Morning all.
Well, that was an afternoon full of drama. Aubameyang dropped for disciplinary reasons, Arsenal hit the woodwork twice and spurned another four of five opportunities to score before Son pulled up with a hamstring injury. Not sure how though because he and his teammates barely broke into a jog. They really were dreadful, negative and extremely defensive. Lamela came on from the bench to score what was a excellent goal. Mikel Arteta will be disappointed with the defending though. Arsenal equalised through Martin Ødegaard and in the second half, Pepe played a superb ball through to Lacazette. He sliced his shot, Sanchez crashed into him sending him flying and Michael Oliver blew his whistle and pointed to the spot immediately. Up stepped our captain on the day, to send Lloris the wrong way. Excellent penalty. Arsenal were in the lead.
I thought we played well. We pressed high, got stuck in and did a lot of things well. ESR hit the crossbar from distance before cutting the ball back to Lacazette only he fluffed his shot wide. Then we were hit in typical Mourinho style. Against the run of play and rather fortunate. Yes Lamela’s strike was rather spectacular but on another day, who knows where that would have ended up but if you try, you never know.
Arsenal hit the woodwork again, this time it was Cedric. He hit the ball so crisply, had it have gone in it would have been pretty special. Especially as a Toots player was on his heels at the time of striking. Just before halftime, we scored. Tierney the provider from our left, Ødegaard with the finish. Oh how I loved seeing Alderweireld deflect the shot past his own keeper.
Saka was replaced by Pepe at halftime. Hopefully just precautionary because yet again he seemed to have a ‘kick me’ label stuck to his back. Pepe’s ball to Lacazette which led to the penalty was perfect. What happened next you already know.
The next big moment came when Lamela caught Tierney in the face with his elbow. Only he knows whether it was intentional or not but clearly Michael Oliver thought it was reckless. I thought a red card was coming out of his pocket but it was yellow. Regardless, he was off for a second booking. Mourinho’s reaction was priceless. Kane’s ‘challenge’ on Gabriel should have seen him punished too. We’ve seen similar go on before to both Holding and Debuchy only their season was finished because of it.
With ten men, Toots became more adventurous in attack but then being behind, they had little to lose. That was probably Mourinho’s plan all along. Knowing we’d been on the road in Europe, go for win when our player’s legs were tired. Kane had a goal rightly ruled out for offside. He hit the post from a free kick before Gabriel headed away the follow up shot from Sanchez.
Arsenal held on though to secure the victory.
So, we finally saw Arsenal cut out the confusion over playing out from the back which we’ve witnessed in the last two or three games. However, what crept into the game towards the end of the game was fouls, far too many of them in dangerous areas. I think the players were knackered and nervous, they panicked but for the right reasons if that makes sense. They just didn’t want to concede but what they were doing is presenting Toots with too many opportunities to equalise. The more games we win, I think the nervy moments will disappear.
I thought Saka, ESR, Tierney and Ødegaard were really good. Tierney and ESR down our left we’re excellent and the Toots right back struggled all match. Ødegaard seems to improve game by game. For such a slight guy, he holds the ball up really well.
In fact there’s not one player who stood out for the wrong reasons.
Arsenal, Mikel Arteta and the fans needed that performance and the victory over Mourinho and the Toots. Now it’s back to the Europa League. Another performance like yesterday and we should be through. At least if we were to draw the Toots in the next round, we know how to beat them.
See you in the comments.
Good Morning Rico and everyone
it was enjoyable reading that report. And since its against the Toots it makes it all the more special.
At last we are shooting from the distance….outside the box. ESR and Soares both hit the post from outside the box. Finally we are going to have contenders for the goal of the season. Its a pity that these two shots hit the woodwork otherwise the win would have been more impressive.
Toots were very negative. And their midfield three were much inferior to ours. So much so that after Son and Bale went off Mourinho went for a 4-5-1 formation….and they still could not get a grip.
Good morning Rico, a little subdued in our house this morning as my other half is mourning the demise of her beloved Spurs.
I’m not crowing too much, though I can’t repress a smile or two while reading the match reports.
Morning Devil, Cicero and all.
