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We’re here, our moment has arrived… our flawless Champions League campaign, has led us to this. A chance to make our great season even better… A chance for the players to etch their name into Arsenal’s history once again. A chance for this group of players, to be immortalised… By winning the Champions League, for the first time in the club’s history.

Nobody is giving us a chance against Paris Saint-Germain, who are the current Champions League holders, and are arguably the best team in the world right now, in terms of the attacking football they play.

However, we’re the best team in the world defensively, and we’ll relish the chance to nullify their attack… and become the champions, of champions!!

I have absolutely NO DOUBT, that The Arsenal will approach this game just like any other… with no fear, with meticulous preparation, and with unwavering belief.

In my opinion, the starting 11 will more or less pick itself… but I think there’s a genuine dilemma for Arteta, regarding who will start up front.

Personally, I’d go with Gyokeres over Havertz… simply because Gyokeres is in better form, and I believe he’ll cause the PSG defence more problems, than Havertz will.

I have a feeling Gyokeres will perform magnificently, in this Champions League Final.

Whether Mikel Arteta will see it the same way though, is another story.

Either way, the anticipation of that starting lineup, is exciting.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Mosquera at right-back.

In the midfield it was Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, and Rice.

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

Even though the ticket allocation was supposed to be even for both sets of fans, a sea of red and white, seemed to take over the whole stadium. It was pleasing to Arsenal eyes.

It was a brilliant atmosphere, and it was clear that both teams were going to be up for this game.

We started positively, and had PSG backing off us… and we showed them early on, that we had no fear.

In the 6^th minute, the ball was played through to Kai Havertz down the left side… and through on goal, and from an awkward angle… he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. It was an exceptional finish, and Havertz once again showed that he’s the man for the big occasion. The all important first goal! 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

PSG responded as expected… and began playing their swashbuckling football. Exquisite passing, and high energy movement.

They started to dominate possession, but they didn’t trouble us at the back. We looked comfortable, and PSG seemed to have no answer for our defensive questions.

The longer the half went on, the more it looked like PSG were not going to score.

Half-Time came around quickly, and when the referee blew his whistle… I couldn’t believe a whole half of football had been played. It did mean however, that The Arsenal were just 45 minutes away, from completing a monumental cup double.

I tried not to get ahead of myself, but myself got ahead of me, nonetheless.

The second half started, and time suddenly started moving in slow motion. How dare there be so much time left on the clock?!

Some questionable decision making in the final third, prevented us from doubling our lead, and although PSG continued to probe… our slender lead remained intact.

In the 65^th minute, a clumsy challenge from Mosquera, caused the referee to point to the spot with no hesitation. (We had once again shot ourselves in the proverbial foot).

Dembele scored the resulting penalty, and made it 1-1 (Unfortunately).

In the 66^th minute, Arteta decided to freshen things up.

Timber replaced Mosquera, and Gyokeres came on for Odegaard.

As legs tired, spaces began to open up… and a surging run from Kvaratskhelia in the 77^th minute, ended with his shot hitting the post. (PHEEEEEW!!)

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

Martinelli came on for Trossard, and Madueke replaced Saka.

Some more “Nearly moments” followed, but the match ended 1-1 after normal time. That meant we were heading for Extra Time. The Arsenal players have played A LOT of football this season, and some are still carrying little niggly injuries, so I wasn’t looking forward to Extra Time, to be honest.

The match adopted the exact same pattern, with PSG on the attack, and us defending doggedly, and refusing to be broken down.

The 91^st minute saw more Arsenal changes, when Eze, and Zubimendi, replaced Havertz, and Lewis-Skelly.

In the 102^nd minute of Extra Time, Noni Madueke was brought down in the box… and although it was a BLATANT PENALTY, the referee waved play-on. It was an AWFUL decision.

Both teams seemed to of resigned themselves to the fact that penalties, would be the only way to decide this match. They looked to now just be playing out the Extra Time minutes, safely, and sensibly.

The whistle blew for the end of Extra Time, and with the scoreline still at 1-1, it meant penalties.

My heartrate just sighed, knowing it was about to reach astronomical levels, and not for the first time this season.

Gyokeres, Rice, and Martinelli, all scored their penalties… but sadly, Eze, and Gabriel Magalhaes, missed theirs.

So PSG win back-to-back Champions Leagues… After Ramos, Doue, Hakimi, and Beraldo, all scored their penalties. They only had one miss, and that was by Mendes.

PSG win 4-3 on penalties, and the long wait for a Champions League trophy, continues for The Arsenal. Always a cruel way to lose a match.

Congratulations to PSG.

So, we end the season with the Premier League. The trophy safely tucked away, with our previous 13 title wins. I’m sure the 14^th title, will get on with the others swimmingly. (HAHAHA!)

As I’ve said on numerous occasions previously, the Premier League’s the one that I wanted most, and we won it!! So not even a Champions League Final defeat, can interfere with my happiness. We go again next season, and we’ll be even better!!

Again though, congratulations to the players, to Mikel Arteta, and his backroom staff, on a sensational season… even if they did put my nerves, and my heart, through the ringer… AND, increase my grey hair count, by a thousand fold! (AHAHAH!)

What’s your favourite moment of the season?

What game this season made you realise, we’d be champions?

Who would you like to see us sign in the Summer?

Who’s your player/s of the season?

Let me know in the comments, as usual… and thanks for reading my blogs all season, I appreciate your support! COYG!!

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

I’m so HAPPY we were crowned champions before a ball was even kicked, in this fixture. The last thing I wanted, was to desperately need a win, on the final day of the season… AWAY to Palace.

Yes, The Gunners often shoot down The Eagles… but birds of prey, ALWAYS have a chance.

Thanks to Mancheatster City crumbling under the pressure against Bournemouth, we can approach this game calmly, happily, and carefree.

Players can be rested, as we STILL have a Champions League final to prepare for.

Credit to Mikel Arteta, his coaching staff, the players, and us fans. It’s been a loooooong… arduous, painful, banter riddled road… but alas… WE DID IT!!!

It’s still surreal at the moment, but seeing the players hold the Premier League trophy aloft, for the first time in 22 YEEEEAAAAARS… will make it official.

The crying from rival fans, has been sweet melodic tones to my ear drums.

The humble pie that the bias ex-pros, and mainstream football media, must now consume, and wash down with sour grapes… is simply dining excellence, and EVERYTHING they all deserve. (HAHAHAH)

No matter how much they moan, no matter how much they hate us, no matter how much they criticise our football, no matter how many false narratives they create… WE’RE THE CHAMPIONS… and there’s NOTHING they can do to change that! It’s absolutely, BEAUTIFUL!!

