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The Premier League has resumed, ladies and gentleman… and for the long time readers, I know you’ve heard it all before… but for the newbies… we’re BACK to the bread and butter.

We’re back to the competition, that I want us to win the most!

There’s NOTHING like being crowned champions, after being the best team, over a 38 game period. I don’t tire of saying it.

We host Manchester United. We host YANITED. We host The Red Devils, at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal have to make devilled eggs out of The Red Devils, and then use their own pitchfork, to eat them.

Manchester United haven’t beaten us for a while, but that doesn’t mean they’re not capable of doing it. We’ll need to have our wits about us, and will need to be at our sparkling best, to get the result we desire… especially as The Red Devils are on the back of a 2-0 win, over Mancheatster City.

We’re on the back of a 3-1 win over Inter Milan, AND, we’re at home… so we’ll be supremely confident too.

Our rivalry goes back to the Fergie vs Wenger days, when Arsene Wenger was new to the league, and dared to have a brand new football philosophy…and then dared still, to challenge Alex Ferguson, and his Manchester United machine.

There’s no love lost, there’s no love found, there’s no love up, and there’s no love down.

I want us to batter them, like they were a savoury food, in a chip shop.

First things first though, the lineup.

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 Odegaard.

Up front, it was Trossard on the left, Jesus through the middle, and Saka on the right.

I’m sure you’ve noticed, that I never do the lineup for the other team…and that’s because… who cares! This is an Arsenal blog… the rest, are insignificant! (HAHAHAH)

The Arsenal faithful were in full voice, and their vocals boomed through the Emirates Stadium. Their roars, shaking the very foundations, of this footballing colosseum.

The stage was set, for a gladiatorial encounter.

We started the game tremendously, and the Man United players, had the deer caught in headlights look, etched all over their faces.

The Gunners meant business, and I leaned forward in my chair, eager to witness their business model.

We were in complete control, and our quick, incisive passing, and elusive movement… reminded the Red Devils, that they were facing a proper team.

In the 29^th minute, we got our just rewards… when a ball into the box from Hincapie, was touched on delicately by Saka, and Odegaard’s miss-kick, fell to Timber… who appeared to put the ball in from close range.

Upon closer inspection though, it was deemed to be an own goal from the Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martinez.  1-0 to The Arsenal!!

Our jubilation was short lived though, because just 8 minutes later, Martin Zubimendi made an uncharacteristic mistake… when he passed the ball across our goal, and directly into the path of Bryan Mbeumo… who sickeningly, slotted the ball in, with great composure. It was 1-1.

Now, I didn’t expect an easy game, but I didn’t expect the Arsenal foot, to be riddled with bullet wounds from our own guns, either.

The first half ended honours even… and 1-1 didn’t feel like a fair reflection of the game, but that’s on us, because our dominance in the first 30 minutes, should’ve meant more goals.

Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve… I guess.

When we came out for the second half, it looked as though we were still reeling, from the mistake which led to the YANITED equaliser.

We needed clearer, cooler heads, to navigate our way through the remainder of this game.

It was time for mentality to take precedence, over physicality.

The Arsenal players seemed to be giving nervousness, and doubt, a piggyback, at the same time… and it was borne out in our play.

Simple passes were being missed, tackles weren’t being made, our movement became static… and our energy seemed to dissipate.

The Red Devils started to look like the better team, and they confirmed it in the 50^th minute, when Patrick Dorgu blasted a left foot strike, from the edge of the box, past David Raya. 2-1 to Manchester United.

I expected a positive response, but quite frankly, our play became much worse after that… and too many of our “Big players” made themselves small. They were just not visible, to the naked eye.

Mikel Arteta made changes in the 58^th minute, and in my opinion… he should’ve made them sooner.

Ben White replaced Piero Hincapie, Gyokeres came in for Jesus, Merino replaced Odegaard, and Eberechi Eze, came on for Zubimendi.

Full credit to Arteta, for the number of substitutions he made, in an attempt to regain control of the game, and to reignite the fire we showed in the first half… but I feel the players were letting him down in this match.

Nothing changed in our play. We still lacked belief, we still played within ourselves, and The Red Devils, still looked like the better team.

In the 75^th minute, Madueke replaced Trossard, and I, like Arteta, was hoping his introduction, would cause chaos to the opposition’s tired legs. It didn’t.

A corner in the 84^th minute, taken by Saka, caused a bit of a goalmouth scramble, and Mikel Merino, poked the ball home from close range. 2-2 now.

Again though, cheers quickly turned to tears, when Matheus Cunha picked up the ball in the 87^th minute… and unleashed a ferocious shot, from waaaaay outside the box, that flew past Raya.

It was a fantastic goal from Cunha, and I wish I could say that YANITED didn’t deserve that, but I’d be lying. 3-2 to The Red Devils… and it felt like, we let evil win.

I thought we’d make devilled eggs out of them, but instead… WE cracked.

The match finished 3-2 to them… and it was another unacceptable performance in the league, for us. On the back of two consecutive 0-0 draws, it’s concerning yes… but disastrous, no. An emphatic, NO!!

Perspective is needed, and reactionary, PTSD takes, need to on the back burner.

That’s only our third league defeat of the season, we’re still top by four points, we’re top of the Champions League, we’re still in the FA Cup, and we’re in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.

The season is a long one, and the journey to success, is even longer. There’s going to be bumps in the road, and we’ll change our tyres, and keep on driving.

Accept it was wasn’t a good performance, but also accept that we’ve had, and are STILL having, a good season. We’re still fighting for silverware in all competitions, and we STILL have a chance to turn a good season, into a GREAT season.

BELIEVE!!!

Next up, we have a Champions League game against Kairat, at the Emirates Stadium.

This is the perfect game to bounce back, as Kairat are bottom of the Champions League, and haven’t won a single game, in the competition.

We need to rack up the goals against them, boost morale, and dispel all thoughts of Manchester United.

Do you think we’re succumbing to the pressure?

Do you agree that the players let Arteta down, in this game?

Are we going to win the league?

What would you change, to get more from our attackers?

As usual, let me know in the comments. COYG!!!

For those who may of forgotten, The Gunners still sit top of the Champions League table, and we’re 3 points above second placed, Bayern Munich.

With only 2 games remaining in the group stage, and a guaranteed top 2 finish, Arteta can afford to rest players. Now whether he does, or not… is a different thing entirely.

We’re hosted by Inter Milan, at the San Siro… and even though we don’t have to win the game, I want to win the game, to banish all thoughts of the Forest performance, completely from memory.

I want us to beat them convincingly. I want us to give them a good kicking. The type of kicking, that Bruce Lee would be proud of.  Inter The Dragon! (HAHAHA)

Let’s be interstellar!! Let’s be so otherworldly, that interstellar… is the only suitable description of our performance.

I need every shot, to intermingle, with the back of the Inter Milan net.

Ok, ok, I’m done playing with the Inter name… for now.

Let’s get down to business.

Arsenal are on the back of a 0-0 draw, away to Nottingham Forest, and Inter Milan are on the back of a 1-0 win… away to Udinese.

There were changes to the Arsenal lineup, as suspected.

David Raya, started in goal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Mosquera, and Saliba, in central defence… and, Timber at right-back.

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

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

It was sensible to rest players, but to still field a team strong enough to compete with Inter Milan… and Arteta’s done exactly that.

Hopefully we won’t look too disjointed, because of all the changes… and we’ll still be interconnected, in our play. (I snuck another one in there, and I’m not sorry)

We started the game significantly better, than we did against Nottingham Forest, and it warmed my football shaped heart.

The Gunners brandished all their firearms, pointed them at Inter, and let the football world know, we’re prepared to use them.

We were fearless, we were ruthless, and we were unrelenting, in our direct play.

Inter had no time on the ball, and when we had possession… our passing was precise, intelligent, and we looked hungry for goals.

Inter Milan had no choice, but to prepare a table for us… because it was clear we would only accept a serving of goals, and we were immovable, on our will to dine.

In the 10^th minute, some sustained possession , took us to the edge of their box. A scuffed shot from Timber, fell into the path of Jesus… and he instinctively stretched out a leg, and slid the ball home. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!… and it was Gabriel Jesus’ first goal in the Champions League, for 2 years.

