Morning all.
When Chelsea scored two late goals to beat us just a few days ago, it was clear that fatigue played a huge part. Similar was evident last night too as towards the end of the game Lacazette was on his knees and Torreira was playing with an energy bar in his hand. A sure sign this group of players are working harder, a sure sign that their fitness levels are not where they should be at this stage of the season. David Luiz admitted so after the game. The whys and wherefores is probably a debate not worth having because it’ll make no difference to the situation. The fitness will improve, of that we can be sure.
The surprise of the evening was Sead Kolasinac in the team as I didn’t think he was back training. No disrespect to Saka but I was pleased to see our Serb return. Sokratis and Xhaka we’re back too and Pepe got the nod over Nelson.
Much was and still is being made of our league position but the reality is, just as we could easily drop into the relegation places, we could jump up a few places too because that’s how close the positions are outside of the top three. Still, it’s human nature to look at negative scenarios in life.
There was enough in the Chelsea game to make me believe that our season won’t be ending with relegation. I’m not for one minute suggesting we’re suddenly going to burst into the top four either but it’s becoming clearer by the game that our squad isn’t quite as bad after all. It’s lacking yes, but individuals who have been awful, are decent footballers after all. But then that’s because they all believe in what they’re being asked to do. So said the much maligned yet suddenly improved David Luiz whilst standing beside Sokratis Papastathopoulos who was grinning like a Cheshire Cat in the post match interview. An interview worth watching if you missed it. He was honest, that’s for sure and probably explains why this squad hasn’t been doing very well.
The first half was similar to our last match. We started quickly, caused the opposition all sorts of problems and scored quite early. Last night though, we scored a second, although we really should have scored more. Pepe buried a cross from Kolasinac which took a slight deflection on its way across the box, Sokratis fired home from close range a tad later. He meant that didn’t he? Aubameyang, Lacazette, Torreira saw chances either go wide, over or hit the post. On the odd occasion Utd looked like causing us a problem, we defended with heart, doggedness and determination at times, others with calmness, organisation and discipline.
Mikel Arteta pleased about the fans:
Absolutely. I said to the players, ‘it is up to you, your body language and behaviour, if you are able to transmit to them, they will buy into it. If it is negative, it is a negative [reaction from the fans], if it is positive, it is positive and they are willing to help you guys. They are here to support you.’ They are fans and they want to see their team perform like they did today. Thank you so much to them because when they are right behind [the team], you can tell the confidence and the things they tried, and the energy had towards the game you could see it was much better.
The longer the second half went on, the deeper we dropped. Again, probably because a few of our players looked dead on their feet. No doubt the nerves kicked in too with the Chelsea match still fresh in our minds as well as the players but the best Utd could conjure up was a shot into the side netting, and a blatant dive for a penalty by Wan-Bissaka for which he should have been booked. I bet his Arsenal supporting family will give him some stick for that.
I don’t want to go overboard but that was a great performance. The first half was entertaining with some of the best attacking football we’ve played in a while. The second half was equally as good because we showed a different side, a determined one and in the end, a clean sheet was the reward.
It’s funny how just a few weeks can make a huge difference in life. Granit Xhaka is being applauded by the fans and he wants to stay, Ozil is playing with a smile. Kolasinac looks full of energy and AMN looks less like a ‘fill in’ as each game passes. Luiz looks like the leader we’ve been lacking and to be fair, Xhaka was more vocal than he ever was whilst wearing the captains armband. Torreira, what a tiger he is. Sokratis looked more like the big money central defender signing than the Englishman Utd paid out for last summer. Rashford and Martial who? Seriously, everyone played their part and played it well. The fans too who were excellent I thought which is what happens when they/we too believe in what the club and Mikel Arteta are trying to do and can see that the players are responding.
A good start to 2020 but that’s all it is, a start. However, I’ve a feeling there’s a lot more to come…
Next up for Arsenal is another home fixture against Leeds Utd in the FA Cup on Monday night.
