Morning all.
Bit of a rushed scribble today as things to be done. Liverpool fans to visit. I’m kidding, about the latter.
Football fans were sure of two things before Arsenal kicked off against Liverpool at 8-15pm yesterday. The five substitute ruling will continue next season and the transfer window will open on the 27th July. One thing we didn’t know though was what the outcome of our match would be. I think it’s fair to say though, not many would have predicted a home win. A sneaky draw perhaps if we got lucky but a win? Well shiver me ol’ timbers…
Mikel Arteta made a few changes again, perhaps with Man City in mind. The biggest was leaving Aubameyang on the bench. Nelson started on the right, Pepe on the left. Ceballos had a bit of a breather too as Torreira came in in his place. Mustafi and Kolasinac were on the bench.
A sloppy start was followed by a dogged, determined and ballsy performance. Liverpool might have had the ball, but for a change, it was Arsenal who remained focused in defence. Yes, they got through a couple of times, or more, but there was always someone, anyone, to throw a boot, head or any other bodily part in the way. Or the fingertips of Martinez.
The goal we conceded was so typical of this season and the last ten probably as Liverpool breezed through us as if we’d forgotten to leave the changing rooms. I contemplated switching off, returning to Netflix and ‘Sinners’, but just five more minutes I thought. Every five minutes. It was worth it just to see the Virgil and Allison howlers. And the look on Klopp’s face as nearly everything his players tried, failed. Partly of their own doing but credit where it’s due, sometimes because our players showed a bit of grit and determination.
Lacazette and Nelson still had a lot of work to do when their chances came. Both did the work, both scored. The icing on the cake should have come towards the end when Willock had a golden opportunity to make it 3-1 but he skewed his shot wide.
I loved seeing the ongoing battle between Holding and Mane, Martinez so assured between the sticks and AMN come off the bench to bully Mane in the box. Tierney being, well, Tierney. Excellent. Lacazette, Nelson – all of them.
But where was VAR again when Alexander-Arnold fouled Saka? Suspiciously quiet yet again. Disgraceful!
It really was backs to the wall stuff at times as no sooner we’d hoofed the ball clear, back it came again.
31% possession for Arsenal. Mourinho would be proud.
The pundits will try and kid us that the game didn’t matter to Liverpool because the title was theirs, they’ll also tell us that Klopp isn’t big on creating records but who are they trying to kid? Liverpool would have been desperate to record a record number of points as champions and there’s no way he’d have been happy to see his team beaten. Yes, it must be difficult to maintain such high levels once the league is won but Arsenal did it back in 2003/04.
Mikel’s interview after the game.
on two mistakes from Liverpool players leading to goals…
It’s part of football. It’s a team sport but there are a lot of individual moments and battles that have to be played. Today we forced mistakes and they made them. Obviously that makes the difference in a big game.
on withstanding Liverpool’s pressure…
Unfortunately with the level of dominance, the way they control every aspect of the game, there are going to be little moments or big moments where you’re going to have to defend very close to your area and we knew that. We prepared for that and the boys were terrific. Sometimes we did it really well and sometimes we had moments of luck as well.
on if it was surprising the way we held out…
No. I am really pleased. We have talked a lot about it. If you want to win these games at the moment, with the difference of the two teams, we need to put everything on the line to get the points. I am really pleased because they can do it. It’s about keeping the right spirit and level of attention and I’m delighted that we’ve done it today.
on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s challenge on Bukayo Saka…
It was in front of me and it’s part of the game. I think they both went for the ball and that is part of the game.
on if having low possession is the blueprint to face Manchester City…
It wasn’t part of the gameplan obviously [to not see much possession] but at the moment you can see in many areas the gap between the two teams, what we have to achieve and the areas we have to improve. Certainly there is one area that we’ve caught them on and it’s the belief, the accountability, the passion… they play for every single ball. With that we can beat a lot of teams. Against Tottenham we had total dominance for several periods and we lost the game, so we will find the right balance but credit for them as well for what they have achieved.
