Morning all.
I started this a couple of months ago, today I can finally finish it.
I’m not sure if I’m looking forward tonight or not. Part of me wants to believe this group of players are going to stand up to Man City and be counted. Match them with our football, defend as we have been. Apart from the odd one or two games anyway. I want to believe our midfield unit will suddenly click and it’ll shield the defence, whilst creating goal scoring opportunities too but I know it’s unlikely. A scrappy draw would do for me as I’m sure it would most Arsenal fans. But we’re going their to win.
We’re going to go there trying to beat them, for sure. That’s going to be the game plan. We’ll put all the things we can on the pitch to make it difficult for them to create the scenarios during the game, and let’s see if we turn up on the day at our best and we can perform and win the game. Mikel Arteta.
Eighty odd days after this fixture was called off because of the Coronavirus, here we are again. Wondering what’ll unfold at The Etihad. Apparently Pep said ‘See you next season’ as he and his playing left training back in March, clearly believing this day wouldn’t arrive. Mind you, neither did I.
Yet here we are, second game of the day as Project Restart kicks off. Being pedantic though, shouldn’t this ‘game in hand’ be against Brighton, after all it was that fixture which was cancelled first. Nevertheless, Man City it is.
Excited? Of course you are.
A minute’s silence will be held before kickoff to remember those who have died from coronavirus. Heart-shaped badges in tribute to NHS staff will also be worn on kits. “Black Lives Matter” replace the players names on the back of their shirt for the opening twelve fixtures.
Five substitutes are allowed for the first time. Fans aren’t. It’s going to be strange for everyone.
A Premier League title win is over for Pep. Top four is theirs barring a meltdown and in any case, if they don’t win their appeal which is going on as I type, they won’t be featuring in the Champions League next season. Perhaps for Pep, the focus will be on winning Europe’s biggest competition this season and these few end games in the league will be little more than preparation for their second leg fixture against Real Madrid at the Etihad. Having won 2-1 in the Spanish capital, a place in the next round is close.
Pep has one year left on his City contract, his new assistant reportedly signed up for the same amount of time so all roads lead to this being his last chance of bringing European success to the blue side of Manchester. I’m surprised City haven’t won the big one yet, not when one considers they have the best coach in the game and have spent hundreds of million pounds on players.
Even if the focus is on Europe, Pep Guardiola is considered to be a perfectionist so he’ll have his players well prepared, ready to take us apart.
But, and it’s a big but, our head coach knows Pep well, he knows his coaching methods and he knows the City players inside out. He knows what Sterling can do, both good and bad. The quality of KdB, the vulnerability of Walker. The way City players can rough up the opposition without the officials noticing. The way they break down an opponents move with a gentle shove or a seemingly unintentional foul, committed by a different player each time. Oh yes, they’re clever. As time goes by, perhaps we’ll become as clever, after all, Mikel Arteta will have learned so much from Pep during his three years by his side.
Three years ago…
They are beatable!
For Arsenal, the remainder of this season is about improvement and climbing the table. Picking up where we left off as far as not losing in 2020 goes. On nights like tonight though I’d be content with a scrappy performance it it meant we didn’t lose. Against a team with so much quality, anything goes in my book. These are the kind of fixtures where we just have to dig deep and put bodies on the line.
Arsenal aren’t a team lacking in quality themselves. Ozil, Pepe, Lacazette, Saka, Gabriel, Aubameyang, Nelson, Bellerin, Tierney and Ceballos are all top players who in the right frame of mind, should be able to create chances against Man City. We just need to take them when they come. We have pace, loads of it, we have width, use it. We have depth too so with five substitutes permitted, I’m sure Mikel will use them if change if needed.
When we were thrashed 3-0 at The Emirates earlier this season, to say our defensive play was all over the place would be and understatement. Kevin de Bruyne was gifted both time and space to run the show. No one said ‘he’s mine’ and stuck to him like glue. Sterling was also allowed far too much time, space and elbow room.
The marking is Sunday League stuff at best.
That was then, that was Unai Emery. This is now and this is Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. I don’t expect him too allow the players he once coached such freedom. He knows them well, well enough to know how to stop them doing what they do best. The question is, will his players be able to execute his plan?
We’ll find out later…
See you in the comments guys.
Game day baby!!!!
Bring it on!!
Morning all.
We have everything to play for, and I’m confident our lads will be up for the game!
A mighty fine post, Rico 👍
I liked what Pep said about Mikel.. it would be amazing to come away with something, even a draw, but the odds are stacked against us! Although it’s about time we put in a decent performance against them, we owe them!! 😀 I’m not gonna lie, it’s gonna be a nerve wracking 90 minutes… edge of the seat stuff, even behind the sofa, but after 102 days, Arsenal are back!! Bring it on!! COYG
Hi Scott.. what time will kick off be down under?
