Morning all.
Where to start eh.
What I don’t understand is how Torreira received a straight red card for his challenge on Danny Rose which was as Jermaine Jenas said, a pass/tackle rather than a reckless studs up tackle when previously in the game, the same Toots player challenged Bernd Leno for the ball with all studs up and showing, didn’t. The Rose challenge/foul looked far worse to me. These referees simply can’t have a rule for one yet a different for another.
Nor can I fathom why with just one job to do for ninety minutes, a linesman cannot keep up with play. VAR would have ruled about four Toots players offside for the free kick Trippier played into the box. The push by Mustafi on Kane would have been insignificant. Stupid as it was from the German.
At 1-1 with just minutes to go, Anthony Taylor gave us an opportunity to come away from Wembley with all three points. Aubameyang blew it with his nonchalant approach to the penalty spot. He should have had a second chance though as Vertonghen was not the only Toots player in the box when the spot kick was taken. No way was Taylor giving us another bite at the cherry, not with Poch whispering sweet nothings into the ear of the 4th official.
Arsenal dropped two massive points but even though the officiating was dreadful and gifted them their point, we’d already had enough opportunities to kill the game off.
Converting our chances, a topic raised in yesterday’s post bit us on the backside. Lacazette had two glorious opportunities to score, the first very early in the game. Both really should have been converted by a player of his calibre. Iwobi at least hit the target but Lloris was in the right place to make a good save. Or make it look a good save.
The goal we did score was great. Toots had been on the attack when Kane was dispossessed just outside our own box, Sanchez cocked up his attempt to control the ball in midfield which Xhaka had cleared, Lacazette showed greater determination, played the ball through for Ramsey and the Welshman didn’t disappoint. His last NLD signed off with a fine goal.
Then came the story of the two penalties and spoils shared. Big opportunity gone, but signs of this Arsenal improving.
Negatives: Not converting our chances. Too much space and time afforded to Trippier thanks to Iwobi’s lack of defensive work. Ozil yet again showed why he’s not trusted to play in the big games. The officials who really were dreadful. The red card for Torreira who’ll now miss the next three matches unless Arsenal appeal and win. I doubt they will.
Highlights: Our defensive unit looked more organised, even with Mustafi at right back, although he gave us little going forward. Not that I care about that much away from home. Mkhitaryan had another good game, especially when it came to helping Mustafi out. Totally misjudged a header in our box though. Sokratis and Koscielny. Really strong all match I thought, especially the Greek. Bernd Leno. Went the wrong way for the penalty but that happens. His double save was incredible, it really was.
Unai Emery. Picked a team which a few of us were concerned about prior to kick off but that team showed the Spaniard had done his homework. The idea was to allow Toots the possession and hit them on the break. Sure up the defence and defend in numbers when it mattered. We did both, well too. Even Emery’s harshest critics will have to admit that. After seven long months of experimenting, coping with many injuries along the way, finding out who fits into his footballing philosophy etc, Unai Emery pretty much knows who can do what and against who.
The team sitting third in the league, a team who despite winning nothing for years, the media having been praising for a few years now, were quite average at best. Not because they’re suddenly rubbish, but because we nullified what they tried to do. It was them having to play sideways passes because we were defending well. It was them who had to pass the ball backwards because our players were closing the gaps out of possession. Sokratis v Kane was as one sided a battle you’ll see for a long time and I bet our Greek defender is still trying to get the striker out of his pocket this morning.
As the BT Sport microphone dangled in front of Emery after the game, I suspect the guy holding it anticipated a huge rant about the officials. Nothing. A simple and polite ‘good afternoon’ followed by an explanation of how difficult it is for the referees and how they need help from VAR. He’s smart, cunning too.
I thought we were good yesterday. Not perfect I know but from where we were back in August, to where we were during our unbeaten run, through to where we are now, I’d say things are looking up.