on how long it will take to close the gap to Liverpool and Man City…
Well, I’ve seen it and I’ve experienced it to do it in one year, and I’ve also seen other clubs never do it, or some do it in four or five years. It depends on the context, it depends on your resources, and it depends on how much you have to change. But we are in a process and we don’t know at the moment. There is a lot of uncertainty in many areas, but what we can control now is who do we want to be as a team, the culture that we are building to do that, the spirit that we need to be successful, and then improve our players and my main focus is on that. I want to make our players better and I want to make them more comfortable and create an identity for the football club because then it will be easier to say we need this, this and this.
on how much our youngsters give him optimism for the future…
Well, the first thing is the selection because I cannot tell them that I believe in them and then never play them. We try to make sure that everyone fits as part of the team because that’s how you keep the spirit, and you have to put them in big games as well. They showed today that everybody is ready. It’s the way they train every day, it’s the way they have been behaving every day, and everybody deserves a chance. Today they showed that they could do it.
on whether he needs substantial finances to rebuild…
I think it’s pretty clear that we need to strengthen the squad.
I think it is too.
See you in the comments guys.
Thanks Rico.
Only watched the highlights and to me we were a bit fortunate as on any other given day with their possession and amount of shots they had compared to us we would have lost.
Yes they were also lucky with the fouling incidents, but hey I will take a few more “fortunate” wins for a 14th FA Cup!
I like Arteta`s honesty in where we stand compared to The Car Jackers and also think it`s clever in his slight nudge nudge wink wink subtle reminder to the owner what has to be done investment wise.
Anyone who actually is expecting some Scouse visitors at any time in the future, here`s a trick to confuse them………………jack up your own car and put the wheels locked away somewhere secret!.
Was reading this on my local Cornwall and Devon Arsenal Supporters FB
“Guys, there were quite a few people in this group looking for links for the game, go out and get yourself an amazon firestick, I can then add every channel to it for you. You’ll never miss a game again. If it’s on TV you’ll never miss it. That alone is worth it’s weight in gold but for you local gooners, it’s only £40 for the year. Not just sports, movie channels, ppv sporting event channels and more. Message me guys if your interested. (still in shock from last night’s win 😳)”
What you think?……………any HHers do this ?………would appreciate some feed back if you do!
Arteta is the man.
Genius manager in the making, imo.
We have plenty of positives if we look hard enough.
Holding and Saliba will be the best CB pairing in world football in a few years, mark my words.
Morning all.
LC,
When we dominate possession, and gift the opposition a few goals we are shit.
Why is it when we win in such a manner, we are lucky?
Don’t buy into it mate.
Brilliant performance!!!’
Was thinking a bit the same, Scott, regarding the dominate possession and gift goals!……………………..Spuds were lucky against us! 😆
Arsenal had most of the possession against Tottenham and we lost leading to a media narrative which was a kind of rope a dope theme or basically Mourinho mugged Arsenal again as he always does and mugged the novice Arteta.
Liverpool had most of the possession against Arsenal and they lost leading to a media narrative of an off night for Liverpool blended with a bit of Lucky Arsenal and served up with a side of the Scousers are already on the beach.
VAR failed once again but what do you expect from the Butlins red coats.
Hi Rico and all When it comes to luck it does not matter in the end you have to make the best of it .
I wonder if our starting line up gave Liverpool plays a false sense that we had all ready penciled in a loss so they fort they had this won easy but instead we come to play and put them wright off there game.
The best part of the match was klopp’s face when we went 2 up.
Arteta should get a photo of it and put it on his wall
Morning Rico and all.
Arsenal continue to frustrate but I think we look better with Holding in the team. For me this old-style English defender gives us a better shape and he’s unlikely to try much that is too risky. He certainly has a mistake in him but he’ll head the ball away all day and will throw himself in front of anything in and around the box. He also won’t take shit from divers like Mane which gives us a bit of ruthlessness at the back. Get Mustafi and Sokratis out the door and alongside Saliba and Luiz, buy another big F-off English defender and defend anything that threatens our goal. No more flakes, please.