How good was ESR yesterday? I thought he and Tierney were just brilliant. So much so I was wrong about ESR on the left and Ødegaard having freedom because the latter was good too.
A word on Cedric too, better than Bellerin at defending?
Morning all.
Odegaard is one ridiculously talented footballer and we must do what we can to keep him.
Absolute class.
The better he plays Scott, the more Real will want to keep him or increase his price.
Morning Rico and all.
Good read. It’s refreshing to have such a positive report after a successful match day. Can we win another St Totteringham Day this year for the first time in five? I really hope so. So much pride at stake.
Well Rico, that’s two ‘ifs’ down and one ‘but’ to come on Thursday. Who’d have thought it? Still, mustn’t get in front of ourselves. Thursday is the big one! And then we can start with some new ‘ifs’ all over again! One game at a time😀
Rico, true, but he’s been there for years and hasn’t been given a go, so maybe he wants to stay with us.
With ESR it works to a T simply because other players run into the Tierney channels. ESR simply tucks inside when Tierney is rampaging forward, thus giving us two players in the position Odegaard is in…..that means more support and better covering. If you all noticed, ESR was always slightly at an angle behind Odegaard in certain situations. Tierney was on the wing so that gave us the support of a triangular formation between ESR, Tierney and Odegaard thus giving more options in passing.
Cedric was much batter obviously than Bellerin yesterday. Defensively he is better as he is not as much as attacking as Bellerin. he is an inverted full back which means he tucks into midfield to defend the CBs. Had he been a Bellerin like FB he would not have had the opportunity to shoot like he did when he hit the post, simply because Bellerin likes to hug the flank and does not tuck in.
Morning Wavy, thanks.
The story of our season has been if’ and but’s – especially when it comes to the officiating. It’s good to see a couple of decisions go our way for a change but I’d imagine Oliver won’t be reffing an Arsenal game anytime soon.
Yes, one day and one game at a time.
I’d imagine he’d be more than happy to stay Scott, he’s playing and is probably appreciated for once.
Rico, let’s hope player power works in our favour for a change.
One day at a time or better still one game at a time.
But I can assure you now….that one day, all the shots will go in. We will not hit posts, the balls won’t miss the target by a whisker, the opposition keeper will not play out of his skin. We will simply bury our chances.
And yes……I will get my wish of a high scoring game.
One day someone is going to feel sorry for turning up to play against us. I just hope its one of Manure, Dippers or Toots.
Scott, and how much money Arsenal have to spend in the summer.
True, Rico, but I think Odegaard is in love with North London.
That carries a lot of weight.
The guy is just one sublime footballer so I really hope he stays on.
We are better when we play with pace , it was noticeable that when ESR went off for Willian things started to go downhill . To me the difference is that ESR makes runs behind , takes the ball on the turn whilst Willian and Xhaka take the ball full on and have to turn or send it back rather like Ceballos did and often get caught.
However I do think that we are better than we think we are , all we need to do now is persuade the players and get their confidence up and learn to play games out without trying to prop up the defence to hold a lead.
Hi Rico… nice one!!
What better way to spend the morning – after some decorating – than watch MOTD (again!) and go through the Arsenal blogosphere!! Happy days!
Emile Smith Rowe’s game by numbers vs. Tottenham:
97% pass accuracy
57 touches
6 ball recoveries
4 chances created
3 crosses
1 shot
1 foul won
1 tackle
1 interception
1 woodwork hit
Impressive!! Love this guy!! My MOTM
Hope Saka will recover for Thursday. Feeling his hamstring, apparently.
Dirty sods those spuds!! I bet some of them were really happy yesterday though, being closet gooners – Doherty, Sissoko, Aurier….😂
Can’t stop singing Sweet Caroline and Good old Arsenal!!
If Arteta wants to sign him then yes Scott. But we know what Real are like..
Agree re the change Potter. It’s more than a coincidence that our level dropped after ESR went off.
Potter, sometimes less is more.
If we take things slowly now with ESR, we will get more out of him down the track.
Hi Sue, thanks.
ESR is one heck of a footballer. I think most of us couldn’t wait to see him get his chance and now we know why. He’s only going to get better too as he matures.
