Morning all.
Last nights game against Dinamo Zagreb couldn’t have started any better than it did for Arsenal as with just over a minute into the game, Declan Rice hammered home our first goal of the match. Gabriel Martinelli played the ball into Kai Havertz inside the box, the big German knocked the ball back into the path of Rice who finished like a seasoned striker. Soon after his goal the Zagreb fans pelted Rice with plastic cups as he about to take a corner. Stupid, just stupid behaviour.
By the time halftime came, we really should have been further ahead, but a lack of conviction in front of goal was again evident. Gabriel missed an excellent opportunity to head home a Martin Odegaard corner and a shot from Martinelli went straight to the keeper. Zagreb on the other hand, failed to register a singled shot on target.
Both Raheem Sterling and Jurrien Timber picked up a booking early in the second half so when Mikel Arteta made his changes, it was no surprise to see both replaced. On came Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri. Just over the hour mark, we doubled our lead. Martinelli, who looked bright all game I thought, curled a wonderful pass into the box which Havertz rose highest to head home his 14th goal of the season so far in all competitions. Rice should have scored his second of the night ten minutes later when Nwaneri crossed a lovely ball into the box but he totally cocked up the angle of his header. Our third came right at the end when substitute Leandro Trossard crossed from the left into the box for Martin Odegaard to score. It was nice to see Nathan Butler-Oyedeji make his debut, just a shame he wasn’t given more than a couple of minutes.
Before the game I was slightly concerned as Zagreb not only had a new manager but they’d enjoyed a two week break which as we know, can reinvigorate players. However, I thought we looked more like the team who’d just had a break. Myles Lewis-Skelly missed out through injury, not a serious one said Arteta although reports in the media suggest otherwise, but it meant Oleksandr Zinchenko got minutes on the pitch. Jakub Kiwior too who partnered Gabriel in defence and of course, Jorginho who just went about his business with little fuss.
The result pretty much confirmed our place in the knockout stage which is great. Our points tally cannot be overtaken by any of the chasing pack and our goal difference is superior to them too. One point in Spain next Wednesday would be enough. Only a heavy defeat and a host of other clubs all winning matches could potentially put our knockout place in jeopardy
Reflecting on his side’s display against Zagreb, Mikel said:
I’m very happy because it’s job almost done. We have another game and probably need something to achieve what we want. It was good. We had some big chances that we didn’t score. In the second half, we lost some control and were a bit leggy, that was the feeling that I had as well. Overall, we got the job done and well done. We didn’t concede a shot on target which is really positive again. It shows that the team is really well-rounded.
Overall, scoring three goals, winning in the Champions League at home, another clean sheet at home – four in a row – and having made some changes as well. We rotated players that didn’t play that many minutes and they responded really well. Overall, I think it was a positive night.
Next up for Mikel Arteta and his players is Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The striker/forward transfer rumours carry on and they will do until Arsenal actually sign one or when the transfer window slams shut on the 3rd February. The names linked to Arsenal so far this winter are Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Marcus Thuram, Dusan Vlahovic, Bryan Mbeumo, Sverre Nypan, Evan Ferguson, Viktor Gyokeres and Igor Jesus.
Who we sign or if indeed we sign anyone, Arsenal need to get a wriggle on as there just ten days of this transfer window left..
Catch up later.
Good morning Rico.
Our fastest C L goal since Sanogo got, and still holds the record for his goal against Dortmund November 26th 2014 in 73 seconds.
Sanogo eh? Whatever happened to him? 😕 juy
Think he’s over in China…He was a bit of a punt by Wenger. Seem to remember he was close to winning the ‘Golden Boy’ when he was young then injured his back and spent over a year out. We got him for a compensation fee but I don’t think he ever recovered from the injury.
Morning Cicero, Hobart.
Sanogo is a blast from the past…
I see City have announced a new attacking player, wish we’d do the same..
We are banking on Sesko for the start of next season . I doubt that we will sign anyone this season . Next week we go to Girona and I should imagine that the substitutions should start earlier . It’s a dangerous ploy as one injury to Martinelli , Havertz or Trossarrd and we are seriously in trouble.
Morning Rico, and so, the Chinese postman.
I’d imagine that the kind of asking prices for forwards this window, particularly given our predicament, are through the roof.
I did read that Wolves are talking in terms of £80m for Cunha and I’d suspect that Leipzig aren’t far off of that figure for Sesko?
We have a tad just over 12 days to do some business so it’s quite possible that Wolves might blink first as Cunha will be into his last year next season. Sesko signed a new deal up to around 2029 so no urgency there!
Failing that there isn’t a lot else on the market. Interesting that Sesko and Gyorkeres faced each other in the Champions League yesterday and both scored, interesting that Man City recently signed two quality players for the price of a Gyorkeres…
Good afternoon all.
A great game to watch but a little bit frustrating as well. Havertz links the play well and Zincenko was on it last night but Martinelli answered his critics.
As I’d hoped and stated last night, I was pleased to see Sterling go off, I hope he never starts another game.
Afternoon Kev.
All the time the transfer window is open, I remain hopeful.
To go with who we have for the rest of the season, many of them who must be knackered, would be stupid. Not only will it hurt us in the next few months but next season too.
But you know he will Berg…
Agree Potter..
Yep Rico and he’ll likely ignore a striker and continue his pursuit of Zubamendi to replace Jorghino
I’d imagine that Sterling will start in our last Champions League game not least because it’s almost a dead rubber.
Man City wont be able to rest anyone in their final CL game as it’s a must win tie.
Our tie vs Girona on the other hand, whilst you should never disrespect a CL opponent should be a comfortable win and at the very least a draw, leaving Arsenal in a top eight finish.
Kiwior did ok against Dinamo and may well keep his place for Wolves this weekend.
Great to see Tomiyasu on the subs bench alongside Saliba, maybe the injury nightmare is coming to a close?