Morning all.
It was hardly surprising to see many empty seats at The Emirates yesterday afternoon. Storm Denis made sure of that. Mikel Arteta served up a major surprise by selecting Eddie Nketiah for his first Premier League start. Dani Ceballos started too, as well as Mesut Ozil. Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Martinelli, Joe Willock, Lucas Torreira and Emile Martinez made the bench.
Goodness only knows what was said before kick off but if it was meant to be motivational or rallying, it failed. The game kicked off with the usual ball to David Luiz followed by a long pass out to the left. That failed too. From then until around 25-30 minutes, we were shocking. I think we managed one or was it two shots on target up until then. Newcastle were certainly enjoying themselves but when it came to the final piece of their attacking jigsaw, they failed.
A stern halftime talk was much needed. It must have arrived too because the second half was a very different affair. Ozil and Ceballos we’re pulling the midfield strings, Pepe looked more determined and seemed to up his game a couple of gears. Eddie looked like he’d opened the scoring but the woodwork had other ideas. Then we finally broke the deadlock when Pepe lofted cross into the area for Aubameyang to head home. Not an easy chance by any means. Then along came another. Aubameyang to Saka out on the left, he took a touch, nutmegged a Newcastle player before crossing into the box. Mustafi, who must have had a nosebleed being so far up the pitch, must have thought Christmas had come as the ball rolled towards him but then Pepe swept in to double our lead. Newcastle’s main threat Allan Saint-Maximin hit the woodwork which is a good job as Leno was well beaten whilst the visitors tried to take advantage of our guys taking their foot off the pedal.
Before the end, Mikel Arteta made a few changes. Torreira came on for Ceballos, Lacazette for Eddie and finally, Willock for Ozil.
Then it happened. Not only did Lacazette set up Ozil to score for the first time in a while, he then bagged one for himself. The smile on both players face was a picture. The way the team celebrated Lacazette’s, it was clear his goal drought has been on everyone’s mind.
A much needed win was in the bag.
I know, people will say it was only Newcastle, the media will write about how poor we were in the first half along with anything else derogatory they can think of, but let them.
I look at the positives. A much better performance from Mesut Ozil, a return to the side for Dani Cabellos who looked right at home. Mustafi mopped up everything which came his way and was very strong in the air. Pepe looked menacing, direct and exciting. Lacazette scored his much needed goal. Saka wasn’t bad either was he?
It took balls for Mikel Arteta to put his faith in Eddie and but for a layer of paint, he’d have left the pitch with a goal to his name. I liked the fans reaction to him going off, his teammates too. Playing Ozil and Ceballos was a bit of a risk too and for a while, it looked like the decision might backfire but after the break, well, let’s just say they looked like they were enjoying playing.
And it looks like we have a manager who can turn things around when they are not going great.
Next up it’s a trip to Greece on Thursday to play Olympiacos.
See you in the comments guys.
Morning, Rico… a nice read to go with the big grin on my face!! That winning feeling – you can’t beat it!
I really enjoyed the game (yes even the first half!). So many positives.. and having to pick motm from 4 players was certainly one of them! Finally, we have a goalscoring midfielder 😄
Newcastle aren’t a bad side… drew with City, Wolves… beat Chelsea, Sheff Utd…got some decent players, that Saint-Maximin – what a unit he is!! So, I don’t want to hear any of that it was only Newcastle rubbish… no game is easy in the PL….
I’m loving Arteta more and more each week (nearly as much as Le Coq & Scott!!)… roll on Thursday.. I believe they’re on an unbeaten run of about 23 (?) games… so should be a good ‘un!!
Chelsea v United tonight.. what are we hoping for? A drab 0-0? Hahaha!!
Morning Sue.
I’m hoping we see more of the Ozil we saw yesterday from now on and Ceballos. They really did make a difference. Good to see Pepe looking more like the player we think he is. Next season should see a very different guy out there.
Onwards and upwards I hope, after all its only one win…. lol
Hi Rico
I saw the improvement begin to happen 10 minutes before the break, so I din’t think t was entirety the half time talk.
I was surprised at first that he played both Ozil and Ceballos, but it really worked as both took turns at being no. 10, and Newcastle couldn’t mark both, a great tactical move by Areta which is straight from Man City.
I think when Kolasinac or Tierney are fit he will push Saka up to the wing and move Aubi to the centre _ I can’t wait to see that!
