After three Premier League games without a win, the spotlight was well and truly back on Arteta and his players with a savage vengeance yesterday. The Sky/Media/Online narrative was simply winding itself up into an absolute frenzy as Leeds suddenly became this major obstacle and potential banana skin to the many hopes of all Gooners. Everybody and his dog had an opinion if you could be bothered looking for it, but I didn’t because it’s what the players do on the pitch that counts not some ex-Man Utd has-been or one of the many deranged idiots that are routinely rolled out on Talk Sport or BBC 5Live.
The Kairat game in midweek was mildly irritating to me because I felt our finishing wasn’t up to scratch nor our defending. But Arteta wasn’t too concerned because his players had won the game, avoided any injuries, left something in the tank and still finished top of the league stage. Job done.
Mikel again rang in the changes but with a couple of intriguing selections. The injury to Saka in the warm-up was concerning as we’re going to need our best attacker for the games to come as the pressure increases, but into his place stepped Noni Madueke with a golden opportunity! The other change wasn’t really a change but it was the omission of Odegaard for Kai Havertz and that was eye catching. Was it just for this game or did it signal a change in playing style?
Madueke’s place on the bench went to Norgaard with both Myles and Merino missing out, no doubt with Tuesday in mind and the visit of the Pensioners. Leeds fans must have looked at our bench and recalled maybe their grandfathers talking to them about Arsenal of yore and of the Bank of England club as northerners referred to Arsenal in the dark and dingy past, because this squad is at Herbert Chapman 1930’s levels.
Leeds’ fans were as vociferous as they usually are and therefore the opening 20 minutes was all about Arsenal strangling the life out of the home team and fans. The Gunners in blue had to match the physicality of the home team whilst gradually building up control and exerting pressure through set pieces. Leeds had a record in this area of almost Arsenalist levels but when the Gunners began to turn the screw the home team began to wilt.
An early shot over Raya’s bar in those opening exchanges was as good as it got for them.
On 15 minutes we saw a glimpse of what was to come. Gyokeres, with a defender lolling all over him, knocked a pass to Havertz who quickly switched the ball to Zubimendi, Zubi cut across the face of goal but his shot lacked conviction.
On 27 minutes Noni Madueke, whose corners during the whole game were top top class, drove one into the danger area but it was cleared, although only to Rice who quick as a flash returned it to Noni as he adjusted his stance and then he clipped a delicate cross back into the box where Zubimendi stole in to head home – simplicity itself.
About 8 minutes later I thought that Dominic Calvin Lewin was lucky to escape a red card as he arrived late to a Gabriel clearance and caught His Majesty on his shin and just above the ankle. I’ve seen them given against Arsenal players many times but not even a yellow for the Leeds man!
Three minutes later, on 38, Noni again caused chaos from a corner and with Calvert Lewin jumping in front of him, the Leeds goalkeeper punched Noni’s driven cross into his own net. Owngoalinho strikes again. That goal sucked the life out of Elland Road and the electric atmosphere at kick-off sounded as if it needed a new fuse at half-time.
H/T 0-2
Leeds made two changes at the break and tactical adjustments in an effort to get back into the game, kudos to them, but it meant more space for the Arsenal forwards. The game became more open but Leeds still failed to register a shot on target.
On 51, after great work by Trossard, who was exceptional, he managed to get a flicked pass onto VG as he himself was being fouled. Gyokeres took the ball in his stride but he took that deadly second touch instead of taking the shot early and his eventual shot was blocked. From the resulting corner Timber header over the bar. On 58 some great approach play down the right ended with Zubimendi spinning and turning leaving white shirts floundering and on their way to Scarborough, but his pass went astray, so frustrating!
Andrew’s son, our pitch-side photographer. 😜
On the hour Arteta made a couple of changes, maybe with Gazprom in mind. Off came Madueke and Havertz and on came Martinelli and Odegaard and both lifted the level with impressive performances.
