Good morning all.
Mikel Arteta opted for Gabriel Jesus instead of Gabriel Martinelli yesterday evening, Oleksandr Zinchenko instead of Jakub Kiwior too. Thomas Partey, along with Leandro Trossard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale, ESR, Martinelli, Kiwior, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira watched on from the substitutes bench.
Chances to take the lead came early for Arsenal. A free kicked whipped in by Martin Odegaard couldn’t have been better placed – the connection Gabriel made was strong too but the direction of his header was just off target. Bukayo Saka was next to have a go after cutting in from the left but hitting his effort was just wide. Gabriel Jesus was next to see his two opportunities go begging. Then came our penalty. Jesus was caught by Lamptey just inside the box, the Brazilian went over in his usual theatrical way but for once the referee looked at the challenge rather than what came afterwards and didn’t hesitate to blow his whistle whilst pointing to the spot. Saka despatched the perfect penalty.
After the break, Jesus and Martin Odegaard had opportunities to extend our lead but it was that man Kai Havertz who doubled our advantage. Jorginho intercepted a poor Enciso pass in Brighton’s own half, exchanged passes with Odegaard and then from the right side of the box, delivered a fine ball into the German who tucked home from close range. At 2-0 up, we dropped off a bit, allowing Brighton a bit more of the ball but as hard as the home team tried to break through, our defending was too good. The determination not to concede was evident when Gabriel blocked a Brighton shot before celebrating like he’d just secured a Champions League winning medal. No, not over celebrating, just fired up, full of passion and fully committed to the Arsenal cause.
That’s the spirit and the body language that you’re looking for in a team, so I’m really pleased that they give the importance to big things. Blocking a shot is a big thing in the box and I’m really pleased. – Mikel Arteta
By now, Jesus and Saka had gone off for a breather with Martinelli and Trossard on in their place. Zinchenko too as Tomiyasu came on, no doubt to give us a bit more security in defence. Still Brighton tried but in the end, Havertz, often spotted back doing some defensive work was in the perfect place – Trossard nicked the ball off Gross, it fell to Havertz and he played a perfectly weighted ball back to the ex Brighton player and off he went towards goal. His pace was too much for the chasing defender, his chipped shot too good for Verbruggen. Fabio Vieira and Eddie Nketiah replaced Odegaard and Havertz soon afterwards but the game was already won and I suspect all the Arsenal players wanted to do was say thank you to their fans, get on the bus and go home.
I’ve made it sound like this win for Arsenal was a breeze but it wasn’t. It could have been had the early chances gone in but at 1-0, Brighton were still very much in the game. Enciso and Moder had opportunities to score for the home team even before we had gone ahead, Simon Adingra too. David Raya was called into action just after the restart too. A cracking save it was too. Brighton weren’t giving up but then neither were Mikel Arteta’s team. These days, they don’t…
Once the second came, that was it in my opinion because Arsenal’s defending has been so good for a while now and once again, was good.
The ending couldn’t have been better – boo Leandro Trossard at your own peril Brighton fans…
Next up, Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Bayern were 2-0 up at half-time in their game against FC Heidenheim 1846 yesterday but lost 3-2…..
Catch up in the comments.
You need to proof read
Ah, a headmaster in the house! Nothing better to say then.
Morning Rico and all,
When will fans learn that booing a player just because he left your club can sometimes bring the best out of the player.
Just for the record Stan, I did proofread but WordPress didn’t save it for some reason. You’ll be pleased to know though, I’ve amended it. Ok with you I hope!
Morning Geoff. It happens often, Arsenal fans have been known to boo a few ex players.
As you say Rico, it wasn’t easy but as far as Arsenal were concerned it was entirely professional. Even a little cynical at times without going over the top. Testament to the growing ability to “manage” games.
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but shouldn’t Jesus make a greater contribution than three wasted chances and winning a penalty. No need to repeat my thoughts on Zinchenko (see yesterday’s comments).
Jesus is ok to rotate with Martinelli Cicero. lol
Agreed, mature performance against a very good Brighton team.
Nice one Rico,
afternoon all,great result. I thought Saka didn’t look fully fit but what a player he is,always plays with a smile and puts in maximum effort.
Yet another clean sheet,come on Man United.
Afternoon Rico and Co, I see that Boorish Stan is still around with his customary vacuous comments.
Rico, I’ve gotta disagree, I don’t think that Jesus made more of the Lamptey challenge at all, I just think that he got a good old fashioned clump on his ankles, but it was a stonewall pen.
I can’t recall watching a Brighton home game where the atmosphere was so heavily charged with antipathy towards the visitors (excepting Palace I guess), the home fans were really up for it. Maybe there’s a lot of Londoners who support Arsenal who live in the locality of Brighton and Hove, thus a bit of edge?
Yes, I saw a bit of the Bayern game, from when it was 2-2, they looked a pretty poor outfit from the little I saw. You can never bet against the Germans I know, but if they anything like they played yesterday then with our defence I reckon we’ll beat them.
Although I don’t just want to beat them I want to humiliate them…
Thanks Limey, afternoon to you, Kev.
Agree re Saka looking a bit jaded but at least he had a bit of a rest second half. Perhaps he’s building up his strength for the last few games or just conserving energy whilst he can.
Kev, we can agree to differ. lol
I’m looking forward to the Bayern game although I think it’ll be tough. CL is different to their league challenge imo.
Half time pool 1 united 0 man united look crap.
Half time United 0 – 1 Liverpool. Much as we need Liverpool to lose, I just can’t bring myself to hope United win. 😕
Saka is definitely committed but Personally I think Saka is starting to struggle due to the amount of games played, and will need a week off soon
I’m hoping Utd get a point.
Can I settle for a draw? 😉
61 minutes in pool 1 united 1 thanks to sloppy play by Liverpool,
I will be very happy with a draw
Or even a United win. It’s 2 – 1.
United leading 2-1 Klopp going crazy on the side line
A home win would be even better…
Plenty of time for the officials to give Liverpool a helping hand..
Penalty to ….
Liverpool
Salah scores. 😕
Was it a penalty?
Still top of the table. 🔔🔔😉
Excellent result…
Definitely Rico.
Yes it was penalty, but in the end I am happy with the draw
We are on top, thanks to our goal difference
2:30am good night all, looking forward to our next match
Night Geoff..
I thought Taylor might have gifted them..
RIP Joe Kinnear…
New post up.