I don’t think he should play Ozil on Thursday, Willock looked the part when he came on and he can stand up for himself better than Ozil, they will probably be a dirty as ever.
Brian
Morning Rico. We needed that win for some confidence. I didn’t really like the same old square play in the first half although it’s fair to say that we grew into the game as the it progressed. Much better in the second half though and despite the depressing summation of the awful Souness (how he hates Arsenal), bending Aruba’s comments to suit his rather unpleasant demeanour, it was a good day.
Have you heard Wrighty’s Desert Island Discs? It’s quite touching, apart from the music. 😃
Aruba?
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
A good summary of the game Rico. Unfortunately, as usual, a slow start for our team. It is only the occasional game where we can race out of the blocks.
However, things are looking up and it seems Arteta is making progress. One of his great advantages is having so many able and more than willing Young Gunners to offer competition to the senior players in the team. No more the team picking itself whether they deserve it or not, All our players are having to play for to play for their place in the lineup. No more uncommitted passengers.
Things are looking up. Onwards and upwards to Greece on Thursday. COYG!
Sue – “Chelsea v United tonight.. what are we hoping for? A drab 0-0? ”
That scoreline would would suit all Gooners, but I would also like to see it degenerate into a brutal rugby match (Stoke RFC vs Stoke RFC). No serious injuries, but a plethora of cards.
Nearly got my Barcelona light but the Ozil /Onion axis certainly worked and I will be interested to see whether putting Torreira with them might be better away from home.
Yesterday Xhaka plAyed well but he was on a knife edge from 8 minutes on .At home he is more likely to get away with it but away we can’t afford to play with 10 men and he is a booking likely to happen at any time.
Up front we suddenly have options Lacazette,Martinelli were on the bench and Nelson and Sakha when we get a fit left back make for a reason to be optimistic.
Arteta seems to have done something to Mustafi‘s twin brother who never lost an aerial challenge all match , long may that continue and we have Sokratis and Holding in the wings.
My only worry is Bellerin who’s injuries seem to have cost him his recovery pace but then there are a couple of loan signings coming along too .
A run of wins would build momentum and a creep up the table , all we can do is carry on and see where we end up .
Canadian Gooner… 😀 I would too!! I’ve just checked who’s refereeing…. it’s Anthony Taylor, he loves a card, yellow or red he’s not fussy, so we may get our wish!! Hehe!
Morning Rico/all
Moving forward I’d swap Nketiah for Torreira. I’d play Eddie in the Cups for now and off the bench in League games, move Aubameyang central, would hopefully get the best out of him and make us more solid (Newcastle cut through far too easily at times)
Second half was fun, we didn’t switch off after the second goal, we kept on going like the better teams do.
I’ve just realised even 8th place might get Europa League.
Morning Brian, Limey, Adam, Cg.
Still think we upped our game even more after the break Brian. We often finish a half stronger.
Adam, is that when he talks about Rocky?
Rico. It is and the man who inspired him.
Mr Pigman or similar Adam, his old teacher?
I read Wrightys book, enjoyed it too.
Hi All, Great post Rico.
What has happened to Ozil ??? He actually sprinted a few times and had a really good game.Then he ruins it by trudging off the pitch like a child.I’ll forgive him that when he plays well.
Xhaka has much more confidence, he asks for the ball now where he used to shy away from a pass.
I have to admit, I was not impressed when I saw the team sheet, boy was I wrong. We did ride our luck in the first half but when we get it right it looks very good.
More proof that Arteta stands for no nonsense dropping Guendouzi ! The more I see the more I like.
Being reported that Guendouzi had a heated row in Dubai with Mikel and his staff…. how true, I don’t know…i did wonder where he was yesterday! Nice to see that Mikel won’t stand for any nonsense!
Afternoon Rico, thanks for the post, I did read somewhere that Newcastle were 8 unbeaten going into yesterdays game, probably including cup games as only Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 5 EPL games?
I only saw MotD and some other highlights but there was some crucial incidents that I saw during the brief highlights of the game, like when Leno saved from a deflection off of Ceballos and when the Newcastle left winger hit our post when we were 2-0, going 2-1 then would have affected everyone’s confidence and the finish might have been more nervy.
Our centre backs had a comfortable afternoon because Joelinton is pretty average, but Hector was up against a good player and has a testing afternoon, it’ll be good practice for him and for the difficult tests to come.