I’d have taken a point before kick off bearing in mind previous results against them away from home but we didn’t deserve what we got yesterday. We were by far the better team and deserve to be sitting one point off third place this morning. Instead we’re 5th.
There’s a long way to go yet though….
See you in the comments guys..
Morning all.
I reckon it was a damn fine performance.
Possession stats may say otherwise, but I think we were the better side and we definitely had more clear cut chances.
A missed offside call followed by a dive resulted in their penalty, where our dive resulted in nothing, but as you said, Rico, we had enough chances to be out of sight well before then.
Before anyone criticises my use of the diving label, i admit I’m harsh on players falling down and even with contact, I still believe they’re a dive when players choose to fall instead of making an attempt to stay on their feet but that’s just me.
Because if there’s contact and they stay on their feet, seldom do they get a penalty. Call it what you like but Mustafi shoved Kane and if that was against one of our players, I’d be expecting the ref to point to the spot.
What went on before is the issue though. Same with the Aubameyang penalty which should have been retaken.
Morning Rico and all. There’s a certain satisfaction after yesterday but it is tinged with a fair amount of sour regret too. The media darlings and their increasingly sickening manager have run up against something of a brick wall perhaps. Like you and most Arsenal supporters, I would have taken the draw before the game. But, after it all sunk in, a few things stand out.
Yesterday, at least, our strikers were bad and they cost us the game. Our defence and midfield were good and Spurs couldn’t find a legal goal against us. The officials were shocking and bearing in mind how many people worldwide were watching the game at Wembley, the home of football, the lack of VAR must have been as mystifying as the wrong decisions that essentially decided the game. Internationally, it was a bad advert for English football.
There’s little point in going over them as you have covered them in the post but the offside goal and the first fact that Vertonghen was only a few yards behind Aubameyang when he struck the penalty and therefore in prime position to make the last ditch deflection that avoided them conceding should never have happened in a game like that.
For me though, the most interesting thing was the difference between the two managers. Emery spoke calmly with his general incoherent English, but he knew that it was pointless to moan about the decisions and just commented that VAR would help the officials when it arrives. Adding that they have a difficult job.
Pochettino,on the other hand was doing his rather creepy thing in the game. Holding 4th official John Moss’s hand, while whispering in his ear in a weird and rather gross way, asking for Xhaka to be sent off. He reiterated this after the game which was when he really lost it. When a manger takes the Donald Trump route to his press conferences and spouts total rubbish, then you know he’s in trouble. Pochettino thought his team were better, in every department and should have won. A view so far from reality that he must be in some sort of Argentinian dreamland. When asked about the offside that lead to the penalty, he ignored the question and started going on about Xhaka again. He conveniently ignored Rose’s contemptible diving and fouling behaviour all game and Sanchez’ deliberate stamp on Kos, which should result in a ban just like Kane’s should have for his ‘butt’ against Chelsea a week ago. Ah, but the England captain doesn’t head-but people, according to the authorities.
His rant about Xhaka does raise a point though and that is that both he and Mustafi, who had a better game yesterday, will always let the team down at one point and it will cost points. Xhaka’s tackle from the rear was as daft as Mustafi’s push for the penalty. I doubt that Emery missed either of them.
Morning Adam. So well put.
I think Poch days are numbered at Toots, Kane’s too. They really are a ghastly and overrated team now. I too saw Poch and Moss cosying up on the sidelines, it looked bad and I’m glad it’s not something Emery does.
You’re right I’m sure, Emery wouldn’t have missed anything our players got up to. Mustafi, Xhaka and certainly both our strikers missing great opportunities to cement our fourth spot and really give us a chance of getting 3rd.
I think one has to go, it would be Aubameyang if it were down to me. He offers nothing but goals yet considering how many opportunities he gets, 16 is a poor return imo.
Re Sanchez stamp on Koscielny and Rose on Leno, not one newspaper etc report highlight them. Torreira sending off is of course scrutinised as is the Mustafi push. It shows just how biased reporting news etc is.