I’m not totally convinced by Arteta yet but thought he spoke realistically after the game although I do wish he would put some pressure on referees when necessary because that tackle was very dangerous and really should have received a red card. These things need to be pointed out to the media as they are way too dumb to work it out for themselves with their fawning love of Klopp.
Liverpool beat themselves last night. They have quickly grown arrogant and rather unpleasant. Odd that these traits lie dormant in clubs, sometimes for years, but give them a bit of success and it rears it’s scousey head. They are a great team though.
Good post Rico, didn’t Holding play well? I loved the way he took on Mane a player who will bully you if you let him, Rob didn’t react in a RVN fashion when Mane almost retaliated after a strong challenge by our centre half – a proper centre half – Rob just looked at him as if to say ‘what’s your problem’. After that Rob had the upper hand, just as he did with Costa at Wembley back in the day. It’s an attitude that your team mates can pick up on and they begin to compete the same way, look at how Xhaka put everything on the line, what a great performance and Tierney never gives up he fights until the last, even Soares got stuck in even though he’s lacking a bit of match sharpness.
I hope that Arteta gives Rob a start in our remaining 4 games…..
Remaining 4 games Kev!……………………………that means you are confident of beating ManC in semi with probably about 20% possession! 😆
Yes Adam, it was noticeable the way that the Liverpool players strutted around our pitch and have you noticed how many more Scousers there are on the radio even more than before, we’re in for a Liverpool love fest for a few years now I’m afraid, pass the sick bag…
Nice read, Rico 👍
I’m absolutely buzzing!! They really make me sick, just think by turning up is enough to win! So the look on all their faces was very satisfying!!
That dirty little s**t TAA… just knew it’d go unpunished.. after all they are at the bottom of the red/yellow card table!! 🙄 No wonder really is it!!
Mane is also a dirty sod, I can’t stand him!!
At least Salah didn’t score, just a pity Auba didn’t… he’s not got long left to win the boot!!
Laca impressed… glad he’s found his form again! Really pleased for Nelson..
Now the FA cup…….COYG The matchplay darts starts on Saturday also – sorted!!
You spotted it Cocker, that was quick, yes you’ve gotta be optimistic, although it’s gonna be bloody difficult because City are ruthless if you give them a lead, Guardiola never lets up.
Hey Le Coq…. I’ve got an Amazon stick upstairs… it is good… I watch Netflix and Prime on it. I’d say go for it!!
Sue, Aubameyang needs to get his shooting boots on against Villa and Watford, although given our flop last season we shouldn’t take those games for granted. 6 more points and we might just nick it although Newcastle let us down. We need Leicester to stuff Sheffield Utd and the Scum.
Only another 11 days and the transfer window opens….
Always a chance Kev…………”It`s a funny old game!”……………….last night from what I see was a bit like when I watched Soton beat Man C 1-0………………3 million% possession , 3 million shots on target but didn`t score!
🙂
Kev, I Hope Arteta saves Holding for the FA Cup.
Take him along slowly and build him back up for next season.
There is no point in pushing him along now after such a bad injury.
Risk v reward-get him 100% ready for the new season as he and a Saliba could be as good as any pairing around.
Yes Sue, I will go for it seeing as I dont (cant afford) any football or films !…………………….and why is it not one Arsenal game has been on free to view since start up ? 🙁
Don’t forget guys we have Chambers to come back too, he was brilliant before he got injured, & how about this Guys, Martinez for No 1 until Leno wins it back off of him
https://twitter.com/i/status/1283553452627578880
Morning Adam, Geoff, all.
Totally agree re us being better, or certainly looking less vulnerable in defence with Holding playing. I really don’t understand why he’s been left on the sidelines for so long. Again, the only rationale I can see behind the decision is Arteta seeing what others are made of whilst there is little to play for.
