Morning all.
Who cares if our only goal was a scrappy one, or scuffed? Not me. The fact that Reiss Nelson got himself into the box from the left wing was good enough. Being in the right place at the right time was all that mattered. Hitting the woodwork, forcing excellent saves or simply missing the post by millimetres is all well and good but only those which go in win games. As Leeds will agree because they’d have given anything for one of their many first half chances to have trickled past Martinez that’s for sure. Martinez was superb I thought.
A soccer team is not like Forex trading, but in many ways, Fx is like football, the sport known as soccer in other countries. In soccer, you can predict the scorer but in the currency you can’t guess it right.
Unlike the rest of the team in the first half who were quite frankly outplayed by the Championship league leaders. Our passing was poor, we weren’t getting at them enough further up the pitch or closing them down and had we gone into halftime trailing, we’d have no grounds for complaint. Leeds were good and were playing better than us but they couldn’t find a way past our keeper.
We learned after the game that Mikel Arteta had given the players a rollicking at halftime. ‘He shouted a lot’ said Alexandre Lacazette. Whatever he did say, worked as the second half roles were reversed. We had more possession, more opportunities to score while Leeds were the ones making the odd mistakes. They still offered a threat on the break but nothing like the first half.
I thought it was a good game, a proper FA Cup match. Having heard what Nelson said after the game it seems that regardless of the words of warning Mikel Arteta offered before kickoff, the starting eleven didn’t think Leeds would be as good as they were. They should have!! They will next time I’m sure.
Anthony Taylor made some bizarre decisions I thought but for once, they went in our favour. Xhaka and Lacazette could so easily been off for an early shower and Guendouzi, well he’s just frustrating. What is it about falling over and grabbing the ball so often when he’s barely been touched? Leeds players were no saints either as Pepe, Sokratis and Lacazette will probably have a few bruises this morning to testify.
But apart from that, I thought we were really good in the second half. There was more pressing, Lacazette was certainly a lot busier higher up the pitch than he had been and Xhaka, who despite sailing close to wind, certainly seems to be enjoying his football more under Mikel Arteta and it’s showing in his performances. If a referee allowed me to get away with a tackle or two, I’d take advantage too. After all, it’s no different to what usually happens to us. Sokratis at right back worked ok, he worked hard, bloody hard. I liked the way he seemed to interact with the fans when they were urging him to get on with things. Almost in a ‘I’m knackered guys, give me a break’ kind of way. Holding made a few wayward passes, not great but understandable to a degree. He’s been out injured for so long he needs a good dose of WD40 he’s that rusty. He’ll be back to his best soon enough I’m sure. I’m just glad to see him back playing. Same with Martinelli. I could watch him all day.
The players can be criticised for ignoring their coach before the game and underestimating Leeds during much of the first half but they can be praised too for their second half reaction as everyone upped their game. Watching Sokratis deny Jack Harrison and Rob Holding blocking a dangerous cross towards the end of the game and their subsequent reactions showed just how much the mentality and passion has changed. You’d have thought they’d just ensured we’d won the FA Cup rather than a place in the 4th round.
What our head coach said after the game is important I think. We have to remember how long this group of players have had an easy life. It’s been years for some, less for others of course when they’ve not been accountable for their lackadaisical performances. I assume that because the following match they’re all been allowed to give it another go. Only to underperform again. For whatever reason that was, it’s gone and each and every player is having to adapt fast. They can’t relax after one good victory/performance because now they are accountable. They have a head coach who will demand 100% commitment each and every week. Things might not always work out over the ninety odd minutes but the passion and attitude will have to be right. I don’t think Mikel Arteta will accept anything less.
Next time he tells them what to expect from the opposition, not only will his his words be listened to, it’s likely they’ll be heard.
Crystal Palace are our next opposition on Saturday lunchtime. I’m already looking forward it..
See you in the comments guys.
Good summing you rico, morning. I’m always amazed when players admit they underestimated the opposition. I hope Arteta gives them a bit of a rocket this morning because that wasn’t 100 per cent first half, only from Martinez who has great handling, a slip and there were a few Leeds players waiting to tuck in the rebound. But he can show them he was right and earn even more respect.
Wondering if AMN would have been bullied out there and stood up as well as Sokratis? Gives us another right back option, have to see how he deals with a speedy left winger, but let’s celebrate our dwindling southern softy reputation.
Morning Rico and all. Good write-up Rico. That’s about how I saw it too. Good work by Arteta at half-time and the God-like Bielsa is apparently going to continue the Leeds tradition of putting the in the boot, perhaps in memory of Don Revie and his bunch of hatchet men. Personally, I didn’t see anything other than Arsenal refusing to be bullied after Sokratis was elbowed in the ribs early on.
Thanks Andrew, Adam and morning to you both.
