Morning all.
I don’t know where to start really. That performance was outstanding. From start to finish I’d say each and every player gave their all. Yes there was the odd mistake here and there, a bad pass etc but I just don’t see the point in being overly critical. Not after sending the noisy neighbours home pointless and with their tails between their legs. I loved the start, the handbags after Dier scored from a free kick which I didn’t think was even a foul and I especially loved seeing the players off the bench in support of their teammates at any and every opportunity. The changes Unai Emery made were excellent and perfectly timed too.
We were seriously good in every department. Kolasinac, Ramsey, Iwobi, Aubameyang we’re just a few talked about recently and not always in a good way but they played their part. Aubameyang was everywhere, pressing from the front and it set the tone. Bellerin was excellent too apart from a couple of misplaced passes. Holding, really unlucky to have the penalty decision go against him, just as Sokratis was for the free kick which led to their equaliser.
We had chances to really batter them too but at the end of the game, we had to settle for just the four. Yes, tongue in cheek there. Aubameyang dispatched the penalty well to make it 1-0. Vertonghen saw yellow for his handball which I was surprised Dean saw let alone gave but how could he have ignored the linesman who was waving his flag with meaning. Then they scored their two which allowed the commentators to rattle off their ‘Arsenal still haven’t gone into halftime with a lead……’
Unai Emery made two changes at halftime, yes, you read that right, our manager made two changes during the break. Off had gone Mkhitaryan and Iwobi and on in their place was Lacazette and Ramsey. Poch decided to move Dier into defence in order to nullify the new threat. It didn’t work!
Bellerin with the pass, Ramsey with a touch, Aubameyang with a simply beautiful strike which flew past Lloris. We were level and looking good. Fifteen minutes left in the match, two goals arrived in quick succession.
First, Aaron Ramsey played a long ball to Lacazette, the Frenchman had it all to do, actually, I thought there wasn’t much he could do really from the position he was in but I was wrong. Losing his balance and with his weaker foot, he took a shot. A slight deflection left Lloris hopeless as the ball rolled into the back of the net.
The final nail in Totts NLD coffin came just minutes later through our man of the match Torriera. Vertonghen had been sent off for a nasty follow through on Lacazette. Aubameyang played the ball through, Torrieira took a touch or two, looked up for a split second before rifling the ball past Lloris into the far corner of the net. A truly deserved, extremely well taken goal which many top notch strikers would have been proud of. What struck me was the way he celebrated. Yes, he’d just scored his first goal for his new club but there was more to it I thought.
That was for the fans because he knew what beating Totts meant.
95 minutes of Arsenal near their best….
Kev was there so here’s what he thought…..
Brilliant atmosphere at the Emirates, the crowd fully played their part in this famous victory. The last time I saw Arsenal score 4 at home to Spurs was 1967, that remains the heaviest defeat of them that I’ve witnessed at our stadium.
5-0 at the Lane is still the best.
Torrieira might be small in stature but he’s a giant of a man in our midfield, he was immense today, alongside Xhaka who put in one of his best, if not his best performance in an Arsenal shirt.
Once again Emery showed the kind of pro activity that we yearned for during the latter Wenger years. Match changing substitutions made early enough to influence the result, Ramsey and Lacazette turned the game in our favour, then bringing on Guendouzi, who came onto the pitch and kinda said “Its cool everyone, I’m here now, just give me the ball”, we switched to a back four and swept the noisy neighbours aside.
Kolasinac put in a monster performance as did Mustafi, if only they could do it regularly, Sokratis was shithousery personified, it was brilliant and nullified Kane for most of the game, Holding quietly went around doing his job and remember he played an hour in Kiev just over 3 days earlier, but you wouldn’t have noticed it.
Aubameyang showed that he’s no flat track bully as he ran the Spuds ragged, his 2nd goal was a wonderful piece of finishing by a top quality technician. Lacazette got his goal out of nothing, a natural finish by a natural finisher, a superb strike from an impossible position, he is a fabulous striker who plays as if it means everything.
Torrieira took his goal with aplomb of a striker, which he used to be before joining Sampdoria, double figures from our man with the Mate’ this season.