Thanks Sue.
I’d love to see us scrap for at least a draw. I’d also like to see us take our game up there, whatever that is, and thrash them off the park. 😂
Good morning Rico.
I don’t know what to expect, result wise, this evening but I do expect 100% commitment from our players.
Guardiola has said his players are not ready, the training period has been too short, five substitutes will help but he doesn’t know how long his players can sustain the pace and physicality of a Premiership game. Bullshit? It could well be, Arteta has to get it into the heads of our lot that nothing less than their utmost endeavour will be good enough.
Morning Cicero. Never had Pep down as a manager who needed to play mind games. Perhaps he does fear us, who knows. But our guys should be up for this challenge regardless of what he says.
Morning Rico and all, I guess it all depends on how ambitious we are as a club Cicero as to how long Arteta stays at Arsenal and anyway if you look at the clubs history the majority of Arsenal managers don’t really stay that long?
Make no mistake, there is going to be a huge amount of professional pride at stake this evening, both managers and the City players won’t want to come second best, but I think that we can get a draw.
I guess that the next 10 league games will answer a lot of questions for Arteta, those players he can improve, those players who are at their limit, how good the youngsters are, how much more he can get from the older players, can he trust Ozil in big games, can he trust Mustafi, can he trust Luiz, how motivated is Lacazette and Aubameyang and if he can use the next 10 performances to squeeze more financial support from Raul and KSE..?
Hi Sue,
5.15 I believe….
Edu Gaspar: “Mikel has to be involved in recruitment, he must. We talk about what we need, the characteristics of the players, the system we’re going to play and then I start the process internally. That’s my role.”
Edu Gaspar: “I remember a match we lost or drew at home and didn’t have the best performance. But the way he talked to the players I really liked. It’s easy to connect to people when you win – But when you don’t win it shows a lot more about you as a coach.” [athletic] #afc
Josh Kroenke: “We spoke about club culture and setting a new tone. He [Arteta] told me some of the thoughts that he had and ideas they had done at City. It’s going to take some time – we’ve got a long road ahead of us. But the culture is changing.” [athletic] #afc
Josh Kroenke: “Culture becomes cliche at times but it’s a very real thing. Mikel is making an imprint on the club that should hopefully play out over the next several years with improved results on the pitch, but it starts with a foundation.”
Early start then, Scott! Let’s hope we’ve got something to cheer about!!
I’m sure the boys will have a red hot go, Sue.
That’s all I ever ask 🙂
Hiya Kev,
I know saying all the right things is different to actually doing all the right things, but Arteta is getting both right so far, and I reckon he will take us to pretty decent heights in the coming years.
Morning Kev. Agree. For a number of them, I think their Arsenal careers remain on the line.
My Dad used to always say to me that talk is cheap and we’ve had a lot of that from those running our club since we moved from Highbury Scott, so I take it with a large pinch of sodium.
Let’s see if Josh is true to his word Scott, I trust Arteta and I trust Edu, I’m not too sure about Raul and Josh has a bit of making up to do, Pepe was a good start but we’ve had too many years of stagnation under KSE so they’ve got quite a bit of catching up to do.
We have the right manager so it’s now down to those who hold the purse strings…
Yep Rico, Arteta is a very smart operator, he says all the right things and bigs up his players, which is really the sensible way, but I reckon he knows who he can trust and who he has doubts over, like AMN for example….
10 odd games for some to prove to Arteta they’re worthy of wearing the shirt.
I would bet money he won’t keep anyone around who doesn’t buy into his idea of what’s required to represent our club.
Nice one Rico.
I must admit that I did not want this season to resume, I wanted very unbiasedly that it would have been null and voided with Liverfool not winning PL and last seasons standings used for CL qualification and with Man C being banned from CL it would have meant Arsenal getting CL , also, using desperate times for desperate measures extreme rules, Totnumb would be relegated for being a scum filled shit hole.
It is what it is though, so tonight I expect a tight fought game with Arsenal coming from a 1-0 deficit on 89 mins to win 8-1 in injury time with the Manc cardboard cut out fans walking out in disgust whilst the away travelling Arsenal cardboard cut out fans go menta running on the pitch!……………….I honestly believe our cardboard cut out fans are the best and most vociferous in the league!
Preparations are in hand, a couple of bottles of Fullers London Pride cooling in the fridge and roasted cashew nuts to hand.
A bottle of single malt on standby if it all goes to s**t.
😂😂 brilliant, Le Coq!!! 👍
I’m hitting the hard stuff tonight, Cicero – pepsi max 😂 plus I will put my phone and the remote out of reach, just in case I feel the need to launch them in disgust!
Cicero, a mate is a genius brewer here in Oz, and has just given me a carton of Aussie born and bred Fullers London Pride.
His version is every bit as good as the original.
