I attended my first game since football returned yesterday and it was GOOD to be back.
It rained. It was cold. The opening 20 minutes were dreadful.
Then things started to get very fun.
My big takeaway was the fans are all very much with the team. The temptation on a very cold day is to moan and groan when things are going badly and that didn’t happen. It’s all well and good being with the team when they are doing well, but it’s more needed when they’re not.
The start of the game felt very Everton. Granit Xhaka was having a very torrid time of it. Odegaard couldn’t find his range. They both gave the ball away, and didn’t look at the races. It was clear that Southampton were there to rattle us early on to see if they could capitalise on our shakiness.
The team didn’t panic though, they worked their way back into the game, then made it count with some precision passing. The team had heart, I was looking for that are the mental fragility on show in the week.
Aaron Ramsdale looks good on TV, but it is a different experience when you see him do his thing in real life. He’s a massive character, his confidence really does radiate… he’s almost a bit of a troll how he sets up out the back. The Southampton players were getting a little bit annoyed with him, they wanted to catch him out, but his passing is so accurate and breathtaking, they just couldn’t.
Our first goal came from one of our classic moves out of the back. Everyone connected well, then Saka drove into the Southampton box, looked up to see Lacazette there, threaded him in, then let the Frenchman one-touch finish into the top corner. Masterful stuff.
The second goal was scruffy. Tomiyasu looped a big ball to the back post. KT headed his second attempt at a cross hopefully at the front post, Odegaard was there to grab our second and his third in three games. Does anyone still think he’s shit?
We entered halftime with 3 shots and 2 goals. A nice change of pace to be so efficient, but we really needed to open up our game in the second half and show the home fans that the Everton game was an aberration, not the start of a shite attacking run of form.
That happened. The second half was loads of fun. We had 12 shots, 3 on target, 2 hit the post, plus a goal that was disallowed. The football was fun, it had variety, we even played through the middle on occasion. The players ate up the horrible weather. Everyone in the ground was bouncing.
Our setpiece game was on fire. Gabriel was a total monster in the box. He had one goal declared offside, but he came roaring back to score a little later, celebrating the news of a baby on the way. Martinelli put a peach of a cross into the mixer, no one was beating the Brazilian to it. Isn’t it nice to have a centre back that can do John Terry like things from corners? All our players that take corners now beat the front post and the movement from everyone is so much more positive.
We had two ‘nearly’ goals of the season. One from Saka making some magic on the edge of the box only to hit the post with an innovative striker from under his feet. The other was Martinelli firing at the back post and striking it.
Our defensive game still needs sharpening. Southampton managed to get 6 shots on target, which is pretty high for an average team away from home. Aaron Ramsdale has to do a little too much work in most games this season. Now, what I will say is I do think it’s sustainable for him to keep making those saves. That’s the point of him. It’s why we paid so much. He’s an absolutely top-class keeper that will be knocking on the door of world-class before long. The issue is when we play better finishers, those clean-sheets don’t happen. The struggle Arteta is battling is that when we open up attack wise, we open up at the back.
I do love that our players are so interactive with the home crowd. Martinelli, Odegaard and Saka are all very engaged with the supporters. They were geeing us up to make some noise. I love that. Patrick Vieira used to do that back in the day and we responded to it. These youngsters all have big personalities, it’s nice to feel that in the ground.
Did anyone out there miss Auba? No.
I’m always shocked to read the cold sludge takes when a player is dropped. He broke the rules, the manager dropped him, he had to be honest about why that was because Arsenal Twitter makes up stories if the club feeds us innuendo.
It is not the job of Arteta to coddle badly behaved stars.
It is not the job of Arteta to shield players like Auba with fake stories if he’s disrupting the squad.
It is never acceptable to create a dual structure of rules: One rule for him, one rule for everyone else.
He’s not giving us performances, he’s being emotional in training, now he’s breaking club rules.
Are we at the point now where it’s time for a new captain?
The biggest criticism of Arteta for me is that he gave Auba so long to sort himself out. Where has it got us? Nowhere. It’s clear the player has dropped a level, it’s clear he can’t be the striker we need for this system, now it’s clear he can’t function as the leader we need him to be.
