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Here we are at the home of Port Vale, as we get our Carabao Cup campaign underway.

A “Vale” by definition, is a long depression in the land, often between two hills, and containing a river.

I think this is fitting, because if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this season, they’ll be depression across North London lands, and a river of salty tears.

I know the League Cup isn’t considered to be a prestigious trophy, but for the simple fact that we haven’t won it since 1993, I want to win it. It’s a trophy for the cabinet, and I NEVER turn my nose up at silverware…. ANY silverware, as it helps to cement the foundations of a winning mentality.

We’re still trying to navigate our way through the fog of overreaction, after the draw with Manchester City… and a convincing win tonight, would make our fog lights brighter, and help us steer through, toward the Newcastle game on Sunday.

Arsenal took the opportunity to rest some first team players, and play the fringe players… and players just returning from injury, needing minutes. Arteta made nine changes to the starting lineup, that played against Manchester City.

Kepa Arizzabalaga was handed his first start, Myles Lewis-Skelly came in at left-back, Cristhian Mosquera, and William Saliba, partnered for the first time in central defence, and Ben White came in at right-back.

In midfield, Eberechi Eze started on the left, Christian Norgaard central, and Ethan Nwaneri on the right.

Up front, Gabriel Martinelli started on the left, Mikel Merino through the middle, and Bukayo Saka, captaining the side, played on the right.

It was a very strong team, and another reminder of the strength, and depth of our current squad.

We had to ensure we approached the game focused, and professionally, and not take lower league opposition for granted. There’d already been an upset in the previous round, when Grimsby Town, knocked out Manchester United. (I wasn’t upset, and laughed hysterically)

The Arsenal, don’t need to be giving the loquacious, ludicrous, pundits… More to yammer about.

I saw us running riot over Port Vale, and racking up a disrespectful goals tally, but perhaps I had something in my eye, that distorted my vision.

The match started rather predictably, with Arsenal stroking the ball around, and in complete control. The difference in class was apparent, and the Port Vale contingent, must’ve felt that they were in for a long night.

In the 8^th minute, Ethan Nwaneri played a lovely ball out to Gabriel Martinelli on the left, edge of the Port Vale box…He squares the ball to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who with the faintest of touches, flicks the ball to Eberechi Eze.. and he slides the ball underneath the keeper. It was a cool finish, that was made to look simple, because of how Arsenal cut through Port Vale, like a razorblade through tissue paper. 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Here we go, I thought… They’re going to be well beaten, like eggs when baking a cake. My baking thoughts however, had to be put on hold, as Port Vale quickly recovered from conceding the early goal, and were suddenly well organised. As a result of this, like an unruly toddler, the game refused to be put to bed.

Port Vale switching between a 3-5-2, and a 5-3-2 formation, made Arsenal’s possession dominance, seem irrelevant, as we just couldn’t break them down.

Yes, we had a few shots in the first half… the most memorable, coming from Eze, but they were straight at the keeper.

Darren Moore, must be commended, for how well he set up his Port Vale team. They defended exceptionally well, and tried to play football, on the rare occasions when they had the ball.

Arsenal went in at the break, 1-0 up… and even though we were superior in all areas, the 1-0 lead felt narrow… even against league one opposition.

It was like both Port Vale, AND Arsenal, had forgotten Port Vale are in the third tier of English football. Their positive attitude, and overall tenacity, was unexpected, and admirable.

The second half began, and I couldn’t believe that I’d got it so wrong…In terms of how I thought we’d dismantle this team. We still had all the possession, but we still seemed incapable of breaking them down further.

An uninvited sloppiness, gate-crashed our game, and in the 51^st minute, we were given time to take stock, and compose ourselves… due to a tackle on Bukayo Saka. He stayed down, and of course, us Arsenal fans began to think the worst, because of the growing list of injuries that we’ve had to contend with this season.

Thankfully, it was just an impact injury, and Saka was able to shake it off.