Leeds were still winding-up the pressure but their susceptibility on the break cost them as on 69 minutes, Martinelli broke free on the right turning his marker this way and then the other before firing in a low cross into the box where Gyokeres, plus the obligatory Leeds defender grabbing him, applied the finish and drove it past the helpless goalkeeper. That was Leeds done.
On 76 minutes Arteta brought off Hincapie and Gyokeres for Calafiori and Jesus. Almost immediately Rice drove into the Leeds box where his pass found Jesus who fired wide. On 79 great work by Timber saw our cultured Dutchman cross a tempter into the box where Jesus should have scored but he headed straight at the goalkeeper. A 4th goal was coming, you could feel it and a minute later the resulting Rice corner was headed over by Calafiori – so close!
Arteta then sent on Eze for Trossard who had been an absolute hero on the left flank, some of his work was astonishingly good. Eze looked like he had the flavour and strutted around, had me thinking that he’s got a goal in him today but on 86 good work by Calafiori and Odegaard found Jesus around the penalty spot and following two drag backs which sent his markers to Whitby, he smashed it home to cap the perfect afternoon. There were a few more half chances but the boys just managed the game and importantly kept that lovely clean sheet. Arsenal are back baby…
As of now, we’ve not had any official news regarding Saka but the early reports seemed to suggest that he’s out for a few weeks.
We march on…
By Kev.
Morning Kev, all.
Good post Kev, I liked the Whitby comment. 😂
Only seen highlights but we looked to be moving the ball a bit quicker which is a good sign.
It seems that competition for places is bringing the best out of players , 10 days or so away to Inter Jesus gets 2 and Gyokeres comes on after an hour and then he scores . Yesterday the other way round , they seem to be pushing each other . Could the same be said for Havertz and Odegaard ?
It was a nice factual report Kev which summed up the main features , Thank you.
However what I found interesting that following Martinelli’s long ball last week , yesterday he came on as a right winger and crossed for big Vik’s goal . Perhaps he is beginning to look for him and provide the service he requires because for that goal I don’t think any other player in the squad would have held his man off and reacted to score it.
Furthermore the way Madueke played , will that affect Saka ? and will seeing Martinelli’s cross encourage him to do it as well.?
I reckon you are right re competition, it’s healthy and not something we’ve had in the past or even this season much because of injuries.
Agree re Viktor’s goal too, I can think of many players who would have gone to ground but he didn’t.
Good morning all.
Nice summing up Kev, thank you.
Four goals for different scores, that sort of makes it harder for the opposition as they don’t know where the threat is coming from.
I saw only the brief highlights on Sky, but one thing stood out, Odegaard’s tendency to over elaborate when in possession. A few one touch passes would speed things up enormously.
Kudos to Madueke, coming into the starting line-up at such short notice, I thought he had his best game so far in an Arsenal shirt, it was a little alarming to see him go off with a bit of a limp.
A very welcome clean sheet and no gifts on offer, at least from Arsenal. 😉
You’d think Odegaard would have realised that by now.
I know Madueke’s goal will be considered an og but what a great corner it was.
In fact all four goals were very good..
Morning all, thanks for detailed and comical report Kev! Listening on R5, how refreshing to have a game where we are not worried throughout to the final minutes. Really should have been Madueke’s goal? Ball going in (wicked curve Saka would have been proud of) goalie helps it further, when has that been an og? Seemed whole team were on it, and we kept going rather than sitting back with half time lead. Maybe mindset changing, this team is good enough to do that if they have the belief, which their European performances surely show.
Morning Gooners, morning Rico, great photo by Andrews son. Thanks all for the positive comments, I thought that Arsenal were superb yesterday and the psychological message that sends to City in particular and to Villa will certainly knock their morale.
Beating Chelsea and getting to Wembley this week is huge, the first step to something amazing this season.
Great photo Andrew, do thank your son. I bet he enjoyed that..
I watched them yesterday Kev, or at least parts of their game and first half, they were shocking. West Ham got at them and they couldn’t cope. West Ham really should have put the result to bed first half.
Thanks Kev,
Made me laugh. Yes that was stress free,great goals,the Jesus one was a beauty,I was so pleased for Gyokeres too.