I thought Nelson admitting they underestimated Leeds was honest and quite brave. We’ve been so used to hearing excuses for under performing. Arteta was honest too I thought and the more I listen to him, the more I’m glad he got the job.
Morning Gooners, thanks for the post Rico.
Mavropanos on the bench, Sokratis at right back but Mustafi nowhere to be seen!
Could be only a matter of time before he’s moved on, maybe the club is waiting to complete on a signing before he goes?
Hi Kev, my thoughts too. Perhaps Arteta has seen enough. I know I have.. 😆
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
A good summary of the game Rico. Why are so many of our games ones of two distinct halves? Why does it take our team so long to get into the game?
I’d like to have been a fly on the wall for Arteta’s half time talk. It seems there may have been something akin to Sir Anal Fergusmoan’s hair dryer approach. Whatever it was, it definitely worked wonders. They were a totally different team in the second half.
As for Mustafi, the sooner he leaves the better. He has conceded far too many goals by flat footing our goalies due to deflections off him as he turns away at the last moment. He seems incapable of standing his ground and taking one for the team. It is hard to believe he is an international for Germany.
Morning Cg, thanks.
I think it’s going to be a while before Arteta can remove the old habits of this Arsenal squad. We have to remember how little time he’s had in place. The positive is how they responded after a grilling at halftime. The lacklustre approach will hopefully fade as the rest of the season plays out. Next season, after a full summer and preseason, I think we might see a very different Arsenal.
Rico – I hope and think you may well be correct. I live in hope.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/51021054
Hilarious…
Must be hard to change mentality in a short time Cg. For many of our players, playing badly is ingrained in them. As is just turning up and going through the motions. I’d imagine they haven’t a clue what’s hit them.. lol
That’s right Rico, I’m sure that Arteta is evaluating all his players during this settling in period, saying the right things, making the right noises and bigging them all up, but what he says is I’m sure totally different to what he thinks…
If you want to sell a player and get a good price for them you tell everyone how valuable they are to you and that you don’t want them to leave and that they’re very much part of your plans – that just seems obvious to me.
Arteta knows that KSE aren’t going to give him any extra financial support so what he has to spend is going to be supplemented by what he can generate in sales. It’s what most clubs do, it’s just that we’re the only one with a billionaire owner who doesn’t invest in the team.
Yesterday was also our 4th game in only 11 days, with barely anytime to recover or to work on the new methods that Arteta is implementing. It wasn’t really a shock to see us looking a tad sluggish and out of synch.
For Sokratis, it was his first time at right back for Arsenal, as far as I know, for Holding it was his first game in almost 2 months which might explain his rustiness, as he usually is so good at building from the back, Kolasinac has been carrying an injury but he still put in a good shift, I liked the way that Luiz brought the ball forward, he just needs to work on his final ball as it looks a good tactic.
Seems obvious to me too Kev. I’m sure every player has his price right now because Arteta will want to bring his own. With little to no wriggle room financially because of FFP, sales before arrivals in any case I assume.
If the ffp rumours are true.
I watched the game again and yes Xhaka was lucky not to get booked, but the Leeds players put it about as well, it’s just that the commentators didn’t mention it, also the sound from the stadium.
I was there and I didn’t hear the Leeds fans making as much noise as the guy on the volume control at the BBC made it out to be. But I guess that’s all part of the gig isn’t it, let’s slant the narrative? But we’re in the next round so fcuk ‘em…
I still don’t think that Guendouzi and Xhaka work as a midfield pair, Torrieira does all the necessary mopping up when he partners Xhaka and that saves Granit from making those risky challenges that he’s not very good at, Guendouzi is a bit of a loose cannon, but overall he played ok last night especially when we pushed up in the 2nd 45 and he was more in the attacking half of the pitch.
I’m convinced that had Xhaka got booked, he’d have stopped the fouls but all the time Taylor let it go, why not dish out a bit of what we get. None of what he did was dangerous or reckless imo.
The one decision which surprised me most was VAR not reacting to Lacazette.
He did some good work coming back with his man also . A new facet to his game , picking up runners in midfield is just as important as going forward
Absolutely right Rico, despite all the millions of players we’re in for, I’d expect us to sign one – possibly two if we can move on Mustafi, probably on loan.
Arteta is focused on what he extract from what he currently has, no point in wasting time and money on another Denis Suarez type.
I’d be more interested in seeing Arsenal agree a new contract with Aubameyang if the rumours are true that he now wants to stay.
Probably took into account the treatment that he was getting immediately prior to the incident .
In olden pre sanitised days for a start nothing would have happened and if it did both would have gone . Same a the Sokratis 3 against 1 in the corner.
I am interested to see what Arteta can do with Ceballos . It’s all there but not polished up yet.
Yeah, agree again regarding Xhaka, people have to realise that we’re not the soft touch we used to be, it’ll take time but eventually our players won’t need telling to get stuck in.