Kev, thanks. Holding did to Mane what he did to Costa a few years ago.
I wonder when Chambers is likely to return.
Adam, they really are a reflection of their manager.
Good morning all, it’s a case of “Liverpool errors hand the win to Arsenal”. No recognition that Liverpool were forced into those errors by Arsenal’s pressing game or the fact that we had players in position to exploit their Keystone Cop defending.
I’m delighted that Arteta took my advice (yesterday morning on this site) to bring in Rob Holding, I thought he was our Man of the Match, beating Emi Martinez into second place, just.
Reports are saying Mavropanos has signed a new deal and is off to Stuttgart on loan next season.
Kev.. 6 more points 🤪 Was very disappointed with Newcastle last night… will be rooting for Leicester 😉
Cicero, I said yesterday I’m bloody happy the way Arteta is bringing Holding along slowly.
No need to push him, nothing really to play for atm imo
Just keep easing him back to the fold and get him ready for next season.
He and Saliba could be a game changer for us.
Yeah, I see you point Scott, but centre backs work on partnerships and rhythm, the more they play the better and sharper they become, it’s why Xhaka always plays, but I know what you mean, I’m sure that our medical team will observe how he’s going, but Man City he has to start, Watford and a tear up with Deeney and Welbeck is a certainty, whilst Villa don’t have any speed merchants so he could cruise through that.
Kev, i’d aim him up at the FA Cup for sure.
As long as he finishes this season without a reoccurrence, he can have a rest, good pre-season and be 100% for next season.
The new contract is an interesting development Sue, it protects the players value and it tells him that Arsenal still think he’s worth keeping, all good for his confidence.
Now he has to stay fit, that’s what has buggered him up since he joined, so a good year in the Bundesliga and who knows how good he’ll be this time next year?
Maybe if Stuttgart follow through with their interest then Mavropanos might spend a year partnering Sokratis
Good on you Cicero for telling Arteta how it is with regards to Holding.
Now do you think that you could have a serious word with Stan about getting his chequebook out…
Cicero is an astute tactician not a fcuking miracle worker, Kev! 😆
And at least we’re not letting him go for a bag of doritos and a twix, Kev!! They’re actually thinking ahead…. for a change 😄
One other thing I was really happy about last night, was sending Oxlade Chamberlain back to dipper land with nowt!!! 👍👍🤣
Just sat and watched MOTD…. 🙂🙂🙂
Having just watched City v Bournemouth, again.. the Cherries were really unlucky to come away from the Etihad with nothing! Now I’m not saying we’ll batter them on Saturday, but they do have weaknesses and have shown this season, they can be got at… having lost one less than we have!
It’s all to play for.. going to be a cracker and I just hope that little chubster Moss doesn’t screw us over… COYG
One other thing… The dippers have only won twice at the Emirates! A friend said last night, I thought surely not.. but checked it out and he was right!! Not bad at all hey?!
Afternoon guys.
That’s good news re Mavropanos. Win win for Arsenal.
Even more impressive, Sue, is up to now Arsenal on average have won the league every 9.53846154 years in a 124 year history, whereas The Spuds have won the league every 64 years on average in a 128 year history!…………………..so we have another 9.53846154 years to wait for a title and the world would have ended before The Spuds win it again!………………………….amazing when you think that the Spud team of the last 3 to 4 years is regarded as their best ever!…………………………please, no laughing as it`s politically incorrect to laugh/mock the inflicted depressed……………….
Spud Lives Matter!
How is my sincerity coming over?
Martinelli will miss the rest of the year ☹
Hahaha, Le Coq…. and you know why we haven’t been on free to view… you never know which Arsenal will turn up! The neutrals love watching us for the entertainment value… beat the top teams then lose to the bottom teams.. capitulate spectacularly then annihilate a team we’re not expected to beat! You get the gist 😉
New post up now