Morning all.
I think there’s one thing we can all agree on which is that Mikel Arteta and his players need to up their game. We’ve been getting away with a few results recently, especially the last two. Martin Keown can say as many times as he likes that the penalty decision in Germany was right but he won’t convince me. Against both Mansfield Town and Brighton before that, we rode our luck. Every club has their fair share of luck throughout a season though, both good and bad but I just hope the good luck keeps following Arsenal until the final day of the season.
I know it’s easy from the sidelines or from the comfort of our own homes but it seems to me that a few players have forgotten the basics. Taking a shot when 2/3 players are stood right in front of a player is pointless just like not shooting when there’s acres of space to do so is a waste of a great opportunity. They are two of my pet hates and I’m sure you guys have more. Like moving the bleedin ball forwards a lot quicker than we do.
During his press conference Mikel Arteta was asked if style of play matters at this stage of the season:
It’s playing the best football that you possibly can and the game demands to give you the best possibility to win the game and that’s it. I realised what’s happening in the Premier League the other day with a really important factor. I was watching the Champions League game between Newcastle and Barcelona. For me, Barcelona are the most exciting team in Europe in many moments the way they play, and they face one of the Premier League teams, Newcastle, who are exceptional in their intensity and the high pressure, everything man-to-man, a huge amount of tools, a really good team in transition and we saw a completely different game I’ve never seen Barcelona play and that’s a huge credit to Newcastle, but this is the league that we are playing in. Have you seen the Barcelona 1,000 passes that does it every week in Spain? No. It was a very different kind of game. Can it be beautiful? Yes. But Newcastle made that game and so well done as well and a huge credit in the way they did it.
I’ve no idea what’s going on with Bukayo Saka but we need him back at his best and soon. Today preferably. We also need our once super organised and focused defensive unit back to its best. Again, today preferably as well as for the rest of the season.
I smiled at this from Arteta when he was asked if he hopes Totts avoid relegation:
I continue to say the same: It’s one of the most beautiful games that we have because when there is such passion and rivalry, when it’s in the right way in sport, I think it elevates the game and the feelings and the emotions after winning to a different level. It’s not for me to say what’s going to happen, but I can certainly describe how it’s been to play against each other.
Back to today, Everton are one of those clubs who are unpredictable. On their day they can beat some of the best and that’s exactly where Arsenal need to be this evening – at their best! David Moyes’ side beat Newcastle Utd and Fulham on the road last month. In January they defeated Aston Villa and drew with Brighton, both away from home too.
Grealish and Duran are ruled out for this game but Coleman could return.
Mikel Merino remains on the sidelines, he’s been a big miss in my opinion and both Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard remain doubts.
After all the criticism aimed at Arsenal in recent weeks, David Moyes jumped to Arteta’s defence:
What’s up with any of those things you say? You’re making it sound like that’s a problem because they’re good at set-pieces. They’re a strong, physical side and I don’t see a problem with any of that – it’s part of the game. There’s this thing out there where everybody has to play the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect. Well, if we all did that it would be boring.
Personally, I think the so called “beautiful game” of today can be boring.
Arsene Wenger’s early football at Arsenal was the best in my opinion. Defensively solid but quick in transition. Very quick. One minute the ball could be in our own box, the next it was the opponents box. It was slick, entertaining and super exciting football. The game has changed though, as it often does. Now it seems the Premier League especially, is mostly about possession or a defensive set up. A low, mid or total block. Credit to Moyes and Everton though as I don’t think they do either, not excessively anyway. I think they are an all round team which is very good in all areas.
Branthwaite is the one to watch on corners or other set-pieces around our box as he makes a run from the back post to the front and has a good header on him. Tarkowski is another to watch in similar scenarios. Pickford is a good shot stopper but as Newcastle’s Jacob Ramsey demonstrated in Everton’s last away game, hit the ball high and wide of him and there’s a chance it’ll hit the back of the net. Eze, Gyokeres – over to you!
