The Football League Cup has been the ugly duckling for as long as I can remember, even more so since the growth in the Premier League and the expanded Champions League, which dwarf it more now than at any time in the past and to such a degree that most newer fans, particularly from our worldwide fan base, consider it more of an irritant and an unnecessary risk to the squad’s health. I get that, but I have history with this competition myself, it’s given me a lot of pain and it’s an itch I need to scratch so winning for a third time is important to me. It would kind of exorcise Birmingham and Chelsea in Cardiff, Man City at Wembley and last season vs Newcastle as well as the many many more rotten memories I carry from this competition.
Arteta, possibly with that Newcastle game still burning in his memory went full gas at the Bridge as all the big guns came back except Kepa who kept his place alongside Gabriel and White from the Portsmouth FA Cup game. Havertz, Martinelli, Madueke, Jesus and Merino were all on the bench to provide any added goal threat if we needed it. Liam Rosenior was missing three big names who’ll almost certainly be in the line up at the Emirates but Arsenal will hopefully have Calafiori and Mosquera back.
Arsenal hadn’t scored a single goal in all four legs of their previous two League Cup semi-finals but after 7 minutes that all changed as Declan Rice drove a corner into the Chelsea box and among the chaos Ben White found a narrow gap to head into the net. VAR desperately checked for an offside by Gyokeres but given that he’d been deliberately pushed into the net by his marker, the goal stood.
After that Arsenal spent the following few minutes all over the Pensioners and really should have extended their lead. Odegaard and Co. pressed really hard, but despite some close calls the good guys couldn’t get that crucial 2nd goal. There was a definite nervousness around the stadium so all it needed was a gentle push and we could have been coasting, but wasteful finishing again let us down.
On 15 minutes Zubimendi, who was having a great game, found Viktor who despite a Chelsea defender being all over him got off a shot that Sanchez saved. From the corner Saka dropped it into the danger area but the referee gave Sanchez a soft free kick. On 24 an Odegaard free kick was cleared and Zubi fired over the bar then on 29 Trossard went on a mazy run into the box but didn’t pull the trigger early enough and it was blocked for a corner. On 31 Kepa made a great save from a smart shot by the dangerous Estevao.
40 minutes saw a long throw by Rice cause some chaos and as the ball pin balled as it eventually came to Saliba who hit a great drive that just clear the bar. On 43 Cucurella was eventually booked and that saw him being less on a pest every time Saka got the ball, all the same I’d still like to thump him! With Arsenal pushing but Chelsea looking dangerous on the break the referee brought proceedings to a close. Half-Time 0-1
It was frustrating as Arsenal should have had at least a second goal but that’s the story of our season up till now. No changes at half-time but within 4 minutes of the restart Arsenal got that well deserved 2nd goal. Saka escaped the octopussy attentions of Cucurella and surged down the right flank where he found his old mucker Ben White. Ben charged into the box and hit a low hard cross that Sanchez did poorly with and Viktor-on-the- spot tapped home. Those are the kinds of goals we bought him for, the tap ins. We had this now. The Arsenal were singing about Wembley.
On 53 minutes Liam Rosenior made two subs, one was Garnacho, but more of him later, a minute afterwards Odegaard got off another great drive which Sanchez saved, if only Martin had that ability or gift to replicate the Lampard deflection shot that was the Coventry City managers trademark.
On 57 Chelsea eventually got their reward for going for it when a ball into the Arsenal box ended with Garnacho on the far post who fired past Kepa, no blame on the goalkeeper but our defending was below par in that phase of play.
The Chelsea fans woke up and suddenly all the Sloane Rangers were going potty, Arsenal needed to ride out the storm. On 59 minutes Odegaard fired wide following a corner then on 67 minutes and memories of Real Madrid as our own Declan Rice addressed the ball crossed our collective minds, unfortunately though it sailed over the bar. The next minute Arteta sent on fresh legs Martinelli for Trossard and Merino for Odegaard. Odegaard had ran himself to a standstill whilst Trossard may not have been 100% fit.
Arsenal gradually regained dominance and on 71 minutes what should have been the goal that killed the tie was scored. Merino did some amazing tiki-taki on the edge of the area and knocked an inviting ball towards the penalty spot, Gyokeres was fighting a defender as usual but got a key touch to Zubimendi who ran across the face of goal and fired home to cap a great performance. Chelsea were rocking and I expected us to add a 4th and on 76 minutes we almost got it when Merino got off a thunderous shot after great work by Saka and Viktor which Sanchez somehow saved. We were that close to finishing the tie off, but no cigar I’m afraid.