I think we could afford to rest Saka on Thursday if his hamstring is a problem.
Hi Rico and all, I know he has been good in the past but I don’t think we missed Bellerin and as I said before I think we look better with out Auba and the younger players look like they enjoy playing with Laca more than Auba
Nice write up Rico, you know I cannot help myself but I’ve got this overriding feeling that we’re going to get the Scum in the Europa, I just can’t shake that feeling off.
Probably in the Semifinals.
Hi Geoff, I think Bellerin is one who might be sold if the price is right.
Hi Kev, I have the same feeling although I’m hoping they get thrashed on Thursday. Utd too. Lol
Kev….if we get them in the semifinals there is still time to give them a whacking. 10-0 over each leg will do. 😂😂😂😂
I too happen to think that Bellerin will be sold. And unless we get a new RB in his place than next year will see Soares and Chambers playing as RB. Tariq Lamptey is injured so we will not get him in the coming window. So both of them will be staying put I feel. The problem with CC and CS is that both are inverted FBs unlike Bellerin who is an overlapping winger. Which means both cut inside and/or stay back to help defend midfield instead of overlapping on the wing.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/03/14/video-harry-kane-unpunished-after-striking-arsenal-defender-gabriel-with-dangerous-play-for-the-second-time-this-season-as-spurs-lose/
The Tyler commemnt 4th picture down sums up the sychophantic problem . Why is it when in commentary it’s Bale to Son and back to HARRY KANE . ?
Sun shines out of is Arris.
Devil, we have another right back out on loan who could be the answer. Can’t recall his name right now but I think he’s playing on the wing for his loan club.
Jordi Osei-Tutu.
Yes Jordi Osei tutu. was looking the name up. But I dont like the fact that he is playing on the wing for his loan club. He needs to play at RB.
Potter….that the commentator said it was born out of frustration is bananas. whatever is bugging someone during a game no player can do anything like that. It is simply dangerous play and could have resulted in an injury.
I think next game the whole team will be different. I hope that Tierney, Saka, ESR, Odegaard and PArtey will be given a rest. Maybe even Gabriel and Luiz. I would change the whole team imo.
Ryan, Chambers, Holding, Pablo, Soares; Elneny, Ceballos, Wiilian, MArtinelli, Pepe, Aubameyang.
Frustration or no frustration, it’s a clear foul and I’d say it’s reckless.
Doesn’t surprise me that Kane never got reported for his action it seems to me that both Kane and Vardy can do what they want and they backed by most of the media and the FA
DG, 2-0 or even 1-0 on aggregate would suffice for me, although my nerves would be in tatters.
The emphasis on Harry Kane is exactly the same as it was for Thierry Henry tbh, it’s what commentators do, Tyler used to always go up an octave or two when he said Shearer, Brian Moore was the same when he said (Bobby) Moore or (Bryan) Robson, it’s what they do it’s all part of theatre.
The problem we have is the favouritism that certain England players get from referees and that’s what Arsenal don’t enjoy as for most of the last 20 years we have been a team dominated by foreigners. Maybe Saka enjoyed that recently when he got away with a few tasty challenges without getting a yellow card?
Tyler is often doing that. The Aguero moment has gone down in history. Adams too when he burst through from the back to score against Everton.
I suppose they have to try and make the commentary exciting.
Yes Rico, but after it’s been repeated a million times it tends to get a bit irritating, I mean how many times have you heard a commentator chirping ‘Can you believe it’ – I mean, give me a fecking break… 🙄
Kev, I know what you mean.
Thanks Rico,
It’s nice to re-live that,the last 20 minutes were a bit stressful though !
It was important for Arteta we held on,as Kev says there’s a good chance we draw them in the Europa League,and the media would love to build up the Mourinho hold over us.That has been mucked up,we dominated from the start,pretty much everyone did well,Tierney and Smith Rowe were stand outs.
I even thought the team changes worked,in my opinion Soares is a better right back than Bellerin,Lacazette doesn’t exactly weaken the team. I’d play both Aubameyang and Lacazette on Thursday,rest Saka for the West Ham game.