So anyway, the starting lineup for the final game of the Premier League season, had a lot of changes, as expected.

Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Hincapie and Norgaard, central… and Mosquera at right-back.

In the midfield, it was Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, and Max “The Wonderkid” Dowman. Now the latter, became the youngest ever player, to start a Premier League game.

Another record set, by this incredible young man… who’s kindly taken time out of his GCSE revision, to play for The Arsenal. Amazing stuff Max!!

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

There was a party atmosphere from both sets of fans. The Gunners’ fans still celebrating winning the title, and the Eagles’ were celebrating the fact that they have a Europa Conference League final to play. The Eagles faithful, were also determined to give their manager Oliver Glasner, a joyous farewell… in his final Premier League game, as the Crystal Palace manager.

We started on the front foot, and were playing with a freedom that suggested… now that we’ve reached the summit, all pressure has dissipated. All uncertainty, concern, anxiety, nervousness, and the burden of expectation… had gone. This was a game without consequence… a game that was merely standing in the way, of our trophy lifting ceremony.

Both teams were aware that they have a European Cup Final to navigate, so no players wanted to risk injury… by flying into tackles, and making the game a full-blooded, battle riddled, London Derby.

All of the above, coupled with the warm weather, made the game feel like a pre-season friendly… and this was ok with absolutely everyone.

We created multiple chances, and were in complete control of the game. Gabriel Jesus should’ve had a hat-trick, at the very least. The squandered chances have been somewhat of a theme for us, throughout this season… so final day squandering, seemed fitting.

Thankfully, we could laugh about it… and just when I accepted we’d end the half 0-0… in the 42^nd minute, the ball was passed to Max Dowman… and he flicked the ball beautifully around the corner to Martinelli, who slid the ball to Jesus, and he slotted the ball home. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A well-deserved lead too, and that’s how the first half finished.

The second half started, and Kai Havertz was introduced for Christian Norgaard, in the 46^th minute.

It took only 2 minutes for Havertz to make an impact.

We earned a corner in the 48^th minute, and the ball was swung in deep to Havertz at the far post. He headed the ball back across goal, and Madueke volleyed the ball in, from just inside the box. A well worked set-piece, and an excellent finish by Noni Madueke. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

Mikel Merino replaced Max Dowman in the 62^nd minute. The Wonderkid had a good game, and it was another Premier League game of experience, that can be added to his footballing education.

It was good to see Merino back playing, after suffering such a horrendous injury, that kept him out for most of the season.

We took our foot off the gas, and were cruising to victory.

Arteta mindful that some players need minutes in their legs, ahead of the Champions League Final… he made further substitutions.

Eze came on for Gabriel Jesus in the 75^th minute, and Madueke made way for Gyokeres, in the 83^rd minute.

Eze got a brilliant reception from both sets of fans, which was a special moment for him, and his family.

The Eagles suddenly decided to start playing football, and after a good passing move in the 89^th minute… Mateta pulled a goal back. 2-1 now the scoreline.

Pino put the ball in the net a minute later, but it was ruled out for offside.

We managed to see the game out, and it finished 2-1 to The Arsenal. 2-1 to the CHAMPIONS!!

After what felt like an age of waiting, the Premier League trophy was FINALLY brought out, and placed on the podium… as the Arsenal players walked up to collect their winners medals.

All medals were now collected, the players, the manager, and the backroom staff, were now all in position… just about containing their excitement. Our captain, Martin Odegaard took the trophy off the podium… walked towards his teammates, aaaaand lifted it above his head, arms straight, and locked in place.

The roars, cheers, confetti, red smoke, and fireworks… were all released. It was beautiful! The players began to pass the trophy around, and as each player lifted it… there were rapturous cheers, and applause, from the fans. It was wonderful to witness, and something us fans, the players, and the manager… had waited a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME for!

With the curtain now closed on the Premier League, thoughts are definitely turning towards the Champions League Final. It’s going to be a tough, tough, game… but nobody wins that competition easily.

I believe we’ll be more confident going into the final, after being crowned Premier League champions. We’ve now proven we can win the “Big” trophies, and the players will have the belief that we can now go on to win the big-eared trophy… and I believe it too!!

What was your favourite thing about the Premier League win, celebrations?

What’s your score prediction for the Champions League Final?

Who would your starting 11 be, in the Champions League Final?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

Back at The Emirates, and we entertain an already relegated Burnley side. Sometimes, the teams with nothing to play for, are the hardest to beat.

I don’t imagine that being the case tonight though. It’s time to rack up the goal difference!!

I want to see ALL guns blazing!

It’s time to burn away talk of our trophy drought, burn the “Bottlers” narrative, burn the “This manager can’t get this team over the line” rhetoric. Set ablaze to all banter we’ve suffered, over the last few years! It’s time to burn it aaaaaaall down! Let’s burn baby burn… against Burnley, and take a step closer, to the holy grail.

The Arsenal need to approach the game professionally, and embrace the pressure. This is our time, on our ground, in front of our fans… and our rewards, are within touching distance.

A penultimate cup final to navigate, and navigate it… we WILL!

It’s very simple, we win our last 2 games, we’re champions. CHAMPIONS!! A word that just sounds right, in a sentence… with Arsenal.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Mosquera at right-back.

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

Personally, I wanted to see Myles Lewis-Skelly in the midfield again… but Odegaard played well in his cameo against West Ham, and earned a start.

The fans got to the stadium early, and created a great atmosphere to greet the coach… just like they did before the Atletico Madrid game. It was beautiful… and the stage was set, for an emphatic Arsenal win.

The match kicked off to inspiring noise from the home fans. Songs of encouragement, war cries to reinforce bravery within the players. Roars of support, to cement their mental toughness.

We started the match well, and were moving the ball around confidently, and effortlessly. Our movement, and forward passing, was a joy to behold.

Burnley expected this onslaught though, and sat deep in their defensive shape… like many other visiting teams, at the Emirates before them.

They made it difficult, kept space to a minimum, and seemed determined to spoil the Arsenal party.

We were the much better team, which you’d expect from a team at the top, against an already relegated team… however, the 3 points were far from a foregone conclusion.

The Arsenal controlled the game, dominated possession, but the much needed opening goal… still eluded us.

Our fans still sang loudly, but underneath the melodic football chants… an anxious undertone could be heard. There was A LOT riding on this game, and everyone in attendance knew it.

Emotions needed to be managed, in order for us to get the desired result.

We earned a corner in the 37^th minute, that was taken by Bukayo Saka.

