Morning guys.
The League Cup tie with Brighton, with its 10 changes, wide open spaces and end to end attacks, was frighteningly exciting. It was different, it was the League Cup, it was a chance to see some youngsters and new players we’d not seen much of before. However, yesterday it was back to grown-up football, it was take no prisoners football and it was back to business as usual.
Arteta unsurprisingly reverted to his, on paper, strongest available starting XI for the trip to Turf Moor, the same Arsenal team which had gone unbeaten and conceded zero goals in a calendar month. The Gunners team which was gradually breaking the spirit of all the media Arsenal haters. Martinelli was absent, for how long we don’t know, but Big Bill was back to partner Big Gabby. The bench was strong but lacking somewhat in an attacking sense, we badly need Havertz, Martinelli, Madueke and Jesus back in the mix and hopefully we’ll have three of them plus captain Odegaard back after the next International break.
During the opening exchanges Burnley pressed energetically and played an almost mid block high line, at times pushing us back into our half but as soon as they lost possession they fell back into a style quite similar to how Arsenal play. Arsenal’s approach play looked slick and incisive but the Burnley defence held firm, that is until Arsenal were awarded a corner. Then it was mayhem Arsenal style. Rice chipped to the far post as all the big guys went up but the ball evaded them all except Big Gabby. The King was lurking beyond the far post and simply lobbed the ball back into the mix and Gyokeres headed home. From then on it was a case of how many?
Trossard, Calafiori, Saka, Eze, Saka again and Trossard again all went close, Burnley at times were hanging on grimly as chance after chance came and went. Then finally around the 35th minute Burnley exerted some pressure but the move broke down, Gyokeres broke clear and played a fantastic cross field pass to Trossard who drove for the Burnley box before chipping an inviting cross into the middle. Declan Rice arrived and powered his header into the goal and it was pretty much job done. Arsenal just played out the remaining 10 minutes in total control and so H/T 0-2.
Viktor Gyokeres went off at half-time, hopefully it was just precautionary but if there’s any doubt then I hope he stays in London on Tuesday and misses the trip to Praha.
Merino came on and Arsenal’s dynamic approach became one of more possession and control. On 49 Timber almost got in to score from the inside-‘left’ and on 56 Trossard got off a low skidding shot which the Burnley keeper did well to save. Burnley upped the pressure and it was difficult at times but our defence is just the best. On 72 Arteta brought on Hincapie (Calafiori) and Nwaneri (Eze), Ethan immediately gave us some pace up front when he burst forward as Merino was not stretching the opposition, Hincapie just shut down any threat from his side. On 77 Nordgaard came on for Zubimendi as Arteta rotated and saved the legs of those who’d played the most minutes recently. On 82 Nwaneri won the ball just inside the Arsenal half and sprinted forward intent on getting off a shot and it was low and true but unfortunately just wide.
As the game went into added time Myles came on for Trossard who’d had an interesting battle all afternoon with anyone who fancied it. On 92 Nordgaard had a low shot parried and then Timber went close again before Burnley hit the post to almost ruin our record. Rice was amazing, he was perpetual motion, Gyokeres had his best half since he arrived, I hope he’s ok. Trossard, Eze, Timber, all of them were superb.
And so we march on….
By Kev
Good report Kev, you could be doing this for a while! Morning rico and all, important we dont take this for granted, but I am feeling back to the George Graham days with our defence. Not quite as calm, as I was a kid then, and didnt fear things like you do as we get older. If we can get one more away win before reinforcements come back, we are in a great position. Love that Trossard (and Martinelli) are proving invaluable, along with all the new signings who have hit the ground running.
Morning Andrew, Kev and all.
Good post Kev, long may your run continue. lol
So pleased Viktor scored again. Right place, right time, a strikers goal. The set piece ability of Rice is incredible. Pin point nearly every time.
Good morning to you both. Just watched the replay on Arsenal.com. (temporarily I hope confined to the hotel.) A pretty routine day oop noorth. Some robust play by the Burnley players but nothing we couldn’t cope with. The second goal came courtesy of a long throw by some old Spurs has-been, the throw was intercepted and the old Spud forgot to get back to his defensive position, two nil to the good guys.
Didn’t see anything that suggested Viktor G was injured, perhaps just giving him a bit of a rest before our mid-week game.