Bring it on
Would you believe it, the original one, is my 2nd favourite……..but I still love seeing it over and over and over and over again ……. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4UehS4PGUc
This is my all time favourite…..I think when dementia will set in and I will be around 99 years this memory will stick there for ever and ever AMEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFo1eyWbTtc
This still gets my flesh filled with goose bumps
Limey I will not play Auba and Laca up front together anymore. Its one or the other. With both the team has to play differently as they bring different tactical attributes to the team. So for the Olympiakos game I would go with Auba up top while behind him Martinelli, Willian and Pepe pull the strings.
I am sure that Willian will play a lot better if he begins the match, especially in the number 10 position.
I dont see next Thursday as a dead rubber because it is still half time. But Arteta has to show he has faith in these players as well….plus winning breeds confidence across the team. That is why I will still want to win it.
I just hope that Arteta plays Ryan and Martinelli….if he does not it will send the wrong messages to these two. Especially if he is going to keep Ryan. He did well when he played, so I feel he will deserve to be called up for next Thursday.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/arsenal-could-still-make-top-four-luiz-ng-s-2053543
I still think this is a big ask of the team in the present season. Yes we have evolved, slowly but surely, we have improved. But will not see it all this season. Next season I feel will see us differently.
If we manage to make it top six it will be a big achievement. If, and a BIG IF, we gatecrash into the top four it will be equivalent of us winning the EPL this year.
I am not holding my breath. But I would love us to do it.
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/15/massive-massive-thing-paul-merson-thinks-arsenal-man-has-made-a-genius-move/
Its good to see that Arteta has got support over his Auba decision.
Afternoon Rico and the House
Thanks for the Post Rico I would think you got as much enjoyment
out of writing it as I have reading it. Well done.
The Kane incident that you all comenting on is the one I mentioned last night.
I beleive that those saying it was frustration and reckless have got it wrong.
I honestly think that Kane went into Gabby with intention of doing him harm
If you watch the game from 72 mins on you will see that Gabby had full control of the ball and cleared it with his left foot. Kane had no chance of getting the ball
and you can see he only had eyes for Gabby.
It was anasty deliberate foul and he should have been sent off.
I see that ESR and Eddy have both been selacted for the England U 21 team
There is no place for Willock or Nelson Thats what happens when you are not in
the first team squad
Afternoon Rick and thanks re the post.
If we are to apply Peter Walton’s theory to Kane, ‘he’s got previous’ then yes, he should have seen red. I detest Kane as a player, his antics are often dangerous. Didn’t he send Gabriel flying at their ground in December? When he stuck his fat backside into our guy. One of these days, someone is going suffer a serious career ending injury as a result of that kind of ‘challenge’.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ejNiCuWgSEA
Jamie O’hara made that clear didnt he? So its not something which only us see. Its something which others have seen and its bought up on air.
Fingers crossed action is taken.
Although I do not agree with his ways and how he used to deal with such players, I feel that having a player of the ilk of Roy Keane, who made you aware that you mean business, sometimes is a must in any team. Yes we all might hate him but he DID protect his players and stood up for his team.
Can you imagine the injury time had Keane been with us yesterday against the Toots and Kane did that sort of thing to Gaby?? Keane would have felled him in the last minute, knowing fully well that if he is sent off Arsenal would not suffer while Kane would be counting his stitches in a couple of days time. Again…I do not agree with Keane’s methods but having followed Keane from day one he played till his retirement I am aware that he never initiated the action himself, but waited until provocation from someone else. Yes he went way over the top but had he been in our team the Toots, especially Kane would have thought twice, nay ten times before committing such challenges.
Same with Vieira Devil, or Keown and Adams.
Vieira, Keown and Adams were of the same mould Rico. But their reactions were not as devilish as Keane’s. there is only one player who was more vicious (if he can be called a player) and that was Vinnie Jones. At least Keane was skillful. Jones was only a thug.
The above three we had were strong personalities. but they never crossed the line. Keane had no boundaries with that regard.