He whipped in a great ball, that Kai Havertz rose highest to meet. His head made perfect contact, and he glanced it in. A perfectly timed run, and jump, paid dividends. 1-0 to the Arsenal!! I was really happy for Havertz, as he’s had such an injury plagued season… so scoring such an important goal, must’ve been so satisfying for him.

The celebrations were loud, and long… and the relief could be felt throughout the stadium.

It was a good time to score too, as half-time was near.

The Gunners tried to increase the lead, but were unable to. We went in 1-0 up at the half-time whistle.

When the curtain raised for the second half, there was no change to Burnley’s defensive shape, and the longer the scoreline remained only 1-0, the more the anxiety, and nervousness… intensified.

Nerves were now visible in our play, so the crisp, incisive passing, and intelligent movement… had now abandoned us.

Our defensive solidity was unquestionable, but more was needed from our attackers.

We had some nearly moments, but all it did was add to the frustration, and increase heart rates.

I have no idea why my beloved Arsenal, would take pleasure in playing with my health in this way.

In the 73^rd minute, Arteta decided that he’d seen enough, and changes were made.

Lewis-Skelly replaced Eze, Gyokeres came on for Havertz, and Calafiori made way for Hincapie.

Burnley though, were still reluctant to commit players forward, so space was still non-existent, the crowd were still anxious, and the players were still nervous.

All that matters is the result, the manner in which we perform, can go on the backburner. We’re at the business end of the season, and us doing the business… is paramount.

What looked to be a wonderful footballing spectacle in the first half, turned into an ugly scrap in the trenches, in the second half.

Breaks in play, deliberate fouls, sloppy passing, and nearly moments… became the main focal points of the game.

As the minutes on the clock ticked away agonisingly slowly, coupled with us not adding to our goal tally… the possibility of an upset increased.

Burnley though, still failed to trouble our defensive line… and I had come to terms with the fact that we weren’t going to score more goals.

We hit the post, should’ve had a penalty, and Havertz could’ve been sent off for an extremely clumsy challenge… However, more importantly… we saw the game out. We took all precious 3 points. Once again, 1-0 to The Arsenal was enough!!

A hard fought, ugly, bruising victory… put the pressure back on to Mancheatster City.

The Gunners showed incredible battling qualities, and presented more examples, that we’re more determined than ever… to win this league.

Who was your man of the match?

What would your starting 11 be, to face Crystal Palace?

Who is your player of the season?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

All the talk about The Arsenal “Over celebrating” after reaching the Champions League final, is unmitigated nonsense. The ex-pro’s, the mainstream football media, and the rival fans… are just salty, and the salt is sprinkled on top of sour grapes.

Aaaanywhoooo… we’ve barely had time to catch our breath, and we’re back to Premier League business. We have to navigate a difficult away game against West Ham.

It’s a game that’ll bring the hammer blow down on The Hammers, and a hammer blow down on Mancheatster City too… IF we win.

A win will probably mean relegation for West Ham, and probably ends City’s title hopes. I will once again, send up 115 prayers.

I’m hoping Arteta goes with the same starting 11 from the Atletico game, as not only will the players be confident after reaching the final… but THAT starting 11 have brought out the best in the fans, and in turn, the fans have brought out the best in the players.

This is the Declan Derby, and he’ll need to keep his emotions in check, as he takes on his beloved West Ham. I’m sure he will, as all season Rice has shown that it doesn’t matter who the opposition is, he will perform superbly.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Ben White at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, Eze, Lewis-Skelly… and up front, it was… Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

The SAME starting 11 for a third game in-a-row. I LOVE IT!! The attacking intent is there for all to see.

The West Ham fans were loud, and ready to roar their team to victory… ready to be that “Twelfth man”. Their home form is respectable, and they’re not about to allow a London rival, to spoil that. Not to mention they’re under the threat of relegation.

We ignored the rally cries of the home fans, and got straight down to our football business.

Fluidity, movement, forward passing, and attacking prowess… was etched all over our play. The Arsenal were playing the game, and not the occasion.

Calafiori was put through on goal, and he tried to poke the ball home with the outside of his left foot, instead of the better option… which was to use his right.

Trossard had a headed effort hit the woodwork, when it looked easier to score… and even though we were the team in the ascendancy, in the first 20 minutes… I took the missed chances as a sign, that it was going to be one of THOSE days.

In the 28^th minute Ben White had to go off injured, with what is believed to be a knee injury. Benny Blanco has been so unlucky with injuries this season, so it’s a real shame he’s picked up another one… just when he seemed to be getting back to his best form.

I automatically thought, ok we’ll bring on Mosquera… he’s a more than capable replacement. Mikel Arteta though, must’ve thought to himself “I need to do something absolutely INSAAAAANE, unprovoked” …and then he brought on Zubimendi, and moved Declan “The Invulnerable Warrior” Rice, to right-back.

Confusion, tagged concern… and they both linked arms, and clotheslined me in the throat.

I just couldn’t understand how living in a midfield world WITHOUT Rice, would help us. That’s not living… THAT’S just surviving.

There was an immediate momentum shift… West Ham started to see more of the ball, and were dominating the midfield area. They were still playing it safe though, and remained in their defensive shape.

The referee blew the half-time whistle, and the Gunners were left ruing the earlier missed opportunities. 0-0 at the break, and an unwelcome reminder… that this wasn’t going to easy.

Arteta recognised how crazy it was to play Rice at right-back, and at the start of the second half, he withdrew Calafiori, and brought on Mosquera.

This meant that Lewis-Skelly would drop back into the left-back position, Mosquera would got to right-back, and Declan “The Invulnerable Warrior” Rice, would retake his place in midfield, next to Zubimendi.

Like a dealer in a casino, there was A LOT of shuffling around… and unnecessarily too.

With Lewis-Skelly at left-back, we missed his dynamism, his directness, and his willingness to run at the opposition. This encouraged West Ham to recover the ball quicker, and break through our lines more regularly.

We seemed to of run out of ideas, and in the 67^th minute, Arteta attempted to replenish our idea stock.

Odegaard replaced Eze, and the ineffective Zubimendi, was replaced by Havertz.

Zubaaaah-Zubaaaah, didn’t have a good game… but I believe he’s still tired, after playing so many games this season… without a winter break, which is something he was used to having when he played in Spain. His body needs to get used to the new demands, of the English football calander. He had a good season nonetheless, and next season, will be even better!

The substitutions swung the momentum back in our favour. Kai Havertz was making clever runs, and pulling players out of position, which created space for others.

Martin Odegaard was using said space, very productively. He was connecting the play beautifully, between the midfield and the attack… but the final ball was lacking.