Adrian Clarke, writing in the official matchday programme:
Moyes uses a 4-2-3-1 formation week in, week out, so it is unlikely we will see a tactical curveball. That continuity has helped Everton become the well-drilled outfit they are, and because they focus hard on doing the basics better than most, the Toffees are always very hard to break down.
Off the ball, they are one of the Premier League’s best pressers and enjoy unsettling the rhythm of their opponents. Only two top-flight sides have won a greater number of high turnovers (Manchester City and Brighton), so we must pass the ball well under pressure.
They have pace in forward areas, attacking midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman N’Diaye run beautifully with the ball, and both their centre-forwards have speed and power. Despite that, Everton struggle for goals and have the lowest xG, big chance count and goal tally of all the top-half teams.
At the other end, Moyes must be delighted with his team conceding just 33 times, behind only ourselves and Man City. While centre-back duo James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are a formidable pairing, Jordan Pickford has prevented 4.7 extra goals between the posts.
The game between to two clubs back in December 2025 was a scrappy affair. A Gyokeres penalty saw Arsenal gain three points but it was another of those games when Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t at their best and couldn’t find the back of the net. 13 shots in total but just two on target. As said at the beginning, we need to find something more and definitely something better.
With Arsenal kicking off at 5.30, it’s an opportunity to put some pressure on Man City who face West Ham at The London Stadium at 8pm. The Hammers need points to push themselves out of the relegation places so hopefully they will fight tooth and nail to get something from their game.
First though, Arsenal need to do their own job and get three points on the board.
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico.
I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see Saka on the bench this evening. His contribution in his past twenty-one appearances in all competitions is just two goals and three assists, that’s just not good enough.
Perhaps he needs the back-up of Ben White behind him, the pair have a great understanding and work well together. Timber too frequently drifts inside leaving Saka isolated on the wing.
No Odegaard or Trossard this evening, I hope Arteta will start Havertz and not Eze in the number ten role.
Three points? Here’s hoping.
Morning Cicero, all.
We have sunshine. 😝
Me neither re Saka, would make sense too as I think we need a bit of pace this evening. Someone to take Tarkowski on in a foot race…
Agree re Saka plays much better with White behind him. They suit each others game, like Havertz and Gyokeres.
Very good all rounders, a description usually applied to potatoes, great for mashing roasting and chipping. Let’s mash The Toffees tonight. 😉
Sunshine here too Rico but a cold wind with it. 😎
For mash, get smash Cicero. lol
We have a chilly breeze too, at least it should help dry the ground up..
A beautiful Spring day in Essex,I follow Essex cricket and I think they’re playing a friendly next weekend.
Very good all rounders is a great description of Everton,they will try and make it difficult for us,they certainly did in the reverse fixture. Fingers crossed for a similar or better result.
I would also start Saka on the bench,a great option to come on for half an hour,anyway Madueke deserves to start.
In my opinion Trossard has been a massive miss on the left side,I would also play Havertz as number 10,and try Eze again on the left. It didn’t work with Odegaard as 10 but worth a try,Havertz makes everyone better.
COYG
Afternoon Gooners, afternoon Rico.
Been watching Coventry City vs Southampton, it’s half-time and 0-0.
Southampton are a decent side with a few hard nuts in their team namely Harwood-Bellis (whose father-in-law is Roy Keane) and Downes who likes to leave his foot in when he tackles. The Saints goalkeeper is a good shot stopper so we’re in for a tough afternoon at St Mary’s. I did notice that they occasionally from corners leave three players on the halfway line, Liam Rosenior’s trick!
Afternoon Kev, Limey.
I’m not feeling confident about us beating Southampton when the fixture comes round. Mind you, I’m not confident about us being able to beat Everton either..
Always the optimist Rico 😁
Luton winning 0-2 at Wycombe, Jack badly needs a few positives results.
Looks like we might have Cali and Havertz, and Noni on left?
Our next four games are in different competitions.
That’s me Kev, or is it realist? 😝
There’s widespread distrust in the team. We benefited from a penalty in Leverkusen. Saka is “paying the price” for the high number of games he played last season, during his vacation period and in the first months of the season in all competitions, including national team matches.