It was also our 400^th goal in Europe… and It was fitting that it was scored by Gabriel Jesus, because he’s been so unlucky with injuries. I imagine that even people who DON’T support Arsenal, are happy for him.

Inter responded to our goal well, and they started seeing more of the ball.

In the 18^th minute, the brilliant Mosquera, blocked a couple of shots, in quick succession… but unfortunately, the loose ball fell to the Inter midfielder, Petar Sucic… and he absolutely, BURIED IT! He hit a thunderous strike, from outside the box. There was no chance for David Raya, it was just a great goal.

Sickeningly, the scoreline was 1-1.

It was our turn to respond well to conceding a goal, and we did it, by regaining control of the game.

We kept possession, we stroked the ball around, and quietened down the inter crowd, and tried to take the sting out of the game.

We created a couple of half-chances, with Eze’s shot being the most memorable, as he should’ve done a lot better with it.

Inter though, were putting up more of a resistance. How very dare they!!

We earned a corner in the 31^st minute, that was taken by Bukayo Saka… and he swung in a deep corner, that Trossard headed back across goal. The ball seemed to pick out Jesus, after clipping the crossbar, and he headed the ball in from close range. A second goal for Jesus, and 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

The set-piece kings once again,  forced the football world… to pay reluctant homage, to our dead-ball greatness.

A shot from Saka in the 37^th minute, should’ve been passed to Jesus, who made a great run into the box.

Saka tormented Inter Milan down their right side, for the whole first half though, so he’s allowed a few wayward shots, I suppose.

The first half finished 2-1 to the Gunners, and it was a quite brilliant performance form us.

Inter came out in the second half, almost looking offended, that we dared to be much better than them, on their own ground.

We dealt with their attacking threat well, and limited them to hopeful longshots, or just snuffed out their build-up play in the midfield.

Once again, The Arsenal frustrated their opponents, by keeping the ball.

Inter Milan had  some passages of play, but said passages, led to nowhere.

Arteta decided to freshen things up in the 64^th minute, when he brought on Benny Blanco for Timber, and Declan Rice, for Eberechi Eze.

I get the substitutions, as it was Arteta just trying to sure things up, and ensuring that players get minutes in their legs, so they stay sharp for upcoming fixtures.

The 75^th minute, saw the introduction of Gyokeres , for Jesus… and Gabriel Magalhaes, replacing Mosquera.

Now considering this was Mosquera’s first start, since returning from injury… I have to say, he was nothing short of spectacular. He had great composure on the ball, he was brave, he made key tackles, and blocks… and just wasn’t fazed in any way, by the occasion.

He showed a defensive maturity, way beyond his years… as he often does. Again, he’s been a great acquisition, to this Arsenal squad.

In the 79^th minute, Trossard made way for Martinelli.

As Marinelli has been so good in the Champions League this season, I expected a moment of magic from him… and I wasn’t disappointed.

As the clock displayed 84 minutes, Martinelli spotted a great run from Gyokeres… and from deep inside his own half, Martinelli played a sumptuous ball, with the outside of his right boot… that fell perfectly for Gyokeres.

Gyokeres controlled the ball brilliantly, and laid it off to Saka.

Saka miss-kicked the ball, and it still went to Gyokeres… who dispatched the ball expertly, from the outside of the box. It was a wonderful strike!! 3-1 to The Arsenal!!… and an accidental assist, from Bukayo Saka. He’s THAT good, he provides assists, accidentally! A generational talent!

I’m so happy that Gyokeres not only scored, but he scored a GREAT goal. He’s muted his critics, and I love it!!

Another player who muted their critics, is Myles Lewis-Skelly. He was excellent, and looked back to his best, after a nervous start.

His passing was good, his tackling was good, he was assured on the ball, and he was in-tune with the players around him.

I told the cynics, that all Lewis-Skelly needed was a run of games, and I was right. I’m extremely happy for him.

The match finished 3-1 to us, and what a result!! What a performance!! What a statement, to the rest of Europe!!

That was our 7^th Champions League win, in 7 games… which is a new club record. We’ve scored 20 goals in that time, and have only conceded 2 goals, and it was our first win in Italy, since 2008.

This team constantly surpasses expectations, and casually sets new club records. I must say, I’ve been smiling like a proud father, for most of this season… and I know that there’s A LOT more greater moments to come.

Do you have anything to add to my match analysis?

Is our European dominance, being played down by the football media?

As both strikers scored against Inter, who should start the next game?

Let me know in the comments people, as usual.

We now turn our attention to Manchester United, who we host at the Emirates Stadium, on Sunday.

A HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE, GAAAAAAME!!!!

There’s no love lost between The Arsenal, and YANITED… and I’m sure the history between the two clubs, will resurface, leading up to the game.

Nothing less than 3 points please Gunners. Let’s shoot the Red Devils down. COYG!!

We’re on the road again, my Arsenal family… and this time we’re at the City Ground, to face Nottingham Forest.

Always a tricky game for us on a regular day, but I’m expecting some extra trickery, as Forest are fighting to stay in the league… and in addition to that, Manchester City were away to Manchester United, and dropped points.

Well, dropped points is putting it mildly, because Manchester United, gave Mancheatster City, a real good hiding.

Yes the scoreline only read 2-0, but “YANITED” could’ve had 4 or 5.

Anyway, the point is… they did us a HUUUUUUGE favour, and The Gunners had the chance to go 9 points clear at the top.

THAT added pressure, increased the levels of trickiness.

The Arsenal HAD TO, hack down the Tricky Trees, in a professional, stress free way, just like some lumberjacks. Anything else, would feel like a missed opportunity.

Mikel Arteta freshened up the team, just a little… to keep fatigue at bay.

Raya started in goal, Timber at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Benny Blanco (Ben White) at right-back.

Rice, Zubimendi, and Odegaard, in midfield.

The font three was Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

Unsurprisingly, Forest started the game sitting deep, and in that oh so familiar, low defensive block.

Surprisingly, The Gunners started the game slowly, and lacklustre. We moved the ball slowly, and made it easy for the Tricky Trees…  enabling them to solidify their defensive branches, and leaf us frustrated.

We lacked potency in attack, and were devoid of all urgency. Sloppy passing became a theme, and our response to City losing, began to baffle me… more, and more.

The so called “Big players” who have so often delivered for us, must’ve lost their items in transit. No deliveries were made.

The Arsenal were nothing but a light breeze, barely moving the Tricky Trees, and the half-time scoreline of 0-0, was about right. We hadn’t done enough. Nowhere near enough.

Martinelli SOMEHOW, put a close range effort wide, when it was easier to score… and we started to look like we didn’t believe we could score.

Zubimendi seemed to have the same doubts, when he scuffed a shot off target, that he’d usually bury.

Arteta made some changes, in an attempt to obliterate said doubts.

Martinelli was subbed off at half-time, for Trossard.

In the 57th minute… Jesus replaced Gyokeres, Merino came on for Odegaard, and Madueke made way for Saka.

The change in our play, wasn’t at all noticeable… and this made me think that it wasn’t a personnel issue, but a mentality issue, running through the team.

Perhaps the failures of previous seasons, started to weigh heavy.

I could be completely wrong of course, and it could just simply be, a bad day at the office.

Bad days at the office happen, over the course of a title race… and it’s how we respond to them, that truly matters.

Gyokeres got in behind the Forest defence, and was clean through, but he lacked the necessary pace to shake off Murillo… who made a defensive block, before Gyokeres could get a decent shot off.

It just typified our performance. (Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighhhh)

We looked like creating more chances, at least… and I was grateful for that.

Declan Rice had a shot saved, after a Saka cross…but the shot had no conviction.

The favour was returned, when Rice put a great ball in to Saka this time, who towered above everyone… and headed goalwards. It looked destined to make the net bulge, but Sels… the Forest keeper, pulled off a magnificent save, to keep the score 0-0.

Eze came on for Zubimendi, in the 79th minute, and that particular substitution, should’ve been made A LOT sooner. Especially with Forest playing so defensively.

These are the type of games Eze can influence. He’s unpredictable, and has moments of magic, in abundance.

We ABSOLUTELY should’ve had a penalty by the way, when Aina handled the ball, BLATANTLY.