In the 78^th minute, Fernandes was put clean through on the Arsenal goal, after an excellent move from West Ham… and one-on-one with Raya, he failed to score.

David Raya made himself bigger than a row of giants, standing on each other’s shoulders… and made a magnificent save!! A match winning save!! A title winning save!! Sensational, from the Arsenal keeper.

The save inspired his teammates, and just 5 minutes later… Odegaard played the ball to Trossard, after some lovely work in the box created space. Trossard struck the ball first time… and Soucek lunged desperately, attempting to block the shot… but it deflected in. GOOOOAAAAAAAAL!!!!!! 1-0 to The Arsenal. What a relief! Still time on the clock though, so of course… there was nervousness.

In the 95^th minute, the unthinkable happened. West Ham had a corner, Raya came out to catch the ball… missed it, and the ball broke to Callum Wilson, who fired the ball in.

I couldn’t believe it… I was just getting ready to write-off the remainder of my weekend, and all of next week, until they commentary team said VAR were checking something.

I asked “Lessness” to leave, so hope and I, could watch the VAR check.

My heart was beating out of my chest, my heartrate just said “Danger” repeatedly. My blood pressure was higher than the cost of living. They were taking FOREVER to make their decision… I had already aged 73 years during this game, I couldn’t afford anymore.

The replays showed that Raya was fouled. His arm was being pulled down, to prevent him from catching the ball, and he was being held across his neck. In addition to that, his shirt was also being pulled.

However, I still wasn’t confident that the West Ham goal would be chalked off. I was wrong. The referee said “After review, the number 19 (Pablo Felipe) fouled the goalkeeper… final decision, Arsenal free-kick”.

I was momentarily stunned into silence… and then… I let out a combination of a roar, and a cheer, at decibel levels that surely offended my neighbours. NO GOAL!!

We saw the remainder of the game out, and won 1-0. Once again, 1-0 to The Arsenal… was enough to win the day, and hopefully… the league.

An enthralling game to watch. The West Ham players surrounded the ref at full-time, but that’s their problem… I’m here for Arsenal business, and we did… the business. The hammer blow.

The reaction from pundits, and ex-pros, to a CORRECT decision that the ref made, is HILARIOUS. They hate The Arsenal soooooooo much, that they wanted the ref NOT to apply the rules. (HAHAHAHAH)

Their hatred, and their tears, continue make us stronger.

We now have 2 more cup finals to play, and next up, we face Burnley at The Emirates.

Should Odegaard start against Burnley?

Do you think we now have the title wrapped up?

Would you start Havertz against Burnley, and give Gyokeres a breather?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

It’s the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, and we’re at the Emirates. We managed to take a 1-1 draw home, even after being blatantly robbed of a penalty.

I hope Arteta uses that injustice, to fire up the players.

We went out of the competition at this stage last season, and we cannot allow history to repeat itself. If we play like we did against Fulham though, Atletico are in all sorts of trouble.

The Emirates crowd will be just as loud as they were against Fulham, if not…LOUDER, because that penalty debacle, still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

I don’t just want a victory, I want to humiliate them. A 4-0 drubbing, would be just the tonic.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Ben White at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, Eze, Lewis-Skelly… and up front, it was… Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

The Emirates faithful were in full voice, and had been since the team bus arrived, hours before.

Players’ coach was greeted by thousands of fans serenading them, with lit flares, and shouting words of encouragement… and it continued in the stadium at kick-off.

Very rarely, had the Emirates been this loud, this intimidating, this buoyant, this jubilant.

They sensed something in air, that something special would happen this night… and the Arsenal players responded… but the players looked like they KNEW, something special would happen.

There was a look of determination, a renewed confidence, an understanding… that we’re superior to this team.

We took the game to Atletico from the first whistle, and they quickly understood that they were now in OUR HOUSE, and there’s nothing here for them, except disappointment, despair… and defeat.

The enemy retreated into their predictable defensive shape, and the Gunners took aim, looked through the scope, and searched for the best ways to hit the target.

We passed, probed, and persisted… but couldn’t find a way through. We had to exercise patience, and show our professionalism.

The Arsenal were controlling the midfield, and our attackers were looking razor sharp, and ready to cut at a moment’s notice… Atletico however, were not in the mood for a trim.

We had chances, and they had half chances, but the first half looked destined to finish 0-0… up until the 44^th minute.

The ball was played into Gyokeres, and he held the ball up brilliantly, and found Trossard. Trossard twisted, and turned, and made space for a shot… which the keeper saved. Fortunately for us, the shot was spilled… and Bukayo Saka was the quickest to react, and he cleaned up the spillage, and tapped the ball home. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

As usual, our “Starboy” was doing “Starboy” things… scoring the opener in a semi-final, just before half-time. Big game player!!

It was pandemonium in the stadium… there was an eruption of wild celebrations, and the cheers sounded wonderful. The symphonic roars sounded like a fan orchestra… and the players were the conductors.

The referee blew his whistle for half-time, and we could catch our breath.

Mikel Arteta didn’t need to say anything to the players at half-time, except… “Same again”… as we managed Atletico Madrid in that half. We didn’t even need to exert ourselves too much, such was our control.

The second half started, and Atletico set up in the same defensive shape. They sat deep, showed no attacking intent, and dared us to break them down. We did try, but exercised caution, as we had a lead to protect after all.

They started to break up our play with deliberate, persistent fouling… that the referee casually allowed to go unpunished.

In the 58^th minute, Hincapie came on for Calafiori, Madueke replaced Saka, and Odegaard replaced Eze.

 We could afford to rest players, as Atletico still refused to attack, and we’re still involved in a title race… and Arteta rightly so, turned his thoughts towards that.

The game just like in the first leg, had turned scrappy… and the Gunners just had to not do anything silly, and see the game out. Navigate their way through the niggly fouls, and the anti-football antics.

More substitutions were made in the 74^th minute, and the 83^rd minute, when Zubimendi replaced Lewis-Skelly, and Martinelli came on for Trossard.

We couldn’t add to our lead, but more importantly, they couldn’t get on the scoresheet. I won’t keep you in suspense… we won the game. 1-0 to The Arsenal, was enough to send us through to OUR FIRST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL IN 20 YEARS!!! 20 YEEEAAAAARS!!!

The scenes were beautiful at the full-time whistle. The players, the fans, Arteta, and the coaching staff… all celebrating together… after all their hard work. Like I said, beautiful!

We deserved to get to the final too, because we won the league phase, conceded the least goals, won the most games… and we’re STILL unbeaten in the competition.

We’re in the final, because we deserve it!! Those are the facts, and anything else, is just negative noise.

