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We’re back to my favourite competition, the bread and butter, the hardest one to win, the one you just cannot fluke… the one I want the most, of all the 4 trophies on offer this season… the Premier League.

We face Everton at the Emirates, and it’s another MUST WIN fixture. We kick-off before Mancheatster City, and have the chance to go 10 points clear at the top.

Everton have been excellent away from home of late, so we’ll need a colossal performance, to get the 3 points.

The Toffees are on the back of a 2-0 win, at home to Burnley… and the Gunners are on the back of an underwhelming 1-1 draw, away to Bayern Leverkusen.

At the very least, the Arsenal faithful are expecting a much improved performance. We’ll need to rediscover our battling qualities, as we simply cannot afford to be losing our duels, lose possession cheaply… but most importantly, we CANNOT afford to lose our nerve.

Our starting lineup was David Raya in goal, Calafiori came in at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

In midfield, it was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and up front… it was Madueke on the left, Havertz through the middle, and Saka on the right.

It was a good atmosphere at the Emirates, but understandably… it was a nervous atmosphere too. Nothing that an early goal wouldn’t fix though.

The Gunners started the game well enough, but it was evident early on, that Everton were going to be extremely difficult to break down.

McNeil had an effort which struck the post, and had David Raya scrambling… and Calafiori made a great block while on the floor. He somehow took to the air with one hand, and snuffed out the danger horizontally. It really was a remarkable block.

The Toffees were the better team, and things were looking sticky for The Arsenal.

We should’ve had a penalty, when Havertz was clean through… and the defender stepped on the back of his heel, but it wasn’t given… and I don’t recall VAR even checking it.

It was one of those days, that looked as though it could be turning into… one of those weekends.

Everton had another chance… it was a shot by Dewsbury-Hall, that was smartly saved by David Raya. The Gunners were relentlessly being fired upon, and this wasn’t an irony that I appreciated.

The Toffees have only lost 1 game away from home, in their last 10 away games… and we were seeing exactly why.

In the 38^th minute, Timber went off with a suspected injury, and was replaced by Mosquera. I’m hoping the substitution was just precautionary, and not anything to be worried about.

We need the best right-back in the world, doing what he does best… and that’s, playing for The Arsenal. Come back soon Jurien Timber. PLEEEEEEAAAAASE!

The first half finished 0-0, and although it was frustrating… I also felt relieved, because it could’ve been much, much worse.

We needed to find a way to improve our game, and break down this stubborn, well organised, Everton team… in the second half, or we won’t win the game. It’s as simple as that.

The Gunners looked slightly better in the second half, but we were still misfiring, and suffering from gun-jam. An irony, that I couldn’t appreciate.

David Raya was called into action early in the half, as he saved an effort at point-blank range, to keep us in the game, and to keep us believing, that we can win the match. I won’t lie, because of the way we were playing… my belief was on the ropes, taking a vicious beating, and was barely able to stand.

Arteta had decided he’d seen enough, and Martinelli came on for Madueke in the 61^st minute, and Gyokeres replaced Havertz.

Our possession increased, and Eze had curling shot that juuussst went wide… but it still wasn’t enough to ease my nerves. This game STILL had draw, etched all over it… and it was time for an Arsenal player to step up, and scribble their signature on this match, and change our fortunes.

In the 74^th minute, Hincapie replaced Calafiori, and Max Dowman came on for Zubimendi.

I wanted Arteta to bring on Max Dowman in the game against Bayern Leverkusen, because it was a game that just needed something different, something unscripted, from an Arsenal perspective. Max Dowman is so good, that I don’t hope something happens when he comes on… I KNOW something will happen. THAT’S how good he is!! Now, I’m not trying to put extra pressure on this boy, but every time he plays, he influences the team, in a positive way.

I’m wondering which superlatives to use, to describe the awe, and wonderment, that is The Wonderkid… 16 year old, Max Dowman. 16 years, and 73 days old, to be precise.

I’ve waxed lyrical about this young man, multiple times this season, and for good reason… because yet again, he’s proved that he’s a special, special talent.

Master Dowman picked up the ball on the right, cut inside onto his left… and whipped a sumptuous ball into the box, that Everton keeper Pickford came for, but missed. The ball hit Hincapie, and spilled into the path of Gyokeres… and he tapped the ball into an empty net. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A big goal! A HUUUUUUGE goal!!! A GARGANTUAN goal, in this title race.

The clock showed 89 minutes played, and I thought… ok, game done, don’t dare push for another goal… just shut up shop defensively, and take all 3 points.

With injury time looming though, The Toffees started to commit players forward… including their goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford… who came up the pitch, for an Everton corner.

The corner was taken, and a BRILLIANT defensive header was made by Martinelli… and the ball fell perfectly for Max Dowman, who carried the ball from deep inside his own half. He brushed off Mykolenko, skipped past Dewsbury-Hall… and then proceeded to slot the ball into the empty net. What a moment for him, his family, and Arsenal football club. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

History was made!! Max Dowman became the youngest player ever, to score for Arsenal… and the youngest ever goalscorer, in the Premier League. Sensational stuff, from Dowman.

The match finished 2-0, and again Arsenal found a way to win, when not playing particularly well. No, scratch that… Max Dowmnan, found a way… and he’s created a memory that he’ll cherish… foreverton.

On to the next one now, and the next one is… Bayern Leverkusen at home, followed by Mancheatster City, at Wembley, in the Carabao Cup Final. Our first opportunity to lift silverware this season, and we have to grab it with both hands. The opportunity, and… the silverware.

What would be your starting lineup, for the Carabao Cup Final?

Do you think beating City in the final, will finish them off in the league, psychologically?

Hincapie has shown great form of late, should he now be our first choice left-back?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. COYG!!

The games show no signs of slowing down, as we hop from competition, to competition… and that’s the way we like it, because it means we’re still involved, and still determined in our quest, to win all 4 trophies. The Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.

Now I know the Arsenal players probably won’t be thinking about winning all 4, but the longer we’re in every competition, the more us fans will dare to dream!

First thing’s first though… we’re away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. A tough game, and no doubt an emotional one, for ex-Leverkusen players Kai Havertz… and more recently, Piero Hincapie.

We need to take a positive result back to The Emirates, and hopefully it’s a healthy lead, so nervousness in the second leg, can be kept to a minimum.

Bayern Leverkusen are on the back of a 3-3 draw, away to SC Freiburg… and The Gunners are on the back of a 2-1 win, away to Mansfield in the FA Cup.

Arteta recalled all of the “Big Guns” to the starting line-up.

It was a 4-2-3-1 formation. David Raya was back in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

The midfield was Zubimendi, and Rice… and in front of them, was Martinelli on the left… Eze in the middle, and Saka on the left.

Viktor Gyokeres was again, up front on his own.

We started the game well, keeping the ball, patient in our build-up… and were very assured in our passing.

The Arsenal have been formidable in the Champions League this season, and we looked like a team brimming with confidence.

Unfortunately though, as the half progressed… the simple passes were made to look difficult, and Leverkusen started winning the 50-50 balls. Naturally, this gave them confidence, and they had a couple of half chances… but nothing to really trouble David Raya.

The game suddenly became a scrappy encounter, and we were not in control, AT ALL.

Martinelli hit the bar with a powerful left-foot shot, but apart from that… our attack had the cutting edge, of a plastic spoon. Very little else to report from that first half, and it finished 0-0.