After the quickest of checks though, VAR of course said… no penalty.

A dodgy decision against Arsenal, is VERY on brand for VAR.

Aaaaaaanywhoooo…. The match finished 0-0, and although we didn’t play well, we had clear cut chances to win the game, but didn’t take them.

It’s not all doom, and gloom though… because we earned a point, and increased our lead at the top of the league, from 6 points, to 7 points.

Let’s remember that, my Arsenal family… while everyone else, is overreacting.

Next up, on our jampacked football calendar… is a trip to the San Siro, for our Champions League match, against Inter Milan.

Do you agree with my match analysis?

Are the players starting to doubt themselves?

Do you think our performances are being over analysed, because we’ve finished 2^nd three seasons in-a-row?

As usual, let me know in the comments. COYG!!

The Gunners are at Stamford Bridge, as we square up to Chelsea in the Semi-Final of the Carabao Cup.

The Blues have just appointed a new, promising young manager, in Liam Rosenior… and I’m sure he’ll be determined to impress his new bosses, and I’m certain that his new players, will be determined to impress him.

Not for the first time this season, The Arsenal face a team, with that “New manager bounce”.

The fact that it’s a London Derby, adds some extra animosity to the fixture… and Mikel Arteta’s red & white army, will be ready for war!!

Chelsea are on the back of a 5-1 win against Charlton, in the FA Cup… and The Arsenal are on the back of a 4-1 win against Portsmouth, in the same competition.

Both teams will be up for this, both teams will want the bragging rights, and both teams have the chance to move closer, to obtaining silverware.

The starting lineup was strong, and I couldn’t be happier! The Carabao cup is viewed by many, as an inferior competition, that shouldn’t be respected. I…. am NOT, among the “Many”.

We’re in the semi’s of a cup competition, you play your BEST team!!

Mikel Arteta agreed, and started with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal… whose been our keeper for the cup competitions, this season.

Timber came in at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, in central defence… and Benny Blanco (Ben White) at right-back.

In midfield, Rice, Zubimendi, and Odegaard.

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

I thought we’d start rather tentatively, overly cautious maybe… which would’ve been understandable… considering the quality of the opposition. The Gunners though, flew out of the traps! We were aggressive in the tackle, our passing was efficient, we closed down the space quickly… and time on the ball for The Blues, became a scarce commodity.

We earned a corner in the 7^th minute, and I heard the Stamford Bridge faithful, hold their breath, groan in frustration, stamp their feet in anger, and pray they defend properly… all at once.

The Arsenal fans though cheered, in anticipated jubilation, because we know how deadly we are from set-pieces.

Declan Rice took the resulting corner, put a great ball in (As usual) … and Benny Blanco headed the ball home, from close range. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

It was Ben White’s first goal, since scoring twice against Chelsea, back in April 2024.

The perfect start for us, and I LOVE that it was from a set-piece too, as people hate that we’re so good at it. They’ll probably bring in a rule to ban set-pieces soon, or make up a reason as to why it’s unfair to score that way. (HAHAHA)

The Gunners were in complete control of the game, and yes… I know I say that a lot, but that’s only because… WE CONTROL GAMES!! I’m but a humble messenger, reporting what I bear witness to, during Arsenal games… and I will see my testimony truthful, and well received. (HAHAHA)

Anywhoooo… we WERE controlling the game, and we simply blue Chelsa away, with our explosive football. We were beating them black, and blue… yet the scoreline only remained 1-0. The lady waited patiently, and was poised with her musicians, ready to sing the blues, but unfortunately, it wasn’t quite time for her to approach the microphone.

The first half ended 1-0 to The Arsenal, and because of how well we played, and how dominant we were… I couldn’t shake the feeling, that it should’ve been more.

In the second half, we looked like we had no plans to release our foot from Chelsea necks, and in the 49^th minute… we pressed more of our bodyweight, down on their windpipe.

Saka picked up the ball on the right, paused for the Benny Blanco overlap, laid the ball off to him… and Mr Blanco looked up, saw Gyokeres in the box… squared it, and Gyokeres tapped the ball in. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!! That’s a goal, AND an assist, for Ben White.

A lovely Arsenal move, and I’m so happy for Gyokeres, as the criticism he’s had to contend with, has been unreasonable, underhanded, and unrelenting. I hope this sets him off on a goalscoring run now, so we can tick off another false narrative, about The Gunners… that we’ve obliterated.

Against the run of play, in the 57th minute, Alejandro Garnacho… latched on to a cross from Pedro Neto, after some sloppy defending from The Gunners…and he put the ball in the back of the net, with a low finish.

In our defence, we raised our foot ever so slightly off their necks, which we shouldn’t’ve of done… and they shouted their way onto the scoreboard. No cohesion, no finesse… just inaudible, shouty football. 2-1, and game on.

The Blues were lifted by the goal, and the home crowd mirrored their feeling. Their incessant noise, threatened to undo Arsenal’s hard work… BUT, we don’t respond to threats, especially from an inferior football club.

Arteta made some changes in in the 67^th minute, when Trossard made way for Martinelli… and Odegaard was replaced by Merino.

I had no issue with the subs, as both players that went off, had a quiet game, by their own high standards.

Chelsea were very much in the game now, but without goalmouth incident, and in the 71^st minute, we had to remind them… that there’s only ONE TEAM, in London!!

We had to once again, ensure that our explosive football… BLUE them away!

Saka picked up the ball on the right, passed it inside to Merino, on the edge of the box. Merino found Gyokeres, who was just inside the Chelsea box… and he held the ball up superbly, ensuring that his next pass was a decisive one. He played the ball to Zubimendi, who dropped the shoulder, fainted to shoot, and while doing so… he sent the Chelsea defender, Wesley Fofana, to another realm, to get refreshments. Fofana’s mind told him “No”… but his body couldn’t help but twist involuntarily, and attempt to go in two different directions… in response to Martin  Zubimendi’s great skill.

Zoobaaah-Zoobaaah, then shifted the ball onto his weaker left foot, and smashed the ball past the hapless Blues goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. 3-1 to The Arsenal!!!! Oh, and that’s an assist for Gyokeres, by the way.

The move… GLORIOUS, the finish… EMPHATIC… and The Blues… DEFEATED. Well, so I thought.

We had further chances to increase our goals tally, the best chance falling to Mikel Merino, but a good save from Sanchez… yes, the hapless Sanchez… prevented the scoreline from getting embarrassing, for Chelsea.

In the 82^nd minute, further substitutions were made.

Kai Havertz came on for Declan Rice, and Gabriel Jesus, replaced Viktor Gyokeres.

The clock showed 83 minutes gone, and Chelsea scored again… and it was from a set-piece, no less. We seemed to of unknowingly, taught set-piece efficiency, to the enemy.

The Blues earned a corner, a defensive header fell to Garnacho… and he hit it first-time into the ground, and his deceptively powerful shot, bounced past Kepa. 3-2 the scoreline.

Thankfully, we regained control of the game, and prevented Chelsa from getting an undeserved equaliser. The match ended 3-2 to The Arsenal. We return to The Emirates with a goal advantage, in the second leg.

That’s ANOTHER win for us at Stamford Bridge. Arteta has NEVER lost there, in his six years in charge,

The Blues have to start calling it “The Emiridge”… because it’s our home, away from home. We’re ALWAYS winning there! (HAHAHA)

A great result in a semi-final, away to our London rivals. We can now look forward to the next game, which is an away fixture, to Nottingham Forest, in the Premier League.

We’re at the business end of the season now, and all remaining games are MUST WIN, and at the very least… MUST NOT LOSE!

Do you agree with my match analysis? Did I forget anything?

Personally, I think we’re going to DESTROY Chelsea, in the second leg. What do YOU think?

We’re still very much still in all four competitions, which one should we prioritise?

Let me know in the comments, as usual.

We’ll be hunting, gathering, and foraging in the forest next. A HUUUUUUUGE Premier League game!! Three points please Arsenal. COYG!!

It’s time for the oldest cup competition in the world, to make it’s way to the forefront. Some turn their noses up at the FA Cup, but ME… I LOVE the oldest cup competition in the world, because the minnows get a chance to humble the bigger teams… and I’ll ALWAYS want David to slay Goliath… unless David’s up against The Arsenal.