Kolasinac took a yellow for the team, a classic Guardiola coached foul, stopped a dangerous situation and I loved it. Cynical Arsenal from now on, no more being too nice…
As long as they keep them out of the penalty area , it’s all good . Which is why he was demanding that they pushed the back line forward to compress the area for Leeds to use their passing game.
If you’ve got £30m to spend on a midfield player, would you spend that on Ceballos?
Not for me, not yet, but if Arteta can find something extra from him, then who knows Potter?
What last night showed to me was that we need a player as cover for Torrieira, we’ve nobody else who can do that job, so when he’s absent it shows.
I think that’s where I’d spend that £30m and Leeds had a good player in Phillips who could do that job, trouble is he’d probably cost more than £30m by now…
I’m not convinced we’ll sign anyone Kev, not until the summer. Aubameyang is an odd one. On one hand I’d like to see him stay but I’d wait until a few more weeks have passed because the last thing we need is another Ozil situation, especially at his age.
Me too re Ceballos, I must be one of very few who likes him.
Pep has been asked about rotational fouling by his players and he categorically denies it’s a plan of his. Lol
But no, he wouldn’t be a signing of priority, although perhaps if he excels under Arteta, he’d be the natural replacement for Ozil, who I’d still love to see sold if possible.
Impressed with Reiss Nelson for keeping on going, also Kolasinac,to be fair he was roasted in the first half but persevered,was important in the second half, also Sokratis, also grew into the game,his antics at the end were great to see.
But most of all Martinez, kept us in the Cup.
I thought it ironic that Solksjaer has been complaining about Man City’s rotational fouling, as it was under Old Red Nose, with him in the team, that the tactic was perfected. The biter bit, comes to mind.
I forgot Martinelli,wow.
More please.
United dropped like flies just outside the box , first up stepped Beckham and then Ronaldo
South Africa 246 for 9 need 192 to win, England need 1 wicket with eleven overs to go. The final day of a five day test, a brilliant advert for proper cricket and the mugwumps (I C C) want to reduce all tests to four days.. morons!!
248 all out. England win.
Cicero, great last days test cricket. With an average of under two an over! For shorter cricket we are more than covered. Until Tests die, they should keep format as it’s always been and the drama often created.
I’d forgotten about the test series when we booked a (probably last!) long flight holiday away, to South Africa! Dreading journey, two flights via Johan, and 15 hours altogether, but arriving on last day of final test, before one dayers. So hoping series going well, although we not going to cricket, wife finally wants to see some animals in wild and we have two days on coach trip in a game lodge. Our other long trip visiting daughter near Sydney, only animal we saw in twelve days was scraggy long-beaked birds in park! No kangaroos. Think Aussies make them up and they live in zoos, Scott!
Thoroughly enjoyed the cricket. England did well on a flat wicket and at a ground South Africa thought was a home banker… ha ha!
I think we should say Stokes beat South Africa.
What a player
He sure played well again Rick.
Andrew, we went to South Africa a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We spent a couple of days in the Kruger National Park and saw a wide range of animals SA is well worth the long flights.
Have a great time.
Evening all and thanks Rico.
And people wonder why I dont watch too many live games, if I had watched that first half pre my heart procedure I probably would have had an ambulance turn up !
Dirty Leeds were impressive and I can only admire what their coach has done and lets face it he would not have spent as much money as anyone in our division, possibly lots of loan deals!…………………….and a Leeds fan on the radio said that Leeds had 5 first choice players missing!!!…………………I had to think of who we would possibly have misssing as a first eleven and it was 5 aswell!
Had they had a clinical striker it would have been all over in the first half.
Holding was piss poor, but I`ll forgive for being rustier than the nuts that tighten Kroenkes wallet.
I was actually gobsmacked how Leeds were virtually man to man marking all over the pitch!……..I`ve never seen it by any team before and was praying for half time!
Then Captain Black took over!……………….isn`t it great to hear that we now have a coach who will disregard any ego`s and bollock anyone when they are not pulling their weight and that would have been everyone at half time barring Martinez.
Arteta is not disappointing, he is everything and more than the two disciples of me and Scottt could have dreamed of!………………………I have already put in planning permission for the Mikel Shrine!
With hindsight the first half and halftime little chat would have been a great education for the players and apart from Liverpool will they face a more pressing team in any more games than Leeds?
Anyone think Sokratis looks like a dead ringer for Desperate Dan ?
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/EXPM5K/1990s-uk-desperate-dan-comic-cartoon-plate-EXPM5K.jpg
Andrew, some still believe we have ‘Roos as pets hahahahaha
You’d be surprised how many you can find very close to cities, but usually around Golf Courses and areas like that.
Well, they’re cardboard cutouts but they keep the tourists happy 🙂 🙂
OGS we want you to stay
we want you to stay
New post.