On 82 Arteta sent on Jesus for Gyokeres and Havertz for Rice and the balance of play switched again it seemed. Not blaming the subs of course it was just circumstances. A minute later a couple of Arsenal players lost their footing trying to clear and that opened the space Chelsea needed and the ball went across to Garnacho again and he scored. Was there a foul on Kepa from the initial cross, maybe? The physical attention on Kepa was no different from some of that that had earned Sanchez an earlier free kick a couple of times. Maybe Kepa should have been stronger when the ball was in the air but it is what it is.
After that there were no more obvious chances although both sides pushed hard. Chelsea, I’m sure, left the field relieved, Arsenal left it disappointed I suspect and Arteta will certainly feel a tad frustrated.
Offer me a one goal lead before kick off and I snap your hand off but I can’t help feeling that we let a 1-4 win slip to a 2-3 win with everything to play for in N.5.
We march on…
By Kev.
A shame they let those 2 goals in. However, I believe this is probably not a bad thing because if we were 3 goals up Arsenal may become lack at the return match. How many times have we seen this happen and end up with a draw. Chelsea will find it hard at the Emirates as Arsenal will push him hard and lets not forget the Arsenal fans – they will be in fine “feckle”!
Arsenal will succeed in getting to the Final. They are fired up now for silverware and this is a great opportunity for them to bag this one.
Excellent post Kev, thank you.
Morning to you and all.
I’d have snapped your hands off for a win at SB and I really didn’t expect us to do so. Can’t wait for the second leg because if Chavs were nervous at home, 60,000 Arsenal fans should have them rattled.
Nice one Kev thank you.
Bit of a kerfuffle at the end which the ref just stood and watched. A couple of Chelsea players were ranting at everyone within hearing, silly and petulant. But what we have come to expect from so many mediocre players.
Chelsea players like to kick up a fuss Cicero.
In response to your comment about Zubimendi and Merino it’s the reason that they both came as they played so well together for Real Sociedad and now the Spanish international team. It’s a kind of telepathy that is only provided by years of familiarity.
Last night was exhilarating and disappointing at the same time , at times a bitty game interrupted by stoppages but we looked the more adapted and were in control . I agree we should have ended with a larger advantage but a one goal lead should not be sniffed at .
Who said it would be easy , not with Arsenal , it never is !
Football is a funny old game,as Kev and Rico said we would have happily taken a one goal win before the game,we would have been delighted. The way the game went we are a bit disappointed,the players and Arteta certainly were. After being 2-0 and 3-1 ahead it looked like we were in control and could have scored 4 or 5. Chelsea will be mighty relieved for sure.
Expect the second leg to be hard fought also,I expect us to win though.
I love the League Cup too,Arsenal have only won it twice,both under George Graham,and winning it again would be massive for these players. In recent years Man City have dominated,in the 70s 80s it was Liverpool.
It’s not going to happen barring injury but I wonder if Raya would have done better last night,a bit harsh on Kepa who made some good saves,Raya is just so secure,especially on crosses.
Looking forward the Forest away game will be so tough,last night must have taken a big toll physically.
Totally agree Potter. On and off the pitch they must enjoy being at Arsenal together..
Raya has leaked a few recently too Limey. Kepa made a couple of excellent saves but I always dislike seeing the ball go through the keepers legs. I think we’re lucky to have two top keepers. I hope Arteta sticks with Kepa in both cups but maybe I’m too soft. 😂
Desperate to see us get through to the final and beat City..
Afternoon Gooners, thanks for the positive responses, afternoon Rico, Forest and Inter to complete four successive away games, maybe Eze, Madueke and Nwaneri will get minutes as Arteta tries to protect his players?
16 more days to do some business…
Good afternoon Rico and all
Great two match reports Kev, the FA cup and the CC semi. And a good post in between Rico. Sorry I didn’t write but still trying to deal with mum’s passing.
I have two questions to point out?