That’s true Rico. Though I never saw or heard the interview, I am told that Pochettino said (earlier in the week) that Spurs were 10 years away from winning the league. I thought this to be rather optimistic but no doubt it was yet more defective tripe spewing from his mouth after dropping 6 points out of 6 from the previous 2 games.
Ten years is a long time in football and the increased costs of their stadium, located in one of London’s biggest shitholes will hopefully become a giant financial albatross around their necks. Personally, I am convinced that Lewis and Levy are looking to sell the club. This, plus Pochetinno’s prophetic 10 year remark will likely mean that Kane, Ali and a couple of others will need to be sold. If you’re a supposed top-player, why would you waste your career at such a club, regardless of how many fried chicken giblet shops, pound shops and housing associations you could find locally.
Hi Adam,
I’m not sure how VAR will be used in England, but here in Oz, it’s used very conservatively.
Unless it’s a clear and obvious error by officials, the initial decision stands and that’s where it still comes down to human intervention.
Some of the calls we’ve seen have been absolutely horrendous but as there is the slightest of contact, the VAR official says they can’t or won’t over turn what everyone knows is an obvious dive.
For offsides, bring it on.
Goal line technology is a winner.
I don’t see a benefit in having it for much else, to be honest.
Rico, we need to stop calling Football a contact sport if mere contact justifies a player falling down, imo.
Netball players cop a hell of a lot worse and manage to stay on their feet but then, they’re not overpaid wankers like so many footballers.
I just can’t get past these cheats, can’t ya tell hahahaha
I read that too from Poch Adam. A ridiculous statement to make. I was listening to one of the Sky presenters who said that if he was a player and heard his manager say that, he’d be submitting a transfer request as soon as he could. As would I.
‘Rather optimistic’ comment. Hilarious Adam…
Who does call it that Scott? Even so, we can’t run with the hounds and the fox. A push in the back is what it is. Mustafi was a twit.
I agree that Mustafi was a twit Rico. But that’s hardly news from him is it? Likewise Xhaka. Both are decent players but prone to dangerous moments of stupidity. I doubt that Emery would disagree. I can see them both going in the summer as long as quality replacements can be found.
Rico, I’ll never condone cheats.
Falling over at the slightest of contact is chestinf, imo.
Cheating, even 🙂
Apart from his mad moment Adam, I thought Mustafi did pretty well. Xhaka too but as you rightly say, they both have a mistake in them and usually it costs us.
The two of them combined did 1/4 of what Sanchez got away with.
Not sure what game the officials were watching.
I’ve just watched it again Scott. It’s a big shove.
Still, no point in going over it all day.
Rico. That’s always the way with those two. I was quietly admiring Mustafi’s general play and composure a few moments before his silly shove. ☹️
Rico, I agree that he made contact, and I’m not questioning that, but was it enough to make Kane fall over as he did?
I don’t believe it was even close to enough.
Great post rico.
Just watched match of the day, and neither Rose feet up lunge into Leno’s chest was mentioned, nor Sanchez stamp. The BBC is quickly becoming a laughing stock with their total bias and corrupt reporting. NOT, only within football I may add. I suggest viewing Tommy Robinson’s undercover interview with the Panorama head reporter. This will open a few eyes within the British public????? or maybe not, as we British stiff upper lipped society have our heads in the sand.
I too would have taken a draw before KO, but after watching the match I feel low and definitely cheated. As mentioned numerous times the incidents were not difficult to see.
The offside (4 players) call from the linesman when Harry Kane was stupidly nudged in the back by an incompetent player. Even Jermaine Jenas (ex Totts player) called it LIVE. He said thats another offside by Kane!!!!!!! So why did the linesman miss this????? mmmmmmmmmm minds working overtime here. Dare I suggest some biasness?????
Vertongan encroachment. Look at the referees positioning as Aubameyang strikes the ball. He is looking straight at the incident with Aubameyang forefront and Vertongan background. HOW on earth can he not see the player was yards, not feet, inside the area, and yet it was the very same player who cleared off the line. Whats the point in having rules if they are not being enforced???