We’re away to Portsmouth, and it’s a potential banana skin, because we’re Goliath, and they’re David.

We need to ensure that we remain professional, and respect our opposition, regardless of the starting eleven Arteta decides to go with.

There’s a reason The Gunners have won the FA Cup, a record, 14 times… and it’s because it’s OUR trophy! It belongs to us, and we’re NOT about to let it go, all willy-nilly.

Pompey are on the back of a 5-0 thumping, away to Bristol City, and The Gunners are on the back of a misfiring 0-0 draw, at home to Liverpool.

We’ll be eager to put that right, and I’m sure we will.

Mikel Arteta made wholesale changes, to the team that faced Liverpool.

Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Gabriel, and Norgaard, in central defence. A risk, as it’s not only an untested centre-back pairing, but Norgaard is a midfielder… as we all know.

Benny Blanco (Ben White)… came in at right-back.

Eze, Merino, and Nwaneri, started in the midfield… and the front three was… Martinelli on the left, Jesus through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

Many players were rested, but still and very strong team started. This was another demonstration, of our incredible squad depth.

The Portsmouth faithful created a superb atmosphere, and Fratton Park was rocking!! It served as a reminder to The Gunners, that they were in a proper cup tie.

We couldn’t of started the game any worse, as it took Pompey just 3 minutes, to get their goal.

A shot from midfielder Conor Chaplin, was parried by Kepa… into the path of the Portsmouth striker, and captain… Colbly Bishop.

Bishop made no mistake, and fired the ball in from close range, giving Kepa Arrizabalaga, no chance.

It was 1-0 to Portsmouth, and though we looked shellshocked, we didn’t panic.

The swirling wind, and relentless rain, promised to increase entertainment levels… as well as expose any player, not comfortable with braving the elements.

The Arsenal responded in the right way, and when we earned a corner in the 8^th minute, we once again showcased our set-piece prowess.

Eze took the corner, and put a ball in that caused chaos, panic, fear, uncertainty, and all round pandemonium, for the Pompey defence.

They couldn’t clear their lines, and upon first glance, it looked as though Christian Norgaard bundled the ball home… but replays showed that it was an own goal by the Portsmouth midfielder, Andre Dozzell.

We had our equaliser, and the scoreline made for much better reading, at 1-1.

I of course hoped that after the equaliser, an eruption of Arsenal goals would follow… and in the 25^th minute, Mount Pompeious, began to rumble.

We earned a corner, that was taken by Noni Madueke. He put a deadly ball in, that Martinelli glanced in, at the near post. It was an excellent header by Gabriel Martinelli… that put The Arsenal 2-1 up. We led for the first time in the tie, and I just felt we’d stay in the lead, from that position.

We seemed to ease up on Pompey, after taking the lead, but they were still very much in this game. Both teams had nearly moments, leading up to half-time.

In the 43^rd Minute, Noni Madueke was brought down in the box, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. A penalty for Arsenal, and a chance to go in at the break 3-1 up.

Noni Madueke had the ball clutched under his arm, and I wondered why our most senior player, and striker, Gabriel Jesus… wasn’t stepping up to dispatch the penalty, emphatically.

Madueke placed the ball on the spot, took a stuttered run-up, and then scuffed the ball wide. It was an awful penalty, and one I’m sure he’ll want to forget, with godlike swiftness.

The scoreline remained 2-1 to The Gunners, and that’s how the first half finished.

The second half started with us very much in control, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that a third goal was needed, to prevent unnecessary nervousness… and in the 51^st minute, the Arsenal players agreed with me.

Madueke was brought down, and we were awarded a free-kick. Myles Lewis-Skelly took a quick free-kick, and played a lovely ball through to Gabriel Jesus. Jesus spotted a great run from Martinelli, and played a wonderful ball across the Portsmouth box, that Martinelli tapped in from close range, at the far post. A second goal for Gabriel Martinelli, and 3-1 to The Arsenal!! We now had a two goal cushion.

In the 69^th minute, substitutions were made.

Gabriel Jesus made way for Kai Havertz, Nwaneri was replaced my Odegaard, and Timber came on for Ben White.

More squad depth flexing, was on display… and it was wonderful to witness.

In the 72^nd minute, our lead was extended further.

We earned a corner that Madueke took. He swung the ball into the near post, that Martinelli found the net with, after ANOTHER, clever glancing header. It was 4-1 to The Arsenal!!

Martinelli secured his first senior Hat-Trick, and it was the first time in 9 years, that Arsenal had scored 4 FA Cup goals, in a single match.

In the 76^th minute, Gabriel made way for the 16 year old defender, Marli Salmon.

Salmon became the youngest player EVER, to represent Arsenal in the FA Cup.

A truly special moment for him, and his family.,

In the 82nd minute, Zubimendi replaced the irrepressible, Gabriel Martinelli.

At 2-1, the game was well and truly over, in my opinion… but I like how professional we were, in seeing the game out.

The match finished 4-1 to The Arsenal, and we’ll face League One side Wigan Athletic, at the Emirates Stadium… in the 4^th Round.

Our immediate next game however, is a Carabao Cup Semi-Final tie, against Chelsea.

It’s a two-legged tie, with the first game being played at Stamford Bridge… and we’ll need to be at our best, to ensure that the lady sings the blues… to The Blues.

Do you agree with my match analysis?

Should Gabriel Jesus of taken the penalty?

Is it too early to dream of winning all four competitions?

Let me know in the comments!! COYG!!

Home sweet home, sweet home… sweeeeeet, home! We’re back at our impregnable domain… our fortress, our familiar battleground… where we’ve slain many a so called “Hero”… the Emirates Stadium.

We host the OTHER reds… Liverpool. We lost to them at Anfield, to a brilliant free-kick, when the game should’ve been a draw. The players will remember that, they’ll harness that pain, and convert it into positive energy, that they’ll unleash on The Reds.

Liverpool are the current champions, and regardless of their indifferent form, they’ll do EVERYTHING within their power, to try and derail our title train.

We’re different THIS season though, and we’ll choo-choo them, and spit them out!! No derail in sight.

The Arsenal need to ensure that The Reds, see red… and NOT just our shirts!! They need to leave the Emirates red-eyed, due to their tears of despair.

Liverpool are on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Fulham, and The Arsenal are on the back of a

3-2 win, away to Bournemouth.

Historically though… When Arsenal, and Liverpool play each other, form goes out the window.

This game will come down to who wants it more on the day, and as I stated earlier… the current champions Liverpool, are playing the potential champions, Arsenal… so, Liverpool will no doubt, raise their game.

The lineup was David Raya in goal, Timber at right-back, Saliba, and Gabriel, central… and Hencapie continued at left-back, in Calafiori’s absence.

The midfield was once again Odegaard, Zubimendi, and Rice.

Up front, it was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

The Emirates was loud, the pitch looked perfect, but the weather was terrible. The wind, and the rain, threatened to settle this game on unfortunate mistakes.

A slip at the wrong time, the ball slipping out of the keeper’s hands, a mistimed tackle. The elements seemed to want all of these things.

The Arsenal started the game well, and at pace. We had a look of a team, who wanted to put the game to bed early, like you would an unruly toddler. (I use this analogy A LOT, because I like it! It’s one of my best ones! Hahaa!)

We were getting in behind the Liverpool defence at will, in the opening 20-25 minutes, but when the ball was cut back across the box, there was nobody there to put the ball in the net.

Blaming Gyokeres for not being there is the easy thing to do, it’s low hanging fruit, at this point. The reality is, we have many attacking midfielders, and marauding defenders even… who can get on the end of things.

I’m sooooooooo TIRED of the Gyokeres scrutiny now, because other strikers in the league, aren’t held to the same standard.

We score from everywhere on the pitch, so this eases the pressure on Gyokeres, and allows him to ease himself into this Arsenal team, and adjust to a new system, a new league, a new country, and of course… his new teammates.

I’m a broken record at this point.

Writing a new player off, half way through the season, is ludicrous to me.

Aaaaaaaanywhoooooo…

Liverpool sat back, and kept a solid defensive shape… and Arsenal not offering anything going forward, made The Reds’ job, THAT much easier.