Why doesnt Saka pass to Gyokeres or seems reluctant to do so? When teams play a low block and crowd the penalty area it seems sort of acceptable since he is crowded, but when teams try to play, like yesterday, Gyokeres is not that much overcrowded, and it is unacceptable that Saka preferred to pass elsewhere. Even in the goal Gyokeres scored he showed visible frustration when Bukayo Saka failed to play him in despite the Swedish forward being well positioned. Instead, Saka played the ball back to Ben White, who then eventually played the pass Gyökeres had been anticipating. The goal followed soon after, but Gyökeres’ reaction suggested brief irritation—especially given that Saka has failed to play that incisive pass at times this season. In Zubimendi’s goal Gyokeres got an assist as well.
Is Odegaard’s friendship with Saka playing a part in both of them not passing to Gyokeres? Is the fact that Gyok is Swedish while Odegaard is Norwegian influencing to whom he is passing??
I might be mistaken but I have noticed such a pattern regularly throughout a number of games.
Definitely rotate in the CL fixtures. Personally I’d rather not see Zubi or Rice in either…
Afternoon Devil, I get it, it’s a tough time. Hope you’re doing ok..
I too have seen the difference with certain players finding Gyokeres and others not. I think it was Cicero or Potter who suggested if White is on the pitch, he’ll make the pass. If, and it’s a big if, there is an issue, Arteta needs to sort it out. If we can see it, so should he.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15467341/He-doesnt-know-hell-hes-Expert-lip-reader-reveals-Declan-Rice-said-Arsenal-coach-AirPod-Albert-hidden-tunnel-row-Gabriel-tried-step-in.html
It’s been a problem for quite some time Big Vic has been making runs and not been seen or found .
Mainly this does stem from the Odegaar < Saka axis. As we progress through the midfield the space that he needs to be fully utilised is compressed by the horseshoe passing .
He was frustrated when the ball didn't come but when it did he was still on the spot to get a goal that for the past few seasons would have gone begging .
Cicero said that White made the pass that Saka or Timber would not , he is right and as you ,Rico , has asked if everyone can see it why can't Arteta .
However we all could all see flaws in Wenger's tactics towards his end but for what ever reason he did not change either.
I was disturbed to read of a tunnel bust up between Rice and Stuivenberg the last thing we need is disruption in the camp .
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-declan-rice-lip-reader-36558462.
Lastly I am sorry to hear your news Devil , I lost both of my parents within months of each other ,so I think I know how you must feel.
As Kev says quite regularly " we march on " we have to.
I am in yo-yo land atm Rico. Up one minute, down the next. or unemotional. I just go quiet.
I agree with you with regards the CL. We should rotate. However there is a conundrum….every win means Eur3M. So basically these two games mean Eur6M in total. So yes we should rotate, but against Inter it must be sensible. Norgaard as a DM yes. But not as a CB. MLS at LB should be ok. unless he has a brain fart and rushes in with tackles. Fingers crossed he doesn’t get carded.
The row above is quite common within teams. Sometimes its healthy especially if they keep pushing each other forward. The most important thing is that whatever is said is done in the heat of the moment and afterwards everyone is ok with it and not take it personal. If it escalates then problems occur.
It simply shows a desire to win, sometimes even at all costs.
Me too Devil, it doesn’t matter what age our folks get to, they are a huge loss. As you know, my own mum passed just a few months ago and like you, up days, down days but life doesn’t stop. We adjust.
Potter, if there is a rift between Rice and Albert, I see only one winner. In that link Henry admitted to plenty of in-house bickering during the good times so maybe it’s not such an issue. I suppose it’s a good way to take the focus away from the football. Odd though, Albert seems so quiet and inoffensive.
Re Viktor, why spend all that money on a top striker and then not bring him into the game? Illogical imo.
Thanks Potter. Both went with just 20 months between them. So even Pa is still fresh. In a way I am lucky to have them for 56 years together. A close friend (we have known each other since we were babies) lost his mum when he was just 4 years old. So when we were together we reasoned it out that we were at both ends of the spectrum. I had lost a lifetime of memories. He had lost a lifetime of what ifs. Its hard at both ends. It always is whenever you lose a parent. Especially someone with whom you had been close like me and Pa.
The row might not the only one. I am sure that there were other rows which we know nothing about because they havent been reported. Odegaard might be the captain and Saka his assistant, however our TA06 is simply Gabriel. He is the real leader in the team. Do we miss Odegaard when he is not playing. 50/50 imo. Do we miss Gabriel whenever he does not play?? No need to give a responce to a 100% sure answer.
€3 million isn’t worth potentially burning out a top player though Devil, or worse still, an injury because of overplaying.
