Morning all.
I’ll get one thing out the way. Chris Kavanagh. Excellent when allowing us to play the advance which led to a goal but far too lenient with his cards. To say Fulham’s Hector lived dangerously after his booking would be an understatement. 4, 5, maybe even 6 fouls later, he was still on the pitch.
Debutants. Very very good. A strong and solid performance by Gabriel. Willian looked like he’d been playing for Arsenal all his career. The ball to Aubameyang was exactly what I personally expected he’d bring with him. Plus his energy and his all round play.
Nerves. First ten minutes was a nervy affair I thought. The opening day, away from home and against a newly promoted side attributed to them I think but once we went ahead, I thought we were excellent. I also got the impression that there were a few more gears to up had we needed to. We didn’t.
Much will be made of the little incident involving Eddie Nketiah and Danny Ceballos before the game by the media. But before they get too free flowing with their words of criticism, neither Eddie or Dani have been thrown in a Greek jail for being drunk or committing a criminal offence. Neither have breached Covid19 regulations either or dropped by their respective country. Something which seems to have been downplayed by the very same people who’ll try and turn this little Arsenal scuff into something more than it probably was.
The focus for Arsenal fans will of course be on all the positive moments yesterday. The goal from Aubameyang was pretty special. Reminiscent of the one he scored against Liverpool at Wembley. This time though the provider was Willian. The goal from Lacazette, scrappy but exactly the kind of goals our number 9 should be scoring. The kind he’ll get when the ball is within reach. Then the set-piece. A goal from a corner, hoorah. Gabriel jumped from a standing position, out jumped the rest and with his head/shoulder, he hade his mark on his debut.
I thought we looked tidy, organised and despite having a new central defensive partnership, we looked comfortable. We were pinging the ball around nicely in attack too. Creating opportunities to score. Willian seems to be the guy to take our free kicks now. He nearly scored with his first. Darn woodwork.
Anyway, tougher tests will come our way but we’ll worry about those as they come along. Fulham was yesterday’s challenge and we overcame that challenge with flying colours.
Mikel Arteta after their the game:
On Gabriel and Willian…
Yeah, they were both really good. Obviously for Willian it’s a little bit different because he knows the league, the country and he’s very settled here, so I knew his performances would happen straight away. With Gabriel it was a big challenge for him to come in today having not played any football for the last six months and he had a terrific performance.
On whether he would have preferred to give Gabriel a few weeks before making his debut…
Ideally I wanted to give him some time because he’s only trained a few days with the team and physically he hasn’t played a competitive match in six months, so obviously there was a risk of injury as well, but credit to him because he performed really well physically, he felt good and he was a handful today.
On Ceballos and Nketiah clashing in the warm-up…
I haven’t seen anything. I was inside.
On whether the signing of Willian will motivate Pepe…
Well, it’s not for Nico, I think it’s for the players that were today on the bench and as well the ones that we had to leave at home. If they raise their levels then the performances of the team and club are going to improve and this is what I demand from them. I’m really happy with all the boys and the way they’re training, but selection is getting more complicated and with this new rule of just having only 18 players in the squad makes it very difficult.
On a perfect opening-day result and performance…
Yes I don’t think it gets much better than that. I think it’s really good for the players, for their confidence, for their belief, and to settle in the group quickly. It’s always a challenge when you bring in new players but the way they played today and the commitment they showed with the boys, it was terrific.
Yep, every single player from Auba to Gabriel to Elneny. Totally committed, totally Arsenal.
Have a great Sunday guys.
Hi Rico and all Great start by all, the best thing about the win was seeing the players not stop playing when we were 2 up and finally going for the kill and wanting more goals and really finish off their appointments
Just read apparently ceballos and nketiah have already made up, the issue came after Ceballos lade 2 tackles on Nketiah while the bench players we’re warming up before the match. I don’t understand why you would lay such a tackle on your team mate only the only minutes before the match starts
Hi Geoff, all.
I found Mo Elney’s comments after the game interesting yet shocking. He said that previously the players didn’t want to give 100% each match or from start to finish. Or something similar to that. He said that has changed and now everyone, (he probably meant nearly everyone) is on the same page and want to give so much more.