I keep seeing fans using the Nagelsmann comment on management being 70% about emotional intelligence. I have to tell you people, emotional intelligence in football management doesn’t mean ‘let Auba do what he likes.’ There isn’t an elite manager in the game that would let Auba get away with the things he’s been up to.
The absolute positive is the team didn’t need him. Others stepped up and took the lead. I’m not sure there was anyone in that ground bothered he wasn’t in the starting line-up and that is very telling.
Martin Odegaard is starting to find his way. I thought he was fantastic yesterday. He’s scored 3 goals in 3 games. His movement off the ball is getting better and better. His passing is opening up games. The early season criticism of him was very unfair. He’s only 22 years old, there’s so much more to come from him.
I also want to give a shoutout to Martinelli. He’s been so good at waiting for his moment, now he’s owning it. He was very good yesterday, he never gives up, and his really trying to focus his game on finding the balance between Bang-Bang and a player that can play with a bit more thought and control.
Beating Southampton for me was expected. Now we have to really make a difference to our season by taking down West Ham on Wednesday. That will be a real test of character, they’ve been magnificent against bigger teams this season, they have been extremely consistent, and they’ll do damage if we’re as open as we have been this past month.
Still, one step at a time, win that game, which is a 6 pointer, and we’re right back where we need to be for the season.
Let’s see what the team has got.
Podcast will be landing a little bit later.
P.S. The most majestic thing I’ve seen at The Emirates was Bob Holding rolling onto the pitch with a full head of hair. Receding men around the world rejoiced… ANYTHING is possible if you have enough money. Such a touching thought heading into Christmas.
Felt like a deep in Fergie time dive penalty red card trifecta against Hamilton to end a race he dominated from the first whistle.
Why the hell has Frednerk been cancelled?
Lol like Verstappen got some great personality.
He’s looks boring and miserable af. He lucked out today. Hamilton was winning the race by about 10 seconds Charlie until the safety car came out for the last few laps due to an incident and collision.
Verstappen pitted and was able to change his tyres which gave him an advantage on the last lap.
Hamilton is a jerk of the highest order and I’m english.
Ahh cheers samesong, conspired against Lewis a bit then.
There no measures in place to start as close to where things were left off in F1 following the safety car? Bit odd pitting is allowed no?
It’s obviously not my bag, but I do like Hamilton and how he comes across. Doesn’t seem to get half the recognition he should given his status in the sport.
I wonder why Hamilton didn’t change his tire too. Maybe he thought that his car was faster the whole race, he could defend his position with the current setup..
Respect to Lewis for taking the harsh ruling like a true professional
Izzo, ‘ No idea why you want to play a weakened West Ham’ Firstly I said that they are missing their two first choice CBs, I didn’t mention Rice, which I would argue was a good thing for Arsenal Secondly I’d always prefer the opposition to have important players missing, why wouldn’t you? CC very hard to make a comparison; Hamilton didn’t deserve to lose today but Verstappen is a very worthy World Champion. 22 races in the season so can’t really complain about an unlucky race. If there hadn’t’ been a crash with 10 laps to go Hamilton would… Read more »
“I wonder why Hamilton didn’t change his tire too.”
Hamilton/Mercedes had track position, and therefore everything to lose if they had chosen to pit and the race ended under a safety car.
Max/Red Bull had already effectively lost the race and had nothing to lose by pitting under the safety car and changing tires on the outside chance the crash would be cleared and there would be one (or two at most) laps of racing at the end.
Huge gamble for Hamilton 11 seconds clear vs a hail mary for Max when the game was all but lost.
Merc have just lodged 2 official protests
If Merc have a proper case under the rules, have done their homework, and lodging protests suggests they have, can see the possibility of the drivers title ending up split
All I see is Newcastle going down.
Hamilton has publicly supported gay rights and BLM, if your against him, you’re possibly against those causes.
>>>>>>>>>>>
What a dumb statement Bob.
Obviously wanted Hamilton to do it but also so pleased for the new kid on the block.
Bob
That’s not like you to stoop to that level.
Quite surprised by your comments.
Why Graham, Left Testicle?
“Hamilton has publicly supported gay rights and BLM, if your against him, you’re possibly against those causes.”