The Gunners needed a better performance in the second half, they’re hoping to get anything out of this game.

We had the worst possible start to the second half though, and conceded a goal in the first minute.

Bayern Leverkusen forced a corner, and from the resulting corner, the centre-back Andrich… headed the ball into the net, unchallenged. It was sloppy defending, so we only have ourselves to blame. 1-0 to Leverkusen… and all I could think was… LEVE IT OUT!!

A response was needed. A response was expected. A response looked unlikely though, as we were still not playing well… and looked like we were still shellshocked, from conceding that early second half goal.

WAAAAKE UUUUP AAAARSENAAAAL!! I shouted at my TV, like somehow the players would hear me, and suddenly start playing good football.

So frustrating, as we were clearly playing within ourselves… and none of the “Big players” stepped up, to grab the game by the scruff of neck, and make something happen.

Speaking of big players, Saka was replaced by Madueke, in the 60th minute. The Starboy, by his own high standards, was ineffective on that right-hand side… and struggled to beat his man, on multiple occasions. I hope he’s not carrying an injury.

The 1-0 deficit was making the time tick away on fast-forward, and our attacking prowess seemed to be on pause, and this performance was definitely one NOT to record.

Havertz came on for Gyokeres, in the 74^th minute… but the way we were playing, I wasn’t confident that his introduction would make a difference.

I prayed silently, to be wrong… but still… nothing changed.

Jesus replaced Eze, in the 82^nd minute, and it felt like the last, LAST… last, roll of the dice.

I didn’t feel much like gambling on us getting the job done, in the second leg roulette wheel… but here we are.

Unbelievably, we were awarded a penalty in the 89^th minute, after a driving run from Noni Madueke… panicked the defender, into bringing him down in box.

VAR checked, and then they checked again… and the penalty stood! What an opportunity for The Gunners, to fire our first meaningful shot, in this tie.

Up stepped Kai Havertz… the player who played for Bayern Leverkusen, for four years.

Up stepped Cobra Kai… to bite his former team… and inject equalising venom, into the veins of the club that’s near, and dear to his heart. LEVE THE EMOTION OUT OF IT… I thought loudly, but couldn’t say the words… due to my fervent prayers, for him to score. (HAHAHA!)

King Kai placed the ball down on the spot… he took a deep breath, while I held mine… he did a stuttered run-up… and… he slotted the ball past the keeper. Low, and hard! GOOOAAAAAL!!! What a way to dispatch a pressure penalty. 1-1 and Havertz once again showed, that he’s a player for the big occasion.

The match finished 1-1, and we got away with one there, because we didn’t play well. We looked flat, lacked fluidity, and the sloppiness we showed both offensively, and defensively… was a concern.

Though saying all of that, we must be commended for finding a way to NOT lose the game, while not at our best.

Arteta must also be given great credit, for bringing on Madueke… who looked dangerous on the right, after replacing Saka. It was a brave substitution, and the bravery paid off.

It’s half-time in the tie now, until the second leg next week. We have Everton in the Premier League at home, before that game… and it’s another MUST WIN fixture.

We kick-off before Mancheatster City, and have the chance to go 10 points clear at the top.

Everton have been excellent away from home of late, so we’ll need a colossal performance, to get the 3 points against them.

We just played our 46^th game in all competitions… was that a contributing factor of our lacklustre performance?

Do you think Saka’s injury has affected his mobility?

How do you think Arteta can get more from the attacking players?

Let me know in the comments as usual. COYG!!

The Arsenal face Mansfield Town, at Field Mill… which is widely recognised as the oldest ground in football. It’s stood since 1861, and I’m sure it’ll stand for many more years to come.

So, we play in the oldest cup competition, at the oldest stadium in football. It’s fitting. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.

Mansfield Town are a League One side, but they’re NOT to be taken lightly… we’ve seen too many giant killings in the FA Cup, and it’s one of the reasons why I LOVE the FA Cup.

Let’s be professional, let’s get the win, and let’s progress to the next round.

The Stags are on the back of a 0-0 draw away to Rotherham, and The Gunners are on the back of a hard fought, 1-0 away win over Brighton.

Wholesale changes were made for this game, so most of the first team players were given some much needed rest.

Arteta surprised everyone with his 3-5-2 formation.

Calafiori, Mosquera, and the 16 year old, Marli Salmon… were the 3 centre-backs, with Martinelli, and Noni Madueke, both playing as wing-backs, to provide the width.

Trossard, Norgaard, and our other 16 year old… The Wonderkid… Max Dowman, were more central.

Kai Havertz played in front of them, just behind Gabriel Jesus… who played up front on his own.

It was quite the experimental starting line-up, and an even more experimental formation.

The Stags created a great atmosphere, and it had the feeling of a PROPER cup-tie. The sort of FA Cup match, where there was a whiff of a possible “Giant killing” in the air.

Max Dowman reacted quickest to a misplaced pass, by the Mansfield keeper… but unfortunately, he couldn’t quite get enough on his shot, and it was blocked.

Mansfield responded well, and it was clear that they’d been instructed to take the game to us, and not just sit back, waiting to be beaten… and that’s credit to their manager, Nigel Clough.

The Stags were thwarting our attacks, before they even began… due to how quickly they were closing down the space, and then they building attacks of their own. A smart stop from Kepa, prevented them from scoring opening goal.

Another couple of shots were put wide, and The Stags were letting The Gunners know, that they’re not in for an easy afternoon.

There’s that whiff of “Giant killing” in the air again. A pungent aroma, I must say.

We lacked cohesion, our passing was wayward… and some of the Arsenal players looked like strangers out there… which can sometimes happen, after so many changes, and a change in formation.

Take nothing away from The Stags though, because they’d been brilliant.

Trossard was withdrawn in the 38th minute, due to a suspected injury. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious, as our injury list seems to be piling up again.

Mikel Merino is a long term injury, as we know… but we’re still missing Odegaard, Saliba, and Ben White.

In the 41^st minute, some nice play between Havertz, and Madueke, down the right… opened Mansfield up, and the move ended with a good Madueke shot, which the keeper saved. However, the loose ball broke to Martinelli, who squared the ball to Madueke, but this time… his shot gave the keeper no chance. A powerful, but controlled, left-foot finish. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

That’s how the first half finished too, 1-0 to us. It could’ve quite easily of been 1-1, or even 2-1 to Mansfield, because that’s how well they played in that first half.

I said it had the feel of a PROPER cup-tie, and that’s exactly what it turned out to be.

The second half had barely started… and it the 50^th minute, Will Evans pounced on a misplaced pass from young Marli Salmon. Evans then ghosted past Mosquera, and slotted the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga, to make it 1-1.

Max Dowman was running at players, zig-zagging, and then having a shot on goal, or playing an excellent pass to a teammate. He was by far, the best player on the pitch.

He’s always calm under pressure, his balance is flawless… and he makes space for himself, when he has no right to. He’s an incredible talent, and I’m sooooooo glad he’s at The Arsenal, developing in the right way.

We started playing slightly better after conceding the goal, but we were still not in control of the game.

Arteta was hoping to change that in the 62^nd minute, when he sent on Eze to replace Havertz, and Timber came on for Marli Salmon.

Havertz had an ok game, and it showed that he had only just returned from injury. He struggled to keep pace with the game in some periods.