Keep up the good work Kev.
Morning Cicero, apparently Gyokeres felt some discomfort so hopefully nothing serious.
Morning Gooners, morning Rico and yes, I hope to be doing this for a good while yet.
Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it and cheers Cicero, I’m back on the bench now…
The injuries are just starting to stack up a bit now, Viktor, Martinelli, Saliba (back now) just imagine where we’d be if the club had not done its business last summer? I’m almost pleased when we get international breaks now as it’s not as intensive except for the travelling. Maybe the 25 man squad needs to be extended to say 28 as the fixture list just piles up.
Gyokeres took an elbow to the face from Walker I think about 10 minutes before half time , maybe he was feeling it . Of course Kavanagh missed it but the American commentators said that VAR had looked at it .
Walker was putting it about quite a lot in fact he took out Trossard who responded by dumping him over the touchline a few moments later and I thought lucky that Kavanagh didn’t book him , not that it particularly deserved a yellow just that the way decisions were going I figured he would want to get one of ours to even things up .As it happens he finally did it with his 90 minutes booking of Gabriel and made it 2 -1 in yellows.
5 difficult games in November , Sunderland away , Tottenham home and Chelsea away in the league and away to Prague and Home to Bayern .
Lets see where we are at the beginning of December before we get too exited.
Only until Tuesday I hope Kev. 😜
Apparently Zubimendi suffered an injury too yesterday
I won’t be getting overly excited, it would be crazy to really. Football has a funny way of ruining things, as do the officials. Injuries too.
Good afternoon Rico and all.
I enjoyed reading that Kev. Well done
What we have seen so far pionts only to one thing……a new standard has been set at Arsenal — one defined by power, intensity, and a relentless will to win. Viktor Gyökeres has raised the bar for what it means to lead the line, combining physical dominance with tireless work rate and sharp technical play.
Now we have to see if Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus manage to add that same physical edge to their game. With their natural skill and intelligence, matching Gyökeres’ aggression and presence will make Arsenal’s attack even more complete. The drop-off at Burnely yesterday was clear the moment Gyökeres came off since we did not have the same powe and intensity. If Arsenal want to maintain this new level, every forward — starter or backup — must bring that same hunger, power, and purpose otherwise we will struggle to maintain that. VG14 puts his weight about. Time for others to do the same. Havertz and Merino both have the same height and physique as VK14. Its a question of mentality and confidence. VG uses it to barge through and keep the defence occupied. I cant expect Jesus and GM11 to do the same since physically they are different but Havertz and Merino have quite a good physique and height so I expect them to copy VG14
No Rico, I’ll be on point for Tuesday and Saturday. 😀
Yeah Rico, I don’t think any of us are losing our perspective, those idiots on Sky etc can make the hyperbole comments, it’s their job to talk trash. We’ve been bruised too many times to start giving it large, if we’re still 7 points or more clear in late April then maybe we can start crowing…
Afternoon Devil.
West Ham could be 3-1 up but for a millimetre offside. Newcastle very fortunate imo.
Good to hear Kev. 😝
They are so predictable and boring Kev. I wonder where they keep their enormous wooden spoons at night..
Merino won’t throw his weight around as he goes to ground a bit too easily for my liking..
Hi Dev and thanks, yeah I agree with Rico, Merino isn’t that type of player but funnily enough I think Jesus is even if he’s smaller in stature he’s still a very physical forward, who tbh we’ve not seen the best of as he’s never been fit. For Havertz he’s quite physical and different but with Kai in the attack the team is far more dynamic than with Merino.
WHU win 3-1.
Fingers crossed that City and Bournemouth ends up in a draw. Not holding my breath but hoping so.
I think Havertz tries to impose himself but he’s quite gangly and ends up committing fouls.
Jesus is tougher but has a reputation for diving so any time he gets stuck in, the refs seem to go against him. Still, we could do with him back, all of them really.
Kev rightly points out Gabbys perfect assist to Gyokeres. Not enough people giving him the credit. Couldn’t have been done any better.
I loved it…
Thanks Nigel, Gabriel in our last two Premier League games made goals for Eze and now Gyokeres, he was also vital in clearing a long throw to Viktor who then created the break for Rice to score.