Also, a carton of an ESB which at 6.2%, bottle conditioned is exceptional after just 10 days.
In a few weeks, could be the perfect drop!!
Next is a barley wine which will finish around 12.6%!!!!
These are our next Arsenal brews that a few here will be familiar with 🙂
afternoon all!
Catch you all later!
Hope with a big smile…
I might just have to add a visit to Oz to my bucket list Scott, I thought the only “beer” available down under was that ice cold camel p**s Fosters Lager. 😎
Hahahahaha Cicero, nobody drinks Fosters here mate.
I genuinely can’t remember the last time I even saw it for sale in Oz.
My mates learning the art of brewing, and has a knack for it.
These ales he’s brewed are ridiculously good, and as true to the genuine article as is possible.
We get some labels made up with Arsenal it layers etc etc
Small batches only.
Tonight I want to see the start of a pattern , I want to see how we set up and how we mean to play in the future. I am not expecting big things but we have had 10 weeks or so to think about the way we play and tonight should give us clues about who stays and who goes .
It’s a fresh start , the problems of the early season should have been dissected and plans to improve should have been contemplated . Tonight we find out just how good Arteta is likely to be at revitalising this club . The result tonight is immaterial but after this there are 27 points and a cuip to play for. Lets get our best foot forward, get our heads up and go for it.
Scott is black swan ( aka Mucky duck ) still going strong ?
I have not got any means to watch the game tonight and it doesn`t seem like any Arsenal games are free to air. I shall instead watch series 5 of Sons of Anarchy with my cardboard cut out wife, much the same as the real one but without the abuse, it reminds me of when she gives me the silent treatment!…………she thinks she is getting at me with the silent treatment, but let me tell you this ladies, the silent treatment you give us only means one thing to us men………………peace and quiet!
😆
You love it really, Le Coq 😉😂
Sue……………….My wife has a cardboard cut out of me down in the annexe she is isolating in, she uses the abs on on it as a cheese grater and no doubt she abuses it both mentallly and physically!…….probably had a black eye, bits held together with cellotape and a frying pan stuck on it`s face!
I can see the season ending with the mass genocide of Cardboard Cut Out fans!……………………or will they be recycled into semi-detached homes for the tramps of N17
Cardboard Cut Out Fans Lives Matter!
That sounds great Cicero, unfortunately I can’t drink as I’m on antibiotics for toothache…
My son and family popped in to visit and brought me some Peroni’s but they’ll have to wait for Southampton (a)… 🙄
Kev, I have a bit of faith in Josh. More so than Stan which I know isn’t difficult but I liked the way he spoke with the players and isn’t afraid to speak to the fans.
But if he and his father, their company don’t support Arteta, not only will Arteta look to move on but Edu too. The Kroenkes won’t want that.
Rico, are you watching Villa?
Yes, like you Rico I think that Josh is more invested in Arsenal, but maybe that’s because Stan gave him control of us along with the basketball team whose name escapes me and who I couldn’t give a toss about…
So we are Josh’s LA Rams I guess?
How much leverage he has with his Pa when it comes to transfers etc I know not, but hopefully he’ll allow us to get under his skin?
But yes, Arteta will soon jump ship if the ambition of KSE doesn’t match up to his…
Edu will just go back to Brazil.
Ok, the pop ups are giving me the right hump and slowing everything down so I’ll see ya all tomorrow. COYG
Have they forgotten to turn the goal line technology on at Villa park??!!
Mari and Mustafi….
No Sue, I was having dinner.
No Mesut then.
Kev, I’ve removed most of the pop ups so not sure why you’re seeing them.
Evening rico, all. Getting close now. So many questions, maybe we just start to see answers in a few hours time?
Did Ozil ever agree to the wage cut others took? If not, I wonder how other players feel for morale along side him. Or has he a cold? If fully fit, doesn’t look good for rest of season if he can’t make bench of nine!
Ozil had started every PL game under Arteta.. until now.. weird… Mikel wasn’t happy with some performances in our friendlies, could that be why?! 🤷♀️
Evening Andrew. I’ve not seen the full squad. I take it no Ozil at all? Doesn’t he often get a cold when the big fixtures come around…
I’m pleased he’s not playing, we need hard work tonight I think.
Glad Tierney starts!
It’s lashing down in Manchester…
Yes Sue, without injury, and playing against the best, we will now see if we have a player. Fingers crossed for him.
Absolutely, Andrew 🙂
Re Ozil and the wage cut Andrew, I don’t think he agreed it.
Same with Eddie. Really want him to do well tonight.
rico, I don’t remember us being that bad that we were 9th from top in March, I think it’s a conspiracy myself !
C’mon Arsenal, more often then not we usually have the last laugh over this bunch of northern monkeys !
Just a thought, last game against West Ham, Leno was MOTM. He certainly is for us so far.
