Morning all.
Manchester Utd went to the south coast yesterday afternoon and took an absolute battering from Brighton. 4-0 was the final score which means that Arsenal will finish in 5th place or above. Chelsea also dropped points at home to Wolves so Arsenal go into this game just 4 points off 3rd spot. Should we beat Leeds later today, we’ll be just one point behind them and four ahead of Totts who drew their match against Liverpool last night.
The 4th place ball is still firmly in Arsenal’s court, for now.
Leeds Utd won’t be an easy team to beat because they’re fighting for Premier League survival. Watford and Norwich are already relegated and one club out of Leeds, Everton and Burnley will join them.
For us, this is the defining moment of the season after everything we’ve done so we want to capitalise on what we’ve done in the last nine or 10 months. – Mikel Arteta.
In December last year, Arsenal thumped Leeds Utd 4-1. Gabriel Martinelli scored two, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka got the other two. Leeds had players out with either Covid or injury which didn’t help them. Since then, Marcelo Biesla has been replaced by Jesse Marsch, but injuries are still a problem. I suspect very few people outside of Leeds will be expecting them to get anything from today’s game so in some ways, they have nothing to lose which in itself should be a warning to Arsenal. Underestimate them at our peril.
Are you reading Nuno Tavares? It’s inevitable Marsch will target our right-hand side because it’s our weakest area in my opinion. That’s not a criticism of Tavares but he’s raw and young so he needs help.
Not for one minute do I think Mikel Arteta will allow complacency to creep into the players but, we’ve seen this Arsenal team muck things up just recently against Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton and it’s too fresh in my memory to believe any result is a certainty. Since that Southampton game, Mo Elneny has come into the team and played his part in Arsenal securing 9, perhaps unexpected, points by beating Chelsea and West Ham away from home and Man Utd at The Emirates.
Personally, as long as everyone is 100% fit, I can’t see Mikel Arteta changing his team for today’s fixture. If the training photos are anything to go by, Ben White won’t be involved again today so it should mean another start for Rob Holding. 22 year old Jonathan Dinzeyi was involved in pre Leeds training which suggests he might be on the bench. He’s a man mountain stood at 6’ 4”.
Yes we have a NLD on Thursday night but that’s not relevant until this game against Leeds Utd is over. All that matters right now is putting three more points on the board this afternoon.
Why I don’t know but it doesn’t feel like we’ve won that many matches this season and I certainly wouldn’t have guessed that Arsenal are 3rd on the list for number of games won but we are. Above Chelsea, Utd and Totts, Make it 21 today and we’ll be a small step closer to securing Champions League football for next season.
It’s difficult to predict how Leeds will approach the game today. Do they sit back and defend, in hope of hitting us on the break or will they come out of the block fast and furious, go for an early goal or two and then park the bus? Man City thrashed them 4-1 last weekend but that was at Elland Road. In their last away game, which was against Crystal Palace, they defended well to secure a precious point.
Mikel Arteta is right though, regardless of a few almighty bumps in the road, his players have fought hard to be in the position Arsenal are in right now. As said yesterday, the commitment has been obvious but sometimes, so have the errors. Errors are correctable, attitude isn’t always as easy to change but I know which of the two I prefer from such a young group of players who should in theory, only get better over the next season or two.
Anyway, today presents an opportunity to put a 4 point gap between ourselves and 5th place and we need to take it. It’s the first game since Mikel Arteta signed his new contract and it’s at The Emirates in front our own fans who’ve been fantastic all season. I think that level of support will go up a notch today because they know the players need them.
Lastly, good luck to the Arsenal women today who play West Ham away from home and I hope one Man Utd team can win this weekend too. If Utd beat Chelsea and Arsenal win their own game, the WSL trophy will be heading to north London.
See you in the comments.
Morning, Rico! Super read 👍
Eddie will have a point to prove against Leeds – just like he did against the Chavs, been really impressed with him of late.
My nerves are shot already, so much riding on today for us and the women (& City!) although it has been a great weekend so far (Mancs, Chavs), hopefully we’ll carry it on. I know the Spud result wasn’t great… but… hopefully it’s put that quadruple talk to bed 🤞
Morning Sue, thank you.
Eddie has been excellent hasn’t he. I’d love for him to make a huge statement today.
