Morning all.
It’s Derby Day. The day north London fight for bragging rights in football. The winners will go top of the table, or in Arsenal’s case, stay top of the table. A draw and it’s as we were at the start of the day but I can’t see the points being shared. Not today, not at The Emirates.
There are other derbies in the Premier League of course, the two Manchester clubs, who funny enough go head to head tomorrow afternoon, the two clubs in Liverpool as well but I think the NLD is the biggest and possibly the most hard fought, certainly in recent years. There was a time when a victory for Arsenal was almost a forgone conclusion but not these days. Not yet anyway.
What makes this derby so important?
Many things. I think you have to feel attached and a belonging to the club and when you have that feeling, and then you understand the history of the derbies, how both teams were historically created, and what has happened over the years, then that makes it very special. I think it’s a very special city, it’s a really special country, very passionate fans and it’s a great atmosphere to play in. – Mikel Arteta.
Mike Riley has worked his magic once more as far as hand picking the officials go:
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- Assistants: Gary Beswick, Lee Betts
- Fourth official: Robert Jones
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Assistant VAR: Timothy Wood
I’ve said it before I know but if Arsenal players don’t give the officials a decision to make then they can’t make it. Taylor can be card happy – at Crystal Place on the opening day of the season he booked three Arsenal players. Palace, despite being the more aggressive of the two sides, got away with just the one. Arsenal still came away winners, although the bookings might at some stage, have an impact on our season. Gabriel Jesus for example is just one booking away from a one match suspension so if he goes in Taylor’s book today, he’ll miss the Liverpool fixture. I’m sure Riley will have made that clear to Taylor.
The most controversial match Anthony Taylor has officiated this season has to be the Chelsea v Totts match which ended in a draw. Taylor, and the hopeless Mike Dean on VAR got so many things wrong that day and for once, the media had a lot to say afterwards. I’m not sure who is worse though, Dean or Gillett – let’s hope we don’t find out today that it’s the latter.
As far as the football goes today, it’s a boring Conte style of football up against a Mikel Arteta team which can still be vulnerable to a counter attack if chasing a game. Man Utd caught us out that way and Totts will today if we let them. Son, having been dropped by Conte in their last match, came off the bench to grab a second half hat-trick in Totts 6-2 thrashing of Leicester City but having read a number or reports, the scoreline was somewhat flattering and until Son stepped on the pitch, Leicester City were the better team.
Son and Kane will go over at any and every opportunity but every player in red and white should know that by now. Just as they should know that an Arsenal victory today would end any chance of Totts going the season unbeaten. I know, it’s hilarious to even think they could. Totts have a strong attack with Kane, Son, Kulusevski and summer signing Richarlison but if Mikel Arteta has the likes of Zinchenko, Tierney, Tomiyasu and Partey back fit, with the trio of Saliba, White and Gabriel to select from, we can stop them. Winning the midfield battle will as always be key.
Arsenal have a glut of exciting attacking players but I don’t think they have been at their best just yet. That’s not a criticism by the way, I just think there’s more to come, certainly in terms of goals. Each game we go into now, I believe it’ll be the game when the players really find their shooting boots. When one of Partey or Xhaka’s long distance strikes will hit the back of the net. When Saka’s left footed shots will creep inside the far post instead of outside and both the attacking Gabriel’s will beat a keeper more than once in 96 minutes. Or Nketiah will come off the bench to add another to our goal tally. Could that game be today?
In this fixture last season, Arsenal tore Totts to shreds in the opening 45 minutes. At their place later in the season, Arsenal weren’t very good and once Rob Holding was sent off, the performance went from bad to worse. Mikel Arteta was asked whether that 3-0 defeat will give the team extra motivation today:
I just think it’s all about emotion and willingness to get to that moment and have enjoyment. It’s the nicest game of the season by a mile, for what it means to our supporters, for the history of it. And now as well, because looking at the table and where both teams want to be, it becomes a really important match. I think the word is excitement.
I think this fixture brings out the best and worst of emotions. As Mikel said, there’s the excitement but as kick-off gets closer, the nerves kick in followed by the fear of losing. Even though history tells us Totts rarely win at our place, it doesn’t change anything. Perhaps when the teams are announced and Zinchenko, Partey and Tierney are in the squad, we’ll all feel a little bit more confident. All Mikel Arteta would say yesterday about them was: “They are part of the team.”
I just hope he’s truthing….
Enjoy the game guys. If you can…
Afternoon Rico and all
A very important match today, not only ladder position but more a guide on the rest of the season and where we need to improve on.
