Torreira the key? Jokanovic ready and waiting.

Morning all.

What a ghastly day yesterday was. There’s three elements of weather I really don’t like and all three came together to make a pretty nasty old day. The wind, rain and cold. Still, James Patterson and a log burner kept me company.

Had to feel sorry for our players yesterday though as they had to train in similar conditions. Who am I kidding, I used to play sport in that kind of weather all the time when I was younger, and I had to pay for it. Unlike these sports professionals who get rewarded handsomely.

Enough moaning I hear you cry, there’s been enough of that lately. Winning clearly isn’t enough, nope, not even eight victories on the trot is satisfying all Arsenal fans because all we’re doing is beating opponents which we’ve always beaten. Yes Lc, I was thinking of you as I typed that. Lol Forget the progress certain players are making or that we’re keeping pace with the leaders of the table, because we’re going to crash as the first difficult challenge. Sporting Lisbon maybe and if not them, Liverpool, or the next team who is better than those we’ve played before.

Of course our winning run will come to an end at some stage, maybe it’ll be today and if it does, I very much doubt it’ll be down to lack of trying on our part. Those days have gone. For the last few seasons I hadn’t a clue what result Arsenal would end up with on a match day regardless of whether we were playing top or bottom of the league but now, we’ll lets just say that’s fading. Self belief appears to be returning to the players too which imo is a big thing. They’d got to used to losing or drawing matches and my hunch is it didn’t matter. A shrug of the shoulders after the first goal was conceded, resignation to another defeat obvious. That’s gone but if you’re yet to be convinced of that, just watch the Chelsea game again. Anyway, winning is becoming a habit for this group of players and I’d sure as heck prefer that than be left wondering where our first away victory of the year was going to come from.

I’ll drop this little gem of positivity in I think. Our goals are being scored from all over the pitch which hasn’t been the case for a while. It used to be Alexis, before then RvP but seldom did anyone else really contribute. I think I’m right in saying it was Theo with his twenty goals one season from the wing. Twelve different goal scorers in all competitions and it’s only October. Not bad eh? Also, if we can add two goals to our tally today, we’ll become the third highest scoring club in the league so far.

And there’s another. Without Torreira in the team we’ve conceded an average of 2.2 goals per game but with him, that average drops right down to 0.5. Incredible really that one player can make such a difference. I doubt it’s as simple as that though because there are other factors to take into consideration so for arguments sake, let’s just we’re better with the little fella in the team than we are without him. Ok, I’m becoming an anorak so I’ll stop there.

There’s so much to be positive about and it’s only going to get better. The level of football can certainly improve because it’s far from being the finished article but that’s going to take time and player signings. I’m surprised though how quickly certain players have improved and how the players mentality has changed. Well, most of them Mr Özil.

A midday kick off today, our first this season I think and how convenient that the FA dropped this on us after an away game in Europa. Especially after clocking up the most air miles ever for a European fixture!

Mkhitaryan, Ramsey and Aubameyang all return to the squad after missing the midweek game and for Bernd Leno, it’s his first Premier League start. See, another positive there. When was the last time our supposed number two keeper had to be called on and it didn’t cause concern?

Fulham, newly promoted from the Championship and struggling with just five points on the board but that means nothing really. Clearly they need to find some form, especially at Craven Cottage so it’s not one to take for granted. Then again, I don’t think such a thing would go through Emery’s mind. He won’t have the ‘just turn up and enjoy yourselves’ attitude. He’ll have analysed the oppositions style of play, strengths and weaknesses since he arrived back in north London early Friday morning and presumably, left no stone unturned.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:

“They are the most in-form team in the Premier League, the only team who won the last five games in a row.”

“It’s a big club, a good team, and we don’t need any extra motivation, but we need to be motivated for our opportunity to play against this kind of team, and to find a better level. We are going to be ready and motivated for the battle.”

Jokanovic doesn’t seem to believe in parking a bus in front of his keeper, certainly not at home so the game should be open. We have the players to take advantage of such a tactic but defensively, we’ll need to be switched on and ready for their counterattack.

The Fulham man might be tempted to change tact though having observed that fact that we are the most in-form team in the League.

Have a good Sunday guys..

 

54 thoughts on “Torreira the key? Jokanovic ready and waiting.

  1. Cicero says:

    Good morning Rico you’ll be feeling better this morning, the rain has stopped the wind has dropped and the sun is shining. Forget James Patterson, he doesn’t write those books himself, try the Gordianus books by Steven Saylor, start with “Roman Blood”. On second thoughts, don’t or you wont have the time to write such excellent posts every day.

  2. rico says:

    Morning Cicero, thanks.

    Peterson writes his own books doesn’t he? The occasional one has another author credited by certainly the Cross and Bennet series are his. Even so, I love his books.. lol

    Scott, I hope he doesn’t play let alone score.

  3. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners and morning Rico, blimey, that was another great post, you made some really good points not least how dangerous Fulham will be today.