The only good thing from last nights draw was the Dippers done for in the league title chase. 🤞🤞
Good morning Rico & all.
Fully agreed on the importance of a 4-points gap, to avoid the winning/drawing pressure in the North-London derby.
We have an agreement in disagreeing on Elneny, or more specifically on the ‘repairing something which isn’t broken’ stuff. Bit that is fine. If Elneny starts and earns a 7+ rating, don’t hesitate with the ‘told you so’ stuff. 🙂
Good Morning Rico and all
Nice post Rico. Especially as it kept reminding me of the drubbing Man Utd took yesterday. I was talking to a friend this morning and he supports them. I told him that United need only one change which would make him happy and he would never worry about them anymore. When he asked what change was that I told him that HE should change team and support someone else. No need to say what he told me.
Today its a must win game. a must must must win. dont care how and by how many. as long as we score 1 more than them I will be happy. well I prefer to keep a clean sheet though.
Arsenal now have 3 ways of guaranteeing #UCL football
– Win the next 2 games
– Win against Leeds, draw to Spurs and win one out of Newcastle (A) & Everton (H)
– Win against Leeds, lose to Spurs and win against both Newcastle (A) and Everton (H)
Yet….looking at the table I want us to finish above Chelsea. Especially as Chelsea still have to play Liverpool and they will be tired plus there is the chance they drop points against Leicester maybe. Fingers crossed. I know its a bit of an ask….but I can hope and dream no?
Morning Pbarany, depends on who is dishing out the numbers. Lol
Seriously though, numbers means nothing to me, my eyes tell me more than stats and numbers.
Morning Devil, thanks.
My thought on Utd is that they have Fergie still hanging around. Until he decides to watch from his armchair Utd will struggle imo. I think that’s one of the reasons why Arsene Wenger hasn’t been back yet.
Three points today is all I’m thinking about tbh, the rest of the fixtures can wait.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10793355/Arsenal-Mikel-Arteta-welcomes-legends-mentors-warns-against-spreading-poison.html
A good article.
Arteta seems to have balls. He seems to have the charisma of AW, the playing style of Barca, but also the authority of Ferguson. Although all of those characteristics are still in infancy it bodes well for the boss.
I dont agree with the Ferguson thing Rico. Yes its true he is in the stands, but even if he is at home in an armchair, the club will still be in the same position with the same results. The club needs an overhaul from top to bottom….including the board. LONG MAY IT STAY AS IT IS though. I love seeing them in such a mess. Especially as I get to knock some of my friends at the place of work.
Morning Rico. Nice post.
We really need to get maximum points today as I doubt we’ll escape the shithole injury-free. Spurs have some serious butchers in their squad and Conte will target our better players. Quite how Romero gets away with his assaults I don’t know, not to mention Davis & Co.
Morning Adam. I think so too and if we don’t, perhaps we don’t deserve to get 4th.
Agree re Totts, I hope we have a strong ref on Thursday. They’ll do anything to stop us from winning the last two games.
That’s ok Devil, we can agree to differ..
Rico, United were rotten even before SAF left. it was rotten when he was there. he simply held it together through his own character and personality. Now that he is no longer in the manager position no one has the same personality to hold it together….and thus the rotten state of affairs in the club’s running is coming to the fore.
Mind you….what you pointed out with regards AW is right. he has stayed away so as not to influence the club. However, were I dont agree with you is were I pointed out that even without SAF, united will still be rotten. Simply because the basic core values are not there.
I didn’t mean Fergie was the only reason Devil. Lol
Good morning Rico and all you happy Gooners.
I’ll leave the team selection to Arteta as as don’t think he will be in the mood to tinker with a winning side. Contrary to the view of some, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Just two more games for me to watch, today and Thursday. Next Sunday, at about kick off time I shall be landing in Naples, the following Sunday I arrive back at Norwich airport just as the final whistle blows.
Good forward planning that. 😕
Morning Cicero, just what I said. 😆
Morning Rico, nice, aromatic post from you.
Yeah, the general feel about today is it’s another must win game, which has pretty much been our entire season.
I wonder, if we’d asked Mikel back in August, where he realistically expected Arsenal to finish at the end of the season given the squads development and then asked him again after the January window, would he have said 4th?