It was a complete team performance. We were excellent in every area.

Gyokeres ran the channels tirelessly, held up the ball, and threw his weight around. The Atletico defenders were petrified, and didn’t get a moments peace. It was yet another flawless performance from Gyokeres.

Again, Myles Lewis-Skelly was exceptional in the midfield. Especially for one so young. Lets not forget, that he’s still only 19 years old… and he’s playing with an assurance, and a level of composure, that’s way beyond his tender years.

His passing, his decision making, his tackling, his ball carrying… was superb. Credit to Arteta for being brave enough to play Lewis-Skelly, over Zubimendi, in a Champions League semi-final.

Declan Rice was sensational!! I am running out of superlatives to describe his brilliance.

He sensed danger, and snuffed it out immediately! He also made key tackles, and was calm in areas of the pitch, where others may of panicked. He was a one-man wall of determination, and composure, in front of the defence.

Gabriel, and Saliba, once again underlined the fact that they’re the best centre-back pairing in the world. They read the game…  won every header, they put their body on the line with brave blocks. Like I said earlier, it truly was a complete performance from The Arsenal.

We now have a Champions Leage final to look forward to.

West Ham are our next opponents, and it’ll no doubt be a difficult game… but a game we’ll go into with confidence.

Should Arteta go with the same starting 11?

Who was your man of the match?

Do you think we’re going to do the double?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

Arsenal family, Gunners faithful, Gooners contingent… we have the chance to once again put some daylight, between ourselves, and Mancheatster City.

A win against Fulham today, will put us 6 points clear at the top of the table.

The Emirates needs to be rocking, as the Arsenal players will need all the help they can get, during this pressure game.

The right support can put energy back into their legs, give them confidence, and reduce The Cottagers, to noting more than a pie.

This feels very much like the decisive derby, because I have a feeling that City will drop points in the their next two games. I’m going to send up 115 prayers.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Ben White at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, Eze, Lewis-Skelly… and up front, it was… Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

The midfield selection excited me, because I, and many other Arsenal fans… had wanted Myles Lewis-Skelly to get a run of games in midfield. He adds a different dynamic, a different energy, he’s an excellent ball carrier, and he’ll try to beat people with driving runs. That’s something the other midfielders won’t do.

It was a brave call from Arteta, a much needed call, and most importantly… the right call.

We started the match and let Fulham know immediately, that we mean business. We were playing some wonderful football. Intricate, quick, incisive, one-touch passing.

We were energetic, purposeful, and our movement was a sight to behold. The Emirates crowd responded with roars, cheers, and rapturous applause. It had been a while since we’d witnessed this level of attacking football.

In the 9^th minute, Saka picked up the ball on the right… invited Jimenez to take it off him, and with a drop of the shoulder, and a quick change of direction, he sent Jimenez for refreshments against his will. His attempt to adjust his body, and keep up with Saka, ended with him comically falling to the ground.

Our Starboy wasn’t done there… he took the ball to the byline, and squared it to Gyokeres, who tapped the ball in from close range. It was a lovely goal. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

Saka had his explosive pace back, and was dribbling freely, like he’s finally shaken off that Achilles injury, and is on his way back to his best. We’ve missed him in the team, and I think some people underestimated just how much. I am NOT among those people.

We were all over The Cottagers, like wet on water… and the current the Gunners created, made it unsafe for Fulham to swim in.

In the 30^th minute, we had a goal chalked off for offside, after a VAR check… which was a real shame, because it was a great header by Calafiori, and we absolutely deserved a second goal.

Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long for our lead to be doubled. The 40^th minute to be precise.

The ball was played up to Gyokeres, who was on his own in enemy territory… He didn’t panic, held up the ball superbly… spotted Saka’s intelligent run, and played him in on goal.

Saka, the personification of composure… stroked the ball past Leno, at his near post. A brilliant finish, and a fitting end to Gyokeres’ great hold-up play. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

That’s a goal, and an assist each, for both Gyokeres, and Saka. They seem to be forming an understanding at just the right time, and long may it continue.

I couldn’t believe I felt relaxed, as we’d previously had narrow 1-0 leads in other games, that felt like it could be snatched away at any time. It had never felt like that today, due to how well we’d been playing, and how dangerous our attack looked. It wasn’t “If” we score, but “When” we score. I’d missed that feeling… and I welcomed it back, and embraced it warmly, like a long lost relative.

We kept playing our attacking football, and continued to push for more goals, and The Cottagers continued struggling to cope with it.

In the fourth minute of injury time, the ball was played through to Trossard on the left, and he played an exquisite chipped pass to Gyokeres in the box, who headed the ball home. It was another great move. 3-0 to The Arsenal!!

The third goal felt like the devastating blow, in this decisive derby. The referee blew his whistle for half-time, and the players went off to an ovation… coupled with roars, and cheers. The noise was deafening… and a welcoming sound, to inspire the team further… and show appreciation.

With a three goal lead, and the second leg of the Champions League semi-final looming, Arteta smartly made some substitutions… to rest players.

Madueke replaced Saka, at half-time… Zubimendi came on for Rice in the 64^th minute, and Gabriel Jesus replaced Gyokeres.

There was no change to our dominance, we controlled every area of the pitch… and though Fulham probably wanted the game to be over, there was no let-up in sight.

Max Dowman came on for Eze in the 78^th minute, and Mosquera replaced Ben White in the 83^rd minute.

We had other chances to increase our lead, and probably should’ve won the game 5-0… but the match ended 3-0, and that was more than good enough.

It was a complete performance from The Arsenal, a statement win… a win that sent a message to Mancheatster City, and the rest of the football world.

A magnificent centre-forward display from Gyokeres. He fought, used his strength, chased lost causes, held the ball up… and in addition to that, he got 2 goals, and an assist. He really was sensational, and fully deserves all the plaudits.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was excellent in midfield… considering he hadn’t played a lot of football, and hadn’t hit the heights from last season. He didn’t hide though… he constantly made himself available… he tackled, he was assured on the ball, his passing accuracy was brilliant, and he ran at the opposition.

I genuinely believe he’s given Arteta a selection headache, ahead of the game against Atletico, and I’m so happy for him, because he came in for A LOT of unfair criticism.

A resurgent Bukayo Saka, caused havoc to the Fulham defence. He ran them ragged in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch. He’s another player that had come in for unfair criticism, especially as he’s been plagued with injuries this season.

He made a lot of people eat humble pie, with a side of their own words… and wash it down with a tall glass of false narratives, and duped statistical data.

They were ready to crown City champions, after they beat us at the Etihad, and now we’re 6 points clear, at the top of the league. We’re fighting to the very end!! We’ll cope with the pressure, and we STILL believe we’re going to win the title!!