Controversial opinion perhaps but I think we’ve had/seen the best of Odegaard.
Personally I would rotate even against Inter. Depending on who is injured or not. I would play Kepa definitely. Noorgard as well. Nwaneri. Madueke. Eze. Even Salmon imo should be tried out. Especially as Mosquera is still injured.
I would love to see a midfield of Norgaard, Nwaneri and Eze. And an attack of Madueke, Martinelli and Havertz (Gyokeres coming on as a sub around the 60th minute) Its the defence which is a bit of a headache atm with Mosquera, Hincapie and Calafiori out.
But between me and Arteta there is a slight difference. He picks the team. I dont
The three defenders must be due back anytime now.
I doubt that we will see an 8 changes Portsmouth selections but a judicious replacement handled correctly could give a 60/30 minute split for a few players just easing the burden at least until the Wigan match where rotation could be more drastic.
Morning Gooners, it’s not quite as cold today and we had a bit more sunshine today after all that rain.
Morning Rico, the games are coming thick and fast it’s hard to keep up so it’s must be difficult for the players particularly those who used to get a mid-season break!
Rico, regarding Odegaard I think he’s taken a long long time to fully shake off all of those niggly injuries, he’s getting off a few more shots now and has regained some confidence in his physicality. Eze offers us something different, a forward thinking unorthodoxy as he’s always looking for the progressive pass but he drifts out of games too often and in the really big games we can’t afford that.
Maybe Ethan as he grows mentally and physically can fill the gap between the two, next season could be when he eventually announces himself as a midfielder who is able to hold onto a shirt when he gets the chance.
I’ve often thought that Saka would eventually fill that role? Maybe Arteta will play him and Noni as a pair at some stage this season?
It’s all very quiet on the transfer front as it has been for everyone but I can’t help thinking that we’ve got something up our sleeve?
Good morning all.
The Rice “blow-up” is not a good look from the, much vaunted, club togetherness theme that has been promoted since Arteta took over.
Declan, turned twenty-six yesterday (Happy Birthday Dec) he is now in his prime as a professional footballer and his popularity with the fans is undeniable but a bust up with a senior member of the coaching staff is a serious matter.
His Arsenal contract runs until 2028, his transfer value is around £120 million and his salary £240,000 per week, that is £12.48 million a year. There are a number of clubs around the World that would be happy to match those figures and, it must be remembered, Declan does not have a lifelong history with A F C.
If the rift is serious both player and club need to sit down and sort the problem out.
Wow Cicero where did that come from amigo? 😲
The media are simply desperate to find any little slight chink mate anything they can possibly blow up into a crisis, I’m glad that our players want to win as much as Declan does, I’d be amazed if it hasn’t blown over yet and apologies have been offered.
It’s a competitive environment, a must win game every three days, sometimes you just let off steam.
See how the media are trying to create a problem with Bakayo and Viktor, it’s classic troublemaking.
We have a massive squad and somehow Arteta has managed, publicly, to keep a lid on any player disaffection even if Eze looks miserable and Norgaard must be disappointed. Some temper tantrums are bound to occur, I remember Lauren getting quite worked up during the Invincible season, but we only heard about it afterwards.
Seems that Calafiori and Dowman are close to a return despite Mikel giving zero away.
All sorted, all good. Arteta on the Rice/Albert “discussion”.
Afternoon Rico and all, I hope Kepa keeps his spot for the epl / FA cup rounds as we may need both keepers to be match fitness come later in the season.
Devil it is sure hard losing a parent, especially around Christmas this was my first one without my dad and as you said it’s like being a yo yo one minute your up and the next minute your down.
The Rice/Albert business is a bit of a non-story surely. That sort of thing probably goes on all the time.
Apparently Rice gave Albert a big hug when he was substituted on Wednesday evening.
(it came out as Rico when I first typed – imagine that? 🤭)
Afternoon Kev, Geoff, all.
Glad the Rico/Albert situation has been resolved. I don’t like falling out with people. 😜
Guehi to City for £20m then… Guardiola obviously wants one more title.
Glasner leaving Palace at the end of the season. 2+2=7
Roma have signed Malen from Villa..
The Transfer window hotting up at last, how exciting? 😉
I could crush a grape. 😂
Maybe Glasner will go to Real Madrid or Man United,although he strikes me as too shrewd to take on United
Or City if Pep leaves..
New post up.