Good morning Rico, a cheery start to the new decade and a welcome lifting of the gloom of the last season and a half.
Watching the game last night I was becoming increasingly puzzled as to how United’s midfielder Fred could continue to commit numerous fouls without be cautioned. The answer came this morning when I noticed in the paper that referee Chris Kavanagh comes from guess where. Manchester!! That simple fact might well explain why the diving cheat, Wan-Bissaka, didn’t get booked either.
Very well captured Rico. Nothing more to add. This is just what a rookie manager but with so much believe can do to a team – a team so maligned, a team in dire straits, a team that every defender that came in suddenly became useless. Arteta only tweaked our line up, only told them CLEARLY what to do and only worked to improve their commitment and energy levels and the difference is amazing.
Emery should never happen again even in our dreams. Congratulations gunners, we can now see light at the end of the horrible tunnel.
Good Morning and a Happy New Year to The Lady of the House and all Gooners in residence.
After a very rainy and blustery New Year’s Eve, New Years Day dawned calm, sunny and warm (for this time of year) on the west/wet coast. Then the Arsenal put on a show that we have been expecting and hoping for for far too long. A very auspicious star to 2020.
There were fewer errant passes, the team were communicating more than usual and every player was pressing & working hard. I nearly fell off my chair when one article said that Ozil covered more ground than any other Arsenal player.
Am I dreaming? If so, don’t wake me as I want to enjoy it for as long as it lasts. Hopefully, this is just a taste of what’s to come
Morning Cicero and all.
The ref made some really bizarre decisions. He couldn’t wait to book Kolasinac though..
Thanks Dan. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Proud to be a Gooner since 50 years ago!
Once a fan of Arsenal, forever a fan of Arsenal!
Rico – I’ve been busy with the family and haven’t kept up with the happenings in the House. Has there been any word from Scott re him and his family with the fire situationin Oz?
Morning Cg and a happy new year to you too.
The change in such a short time is excellent. Players still to return from injury, fitness levels on the way up, all bodes well.
He’s fine Cg, no doubt he’ll be here anytime soon. He’s rather excited over Arteta. 😂
Thank you Rico. Maybe I should mention the word ‘statistics’; that usually invokes his appearance.
Ha ha Cg.
Morning Transfer Window Lickers!………………..thanks Rico.
Yesterday was a perfect day…………….we win and Spuds lose making it the greatest day of this decade!
Even though I wanted Arteta long before Emery( the darkest moment of the last decade), it was with hindsight probably the best thing for us as it gave Mikel that extra 18 months under the worlds second best manager!
As I said previously, I was unbelievably underwhelmed when they announced Emery, but the excitement when Mikel was announced was exhilarating.
I still believe ultimately we need Kroenke to invest to actually challenge for Title and CL, but this man is our best hope to get us competing for top 4 on a limited budget, he is articulate, intelligent and his man management is shining through……….not forgetting he knows Peps secrets!…………………….well done me and Scott! ………………………..just waiting for Rico to induct us to …….The HH Hall of Fame…………. 😆
HI Rico well written as I said did not see the match but was glad to see the players in the interview starting to take responsibility hope fully now they can start getting fitter and with better body language and behaviour from the players then people like me will not focus on the negatives as much and start supporting them again
I know some dont ackowledge ground covered like I do, but not only did Ozil cover the most, but he also won the ball back the most times(10)………………………keep it up Mesut!
Bahahahahahaha Rico.
I’m still excited, and I reckon more Arsenal
fans are with me every day 🙂 🙂
CG, hello mate.
I’m very safe mate.
It’s a mess here and I doubt I could put into words exactly how massive this is.
I hope you’ve been well!!!
Arsenal should be giving us all a reason to chat each day on here 🙂
LC, I know you’re like me bud.
It’s lovely when things you promote work out, as Arteta is so far, but really, it’s much better to see the club doing well than it is to say “told ya so”.
We can feel chuffed, and I really do, but I’m just so happy to see players suddenly giving us fans 100%.
It’s all I ever ask of anyone wearing the shirt.