Of course if Nketiah had taken his two very scoreable chances when it was 0-0, then things might have been very different and Eddie would be the hero? But he didn’t and Mesut is the man, although as I’m a huge cynic I’m not expecting his influential hour of good play and goal to suddenly see him transform into the Man Who Saved Arsenal’s Season…
Let’s see Mesut turn it on for an hour away from the Emirates a few times before we all feel like we’ve overdosed on Viagra, because we’ve been here many times before with Mr Enigma…
Bakayo Saka is fast becoming the new Hector Bellerin, in that his performances may make an expensive full back signing seem redundant.
Kieran Tierney?
Matthieu Debuchy anyone?
No Guendouzi in the squad, Torrieira on the bench, Arteta putting his stamp on the squad, it’s all very interesting and when Mari is fit I wonder that will influence things?
Personally I’d prefer to see a fully fit and strong Tierney at left back with Saka on the left of midfield, both of them switching in an almost Dutch Totaal Voetbal fashion.
Reiss Nelson can add another level to our attack as Arteta works on his output.
It’s all very encouraging.
I’ve heard that Aruba is a fantastic holiday destination…
Kev, good analysis of the game really mate. You picked out most of the crucial stuff. Bellerin was given a torrid time on that side, but by a very good player. Also though, he gets little help defensively from Pepe.
Yeah Ozil ? Will we ever be able to rely on him ? Arteta must see something in him as he keeps playing him. As you say only time will tell.
Sue, I read that too. I really like that about Arteta. I’m personally not a great lover of Guendouzi anyway so not too bothered.
I’ve seen reports Liverpool are interested in Saka, understandable but we need to sign him up ASAP, what a player.
Thanks Mike, it’s difficult to really get a feel for a game when you’re not there and all you see is about 15 minutes, but for me the clean sheet was another big plus, as has been said on here, there’s no easy games in the EPL, not unless you are Liverpool and have VAR in your skyrocket. We’re kinda of where we deserve to be atm, but if we can get some momentum and confidence then we can finish the season on a bit of a high.
I’m pleased to see that the club are prioritising a new long term contract for Saka.
He is going to be a top top player.
Limey, Liverpool are the ‘tapping up Kings of the EPL’ they’ve been doing it for years, they’ve decimated Middlesbrough in the past, nicked Sterling off of QPR, then accused us of a lack of respect over Suarez, that’s rich coming from them, I detest them…
So City may be stripped of their title -.the year of the slip – I’ll be gutted if they are. I bloody loved that game (Liv v Che), have never laughed so hard, nearly hit the ceiling leaping out of my chair…. and as much as I detest Chelsea, whenever they play Liverpool, I always sing along – Steve Gerrard Gerrard, he slipped on his f****** arse, he gave it to Demba Ba, Steve Gerrard Gerrard…..🤣 love it!!!
As far as Saka goes, they can sod off!!
Whatever’s best for the team hey Mike?!
Just as you suggested Sue…
Sam Dean
@SamJDean
Matteo Guendouzi was left out of the Arsenal squad against Newcastle after a heated row with Mikel Arteta and members of his coaching staff during the club’s winter training camp in Dubai.
Kev, re Liverpool, Absolutely right ! I bloody hate them. Slippery Buggers.
I’m surprised not to have seen Rob Holding in the team lately, and with our transfers it doesn’t look good for him under Arteta.
In a way I hope he is still a bit injured because I would like to see another young English player in the team.
Agreed Mike, I like Holding as well, but we just don’t know what Arteta has planned, we’re in for an intriguing summer as far as comings and goings are concerned.
Mavropanos has suddenly transformed back into the player (again) who we initially thought we’d signed, back in the day, he’s really ripping it up in Germany and showing what a run of games and confidence can do for you, maybe he’ll return to us as a serious option?
Either that or at least we’ll get a proper fee for him if Arteta decides to move him on…
A penny for the thoughts of the Manchester City players and staff on their way into training today. Perhaps they feel too attached to the club, or their contract, to think about leaving. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne isn’t really that arsed about playing in the Champions League. It could be that Pep Guardiola is bored of asking people to come and watch his team of superstars.