We were either making the wrong pass in the final third, or making the right pass, but to nobody.

The first half was uneventful, and incredibly frustrating, as we were playing within ourselves… and I started to wonder if the demanding schedule during the Christmas period, was catching up with us.

There were far too many nearly moments, and not enough noteworthy moments.

The Arsenal were uncharacteristically nonchalant, and the first half finished 0-0. (Sobbing uncontrollably.)

The second half started with an air of uncertainty, and this made it’s way through the crowd, found its way onto the pitch, and was born out in our play.

It was like crippling anxiety had replaced Arteta on the touchline, and was shouting instructions to the Arsenal players.

Liverpool capitalised on this, and were seeing A LOT more of the ball. They now looked like the better team, but not because they had our goal under siege… it was because they were first to every ball, and were on the right-side of every tackle.

In the 57^th minute, Piero Hincapie went off injured, and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly. YES… we had yet ANOTHER injury. I’ve given up on trying to ascertain why we’ve sustained so many injuries. At this point, it’s an exercise riddled with futility.

I was happy to see Lewis-Skelly, but it was for the wrong reasons.

Lewis-Skelly looked understandably rusty, and definitely needs a run of games, to get back to his best… which I’m sure he will do. He’s still only 19 years old, and will only get better. He’s still learning his trade, so please be patient.

The clock displayed the 64^th minute, and Arteta decided it was time for more changes, and I concurred wholeheartedly.

Martinelli replaced Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus replaced Gyokeres.

We were still unable to persuade Liverpool’s stubborn defence, to open up… and we were unable to persuade ourselves, TO START PLAYING FOOTBAAAAAALL!!!

In the 78^th minute, Madueke came on for Saka, and Eze replaced Odegaard… and still, nothing changed. It became abundantly clear that we couldn’t win… but also imperative, that we must not lose.

That’s how we played out the game, and the match finished 0-0… and punditry dripping in pomposity, IMMEDIATELY took centre stage.

A draw against the champions, suddenly meant the world was ending. It was time to hold your loved ones tight, make peace with your God, and prepare for your final resting place.

The mainstream media, the journalists, the pundits, and the malleable folk, incapable of an independent thought… were all conveniently forgetting, that The Arsenal are STILL 6 points clear at the top of the Premier League, we’re top of the Champions League, and we’re in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

We’ve had, and are CONTINUING to have, a fantastic season… and I’m more than happy to remind rival fans, the bias media, AND… some of our own fans, who are even worse than the outside noise, because they SHOULD know better!!

Here’s another gentle reminder to my Arsenal brethren, we’re NOT going to win EVERY game! We’ll draw some, and we’ll lose some… THAT’S FOOTBALL!!

Even when we won the league unbeaten, we drew 12 games. It’s OK people! Breeeaaathe.

Drawing a game at home isn’t ideal, but it’s also not the end of the world. Let’s stay balanced, let’s keep the faith with Arteta, and this brilliant Arsenal team, and stay united as a fanbase, because our team need us… ESPECIALLY, in this second half of the season!!

We turn our attentions to the FA Cup next, as we have a potential banana skin tie, against Portsmouth.

Yes, on paper, it should be a routine win for The Arsenal, but games aren’t played on paper.

I call it a potential banana skin, because that’s the beauty of the FA Cup. The minnows can play the bigger teams, and win. This is why my love for the oldest cup competition in the world, is undying.

Do you agree with my match analysis?

Is the tedium of bias, agenda stacked narratives, impacting our own fans?

Who do you think should play in the FA Cup? Should Arteta make wholesale changes, and rest the “Heavy-Hitters”  ??

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

The Arsenal are away from home, at the Vitality Stadium… Home of The Cherries.

We were beaten 2-0 by Bournemouth last season, so I of course want us to serve up that famous dish, that’s best served cold.

Mikel Arteta is a good friend of Cherries’ manager, Andoni Iraola… but may they be the best of frenemies, when the match kicks off. Sentiment must go on the back burner, as The Arsenal… cook.

The Cherries not only beat us at the Vitality Stadium last season, but they had the audacity to beat us at the Emirates too!! They’re a good team… YES..  but when life hands you cherries, you make Cherryade.

Bournemouth are on the back of a good 2-2 draw, away at Chelsea… and The Arsenal are on the back of beating Aston Villa within an inch of their lives, after their 4-1 demolition.

Mikel Arteta made some changes to the previous starting lineup.

David Raya continued in goal, Timber at right-back, Saliba & Gabriel, in the centre of defence, and Hincapie, at left-back.

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

Declan Rice shook off his previous knee injury, and made himself available for selection.

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

Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard, were given some much needed rest.

The match started frenetically, and we struggled to cope with how quickly Bournemouth were closing down the space. They pressed us high up the pitch, and forced us into uncharacteristic errors.

A most egregious error, was caused by Gabriel Magalhaes, whose been colossal for us this season.

In the 10^th minute, Gabriel decided to pass the ball to a player, that only HE could see… and The Cherries’ striker Evanilson, shouted  “I AIN’T  ‘FRAID OF NO GHOST!”… and easily intercepted, and then calmly slotted the ball past David Raya.

1-0 to Bournemouth. (Unfortunately)

The Gunners had to shake off the disappointment, of the self-inflicted bullet wound to the foot, and try to get a foothold in the game.

In the 16^th minute, Noni Madueke decimated Semenyo, on the right hand side, with some wonderful skill. He then twinkle-toed his way to the byline, squared the ball… and after a couple of shots were blocked… first, from Hincapie, and then from Martinelli… the ball broke to Big Gabby!! Gabriel Magalhaes smashed the ball home, with the sort of power, and technique, that a striker would’ve been proud of.

A superb goal, and great mentality shown by Big Gabby, to not let his earlier mistake affect him. The scoreline now 1-1, and the Arsenal faithful were hoping that the equaliser, would spark us into life… as we hadn’t played well in the first half, and The Cherries were probably the better team.

The first half finished 1-1, and I was hoping that Mikel Arteta would give the players the EXACT same team talk he gave them, at half-time against Aston Villa.

The curtain raised on the second half, and we were a different team. A team absent stage fright, a team that remembered their lines… and most importantly… a team, ready to perform.

We were more competitive, in every department… and in the 54^th minute, we got our just rewards.

Martinelli won a flick-on in midfield, and Gyokeres bombarded his way through the Bournemouth defence, while taking at least three defenders with him. The loose ball broke to Odegaard, who spotted Declan Rice making a late run into the box. Rice struck the ball beautifully, first time… and the ball flew past their keeper, Petrovic.

It was a cultured finish from Declan Rice!! 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

We were controlling the game now, passing the ball well, and The Cherries were unable to continue their high pressing, from the first half.

In the 67^th minute, Arteta rang the changes.

Gabriel Jesus replaced Gyokeres, Trossard came on for Martinelli, and Saka was introduced, for Madueke.

We were once again, flexing the squad depth muscle, of our bench.

The clock displayed the 71^st minute… and Odegaard played the ball through to Saka, in Bournemouth’s box. Saka looked up, and cut the ball back to Rice, who calmly side-footed the ball home.

It was good vision from Saka, and another well timed run from Rice. 3-1 to The Arsenal!!

Just as I prepared myself for us to cruise, for the remainder of the game… the unthinkable happened.

Lewis Cook passed the ball to Eli Junior Kroupi, near the edge of the D… and Kroupi hit a thunderous strike, that gave David Raya no chance!! Sometimes you have to just hold your hands up, and say… It was a magnificent goal, it couldn’t be helped… let’s move on. The scoreline now, 3-2.

Arteta responded, and brought on Merino, for Odegaard. A wise decision, as Merino is more defensive, and we ABSOLUTELY had to exercise caution, for the remainder of the match.

The PTSD of the late goals conceded away to Sunderland, and away to Aston Villa, bullied their way to the forefront of my mind.

The Arsenal though, shockingly took my heart-rate into consideration… and saw the game out, professionally. We won 3-2… collected all three points, and ticked ANOTHER team off our “Revenge List”.

   

Admittedly, it wasn’t a vintage Arsenal performance, but we won. Nothing else matters!!