Salmon had a steady game, and quickly recovered from his early mistake. He’ll learn from it, and use it in a way that builds character, and resilience… and increases defensive awareness.

It took Eze just 4 minutes to make an impact. With the clock showing 66 minutes played, the ball was laid off to Eze… and from just inside the box, he shifted it onto his right-foot, and hit a thunderous strike, that flew past the keeper… faster than the speed of light. I think I heard the net scream in absolute agony, as it struggled not to burst, from the shot’s ferocity. What a strike, what a goal, and what a way to take the lead in this cup-tie. 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

In the 76^th minute, 19 year old Jaden Dixon, replaced Calafiori… who went off with a suspected hamstring injury.

Saka also came on to replace the irrepressible… Max Dowman, who had only just returned from injury himself.

We couldn’t add to our narrow 2-1 lead, but in the end, it was a win for The Arsenal. A Stag Night, if you will… as The Gunners hope to re-marry the cup competition, that they’ve won a record 14 times.

The draw for the quarter-finals has now been made, and the Gunners will face Southampton at St Mary’s.

We have a some Premier League games, some Champions League games, and the Carabao Cup Final, before the Southampton fixture.

 Next up, we’re away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. A tough game, and an emotional one, for ex-Leverkusen players Kai Havertz… and more recently, Piero Hincapie.

We need to take a positive result back to The Emirates, and I’m sure we will.

Should Max Dowman be given more game time, even though he’s only 16?

We lost Trossard, and Calafiori, to injury in this game. Are the amount of injuries a concern that should be investigated by our medical team, or have we just been unlucky?

With the outside noise now louder than EVER… what should The Arsenal players do, to insulate themselves form it?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. COYG!!

Under the lights at the Amex Stadium, The Arsenal take on Brighton. A game that’s never easy for us, but few games in the Premier League are.

There’s 9 league games remaining for the Gunners to play, and this is just another difficult one that we must tick off the list.

At the business end of the season it’s not about performances, it’s irrelevant how we look stylistically… It’s  just about finding a way to win. No losses, no draws, just … WINS!!

We have to assume that Mancheatster City will win ALL of their remaining games (Apart from the game against us of course) and we HAVE TO win all of OUR remaining games.

It’s still in our hands, and we want to keep it that way. We don’t want to be relying on other teams, to help us win our first Premier League title in 22 years.

Brighton are on the back of a 2-1 home win over Nottingham Forest, and The Arsenal are on the back of a vital 2-1 win, over Chelsea.

Leading up to this match, there were unnecessary, overly elaborate, nonsensical discussions… about The Arsenal scoring from set-pieces, like we’re somehow cheating, and it’s suddenly not part of the game.

What made matters worse, is that most of the noise was coming from ex-players, ex-managers, and so called “Respectable” pundits.

Our style of football was put under the microscope, and dim-witted analysis followed.

For the previous 2-3 seasons, we’ve played glorious football, and came close to winning the league, but finished those seasons trophyless. We were ridiculed, and labelled as “Bottlers” and accused of lacking the required mentality, to get over the line.

It’s Arteta’s job to find another way to win more games, and ultimately, win the league… and he’s found a way, and he, and the Arsenal team… are being criticised for it.

I don’t even know where the goalposts are now, they’ve been moved so much. The movers must be exhausted.

This’ll make our league title win, all the sweeter. I will quench my thirst with naysayer tears.

Aaaanywooo, where were we… ah yes… The Gunners’ starting 11 was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Mosquera, in central defence… and Timber at right-back.

William Saliba picked up an ankle injury… hopefully it’s nothing too serious, but we’ve been dealing with injuries to key players well, since the start of the season.

In midfield it was Zubimendi and Rice… just in front of them, was Martinelli, Eze, and Saka.

Viktor Gyokeres started up front on his own, in a  4-2-3-1 formation, with Eze given a licence to roam.

The Seagulls play quite open, expansive football, and I think this may suit us… as we can exploit the space they leave in behind, and catch them on the counter.

Accurate passing, and good decision making in the final third, will determine whether we get the win or not. I’m hoping for a couple of early goals, and then complete control of the game… but The Arsenal like me to shout at the television, and increase my heartrate to dangerous levels, so I won’t hold my breath. I can’t afford to! (HAHAHA!)

There was a good atmosphere at the Amex Stadium, and we needed to start the game well, to silence their fans. The Gunners can’t give them encouragement, or anything to sing about… and we DEFINITELY can’t feed The Seagulls, as they’re perfectly capable of taking food, all on their own.

Seagulls are just basically pigeons anyway, but with a nice suit on. (HAHA!)

The Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, was crying, whingeing, and moaning… about our alleged timewasting, during his pre-match press conference. I guess it was an attempt to get the referee on side, as ANY false narrative where The Arsenal are concerned… is taken as gospel.

Hurzeler is the youngest manager in the league, and it showed… as he spat his dummy out, knocked everything off the table, and started crying LOUDLY, for no reason whatsoever. PATHETIC.

Aaaaanywhooooo…. We started the game a little cagey, a little unsure of ourselves… and were looking like because we’re close to the finish line, the pressure is weighing heavily. We were overthinking the things that we’ve been doing naturally, throughout this season.

Case, and point, was David Raya misplacing a pass in the opening minutes… when he was outside his area, and then getting chipped by Baleba. Thankfully though, Gabriel Magalhaes was on the goal-line, to clean up the spillage in isle 13… and head the ball clear.

The Gunners settled into the game better after that, but The Seagulls continued to look for any unguarded snacks, that they could swoop in on.

In the 9^th minute though, we let them know how serious we are, about protecting our food.

Timber passed the ball to Saka out on the right, and Saka casually cut inside the two players attempting to marshal him… and he fired a left-foot shot through the keeper’s legs. It was an excellent finish, but admittedly, the keeper should’ve done better. 1-0 to The Arsenal, and another reason for Fabian Hurzeler to cry. He probably needs changing now too! (HAHAHA!)

Our Starboy gets the goal, on his 300^th appearance for the Gunners. An incredible achievement, for one so young. Hopefully, there’s another 300 games AT LEAST, to come. A truly magnificent player for us… and I struggle for superlatives, to accurately describe his importance, to Arsenal football club.

Brighton responded well, but our defensive solidity, prevented them from shining bright-on like a diamond… they were instead, reduced to dull, tacky, costume jewellery.

Yes, they put us under some pressure, and we rode our luck at times… but they just couldn’t break us down.

We needed to increase our potency in attack, and we did try, but couldn’t find that killer pass.

It got a bit scrappy after that, and silly fouls, and play acting, prevented the fluidity to the game.

The first half finished 1-0 to us, but I’d have Brighton as the better team, in that half.

We had another 45 minutes to put that right, and the second half started A LOT better, from an Arsenal perspective. There was no sign of nerves, our passing was better, and we began to exploit the spaces better… by our own high standards though, we didn’t create enough in front of goal.

Arteta tried to change that in the 60^th minute, when he introduced Havertz for Gyokeres, Trossard for Martinelli, and Calafiori for Mosquera.

The changes gave us more control of the game, and we seldom gave the ball away cheaply, which was imperative to us seeing this tricky game out, and taking all 3 points.

Havertz had a great chance to make it 2-0, after being put clean through on goal… but the keeper saved it.