Should Lewis-Skelly start in midfield, against Atletico Madrid?

Do you think we should exercise caution against Atletico Madrid, or should we go for the jugular, straight from the start?

Would you start Madueke, or Saka, against Atletico Madrid?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

It’s the Champions League semi-final, and The Arsenal are away for the first leg, against Atletico Madrid. I’m dreading it to be honest, as their stadium is a cauldron… A house of hostility. A unit of unwelcomeness. A building built on a barrage of boos, and hisses… and this is what the Gunners must overcome, to win this game, or at the very least… get a draw. Not forgetting that they’re a quality team too, by the way.

Atletico Madrid have turned over some big names on their own patch, and we’re the latest big name, to try and avoid defeat here.

Atletico are on the back of a 3-2 win over Athletic Club, and The Arsenal are on the back of a 1-0 win over Newcastle.

Our Premier League form of late, may be a bit up-and-down, but our form in Champions League has been exceptional. It’s been the one constant throughout this season. Well that, and injuries.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Ben White at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, Odegaard, Zubimendi… and up front, it was… Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

The match kicked off, and the noise from the Atletico fans was deafening! We had to play the game, and not the occasion. The good thing is, we’re an experienced team now… and we have played in all types of stadiums, and dealt with all types of atmospheres.

I was still dreading this tie, nonetheless. Atletico Madread (See what I did there) started on the front foot, which is to be expected for the home side.

Arteta tweaked our system slightly, and had Rice playing deeper, as that one man wall to protect the defence. After seeing that, I was confident that we could answer any question Atletico may ask us… emphatically.

The Gunners settled into the game, and were looking like the better team, but we had nothing to show for it.

Atletico started to sit deep, and defend in number… so space became a scarce commodity. Creativity for both teams seemed to dry up… that was until the 44^th minute, when Gyokeres was played in on goal, and as he was about to steady himself for the shot… he was shoved in the back, and the referee awarded a penalty.

I was surprised it was given, as some ref’s give them, and some don’t. It was a typical fifty-fifty incident.

Anywhoooo… up stepped Gyokeres confidently, and he smashed the penalty past Oblak. It was a great penalty, a pressure penalty… that he despatched with aplomb. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A perfect time to score!!

The whistle blew for half-time, and we most certainly deserved our lead. Another 45 minutes like that, and we’ll take an advantage back to The Emirates for the second leg.

My nervousness dissipated, and I became convinced that we were going to win this game, no matter what the opposition threw at us… but then the second half kicked off, and Atletico Madread (I did it again! HAHA!) came out looking like a completely different team.

They showed a level of attacking intent, that just wasn’t there in the first half. We were on the ropes, but we were still standing. We didn’t even stagger. We took their best hits, and smiled… but unfortunately, the officials decided to give Atletico a helping hand.

In the 56^th minute a sliced shot from Llorente bounced off Ben White’s knee, and hit his hand, and the referee pointed to the spot. A sickening decision, but this is how the handball rule has been dealt with in the Champions League this season. (Unfortunately)

Alvarez scored the resulting penalty, and just like that… the score was 1-1. I sighed the longest siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh, and it felt like The Arsenal had once again entered injustice town… and even though we don’t like it, we seem to frequent this town regularly.

Atletico were now the better team, feeding off the energy of the crowd, and the momentum swinging in their favour, after the equaliser.

Arteta reacted, and in the 58^th minute Odegaard was replaced by Eze, and in the 68^th minute… Trossard came on for Martinelli, Saka for Madueke, and Jesus replaced Gyokeres.

I like that Mikel Arteta made these substitutions to try something different, and the timing of it.

Trossard, and Saka, looked rusty at first… like they struggled to adapt to the pace of the game, but once they caught up, we looked a lot better, and regained some control of the tie.

Atletico were still having shot, after shot, on our goal… and we were still dealing with it, with great efficiency… but it was time to increase our lead.

In the 80^th minute, Eze’s foot was stepped on in the box, and the referee awarded ANOTHER penalty. This was too good to be true! Two penalties in one match, IN OUR FAVOUR… just doesn’t happen to us, but let’s be clear… it WAS a stonewall penalty!! However, the ref was advised by VAR to review the incident on screen, and once the ref went to the monitor… I knew it wasn’t going to be good news for us.

The Referee viewed the incident multiple times, which means it wasn’t “Clear and obvious” so his original decision should’ve stood, HOWEVER… the ref allowed his decision to be swayed by the Atletico crowd, and instead of remaining strong… the ref wilted, like a flower needing water, and starved of sunlight.

He overturned his decision, and we were denied a blatant penalty. The ref had singlehandedly, changed the complexity of the tie.

WE WERE ROBBED!!! It was a disgraceful decision, and further proof that VAR doesn’t go by it’s own rules… as I was under the impression that if it’s NOT “Clear and obvious” then the referee’s decision SHOULD stand.

I have to keep reminding myself, that The Arsenal are just officiated differently.

Mosquera came on for White in the 86th minute, but by then… the game just felt over… and it was. We never really recovered from that ludicrous decision. The match finished 1-1.

A draw away from home in a European two-legged semi-final tie, is NEVER a bad result… but it feels like one, because of that awful decision to overturn our penalty.

We’ll get them back to the Emirates, and exact our revenge next week. In the meantime though, we look ahead to a tricky game at home, against Fulham.

Should we appeal over the penalty decision?

Do some players need to be rested for the Fulham game?

Would you start Odegaard, or Eze, against Fulham?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

We’re down to the last 5 games of a gruelling, testing, emotion invoking, rival fans provoking, support groups for coping, unwavering hoping… and uphill slippery sloping… type of Premier League season.

The finish line is in sight, that elusive Premier League trophy, is still within our grasp! Destiny is still in our hands… BUT, it won’t be easy… and we knew that, before a ball was even kicked this season.

Our first of our 5 cup finals, is against Newcastle, at the Emirates.

The Magpies suffered a 2-1 home defeat, at the hands of Bournemouth, in their last game… but they’ll no doubt turn into the 70’s Brazil team, when they play us… just because we need to win the game so badly.

The Arsenal are of course, on the back of that narrow 2-1 defeat, to Mancheatster City (I’m still fuming about that by the way!) I hope the players are too! I hope they channel all of the disappointment, and the anger, and harness it into a weapon… to unleash on Newcastle.

It’s certainly a must win game, and I feel it’s imperative that we rack up the goals in the process… as its been well documented, that this title could be won on goal difference.

We must however, be measured in our approach… as we don’t need to be frenetic, or panic-stricken, in our play.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Ben White at right-back.