Rico, I understand your aversion with numbers, albeit not agree with. Numbers (ratings, stats, xGs, etc.) could often be meaningless and usually lack context, furthermore are sometimes subjective and biased, but same apply to whatever the eyes tell. And personal perceptions are rarely independent: we all know that many of the fans would appreciate a below average Saka performance than a great one from one of the unpopular players (Xhaka, Tavares, Eddie, Pepe). So the ratings are indeed not infallible (sorry for the double negative), but could help to move to a more founded ground than opinions.
Nevertheless I trust yours – therefore don’t wear the caps above – so we’ll continue after the game.
From Premier League.com
Thursday 12 May
TOT 19:45 ARS
Referee: Paul Tierney. Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, Neil Davies. Fourth official: Peter Bankes. VAR: Mike Dean. Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.
Morning Kev, thanks. I don’t think anyone expected us to be in with a chance of 4th. Just to be back in Europe is a vast improvement on last season I think. Factor in the really bad results against Southampton, Everton and even Utd away, we’d have cemented 3rd by now. Still, football doesn’t work like that…
I’m not in total agreement there re Saka (your example) Pbarany. It’s often been said that he’s had an off game but the difference with guys like him is that it’s usually the exception rather than the norm. But even so, it’s clear he’s always trying. It’s those who can’t be bothered or do stupid things week in, week out who frustrate me. We’ll never agree re numbers, xG etc etc, which really should be EG if it stands for expected goals.
Deep joy re Thursday, some of the worst of the bunch.
Chelsea women are behind against Utd… Arsenal currently 0-0 at West Ham. If it stays the same, our women will be champions…
Same team as last weekend but with Cedric at left back instead of Nuno.
Oulad M’hand Is on the bench…
I am really beginning to fear that we may lose Smith- Rowe . Someone is going to offer him first team football and his England place is in jeopardy
Kerr with a worldie, 4-2 to the Chavs now – shame!
The palpitations have started…
Hasn’t Esr had a few injury problems which have kept him from starting?
Darn Mancs, useless! 😂
Hmm, Soares or Tomiyasu at left back, has Mikel’s inner George Graham kicked in?
COYG’S!!
It’s Up For Grabs Now
Eddie 😂😂
That’s what you call closing down from the front. 😜
Great start for the mens, so close for our women better luck next season
Great goal…
Eddie indeed!
Stupid booking for Gabriel to pick up.
That has to be changed to a red card.
That’s a straight red card
Afternoon, reminds me of Leeds from the Revie, Bremner days. Any sympathy for their injuries out the window now. Dirty dirty Leeds. Could have finished Martinelli and then two hacks at Xhaka. Martinelli just too good for them. And Nketiah doing just what you want from a striker.
Gabriel has to be careful because the Leeds players will pile into this referee if he slides in again, risk averse for him for the rest of the game.
Disappointed that we didn’t get a 3rd to kill it but it wasn’t for want of trying.
Martinelli is flying today but maybe take him off early to save him for the Scum and protect him?
Eddie is upping his profile and I predict a nice new contract for him after we’ve secured CL.
Likewise Elneny who again has shown his understated quality by allowing Xhaka to push up.
Gotta love Rob Holding, he got into Xhaka after he was fouled and calmed him down and Tomiyasu, what a diamond of a player he is, Bologna trained, I wonder if they’ve got anymore like him in the land of Bolognese?
Funny you should say that Kev, just had time for a Spagbol after a morning 10k trail run, before football started. In fact just settling down and half missed Nketiah’s first, saw it in the net!
Is Pepe on the bench? Might be a good idea to give him minutes bearing in mind it’s hot out there.
You’re keen Andrew, I’m more like the sausage dog in the cricket adverts on Sky. 😂
Twitchy bum time…
Piss weak defending cost us a goal
Odegaard is great, but this is kind of expected.
Xhaka is amazing. His extra breathing room in midfield really suits his strength.
Martinelli is full of tricks, he really deserves a goal (or another assist).
Soares is another positive surprise for me. His crosses are not sharp, but he provides excellent balls to Saka on the same flank.
However Saka is a bit disappointing to me. He could use some rest. Especially ahead of the NLD.