Norgaard replaced Zubimendi in the 80^th minute, just to sure things up… and sure things up he did, as the match finished 1-0 to the Arsenal.

It was far from a vintage Arsenal performance, but who cares… at this stage of the season, it’s about the wins, and win…we did.

It was a gritty, battling, defensive display… and Gabriel Magalhaes led the charge. He was imperious, he was immovable, he was gladiatorial, he was colossal. Gabriel embodied what Arsenal football club, is all about… and so did Piero Hincapie.

It filtered through to the Arsenal fans in the Amex stadium, that Mancheatster City had dropped points at home to Forest, and the roar from the Arsenal faithful could be heard for miles, and miles. It felt significant. It felt like a …”That’s when we won the league” moment.

Titles aren’t won in March, we know this… but we’ve put ourselves in a position where we can afford to drop points, and STILL be in a great position. We’re 7 points clear at the top, after all.

Fabian Hurzeler was STILL crying in his POST MATCH press conference. He was snivelling about the football we played, the non-existent “Time wasting”… and how we make our own rules, when we play football. (HAHAHAH!!)

Hurzeler needs to make a bottle of sour wine, with all those sour grapes. PATHETIC!!

Aaaanywhoooo… we now turn our attentions to the FA Cup weekend. The Arsenal face Mansfield Town, at Field Mill… which is widely recognised as the oldest ground in football. It’s stood since 1861, and I’m sure it’ll stand for many more years to come.

So, we play in the oldest cup competition, at the oldest stadium in football. It’s fitting. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.

Mansfield Town are a League One side, but they’re NOT to be taken lightly… we’ve seen too many giant killings in the FA Cup, and it’s one of the reasons why I LOVE the FA Cup.

Let’s be professional, let’s get the win, and let’s progress to the next round.

Wholesale changes are expected for the Mansfield match… who would you play?

Do you agree that this win away to Brighton, is a “That’s where we won the league” moment?

Are you enjoying Tottenham’s relegation dogfight? (HAHAHA!)

Let me know in the comments as usual. COYG!!

After a rare one week gap since we assaulted Spurs, we’re back at the Emirates Stadium, and it’s the setting for another London Derby.

Not for the first time this season, the fixture list seems to be working against us, with all it’s might. We’re used to dealing with it, at this point… and I’m sure Chelsea will feel they have a point to prove, after playing us three times so far this season, and having zero wins to show for it.

Another colossal performance is required, in order for us to win this game. There’s no margin for error… and no errors will be tolerated, in our margins.

The Arsenal are on the back of escorting Tottenham, closer to the relegation door… with an emphatic 4-1 win.

The Blues are on the back of a draw at home to Burnley… but they’ll no doubt raise their game against us, and play out of their skins, in an attempt to spoil our party.

They’d love nothing more, than a win out of the blue.

The Gunners lined-up in the same way we did against Spurs… with Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

Midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and the strike team was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle… and Saka on the right.

A raucous atmosphere, promised a game with incident… and the Gunners will need to keep cool heads, and not abandon our discipline. We cannot allow the Chelsea thuggery, to disrupt our methodical, and sometimes pragmatic, football.

The Gunners have an exemplary record in London Derbies, and have only lost 1 Derby, in the last 25 games. A proud record that we hope to continue.

We started the game at a pace that confused The Blues, and it was evident, they had no clues, as to how they’d stop us… and yet, they were very much involved in the game. They looked up for the fight, but early jitters from their goalkeeper Sanchez, put uncertainty in the players’ minds. He seemed determined to sabotage anything good that his teammates did, and I love him for that. (HAHAHAHA!!)

In the 21^st minute Saka took a corner, that he swung in deep to the back post.

His ball was met by Gabriel, who ignored the grappling of his markers, and headed the ball back across goal… to an alert William Saliba.

Willow headed the ball home from close range, to make it 1-0 to The Arsenal!! It took a deflection on the way in, but who cares?!! I know Saliba doesn’t, as this was his first goal since early December 2024.

We had chances to increase our lead in the minutes that followed, but a combination of lacking a cutting edge in the final third, and Chelsea defending well… thwarted any designs we had, on doubling the tally.

Chelsea grew more into the game, and it was evident that our inability to kill them off, gave them encouragement… and in the 47^th minute of the first half, their encouragement turned to jubilation.

The Blues were awarded a corner, and Reece James whipped a dangerous ball in, that missed everyone, except Hincapie. He glanced the ball into his own net, and made the scoreline 1-1.

A horrible goal to concede, and right on the stroke of half-time too. The price we pay for not killing teams off, is always one we cannot afford.

The first half ended 1-1, and we were OK at best. Much more effort, desire, footballing intelligence, and passing accuracy… needed in the second half.

Many of the “Big” players hadn’t shown up yet, and the Arsenal faithful were praying that they’d make an appearance.

The second half was scrappy in the early stages, with both teams giving the ball away cheaply. Chelsea started to gain the upper hand, and put us under extended periods of pressure, which we dealt with reasonably well.

I know it’s an old cliché, but the game was balanced on a knife-edge, and the edge was balanced on the edge, of the edge.

Arteta brought on Martinelli, for Trossard in the 56th minute, in an effort to tip the balance in our favour… and edge us closer to victory.

Cynical fouls were the desired commodity of the second half, and the referee was happy to make purchases… using yellow cards, as currency.

Clear cut chances, and the ability to create them, was a real struggle for us… and I wondered where, and how… our much needed winning goal, would come about.

The 66^th minute brought my wondering to an abrupt end. We earned a corner, and Declan Rice & Peas, put an incredible ball into the box… with extra gravy… and the ball seemed to kiss Timber’s forehead tenderly, on it’s way into the net. A clever header from Timber, who took up a good position, and caused chaos with his movement. 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

Robert Sanchez, the hapless Chelsea goalkeeper… claimed to of been pushed, and wanted the goal disallowed. He’ll do everything, except admit his calamitous clownery… between the sticks. Other Chelsea protests followed… but they fell on deaf ears, as the goal was cleared by VAR… and Pedro Neto was booked, for not knowing when to shut-up. It’s so wonderful to see diiiiirrrty Chelsea suffer. (HAHAHA!)

Not long after receiving a booking, Pedro Neto brought down Martinelli with a clumsy challenge, in the 70^th minute…  after Martinelli made him look silly… with some good dribbling skills, and excellent ball control. The referee had no choice, but to send Neto off. Yet ANOTHER red card for The Blues, who seem to have a real discipline problem. Again… It’s wonderful to witness. I wish nothing but the worst, for Chelsea Football Club. (Insert shrug emoji here. HAHA!)

With the game now stretched, and Chelsea down to 10-men, Arteta made further changes in the 76^th minute.

Norgaard replaced Declan Rice & Peas, and Havertz came on for Gyokeres.

We didn’t really let our extra man count, and Chelsea avoided further damage, as the minutes ticked away.

Eze came close with a decent shot, but it was saved by Sanchez. I guess he remembered how to be a goalkeeper again, for the briefest of moments. (HA!)

Unbeknownst to me, we struggled to keep the ball, and our passing got significantly worse, after Chelsea went down to 10-men.

Our attacking players were still yet to be seen, and because it was still only 2-1, I couldn’t relax. We needed another goal… and the moans, and groans of anxiousness, reverberating around the Emirates Stadium… wasn’t doing my heartrate any favours.

The Blues continued to push for an equaliser, and David Raya made a brilliant save, after a teasing cross from Garnacho.

Raya knew that the flight, and pace of the ball, could change with the slightest of touches, from a Chelsea player, or his own player… so he waited until the very last moment, to pull off a match-winning save.

It was very intelligent goalkeeping from David Raya, and he once again showed exceptional agility, as he has done all season. Truly, the epitome of “Safe hands”.

In the dying moments of the game, Delap put the ball into the Arsenal net, after a magnificent double-save from Raya. Thankfully though, Delap was offside.

The referee FINALLY blew the final whistle, and we won the game 2-1. A statement victory, considering it was against a good Chelsea team, and we didn’t play well at all.

A statement victory, considering it was our second London Derby in-a-row.

A statement victory, considering the immense pressure we were under to win this game.

We’ve played Chelsea 4 times this season, and have won 3 of those games, and drawn one.

They’ve been dominated, and I’m glad to see the back of them. We’re out of the blue. We’ve given them the blues, and we’ve beaten them… black & blue.

With Chelsea in the rearview, and their ashes still smouldering… we can turn our attentions to Brighton, who we face at the Amex. A tough game, and we’ll need to shine Bright-on them, to get all 3 points.

We won ugly against Chelsea, but are you concerned that our attacking players were so ineffective?

With Odegaard injured again, and Havertz back… would you play Havertz, or Eze, against Brighton?

Are you as bored as I am, with all the criticism The Arsenal face, over our set-piece brilliance?

Let me know in the comments as usual. COYG!!

A game of this magnitude needs no hype, or introduction… but I’m pretty sure, I’m about to do both.

The players shouldn’t need to be reminded of the importance of the game, they shouldn’t even need a team talk. They should still be seething from the awful Wolves performance, and be determined to put things right, by slaying their north London rivals.

There’s 3 points at stake, there’s pride at stake, there’s bragging rights at stake!! North London has been, and forever will be… RED!! Every now and then however, we have to remind our trophy lacking neighbours, that we’re their superiors, and they’re our subordinates.

ANOTHER convincing win against these minnows, will spur us on, for the upcoming fixtures.

Tottenham are on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle, and The Arsenal are on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves.

Neither result will have any bearing on this game though, as form goes out the window where derbies are concerned, and this is a fact that’s been well documented.

We went with a starting line-up of David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, in central defence, and Timber at right-back.

The midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and the front three was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

It was a hostile atmosphere, as expected… but the Arsenal players didn’t allow themselves to be affected by it. In fact, we were composed, played with controlled aggression, and passed through our delusional neighbours… with an ease that reminded them that although we may be in a similar geographical location, we’re not in the same footballing class.

Early chances from Gyokeres, and Saliba, asserted our dominance, and instilled fear into our ill equipped enemy.

In the 32^nd minute, we inflicted the first wound on the relegation fodder… after Saka ran at Sarr, and then ran through him. Our Starboy then cut the ball back to Eze, and he flicked the ball up majestically, and volleyed it home. A wonderful finish!! 1-0 to the Arsenal!!

UNFORTUNATELY, our celebrations were short-lived, because just 2 minutes later, a mistake from Declan Rice, allowed Muani to equalise. He dispossessed Rice, cut inside… and put the ball past Raya, with a hard, low finish. 1-1. (BOOOOOOOO!!)

It was an undeserved goal, but as we know… you don’t always get what you deserve in football.

The first half finished 1-1, and it was all to play for. We looked unmoved by their equaliser though, and I must say… THAT’S always a good sign.

We began the second half ruthlessly, and that’s exactly what the Arsenal contingent needed.

Saka, and then Trossard, were unlucky not to score… but the Spursy Spurs, were on the ropes, and unsteady on their feet… a knockout, was inevitable.

In the 47^th minute, Timber played an exceptional ball in to Gyokeres, from the right hand side… and Gyokeres took a touch on the edge of the box, and smashed the ball past the Tottenham keeper, ferociously. A FANTASTIC GOAL!! A MONUMENTAL GOAL!! A goal that etches Gyokeres’ name, into Gunners folklore!! 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

Due to an earlier booking for Timber, and a little fatigue… he was replaced in the 57^th minute, by one of the signings of the season in my opinion, Cristhian Mosquera.

I sensed that there were more goals in this game for us, and in the 61st minute, I was proved right. Saka, and Eze linked up well… and Eze put Saka clean through on the keeper, but his shot was blocked. Fortunately though, the loose ball fell kindly for Eze, and he rifled the ball home. His second goal of the game, his fifth goal against Spurs, in two games!! A big game player, and derby assassin!! And from his kill count, business… is GOOOOOOD!! Oh, and of course, 3-1 to The Arsenal!!

We continued to embarrass Rottenham Notspur, and the two goal cushion helped the Gunners faithful to relax… including the manager, because in the 77^th minute, further changes were made.

Martinelli replaced Trossard, and Odegaard came on for Eze.

Trossard had an OK game, by his high standard… but Eberechi Eze, was phenomenal… and I’m not just talking about his goals. His little touches, and flicks around the corner, control in tight spaces, and his overall link-up play, was a joy to behold.

I’ve said in multiple blogs not to worry about Eze, I’ve said he needed time, I’ve said he needed to adjust to playing multiple games a week, and I’ve said he’s needed to adjust to a new system, and the pressure that comes with playing for a big club. We’re NOW merely seeing, an “Adjusted” Eberechi Eze… and opposing teams, are now going to have to adjust, to his attacking potency… and they’ll have to do EXACTLY the same, for Viktor Gyokeres.

Aaaaaanywhooo, more opportunities followed, but we couldn’t put the relegation fodder out of their misery.

Madueke replaced Saka in the 91^st minute… and I’d just like to say that Saka had a superb game. It didn’t matter which Tottenham player he ran at, or dribbled past… they were ALL scared to death, and I enjoyed their panic immensely.

The game was drawing to its conclusion, and I’d just begun to accept the 3-1 scoreline… but Odegaard had other ideas… when he picked the ball up in midfield, and played a perfect ball into the path of Gyokeres. He effortlessly held off the defender, and stroked the ball past the keeper… with a confidence that was inspiring to the Arsenal family. 4-1 to The Arsenal!!!! A second goal for Gyokeres… and an undeniable, marksman’s performance.

A positional awareness, character building, confidence inspiring, roughhousing the opposition defenders… type of performance.

Nobody is above criticism, but the criticism Gyokeres has faced… is agenda driven, unfair, and exaggerated. He most certainly shut a few critics up in this game, and I’m pleased for him.

The match finished 4-1, just like it did when we played them at the Emirates. That’s an 8-2 aggregate scoreline, and it highlights the fact that Tottenham Hotspur are a comical football team, and institution. (HAHAHA!!)

It was an excellent team performance, in a game that we simply HAD TO win, and not just because it’s the North London Derby… and not just because of our recent results in the Premier League. We HAD TO win, to expel the doubt that was creeping into the team, and our fanbase.

We HAD TO win to remind ourselves we CAN cope with the pressure, and to decrease the decibels of the outside noise… and that’s EXACTLY what we did.

Now, with Tottenham pushed closer to relegation, at the hands of The Arsenal… we can turn our attention to Chelsea. We play The Blues at the Emirates next, and we need to continue our brilliant record against them. Let’s add some black to their blue. Beat them black and blue, if you will. We need to go on a winning run now, and get this league title wrapped up.