An early ish goal forced them to be more open than they probably planned which suited us.
I’ve only seen highlights but we were utterly ruthless.
I too saw some of the Chelsea game,so poor in the first half,left four of Tuesdays starters on the bench,they were forced to bring them on and were much better. Still lucky to win though.
Probably too much to hope Spurs get anything later. What a joke of a club they are,99% of their fans want them to lose.
City have a dodgy record against Totts Limey, hopefully that continues later. With Frank’s job under scrutiny, perhaps they will try a bit harder..
I sure hope so Rico,they have an amazing record against Man City,the best of any team in the league.
Tammy Abraham starts for Villa.
Well done Kev, very professional solid performances all round.
Madueke had his best game, fantastic corner, Havertz is back and looking sharp, Odegaard looked better coming off the bench, and Gyokeres among the goals in successive games.
It seems wrong wanting Tottenham to win, but maybe we can be forgiven for an hour and a half today.
Gives me hope Limey..
Brentford down to ten men, handy for Villa..
‘That’s more like it’ Kev. And I’m talking about the match report. Much better than one reads in the newspapers or blogs. Very enjoyable read. You should take it up with a newspaper mate. And I’m being very honest about it.
Good afternoon Rico and gentlemen.
The FA has deemed the 2nd goal to be scored by Madueke. The reason they gave??? The same one I said in yesterday’s post. It was direct on goal. If it was helped in by the keeper who was hilariously obstructed, impeded, held back, blocked, outsighted or whatever term is used it does not make any difference. Its still MAdueke’s goal.
6 goal involvements for Gyokeres in the last 6 games. 4 goals and 2 assists. He is finding his feet slowly and surely.
In the transfer window world…….Blackburn Rovers have just rejected a £1M bid for Igor Tyjon for Arsenal in the last few hours. Rovers value Tyjon at £2M but are prepared to let him leave in the summer for around £200,000 in compensation.
Well done Brentford…
Afternoon Devil, please for Madueke, he deserved it.
If Arsenal want Igor Tyjon, why not just pay the £2 million.
Fantastic defensive work, in the second half, by Brentford being down to ten men.
Well done the Bees, now let’s see if the chickens can upset the Mob from Eastlands?
Cheers Dev/Limey/Alan.
Man United are making a habit of scoring late goals, that needs to stop…
I’d be interested to know how much Chelsea/City/United/Liverpool spend on accumulating the best young talent out there?
I’m looking forward to seeing our Ecuadorean twins next January.
I think that both blackburn and Arsenal will find a way and agree at 1.25MBP. Then they will loan him back to Blackburn.
Well done to Brentford. They defeated the Emertinez vitriolitic combination to dent their hopes.
I hope that Tottenham and City play out a boring draw, with both teams getting red cards and a plethora of yellows. But I doubt it.
Multi millions I guess and then sell them for a profit. I bet Utd soon cash in on Obi, maybe even Heaven if a “big signings” kind of manager goes there.
As long as we keep winning, Man Utd can score all the late goals they want Kev. LEt them win. At least they will keep Carrick for next season only to sack him in December/January. We will not meet them anymore in the EPL. If they manage to take 2nd place ahead of Pep and Emertinez it will be gutting for the latter two having been in 2nd/3rd place for yonks.
You’re probably right Rico, so much for the much vaunted ‘pathway’…
I can’t see the Spuds getting anything out of their game Dev the atmosphere at their ground is funereal, as for the Mancs I just don’t want to see any joy coming out of that place, Carrick is actually doing a good job but things tend to change when a caretaker gets the job full time, who could ever forget Rio Ferdinand and his soapy ‘Ole at the wheel’ nonsense.
The Merino injury is a worry, I just hope it’s not a metatarsal?
Don’t think they are trying too hard Limey , they seem content to be 1 nil down and the crowd is silent
Didn’t realise Merino is injured. Thought he was just having a rest before Tuesday.
City playing at walking pace and walking is how they are wafting through the Spur’s defence.
