Morning all.
An emotional night for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal I’d imagine. Earlier in the day, news broke that Bill Kenwright had passed away, an Everton man through and through who Arteta knew so well. Plus of course, we were playing Sevilla, the club from which Arsenal signed Jose Antonio Reyes. A wonderfully gifted footballer whose life ended far too soon.
We needed a win and it wasn’t going to be easy in a noisy stadium against a club such as Sevilla but win we did. I’ve no idea how we played as I don’t subscribe to TNT Sport but away from home against a Sevilla side which had held Real Madrid to a draw at the weekend, Mikel Arteta and his player’s should be pretty pleased.
It wasn’t all good news last night though as before the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Thomas Partey had picked up an injury during training and by the end of the game, he’s probably praying that others won’t be joining him after a few ‘tough challenges’ went in on his players.
The first half was just seconds away from being over when from a Sevilla corner was cleared out to Gabriel Jesus near the halfway line. With superb footwork and skill, he beat two defenders before playing the ball into the path of Gabriel Martinelli. The younger of the two Brazilians rounded the keeper before slotting the ball home. A near perfect start to his Champions League campaign. Perfection would have been burying his chance earlier earlier in the game.
Ten minutes into the second half and Arsenal made it 2-0. This time in was Jesus who scored after a break down the left, a step inside followed by a curling shot into the top of the net. I make it sound simple but it wasn’t.
Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus’ performance:
Really happy with that part – big games for big players, and he needed to produce those moments to win in stadiums like this. He’s done it, and obviously, he opened the game for us in a great way. He came here for a reason; he changed our world. He’s brought so much belief and energy to the team, and he needs to step into those moments. That’s why he played, and he’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable to the team, and the team relies on those players to win games. We need players like this. You want to play, go to Manchester City, then come to Stamford Bridge, then coming here; that’s the level we are at right now. To come here and win, it’s a big credit to the boys.
Just six minutes later, Arsenal conceded from a corner from Rakitic, and a header from Gudelj. We held on though, with the three points taking us back to the top of our group.
According to multiple reports in the media, David Raya had a nervy start to the game and came close to gifting Sevilla a goal, however, those same reports also highlight that once he settled, he played well.
Gabriel Jesus picked up what’s believed to be a hamstring injury late in the second half. Bukayo Saka was on the receiving end of a hefty challenge during the game, so whether he feels any after effects remains to be seen.
Catch up in the comments.
That Cruyff turn by Jesus was outrageous. It took two players out of the game and the lay off for Martinelli was perfect. Gabi showed great composure with the finish. Wonderful football.
Raya’s punch over the bar at the end was sublime!
Odegaard wasn’t his usual self. He may be carrying an injury, or just needs a rest.
Anyway, job done. Two home CL games to come to wrap the group up and rest players for the last group game.
I think you’re right re Odegaard Pete, he’s been off in the last two games. Very unlike him. He’s only human..
The Jesus control, spin and pass was sublime. We need more of that from him. His goal was special too..
Last night Jesus showed what he is capable of, but he needs to do so on a more regular basis. If he has done a hamstring I doubt if we will see him this side of Christmas. Saka was taken off as Arteta bolstered the defence but also, I suspect, to save him from further assaults and a possible yellow card as he was getting a bit wound up.
I think Jesus has played down his injury suggesting it’s nothing serious.
So last night’s “injury” was play acting to waste time, which went towards the six minutes added time that lasted seven. When will players wake up to the fact that refs have instructions to clamp down on such actions.
Not sure about that but I guess he just said he didn’t feel too bad.
Good morning all.
According to reports in Spain, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Gabriel Jesus.
Morning Cicero, that’s not a bad thing. 😆
New post up.