For today, let’s pray!
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Havertz, Saka, Madueke.
A strong bench too.
No Brathwaite or Tarkowski for Everton.
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Martinelli, Jesus, Gyokeres
Good antipodean morning gentlefolk. It’s windy down here too, largely due to the equinox and the feijoa season :).
Hooray and halelujia, Kai is starting up top.
Shame he’s not behind Viktor though..
COYG’s!
Dead cert penalty – shocking from VAR.
Stuart Atwell VAR, you cheat. Guess he just looked at the arms not the foot!
We need better than Eze if we are to win this game, two good chances, both put way over the bar. Hook him off!
Hope Gyokeres comes on very soon…
Has Saka given up on beating the fullback, getting to the by line and crossing? Every time he’s had the ball he’s turned inside.
….and another miss by Eze!!!
I don’t think anyone in our attacking unit has shone so far..
I’m raging because of VAR,but as my friend pointed out,it’s not certain we would have scored a penalty,and we’ve been poor tonight.
Two goals, clean sheet, three points. Just another day at the office. 🔔🔔
No Netflix screenplay writer could have made that up.
The stuff of legends it is (as well as a masterclass in changes by the gaffer …)
COYG!!
Wow, Dowmannnnnnn, love you😀
The late late show..
Max👏👏
There’s a new sensation
A fabulous creation
A danceable solution
To teenage revolution
Do the Dowwwwwwwwwwmannnnnn
Assist from sub Hincapie, goals from subs Dowman and Gyok. Perfect end after cheated out of pen. If we win title, this will be forever in memory. Need a beer🍺🍺
Come on you Hammers!
Just thinking the same Andrew, a moment to savour, in May, a moment to remember forever I hope..
Good evening Rico and all
Happy days for us.
Well, what else is there to say after Cicero’s comment?
Two super goals. Esp the one by Showman. He had half an assist on the first as well. I guess he was voted motm with that alone. And probably won the goal of the season, the Puskas award and a host of other accolades with that goal.
WHU and City are 1-1. Mavropanos with the equalizer from a corner. An ex gunner scoring from a set piece. Poetic stuff.
Back to school on Monday Max. You have to study hard for your o’levels.
Write an essay on the happiest moment of your life. At just 16 years old he already has plenty.
https://dubz.co/c/dd2e51
https://dubz.co/c/e9270a
The first goal.
https://dubz.co/c/e41bb4
I am still trying to figure out what went through the ref’s, linesman’s and VAR’s head not to give Arsenal a penalty here.
The commentator said it was just a ‘coming together’. Coming together my foot. Its clear that the defender laid his hands on Havertz and unbalanced him and pushed him.
Stone wall penalty.
Evening Devil, in 3 seconds, they couldn’t have even looked at it.
VAR should have intervened here. They should have instructed the ref imo to review the incident.
City draw, excellent.
They did, they ruled no foul.
Nothing new there with regards the pen. I guess when the first goal went in the ref was going through the rule book to see if there was the possibility of that infringement.
Even when Dowman scored the ref might have thought that the goal should be refused because Dowman is just too young to score in the EPL.
City drawing now puts us 9 points clear. Next up in the EPL is Bournemouth. In the meantime we have the small matters of European qualification, the LC final and a trip to Southampton for the FA Cup.
Squeeky bum time for the spuds tomorrow onwards. Forest play Fulham and spuds against dippers.
Atm I am having an argument on a post in FB…..some are calling that they can’t wait to gift WHU 3 points if it means spuds go down. First of all I dont like stooping down to that level even though Son did that to us. Secondly I want us to beat the 49 game unbeaten run with THIS TEAM. Third, spuds staying up guarantees us 6 points with all the turmoil coming out of that club. They will take around 3-4 seasons to get out of it.
I guess the weekend couldn’t get much better for you, LG, and then Ramos let fly…
I’m not sure it can get much better outside of winning a cup final, even if City win their game in hand they’ll still be 6 points behind us and when we beat them at Eastlands it’ll be 9 points!