So here we are , the day has arrived by half past two we can all relax or go looking for whatever calming remedy we use to get over it .
No matter how well we or they are playing it’s a behind the settee experience.
All the pre match superstitions come out subconsciously or not . Walking round the house on eggshells , this game always gets to me .I love it and hate it in equal measures.
The thoughts that the game will be won in the middle and that if we control that we control the match ,holds water However I would not be surprised if Conte surrenders it to us and plays us on the break , secure in the knowledge that when our midfielders hit the wall about 25 yards out we tend to go sideways and draw our defence forward opening up the over the top ball . What’s more we need a sprinter on the halfway line from corners and set pieces because that Korean is rapid and needs looking after and keeping out of our area because there’s nothing Kane likes more than a penalty and Son loves winning them and Taylor loves giving them.
Still what will be , will be . I am just hoping for a nice comfortable win followed by a nice meal with a good wine with the family after.
Afternoon rico, all. Too nervous to enjoy, keep telling myself, what will be will be, but doesn’t help.
Partey and Zinchenko start, Tierney a sub
Morning Geoff, Potter, Andrew.
I’m at the very nervous stage.. with a hint of excitement. Lol
Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus.
G’day Rico and all. A strong line-up, best we have?
One more no no Rico, don’t give away a penalty. We all know Kane’s role is to jog about and wait for the ref to point to the spot.
We must hope for even-handed officiating at least
Morning Cicero, yep, can’t fall for Kane’s antics.
I’d say that’s our strongest lineup. Amazing they’re all fit again.
COYG’s
A quick start and keep the pressure on their keeper with our fans singing nice and loud and remind the refs we’re they are.
How is that a free kick when Dier head butted Jesus’ foot..
What did I say?
A definite penalty but Taylor is giving us nothing. He’s embarrassing.
so far going as I saw it , Kane 14 penalties against us according to Le Saux If so it tells a story but needs checking .
Yep, agree Potter. It’s been a little bit predictable really. Boring Conte, sit back, absorb the pressure and hit us on the break. I think we’re falling for his trap all too easily.
We need to change our game plan as it is not working today
No way are we going to get a VAR penalty! Come on now, hold on to 2-1. Saliba fantastic so far.
Finally the ref got something correct, that is a red card
Ref showed some bottle at last.
Son and Richarlison off!!
We so on top though, hope Partey and Zin off doesn’t change things.
Saliba needs to be careful, this awful ref will be looking to even things up by sending an Arsenal player off.
Martinelli with his first foul of the game gets booked on the halfway line. Another ludicrous refereeing decision.
Too early??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7wCfttJVnQ
😀😀
At least Jesus will face Liverpool.
The away seats are looking very empty. 😉
A much better second half, we deserved the win
We’re doing well but we need to see how well we do when we come up against the better teams.
yesssss!!!!
Come on Arsenal!!
I thought we were good throughout bar a few lapses.
Lots of good stuff and a subtle but clever tactical rearrangement at half time by Mikel. Always good to beat them but, especially to expose their one-dimensional approach so nicely at the same time.
It was good to see Odegaard, Partey and Zinchenko all able to play to beyond the 70 th minute.
Xhaka fully deserved the MotM .
1 thing I noticed after we scored Xhaka was the one who called all the players in for a quick chat not our captain
Nice to see Taylor deal with a bad challenge properly too. I thought he was going to ruin our Saturday..
C’mon Brighton, 2 – 1 up away to Liverpool.
Hmm, Brighton now 3 – 2 down.
Was fearful for Martinelli’s ankle/shin, but so pleased to see him get up. Jesus seemed to be hobling badly after match though.
Martinelli was MoM for me , he’s like the Duracell bunny and was totally responsible for Emerson’s dismissal . In fact I think he was probably disappointed when he saw it was red because he had him so tied up and was beating him for fun that he would have been happy to see him stay.
Shame Palace couldn’t get a point.
Me too re Martinelli, I feared the worst. I think Jesus was just being Jesus, hobbling. Lol
for me, MoM Partney, for the goal he scored, for what he played, for the security he provided and for the confidence he showed.
While everyone was going a bit potty we had William Saliba tip-toeing his way through a host of lunging challenges, that boy is pure class and we really need to make him an offer that ties him to Arsenal for the foreseeable future.
A very enjoyable afternoon despite the aggro of getting to and from the ground due to the train strikes.
Morning.
New post up now
Great game for you to be there Kev…