Scott, and there was me thinking you were advocating some Aussie bloke… mmmmm 😆
I think Rico has disappeared for a few hours, Scott………………..to build a statue of us!
😆
Same here and as Arteta keeps saying 100% hard work should be a given!
Scott – I’m glad you’re safe and well. I’m fine, thank you.
I have some idea what it is like down there. We had one of our worst fire seasons two years ago. I had my brother staying with me for a few weeks when his town had to evacuate.
However, this is one time I wish you Aussies didn’t do things ‘bigger and better(?)’.
As for “…but I’m just so happy to see players suddenly giving us fans 100%.
It’s all I ever ask of anyone wearing the shirt.”, I agree. When I was coaching youth football, I told my players that if they could look me in the eye and tell me that they had given all they could give that day, that was all I could ask of them.
There certainly seems to be a new attitude, for the better, within the team.
Rico, Arteta always remained my first choice ya cheeky bugger hahahaha
Ange will prove how worth when an English club gives him a chance 🙂
CG, as a coach, a fan or a team mate, we can’t ask for more than someone’s best.
It is evident now that Emery turned a lot of players off.
12 million hectares burnt out so far and that will probably double.
It’ll end up at least half the size of England we’ve lost.
LC, did you have that Arteta fan club tattoo done yet hahahahaha
To be on the safe side, Scott, I`ll have an anagram of his name instead…………….A Title Maker!
Hahaha LC.
I hope you’re right!!!
What an enjoyable game.And the future looks bright ahead.
Defensively sound (Gary Neville said our defenders were uncoachable) Two clean sheets in four shows what hard work can do.
Xhaka ,Torreria & Ozil look well balanced.Hard work up front,what’s not to like.
Virtual media blackout on Arsenal in UK this morning, you just know it would be non-stop crisis talk if we had lost.
Good post rico, oh how happy we suddenly feel. It wasn’t asking much. So many players one can praise last night. But seeing how upset Torreira was at the end of the Chelsea match and then the contrast last night was priceless. Laughed at a Ferdinand comment that Arsenal ‘bullied’ Man Utd like they used to do to us! hahahahaha
Hi All, lets not get too excited because it is just a small sample size. But as someone who has always advocated for Arteta as a manager, I know we are on the right track because the man’s football acumen is incredible.
When Emery was appointed, someone posted that he is a tactical genius. I pointed out that tactical geniuses do not lose 4 goal aggregate in CL. I watched Arteta coached players, especially Ramsey, on the pitch to be the better regarding runs, movements and positioning.
Many has said that Arteta benefited from being with Pep, even the Hall of Famer LC thinks the last 18 months made Arteta better, but we failed to also assess that Pep picked Arteta for a reason….the guys football acumen and man management is amazing. In the words of Ancelotti, on Arteta, he had the most impressive football brain I have seen on a kid.
Imho, the next move should be adding Santi Cazorla to the coaching staff, another football genius.
I think Rico has disappeared for a few hours, Scott………………..to build a statue of us!
DO YOU WANNA BUILD A SNOWMAN.
Steady on Obi, I dont think Rico`s budget will stretch to 3 statues! 😆
Although Potter has kindly offered to build snowmen……………………how big do you want the snowballs ? 😆
LC @ 1:45, maybe we can do a go fund me. I want my statue to be “life-like”.
Something for the Artetarists amongst us……………………………I may buy one just to keep it in my trousers pocket! hahaha
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61eW7dRytQL._AC_SL1296_.jpg
Afternoon Rico and All
After showing Micky on the training pitch giving out advice to our top dogs,you had to wonder if they would buy into him,the signs were against Bournmouth that maybe,against the Chavs I think so,the proof against the Mancs was yes the players are all earholes thank god.
He was a leader on the pitch I think,he was a captain who new when to sit,I can remember feeling dissappointed when he was injured.
His next big decision is who he thinks will improve this squad,in the short term,
can he get that right as well.
I hope so.