The Rose incident was imo every bit if not more a red card. Torriera was at least trying to play the ball into Mihkatarians feet, AND in fact got the ball, whereas Rose just lunged in.
Thats two games in a row that a Totts player has committed an offence, Harry Kane ( head butt) Sanchez (stamp). Kane has been let off, and I bet the same verdict will be given to Sanchez.
With the abysmal officiating within our game is the reason why, I, and many of my friends are getting into rugby union (or other sporting activities). A ruffians game played by gentleman, instead of a sportsmans game played by thugs.
Furthermore on the official thing. Have a look at the ManUre game against Southampton…..two penalty calls both for Southampton turned down (although imo one would have been soft) but this has been going on since the berth of man at the Old Toilet. I suggest we brace ourselves if ManUre are behind against us next week, they will get a helping hand from the official no doubt.
Lastly. Why do we keep giving stupid, needless fouls away in dangerous areas. YES, Xhaka, Im looking at you…..Does this guy possess a brain!!!!!! he is the most clumsiest player in the premiership imo.
COYG
Adam. Ditto here too. He went from being a steady Eddie to a real Dick… lol
Thanks Vcc and a well put comment from you too.
I saw the Utd highlights. Southampton were well and truly shafted by the officiating too, a decision which could make a huge difference to their survival in the premier league. Agree re the BBC too. From Sir Cliff, the election, football, so many topics, important ones which they report the way they want. What happened to the neutral?..
Totally understand turning to rugby. Football is very low down on my list of priorities these days.
Of course it would have been Scott, just as it would you if someone shoved you in the back in similar circumstances. Weight depending of course.. lol
Morning all and another top notch post from our leader.
Spuds ten years away from winning the league !…………………. that will be 68 years since last winning it then !……………………like they are going to ever win it without spending like Man C. 🙂
Rico, weight has plenty to do with it, no question.
Especially if you’re throwing your own weight towards the grass 🙂
Great post Rico
Morning Gooners
Morning Rico
VAR might have overturned our penalty btw, just saying…
Despite some misgivings I’m now really warming to Emery and his process…
Adam 9.48 😄😄😄
scott. Totally agree with your sentiments regarding soft penalties where players seem to have been pole axed. BUT, it still remains a fact that Mustafi nudged/pushed/shoved, call it what you like, he is clearly seen to be trying to stop Kane getting an advantage over him and foolishly commits the crime.
He, Mustafa, and a couple of others (who I keep mentioning on here) persist in making absolutely stupid unnecessary fouls in and around our penalty box when there is no need absolutely. Hence giving the opposition a free shot.
Although Socratis had a fine game and was arguably MOTM, he still committed an unnecessary foul on Lamela, that gave them a free kick in a dangerous area, that Kane eventually scored his controversial penalty from.
If you look at that situation, Socratis must have known Lamela was going nowhere with a difficult ball delivered to him, and also had four Arsenal players in close vicinity. Just jockey the player and let the surrounding players intervene. Simples.
Our defenders commit far too many similar offences in such situations it makes my blood boil.
Thanks Lc.
Morning Kev, thanks.
Ditto re Emery. I thought he deserved time with a bit of reservation but I’m really warming to him. My post tomorrow is all about that, or it will be. Hopefully anyway. Lol
Good point Vcc about the silly free kicks in dangerous areas. Song was an expert at those. We need to be smarter in our own half especially…
When Ozil came on the team deflated.All the energy left.
Welcome Max. Ozil certainly didn’t do himself any favours. Big games and he just doesn’t do it.
Another offside goal at Watford then.
Beggars belief really..
It certainly does.
Two dropped points, in my opinion.
I did not understand why Ozi came in. He does not replace Ramsey and was only disrupting Iwoby in addition to not defending.
Again the referee with strong influence on the final result.
Yesterday, another MU goal scored in offside. It’s been every week.