Bellerin worked the wing back/ full back brilliantly, he really is beginning to look the player we hoped he would become a few years ago, all that defensive uncertainty a thing of the past. He knows his job and he does it to perfection.
Iwobi and Mkhitarayan played well, but it just wasn’t working for them so Emery made the change, no slur on them, in fact I reckon both will start in Manchester on Wednesday next.
Ramsey was peerless, showing what he can still do in this team, but I feel his agent has caused the situation we’re in, I’m sure he’ll get a great move with performances like today’s to showcase his talent.
Despite the offside Dier goal, I thought Leno had another impressive game, I’m very comfortable with him between the sticks.
It’s been a long time since Arsenal won a league game at Old Trafford, to Dare is to Do as someone once said, I think?
See you in the comments guys…
We should all be smiling 🙂
Rico, I’m glad you mentioned Bellerine long pass to Ramsey as it was an absolute ripper.
Not many fullbacks could pick that out.
Great goals, I’m adamant Son fell over his own feet so I reckon we could easily have beaten by more, but 4-2 will do, and it’s even seeeter coming from a goal down.
Nothing better than giving them a sniff and then killing them off hahaha
Morning all.
WE BELIEVE!
I’m normally one of the most optomistic gooners, but I admit to having the same old sinking feeling when they scored two with an offside goal and a blatant dive. We”ve seen it happen before, it looked like the same old story, but that story has ended now and a new one is being written.
Man U next, Mourinio will probably try to kick us off the park as he usually does.
Brian
Scott, I’d have been writing all night if I mentioned them all. 😀
There was another moment, early in the game when Holding looked in trouble at the back. With nowhere to go really he just calmly dealt with the situation, flicked the ball past his man and cleared it. Brilliant.
I get that Brian, especially with Dean but doesn’t it show how far we’ve come?
The days of rolling over and accepting defeat are gone. This group of players have a different mindset. I know it sounds like I’m being a smart arse but I said ast season and before that these players just needed to be coached/managed with more discipline and they’d improve.
They are..
Torreira just stated on Arsenal TV he received a call from Emery prior to leaving for the World Cup about joining Arsenal.
Am I right in saying emery was announced AFTER the World Cup, it so I have my wires crossed?
Rico, any fair minded fan knew Wenger had lost his edge.
Emery has brought it back and it’s refreshing.
Rico, Holding has impressed since the day he joined the club, I reckon.
He just needed experience, imo, and he will keep improving.
Sorry, it was May 23rd so I did have the wires crossed.
Emery was confirmed before the World Cup I think Scott..
I’m not so sure he did though Scott, but again, a lot of that comes back to Wenger. Holding had a great FA Cup final and what happened afterwards? He was either dumped or played with mistakes. This season he’s clearly benefiting from different/better coaching and a manager who believes in him.
Seriously, I don’t think we can take anything away from Emery and his coaching staff when it comes to how individuals are improving.
Good morning folks, thanks Rico/Kev for a great write-up.
Spuds well and truly mashed! How good it feels to be able to say that on a Monday morning.
A word or two on that “penalty” From former referee Keith Hackett. “Law 42 states that a direct free-kick is awarded if a player makes a challenge considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force. Nowhere does it mention contact must be made. Holding’s challenge was desperate, and as a result, careless. He made no contact because Son took evasive action rather than because he (Holding) took any care to avoid his opponent”.
Don’t shoot me, I’m only the messenger. 😉
We need to keep Rambo and play him in ozil position..
He gives so much more to the team i think.
Rico, I meant he impressed as a quality player from day one who needed time.
He showed he had what it takes but the rough edges needed polishing and it seems it’s happening.
I’m not downplaying Emery’s impact at all, as he’s doing a hormonal job, but I also believe the fact we have such a sensational DM is helping all of those behind him as well.
Cicero, doesn’t that leave things open to interpretation lol
No wonder officials have such a tough gig.
Morning Cicero, thanks.
No pen then?
Matty, if we could sell Ozil, maybe keep Ramsey because doesn’t defend much in my opinion. Hence young Bellerin putting him in his place yesterday.
He’s improving now Scott and that’s the main thing…
How good was that !
Spurs blogs all saying that Poch was outplayed by Emery and they are all throwing Foyth under the bus . Sometimes it’s fun to see other people’s pain.
