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We are back after what’s been two games since the gunners hosted
Villa at the Emirates. A yo-yo game Arsenal narrowly won after going down to 10 men. First
the positives, the gunners had a job to do and that was, get back to winning
ways in the EPL after picking up just 2 points from the 3 consecutive league games
against Liverpool Spurs and Watford in that order. The game against Watford is of
serious annoyance at it was more of two points dropped but we are talking positives,
right? 3points was a must, and we got all 3 however only just, especially
when the lads had to do it with 10 men after Maitiland Niles got his marching
orders for a second bookable offence. I must commend the desire by the gunners
to keep plugging away at Villa in order to nick the win. Auba, as usual, came up
with the goods at the dearth with that free-kick. God knows where Arsenal would
have been on the league table without his goals. I know, that’s his job and he
is doing it well, 7 goals in 7 games is good stat but the other parts of this
team and Arsenal’s current position on the league table bring me to the not so
positive.
We had to come back against
Villa twice before “stealing” the win. The defence is still a long way from assured
while the pressing protection by the midfield is still without balance, now
throw in Emery’s continued desire to have the team play from the back, the result
is an Arsenal team that is just a few mistakes away from conceding a goal. If
we aren’t conceding silly penalties, we are gifting opposition teams pops at
goal in dangerous areas which isn’t pretty for a BIG club of Arsenal’s stature,
one supposedly harbouring dreams of competing for the biggest trophies. The
team has a mere +1 goal difference, with just one clean sheet in the 7 league games
played so far. That is reminiscent of
the much-maligned latter Wenger era where the plan seemed to be, keep playing attacking
footy so you can outscore your opponent. That wasn’t an effective game plan in
the now more competitive EPL.
The game against Manchester United was only good about the point
got as play was turgid at best. To be honest, play was lethargic ponderous
and lacking in that fire quality we would expect from these sides especially from
united. There were a few spells in the second half when the gunners sensed Man united
was there for the taking and tried to force the issue but that was cut short by
Mctominay’s goal just before the interval. These two teams have issues, maybe
the gunners are slightly upward in their trajectory but defending has to
improve, it just has to or else all the good work being done by our front line
will continue to be undone by shambolic defending (Emery I am looking at you). In Emery’s defence, one could argue that this
same Arsenal team has kept straight clean sheets in other competitions (Europa
League and League cup) without showing any hold back to their attacking side. The
only difference has been the combination of personnel. Now I ask, does it mean
it might have more to do with getting the balance right or what? Well, that’s for
Emery to figure out not me.
Moving on then, just before we pause for another international
lull, up next for the gunners is hosting Eddie Howie’s boys at the Emirates. This
is set up as a must-win yet potentially laced with banana skin if the lads don’t
come in with their game on. Arsenal has the momentum with Spurs and United
seemingly out of sorts while Chelsea is kinda there in transition, the onus is
on us to win this top four race, meaning games like this must be put to bed.
Bournemouth is enjoying their 5th straight season in the topflight
and is in decent form. 2W 1D 2L in 5 games isn’t a bad forth their top half
position on the league table. Calum Wilson is rumoured to be courted by some
big clubs in Manchester and London due to his fine form. We also know they like
to play open expansive football which on their day, can be scintillatingly good
or could leave gaps behind for Arsenal. The gunners have to be up for it however
they served as there are no easy games these days. Arsenal is also in some sort
of good form as I alluded to earlier and I would particularly want us to try
keeping a clean sheet in our quest for 3 points, the coach needs to get his
midfield selection right. Torreira, Guendouzi, Özil/Ceballos works
best for me, Xhaka can come on later but let’s start with a disciplined compact
spine down the middle. Upfront I might be tempted to give Martinelli or Saka
another starts alongside Auba. Pepe has to come up with the goods now that he
has his first goal….no pressure. My lineup will look something like this below.
I know Özil isn’t getting much love at the moment but he is still a
top-quality player. While we may debate his seeming lack of work ethic, this
game is tailor-made for his magic want if you ask me. Emery has to find a way
to get the fire back up his butt, imagine him playing Pepe/Martinelli in……….now you get my
point. Anyway, that’s it from us over here, don’t forget to subscribe to our
blog, like us on facebook by clicking this red link and of course share. Whatever
you do, do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaooo
