Morning all.
That was a bit of a huff, puff and eventually blow the Newcastle defence down. Two cracking goals won the tie in the end though. The first was about three things, Saka to start the move rolling, the strength and determination of Lacazette and the finest of finishes from ESR. The second was about Xhaka and Tierney setting up a chance which Aubameyang couldn’t miss.
The performance from Arsenal was pretty ordinary. Tierney was his usual self bombing up and down the left but his link up play we usually see was non existent as no one was offering him an out ball. Nelson, in for Martinelli just before kick off, wasn’t on the same page. Over on the right, Pepe was once again huffing and puffing without really doing much. Willian was just Willian. The quick passing game we’ve seen in recent weeks was gone as back came the pre Chelsea style of football.
Arsenal certainly created more opportunities to score than Newcastle but that wasn’t difficult as they barely tested Bernd Leno, certainly in the first half. Our first real effort with purpose came through Aubameyang after Cedric crossed into the box. The shot was strong but the Newcastle keeper pushed it away from goal. Into the path of Willian who blasted his effort high and wide. Nelson too had had a golden opportunity but instead of hitting the ball first time his decision to take a touch let him down.
Newcastle improved a tad after the break. Chances came and went for both sides, perhaps the best for Newcastle through Andy Carroll but Leno’s fine save kept the scores level. Mikel Arteta had made changes by then with Saka, Xhaka and ESR replacing Willian, Willock and Nelson. VAR was on hand to suggest Chris Kavanagh review his decision to show ESR a straight red card, a decision he changed to a booking. Not that I thought our midfielder deserved to be booked either. The tackle on Nelson early in the game was far worse.
Anyway, into extra time we went and the changes Mikel Arteta made paid off. Two top notch goals saw us through and we’ll find out on Monday who we play next. A home tie against Marine would be nice.
If Mikel Arteta needed convincing that Pepe and Willian aren’t going to win him matches, last night might just have done the trick. I thought Willock and Nelson also struggled to make any real impact too. Luiz, another of the returning experienced players did alright I thought as did the defence in general and Leno, although had little to do, made a great save to keep us in the game.
The difference between Lacazette and Aubameyang playing central was also clear. Would Aubameyang have fought for the ball in a way Lacazette did which led to our opener? No, not in my opinion. Lacazette works for the team, Aubameyang wants his goals laid on a plate.
Lastly, Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Martinelli:
I am gutted. I was in my office before the game and one of the coaches came in and told me that Gabi had hurt himself, that he’d twisted his ankle. I went to the medical room and he was in tears. He was in a lot of pain and we’re going to have to see how he is. It didn’t look good. He was in pain so I imagine that we’re not going to have good news with him. We really want to know what’s going on. He’s a character and he wants to play the next game. He doesn’t care and can handle pain but I don’t know. Hopefully there is nothing too serious but to start with, it didn’t look too good.
He’s set to have a scan today so we can only hope for good news. At least he looked comfortable and pain free as he watched the game from the stands…
See you in the comments.
Arsenal’s new superstar Smith Rowe making a mockery of Willian’s woeful performances
Arsenal correspondent, Charles Watts.
Less than a month ago, Emile Smith Rowe hadn’t started a league game in over a year.
Now, Arsenal’s brilliant young playmaker will be one of the first names on the team-sheet when Mikel Arteta names his side to face Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
Smith Rowe didn’t even start Saturday night’s FA Cup third-round tie against Newcastle, such is his importance to Arteta now, but he still came off the bench to inspire a 2-0 victory and earn himself the man of the match award.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the 20-year-old finally broke the deadlock in the second period of extra time with a fabulous finish before skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang killed the game off with a late tap-in.
This wasn’t a pretty win for Arsenal, but it was another performance which underlined how important the club’s youngsters are to Arteta going forward, and how tricky a problem some of the senior stars are becoming.
Having been left out of the starting XI, Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka might have been a bit fearful that Willian or Nicolas Pepe would produce the type of performance which would have made them undroppable.
However, as has been the case time and time again this season, both flattered to deceive.
There were some bright spots from Pepe, especially in the first half when he threatened at times to prize open the Newcastle backline, but, on the whole, it was another underwhelming display from Arsenal’s record signing.
Willian, meanwhile, was just plain awful.
The Brazilian started in the No.10 role that Smith Rowe has made his own since Boxing Day and served up another horrendous display for the 66 minutes he was on the pitch.
Brought in on a free transfer from Chelsea, the 32-year-old was supposed to hit the ground running this season, given his experience and knowledge of the Premier League.
But he has done anything but and with every week that ticks bye, he is becoming more and more of a problem for Arsenal.
Willian stands to pocket close to £30 million ($40m) over his three-year contract in north London but, so far, he is offering nothing back in return.
His shot in the first half after Martin Dubravka had palmed out Aubameyang’s effort summed up his season so far. A player of his calibre should have at least got it on target; instead, he almost took out the clock at the top of the stadium.
Arteta has staunchly defended his summer signing up to this point but, privately, the Spaniard must be very concerned by his start to life in north London.
Arsenal have been trying to reduce their wage bill for years and, in the coming months, several high-earners will finally be on the way out.
But it now looks like they have lumbered themselves with another ageing player on big money who will be extremely difficult to shift.
Arsenal have invested well over £100m ($136m) to bring in Pepe and Willian over the past two years. Both are senior players who are expected to deliver, but instead they find themselves behind two academy graduates in the pecking order.
Both Saka and Smith Rowe were introduced in the second half to try and spark some life into an Arsenal display that had all the hallmarks of their lethargic performances during their recent dire run.
And they did just that, causing Newcastle all sorts of problems with their movement and intent whenever they got on the ball.
Smith Rowe was rightly reprieved by VAR when he was initially shown a red card for a tackle on Sean Longstaff just before the end of normal time and he went on to take full advantage in the extra 30 minutes.
His touch and finish after he latched onto Alexandre Lacazette’s flick-on was a real indicator of his quality, and Arteta will be counting his blessings that he has the young attacker to call on for the next three games, rather than having him sat at home.
The enthusiasm and quality he has injected into Arsenal’s season since Christmas is remarkable and it makes a mockery of the abject performances Willian continues to serve up on a weekly basis.
Smith Rowe has made himself the present and the future. The former Chelsea man, however, is looking more and more like the odd man out.
That’s pretty exactly how I see the Willian conundrum, we’ve saddled ourselves with another old, undermotivated drain on our limited resources… ☹️
Thanks for the post Rico, the only positive anyone can take from the Martinelli situation is that it isn’t his knee again and that it’s just really bad luck. I feel desperately sorry for the kid because all he wants to do is play. What a difference from that waster Ozil.
Me too. I thought it was a good deal at the time because of how he used to play but my goodness, he’s been awful for Arsenal.
I just read Ozil wants £68k a week for three years and he’ll leave this month. What a joke he is if true. Just go and play football and forget the money.
These younger players of ours are embarrassing some of the older ones Kev.
Interesting that Ceballos wasn’t in the squad, wonder if Real want him back this month.
Rico, if it’s going to cost us the same to keep Ozil until the end of his contract as it is to release him, then just keep him, let him rot…
If Ceballos goes back to Real then so be it Rico, he’s been pretty average this season so far except for the West Brom game.
Even after we get shot of that Turkish waster we’re going to have the same negativity with Willian and Pepe so a couple more years of this paying excessive wages to underperforming footballers…
Wonder if there’s any truth to the rumours about Guendouzi coming back to Arsenal this month.
Hey Coach, I didn’t realise that it was 18 years, my God the years have flown by…
I will email you…
I’m of the same opinion Kev re Ozil. Let him run his contract down if he’s not prepared to just move on like most other players do. He’s ruining his own reputation.
Not fussed over Ceballos either way but if him playing keeps Willian out of the team, then best he stays. I’m not so anti Pepe a# it does seem like he tries but the PL doesn’t seem to suit him. Or simply playing on the right isn’t suiting him.
Yeah I saw that Rico, I think it’s just some mischief making in the media, of course if Ceballos does leave then I guess that that’s an option.
And yes, I’d love Marine at home in the next round… 😉
Pepe was better in the Europa fixtures, So is he another who benefits from youth around him? More energy and pace?
Or coming back to be sold Kev? 😂
That is the Guendouzi links…
It’s quiet on here today
Maybe, regarding Pepe, I guess there is more potential to get a performance out of him but with Willian it’s lime flogging a dead horse.
If someone would be prepared to take on the last two years of Willian’s contract and it didn’t cost us a fortune then I think it would make sense to give him a free in the summer…
Very quiet, often is when we win..
If someone wants Willian, I’d let him go for free today. 😂
Afternoon Rico/everyone
Well that wasn’t much fun, up to the last few minutes anyway, do we care? No, we’re in the 4th round draw.
I agree with everyone’s comments, our
substitutions changed the game, Smith – Rowe is fantastic, Lacazette is classy, Xhaka very good to be fair. I thought Saka was quiet. Nelson too but he deserves a run of games.
Kieran Tierney, what a player.
Let’s keep the run going.
G’day all.
I think it’s plain to see that the Willian signing was a punt that has gone horribly wrong. Not only does he act as drag on the team, he is an obstacle to younger players getting vital minutes on the pitch. His reported £7.2 million a year (£138,000 per week) wages, with a three year contract, make him almost as hard to remove as Ozil. I don’t think he will be willing to take a pay cut even if we offer him a free transfer.
Morning all,
It’s no coincidence that our players who do white best work in open spaces are failing.
The game has changed and so out recruiting must.
Pepe, though by no means dominant, had one of his better games since arriving, I thought.
He looked dangerous on plenty of occasions.
Obviously he needs to offer us more though.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1382117/Marine-Tottenham-FA-Cup-Mesut-Ozil-Arsenal-news
Love it. Great story DG.
Afternoon Limey. I’m with you on Xhaka, he was really good yesterday. What a strike he hit too.
We’ve definitely the makings of a great team being built.