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Our team are of to a great start to the season with the Community Shield and today’s comfortable win with a clean sheet. Our two new signings fitting in as if they had been with the team for a while, I could have expected that from Willian; but Gabriel, in his first real game, was cool, calm and effective in a critical position.
I was so pleased with how our team were playing that the referee’s laxity and over tolerance of fouls didn’t bother me very much.
Bring on the Hammers.
Morning Rico. Good write-up.
I knew Kavanagh would get himself in trouble after he gave Auba a booking for, essentially, nothing. He set the bar so low that he was either going to go card-happy like the ghastly Atkinson or Roly-Poly Moss or completely ignore second yellow card tackles. In fact he ignored 2nd, 3rd, 4th and perhaps even 5th yellow card tackles, thereby making a mockery of his own performance, which isn’t that hard for him really. It didn’t cost us yesterday but I guarantee it will later in the season.
Overall though we were very good and seemed to play until the last minute. Harder games coming up, but a great start.
Ceballos’s ‘passion’ in the warm-up because he wasn’t starting the game was misdirected. However, I’d rather see that than Ozil’s ennui.
Let’s see Dani show some of that on the field in a game, where it counts. Our team, as a whole, have been lacking that passion in the past few seasons.
Morning Cg.
I too was really surprised how well Gabriel settled in. He looks a beast and good at reading danger I thought. Apart from the AMN back pass but I’ll forgive him for that. Lol
Willian, well that’s what he does isn’t it and has been since he joined the PL. hopefully the critics of him because of his fee and age will realise that with so many younger players in the squad, we need experience too. Quality and experience.
Morning Adam, thanks.
Kavanagh made a mixed old bag of decisions. Still can’t believe how many fouls Hector got away with. As you say though, they didn’t cost us in the end but wait until we go to Anfield, or both sides of Manchester and Stamford Bridge.
I’d hoped this would be a season in which football fans weren’t left talking about the officials after the game. However…
Rio Ferdinand said the same Cg. Whatever it was, I bet it doesn’t happen again.
Good morning all, I’m basking in the sunshine both physically and metaphorically. A lovely late summer day in Norfolk and two results yesterday to cheer even the gloomiest of Covid-19 restrictions.
I was doubtful of the value Willian would bring to the team but if he maintains yesterday’s form I’ll certainly reconsider.
Gabriel looked awesome once he had overcome early minutes nerves. In the past we have signed some good and a few very good defenders only to see them slump into mediocrity or worse under Wenger’s lack of interest in actually defending. Under Arteta I think we can be confident that those times are past.
A good all round performance against a limited side, but one that under previous administrations would likely have resulted in dropped points more often than not.
Arsenal Women’s remarkable 9 – 1 defeat of the Hammers was a joy to watch, Jill Roord’s second hattrick in two games must be some sort of record.
There will of course be harder games to come, for both men and women’s teams, but for the moment at least the future is looking brighter.
Super read, Rico 👍 With those displays from our Brazilian debutants, along with Holding channeling his inner Ronaldinho, I feel like doing the samba right now 😄
Or singing we are top of the league….sod it – I’ll do both!!
On this day in 1997, Wrighty broke the goalscoring record… 😍 what a guy!!
Super Sunday is back! But with West Brom in the first game and the spuds in the second, it certainly ain’t super!! Come on you toffees!! Will Rodriguez play?!
Willian and Ceballos are vying for the same position but with Willian’s age splitting the duty between them can work providing that they are both onside with it. . We looked secure at the back with Gabriel and Holding due partly to Elneny and Xhaka who make a reasonable pairing . How they go against a better midfield is to be seen but yesterday they stood up and did their job and that’s all we can ask.
Understandably Cicero because history has seen us sign a freebie or old heads just because they are free or cheap but with Willian, it’s rather different I think because he’s already been playing great football in the PL.
Similar can be said about the loan of Ceballos which has proved to be very different from those we may have taken on loan in the past.
Thanks Sue. I guess you’ll be stuck in front o of the tv today then? No cricket though? Lol
Are Everton playing the Toots?