0 – 2 at half-time.
If we are vying at the top with City our closest challengers you can rest ASSURED that the low level mentality spuds will never put up an ounce of effort to win against them. rest ASSURED as well that when we play them they will come out with all guns blazing.
Totts players are clearly trying to get Frank the sack.
Spuds get one back. 1 – 2, 54 mins.
Now that they have got one back they will attack more and ‘unintentionally’ they will leave the back door open only to concede
‘We tried’ the fuckers would whine
bottlers since 1961
They would rather get relegated than see us winning the leageu….they are nearer the trap door.
This year it might happen that we win the league and the bottling company get relegated.
Guardiola booked.
D G Spurs fans wanting their team to get beat, to Inconvenience Arsenal is a load of old bollocks . It’s just something the media spin up to get clicks.
The players certainly don’t want to lose.
Now a second , City are playing crap at the back if Tottys really want this they could win it.
Spurs have gone all Arteta and are dropping back and defending their point
when and at what time is Arsenal (w) -Corinthians (w) ?
They got away with it but Frank wanted the point . Could have had all three.
So Spurs do us a favour,who’d have thought it ? Also means they will stick with Thomas Frank a bit longer.
It’s half-time J M. 1 – 1
Cheers, yes my son had a great time, then night up in Leeds!
Two good results today..
Arsenal lasses winning 2-1 now
Smith and Wubben-Moy the goalscorers.
Man City have one Premier League win in six, and it came at home to Wolves. At the start of that run, we were only two points clear. We’re now six clear, but there is only one team and one manager being questioned. Not only by the pundits and other clubs’ supporters but even with a section of our fans who have an axe to grind.
We will keep plodding away. One game at a time.
Whose the bottlers now?
Seems that Rodri has lost it in his post match interview. He blasted the ref constantly and said he knows they won the league many times so some people, the refs, don’t want them to win again. Wow. Is he for real??
Squeeky bum time
83rd minute and the lasses are leading 2-1.
We hit the woodwork
Rodri was lucky to stay on Devil, that was why G hooked him. Bet he didn’t mention that?
Great weekend of results, I was not confident going into it, but double bonus today after our fine display testerday.
5 mins left for ladies, had chances for 3-1. Global glory!
They equalize in the 96th minute with a penalty.
lasses should have been out of sight by now. Where did we hear that before???
Extra time..
3-2
Arsene in the stands..
Navigate the final 15 minutes and the lasses will be world champions.
Broken bone for Merino. Out for a considerable time.
Time running out for a quick replacement for short term cover.
Champions we are. 3-2
That’s rotten news..
Anneke Borbe didn’t seem in a good way when she was stretchered off. It has dampened the celebrations imo. Not a nice way to celebrate winning the first ever FIFA world champions cup.
The Merino news is very much deflating. I just hope we don’t sign a has been to cover.
Sterling is a free agent. Fingers crossed Arteta doesn’t go for him or anyone else.
Zero chance of Sterling imo.
Borbe was down for a long time. Just hope she’s ok.
OFFICIAL ARSENAL STATEMENT ON MIKEL MERINO:
“Further to sustaining a foot injury towards the end of our game against Manchester United on January 25, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot.
Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.
Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.
Brilliant win for Arsenal Women. 3 – 2 aet. Only downside goal keeper Anneke Borbe stretchered off in the closing minutes.
Fifa Womens Club World Champions,! 🎺🎶🎼
Shame about Merino , he is a perfect utility squad player and one we will miss .
Congrats to the girls and all of you that follow them , it’s good for their development that they won .
I didn’t see it , I was watching the Spurs /City borefest.
David Ornstein
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to be out for a considerable period with a suspected broken bone in his foot.
The north London side confirmed on Sunday evening that Merino will undergo surgery on the issue in the coming days.
Arsenal are surveying the market for a potential loan as short-term cover but there are no guarantees of anything materialising at this stage.
I’m not sure that there are too many types like Mikel Merino out there, we’re going to miss him.
Norgaard suddenly becomes a very important part of the squad.
New post up.