Unfortunately, the sloppiness continued, and this made Port Vale grow into the game. We needed a second goal, but the game seemed to be stuck on a “Have all the possession, but do nothing with it” type pattern.

In the 63^rd minute, Bukayo Saka made way for Max Dowman. Saka had a good game, and it was clear that he was enjoying knocking his football fitness, cobwebs loose.

The same was clear for Ben White, just returning from injury. He got 71 minutes under his belt, before being withdrawn for Gabriel Magalhaes.

Mikel Merino also went off in the 71^st minute, and I think he had an ok game…but was very much a peripheral figure, through a lot of it. Viktor Gyokeres came on in his place.

The game seemed to be dragging now, and couldn’t even be considered a spectacle, such was the shortage of goal mouth action. Arsenal had no answer, to Port Vale’s defensive questions.

In the 78^th Minute, Arsenal asked an attacking question.. LOUDLY. Max Dowman played a perfect ball round the corner, to Viktor Gyokeres, who chased it into the box, and the ball sat up perfectly for a first time, thunderous volley… but Gyokeres decided to take a touch, and the chance disappeared, like a middle aged man’s hairline.

In the 81^st minute, Mikel Arteta decided to once again, freshen things up… and he brought on Declan Rice for Eberechi Eze, and Leandro Trossard, for Gabriel Martinelli.

Eze had an excellent game, and not just because of the goal, but because of the runs he was making, and his wonderful link up play.

Martinelli worked tirelessly, but very seldom looked as dangerous as he has done, coming off the bench, in recent games.

It took Trossard all of 5 minues, to impact the game, and in the 86^th minute… Deep inside his own half, Saliba played a searching ball over the top, to Trossard.. who was advancing dangerously, towards the edge of the Port Vale box. Trossard controlled the ball instantly, dropped the shoulder on the closest defender to him, made space… and drilled the ball low, and hard, to the keeper’s near post. A well timed run, and an even better finish, from Leandro Trossard. 2-0 to the Arsenal. FINALLY! …And that’s how the game finished.

Arsenal are through to the 4th round of the Carabao Cup, and have a home tie against Brighton Hove Albion, to look forward to.

Sadly, the fact that we won the game was lost on some… and the “Fickle Fans” that I’ve mentioned in the past, emerged from their complaining camps, frothing at the mouth… eager to spit negativity, into victory’s face.

These bumbling buffoons, would rather focus on the scoreline, and how boring the game was.

Well, it may be alien to them… But sometimes football matches lack excitement. SOMETIMES, you can’t just show up to lower league opposition, and beat them 6-0. That’s just not how football works. They raise their game when the big boys come to town, and defend tenaciously.

In addition to that, our team was made up of players returning from injury, and players who simply haven’t had enough minutes this season… So naturally, there’d be an element of rustiness there.

There were also players who had never played together before, so that would be a contributing factor, in the lack of fluidity… in some phases of play.

I take umbrage to the level of criticism that Arteta, and the players have faced… considering we’ve had injuries to key players, we’ve had extremely difficult opening fixtures, our new players need time to settle in… and of the seven games we’ve played, in all competitions … we’ve lost ONE GAME! That was against the current Premier League champions, and it was to an outstanding free-kick, that not even thirty-six goalkeepers could’ve saved.

YES… It was unexpected that we didn’t win by a bigger margin, but that’s football.

YES… People are entitled to their opinion, you’re currently reading mine… But I just think the mainstream football media, already does a superb job at overreacting, and being negative about Arsenal…So why make their job even easier, and get on our team’s back… when we’ve won the game? Look, I get that even if you support the same team, your views will differ from someone else’s… But lets show a united front. Let us not argue, in front of the kids.

I’m not saying lets be gregarious, every waking moment of the day, but lets at least agree that we have a fantastic team, that has a chance of winning something major this season, but they need our support! Celebrate when we WIN!!

If you need help finding positives from the match, I’m here to help.

Myles Lewis-Skelly looked hungry, sharp, and put in an assured performance.