As for Hackett :- if that’s the new interpretation , football as a man’s game is over. Yesterday was refreshing that there was lots of needle , games against the Totts should have , that’s what it’s about . Sokratis accusing Son of diving at the end of the match reminded me of Big Tone . Long may this attitude continue.
Good to hear Potter.
Yes, I enjoyed the dark side of the game. Really refreshing to see some bite in our players, the subs too. Son knew he was guilty of diving imo.
Apparently Clattenburg has said neither of Totts goals should have been given.
To the contrary Rico, a penalty is awarded for what would be a direct free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.
Scott all free-kick situations are open to interpretation, and always have been.
Potter, it’s not a “new interpretation”.
Incidentally, Hacker also said Vertongen’s tackle on Lacazette was worthy of not a caution but a straight red.
What was Clattenburg’s reasoning? Rico.
Cicero, I know and that’s what I said officials have a tough gig.
How can a penalty be awarded without contact?
The rule aside-yes, it’s easy to say that- but it’s absolutely ridiculous.
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all Fellow Gooners in residence.
Ah! A breath of fresh air and confidence returns to the Emirates. Many good/great points to be made about the manager and our players. Also, a few bad points, but minor in comparison to the overall performance. However the crowning moments for were the Tiny Totts streaming from the stadium well before the final whistle and the look of resignation on Poch’s face.
Bring on the Petulant Portuguese Pygmy and ManUre.
Scott – Did you get any of that torrential rain that hit parts of NSW the other week?
Good morning Rico and everyone… What a game, and it was an absolute beauty…. I love the fact that spurs scored two controversial goals, why you make ask, just shows how deep is this team is willing to go.. felt some pain seeing Ramsey give so much, we are really lucky to have players who want to play for the team.. most of this players do love the club.. I’m beginning to feel he shouldn’t leave… But I still want mhki out…
Now is the time to destroy Manchester United, I’m sure the spoilt brat of a coach would plan on hitting us on the counter, but we have a better coach, yes I said it, Emery is by far a better coach than the spoilt brat
Morning all. And a very fine morning it is too, despite the heat, or lack of it, the grey threatening sky and the unrelenting rain. What a morning it is to be a gooner!
What a game it was. All the right emotions up, then down, then further down. Feelings of deep despair followed me around the house throughout the whole of halftime and ten minutes more and then……..a little joy was was supplanted by great happiness followed by ecstasy as the “terrier” scored the fourth. When Kane gave up chasing an over the top ball, accompanied by a total look of dejection and defeat caused even more joy!
What a game, what a result, what a feeling. I’ve not felt so joyful since 2007! Long may it continue.
A small reference to the game, off the field not on it. On several occasions during the 90 minutes the cameras flicked to the manager’s recapping seats, whilst he was in animated conversation with one or other of his coaches, they were pointing out tweaks that needed to be made and he was listening intently. Once just before half time, the coach seemed to be pointing at Iwobi and secondly just before Mustafi came off. What a change the pat made, not only to the manner of play but also that the manager took advice and acted on it. He didn’t give then the silent treatment like his predecessor might. I mean what exactly could Rice or Boulder know that the looooong experienced one, didn’t?
Still raining here and the postie has delivered more letters with windows, but I don’t care, not today, at least😊
Not sure Cicero, I’ll have to look it up..
Morning Cg, Mexy.
I’d be really disappointed if we don’t get something at OT.
iPad screw up ‘recapping’ = Recaro. Plus several other typos but who cares really?
Wavy, noticed that too. Seems we have a manager who listens to his team. Who’d have thought eh.. lol
Is anyone getting the stupid ads today? The ones which switch you to a prize winning site? If so, would you mind capturing a screenshot and email8ng it to me, thanks.
VERY Happy day at The Emirates, and the sun is out today so perhaps that’s a good omen – good morning guys.
Who wasn’t impressed?
Was slightly depressed at half-time over two, highly debatable decisions – the free kick was a pretty innocuous challenge by Premier league standards and, Holding didn’t make contact with Son.
Some Parliamentary laws are as ancient and outdated as the Law 42 (thanks Cicero – I wasn’t aware of the detail of that law) so what is this “careless” nonsense and, why isn’t “actual contact” in there instead?