Should Arteta play the same starting 11 against Chelsea?

Do Timber, and Zubimendi, need a rest?

Will this be the greatest season EVER, if we win the league, and Tottenham get relegated? HAHAHA!!

Let me know in the comments, as usual. NORTH LONDON IS RED!!! COYG!!!

Here we are, back to Premier League business… and we’re at Molineux, to face a Wolves side, who are dead… but not necessarily buried. I wander if we can heap dirt on Wolverhampton Wanderers, and lay them to rest.

Yes, their points tally is woeful, and yes… they’re already relegated, but their last two results were a 1-0 win away to Grimsby Town in the FA Cup, and a draw away to Nottingham Forest, in the Premier League. Make no mistake, sometimes… they’re no pushovers.

The Arsenal are on the back of a convincing 4-0 win over Wigan, in the FA Cup… and should be really up for this match, especially as it presents an opportunity, to go 7 points clear of Mancheatster City… at the top of the league.

We have to react in the right way, to the disappointment, of the Brentford result… and I’m sure we will.

The starting line-up was David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, in central defence, and Timber at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, and Zubimendi… and in front of them, it Martinelli on the left, Saka in a more central role, and Madueke on the right.

Viktor Gyokeres started up front.

We started the game with a determination to right our previous wrongs. The movement, the quickness of our passing, and the productivity in the final third, was exciting to say the least. I waaaah, wah, wah, wah, wandeeeerrred… if Wolverhampton Wanderers, were in for a hammering.

In the 5^th minute, Saka gave my hammering thoughts some nails. A lovely pass from Declan Rice over the top, complimented Saka’s well timed run… and our Starboy finished with a clever glancing header. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A perfect start to the game, and a perfect way for Bukayo Saka to celebrate the signing of his new 5 year contract.

We were dominating the game, but we didn’t capitalise on multiple opportunities, to kill the game off in the early stages.

The Wolves fans were unrelenting in support for their team, and the Wolves players were NOT playing like a team already relegated… so naturally, my hammering thoughts dissipated… and rightly so, because the first half ended 1-0, even though it should’ve been more.

Wolves were a completely different opposition in the second half, and we seemed to of forgotten how to pass, how to keep the ball, how to defend, AND how to attack.

It was painful to watch, and even though we were still 1-0 up, the fragility of the lead was apparent.

We somehow got sucked into the type of game that Wolves wanted to play. It was scrappy, it was chaotic, it was nervous, and it was uncharacteristic, for the Gunners to play this way.

Now I appreciate that there’s been a huge volume of games, due to us being involved in every competition… HOWEVER, I also appreciate that we’re playing a team at the bottom of the table, and we should be putting them to the sword. The mentality of the players is often questioned, and I think it’s unjustifiable MOST of the time, because the players have proved the solidity of their mentality… on multiple occasions this season. We’re in the position we’re in for a reason.

In this game though, there were signs of fatigue… both mentally, and physically. Mikel Arteta has to accept some blame for that, as I don’t feel he’s been rotating the squad as often as he should be. In addition to that, I think Arteta of late, has been too obsessed with how we are defensively, as opposed to focussing on how to have a more attacking mindset… and NOT take our foot off the gas, after going a goal up.

As you know my beloved Arsenal brethren, I seldom focus on the negatives, as I feel it’s an exercise riddled with futility… but we must acknowledge that our current form in the Premier League, is somewhat concerning.

Aaaanywhooooo… back to the match at hand, we were still playing like we were unsure of ourselves, but in the 56th minute, and against the run of play… we managed to double our lead.

Gabriel of all people, spotted a clever run from Hincapie, and he slid a perfect ball to him, which Hincapie took in his stride, and finished emphatically past the Wolves keeper… with the confidence of a seasoned striker. It was a great finish into the roof of the net, that put the Gunners into a commanding lead. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

Funnily enough though, even with the two goal lead, I wasn’t sitting comfortably, as we hadn’t been playing well in the second half.

How uncomfortable I felt was warranted, because in the 61^st minute, Hugo Bueno hit a wonder-strike from the edge of the box. A sumptuous curled effort, with his left foot… and we only had ourselves to blame. The game could’ve been over in the first half, and we were paying the price for our inefficiency in front of goal. 2-1 now the scoreline.

Mikel Arteta responded by trying to freshen things up, and he brought on Jesus for Gyokeres, and Eze for Madueke. Nothing changed though, and we still didn’t look like scoring a third goal… so in the 73^rd minute, Trossard replaced Saka.

The match continued scrappily, and The Arsenal were in danger of dropping points in back-to-back games.

We were unable to stop the Wolves resurgence, and we started defending way too deep. We were almost inviting the pressure.

 The squandering of chances continued for us, and inevitably, Wolves gained confidence. There was a growing feeling amongst the Arsenal faithful, that a Wolves equaliser was on the cards.

In the 94^th minute, our worst nightmare came true.

A nothing ball was put into the Arsenal box, and David Raya crazily attempted to catch the ball, over Gabriel’s head… which he failed to do spectacularly. The loose ball was then fired in by Tom Edozie… after hitting the post, hitting Calafiori, and then going in. It was comical defending from the Gunners, but I most certainly WASN’T laughing.

We threw away the three points, in almost the last kick of the game. It was incomprehensible, unfathomable, inexcusable… and looked like another case of self-sabotage… because it was painstakingly avoidable. The scoreline now 2-2. (Unfortunately!!)

The game ended 2-2, in a match where Arsenal could’ve easily been 3-0 up in the first half. I felt sick, and the regurgitation of the same old narratives, were pending from the mainstream media.

It was a terrible day at the office for The Arsenal, but we have little time to lick our wounds, as next up… we have an away trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to face a Tottenham team, that’ll have a new manager bounce, and will be determined to get revenge on us… after the 4-1 humiliation at the Emirates.

It goes without saying, that only a win will do!!

Are you concerned by the lack of fight, and desire we showed?

What do you think we can we do differently, to increase the potency in our attack?

David Raya has looked calamitous in recent weeks, does Kepa Arrizabalaga, deserve a run in the team?

Let me know in the comments as usual. GOYG!!

The oldest cup competition in the world, always throws up some surprises… and I’m hoping any Arsenal surprises, are pleasant ones.

We’re at the Emirates Stadium, where we face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

The Latics have recently appointed a new manager, but by now… The Arsenal are used to facing teams, with that new manager bounce.

Wigan sit 22^nd in League One, and are on the back of a 2-1 home defeat, at the hands of Reading.

We’re on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brentford.

On paper, we should obliterate Wigan… but as I’ve said before… football matches aren’t played on paper.

The starting line-up was Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, Benny Blanco at right-back, Saliba and Mosquera, in central defence… and Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

Lewis-Skelly was initially going to start in midfield, but Calafiori getting injured during the warm-up, changed Arteta’s plans… which is a shame, as many Arsenal fans, including me, are longing to see Lewis-Skelly start games in midfield.

Anywhoooo…. In the midfield it  was Norgaard, Saka, and Eze.

Saka in a more central role excited me, because he absolutely has the creativity, to play this role. He has the intelligence, passing accuracy, and the vision too. I hope it’s not the last time we see our Starboy in that position.

The front three was Madueke on the right, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Martinelli on the left.