Christian Norgaard was solid in that midfield, snuffed out danger efficiently, and his passing was flawless.

Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a clean sheet, and was a commanding presence at the back.

Ethan Nwaneri was exceptional, and was probably the best player on the pitch. He made direct runs, constantly passed the ball forward, and his decision making in the final third, showed a level of footballing intelligence, beyond his years.

Oh, and did mention that… WE WON THE GAAAAAAME?!

Ok, ok…let me take some deep breaths. Right, ok… We can now start preparing for the Newcastle game on Sunday. This will no doubt be doused in controversial refereeing decisions, and then set ablaze with nonsensical narratives, from unrelenting ignorami.

So lets get this win Arsenal, so when the unwarranted criticism inevitably comes, we can laugh in three points. HA….  HA….  HA!

“Stay humble.. eh”  The words are dripping with irony, wrapped in audacity, and sprinkled with hilarity. It’s already been well documented, that Erling Haaland uttered those words to Mikel Arteta, at the end of a 2-2 draw, between Arsenal and Manchester City, back in September 2024.

I wish to dissect those words with a different scalpel, and I’ll steady my hand, as I make the first incision. It is Manchester City who need to stay humble, because according to the Premier League, they’ve been cheating for over a decade.

In MY not so humble opinion, all the squads they’ve assembled during that time, was under the cheating umbrella, and the silverware acquired during that time, is also under the cheating umbrella… and all trophies, accolades, and plaudits, should be washed away, when punishment FINALLY rains down upon them.

There’s 115 charges, that Manchester City are yet to be punished for. “Stay humble..eh”.

The longer they go unpunished, the more I have to question the integrity of our beautiful game. What message does it send to world football, if a club has been allowed to cheat for over decade, with impunity?

It’s staggering to me that the mainstream football media, have been quieter than a dead church mouse, on this issue. This is something that needs to be discussed until throats are dry, and lips begin sticking to teeth. Podcast mics should be worn out, and speakers should be fed up of emitting the sound of discussion, regarding Manchester City’s alleged cheating, and the time it’s taking for the punishment to be administered. “Stay humble.. eh”.

Manchester City have an army of lawyers, who seem to be exploiting every loophole, nook, back alley, and cranny… to ensure this drags on, and on, which it has. It’s hard not to succumb to the clutches of cynicism, when we seem to be approaching slap on the wrist territory… and with the City owners having limitless financial resources, said wrist is prepped, and ready.

The Premier League cannot boast to be the “Best league in the world” if they don’t make an example of them, but I won’t hold my breath, as I’ll probably expire.

Again, the mainstream football media, are quieter than a gagged mime, on this.

Unfortunately, the mainstream media would rather talk about how Arsenal over celebrate goals, or how Arteta is too animated on the touchline, or… My personal favourite.. How Arsenal’s set-piece dominance, is using “Dark Arts” and is somehow unfair to other teams.

Yeah, that’s right, I haven’t forgotten. “Stay humble..eh”.

Every single team celebrates goals, and when they win a game. They absolutely should! It’s the hardest thing to do in football…But when Arsenal do it, we’re over celebrating.

All managers are animated on the touchline. They throw things, they shout instructions, they remonstrate to the referees, they make demonstrative hand gestures to their players. This is nothing new. It’s called “Passion” when other managers do it, but when Mikel Arteta does it…There’s calls for him to calm down, and words like “Inexperience” and “Touchline conduct” are thrown around… and before you know it, the same circle of pundits are shamelessly playing catch, with a ball of Arsenal negativity.

I have to mention the set-piece thing again, because teams actually complained to the Premier League, about our set-piece plays. They really made official complaints! That means there must be a paper trail, for how ridiculous they are. They wanted us to be punished, just because we’re brilliant at corners, and free-kicks. (Hahahahaha!!)

Pathetic!!

Shout out to Nicolas Jover, our set-piece coach, for successfully rattling all these cages, and long may it continue.