Focus on the positives, my Arsenal family… Declan Rice is fit again, and put in an incredible performance, we’ve extended our lead at the top of the league, it’s our fifth Premier League win in-a-row, and we DIDN’T pick up any new injuries. Let’s enjoy this!!

Also, my Arsenal brethren… please ignore the jibber-jabber about Ethan Nwaneri not playing… he’s 18 years old, and is ahead of schedule in terms of his development. He WILL get playing time, as there’s A LOT of games to play in a season, ESPECIALLY when you’re involved in all competitions.

Eberechi Eze WILL get games too. He hasn’t been “Frozen out” AT ALL, Arteta knows that there’s certain players needed, for particular teams… and that’s the beauty of having a big squad, with quality in every position.

Mute the outside voices, AND… the negative voices coming from the inside too! The bottom line is, we were thirsty, and were handed cherries, and we made Cherryade… and quenched our thirst.

We now look forward to the Liverpool game, at the Emirates… and we need to make The Reds, see red, as they taste defeat.

Do you agree with my analysis of the game?

Is the discourse about certain players, NOT playing… a bit silly?

WHYYYYY ON EARTH, are there STILL some so called Arsenal fans, saying “Arteta out” ???

As usual, let me know in the comments. COYG!!!

We again host at The Emirates, and our opposition this time, is Aston Villa. The Villains have eleven straight wins, in all competitions. They’ve equalled a club record, that was set back in 1897, and again, in 1914.

It’s not going to be easy to win this game, but no games in the Premier League, are easy to win.

We suffered a narrow defeat to The Villains, at Villa Park. An injury time, last minute winner, got them the three points. It’s been well documented, that it was a close game, that could’ve gone either way.

The bitter taste of that defeat, still lingers on the tastebuds… and I’m sure that the Arsenal players will need little motivation, to be up for this match.

We want revenge. We want a good performance. We want ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s return to the Emirates, to be a horrible one.

We want to end The Villains’ winning run, with villainous verve, of our own.

Aston Villa are on the back of a 2-1 win over Chelsea, and The Arsenal are on the back of a 2-1 win over Brighton.

Both teams will be confident, but only one team will make said confidence, count.

An intriguing matchup, that I feel… will live up to expectation.

As with past seasons, whenever The Villains hit a rich vein of form, comparisons are made between Unai Emery, and Mikel Arteta.

I find these comparisons comical, as Arteta can only be compared to other managers, who have only been managing for six years.

Any other comparisons, is an exercise riddled with futility, that I refuse to entertain.

The starting lineup, was David Raya in goal… Timber returned at right-back, Saliba and Gabriel, in central defence… and Hencapie started at left-back, as Calafiori’s still injured.

This was the first time, in a long time, that Saliba, and Gabriel, had started a game together, in central defence. The first choice centre-back pairing, gives the whole team a lift… and it enables the midfield to move forward more confidently, knowing that they have that wall behind them.

There was a slight change in midfield, as Rice was unavailable for selection, due to a knee injury he sustained, in the game against Brighton.

Mikel Merino replaced Rice, (If there is such a thing, because there’s no replacing Declan Rice) and Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard, completed the midfield.

Up front, it was again Saka on the right, Gyokeres through the middle, and Trossard on the left.

The loss of Calafiori, AND, Rice, was a huge double blow… because Rice has been arguably, our player of the season so far, and Calafiori has been our best left-back.

I was of course, somewhat concerned… but we’ve been dealing with injuries to key players, for the whole season, and we’ve proved we’re good enough to beat ANY team, even without our best players.

The Villains were also missing some key players, due to the suspensions of their right-back Matty Cash, and midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

It all evens up, I suppose.

A fast start was needed, and that’s exactly how the game began. The early attacks from us, showed that we were determined to exploit Villa’s right side, in the absence of Matty Cash, and the irrepressible Leandro Trossard, and the bulldozer, Hincapie, didn’t disappoint.

Hincapie put a great ball into the box, that Gyokeres unfortunately couldn’t convert… but we looked sharp, and we looked bright.

Ollie Watkins had a chance not long after, when Konsa stole the ball from Gyokeres, and put Watkins through on goal, but the Villa striker scuffed his shot wide.

It was a warning to The Gunners, that The Villains will not be shot down easily, and are more than capable of mounting a sustained period, of return fire.

Again, Arsenal were caught out, when an excellent first time ball over the top, from Youri Tielemans… found the in-form, Morgan Rogers… but some solid defending from Piero Hincapie, snuffed out the chance.

Another warning shot, and further proof that Aston Villa were in this game.

We responded in the right way, and a great cross from Trossard found the head of Gyokeres, but his diving header missed the target.

The Villains responded with another attack of their own. Sancho squared the ball to Watkins, and with Watkins in on goal, and about to shoot, William Saliba made a magnificent, last-ditch tackle, to keep the score at 0-0.

It was end-to-end stuff, and even though The Arsenal had a couple of scares, it suits us more when teams attack us, because we exploit the spaces, and dismantle teams, with our football.

The first half ended 0-0, with The Villains having the more clear cut chances. We needed to turn our chances into goals, in the second half… and preferably, EARLY in the second half!

We upped the tempo in the second half, and it looked like Arteta’s half-time team talk, did what it was supposed to do.

Arsenal earned a corner in the 48th minute, which was taken by the uncharacteristically quiet, Bukayo Saka. He put a deep cross in to Gabriel Magalhaes at the far post, that the calamitous Emiliano Martinez flapped at, and missed.

Big Gabby headed the ball home from close range! 1-0 to The Arsenal!! The fact that we’d taken the lead, as a result of a Martinez mistake, made it all the more sweeter.

The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper, who ALWAYS speaks negatively about Arsenal, who ALWAYS winds everyone up, and who had been timewasting from the opening minutes of the game… had helped us take the lead. HAHAHAHA!! It was juuuussst, beautiful.

Only four minutes later, in the 52nd minute, Martin Odegaard dispossessed Sancho in the midfield, looked up, spotted Zubimendi making a great run goalwards, and slid a glorious pass through to him. Zubimendi, with little space, and even less time, poked the ball past Martinez… showing great composure. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!… and our villainous verve, activated.

Aston Villa simply couldn’t cope with Martin Odegaard orchestrating the midfield, and the genius of Arsenal’s footballing symphony.

It was time to bring out the violins for The Villains, because in the 69^th minute… they struggled to clear the ball from the edge of their box, the ball fell to Timber, who layed it off to Trossard… and he thumped the ball in! No chance for Martinez, who didn’t even move… but could only stand and admire. HAHAHA!! 3-0 to The Arsenal!!!

With the fat lady singing beautifully, and now into her second song… Arteta made some substitutions.

In the 73^rd minute, Norgaard replaced Merino, and in the 77^th minute, Lewis-Skelly came on for Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jesus replaced Gyokeres.

Gabriel Jesus was only on the pitch for one minute, before making an impact.

Trossard made a great run down the left side, after some great work from Zubimendi.

Trossard squared the ball to Jesus, who controlled the ball nicely, and curled the ball home, from the edge of the box. A wonderful finish, and it was wonderful to see him back on the scoresheet, after his horrendous luck with injuries. 4-0 to The Arsenal!!

In the 83^rd minute, further changes were made.

Madueke came on for Saka, and Ben White, came on for Timber.

In the 94^th minute of injury time, due to some sloppy defending on our part… Donyell Malen wriggled his way to the byline, played a short pass to Watkins, and he tapped the ball in from close range, into an empty net. No clean sheet for us, and a consolation goal for them. 4-1 the scoreline… and that’s how the match ended.

A brilliant performance from Arsenal, especially in the second half.

We showed once again that we CAN win the “Big games”… contrary to the propaganda, that the mainstream media are spewing.

Scintillating performances from Odegaard, and Trossard, were the catalyst for this win, along with a commanding display from the back four… Saliba, and Gabriel, in particular.

Zubimendi was also a standout performer, and Gabriel Jesus looked razor sharp once again, and is almost back to his best.

We gave Aston Villa a vicious beating, ended their winning run, and brought them crashing back down to earth… and we did all this, without two of our best players, in Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori.

We’re now five points clear of Mancheatster City, six points clear of Aston Villa, thirteen points clear of Liverpool, and fifteen points clear of Chelsea.