Incredibly dumb statement but not surprising coming from a woke leftist.
Bob, if you don’t like the fact that I think Hamilton is a prat either ignore my comment or find a safe space to retreat to.
Hamilton has been an outstanding sportsman for many years. I am proud that he is British, without wishing to sound too jingoistic. He is a black sportsman in an exceptionally ‘white’’ sport so understandably he feels a responsibility to speak out . It would have been far easier to keep his mouth shut but he is prepared to call out Saudi attitudes to homosexuality when the GP was there. I’m not really suggesting that if you don’t like Hamilton you’re a racist or a homophobe but I would argue that he’s an incredible role model. If you don’t like him… Read more »
Not liking Hamilton has nothing to do with skin colour or his support for gay rights.
If you really care about my thoughts search ‘Lewis Hamilton fashion’ in Google images and then tell me he’s not a prat. I feel much the same about Auba and Bellerin.
Left Testicle – ‘safe place’ – we’re on the internet!
There we go TR7.
I’ll stop now – just reacted to a cheap shot on Hamilton. His £50m + a year income should cocoon him from those who find his ‘politics’ insidious, he certainly doesn’t need anyone defending his honour on an Arsenal blog.
I’m not really suggesting that if you don’t like Hamilton you’re a racist or a homophobe
>>>>>>>
That’s exactly what you were doing.
WH result today makes Wednesday even more interesting. Very tough but I’ll think we’ll beat them.
Hamilton is marmite as a person but an incredible driver and today he and mercedes were absolutely shafted. F1 really is in the toilet if they’re basically cheating drivers for their own agenda.
Oh I get it TR7, you slag a knighted, multi World Champion because of his fashion sense, okay now I get it. A distasteful dresser deserves our scorn……
You addressing the wrong guy Bob. It’s Left Testicle you were offended by and accused of being both racist and homophobic.
“His £50m + a year income should cocoon him from those who find his ‘politics’ insidious, he certainly doesn’t need anyone defending his honour on an Arsenal blog.”
So what you mean to say is Hamilton could do without your nonsensical and brain-dead inference that people who don’t like Lewis are probably against BLM and homosexuality ? Well you are right this time for a change.
Bob, Hamilton is an exceptional talent who has done so much to promote the many different aspects of modern life.
Why did Hamilton race in Saudi? What a statement that would have made if he had refused to race.
It’s not as if he needed the money or recognition.
“Oh I get it TR7, you slag a knighted, multi World Champion because of his fashion sense, okay now I get it. A distasteful dresser deserves our scorn……”
Bob you should focus more on improving your logical reasoning and reading comprehension skills than lame virtue signalling.
So happy for Verstappen and red bull. I used to cheer for Hamilton until he introduced politics into the sport.
Peds- the worst decision Teta made about Auba was making him Captain.. NBC sports said it about a million times before the match our Captain our Captain our Captain is suspended.. Yep.. we fucking get it. already. He was never Captain material.. is the bottom line and Teta made a bad decision on it. Then he was harder to drop due to footballing reasons as well. And that was my only gripe about the way it was handled.. is it felt like we were causing a media frenzy by being so secretive about why he was suspended. it took an… Read more »
Graham, completely unrealistic to expect a contracted driver to refuse to race in an FIA race. He wore a rainbow helmet which got coverage so he didn’t stay quiet. TR 7 I’ve already back tracked on my initial inference, apologies if you took offence. If you can’t see how Hamilton is an incredible role model and that you justify your dislike of him because his dress sense bothers you, I guess there’s not too much more to be discussed. Always think it’s interesting how people accuse of others of being ‘woke’ and then seem very sensitive to criticism. Woke -‘… Read more »
Definitely stopping now. Back to Arsenal matters, apologies to those who found my reaction to Hamilton’s criticisms distasteful.
Mid: We won. Clearly the UK media have not made as big a deal of it as the US media, so what…
Bob
Agreed. Let’s all get back to slagging off Granit Xhaka. 😁
Defund the Police is not what you say it is. In some cities Police take up 50% of the budget. None for low cost housing or even decent water to drink. More jobs would mean less crime. Defund means reduce budget
Mid: We won. Clearly the UK media have not made as big a deal of it as the US media, so what…
____
Yes they did … you must have missed the postgame Conference where the UK media grilled Teta about it and he had to tell them he refused to discuss it about 8 times. He looked putalant and mad. Not a good look . Its a big deal because your manager has to be able to handle the media and not go all Mourinho about it.
