We’ve barely had time to nurse our Aston Villa wounds, and we’re back with a chance to get that bitter taste of defeat, out of our mouths.
The stage we perform on this time, is the Champions League… and our opponents, are Club Brugge. A team who currently sit 3rd in the Belgian Pro League, and who also suffered a defeat in their last match… so I’m not expecting an easy game… ESPECIALLY, as Club Brugge now have a new manager, so they’ll inevitably have that “New manager bounce.”
Both teams will be determined, to get back to winning ways.
As Arsenal have 5 wins, from 5, in the Champions League, and sit top of the table with 15 points… I’m hoping Arteta takes this game as an opportunity to rest some players, and give some much needed minutes to the “Fringe” players.
Maybe just 3-4 changes… as I feel anything more than that, will cause a further disruption to the team, that it really doesn’t need. We’ve definitely had MORE THAN ENOUGH of those.
I haven’t seen Max “The Wonderkid” Dowman for a while… so it’d be nice if he played some part in this game. The same goes for Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Norgaard also needs game time… so this is the perfect time to rest Rice, or Zubimendi.
I guess closer to kick-off, Mikel Arteta will contact me, and seek out my expert opinion on the team selection. (Yeah, I wish.. HAHA!!)
Okay, so team news…
David Raya started in goal. I honestly expected Kepa Arrizabalaga to start this game… but I was wrong… which is so, so rare. HAHA!
The backline was, Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Hincapie, and Norgaard central. Yes, you read that correctly… Norgaard is playing centre-back, and I’m all awash with befuddlement. I’m not sure he’s ever played there in his career. (Please DO, correct me if I’m wrong)
Jurrien Timber took a knock in the Villa game, and is unavailable… hence Arteta putting Norgaard at centre-back. Needs must, I guess.
Thankfully, Benny Blanco was able to continue at right-back. We’ve had so many injuries this season, that I’m now surprised when players are fit, and NOT, when they’re injured.
With Declan Rice ill, and not even in the matchday squad… In midfield, we had Merino, Zubimendi, and Odegaard.
The front three was Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke starting on the right, as Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka… AKA… Starboy, was rested.
The match started very lively indeed, with Arsenal dominating their opponents, and carving them up at will, like a Christman Turkey… with their incisive passing.
Club Brugge was rocking, and The Arsenal were two-stepping on the dancefloor, waiting for the right opportunity to cut up a rug.
Early efforts from Hencapie, and Odegarrd, were saved by the keeper… but it felt like we were getting closer to “Happy Hour” nonetheless.
In the 25th minute, the Club Brugge DJ, played Noni Madueke’s song… and he responded with some incredible dance moves. He skipped around the defender, and brushed him off, like unwanted lint, on a fine suit…. and still cutting shapes, he sprinted towards the Brugge goal, commanded the ball onto his left, and let a venomous, powerful shot go, from 20 yards out.
The ball kissed the underside of the crossbar, ignored the goalkeeper… and hit the back of the net, like it was in an altercation. A magnificent goal from Madueke… 1-0 to the Arsenal!!
Club Brugge responded well to our goal, and started putting us under pressure. Their pacey winger Forbs, in particular… was causing us problems.
In the 44th minute, Stankovic found himself clean through on our goal… but thankfully David Raya made a brilliant save, that was low, and to his right. With our lead still intact, we managed to go in at the half-time break 1-0 up.
Yes, Brugge ended the half strongly, but we were still the better team, and deserved to be in front.
We started the second half, exactly how we did the first… absolutely, SUPERBLY!
In the 47th minute, Zubimendi picked up the ball on the left, and put a beautiful, inch perfect ball in to Madueke, at the back post. He headed the ball home from close range, for his second goal of the game. 2-0 to the Arsenal!!
Club Brugge had some nearly moments, but our makeshift defence, remained resolute.
In the 56th minute, Martinelli got the ball under his spell, on the left-hand side… cut onto his right, and from way out… he blasted the ball into the top corner. A fantastic goal by Martinelli, and he became the first Arsenal player, to score in 5 consecutive Champions League games.
A well deserved record for him, as he’s been excellent this season. 3-0 to the Arsenal!!
Game over. Time to close Club Brugge, ring the bell for last call, and turn the lights on, and turn the music off.
With the Club now closing, Arteta made some changes.
In the 63rd minute, Gyokeres made way for Gabriel Jesus, and Hincapie was replaced by Calafiori.
Gyokeres held the ball up well, but was visibly lacking match sharpness… which is understandable, as he’s not long returned from injury. He needs time to get back to his most dangerous… so please Arsenal faithful, let’s be patient.
Gabriel Jesus returned to the pitch, for the first time in 11 months…and It was wonderful to see him back. He looked determined to show us what we’ve been missing. He was linking play, he looked lively… and had a good shot, that clipped the top of the bar.
I genuinely believe Jesus will be an integral part of the team, for the remainder of the season.
The Arsenal were in complete control, and were gliding across the Club Brugge dancefloor, effortlessly, without spilling their drinks.
In the 71st minute, Saka came on for Madueke… and Nwaneri replaced Odegaard.
Madueke was magnificent! He was a constant threat, even before he scored his 2 goals. He was positive, ran at the opposition repeatedly… and his decision making was flawless in the final third.
Odegaard had a good game, and looks to be getting back to his best. He helps us control the midfield, when he’s in the team… Especially as there was no Declan Rice.
Odegaard was linking up fantastically with Benny Blanco, and Madueke, on the right hand-side… and then Saka, when he came on.
Hopefully, our Skipper stays fit for the rest of the season, because we’re going to need him… ESPECIALLY, over the busy Christmas period.
There was a truly special moment in the 83rd minute, when 16 year old right-back, Marli Salmon… was brought on for Benny Blanco. A beautiful moment for him, and his family.
He played well in his 10 minute cameo, and wasn’t at all overawed by the occasion.
I LOVE that The Arsenal have so many youngsters coming through, who get chances to play in the first team.
As you’ve probably deduced by now, the match finished 3-0 to the Arsenal.
An excellent result, considering we were away from home, and were missing… Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, AND… Max “The Wonder-Kid” Dowman.
We’ve now won 6, out of 6 games played, in the Champions League. Scoring 17 goals in the process, and only conceding 1.
We have 18 points on the board, and stay top. It’s remarkable how good we’ve been, in the Champions League this season.
Next up, we’re at home to Wolves in the Premier League… and we better leave them howling at the moon in despair, after giving them a good hiding.
Only 3 points will do!!
Please, DOOOOOO let me know your thoughts on the game, in the comments.
What did you think of Jesus’ cameo appearance? Should he start against Wolves?
Am I right in saying, we need to be patient with Gyokeres?
Do you think Saliba’s injury is worse than Arteta’s letting on?
Do you get battered, everywhere you go? Are you Tottenham in disguise?
Let’s create a dialogue… don’t be shy!! COYG!!
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