We started the game well, and it became apparent early-on, that Saka was given freedom to float around in dangerous areas. He, and Madueke, were linking up superbly,… and despite Wigan trying to sit in a low defensive block… we were finding space all over the pitch, and we were incredibly efficient, in those spaces.

Arsenal being two leagues above Wigan, started to show… and in the 11^th minute, the wheels fell off Wigan’s wagon.

Eze beat his man on the midfield line, and spotted Madueke making a great run. Eze found him with pinpoint accuracy, and Madueke slotted the ball home calmly. It was a great pass, and it was mirrored, by the composure shown on the finish. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

Our dominance continued, we sensed that the floodgates were open now… and the 18^th minute, confirmed there was no dam in sight.

Eze again picked the ball up, but a little further forward in midfield this time… he slid the ball to Matrinelli, who held off his defender, and finished confidently. He made it look so easy… and our ruthlessness in front of goal, was a joy to behold. Something that was missing in our game against Brentford. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

The clock displayed 23 minutes… and Madueke beat his man on the right, and played the ball into his fellow minister of havoc, Bukayo Saka. The Starboy got to the byline, put the ball into a dangerous area, and it was finished expertly, by the Wigan defender, Jack Hunt. He put the ball into his own net, and made it 3-0 to The Arsenal!!

The Gunners were determined not to allow us to catch our breath… and though I was fighting for oxygen, I was enjoying myself. Breathing is overrated anyway. (HAHA!)

Only a mere 27 minutes had passed, and as The Latics attempted to fix their Wigan Wheels, we interrupted their repairs, once again.

Norgaard the protagonist this time… put the ball under his spell, in his own half… and played a fantastic ball over the top, to the sprinting Gabriel Jesus. The Wigan keeper rushed off his line, to quell the striker’s intentions… but Jesus just dinked the ball over him nonchalantly, and then turned water into wine. An exquisite finish!! 4-0 to The Arsenal!!

The Gunners became the first Premier League team, to score 4 goals, in the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup tie.

That’s how the first half finished anyway, with The Arsenal 4 goals to the good.

I expected a combination of a damage limitation exercise from Wigan, and a foot off the gas performance from The Gunners, in the second half… and that’s exactly what I got.

Gyokeres replaced Saka at half-time, as Saka’s not fully fit… However, even with the introduction of Gyokeres… firearms remained on safety, and Wigan’s wagon wheels, were restored to their former glory, except this time, they were made of bricks… instead of straw, and wet A4 paper.

Cruising, and just seeing the game out, Arteta made further substitutions. In the 62^nd minute, Marli Salmon replaced William Saliba. A second FA Cup appearance for Marli Salmon, after making a cameo against Portsmouth, in the previous round. An extremely proud moment for him… and for his family, and friends.

Leandro Trossard came on for the irrepressible, Noni Madueke… who scored for the third consecutive game. It’s great to see him show this kind of form, at the business end of the season… and long may it continue.

We had some nearly moments in the later stages of the game, the most memorable being a Gyokeres shot that hit the post… but ultimately, we finished the game in the first half.. so we didn’t have to exert ourselves too much. Energy, was conserved.

Martin Zubimendi replaced Benny Blanco in the 79^th minute, who I thought had a good game. Ben White is definitely back to his best, and I hope now that he can stay injury free.

We’re going to need EVERYONE in this gruelling title run-in, that’s for sure.

There was a wonderful moment in the 87^th minute, when the young goalkeeper Tommy Setford, came on for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

At just 19 years old, he’s made his FA Cup debut for the senior team. A proud, and surreal moment for him I imagine, and for his family, and friends.

As you’ve probably guessed, the match ended 4-0 to The Arsenal… and it was a much needed, feel good performance, after the Brentford result in the Premier League.

We played with a freedom, and a fluidity, that made us look like scoring, with every attack. Yes, I’ll have to caveat that “It’s only Wigan” but with the changes made to the starting line-up, and with players starting in unfamiliar positions… the cohesion, was impressive.

It was a stellar performance from Norgaard by the way, who controlled the midfield, and always tried to play the type of passes, that hurts the opposition.

There was also two assists from Eze, which will do his confidence a world of good, going into the next run of games. Hopefully, this is the start of us putting another winning run together.

Next up we face Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Molineux Stadium… and I’m wandering, if we can keep the wolves from our door. Hopefully, we leave them howling in despair.

Should Arteta play Saka more central, in the game against Wolves?

Does Arteta need to start playing more players, in different positions… or is that too big-a-risk?

Even with this latest injury to Kai Havertz, we still have multiple options in attack… who would you like to see in the frontline against Wolves?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. Thanks for reading, and COYG!!

Unrelenting, unforgiving, unpredictable, unwavering, uncontrollable. All words I’d use to describe the football calendar… and The Gunners must once again dig deep, and deal with a tough away game, against an inform Brentford team.

We have to put aside fatigue, doubt, injuries to key players, the possibility that Mancheatster City, could cut our lead at the top from 6 points, to 3 points.

All of those things must be put aside, as it’s outside noise… outside noise that we must mute, in order to make positive noise of our own.

We’re at the business end of the season, when only wins will do… so we have to be the buzzkill to The Bees. We have to avoid being stung, we have to keep The Bees at bay. Be the Beekeepers, if you will.

The starting line-up was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Mosquera, in central defence… due to Saliba being out with the flu. The ever-present Jurien Timber, continued at right-back.

In midfield, it was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze.

The front three was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

It was a miserable evening at the Gtech Stadium, with the rain threatening to make it a scrappy affair… and scrappy, it was.

The Gunners started the game woefully, and The Bees sensed weakness, and were determined to make honey. They were buzzing, and we showed no signs of being the buzzkill.

We gave the ball away sloppily, a nervousness suppressed the fluidity in our play, and cohesion seemed to of abandoned us.

I’m not going to say they players succumbed to the pressure, because that’s too easy… and anyway, these players have shown numerous times this season, that they not only perform under pressure, but they welcome it… they long for it… they embrace it.

I think the issue was a more simple explanation, there’s some tired legs out there. We’ve played a large number of games, in a short space of time, and due to injuries… Arteta hasn’t been able to rotate the squad, as much as he would’ve liked.

There honestly wasn’t anything of any note, to report in the first half… it was a hard watch, and silly fouls continuously interrupted play, for both teams.

It was a half for the set-piece purists. There were long throws, and there were corner-kicks, and then there were corner-kicks, and then long throws.

To say it was an extremely forgettable half of football, is an understatement. As you’ve probably been able to deduce by now, the first half finished 0-0.

Mikel Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard, for Eberechi Eze, and quite frankly… anyone could’ve been substituted, because the whole team played within themselves. We were awful.

The introduction of Odegaard, seemed to give the team a lift… but I think the “Lift” was down to Arteta, giving them a talking to at half-time.

These players should need little motivation to win this game, as we’re going for the Premier League title, but… what should, or shouldn’t happen… is often far removed from, what IS.

We looked slightly better in the second half, but we still lacked that killer instinct in the final third.

In the 61^st minute though, Piero Hincapie put a superb cross into the box… that was met by Noni Madueke. He jumped highest, and connected with the ball brilliantly, to guide a difficult header home. 1-0 to the Arsenal!!

Saka replaced Madueke in the 70^th minute, and we needed the substitution to be an impactful one.