BL.M started as a really nice seeming movement we could all get behind….Everyone. Then it was taken over, or showed itself to really be a radical leftist agenda.
If Europeans knew even a tiny bit of what they do,, and advocate, there wouldn’t be huge banners at the Emirates, or taking the knee.
Global,
More jobs would mean less crime.
>>>>>>>>>>
We have an extremely low unemployment rate.
Mid: Agree what you say about a manger but, Auba has been poor plus he’s been a bit of a tit by all accounts. Needs to be dropped for more than just a game. Agreed he should never have been made captain too, but I don’t think its that big an issue — would’ve been had we lost, but we didn’t
I hope Arteta makes someone else Captain — think he should, but doubt he will…
Yep that’s my point basically if Auba wasn’t the Captain.. I dont think it would have been as big of a deal. Honestly I hope Arteta takes this opportunity to give it to somebody else.
You can take the knee for 1000 years and it wouldn’t change the plight of black people one bit. That so many people believe in such kind of symbolism is just crazy.
When the powers that be don’t want to deal with real problems they resort to symbolism to fool the masses and lo and behold people get fooled again and again.
I have just popped over to the BLM website. Jesus, that’s a radical bunch of nutters.
you guys ever heard of the fbi?
like how they mastered the infiltration of political organizations 60 years ago. see afemi s=hakur winning her own court case acting as her own lawyer by simply getting the fbi infilktrator to admit to what he’d done, things like fathering children by women in the black panthers-something i believe is now a problem w british policen infiltartors…
of course blm is nuts. i talked to a girl in oakland who told me she had given a $million to the organization (this was 2015-16 and iof course she was an heiress) in return they gave her a document they made about who knows what
If Arteta is going to give anyone else the captaincy. You can bet it will be Xhaka
doent mean we shouldn’t acknowledge we (or me in the USA at least) live in a society that treats people in vastly different ways solely based on their skin color and it causes insane problems no one needs
LT
Read their take on the Jussie Smollett trial
https://blacklivesmatter.com/statement-regarding-the-ongoing-trial-of-jussie-smollett/
Absolutely crazy, their Twitter feed is just as bonkers
Can’t believe they had the audacity to label anyone who booed this organisation as far right racists….
Zach. Let them be. Most of them dont even believe black people have anything to complain about. Obama was president just last week they will say. Many of the so called BLM riots were instigated by undercover police. Same with Jan 6th
My choice would be Ramsdale followed by Gabriel (the defender variety).
https://youtu.be/S–k_QsBszo
Global that ones for you
Serious question…
What does a BLM supporter do when they have seen/experienced assault, rape or theft etc?
Left T, not a serious question! Follow your own advice- Xhaka chat!
Are you getting offended again Bob? I can talk about what I want. We’ll until Pedro bins me.
Everton got Demarai Gray for just £1.8m.
They paid £28m for a Mr Iwobi. Nuts!
I think 90 % of us wanted to sign Auba instead of letting him walk authentic time… any brave people want to admit that?
…. Or tell me the % and what the plan was at the time instead of keeping him.
Imagine blaming Arteta like someone did earlier. We’d have been roasting him till the end of time if Auba walked.
*at the time.
I thought we should have signed Auba… for one less year then we did. .. but at the time we re – signed him up for an extension it made sense.. as we would have had to replace him for high dollars and we needed to strengthen the team on other spots. I dont blame Arteta for that… Playing him beyond when he is useful epecially on the road though and making him Captain for me is what has created the problem.. And we do have a striker problem..now. Laca look set to leave,…. same with Eddie.. and now Auba..… Read more »
I wonder if there is a case for cancelling Aubas contract. Certainly hope so.
The “dual structure of rules” comment.
Can this be applied to Xhaka?
My take on the Aubameyang situation also has something to do with GX. In fact, the love and trust Arteta has shown towards Xhaka has, I feel, caused many of our players to feel isolated and distant from our manager.
Just an opinion.