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

It was time to do battle, it was time to scrap, it was time for incisive passing… it was time for attacking efficiency, and defensive solidity. It was time to cover every blade of grass, show desire… and leave blood, sweat, and tears, on the pitch!!! Which is basically what we’ve done ALL. SEASON. LONG… and I’m sure the players will tap into that muscle memory, and lead us to victory.

We’ve starved our trophy cabinet, and its feeding time is long overdue.

The match kicked off, and the atmosphere felt different. Anxiousness, was replaced with supreme confidence, nerves were in attendance… but were outnumbered by defiance, and positivity. A refuse to lose, glory we choose, type of mindset… was adopted by the Arsenal faithful, and I thought to myself… forget clipping their wings, we’re going to obliterate The Magpies!! There’s nothing shiny for you to obtain here… MR MAGPIE!

The Gunners were looking good in the early stages, and the Arsenal faithful had no cause for concern… until a misplaced pass found its way to Tonali, who squared it to Guimaraes… and his powerful shot, went just over the bar. It was a warning that we needed to take heed from.

We identified that short corners would cause Newcastle more problems, than just putting the ball into the box… and after not reaping the rewards from the first two, our third attempt worked out magnificently.

In the 9^th minute, a short corner was played to Havertz, and he found Eze on the edge of the box… in space that an astronaut would’ve been proud of. Eze’s brilliance didn’t require him to take a touch to steady himself… he struck the ball first-time with his right foot, and the ball flew into the top corner! A wonderful goal! A much needed goal! 1-0 to the Arsenal!!

Tonali had a great long range effort, that David Raya was equal to. The ball was swerving left, and right… but Raya somehow managed to sort his feet out quickly, and adjust his body, to make a word class save.

David Raya just cementing his place, as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. Nobody else is anywhere near him right now.

We were trying for the second goal, but I can’t say we were going ALL OUT for it. The default setting of wanting to protect our lead, starting creeping into our game… so the passing became less dangerous… less ambitious.

It didn’t help matters in the 34^th minute, when Kai Havertz went down injured, with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Let’s hope it’s not too serious.

Havertz was replaced by Gyokeres.

The Magpies were limited to long range efforts mostly, and we had half chances, but failed to increase our lead.

It got scrappy, it got ugly, and Newcastle got what they wanted…which was to turn it into that EXACT type of game. It wasn’t pleasant viewing… but who cares, we were 1-0 up.

The first half finished 1-0 to us. The Arsenal were just 45 minutes away, from returning to the Premier League summit.

In the second half, it only took a mere 8 minutes… for us to suffer yet ANOTHER injury. This time it was to Eze. It looked quite innocuous, so I have no idea what the injury is. Again though, let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

Eze was replaced by Martinelli.

Not long after that, a ball was played long to Gyokeres, that caught Newcastle out. Nick Pope sprinted off his line, and came WAAAAAAY OUTSIDE his area… and just blatantly took Gyokeres out. There was no attempt to play the ball whatsoever, and the keeper clearly prevented a goalscoring opportunity!! HAD TO BE A RED CARD!! What do the officials do though… VAR cleared it (If they even checked) and the referee, gave Pope just a yellow card.

It was another abysmal decision by the officials, against Arsenal… and we can do nothing, but just add this latest injustice, to the long list of injustices.

We were overcomplicating things in the final third, shooting when we should pass, and vice-versa. When we did pick the right passes, the players failed to play the ball accurately.

In the 81^st minute, Bukayo Saka came on for Noni Madueke. It was good to see Saka back, and we immediately looked more dangerous, with him on the pitch.

Madueke done ok, but his need for extra touches, and delaying to cross the ball… can be somewhat frustrating.

Lewis-Skelly also came on in the 81^st minute… he replaced Martin Zubimendi in the midfield. A position that Arsenal fans, me included… would like to see Lewis-Skelly play more often.

Odegaard had a shot saved by Pope, and we had a late scare at the other end, when Yoane Wissa was in on the Arsenal goal… But thankfully, he wissa’d his shot over the bar.

We did it, we saw the game out. It finished 1-0 to The Arsenal. We won the first of our 5 cup finals. 4 more to go!!

3 points, and back to the top of the league. All other noise has been, and will forever remain… muted.

We’re away to Atletico Madrid next, for our semi-final clash, in the Champions League.

An extremely difficult game, and even more so, because we hammered them 4-0 in the group stages, back in October.

I’m expecting a bruising encounter, a tactical masterclass… so we’ll need to offer more of an attacking threat, if we’re hoping to take a positive result back to the Emirates, for the second leg.

With all of our injury concerns, player fatigue, and others only just returning to full fitness… how do you think Arteta should approach this game?

Should Arteta risk further injury to key players, and just go as strong as possible? Or should he field a few of the “Fringe” players?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

One of THEEEEE BIGGEST games of the season, has arrived. The honest, versus the cheats. The potential champions, versus the former champions.

This game needs no hype, but it’ll be hyped anyway.

Nobody is giving us a hope in hell to win this game, but I genuinely believe we’re going to beat them. No draw, no loss… a WIN!!

I’ve felt this way for a number of weeks, and it’s based on the fact that we’ve been superb this season, and Mancheatster City just aren’t that good. Yes, I know they beat us in the Carabao Cup… but I’m talking about league form, and The Arsenal are top of the league for a reason.

I refuse to dismiss how good we’ve been this season, because of the last couple of weeks.

We really are at war my Arsenal soldiers… and we’re fighting the mainstream football media, all of social media, the football pundits, and SOME, of our own fans.

We’re in the trenches, and only we can get ourselves out… and we most certainly, WILL!!

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

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

The game started at a frantic pace, with both teams eager to stamp their authority on the game early-on.

The Arsenal looked sharp, the passing was crisp, and the movement was excellent. THIS was what we’d been missing from our games, in recent weeks.

I was filled with optimism, and brimming with confidence. The Gunners had once again found their ammunition, and were not shy about using it.

Mancheatster City were never going to go quietly, and they began to impose themselves. In the 16^th minute, some quick footwork from Cherki dazzled our defence, and his tidy finish… put City 1-0 up. BOOOOOOOOOOO!!! (I threw up in my mouth a little bit)

Our response was swift, and true… as just 2 minutes later, in the 18^th minute… Kai Havertz equalised, after charging down an attempted clearance from Donnarumma. It was a howler from the City goalkeeper… and it was wonderful to witness! (HAHAHA)
The scoreline now 1-1. Game on!

Though it was set up nicely for an end-to-end, goalmouth action in abundance, type of conclusion to the first half… it calmly ended 1-1.