As was pointed out in the video….one day Kane is going to seriously injure a player. But I can go one further….one day another player will say enough is enough….and will seriously injure Kane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vOziaX7OZk
anyone can see that Kane had intent. Eyes were not on the ball. They were simply on Gabriel.
Testing
Keown and Vieira crossed the line Devil..
I didn’t think Vinnie Jones was that bad a footballer, he had a dark side but that was Wimbledon in their day.
Sky Sports ref watch.
INCIDENT: Harry Kane bodyslams into Gabriel late after the ball is gone, but nothing is given.
DERMOT’S VERDICT: Yellow card.
DERMOT SAYS: “I think it’s aggressive, I don’t think it’s dangerous or endangering Gabriel’s safety, a yellow card would sit about right but it’s definitely not a red card.
“If someone got a red card for that, we’d be making more of a story about it than we are now.”
I do not think Vieira and Keown went in deliberately to injure a player like Keane did with Halaand, Rico.
Yes they showed who was boss but not that deliberatly.
Only they know Devil.
I don’t agree with Dermot’s comments, it was dangerous,
what would have happened if Kane had connected with Gabriel neck or Gabriel got knocked out by hitting his head on the ground.
I wonder what the ref / VAR would had done if Gabriel stayed down to make it look worse that it was and waited until the medical team come out to check him.
If that had been Xhaka or luiz they would have been given a straight red card
over and over and over and over again …
Bejesus said Paddy I sang it so well I think I’ll get up and I will sing it again , So paddy got up and he sang it again over and over and over and over again …
Didn’t realise that you were Irish Devil.
When Paddy came over from Ireland,
In praise of the AFC,
We hadn’t won an awful lot since 1953,
Well he’d stand at the back of the Clock End,
In the sun and the rain,
Week after week for many a year,
But never a trophy came,
Second leg of The Fairs Cup Final,
We’d already lost away,
We needed to pull something out the bag,
In order to save the day,
Then Paddy remembered a ditty, .
His father used to sing,
And quickly jumped up on to his feet and started to sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again .
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again…….
Now The Gunners they all played like heroes
To the song that Paddy had sung
And Kelly and Radford and Sammels
Made sure that the Fairs Cup was won.
The next year things got even better
The Arsenal the best in the land
We marched up the Seven Sisters Road
And invaded every stand
We covered the whole of the High Road
And all the streets around
We knew that we would win the league
When we heard a familiar sound
Ray Kennedy’s header was priceless
And as Paddy sang out aloud
The Gunners were once again Champions
And The Boys had done us proud
And Paddy got up and he sang it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Just a few days later that we found out
As we marched along Wembley Way
That Paddy just hadn’t stopped singing
Since the match on the previous Monday
Now he sung for the full 90 minutes
And he sung right through extra time
And for all Paddy’s trouble
The boys done The Double
So Paddy got up and he sang it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Now we’ve won the League up at Old Trafford
We’ve won it at Anfield too
When Paddy was singing on Merseyside
And we had to beat them by two
We’d already won it at Tottenham
When we lifted the pot at The Lane
We liked it so much
It was such a nice touch
To go back there and win it again
So The Arsenal went back there and won it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Now he’s travelling all around Europe
Over land and sea (and Leicester)
He’s been drunk in Madrid
He’s been nicked in Kiev
And he got stoned at PSV
Now wherever The Arsenal may wander
Be it Munich or Paris or Rome
They all c*ck an ear
And they know that we’re there
When they listen to Paddy’s sweet tones
And Paddy got up and he sang it again
Over and over and over again
B’ Jesus said Paddy I sang it so well
I think I’ll get up and I’ll sing it again.
So Paddy got up and he sung it again
Morning all.
Still on a high?
We all should 🙂
Good Morning all
Yes Scott. still on high. Especially as I keep seeing the look on Mourino’s face plastered all over the net….especially when Lamela was sent off, when the ref awarded a penalty and when Arteta and Soares were hugging each other after the final whistle.
The look on his face in all three is priceless
Morning all.
New post up now
https://highbury-house.com/2021/03/16/if-carlsberg-did-debuts/
Thanks for the link Rico, it’s really odd how the new post doesn’t pop up automatically until much later in the day, good old Big Tech…