You are coming to the conclusion that I arrived more than two months ago about William: was supposed to play in the middle and the team “rotated” around him from the middle to the front, and instead, dropped too far to the right (or left , like yesterday) and does not produce and unbalance the whole team. In addition, he plays (?) only half a time.
. Pepa, I don’t have your opinion in part. It is not worth the amount that was paid, but he plays forwards, he is very good technically, he is a fantasist, he finishes, improvises. It is for him that he tries to deliver the ball when there is no solution.
Luiz, I disagree with Rico. It is very slow, “strolls” the ball, points too much, one is always holding the credo because from there a red card can come out.
Nelson and Willock are hardworking. They are good substitutes but not in the first 16-18.
Marine are 51:1 to qualify. And if they do it in extra time its 151:1
Anyone willing to wager £10 on Marine??
Dont rush in calling me mad
Jm, I did say was ok. Nothing great but in the League, I’d like to think Holding, Mari and Gabriel are way ahead of him in the pecking order.
Hi Rico and all I am guessing that Balogun will try for a transfer as it seems Arteta does not think his ready or no good
Holding, Mari and Gabriel will be with us next season. The remaining place will be taken either by Chambers or an incoming CB. Luiz, Mustafi and Papasthoplous will not be with us. Currently we also have 4 FB. However, Tierney is the only undisputable one. Bellerin, SOares and AMN are still up in the air with regards their future.
Hi Geoff, certainly seems that way.
There’s also Medley, Ballard and McGuinness coming through. A lot of decisions on our loaned players to be made this summer imo.
Saliba
Oops, yep, Saliba too.
Just watching Crawley beating Leeds 2-0
Finished 3 – 0 , Bielsa is a genious apparently
Ha ha. The Crawley left back wasn’t bad.
You do wonder if that is where we should be doing our shoping .
Looking abroad for young potential is all well and good but what about here .
Always said similar, why not look at the lower leagues. There are good players around. Plus, we’d be helping the lower league clubs finances.
Rico I agree wholeheartedly with that comment. Surely players who are good enough to play at the top can be found in the lower divisions. I am certain that a Dixon, a Winterburn, a Bould, a Holding can be found in the lower leagues. And as you said these can help put money in the lower divisions. And I am sure it will save us a lot more.
Finding players in the lower leagues is not only likely to be productive but it’s cost effective. They will come for a step up in wages but not mega money.Afterall if we can find a player like Tierney in a league that could be considered to be a lower league than the premier there must be many others out there
It’s common sense to me Devil, every good footballer has to start somewhere.
Morning guys.
I was thinking last night the players we’ve had from Scotland, Wales and Ireland have been hard workers who always gave their all.
If you look at the lower leagues you’ll find them scattered throughout.
No doubt you’d also find the odd Tierney in Scotland, but I dare say the Irish and Welsh leaves wouldn’t be great.
Yep, check the lower leagues and no doubt there’s be PL quality players, if you have an eye for it.
Leno didn’t receive enough recognition for his performance imo.
He was absolutely superb.
So Napoli, according to the Daily Telegraph are targeting Kieran Tierney………….. really?!!!
In what fecking world do the dummies that write for the Telegraph live in if they think that Napoli could make the type of bid that would possibly tempt Arsenal to sell our best player?
Have Napoli been bought out by Jeff Beszos and someone hasn’t told us?
Are Napoli about to bid £80m for Tierney?
Have the scribblers at the Telegraph been on the happy pills again?
You decide…
Kev,
Bloody media lol
Good Morning Rico and everyone.
Napoli in for Tierney??? lol. that has got to be the fake news of the century. First of all and most important is that Napoli have bigger needs elsewhere and will simply not offer £80m for the left back position. Secondly and also important is that financially, Napoli cannot afford that outlay. Even Juventus are finding finances hard let alone Napoli.
I dont think Arsenal are daft enough to allow him to leave whatever the money thrown at them. Imo Tierney, Saka, ESR, Martinelli and at the moment Lacazette are untouchables. Yes I included Lacazette because he is the focal point of attack. Unless we find someone who can do his job better that will make him as untouchable.
Each player has his price. But the above mentioned players atm have no price. They should be unavailable to sell, loan, steal or whatever.
https://www.justarsenal.com/ozil-offers-arsenal-the-chance-to-get-rid-of-him-in-a-flexible-way/269734
If this is really true than Arsenal should do it. It is spread over three years. Imo its the best way for the present circumstances…..as with the wages they free up they can employ other players with his wages alone. At least two players to three.
Any fee they get for other players they sell will be a bonus.
Leno didn’t receive enough recognition for his performance imo.
There were 3 parts to that save , the first was standard blocking, the second was brave , and third quick reactions to fall on the ball . All of this is standard goalkeeping practice but
The way Carrol came in swinging his foot could have taken his head off,it would have been easy to get out the way , he didn’t
Great save .
Potter, if he’d conceded a goal, all we’d hear about is how we should’ve kept Martinez.
You only mentioned a few moments of play, but that’s not all Leno did.