The second half graced us with its presence, and all I could think was… This is a huge 45 minutes in our season, in the title race… and a huge 45 minutes for my mood, and my heartrate.

The infamous, impunity wielding, ignoble… City, flew out of the traps… and Hincapie had to make an incredible block, to keep out a shot from Semenyo, and Haaland hit the post not long after that. My nerves were wondering why I’d subject myself to such astronomical stress levels.

I had no answer for my nerves, apart from… I just LOVE my team. My nerves rolled their eyes, once again took their place, on edge.

Havertz had a chance to put us 2-1 up, after he was clean through on goal… but his shot was too close to the keeper. (Unfortunately!!)

Eze had a great effort from the edge of the box, around the 60^th minute… that hit the inside of the post, and somehow stayed out. The cheaters, seemed to be prospering. (115 reasons, why this is unfair)

In the 65^th minute Doku cut in from the left, and squared it to O’Reilly… who helped it on, into the path of Haaland. After a slight deflection, Haaland finished the move emphatically. 2-1 to City.

Did I mention that the cheaters were prospering?!

Gabriel hit the post after the City goal, but ultimately… We had once again been punished, after not taking our chances. An all too familiar story, for The Arsenal.

The match ended 2-1 to City, but it could’ve quite easily of gone the other way. The defeat hurt. It rocked me to the core of my soul, because of how significant the win is for them, and how close it puts them to us, in the table.

There’s now only 3 points separating us, and them… and we shouldn’t of allowed it to get to this. Slip-ups against lesser teams, has cost us.

That being said, It was good performance from us today… and we should be heading into our home game against Newcastle, feeling confident.

We simply HAVE TO bounce back, and assume City will win ALL of their remaining games… and ensure we do the same!!

I STILL believe we’ll win the league!! We will NOT undo all our hard work this season, and go out with a whimper.

There’s no midweek game, so we need to rest well, and recover. Ready to face The Magpies, with no new injuries. (Hopefully)

Now that Odegaard is back, should Eze continue out on the left?

If Calafiori is fit to face Newcastle, would you play him over Hincapie?

Why do you think we’ve had so many major injuries this season? Workload? The way we play? Training Methods? Or, just incredibly unlucky?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

Reaction, is the word that’s dominating every fibre of my being.

We must, we have to, we need to, we’ve got to… react in a positive way, to our defeat against Bournemouth.

The Arsenal face Sporting in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, with a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

We need to secure the semi-final place, whilst ensuring the squad are fresh enough to face Mancheatster City, away in the Premier League.

Sporting are on the back of a 1-0 away win over Estrela Amadora, so I’m sure they’ll be arriving at the Emirates feeling confident.

It’s down to us to turn their confidence into fear, and uncertainty… and I’m sure we will.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Mosquera at right-back.

Rice, Eze, and Zubimendi… started in the midfield… and the front 3 was Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

The Arsenal looked determined to assert themselves on the game, in the early stages… and there was a lot more forward passing, than we had seen recently… which filled the Gunners’ faithful, with optimism.

Sporting sat back in their low block, and refused to commit players forward, even though they were 1-0 down from the first leg.

We were patient, and even more so than usual… because the onus wasn’t on us, to go for the Sporting jugular.

Eze was looking sharp, and was trying to make things happen. He was enjoying the freedom he had in the creative department. In the final third though, some of our old habits started to creep in.

We either took too long to cross the ball, or we made the wrong decisions in key areas.

At times the cross didn’t even beat the first man, and other times, we delayed the shot… which made defensive blocks easy for the opposition.

Sporting kept the ball well in patches, but any attacks they could muster, were snuffed out comfortably by our defence.

We showed a level of defensive solidity, that was similar to earlier in the season, when we didn’t even allow teams to have a shot on our goal.

The attack however, failed to build on the foundations of that defensive solidity, and as a result of that… the first half finished 0-0.

We had speculative shots on goal, but their keeper might as well of been unemployed, because we didn’t work him.

That being said, we were now 45 minutes from the Champions League semi-final… and getting there, will no doubt reduce the negative noise, surrounding the club at the moment, and fill the players with confidence.

The second half started, and Sporting remained in their ambition lacking, shin whacking, anti-attacking, defensive shape.

Somebody should’ve informed them that they need a goal. They definitely get points for frustration, but frustration isn’t a currency you can trade in for goals-tender… pun intended.

Arteta was hoping to kill the game off, with his 56^th minute substitution… when he took off Gyokeres, and brought on Kai Havertz. The latter had scored the winning goal in Lisbon, so I understood the logic.

In the 63^rd minute, Madueke had to go off, due to what looked to be a clash of knees. Max “The Wonderkid” Dowman, replaced him.

The Gunners started to really dominate the game, and Sporting were basically chasing shadows… but still, neither team had done enough to win the game on the night.

Arteta rolled the dice once more in the 79^th minute, with the introduction of Jesus, and Trossard, who replaced Eze, and Martinelli.

Unbelievably, Sporting were STILL defending deep! They were protecting a 1-0 deficit! (HAHAHA!) I couldn’t believe it.

Aaaaanywhoooo… there were some half chances, both teams hit the post… but the match finished

0-0.

We did it! The Arsenal made it to the Champions League semi-final, for the second consecutive season… for the first time in our history!! Considering the fact that our form hasn’t been great over the last couple of weeks… it’s an INCREDIBLE achievement.

This was the perfect response to the Bournemouth defeat, and there were standout performances from Zubimendi… who I thought needed a spell on the sidelines, because he looked exhausted. Well, he shut me up! Well done Zubaaah-Zubaaah!

The other standout performers were Declan Rice, Hincapie, and Mosquera. They were exceptional… especially Rice. He put in an assured, colossal, composed, captain’s display… and this settled the rest of the team down.

With the Champions League semi-final place secured (I’ll NEVER get tired of saying that) we can look forward to the City game.

We must win. We will win. We’ll silence negative noise.

At the time of writing this, the sad news has come through that Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, sadly passed away in a car accident. Condolences go out to his family, friends, and former teammates.

I remember Manninger coming into the Arsenal team after the then No.1 David Seaman, got injured… and he did an incredible job… at just 20 years old. That’s insanely young for a goalkeeper to make a first team appearance, but he didn’t look out of place, AT ALL! He was confident, he was composed, he was brilliant!! Rest well Alex Manninger.

Do you feel we need something totally different against Mancheatster City, and if so, what would you change?

How can The Arsenal cope better with the pressure?

Based on the injuries we’ve sustained this season, do you feel that Arteta could’ve managed the squad better?

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

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