Son should have been booked for that theatrical R.A.D.A. impression of being hit by a train?
Enough of the whinges, because the team overall are just starting to show more collective positives and a passion, under Emery.
An interesting observation – some of the blogs from Spurs supporters were generous in their comments about Arsenal’s superiority, which makes a nice change…
Auba’s second goal was a real sweety, and the culmination of some slick passing.
We’re definitely going in the right direction >>>>>>>>>>>>>
PS – Did you know that Lucas Torreira was signed by Pescara Calcio in 2013 as a forward, so no wonder his finish for number 4 was clinical?
Hi CG,
We got smashed lol
Plenty of areas out bush got it as well, but some follow up rain will help now.
Andorra, that explains his finish. It really was a strikers goal. All three from open play had something different, something special to to them..
Nice to have an Arsenal team with a backbone again, I knew they’d be life after Arsene! 🙂
Me too Lee. No way could so many footballers in one squad be softies.
And after Sanchez as well, Lee hahaha
Sorry-had to be said lol
Emery is doing a bloody brilliant job, better than we could have hoped for so early in the piece, I reckon.
Just watched the replay and damn, we shut their better players out of the game!!
Andorra, that “outdated” law resulted in Vertongen receiving a second caution and being dismissed. If you look at the tackle again you’ll notice his studs are squarely on Lacazette’s ankle. Holding’s were only inches away from making contact with Son’s foot. Both were “careless” bordering on “reckless”. Dean was probably lenient in not cautioning Holding, possibly for the lack of contact. A case of swings and roundabouts? However, a penalty was the correct decision.
Morning Gooners.
Morning Rico, really enjoyed the post.
I’m not sure, but if you take the emotional element out of the game, that is the Tottenham players’ reaction to conceding 3 goals in the 2nd half and how it saw their level drop, we also have to consider the monumental effort they previously put in to beat Chelsea and Inter.
Basically their legs went in the 2nd 45 as we seemed to get stronger.
Now after such a Herculean effort from our guys, we travel up to OT, a graveyard most seasons for Arsenal teams, and never mind Mourinho, we couldn’t beat terrible Man Ure teams under Moyes and Van Gaal, so we need to be very careful that those tossers don’t sabotage our unbeaten run as they did with the Invincibles. In some regards the game this Wednesday is more problematic that yesterday’s.
We all know Mourinho, his back is against the wall, he’s falling out with all his players again, but I’m sure that he’ll have something special up his sleeve and as of yet I don’t think that Emery has beaten him in a head to head match up.
Not doubt the media will be predicting an Arsenal win, dangerous, and Mourinho will use that as motivation, because Man Ure might have a dysfunctional squad, but they still have some top top players who can do us damage if they’re up for it.
Will Emery go with a back three again?
Will he revert to the back four that finished off the Spuds?
Will Ozil be in the squad, team even? He has something to prove.
What about Mkhitarayan, he has something to prove also?
Will Emery start with Aubameyang again or will he rest him and bring in Lacazette as our lone striker?
Guendouzi vs Pogba perhaps?
Who will replace Xhaka – a big miss as he serves out his suspension?
Will Aaron Ramsey get a rare start if Ozil is still absent?
What about Iwobi, he’ll still be fresh, does he start on the left flank?
In some ways the game this Wednesday is our biggest test of this season, to win away at a top six club has to be the next step for this squads development…
Morning Kev. I enjoyed your views too.
I think for me it was how we started and then how we came back from being 2-1 down. To do that against any of the sides in the top four is positive. I look back and think how unlucky we were against Chelsea and against Coty to a degree. Yes, they might have enjoyed much possession but we had our own chances too.
Yesterday we took them.
Guendouzi for me on Wednesday, or Elneny.
ALL TOGETHER NOW :— There are more questions than answers . But that’s what he signed up to . I have every confidence that we will be well prepared and that any mind games from Moaninho will go straight over Emery’s head and that the team will be up to it.
I’d have Alexis back in a flash Scott. We’re not a one man team anymore, everyone, we’ll nearly, is doing their bit What cheesed Alexis off imo was he was one of a few who were giving his all.
