Morning all.
I think I’m still in shock over the way yesterday’s game played out. 4-0 up including a rare award of a penalty and then in two swift moments, West Ham halved the deficit. Another Arsenal penalty given by Anthony Taylor and that was that for the first half, and the game as it turned out as no more goals came for either side.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal.com:
I think the first 30 minutes was spectacular. The quality, the understanding, the purpose and how the boys played and competed, it was second to none. You score three great goals, take control of the game, score the fourth one and then, we could probably not maintain that level.
We conceded a very sloppy goal, take the kick-off, backwards, concede the free-kick, 4-2 and suddenly it’s like, game on. “But after that the fifth goal gives us a lot of composure and control in the second half, we could play a very different game that was much suited for us than the game they wanted to play.
Arsenal took control of the game from the start and poor old West Ham couldn’t do a thing about it. When our opener came, it was nothing more than deserved. Bukayo Saka whipped a corner in, Gabriel nodded home. I’ve made it sound simple. It wasn’t. There was chat, preparation and so much accuracy from both players involved in the goal.
I’m sure when I was younger, much younger, football fans used to sing “you thought you had scored, you did not” or something similar and that’s exactly what happened to West Ham. Crysencio Summerville lofted the ball over David Raya and into the net but the offside flag soon put a stop to any celebrations.
Bukayo Saka tried one with his left foot but it drifted just wide of the target but it wasn’t too long before he set up our second. How unselfish he’s was too after Martin Odegaard lifted his pass over the defence and into his path. He could have shot but spotted both Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in the middle so squared his pass instead. Havertz missed it but Trossard made no mistake.
Our third was a rare thing because it came from the penalty spot. We don’t often get awarded penalties but when Saka was chopped down, Anthony Taylor didn’t hesitate to point to the spot. Odegaard stepped up and buried it into the corner of the goal.
Goal number four came less than two minutes later, my favourite of the night I think. A wonderful pass from Trossard for Havertz to run onto and as Fabianski came out to close him down, Havertz slipped his shot round him and into the net.
West Ham looked down and out, their fans started walking out. Then out of nowhere really, the home team scored. Soler played a lovely ball through our defence into the path of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and his shot beat David Raya at his near post. I doubt the Spaniard will enjoy watching that one again. Two minutes later it was 2-4. West Han were awarded a free kick just outside our penalty area, why I don’t know because there was no foul but even so, Emerson fired his shot into the top of the net. West Ham suddenly came alive, their fans started thought of nicking a point at least running through their minds no doubt.
However, from another Saka corner which Gabriel rose to head, we were awarded another penalty as Fabianski, whilst trying to punch the ball clear, totally missed his target and punched Gabriel in the head instead. Taylor didn’t give it to start with but after a few seconds, blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Saka took this one and despite Fabianski getting a hand to the ball, it was 2-5.
Half-time came and went but Gabriel didn’t reappear for the second half, on in his place came Jakub Kiwior. Around ten minutes later, Riccardo Calafiori had to be replaced too with Oleksandr Zinchenko coming into the team and before the final whistle blew, Saka, Odegaard and Trossard were replaced by Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri. Both Sterling and Jesus smashed a shot into the side netting and up the other end, Danny Ings saw his chance drift just wide of the far post when he looked almost certain to score.
A 5-2 win away from home is a cracking result. Their first goal was a disappointing one to concede but in the end, it didn’t matter.
Lastly, Mikel Arteta also said post match:
We had to make changes and everybody comes in, we lost big players again yesterday, nobody is really affected. Jorginho comes in, he was outstanding I think, Jakub has to come in at half time, the same, Alex, very good. Now we’ve got some momentum, the energy is high, enjoy tonight, watch a beautiful game of football tomorrow, get ready to go again on Wednesday.
Not sure about a beautiful game today Mikel, I’d rather it be a tough and physical battle with red cards galore which ends in a draw.
Catch up in the comments..
Good morning Rico.
A great post and so much easier to write when the game was so special. Two penalties! When did that last happened. Both so blatant that even Mike Bloody Reed couldn’t fail to award them. Flappyhandski was lucky not to get sent off for the punch to the head of Gabriel.
I’m really looking forward to Wednesday’s game and that’s not my usual feeling prior to playing Man U.
Morning Cicero, thank you.
Two penalties in one game is a rare thing. One is.
A crazy game which was fun to watch, second half was a bit strange though but I guess with so many changes, it was inevitable.
Thought Zinchenko played well, much better than his old City teammate who was poor imo.
I suppose the fact that Fabianski went for the ball saved him from a red card.
Both Jesus and Sterling put chances into the side netting when a cross into the box would have made more sense. They are both desperate for a goal and are too greedy to pass up the opportunity to score, even from such a tight angle. Neither is worthy of a place even on the bench as they’re not team players.
Agreed, they’re thinking of themselves rather than the team, especially Jesus whose first action was to give away the ball. Out of the two, Sterling is better imo.
Nwaneri would be a better option than either of them Rico, he should be above them in the pecking order.
For sure Cicero, or MLS on the wing but I think next season we’ll see more of them..