Aaaanywho.. Arsenal face Mancheatster City…  Excuse me, I meant.. ManCHESTER City, at the Emirates, and I felt supremely confident. Our home form is formidable, defensively we’ve been immaculate, and offensively, we’ve scored 9 goals, in 4 Premier League games.

Arsenal went with the same team that beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the Champions League, except for the inclusion of the fit again, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard… who started on the left, instead of Eberechi Eze. Saka, also fit again, but was only fit enough to make the bench.

I was scratching my head in disbelief, regarding Trossard starting, because yes, Trossard has come off the bench in the last two games, and has a goal, and two assists to his name.. BUT.. he won’t enable us to start the game on the front foot, he won’t create constantly, or run in behind, the way that Eze can.

My prior supreme confidence, immediately changed.. to extreme concern.

My concern was justified too, as the Gunners started the game sloppily, and early misplaced passes, invited Manchester City to inflict punishment, and in the 9^th minute, they did. (Unfortunately)

A mix-up in midfield caused the ball to break loose to Tijjani Reijnders, who spotted a run from deep by Erling Haaland, and played an excellent through ball to him. Erling Haaland completely ignored Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba, and slotted the ball home. 1-0 to Mancheatster… Pardon me.. ManCHESTER City. (I just threw up in my mouth a little bit)

Arsenal struggled to get a foothold in the game, and looked uncharacteristically nervous, in the 5-10 minutes after the goal was conceded.

Optimism left the Emirates Stadium, and frustration began to get comfortable in its seat.

Mikel Arteta not starting Eze, had us chasing a game,. that we didn’t need to be chasing.

Manchester City sat back deep in their own half, and refused to be broken down. They parked the bus, built a wall in front of the bus, and then parked a tank, in front of the wall.

This was viewed by the commentary team, as a “Great defensive display”…Which confused me, because when Arsenal did the same at City’s ground, AFTER being down to ten men, we were accused of “Lacking ambition” and “Being too negative”.

Anyway, City went in at half-time 1-0 up, and I was left wondering why Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal, were casually toying with my emotions, when all I do is love them.

The second half started, and amazingly, there were changes made by Arteta. He hardly ever makes half-time changes, but I’m so glad he reacted to us being 1-0 down, bullishly.

He took off Noni Madueke, for Bukayo Saka, and he took off Mikel Merino, for Eberechi Eze.

YES!! YES ARTETA!!… I believe he saw the error of his ways, and acted upon it. He needs to be commended for this, because he can be quite stubborn, and often leaves substitutions until it’s too late.

The Arsenal faithful, looked on anxiously, and prayed that we had enough time to change the game in our favour.

Saka, and Eze, were involved immediately, and were linking up to great effect, determined to loosen some of the sky blue bricks, in the Manchester City wall of defence.

We were controlling the game now, with 67% of the possession, to City’s 33%… and though shots from Eze, and Zubimendi, reaffirmed our dominance, the goal we desperately needed still eluded us. Time was against us, like it played for the opposing team, and it began to feel like the Gunners used their arsenal, to shoot themselves in the foot.

Watching us limping towards a defeat, I wondered where this goal was coming from, because like when church is closed…There was no service, for Viktor Gyokeres.

Gabriel Martinelli was introduced for Jurrien Timber, in the 80^th minute, and Ethan Nwaneri came on for Leandro Trossard, shortly after. We now had five attackers on the pitch, but Manchester City continued to defend doggedly, and even took off Erling Haaland, and brought on MORE defenders!

10 more minutes of “Nearly moments” tortured Arsenal, and in the 90^th minute, defeat stared at me menacingly, like a generic goon in a movie, about to hurt our beloved hero.

In the 93^rd minute, deep inside the Arsenal half, Saka passes the ball square to Eze, who carried the ball just inside the midfield semi-circle.. He looked up, spotted Martinelli making a great run… and he passed the ball magnificently over the top, with a surgeons preciseness. Martinelli chased the ball down like it owed him money, and matched Eze’s precision, with an excellent first touch, followed by a delicate chip.. over the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“Stay humble..eh”

What a sublime goal by Gabrielle Martinelli. He once again came on, and changed a game in our favour, to devastating effect. WOW!! He’s definitely earned himself a start, in the next game, or two.. and I’m pleased for him.