Sure will, Rico…hopefully Leicester and Everton will win! Yes, Everton play the spuds at 4.30…
No cricket, oh no what will you do?! 😀
I’m forsaking the Grand Prix, England Australia one day international, Le Tour and a couple of minor teams playing in the Premiership in order to meet up with our immediate family for a pre-law-of-six restriction this afternoon. Nine of us walking the dogs in Holt Country Park then retreating to a tiny village with a large green beside the church and a tiny pub beside that.
I almost forgot, Leicester Tigers Vs Northampton Saints, my nearest top level Rugby club.
Nice report rico, afternoon all. Have MOTD later to re-watch that fine display. after the cricket, also recording. Mind you, Ciceros green beside the pub sounds even nicer! Used to visit parents up that way at Snettisham and Hunstanton, nice coast.
I wonder if Elneny‘s words have been misinterpreted somewhat? For a footballer to admit they and others didn’t give 100% is not good. Maybe he means that bit extra you are able to pull out in an organised and happy camp.
There is cricket Sue. Might watch a bit of football during the break for lunch though.
Thanks Andrew, I read it that they have more enthusiasm now. Possibly because there appears to be a plan on the training pitch and match day. Behind the scenes too.
Potter, I think it’s Pepe who’ll be after Willian for a place. Elneny seems to me the one keeping Ceballos out.
Ah ok, got you, Rico… I’m afraid I’m not into cricket, so I’m a bit slow on the uptake 😂😂
great to see the enthusiasm of the young players but an old wise head will get you out of trouble.
yes Willian was free but unlike some of our previous free bee’s Chelsea still wanted him so did some other clubs.
😀 Sue
In as much as I am so pleased with the performance of Gabriel, he should be aware that this is EPL and in EPL when there’s not enough freedom, you don’t guide the ball waiting for keeper to catch, you clear it out of your danger zone. As for Elneny hmm, I guess Arsene would be saying he is like a new signing 😍. He was a surprise pick up by Arteta to be in the middle of the park once again and he had a good game but I pray he shouldn’t hinder the signing of Partey. I am beginning to have enough confidence watching my baby Arsenal building up the game from the back to the final third of the game with great confidence. Seeing Gabriel adapting to the system so well and even had a debutant goal makes the day even more awesome. Great debutant for Willian, never doubted his capability but to me, there was much force in the final third when Pepe and Ceb came in…As usual, a good write up from Rico thanks.
Good morning Rico and all.
Good write up and good results. Everyone was excellent. Leno back to his best. The back 3, midfield and attack. No question can be asked by our doubters. Gabriel played like he has been with us for a year.
Kudos the the boys and our Manager.
Hi Twinsy, Paddy. Thanks guys.
I don’t think Elneny will make a difference to the plans Arteta and Edu have. If Guendouzi goes, Elneny naturally replaces him but it’s Torreira who is more likely to be replaced imo.
Glad West Brom lost… if Liverpool and Leicester are both awarded 2 penalties, how many will the Mancs get?!! 😂 We’ll be lucky to get 2 all season!
Rodriguez does start… oooh come on- it’s been a great weekend for debutants scoring!
Charles Watts:
Emi Martinez has completed his £20m move to Aston Villa this afternoon. He has signed a four-year contract.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to reports, with Emi Martinez now reported to have signed for Aston Villa.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday afternoon that Martinez, who finished last season very strongly for Arsenal, has now signed for Villa on a four-year deal.
Meanwhile, The Sun newspaper claims that Arsenal are prepared to offer up to £10 million for 25-year-old Spaniard Raya, as they need a back-up for Bernd Leno.
In turn, Brentford are keen on Charlton goalkeeper Dillon Phillips.
Martinez was missing from the Arsenal squad for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham, and was reportedly undergoing a medical yesterday ahead of a £20 million deal.
The Argentine stopper impressed during the lockdown period as he covered for Leno with the German injured, and won the FA Cup and Community Shield in Mikel Arteta’s starting line-ups.
Best wishes for Martinez !
In The Knowinho.
Charles Watts
@charles_watts
·
2h
Emi Martinez has completed his £20m move to Aston Villa this afternoon. He has signed a four-year contract.