Left T, I’m not policing you, just wondering whether your statement was indeed ‘serious’. Seems to me that you’re getting too easily offended….
Actually, there’s clear evidence that GX has been culpable for many of our problems.
Graham, can you point to any evidence that Xhaka is an unpopular teammate?
Big Pat showing Arteta how to beat Everton.
If course I took Gallagher out of my fantasy team this week, doh.
West Ham is a perfect game to see where we are. They have only taken 5 points from the last 15. The Emirates is always more rocking when alcohol is involved. I shall sneak in my customary third of brandy.
Good win yesterday.
Unlike Pedro, I wouldn’t start writing poetry about Arteta, we’ve 4 MUST WIN games. Only then I’ll start dreaming of top 4.
Any other results and we’re back to were the stats telling us by chance created for and against, that’s 10th.
I wanted Auba extended.
I don’t remember, however, Arteta calling me and asking whether putting him on £350kpw for the next three years was a good idea, when another project youth was apparently on the cards,
and the management would devote their entire time and resources to rebuilding defense first.
Who came up with the crazy idea that you can’t hold the manager responsible ( that’s the operating word here) for contracts decisions because you might’ve felt one way or another about certain players’ suitability to the team, while you have zero input into coaching, tactics, and team building decisions?
Bob N16 Look at it this way. GX has clearly shown an attitude that I personally feel has had a negative impact on not only the club but, significantly, his own teammates. Arteta has favoured him, no matter what way you look at things. Of course, teammates will not come out with negative rhetoric as far as Xhaka is concerned. This is a code of conduct all sportsman adhere to. However, you can’t deny that by showing favouritism towards Xhaka, other players will feel let down and, in some respects, disrespected. One other thing, the day Xhaka walked off the… Read more »
Mercedes (and Lewis Hamilton) were well and truly screwed. The written rule broken because the race stewards wanted an exciting finish to the most-watched F1 race of all time. A bit like a World Cup final ref awarding a penalty rather than see the game end in a draw. Yeah, I know we have that already, in a penalty shoot-out – but it’s five shots each, and Lewis got none. What was supposed to be a flag-waver for the sport – and I’m a long-term fan – proved to be a bedraggled rag. I fancy Mercedes may pull out of… Read more »
Fair enough Graham, I’m certainly not an apologist for Xhaka. I was really disappointed that his transfer to Roma fell through. Interestingly The Athletic reported that he still had a lot of support in the dressing room after the Villa game, when he lost the captaincy, to still be captain.. As a person, I believe he has the respect of his teammates, I suspect as a player too. Let’s not forget that he doesn’t pick the team. He is undoubtedly a committed professional and gives all to the cause. ‘Favouritism’ to Xhaka, Arteta favours a whole lot of players, that’s… Read more »
Englandsbest – agree that it was an unsatisfactory way to finish and incredibly unlucky for Hamilton. That said it’s over 22 races and if Hamilton was the racer who’d won more GPs before this race, then I suspect that Verstappen would have been in an impossible position as any aggressive move by him would have allowed Hamilton the choice not to avoid a collision and both cars would have been out. Just like in a football season sometimes you get the decisions, sometimes you don’t and all you can hope for is that over a long season things balance themselves… Read more »
I am not clear on the rules but if FIA allowed it , doesnt it mean it was right ? It would be shame to have ended the last race on safety cars . What Mercedes should have done was trusted Lewis to get back his position and changed his tyres the first time ( I think around Lap36-37) when he had a sizable lead then.
I didnt see this many UK fans protesting for the Cricket World Cup win that was just gifted to them by ICC on boundary count ? Y’all are just salty Hamilton lost.
Bob N16
Like you, I hope Lewis sweeps the board next year.
But the fact remains: today he wuz robbed.
Divine Sherlock
Your logic defeats me. What you appear to be saying is that, say, Arsenal deserved to beat Southampton because their manager didn’t bring on a substitute in 63rd minute.
Anyway, illogically or not, Mercedes are taking the case further.
Bob N16
I understand where you’re coming from on this but, imo, Arteta made a massive mistake by keeping Xhaka at the club when he clearly wanted to leave.
As a fan I was concerned by the message it was sending out to the other players.