Certainly the vultures are circling. Alessandro del Piero has already been piping up how Guardiola would be “a good fit” for Juventus, the current leaders of Serie A. Raheem Sterling’s Mr 15% has spoken into the nearest journalist’s dictaphone, insisting his client “will not be distracted by any talk of transfers to any club at the moment”, which obviously, in the minds of anybody listening, has been paraphrased into how the England international is going to be very distracted by transfer rumours in the next few months. The Telegraph says City accept some players will want to leave if the ban is upheld, although the Mirror seems to think Pep will stay, no matter what. It’s possible that nobody knows what they are talking about.
From today’s Guardian, but I really like the last sentence… 🙂
That’s right Kev, as long as we get a good price for our players that we’ve spent money, time and effort on.
As for City, well, maybe we’ll see how attached to the club the players really are. You have mentioned on a previous post about how there is no loyalty to clubs by players in the game now. This may well prove that.
I think every bit of information the media spits out should end with that sentence !
It’s not that I have been bored but I’ve been looking at the fixture list for all the teams in reach of us and it is quite interesting.
Wolves are 2 points in front of us and have 5 games against top 6 teams and us 3 away and 2 at home including us.
Everton are 2 points ahead and have 8 games against the top six 3 at home 5away including us.
Man U 1 point Ahead 5 top 6 matches 1 home 4 away.
Sheff u hard to catch they are 5 points clear and have 2 away and 4 home
Still it depends on us , we have 33 points to go for and we will need in excess of 25 to be in with a shout.
Thanks Mike, afternoon to you, Kev, all.
This Guendouzi stuff is a bit of a concern. Guess he’ll be sold in the summer if he has an attitude. A5 least I hope he is. Don’t need bad apples in the squad.
Hi Rico, Yeah but from what we’ve seen from Mikel, I think he’s on top of it.
Like you say, if he doesn’t knuckle down he will be sold in the summer. Hopefully for a nice fee !
It does seem that way with Arteta Mike re Guendouzi’s attitude, if true, might put suitors off.
Is anyone else having login problems with WordPress.com?
Sheffield Utd will drop points I reckon. Lady Luck will desert them soon. I hope.
Pablo Mari and Rob Holding playing tonight for U23’s vs Chelsea…
Is that match on live anywhere Kev?
Maybe Rico, I’m sure the squad will have a word with him anyway and sort him out.
I think Aubameyang had a bit of a reputation , but we bought him.
Evening all and thanks Rico.
I dont expect us to get anything this season so anything we get will be a bonus, what we have got is a change in attitude from the players and that is what I was looking for when Mikel was appointed, I fully expect us to be competing for top 4 next season.
The man crush( and of course women crush from Rico and Sue) is spreading, soon we will all be Artetarists, although I dont ever want to go back to the Wenger years of worshipping when we were winning stuff and then it turned sour and the many mesmerised who suffered from The Stockholm Syndrome, a syndrome where the captives and sufferers have feelings and friendship for their captors!.
This wont happen to me with Mikel the Marvelous, him of the perfect hair and facial stubble who doubles as a Captain Black impersonator in his spare time, no, I have only limited one of my bedrooms to him as a shrine!.
I have been in this area before, a few years ago I was kidnapped by Launceston`s Womens Institute!…………….I was there signing photo`s of myself after being Crowned SAGA`s page 3 hunk of the month.
I was enticed by the lure of extra cucumber sandwiches and slices of home made Victoria sponge if I stayed behind after the event and was over powered by the secretary, vice secretary and vice vice secretary whilst the treasurer tooks the minutes of my seduction. I was tied down whilst they used my abs as a wash board to get the stubborn stains from their clothes whilst wearing nothing but stockings!……………………………….hence why I regard this as ……………….The Stocking Syndrome!
I have never got over this and still wake up in the night sweating wondering when the next WI village fete is going to take place and will I ever be invited again !
So be carefull HHers, dont get too close to Mikel, leave that to me and Scott!
The SAka situation needs to be resolved soon as the rumour of The Bindippers being interested have some weight as Orstein has confirmed it!………………………..Ornstein also has a bedroom in my house as a shrine! hahaha
Actually!…………………………….The Altar of Arteta has a nice ring to it !
Hi ya, Rico,
Loved the post thank you.
I cannot remember when we last scored 4 goals and still kept a clean sheet, and it is the best I have seen Ôzil play for a long time.
But there were many good performances from others too — Sakha, Pepe, and ……. dare I say it, even the defence were good too. 😁
SAGA’s page 3 hunk of the month 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve just wiped the tears away, so can just about see what I’m writing!! That is defo on par with the conjoined twins story, Le Coq 👍👍 Hilarious!!