Sorry to be contraire Cicero but I thought that Eze had a good game, also thought that Calafiori was exactly what we needed in this game given Everton’s deep block fascination.
Was Timber fit to start? I thought he had a tough job today and Mosquera did well when he came on to replace him – not sure what’s wrong with Benny Blanco?
Next up the Jerries of Leverkusen, I wouldn’t mind seeing Kia and Viktor starting as a pair against their back five?
Enjoy your Sunday.
We were never going to get that penalty two in two games? The European ref’s alliance couldn’t allow that. 😕
Afternoon Rico and all.
A very nice win and other results going in our favor, makes a nice weekend all round, 2 quick goals in the final 10 minutes. however, I fort the ref was going to blow time before Max Dowman scored, so happy for him and Gyokeres.
How nice it was to see our explayer Konstantines Mavropanos score and draw the match against City and wreck there weekend.
Good morning winners
has anyone observed what Martinelli did for the 2nd goal? He cleared the ball to Dowman, ran alongside him like a big brother but didn’t ask for the ball. When he spotted Mykolenko closing in he smartly checked the latter’s run to shield him with his body so that MAx ccould score.
Teamwork at its best. And he was happy for him because you could see his pure joy when Dowman scored
I did, C. Also Max throttling Gyo when celebrating the first goal was a giggle. And Mikel’s explosion of joy. I’ll happily live thru 88 minutes of excruciating tension anytime if they conclude with those eight glorious minutes which we saw today. “Such stuff as dreams are made on”.
Unreal week-end, Stu.
The Paris game started when I was still on the cloud Max’s goal had taken me up to.
Then tries kept piling up on top of one another, England and France were like 2 boxers in a vintage World Championship (when they still meant something), it was Ali-Foreman all over again. I lost count of the number of tries, will have to check it out this morning, and then Ramos teed up the ball, and well … the rest is (5)-6 Nations history now.
Eberechi Eze … On another site, I already antagonized a guy I had ended up regarding as a dear friend because of him, I hope this won’t be the case here (if I do, I’ll willingly apologize and that’ll be the end of it).
But … he’s just pure class, this boy, and for so many reasons. He’s the one summer addition who brings something different to the squad … immaculate technique with both feet, vision, inspiration, creativity, … through balls, long balls over the defenses, goals (too bad he’s “only“ a “scorer of great goals“, though), etc. etc. He always tries to make something happen, never plays it safe if he spots the tiniest opening …
And he didn’t have it easy … As much as yesterday’s game was Mikel’s masterpiece – as far as changes go – what he did to Ebz at the start of the season was, sorry to say, … bonkers. The lad’s come home to his boyhood club, scores a glorious hat-trick in his first NLD, but is put in the fridge, straight away, for what? 2 months?, for … not tracking back a defender?? C’mon …
Now if yesterday’s roller-coaster of emotions did prove something imo, it’s that the “double pivot“ doesn’t have to be a dogma, which means nothing prevents Mick now from picking both Martin Ø and Eberechi, and let Declan alone bossing the engine room.
I, for one, can’t wait to see this happen. My gut feeling is that the 2 lads, along with Bukayo, Kai, … live in the same football world, and given a chance to do so, together they’d just blow our minds … (and I have nothing against Martin Z., btw, he’s an immense player, and since all the games we have to play from now on are nothing but finals, rotations will be of the essence, so he’ll have multiple opportunities to prove it … I have nothing against any of the 25 players of this great squad, actually, period …).
Fingers crossed that tomorrow week Kev’s match report will be Set piece FC win the Carabeo cup after scoring through a penalty, corner kick and from a freekick. We will rub it in
Good morning to you all.
Two cracking games yesterday, ours of course and then the rugby. Gutted how the latter finished but after such a dreadful tournament, it was good to see England turn up.
I saw that too re Martinelli Devil. Nice moment.
New post up.
Lg, I thought Eze was unlucky not to score a couple at least yesterday. The through ball for Havertz sums him up. He has a great eye for a pass and nine times out of ten, looks to take us forwards rather than backwards.