I agree with the above,our first 30 odd minutes was brilliant,too good for West ham for sure.
When I saw the team I thought we might miss Partey(only minor injury I hope) To be fair Jorginho was outstanding,his best game for some team.
It’s clear to see our level drops when Jesus and Sterling come on. We all hope they will come good.
The commentators were so biased,I lost count of how many times they mentioned the 2 -0 win at Newcastle,also they were desperate to talk up a West ham comeback.
They can all do one,bring on the Mancs – Arsenal are back.
And the 4-4 against Newcastle many moons ago Limey. Agree, the pundits are so biased against us they’re embarrassing.
Anyone would think it’s not ok for Arsenal to concede a goal….
The 4-4 at Newcastle was the result of some very dodgy refereeing from Dowd I believe . Joey Barton got Diaby sent off because Dowd as usual punished the reaction not the cause . Then 2 penalties the second of which was extremely strange . However the Arsenal 10 lost the plot and panic set in but of course the influence of Barton’s cheating and the crowd’s influence exposing Dowd’s incompetence was never mentioned .
Thankfully yesterday we had the brains to close things down at half time and not let West Ham drive forward on a wave of adrenalin.
Afternoon Rico and all.
I believe Arteta is saving Nwaneri for next season as he may have concerns about him burning out and too quickly and being target like Saka does.
West ham were very lucky we didn’t score more goals.
possitive from the game was that West Ham reminded our players that if you switch off by the slightest amount they can come back.
Barton was a ghastly player and still a nasty bloke who likes to try and keep himself relevant with his awful comments which The Daily Mail are willing to print.
One final comment on that game ,I think it was the first time that I came away thinking that refereeing was bent . The ref was influenced by the crowd , the players and I am still not sure that money didn’t change hands in various bookies on the banks of the Mersey.
Hi Geoff, as do I.
Looks like Utd will be full of confidence when they arrive in London on Wednesday- 4-0 up against Everton…
Liverpool absolutely battering Man City so far 1-0 after 15 minutes.
City defence is all over the place, they’re wide open. Van Dyke trying to emulate Gabriel at a corner, pulling away from his defender getting the header but hit the post.
More biased officiating at Anfield!
Man U had two players needing to avoid a further booking and they were their two bookings😃
Mainoo and Martinez.
Just read that too Andrew, good news… lol
Just need a City goal or two now.
City are so bad, a cynic might think this bad run is deliberate…
Is Salah a protected species ? niggles ,confronts opponents , commits fouls and refs never get their cards out .He is a protected species .
Liverpool players are in general I reckon yet City, it seemed every foul was a booking.
Good evening Rico and all
A great match report Rico.
You said a cynic will think it’s deliberate that City are loosing? I am no cynic but believe me….City players and management already know that they will be relegated. Do why play? Just turn up for the match
Evening Devil, thanks.
I’m not convinced they’ll be relegated even if they are found guilty. Would Guardiola stayed to become a Championship manager? Can’t see it myself.
This is not a common blip every team has Rico. The players look defeated. They didn’t roll over mind you but there is no zip in them anymore.
Maybe, maybe not Devil. Honestly, I’ve no idea what’s going on with them. Just a shame it wasn’t last season.. lol
Money talks Rico. Guardiola has won everything.
Maybe they have agreed to something in principle and on a gentlemen’s handshake. Many contracts have been broken and certainly Guardiola’s contract can be rescinded as well by mutual understanding.
What is certain is that City may have not thought of one thing…..that the so called supporters they have will abandon them and they will have paltry crowds if they are relegated.
It does Devil, but it’s guesswork really as to what’s going on at City. Albeit amusing..
Amusing to a point but you can’t help wondering how everything seems to be falling into place for Liverpool . First they get the better fixture start , then we lose Odegaard before we play them , Partey at right back , Gabriel off just after half time .
They are off to Newcastle in the week and Isak goes off injured on Saturday and is out for two weeks.
just another stroke of luck .
They’re certainly getting all the luck in Liverpool. Anything to stop Arsenal from being crowned champions eh…
https://goonertalk.com/2024/12/01/roberto-olabe-in-advanced-talks-with-arsenal-to-become-their-next-sporting-director/
He certainly seems to tick boxes . Previous with Arteta , Odegaard , Merino and Isak .
Thoughts
I am only guessing, but I would say Pep has a get out of jail card and a bonus if they get relegated so he can leave with not problems.
Good morning everyone
tbh I dont want City to get relegated only. That is not fair. I want their titles of the last 8 years because surely, if they were breaking the law their results would have been vastly different.
The players would surely jump ship. none of them would want to stay. And even their plastic fans would scuttle off to top challengers for the EPL.
I have the feeling that Pep would stay though. Because I can assure you that the moment the punishment is confirmed Pep will play the young ones. If they are relegated to the Championship Pep will still get them up immediately by playing the young Pros. And they will be running rings around the opponents.
City will come up much stronger and more wiser then they are now.
That is why I dont want them to be relegated only. It will be only just a year sabbatical. I want them to be hurt……take away their titles
Hi Devil, all.
They need to be found guilty first… lol
New post up.
There’s nothing from Ornstein on Olabe Potter…