We’ve had an incredible first half of the season… but that’s just it, we’re only halfway there.

The Arsenal must keep pushing, keep persisting, keep getting results, hold our nerve, shut out the outside noise… and bring this league title home.

First thing’s first though, let’s win our next game… which is an away trip to Bournemouth.

It’s been a difficult game for us in recent seasons, and we need to put that right. Let’s take The Cherries, and make Cherryade.

Talk to me people… don’t be shy!!

Do you agree with my analysis of the game?

Are you confident we’ll bring the league title home?

Have the doubters, now been silenced?

Let me know in the comments!! Happy New Year to you all!! COYG!!

The festive period is my favourite time of year, but I don’t need The Arsenal giving away gifts. We need to be stingy at the back, but gluttonous in the frontline. I want to see our attackers stuff their faces with goals… until the net is bursting at the seams.

We have a tricky run of Premier League fixtures coming up, and all in a short space of time… so it’d be nice to set the right tone in this game, to help carry us through the rest.

A convincing win against The Seagulls, will increase confidence, and help the players to power through on tired legs, ignore mental exhaustion, take little niggling injuries in their stride, and reduce the pressure they’re undoubtedly feeling.

We’re the home side, this is OUR house… these are OUR CHIPS… and we’ve got the blend of salt, and vinegar, juuussst right. We MUST protect them from the unruly Seagulls… eat up the three points, and wash it down, with an extended stay at the top of the Premier League.

Like I said… SET THE TONE… so I can cheer gleefully, in my baritone.

As a few players were rested against Crystal Palace, I believe Mikel Arteta would’ve liked to recall the players, who make up his “Best Eleven”.

David Raya returned in goal, Rice at right-back… YES… DECLAN RICE AT RIGHT-BACK!! Jurrien Timber had a knock, and was unavailable for selection.

Saliba and Hincapie, were in central defence… and Lewis-Skelly started at left-back, due to an injury to Calafiori, during the warm-up.

To say injuries have become a reoccurring theme for Arsenal, over the past two seasons… is an understatement. The adaptability of the players though, and their positive attitude, when being asked to play out of position, is an admirable quality to have in a squad.

The midfield was Odegaard, Zubimendi, and Merino.

Up front, it was Saka on the right, Gyokeres through the middle, and Trossard on the left.

We started the game well, and seemed determined to exact our revenge on a Brighton team, that we drew at home against last season.

Our movement was excellent, our passing… incisive, and our overall play, was mesmeric.

The Brighton players could do nothing, except stand and admire. The Arsenal were cruising , and the inevitability of us scoring the opening goal, became more, and more, apparent.

In the 14^th minute, Saka caused havoc down the right, spotted Odegaard on the edge of the box, and squared the ball to him. Odegaard created more space for himself, shaped to shoot like he was aiming for the keeper’s far post, and at the last second… he blasted the ball to the keeper’s near post. It was a wonderful goal from the skipper, and a well-deserved goal for us. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

We continued to control the game, and The Seagulls had no answers, for the questions Arsenal were asking.

Saka beat his man at will, on that right side… and repeatedly put sumptuous balls into the box… but no one could get on the end of it, and dim Brighton’s light.

Chances for Zubimendi, and Trossard, should’ve put the game beyond doubt, but they failed to convert, so alas…the doubts, remain.

On the stroke of half-time, a searching ball was played down the left to Gyokeres, that he was more than happy to chase. He shrugged of the chasing defender, like a minor inconvenience, and continued on his goal quest.

Verbruggen, the Brighton goalkeeper, sprinted off his line, and clattered Gyokeres, while making no attempt to play the ball. It was a clear red card offence… but the referee saw the incident differently, and only showed Verbruggen a yellow card. Ludicrous officiating, when we play Brighton… is becoming all too commonplace. It was an awful decision, first by the referee… and then, by VAR.

Incompetent officiating, has long become part and parcel, of the Arsenal experience… UNFORTUNATELY!!

The first half ended 1-0 to The Arsenal… but it should’ve been more. So much more.

We started the second half in similar fashion to the first. In complete control, and looking likely to score.

Odegaard had a shot that was deflected over, and the resulting corner, was taken by makeshift right-back, Declan Rice.

Rice put a dangerous, and also inviting ball, into the Brighton box. A ball that was so inviting, the Brighton striker, Georginio Rutter… headed the ball into his own net. An own goal, 2-0 to The Arsenal.

We’re flush with technical ability in our team, and we take quality corners, from both sides. This causes a level of fear, uncertainty, and pandemonium, in the opposition box… whenever we get a set-piece… and our recent serge in own goals, merely underlines that fact.

Brighton reacted well to us scoring our second goal, and began to see more of the ball.

In the 64^th minute, some sloppy defending led to Yasin Ayari, producing a shot out of nowhere, that struck the post. The ball went straight to Diego Gomez, and he fired the ball in, emphatically. The goal was absolutely against the run of play, in the context of the game, but the scoreboard still read 2-1, nonetheless.

Again, we failed to finish a team off, and again, we paid the price for it.

An unwelcomed nervousness, could be felt among the Arsenal faithful, and a portion of said nervousness, was transmitted to the Arsenal players.

We were now less assured in our play, and were giving the ball away cheaply.

The Gunners seemed to be taking aim at their own feet, committed to shooting themselves, in the proverbial foot.

Arteta responded, and made some changes.

In the 71^st minute… Gabriel Magalhaes, fit again, but not fit enough to start a match as yet, came on for Lewis-Skelly. This meant Hencapie would shift to left-back, and Big Gabby, would take his rightful place next to Saliba. The dynamic defensive duo, were back together again! They had been apart for too long… and it was good to see Gabriel back.

Gabriel Jesus also came on, and he replaced Viktor Gyokeres.

Brighton continued to push for an equaliser, and Arsenal continued push my emotions, to the limit. For reasons unbeknown to me, Arsenal have decided that my heart rate, is their plaything.

Arsenal began to drop deep, involuntarily… and we almost invited Brighton onto us.

After some good, one-touch football by Brighton, on the edge of our box… the ball was played to Yankuba  Minteh, and he unleashed a powerful, curling shot, that looked destined to go beyond David Raya, and end up in the net.

Raya though, and his superhuman agility… pulled off a magnificent save, that he had no right making. He dived full stretch to his right, got a big right-hand to the shot, and somehow… kept the score-line in Arsenal’s favour. It really was sensational goalkeeping, from the Arsenal No.1

It was a pivotal moment in the game, and could go on to be a pivotal moment, in the title race.

In the 82^nd minute, Martinelli replaced Trossard.

It was good to see that Martinelli was able to shake off the injury he sustained, in the game against Crystal Palace.

Saka sprinted down the right, beat his man, and drilled a low, pinpoint pass, to Martinelli. He unfortunately, fluffed his lines from close range, and was waaaay off target.

Yet  ANOTHER opportunity, was squandered.

The Starboy was involved again, when the ball was flicked through to him, and he found himself in behind the Brighton defence… with only their centre-back, Lewis-Dunk, for company.

As Saka was slightly ahead of him, and bearing down on goal… I was getting ready to celebrate our 3^rd goal.

Dunk though, managed to make a last ditch tackle, and Brighton were let off the hook, AGAIN.

Our Starboy should’ve definitely scored there.

We managed to see the rest of the game out, and it finished 2-1 to The Arsenal. It was a hard fought three points… and the three points took us back to the top of the table.

It was the perfect response to Manchester City’s win, earlier in the day… and it once again showed that we have the mental strength to cope with the pressure, and see this title race through to the end.

The fact that our preparation for the game was disrupted, right before kick-off, due to injury… and we still won the game, and we still created an abundance of chances, says A LOT about the character of this Arsenal team.

In our last two Premier League games, we’ve beaten two of the teams, that we dropped points against last season. Our ability to find a way to win, when not at our best, shouldn’t be overlooked.

Our adaptability, when we lose key players to injury… shouldn’t be overlooked.

The consistency we’ve shown this season, shouldn’t be overlooked. All these things should be praised, as these are the attributes that turn a very good football team, into a great football team.

I’ll let others dwell on any negatives from the game. Me on the other hand… I’ve already turned my thoughts to the Aston Villa game.