Unfortunately, the lead was short lived… as in the 71^st minute, a Brentford throw-in caused chaos in the Arsenal box, and we failed to clear our lines… and the ball fell  to Lewis-Potter, who headed in from close range. 1-1 now the scoreline.

Excellent work from Brentford, and shocking defending, from the Gunners.

The introduction of Saka changed nothing, and we were still playing waaaaaay below our usual standard.

Brentford were the better team, and looked more like getting a winner, than us.

In the 81^st minute, Martinelli replaced Trossard, and Calafiori came on for Hincapie. Changes that I didn’t necessarily disagree with… but they were changes that I felt, were made too late.

There were chances from Declan Rice, and Martinelli late on… but ultimately, we simply didn’t do enough to win the game. It finished 1-1, and we were lucky to get out of there with a point. I have to be honest… The Bees deserved to win the game. I believe this will turn out to be a good point though.

Time is a super grasser, so…. I guess time will tell.

I’ll acknowledge that it was a terrible day at the office, but that’s football. That can happen in the most competitive league in the world. It’s time to review, and take stock… based on how badly we performed, but it’s NOT time for a meltdown.

It’s NOT time for kneejerk reactions. It’s NOT time for overly negative, analytical takes. It’s NOT time to lose faith in this brilliant team… and it’s most certainly NOT time, to be divided as a fanbase.

I’ve said this previously, we’re NOT going to win EVERY game. We’ll lose some, and we’ll draw some… and that’s ok. That happens, when you’re challenging for the title.

Please my Arsenal family… BREEEEEEAAAAAATHEEE… and then BREEEEEEAAAAAATHEE, again.

We’re still 4 points ahead of Mancheatster City, at the top of the league… and we’re there for a reason. Do NOT allow the PTSD from previous seasons, to cloud your judgement, or make you listen to the outside noise. Our team need us NOW, more than EVER!

We have to ensure that our anxiety doesn’t filter down to the players. They need encouragement, they need unshakable faith, and they need to know… that the fanbase won’t be on a downward spiral into despair, after every loss, or draw.

Perspective is needed. Context is needed. Level heads, are needed.

Next up, we face Wigan in the FA Cup, at the Emirates Stadium. A welcome distraction from the league, I feel. A morale boosting, convincing win, is what’s needed… and I’m sure The Arsenal, will give us what we need.

Do you have anything to add to my match analysis?

Do you feel the players are succumbing to the immense pressure?

What needs to change in our attack, to be more dangerous in the final third?

Does Arteta need to be more adventurous in his tactics?

Let me know in the comments, as usual… and thanks for reading. COYG!!!

The Emirates Stadium is once again the venue, but this time for a Premier League fixture, against Sunderland.

The Black Cats have shown on multiple occasions this season, that they’re more than capable of mixing it with the “Big Teams”.

They held us to a 2-2 draw, when we played them at the Stadium of Light, and the memory of that game… should keep any Arsenal complacency at bay.

Sunderland are on the back of a 3-0 win against Burnley, and The Arsenal are on the back of a dramatic 1-0 semi-final win… over Chelsea, in the Carabao Cup… so both teams will be fairly confident, going into this match.

Our fans were in full voice, and immediately dispelled any notions, that it would be a tense, anxious atmosphere.

Instead, there was belief in the air, and a level of certainty… that we’d put in an professional performance. A prrrrfect pawformance, against The Black Cats.

The line-up was David Raya in goal, Timber at right-back, Saliba and Gabriel, in central defence, and Calafiori at left-back.

In front of them, was a midfield trio of Havertz, Zubimendi, and Rice.

The front three was Madueke on the right, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Trossard on the left.

We started the game determined to remind Sunderland, that they are at the home of the champions elect. Our movement, and slick passing, were hand-in-hand, like newlyweds… and The Gunners, were ready for the first dance.

Warning shots from Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz were fired… but not before The Black Cats had a chance of their own… when David Raya fluffed his attempt to catch the ball, and it resulted in a Sunderland shot. Fortunately though, the shot was blocked, and cleared away, by Kai Havertz.

The Arsenal responded pawfectly in the 42^nd minute, when Trossard squared the ball to Zumbimendi, near the edge of the box… and Zoobaaah-Zoobaaah, struck the ball beautifully, with the outside of his right foot. The ball kissed the post tenderly, on it’s was past the Sunderland keeper. A world class finish, that made it 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

The Black Cats were in a low block, but to their credit… they showed ambition, and tried to attack us. This meant more space than usual, for our attackers to exploit.

Havertz did just that, when deep in his own half, he put a defence-splitting through ball, into the space for Jesus.  As Jesus sprinted into the box, with the goal at his mercy… and ready to pull the trigger… he was bundled over by the Sunderland defender, Daniel Ballard. We thought we had a penalty, but after a VAR check, Gabriel Jesus was deemed to be offside.

The Black Cats survive by their whiskers, but I’m pretty sure they lost at least 4 of their 9 lives.

Unfortunately we couldn’t add to our goal tally, and the curtain dropped on the first half, with The Gunners leading 1-0.

Sunderland had some “Nearly moments” early in the second half, when we were careless with the ball, a few times… but defending as a team, all over the pitch, ensured the ball was recovered quickly.

A whisper from the clock in the 60^th minute, encouraged Mikel Arteta to make substitutions.

On came Martinelli for Madueke, and Gyokeres replaced Gabriel Jesus.

In the 66^th minute, Trossard intercepted a Sunderland pass, and threaded the ball through to Havertz. He cut it back to Gyokeres… and although Gyokeres was off balance, he finished the move with aplomb, as he was falling over. A powerful right foot finish. 2-0 to the Arsenal!!

Another Havertz assist to Gyokeres, and the chemistry between them, seems to be getting better, and better. Long may it continue!!

As both Calafiori, and Havertz, have not long returned of injury… they were replaced by Hincapie, and Eze, respectively.

Due to The Black Cats having to go for it now, there was space all over the pitch. The game had opened up… but The Gunners wanted closing time.

We were dominant, and The Black Cats were looking like they’d be quite happy for the referee to end the match early, to prevent further torment, from the Arsenal laser pen.

In the 93^rd minute, a Norgaard clearance fell kindly for Martinelli… and still in his own half, he flicked the ball over the Sunderland left-back Reinildo, and sprinted past him. As he entered the Sunderland box, he unselfishly squared the ball to Gyokeres, who tapped the ball into an empty net. It was classic breakaway goal. 3-0 to The Arsenal!! That’s a brace for Gyokeres, from the bench, and that’s now 6 goals, in 8 games, for him.

All the ignorami who relentlessly tried to force the false narrative, that Gyokeres isn’t a good player, are looking rather stupid right now.

They’ll continue to look stupid, and Gyokeres will continue to let his football do the talking.

Aaaaaanywhoooo… the match finished 3-0 to us, and it was a deserved win. A professional win. A win to underline our mental strength. A win once again showing our squad depth, and that it’s abundantly clear… regardless of who starts for Arsenal, they’re all singing from the same hymn sheet… and they’re singing, beautifully.

Next up, we have a tricky away game against Brentford… and I’m sure The Bees will be eager to sting us. We’ll have to bee-keeper them, at bay… and take the 3 point shaped honeycomb.

Do you agree with my match analysis?

Will Gyokeres continue scoring?

Are you concerned about Mancheatster City catching us?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. COYG!!