Seeing their hope dashed was enjoyable.

Morning all.

I’m writing this paragraph just seconds after the final whistle has blown. My stomach has settled though and my heart rate has returned to normal. I don’t know what feels better right now, being 3-0 up and cruising or having won the game knowing that at times, Totts had hope but ended up with nothing. Their equaliser which VAR ruled out, a couple of ridiculous penalty shouts which were rightly turned down, a goal gifted to them by Raya to give them hope, double hope when Rice gave them a penalty and then as the home fans roared with belief of achieving at least a draw – they ended up with absolutely nothing.

I think I’d have preferred it if Bukayo Saka had buried what would have been our 4th and we’d gone on to hammer them but three points is three points regardless of how they come, especially away from home at the end of April.

I didn’t think we were at our best. Players were getting caught in possession and some of our passing was off. Yet still we went 3-0 before half-time.

Just 13 minutes had gone by when Thomas Partey played a lovely ball to Martin Odegaard. Our captain set up Kai Havertz to score but the linesman spotted an offside in the buildup. Minutes later, a Declan Rice shot was blocked, the ball went out for a corner which Saka whipped in and Hojbjerg’s attempted clearance ended up fizzing past his own keeper. Up the other end, Totts hit the post before scoring what they believed to be an equaliser. VAR intervened and decided that Gabriel’s bum isn’t really that big.

Mikel Arteta talking to Sky Sports after the game:

We started the second half really well, in total control of the game, could have scored the fourth one. Then an individual error, and you can feel it, it’s game on. From there, you have to manage the game and have a bit of luck at times. We conceded the second one, again with a mistake that is not very usual. And then, pray! Defend your box. They threw everything. Romero was playing as a striker for the last 25-30 minutes and anything can happen.

Before Totts players had stopped complaining about the decision as well as a couple of penalty shouts being rejected, they were 2-0 down. Saka to Havertz, Havertz back to Saka, a cut inside Ben Davies and then a left footed shot past Vicario. His 15th of the season which is impressive. But he should have had 16! With half-time still 8 minutes away, more as it turned out, Kai Havertz scored our 3rd. A Declan Rice corner, a good jump from our German which was only bettered by his header.

After the break, we could have increased our lead when Takehiro Tomiyasu headed a good chance just over the bar. Totts had another chance to pull a goal back but Romero’s header went too high as well. Saka looked like he’d got our 4th and his 2nd of the game but somehow Vicario got his boot to it.

We were far from being in total control of the game but at 3-0, we looked pretty comfortable. Until David Raya made a dreadful mistake. A simple kick required but he fluffed it so badly, it landed nicely for Romero and he made no mistake. Their goal lifted the home fans, the Totts players too but not as much as when Son slotted his penalty kick past Raya. Michael Oliver didn’t give the penalty at first but a quick trip to the pitch side monitor was enough for him to spot Rice’s kick  Davies in the nuts….

Squeaky bum time followed for what seemed like an eternity. Totts threw everything bar the kitchen sink at us but we held on to secure a 3-2 victory and three massive points.

It kind of feels unfair to criticise either Rice or Raya for their mistakes because they were isolated. It’s unusual to see two moments like theirs in one match and add in the opposition, it seems worse. I’m not a Raya fan, never have been but he didn’t let the mistake affect his game as he comfortably dealt with a few dangerous high balls which Totts lumped into the box. As for Rice, well he’s been immense all season. If neither mistake had led to a goal, it’s forgotten but both gave Totts hope. In the end, we held on and both players played a big part in making sure we did.

Champions League football for next season is secured with neither Aston Villa or Totts able to catch us. But, Totts can still secure 4th spot and it hope it stays that way because it’ll give them something to fight for when Man City go there. City won there game against Nottingham Forest so there’s still little between ourselves and them. One point to be precise but of course, they have a game in hand.

Next up for Mikel Arteta’s players is a home fixture against Bournemouth.

Catch up in the comments.