True Mike. Hopefully Luiz will sort him out… lol
Not sure your Arteta worshipping is rubbing off at all, just a case of taking each game it comes because everyone deserves a chance. I think it would make sense to see where we are in six months time before going ott.
But, so far so good.
Hi RA, thanks.
Is that U23 game on Arsenal’s website? Or maybe even hesgoal?
Come on Rico……………………….worshipping at The Altar of Arteta is not goining over the top!
😆
Evening Sue!………………………………Do you want me to send you a copy of my 2020 SAGA Calendar ?………………….pleny of different monthly poses, some showing The Quads of Mass Destruction, some of Wash Board Abs etc etc, all wearing The Parrott smuglers, but please ignore the November, December, January and February ones as it was cold! 😆
16 mins 1-0
What a Goal by Balagon
Hope you dont mind me putting this up Rico, but after the tragic loss of Caroline Flack I think we all have to be reminded that the pressure of things like depression are real and for all the banter we have on here most dont know what is going on in any bloggers life, how they are feeling or coping.
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, http://www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
Heads Together, http://www.headstogether.org.uk
Mind, http://www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
Papyrus, http://www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans, http://www.samaritans.org, 116 123
LCM……PARROT SMUGGLERS !!!! just love it. !!!!
😆😆 you mean you have a spare copy?! Haha!!
Yes Sue, only one, it`s a special edition one where every month has been autographed………………………….by the Parrott! 😆
Where are you watching Rick?
2 – 1 down half time , Mari and Holding subbed off
H?T Chelsea leed 2-1
Both goals keeper mistakess.
Mari and Holding off at H/T Clark and Madley on
Both of Holding and Mari looked rusty
Sorry Lc, I didn’t see your comment in moderation.
My only gripe is with The Sun, the very newspaper which ridiculed Caroline Flack on a daily basis. They are a ghastly group and all that might be doing now is too little too late. The press along with other agencies should hang their heads in shame.
Anyone seen Mavro`s clearance off the line?
https://twitter.com/AFCLoanWatchVid/status/1228635679934078977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1228635679934078977&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.caughtoffside.com%2F2020%2F02%2F16%2Farsenal-news-mavropanos-clearance-video%2F
Agree Rico………………it`s ironic that they are now on some crusade when they were the worst offenders and they aparrently have removed all previous items regarding anything ridiculing Caroline Flack !………………….had I read it more thoroughly I would have edited their name, maybe you could remove their name, but apart from their name it is an article that should hopefully help.
I detest journalism like that Lc. I know here is not the place to discuss things like what’s gone on but it’s really angered me. Why is it so difficult for the human race to simply be decent.
It`s far worse nowadays Rico with social media. Social media can be either great for the compasionate or a terrible weapon for bullies.
That was some clearance from Mavropanos, Le Coq 👌
I agree about them hanging their heads in shame, Rico.
Bloody hell, the Mancs are winning… such for my drab 0-0 😳
Blimmin’ `eck LCM how fast is Mavropanos?…. Talk about not giving up !
Mavro`s reaction says it all Sue, I haven`t seen that kind a reaction from a Greek person since they announced a new multi-million pound investment in Athens for a new ceramic plate production factory!.
Arsenal Women could face Spudettes in an FA Cup Quarter Final!
Just watched Mavro, looks like he’s enjoying football on loan.
Ornstein says we are working on a new 5 year deal for Saka !
Always love watching Chelsea lose, just a shame it’s against the Mancs!! Even slab-head has scored!! Jeez!!
I can’t stand Azpilicueta… he drives me crazy! No tongue out tonight though Haha!
Le Coq… ceramic plate factory 🤣 You’re on top form tonight 👌
I don’t think we need to read too much into Holding and Mari coming off at half time, apparently our goalkeeper was at fault for Chelsea’s equaliser and didn’t cover himself in glory for their winner, although Mari wasn’t great in that goal either.
From what I’ve read Mari did ok, was quite vocal and made some good challenges but also got caught out a couple of times which isn’t surprising as he’s not played a competitive game since December.
Holding was rusty again, we may need to loan him out if Mari is signed and Mustafi stays next season, Rob needs games, the odd appearance isn’t enough as Mavropanos has shown with regular football.
Rick, did you see that our U16’s have got to their cup final…
Kev, Holding should be kept on, imo.
Next season, fitness pending, he will be back to his very best.
Morning.
New post up now