    They’ll be well rested and will have focused fully for a whole week on this game, no midweek fixtures for them, so they’ll probably come out fast and put us under a lot of pressure, we might have to deal with a lot of hairy moments given our defence, but that’s a great stat you give re: Torrieira, let’s hope it stays at 0.5 after the game.

    Leno will be a busy fella today, with the Interlull looming and a fit Petr Cech after that he’ll be aware that he hasn’t cemented his spot yet, a bit of competition concentrates the mind, but I like a German in goal for us.

    Mitrovitc is a hard nut so I’d like to see Holding in the team, but Mustafi will be fresh so will probably start. Not a game for carrying too many players who drift out of things during the 90 minutes, so some important selections for Unai today…

  4. allezkev says:

    Scott, I think that Ramsey is gone Digger, if the rumours are true we’ve already secured a new midfielder for January (his replacement?) the Paraguayan guy from the MLS and there’s still a possibility that we’ll snare Banega from Seville, the erudite Mr Adam thinks that that is a strong possibility and I never disagree with him. 😉

  5. scottfromoz says:

    Hiya Kev,
    I really am over the entire sage with Ramsey, and hope we get a decent penny for him in January.
    Not sure we will, as to warrant good money, he’d have to be in great form and if that were the case, we’d be extending.
    He’s gone and as he wants a few hundred k a week, he can booody we’ll go but for a low fee, I reckon.

  6. rico says:

    Morning Kev, thank you. I’m trying. 😜

    I thought you made some great points too earlier this morning.

    It’s interesting that there’s a number of new and relatively unknown managers in the league now. Most are foreign but unless we watch their teams play, goodness only knows how they’ve really been doing.

    I’m looking forward to the game, even though I’ll be moaning about our football afterwards… 😂

  7. rico says:

    Never heard of him Cicero, I like a good crime story, solving the case before the end is always my goal. Lol

    I’ll look out for his book…

  8. bripriuk says:

    WOW! I thought I’d cheat and wait for the teams before posting, Ramsey, Aubameyang, Socrates on the bench and no Ozil anywhere.
    I can’t wait to see the match – is anyone up for a sweep on how many times Mustafi falls over?

    Brian

  9. potter says:

    Just as I thought that Sokratis and Holding were the future but Mustafi gets the nod . Perhaps Sokratis is carrying a knock albeit he is on the bench. The lack of Ozil is interesting maybe the set up is more akin to his old pressing game.
    He is still experimenting , that’s what this season is for.

  10. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico, from collecting the ball through to the finish, it was just brilliant.
    The second half performance was that if a team filled with confidence.
    We played some fantastic football though in fairness, Fulham fell away, but we will take it 🙂

  11. Cicero says:

    That amazing goal by Ramsey, in his cameo appearance, sums him up completely. A truly Hollywood moment, but only acceptable in the latter stages of a game when we were leading and looking more and more comfortable as Fulham ran out of gas. Had that back heal flick gone wide Emery would have been entirely within his rights to kick Ramsey from one end of Craven Cottage to the other.

    It’s the sort of thing, along with his two Cup Final winning goals, that will be remembered after his departure rather than the times he failed to play a full part in a game. Not just making a late run into the box while ignoring his defensive duties and losing possession in dangerous places.

    If I had to choose between him and Ozil, as to which should be sold in January, I’d keep Ozil.

  12. andrewh1313 says:

    Afternoon all. Out this morning watching my daughter in a 10k run. Found a pub on the way home with BT just in time for the second half. Very impressive. During build up for third goal, I commented what a goal this would be if we finished the move! Superb team goal and great Ramsey finish.

    Didn’t see the tiredness that we used to expect after first choice players had competed in Europe, saw people playing as if a competition for places. And a joy on faces. Maybe the day Emery’s team started to take shape.

  13. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Again 15 minutes of “tassel” data to the opponent.
    Today the best of the defense was Mustafi.
    We continue to offer “gifts” in defense.
    What is made of Ozil? Is he “sick” again?
    Ozil or Ramsey in January? From the beginning I have the opinion that should be Ozil. Maybe Fenerbache (or another Turk), Shanghai FC (or another Chinese) or Al anything, buy it for 60 millions or more.

  14. Cicero says:

    It’s the presence of Torreria in mid-field that is allowing Xhaka to show his true potential. On top of that we have seen some of our players actually tackling and winning the ball. There will continue to be chances offered up by our defenders, as is the case of every other football club in the World, It’s why have a bloke in that net thingy, you know a goal keeper.

  15. Adam says:

    Rico. I agree. Once the defence hooked up with the midfield and strikers and it all started to move we looked very dangerous.

  16. rico says:

    We could do with another like Torriera Cicero because he does as you say make a huge difference. I fear for him though as it’s clear he’s the one the opposition target. Goodness knows how many times he was fouled today. Lacazette too.

    Very dangerous Adam.