Talk to me people…

Do you think us creating a plethora of chances, in our last few games, will inevitably lead to us scoring A LOT MORE goals?  (Personally, I do)

Do you think Odegaard is getting back to his best?

Do you agree with my match analysis?

As always, let me know in the comments. COYG!!

The Carabao Cup presents a tough test, against The Eagles. Arsenal will need to put in a good performance, to advance to the semi-final, where a fixture against  dirty Chelsea, awaits us.

Crystal Palace have shown that they’re more than capable, of causing upsets, in cup competitions. Just ask Manchester City… who were beaten in last season’s FA Cup Final, by The Eagles.

As I’ve said before, I’m desperate for The Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup, as we haven’t won it since the 1992-93 season, when we beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in the final.

The Carabao Cup is the first opportunity to win silverware in the season, and can act as a springboard for the rest of the season, and can be a foundation to build upon, for the seasons to come.

We’ll need eagle eye focus to make the vision, become a reality. We simply cannot allow The Eagles to swoop into The Emirates, and take flight with a win. Their wings, MUST BE clipped, gunned down, maimed, and severely damaged.

Crystal Palace are on the back of a 4-1 defeat, away to Leeds, in the Premier League… but I don’t think this will have any bearing on this game, as it’s a different competition, and with any derby, form goes out the window.

The Arsenal are on the back of a hard fought 1-0 away win, over Everton.

I’m expecting Mikel Arteta to make some changes, but still ensure the team is still highly competitive, as we’re facing Premier League opposition.

The Arsenal team was a much changed starting eleven.

Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, Timber at right-back, Saliba, and Calafiori, in central defence… and Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

It was a midfield trio of Merino, Norgaard, and Eze… and up top, it was Madueke on the right, Jesus through the middle, and Martinelli on the left.

Gabriel Jesus started his first game in eleven months, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. MY house… as I shed tears of joy. Jesus was back just in time for his birthday, on the 25^th December, and I was hoping he’d help turn our quarter-final water, into semi-final wine.

We started the match brilliantly! We flew out the blocks, and were immediately at The Eagles’ throat. The main instigator, was Gabriel Martinelli… who was relentlessly going for the jugular. He cooked, roasted, and served up embarrassment, and a clean pair of heels, to the Palace right-back, Jaydee Canvot.

Each time Martinelli skinned Canvot, he put an excellent ball into the box.

Unfortunately though, wave after wave of attack… just encouraged Palace to surf their luck, and it inspired their keeper to make a string of good saves.

We were getting in behind  the Eagles’ backline at will, creating chances in abundance… but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net.

I’m struggling to think of a more dominating first half performance this season, than this one.

It was so frustrating to witness, because it was like The Gunners were taking aim, had the target lined up, but then dropped their guns, and kicked them away, beyond reach. This happened, time, and time, and time, again.

The creative aspect of our game was phenomenal, so I don’t want to be too overly critical… but we cannot keep squandering chances the way we do, as it will inevitably lead to dropped points in the league, or in this case… elimination from a cup competition.

I feel like I’ve written “We need to be more ruthless” in multiple blogs, because guess what… WE NEED TO BE MORE RUTHLESS!!!

The defence has been exceptional this season, and now it’s time for the frontline, to be the same.

I’m sure the attacking relationships, potent combinations, and ruthlessness to kill games off, will come… but I just hope it comes sooner, rather than later.

Please Santa, I’d like attacking prowess restored to my team, for Christmas. I’ve been good all year.

Despite our best efforts, the first half finished 0-0… and I stared at the screen in disbelief, bound by confusion, and gagged by our wastefulness.

The second half seemed to of caught us by surprise. It was like our body was out on the pitch, but our minds were still in the dressing room… but The Eagles in contrast, had their beak primed, and their talons out… swooping down aggressively… like they had chosen us for their prey.

Palace were in our faces, in the tackles, and now suddenly, in the mood.

The Arsenal were paying a HEAVY, heavy price, for not putting the game to bed, in that first half… and now a rejuvenated Crystal Palace, are threatening to ruin our Christmas.

Arteta said… “I love Christmas, and NOBODY ruins it for ME, or my team!” and then he made substitutions. Ok, ok… he didn’t say that, he just made the substitutions… but it would’ve been HILARIOUS if he did. HAHAHA!!

Anywhoooo… in the 59^th minute, Trossard was introduced, as Martinelli took a knock, and in the 67^th minute… Eze was replaced by Odegaard, and Madueke came off for Saka.

The changes helped us gain more control in the game, but we didn’t look anywhere near as dangerous, as we did in the first half.

In the 80^th minute we earned a corner, that Saka took… and he put an exquisite ball into the box. Palace struggled to clear their lines, and in the confusion, the Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, stabbed the ball into his own net. An own goal… but they all count. 1-0 to the Arsneal!!

What was positive though, is that even with Palace playing better in the second half, we still limited them to zero shots on target, until the 95^th minute, when we gave away a corner… and Jefferson Lerma flicked on said corner, into the path of Marc Guehi, and Guehi slotted the ball home with ease, and megged Kepa in the process… just to add insult to injury. 1-1.

The unthinkable happened… The Arsenal conceded a late goal, and all our hard work in the first half, was undone.

A penalty shootout was next, and I was asking myself.. “How the hell did we get, HERE?!?!?” but I couldn’t answer, wouldn’t answer, and didn’t want an answer… because the answer is… IT’S OUR OWN FAULT!!

We failed to convert 2 clear cut chances from Jesus, 2 from Madueke, 1 from Timber, and 1 from Rice, near the end of the 90 minutes.

All we could do now, is focus on the penalties we’re about to take, and maybe look back in anger at the missed opportunities, at a later date.

Arsenal were getting the penalty shootout underway, with the skipper Martin Odegaard, taking the first spot-kick.

He placed the ball down, looked at the Palace keeper… and my heart rate IMMEDIATELY increased. Not because I thought he was going to miss, but because I’m a nervous wreck, during penalty shootouts.

I even checked my smartwatch, and my heartrate read… “Aye, calm down bro! BREEEAAAATHE.”

But against my will, I defied my smartwatch… because my emotions now belonged to Arsenal Football Club.

Thankfully, Odegaard despatched his penalty with aplomb… and he set the tone, for the remaining pens.

Rice, Saka, Trossard, and Merino, all went on to score their pens confidently. That’s 5 perfect pens in-a-row… but the problem was, Palace did exactly the same.

Calafioti scored the sixth penalty, and the composure that he, and Arsenal were showing, can only stand us in good stead, for any other shootouts, that we may be involved in this season.

Timber was taking the seventh penalty, and the camera zoomed in on his face… and he didn’t look confident, AT ALL!! I feared the worst, and tried my best to prepare for football heartbreak, with a dollop of despair.

Timber though, fooled us all. He fooled me, the Palace keeper… and did I mention, that he fooled… ME?

Jurrien Timber went on to take a sensational penalty, and him scoring his pen, reduced my heartrate by a whole 0.7%

Palace again equalled what we did, so it was now 7-7 in penalties scored.

Saliba stepped up, and banged in his penalty. It was now 8-7 to The Arsenal!!

Up stepped Maxence Lacroix, to take the eighth penalty for The Eagles… and one he HAS TO score, or they’re out.

Lacroix struck the ball tentatively, and Kepa saved it!!! Arsenal were through to the semi-finals, and Palace were out.

PHEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWW!!!! We deserved the win, based on the first half performance, and some of what we did in the second half… but MYYYYYY GOOOOOOOODNEEESSS…. we made a meal of it, and ironically, couldn’t finish the meal we prepared.

Look, bottom line time…  as well as being top of the Premier League, and top of the Champions League, we now have a cup semi-final to look forward to.

Well done to Mikel Arteta, and his backroom staff… and well done to the Arsenal players.

Our frontline WILL click, and when it does, a few teams are in for a vicious beating.

We’re going to rack up the goal difference… and soon.

Were you as frustrated after the 90 minutes, as I was?

Are you concerned that not for the first time this season, we didn’t take our chances?

Let’s discuss this… let me know in the comments… don’t be shy.

Next up, we have Brighton at home in the Premier League. I have a feeling we’ll take our chances in that game. Only three points will do!

Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate. COYG!!