Apparently Arsenal are now looking at a cheaper option to the Brentford goalkeeper, an Icelandic glove master who plays for Dijon.
Evening all,
it seriously must be depressing to play for Spurs. As I type Everton score, great header from Calvert-Lewin.
Love it.
Opps, I see you’ve posted that already Sue, that’ll teach me…
Btw, what’s your beef with West Brom?
What a donkey Richarlison is.. if he wasn’t so greedy, Calvert-Lewin could’ve had a hat trick!!
Rodriguez has had a good game…
Brilliant timing Limey, you must make sure that you come on here as often as you can if Tottenham are playing. 😉
Good job, Everton!! All their new signings played well… spuds living up to their documentary name – no not all, but nothing 😉😂
Kev, I bet he’s mustard. Lol
Toots and Mourinho are a match made in….
Kev.. never liked them, I find them so bloody boring… I like Gibbs obviously, but that’s your lot!!
I hate W Brom as they were responsible for my only loss attending The Ems.
We win the Spuds lose…………….perfect weekend!…………………….can`t wait to watch MotD, to hear the artificial sound of Spud fans crying, they just record it from outside the ground!
Lockdown depression must be at an all time high in N17!…………………good thing it is lockdown otherwise they would be rioting outside!
On top of Emi’s departure – Arsenal will now look to complete the sale of Lucas Torreira before opening talks over a move for Thomas Partey. Sufficient funds raised to pay his release clause. Convincing the player to drop out of the Champions League will be key. #AFC
🙏🙏
Very good Rico, very good…. 😁
I prefer English mustard myself.
The best player was Allan!
MOM for me!
Everton has a team to enter the top 4 positions
So PSG have opened their 2020/21 season with no goals and two defeats, that’s not happened to them for over 40 years.
Thomas Tuchel and Leonardo will be under huge pressure with Tuchel saying in his post match I/v when asked if PSG are going to sign players ‘I hope so’….
Now I wonder if despite all the bluster if we can now expect a serious bid for Matteo Guendouzi from the reigning French champions, I mean, we could even be persuaded to throw in Ozil..?
And that PSG game against Marseille saw 14 yellow and 5 red cards, Kev!! Mass brawl at the end!!
I’m a bit concerned that Icelandic goalkeeper we’re said to be in for is too small, officially listed as 6ft 1,he looks even smaller in the picture over on Arseblog News.
Martinez is a giant in comparison.
Macey wants out also… bloody hell, he’s 26!!! His clock is ticking, wants regular football – sounds just like Emi….
Don’t you just love Mourino? After yesterday’s opening day defeat 1 – 0 by Everton, his prostatic interview contained this gem. “My team are lazy and unfit……I don’t like them!” Way to go Jose! 😁
Prostatic??? What’s prostatic??? POST MATCH!!!! B****y spell checker.
Morning all.
Arteta and Edu must make some tough calls on transfers if we are to get the players in we need.
I doubt anyone wanted to see Martinez headed out the door.
Was hoping for a draw between Spuds and Everton. I want this to be a slow, agonizing, bloody and drawn out affair at White Shi*e Lane.
The longer Maureen stays there the more damage he will do. And add the stadium depth to this there is a hope they get relegated this or next season 😀
Hi Scott, one game all in the the series, it looks like being an exciting completion.
Yes Cicero I also thought that Mourinho was more than a little prostatic 😀 I reckon he’s gearing up for another bust up as he’s already broken the cardinal sin of criticising his team, next is to criticise the club for its transfer policy then he’ll pick on a member of staff then he’ll pick a fight with Arsene Wenger and finally go public on his lack of a relationship with Levy.
I’ll give him a year, max….
Couldn’t agree more TT, let Mourinho take that lot further down the table before Levy pays him off.
New post up now
The last time Everton won away at the
spuds was back in 2008… so that was an excellent win yesterday. James was silky smooth and will take them to the next leve
l – they may even beat the dippers!! Yay!!
Those poor spuds have got their Europa qualifiers the next 3 weeks, that is of course if they get through on Thursday, as they’re all single-leg matches, so anything can happen!!