Hi Micko, I can’t remember the last time we were in this position with just ten games to go. Has to be pre Rioch or even Graham.. lol
Leno is in fine form.
Too right about Leno… he’s certainly picked up where he left off 👍
I still don’t like this playing out from the back!!!
Bollox!
Well he just had to score didn’t he?! Another goal drought ended….😡
That’s one word for it .
But 1 decîsion made easier
Some things never change. We’re just poop no bite no aggression just to easy to play against imo. Could be 3-0.
Yes Potter, I can hear the papers being ripped up from where I am.
It takes a certain type of player to f**k up so often, David Luiz is that type.
If that’s what we are going to get from him, it must be goodbye.
Has Kyle Walker got mange? Either that or he’s tried cutting his own hair.
😂😂😂 Cicero!!!
Just sums it up
Good evening and good night.
Luiz AGAIN and he’s off!
Now Mustafi
Certainly sums him up. I’d given him the benefit of the doubt for how he’s been performing since Mikel Arteta arrived but tonight he’s shown his true colours again.
He’s just cost us any chance of snatching a point..
Never learns. Hope contract hasn’t been offered. Mind you Sterling doesn’t even get booked for that challenge? And earlier a City player had two hands on our player but nothing given. Game ruined.
You could see in Luiz eyes he had one thing in his mind.
Is Aubameyang actually playing!
At least my daughter will be happy…..🥺
No atmosphere and little interest now totally bored
We are in real difficulty now, Luiz out for three matches, Mari out for who knows how long with what looked like hamstring injury, Mustafi with an ankle knock and Xhaka also injured.
Cicero, think Chambers was meant to be out for season, but looks like we need him rushed back alongside Holding!
Sokratis might be back soon. We’ll have to use the younger guys like Medley.
Night guys.
18 shots to 2, lets face it, after an even first 10 minutes, we were never at the races.
I think I need another 102 days off…
And to think we have spent over a hundred days waiting for that game to kick off.
Luiz aside, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Leno did his best, Guendouzi worked hard, they mostly all tried but the big disappointment for me was Aubameyang. Hardly bothered to get into the box and fluffed the only chance he was offered.
Good night Gooners, everywhere.
And we’re back 🙁
That’s sealed the future for Luiz, surely.
Can we get Saliba now???
Did not see the game, but I heard that wasn`t the real Luiz put there tonight , but his cardboard cut out!…………rain and cardboard dont mix!
I think my stance as seemingly the only person not to get excited about the return was well founded!
😆
😆😆 we need your humour right now, Le Coq…. thank you!!!!
That’s better….
Isn’t it a bit of a coincidence, question marks over his contract and he basically shafts the team with two major errors. Did he do it on purpose.
I’d rather play Ballard than him!
Definitely Holding has to be in front of him.
Fcuk him off on June 30th.
Take those two errors out of the equation and we were competing.
Players like him are just like like a pandemic, they infect everyone else.
I bet that Ozil also threw a strop.
Arteta just has to bomb these people out, they’re fcuking toxic.
Gutted for Mari as he was looking ok, likewise Xhaka, not much luck going our way as usual.
It was exactly the re-start we did not need.
On to the next opponent and see who’s fit to play!!
Well if Josh was watching that then he knows exactly what the job entails and it isn’t signing Thiago Silva on a free or looking for cheapos, Man City is the standard and you don’t get to that standard with Luiz and Mustafi as your centre backs or an Aubameyang whose continually failed against them.
I liked Tierney, Bellerin, Leno of course, Saka, Ceballos, Guendouzi, Mari until he went off and Willock initially but he faded badly. Eddie was ineffective, so was Lacazette when he came on.
Now ok, it was Man City so there is some wiggle room, but a repeat performance against Brighton and it won’t look good…
Scott, I actually think if we’d kept Xhaka and Mari on that we could have got a result, we had zero luck as fcuking usual, sometimes you need the breaks and we don’t get any.
Luck does play it’s part, I’ve seen two games today, Aston Villa got away with the goal that never was, no injuries for either team, terrible game but nothing untoward.
Man City gifted two goals.
Arsenal, lose two players in opening 10 minutes and substitute gifts two goals to opposition.
Work that out, Lucky Arsenal…. Arseholes
I thought Eddie was making good runs but was given little or no support .We were outplayed in the midfield again and although the defending was bad once again the attacking stats don’t lie . We never put them under any real pressure and until we find a way to dominate teams we will always be playing catch up.
Kev, we can’t control injuries and luck, unfortunately, but you’re spot on-they really can hurt you, especially so early in a game.
Potter, Swan Lager is still around by the way…..
If it could go wrong, it did go wrong.
We’re ok until 25th minute when Mari followed Xhaka down the sick mans tunnel, thereafter we were pretty much Shiite!
Right result but Lady Luck really wasn’t looking after us today.
Next time, eh?
New post up.