And, apparently, we were offered decent money for Xhaka.
Benzema is really ageless
How long can he continue to do this?
The technology and regulations in F1 have become too much.
Imo, although MV is an incredible driver, Lewis was robbed because there are too many loopholes in the rules.
Incredibly exciting finale though.
Divine
Where are you from.
Happy for PV4 today.
Great stuff from Conor Gallagher.
Graham, I think the intention was to let Xhaka leave but they had to get a player in to replace him and decided they couldn’t get a sufficient improvement. Again not Xhaka’s fault, it happens all the time – transfers falling through. There are no signs that he downed tools and moped about not getting a transfer, he got on with it. I’m sure his teammates respect his commitment.
DivineS, the New Zealander’s did not consider that suffer discretionary decision by the umpire that allowed England to win the Cricket WC. The comparison does not stand up. Hamilton graciously accepted defeat just like the New Zealenders. The count back on boundaries was written in black and white, similar to goals scored if goal difference is the same as well as points. Think you’re just trying to get a rise from Hamilton(English)supporters. Let’s not forget although there are many English members of the Mercedes team, Red Bull is equally well represented by Adrian Newley, the legendary car designer and Mr… Read more »
did not suffer a discretionary
I liked Holding bald. Reminded me of Bouldy, as far as looks go only of course.
What a surprise that the English among us think Hamilton was robbed. Didn’t hear them complaining when he caused Verstapen’s very dangerous crash at Silverstone and totally got away with it. Plus he should have had to give back the position on lap 1. Even Martin Brundle said it was a no brainer.
Carlo is doing it at Real. He’s not done.
Englansbest It’s amazing that with the investment of money and intellect in F1 when it screws up it looks so Mickey Mouse MV overtaking cars that were un-lapping themselves must be the basis for a valid protest Basically the stewards had to choose who they wanted to win, rather than letting the drivers determine it Oh and as this is an Arsenal blog…not only am I delighted how the team grew into the game, I am really pleased that they didn’t take their collective foot off the pedal — I felt very uneasy [against the Sp*ds] when, after a brilliant… Read more »
Anyone think we could get Saliba in next season as Centre Half if we move Ben White into a DM role
Shaun
I occasionally suggest this, but haven’t been able to provoke a response as yet…so good luck to you — a Gabriel/Saliba pairing could be very potent 🙂
Very fair report Pedro but the vulnerability in the first twenty minutes was primarily caused by Partey and particularly Xhaka being unable to handle a high and effective press. The first goal was pivotal and changed the dynamic of the match . Xhaka as I occasionally say on here is by far the biggest problem in the team . He is cut far too much slack by Arteta and many fans who suggest he is some kind of fulcrum . He’ has Togo before we can aspire to be successful. He is a liability. Can’t tackle, very uncreative with his… Read more »
great post Pedro
hopefully we get the win against west ham, very doable
Bob N16
The Brits may no longer be top production car makers – but we still have the best car mechanics and the best racing driver. When it comes to ingenuity and invention nobody beats us. We are innovators not imitators.
And coming back to what this site is about – football – no club is more notable for ingenuity and inventiveness than Arsenal.
sambi should come back for the next game
If I missed it then apologies, but I’ve not noticed anyone commenting on Aubameyang repeating history, from when he was at Dortmund. In November 2017 he was suspended for repeatedly being late for training, including turning up 20 minutes late for final preparations ahead an away match. In January 2018 he was suspended again for missing what was described as an important team briefing after a training session. There was speculation at the time that he was copying Ousmane Dembele in forcing a move away from the club. He joined Arsenal at the end of that month. When you look… Read more »
Pedders, 12 pence difference for a bottle of beer????? I’m having that convo all day long buddy. Love it!
Happy to see Paddy get a win and enjoyable football Place play under PV. I’ve been a fan of Gallagher since first seeing him play in Palace’s first game of the season.He’s improving all the time bagging 2 goals against Everton last n night. We should be taking a serious look at Gallagher for our MF if the Chavs would sell to us. West Ham looked ordinary yesterday and struggled against 18th placed Burnley. I’ve watched them a few times with them being in the hunt for CL football next season. Yesterday I felt we can beat them Wednesday evening;… Read more »