

Kaz

ESR was only selected due to Willian’s covid scare.

Emery bloodied Saka and Eddie. Freddie bloodied ESR.

What youngsters has Arteta blooded? 👂

Leedsgunner

*his mind

Kaz

The reason Lampard got sacked and Arteta didn’t is because Abrahmovic is ambitious and wants trophies. Kroenke’s want their money.

Northbanker

Kaz – we were all on a downer about Arteta over our shocking run before Xmas. Life however moves on and we are on a different plane.. MA has made mistakes but who hasn’t? I for one am very happy with the way we’re now progressing so let’s get behind our team and manager

The Godfather

Men I hope I don’t jinx the dude but this
Bousumma, dude would be incredible
alongside Partey in our midfield.

What a miss by Maupay

Upstate Gooner

Kaz
Awful is an understatement. We finished 8th last season and won the FA Cup. For this season to be a success we need to finish 4-6th and preferably win Europa League. Currently we’re sitting in 10th and I don’t see us achieving anything of notice. And if I’m correct then this season will be a complete failure and Arteta should be sacked (he’s lucky to still be in the job to be fair). So how can anyone not see this and defend our manager is beyond me.

salparadisenyc

Brighton just can’t put it away.

AFC Forever

Bale is on £600k per week in Madrid. Rumoured to be on £350k at Spurs. That is truly unbelievable.

Kaz

Northbanker, in my original point you can see I am supporting him.

Just Pedro’s blindness is infuriating.

Kaz

Lol sure Pedro..

Whatever you say.

I’m out again, the delusion is too much.

Leedsgunner

ESR, Saka and Willock were developed by Mertesaker and Ljungberg… Arteta has had the good fortune that he’s introduced to the first team.

Guns of SF

I want Bissouma.
He and TP will form a tornado in the center… we need that power, pace and ferocity.

Some say Anguissa but I think Bissouma would be more of the DM we need, allowing TP to move up and attack as well.

Bissouma, re-sign Balogun, get Edouard, and we are looking quite good!!!! that is my summer wish list

AFC Forever

Upstate

Stop trolling. You do this “Arteta should be sacked” bollocks every time you post. It’s boring.

Leedsgunner

*introduced and nurtured them to the first team…

Guns of Brixton

I want Bissouma.

Yeeeeeeep.

1000%

Guns of Brixton

Yves Bissouma misplaced one pass in the first half vs Spurs and made more interceptions than any other player on the pitch.

◎ 17 passes attempted
◎ 16 passes completed
◎.6 ball recoveries
◉ 4 interceptions

No player made more ball recoveries.

From squakwa on Twitter

Guns of SF

I am telling you, Bissouma… !!!! Get him

Mike Arteta and Edu, get it done you fools.

Time Up

Subing Ndombele for Lamila lol. Must be fun to live in Boring Mou head.

Upstate Gooner

A couple of decent recent results doesn’t change the fact that we’re still only 10th “best” team in the league at the moment. And if it was any other more or less ambitious club and not Arsenal then Arteta would’ve been sacked by now.

Kaz

Pedro, you are one of the most delusional guys in the business.

azed

The true Emeryista’s left the building the moment Chelsea was beat and have not come back.
Bizarre trend.

Sal

I actually think something is wrong/happened to Marc..

Danny

Fuck what a miss

Leedsgunner

ESR was brought into the first team because Arteta was a desperate newbie manager quickly running out of rope.

He got lucky.

salparadisenyc

MY FUCK BRIGHTON.

Guns of SF

what happened to Marc?

Dissenter

How did he miss that?

He needs to have his wages docked for that.

G8

Pedro fat lamps did win the top 4 trophy!

What a miss by Brighton….probably miss of the decade!