  17. Cicero says:

    Right, kick of at Anfield a low scoring draw would suit us. But I expect a high scoring game. How long will it be before Milner kicks someone?

  18. rico says:

    Andrew, re your earlier, Sokratis spoke about just that earlier in the week. His view is that Emery has trained them so hard early on, tiredness is no longer an issue.

  19. Le Coq Monster says:

    Afternoon all from The Sunshine County.

    Thanks Rico for a fine post and I feel honoured to be mentioned 🙂
    some good anoraking too !

    Well !, judging from all reports, that`s more like it and to be honest from the starting line up with no Ozil (back spasm), Auba and BFG……………. I was scared !

    Can`t wait to watch MotD and I assume some complimentry comments from the experts !
    🙂

    Padstow was hot and the salted caramel ice cream delicious and well guarded from the Sea Gulls…………

    What a day !…………………….Gooners winning everywhere…………Sir Mo Farrah………………..Sir(only matter of time) Lewis Hamilton and Sir Frankie Detorri !………………was he signalling 5-1with his hands whilst on his horse ?…………………….and last and definately not least………….. we are above The Spuds !

    Great Day

  20. Le Coq Monster says:

    As someone who comes on after a game ( because I`m too scared to watch live as I dont have Sky Sports or BT and wont read comments in match ) it is so funny to read for example some Ramsey Bashing comments and then he scores a beautifull goal, not knocking, I just find it entertaining comedy stuff ! 😆

    Been such a great day after yesterdays rain and Tossingham winning that I dont care about the other game going on at the moment as I have a warm glow !

    😎

  21. Le Coq Monster says:

    I watch full game highlights and highlights (only when we win……….I will not watch us if we lose or draw !……funny, but thats the way I am )and read comments from all over the blog world to know even though we have won our last 9 games, 8 have been less than convincing and as some have suggested on here, even your good self !
    🙂

    Even without seeing the game as yet, I know from comments all over blog that we played our best game this season………especially in the second half .

    Only one gripe and this probably down to your anoraking, Rico……………………..The Terrier let us down today as we conceded 1 goal whilst he was playing instead of the 0.5 goal average from him !……………….hahahaha

  22. Le Coq Monster says:

    I agree certain things are improving and that they will take time, Rico, but as I said the other day or was it yesterday………we lost to Chavs this season when we drew last season under Wenger and beat Everton, WHam and Watford more convincingly under Wenger last season !……………………………..say we won 9 on the trot, please !……..hahahaha……………….my point is about like for like games this and last season and wish people could understand that point I`m making !…………………………….yes I do understand we have won our last 9 games and how good that is for confidence ,
    I may seem hard on it, but today I have no argument, we won and we won convincingly………….all good !
    🙂

  23. Le Coq Monster says:

    That`s fair enough, Rico, as I respect all opinions and only hope they respect mine, although I cant for the life of me understand how anyone would think our wins over W Ham, Everton and Watford this season were better than last seasons wins over the same teams……………….if anyone can back that up I`m all ears…………..eyes really as I cant hear you all !
    🙂

    What`s really unbelievable or remarkable is that we are only 2 points behind 3 teams who are unbeaten !
    😯

  24. Le Coq Monster says:

    Beautiful red sky beginning to form, suppose that means another hot day tomorrow……………….will I ever get out of these Budgie Smugglers ?

  25. ScottfromOz says:

    It’s weird how differently we all see games.
    I was having a heart attack each time Xhaka and Bellerin passed the ball for fear of who’s feet it’d end up-I really thought they were guilty of gifting Fulham too many chances.
    Mustafi was aggressive today and he always plays better when in that frame of mind.
    Torreira is a little terrier but damn, he’s copping some poor challenges and they’re being allowed.
    Lacazette copped a full set of studs down the calf/Achilles area with no resultant free kick.
    How long until we lose a player to these fouls??
    I reckon we can carry the lack of defensive duties shown by Ozil or Ramsey but not Ozil AND Ramsey.
    We can not ignore the quality and work involved in that goal, and it’s hardly a one off as he’s done it and better on numerous occasions over the years.

  26. scottfromoz says:

    The deft little chip pass to Lacazette, the world class finish-not many players around could’ve done either, let alone both and including an 80 metre run to boot.
    Can we let someone go who can do that?
    As long as we find a replacement who can, I’m up for it 🙂 🙂
    Well, if he wants this 200k a week, he can go but here’s hoping he accepts his proper value, if it’s even available, now.
    That is already a goal of the year contender.
    Most strikers around would’ve been tangled up and not even got a shot away, let alone that.
    Timing is everything, and his couldn’t have been better, considering the current saga around him, and as you said, Rico, if only to up his transfer fee.

  27. rico says:

    Morning Scott, all.

    I think Ramsey is upset by this contract standoff and I really think he wants to stay unless he’s a bloody good actor.

    He should have intervened with contract talks if that is the case or just signed the darn contract when it was on the table and sacked his agent. Greed has to be the only answer to why the club have withdrawn the offer.

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