* well, not we’ll…
I’m just wondering Rico, how much that game took out of our players as they don’t have long to recover and the Mancs have an extra 24 hours rest whilst we have to travel up there.
Guendouzi for sure on Wednesday, but we’re bound to have some fatigue in our squad so maybe Emery needs to rotate a bit?
My thoughts too , Although a lot stayed at home The Ukrainian trip followed by such a high tempo game and with Xhaka out we may find ourselves having to be very shrewd with the subs . I think it is more likely to be the legs rather than tactics that may well dictate them.
Mourinho will know that as well and just as we’re celebrating being top dogs of North London he’ll be planning some way to bushwhack us, he loves nothing less.
It’s why I think that Emery might start with Mkhitarayan and Iwobi again as they’ll be fresh and he might start with Lacazette leading the line, Guendouzi will be fresh but Torrieira might run out of steam, so that could be a problem as we don’t have anyone else with his skill set.
Most of those likely to be required on Wednesday didn’t travel to Kiev, so fatigue shouldn’t be that much of a problem. I suspect Mourinho’s mob will be as knackered as any of ours. Also they are on a downer due to a run of bad performances and their morale must be at rock bottom following the public criticism levelled at them by their manager. I’m sure that comparing his most expensive signing to a virus, in front of the whole team, has done nothing to raise the spirits of Pogba and his team-mates.
There surely can’t be a better time to take them on, even at Old Toilet.
At least we know Emery won’t flog our players to breaking point Kev..
I see both us and Totts have been charged by the FA for the handbags…
Dier:
“Every loss hurts. The nice thing about today is that it felt like a derby again. I don’t think it’s felt that for quite a few years and football needs these kind of games.”
Glad to see Mikki was not dissed today. I personally think he tries hard and I’ve seen him put in a shift even running back to put in a tackle.
Not everyone can be a Messi but Mikki draws a lot of attention which leaves other people free. Emory is willing to use him which should mean something.
Great win – I’ve watched it twice and it’s better everytime. Let’s hope we dump Man U the same way.
Reg
Hard to criticise any of them Reg after they’ve just dumped Totts on their backsides…
Rico, To me, he was the one man poison at the club.
Look at our squad, they’re more a “squad” than they have been for years and while that’s certainly not all down to Sanchez, he played his part when at the club.
Pathetic, mercenary little bastard who’s getting exactly what he deserves at Utd-well; apart from the salary 🙂
We will forever agree to disagree on that one, but we have a group playing for each other, and it’s fantastic to see.
Scott, he was a team player when he first arrived wasn’t he?
Most of the other players were raving about him and imo, one man didn’t like that and he signed him..
I bet we draw Totts….
Solihull or Blackpool v Arsenal in FA Cup 😂
A nice weekend in Blackpool then.
Rico, maybe, but why would we risk bringing him back and potentially upsetting a happy squad?
It’s just not worth it, I reckon.
He’s gone, Arsene is gone, all Is well with the club, and the squad.
Loving it 🙂
I was thinking Solihull Kev 😉
It isn’t going to happen anyway Scott. The Alexis ship has sailed..
Yep.
No point in us looking back when the future looks pretty damn good 🙂
Do you think we will bring anyone in during January?
I think so, yes..
Messi???
🙂
rico,
I have to agree with your answer to me.
Alexis was always about himself. He would dribble endlessly, attract a crowd, lose the ball then chase after it getting plaudits for getting it back. In yhe meantime the game clock was still ticking. Nearly always ended on his backside. It was tolerable when he was scoring and some were spectacular goals. But team player I venture to say no. He get really pissed if he didn’t get the ball back when he passed to teammate. He was one of Arsene’s indulgencies imho and wouldn’t have made it under current management.
And yet he scored most of our goals during his first two seasons. Bet Arsene Wenger was glad he did too…
Solihull….!
Yes Rico, I’ve heard it’s as exciting as Tottenham High Road
I agree -some were outstanding – but does that make him team player?
Plenty think he was, Reg.
I don’t, but I’m in the minority.
It’s all opinions and as I said earlier, he’s gone so it doesn’t matter now.
Whatever the reason, we have a damn happy squad together and they’re playing for each other, for the manager and for the fans.
That’s what matters.
Morning Scott, all.
New post up now.