The VAR resolves and does not solve. At the time of the decisions, will always benefit Mu, Liverpool and Totts.
What cheeses me off is other than the likes of City and Utd, Chelsea too, other clubs survive because of the money they receive from the league placing. A club like Southampton might get relegated, Leicester too and I’m sure others will lose out.
The officials are not only ruining the game, but are potentially destroying football clubs.
Hi everyone, a quick word from T4 Heathrow. Apparently the Kane penalty was entirely legitimate, a foul takes precedence over off side. So despite Kane and half his team being in offside positions, because Mustafi committed a foul Kane got his penalty.
Now I’ve never before heard of this rule, but it was mentioned by two journos in this morning’s papers.
Just thought I would throw that in.
Cicero 3:02. If that the case, whats the point in following football? That if true is one of the craziest rules Ive ever heard of. So are you telling me if the Linesman had done his job properly and raised his flag the referee would ignore it and give a penalty?
Crazy, absolutely crazy if true.
Cicero…..sorry buddy, forgot to say. Have a wicked holiday
Wish I was rich…… 😉
Cicero, that’s a load of b******s 😂
The first incident takes precedence.. Have a safe journey and a great couple of weeks..
Just to muddy the waters further..
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-premier-league/23/blog/post/3789967/was-kane-offside-before-winning-penalty-against-arsenal
Just goes to show how little the officials no about the laws of the game.
Just about to board. Ciao.
Offside or not, Mustafi still dropped his clanger…
Clear as mud Bt. Lol
Afternoon guys, well, if you’re all depressed then I’m joining the club. I cannot believe it. It was there for the taking……….!
Lamela was backing into Socratis so not surprised they both fell over but not a foul imo.
Aubamuyang might have had the remaining 10 Spurs players in the penalty area when trotting up to take the penalty but that was one pathetic example of how to take one. Wasn’t wide enough, had NO pace so a gift for the keeper.
The last penalty he took (which match was that?) was almost in the centre and fortunately the keeper went the wrong way.
Lacazette what a MISS…………….
We could have and, we SHOULD have, wrapped up 3 points!
Mustafi is brain dead. He shoved Kane very hard and it WAS a penalty, but, a few of the Spurs players were offside anyway.
The general standard of refereeing has gone downhill and Torreira played the ball.
Are they being bribed or are they just completely incompetent?
I’ve never heard of that either Cicero – Surely the pushing offence was AFTER the
offside so, it’s OFFSIDE. Bloody barmy.
It is offside because the offside is signaled when the player intervenes or has influence on the play (had) and when the ball left, was in an offside situation (which was).
The foul arises when the player will have a direct influence on the move but proceeding from an irregular position. That is: it benefits from its irregular position to have decisive influence in the move.
Hi VCC, I agree that Mustafi made contact and that’s plain to see, but we do witness that type of action in every single corner and free kick in the game, so my issue is why it’s suddenly called after being ignored for 85 minutes.
Imo, they should call it every time or not at all, and isn’t that always the beef with officials, their lack of consistency?
The offside or penalty conversation will go on and on. Nobody seems to have a definitive explanation.
At Hong Kong airport waiting for flight to Bangkok. Eleven hour overnight flight from Heathrow with very little sleep.
Stop your moaning Cicero, you’re off on your hols… 😂
Cicero, enjoy 🙂
Morning Rico.
Morning Scott, there’s a new post up now
There’s a hardcore & always has been of crap/bias refs on the prem.The usual suspects of Oliver ,Atkinson,Taylor,Mariner,Moss ,probers & of course the infamous Dean all ably abetted by their commander in chief Mike “ I luv manure “ Riley.have been saying it for years.wont stop until either there ousted as a refereeing body or there’s a European super league.but var might curtail them depending how it’s usef.its our only hope.
Uwot, VAR will certainly highlight their failings. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a sudden rise in the the standard of officiating next season in the PL. Big brother and all that.