What I liked from the game last night was the players attitude towards the Ref,once again this nob resisted to even up his bookable reasons for what a yellow means.
Somehow or another these same players have stopped feeling sorry for them selfs.
Come on you Gooners.
Could bring a new meaning to the old football cliche of…………”had him in his pocket!”
The Wife:………….”Are you glad to see me or do you have Mikel Arteta in your pocket?”
Afternoon Fred, guys.
Is it a ‘I was right about Arteta’ day today? Trumpets down chaps… lol
What’s more important than who said what etc is the club and the team looking more organised. We’re only three weeks in, with one win under our belt so we haven’t won the league yet.
Actually, there’s morechance of me building a snowman…
I think we had two viable options, Arteta or Allegri. And for some inexplicable reason (smh), those in the know think Allegri is waiting for Man United. So its not a matter of being right or wrong about Arteta, but in the long run, imho, we are probably looking at him as a long term appointment in the mold of Wenger or Sir Alex. I believe Lampard and Arteta are two for the future.
By the way, since we are giving out the best of the decade accolades/ lists everywhere, Rico, I think your blog is the best in the Arsenal sphere… I am quite sure many will agree. It is a class act, keep up the good work.
Chambers confirmed to be out for 6-9 months!………………………so forget about any transfer rumours of anyone other than a CB!…………………………..can Eddie play CB ? 😉
Thank you Obi, that’s kind of you.
I too think Lampard will do well, Gerrard is another but I can’t see Ole lasting at Utd.
That’s rotten for Chambers, just as he was getting a run in the side. Same thing happened to Holding…
Holding and Chambers potentially the future pairing at centre back . Did well together at under 23 England level .
Next season hopefully if both recover well. Same for Saliba I guess.
Morning all.
Damn, social media was quiet this past 24 hours, especially for Utd supporters.
Now if only someone can shut the Scouser fans up at some point 🙂
Terrible new for Chambers.
He will be back, I’m sure.
Evening Rico, thanks for the post…
The Leeds game is certainly one to muse over, the balance of the 18, how many youngsters, how many in need of a game coming off injury, how many Arteta rests with the need to get a run of wins going?
Will Arteta blood anymore youngsters, like Smith or John Jules or Bola. Leeds are a good side, they’ll be an EPL club in a few months time I reckon so it would be foolish to underestimate them..
It’s got all the ingredients needed for a classic cup tie…
With the second test starting tomorrow morning one of the few English batsmen to put up some sort of show in the previous test injured an ankle and is ruled out for the rest of the series. It was during practice and he got hurt doing guess what? Playing bloody football!
Do these so called elite sportsmen have no common sense? Why in God’s name did the silly bugger think it was a good idea to play football. Perhaps more to the point, what were the management, the captain, the coaches doing allowing cricketers to play football as part of the preparation for a cricket match?
Unbelievable!!!
That’s seriously bad news about Chambers, I was looking forward to him and Holding forming a partnership at the heart of our defence. Hey ho, I’ll just have to wait until next season. I hope Thud and Blunder can maintain their new found form, avoid stupid yellow cards and not get injured playing cricket in a quiet half hour at London Colney. 😉
That was Rory Burns by the way…idiot!
Boys will be boys, Cicero 🙂
Calls to sack Mike Riley over the handling of VAR in Premier League
Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer
January 2 2020, 12:00pm, The Times
Concerned club officials are to talk to the new Premier League chief executive about Mike Riley’s handling of VAR, which they believe has descended into a global embarrassment for the image-conscious league.
Some club bosses will tell Richard Masters that Riley should be replaced as general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, which oversees VAR. They think that his response to the outcry over recent marginal offside controversies has been inadequate and have even dubbed him the “Goal-Killer”.
“He is actually a bit thick,” said one leading club official of Riley. “Too literal. Like a bad schoolteacher. He is the root of the Premier League problem.’’
Kev, as it stands, VAR is a smear on the game.
They need to get it sorted asap
I’d welcome the sacking of Riley. Who wouldn’t?
New post up now