And now I’m writing this, Leeds have scored.
I really hope Arsenal will be looking to respond. And not play the remainder of the game defending/counterattacking against a 10-men team at home…
rico, never run in my life till 61st birthday and have two arthritic knees! Ran Vitality in London last week. Was very useful mentally and fitness-wise during lockdown. I would never have believed could be a runner, nor my wife with a replacement hip.
How did we make this game hard?! 16 shots to nil a while back.
Incredible Andrew. Great achievement by you and your wife, especially with arthritis and a hip replacement. I love sport but dislike running.
We’ve got complacent imo. Pussyfooting around with too many passes at a slow pace. I really hope we inject a bit of pace into the squad over the summer.
Get ESR on I say…
Looks we are trying to loose this game,
Why didn’t Pepe just boot it and run.. hopeless.
Pepe should have taken a long shot
Gee, we made hard work of that.
Now go and beat Totts. 😆
We were dam lucky, again we can not bury the opposition.
Curry leftovers for me Andrew, although Arsenal’s defending is equally good at getting me up to the throne room. 😉
I have wondered why Pepe hasn’t had more minutes. But every time he had a chance, got the ball, pretty useless. I know it’s not easy coming on late, but really. ESR in same situation was industrious and pleased to be on.
Kev 😀😂
RIP Dennis Waterman. Watching Minder a great memory.
RIP Dennis Waterman….
Eddie was as sharp as a tack in the 1st half but faded in the 2nd, Leeds changing tactics or Eddie just losing focus?
22 wins for Arsenal now this season easily the 3rd best in the Premier League.
Some complacency in attack is worrying, we really need to learn to take the shot, too many of our players still making the pass when the shot is on. But some excellent interplay and crosses into the box just the finish is missing.
Good evening Rico and all.
Massive Three points. And whatever way they have been obtained we must remember that this team is young and on a steep learning curve.
What counts is that they gave their all to be were they are.
I just hope that Nketiah is given a good contract.
I thought most of the players lost focus after Leeds went down to ten. Complacency…
I didn’t expect the Tomiyasu change but he looked as safe as Tierney at left back, we’re gonna need him on his game vs Kulusuvic or whatever his name is. Good prep for that crucial game.
Not only does Arteta need to find the answer to our goalscoring but he needs to work on our ability to keep a clean sheet – another sloppy goal conceded…
But a good result and I actually enjoyed most of it.
Andrew, Pepe reminded me why he doesn’t get minutes.
Evening Devil.
Yes Rico, I think both the team and the crowd thought it was a done deal after the red card and to be fair we were unlucky quite a few times not to get the crucial 3rd goal in the 1st half, we won’t be able to be as laid back if we need a result against Newcastle as they look very good.
We got the points but missed a good chance to send a message up the Seven Sisters , a hat full today and seeds of doubt may have been cast. However yet again we have shown that once we get comfortable we get complacent and give the other team a chance.
Where we could have reduced the goal difference we scraped home by one and the chance was gone. We now have a 4 point cushion but if things don’t go our way Thursday we will struggle to get over the line for fourth.
Still it’s that or fifth and most of us would have taken that especially after the first three games but getting champions league may produce money but as well as players we need an attitude change to go with it.
RIP Dennis Waterman now with his old mate George Cole doing shonky deals in heaven
I thought similar Kev, the “job done” mentality struck when Ayling saw red. I hope Arteta does something about that sharpish. If it wasn’t for the money, I see little difference in 4th or 5th really, it’s not like we’re ready to truly compete in either competition.
Well the major difference Rico is the type of player you can realistically go for this summer.
Champions League players or Europa League players, fortunately we won’t have to worry about Conference players… 😬
That’s what I meant about the money Kev but bearing in mind we weren’t in Europe last summer, we still made some cracking signings.
I still think 5th is a good finish to the season really. Trouble is, since 4th, 3rd even, has become possible, the goalposts move.
Good evening all, late to the party due to a surprise lunch invitation. I watched the recording and was disappointed those so many scoring chances go begging.
That said we got the vital three points and added one to our goal difference.
Tomiyasu did well at left back and Elneny had another solid game in midfield.
Ditto, we could have had the game wrapped up by half-time Cicero.
Wakey wakey, new post up.