With the score now at 1-1, I expected Arsenal to push for a winner, but we didn’t. We instead chose to protect what we had, and accept the draw… and that’s how the match finished… a 1-1 draw, honours even.

Of course this is better than a defeat, but a point could’ve very easily of been three points, if the manager started the match with Eberechi Eze.

I feel there’s a lesson to be learned here for Mikel Arteta, and it’s a simple one… ALWAYS play your best players, and don’t choose caution, over creativity. ESPECIALLY, at home.

Chances cannot be created for Viktor Gyokeres, if our most creative players are on the bench. Simple as that.

I won’t suggest that being a football manager is easy, but playing your best players, IS.

We have Port Vale next, in the Carabao Cup, on Wednesday… and I’m looking forward to seeing players get some much needed minutes under their belt. Fringe players, and players just coming back from injury.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ben White, Christian Norgarrd, Ethan Nwaneri, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Max Dowman.

I’m sure Port Vale will make it a bruising, difficult encounter, at their ground.. but we have to be ruthless, and give them a good hiding.

Whether you call them “Athletic Club” or “Athletic Bilbao” , has no bearing on the tough test Arsenal will face, away from home, in our Champions League opener.

Athletic Bilbao come into this match on the back of a 1-0 home defeat, by Alaves, but Bilbao had twelve shots during the game, so definitely don’t lack creativity.

In contrast, Arsenal come into this match on the back of an impressive 3-0 win, at home to Nottingham Forest.

The Champions League is a different competition though, and always throws up a plethora of new challenges. We can take nothing for granted. It’s imperative that Arsenal get the small margins right defensively, and ensure we’re ruthless offensively.

That defeat we suffered at the hands of PSG, not only still hurts, but still feels like a missed opportunity.

Could THIS be the year that we FINALLY win the Champions League?

Will this be the year that we silence rival fans, and make them choke on their backward, banal, banter?

Can Mikel Arteta “Get this team over the line” and win the big honours?

It’s time for us to win the big fight! The 80’s inspirational music has finished playing, the elaborate, Rocky training montage has faded to black, and the bell has rung!

All that’s left is to hold our hands aloft, and emotionally shout…”ADRIAAAAAN!”

Until then..  First thing’s first..  Just the small matter of winning our first game.

The team unfortunately lined up without Martin Odegaard, after he injured his shoulder AGAIN, against Nottingham Forest. I expected Ethan Nwaneri to once again come in for him. (Hopefully)

William Saliba is now fit again, which is excellent news, but also gives Mikel Arteta a selection headache, as Cristhian Mosquera has been in superb form, in Saliba’s absence.

I wanted to see the same front three, that started the game against Forest. Eze, Gyokeres, and Madueke, all looked dangerous individually, but more importantly, when they linked up play.

They created space for each other, and were unpredictable in their approach play, and I’m convinced they can riddle every defence they face, with befuddlement… Throughout the season.

The 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman travelled with the squad, and although I know he won’t start the match, I’m hoping he at least makes a cameo appearance. If he does, it would make him the youngest player ever, in Champions League history.

That would be amazing for Max, his family, and Arsenal football club.

Okaaaaay, so ….I got the lineup wrong, regarding Ethan Nwaneri, coming in for Martin Odegaard. Arteta instead, decided to go with the midfield trio of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino.

I stared at the team-sheet for a while, a little disappointed for Ethan Nwaneri, but also because I felt a little glad. I felt glad because it’s now almost impossible to predict Arsenal’s starting eleven. That didn’t used to be the case, and it feels like a gargantuan step closer, in the pursuit of our silverware goals.

Not only is Arteta keeping opposing manager’s guessing, in terms of the tactics he may employ, and the quality personnel at his disposal, but he’s also got us fans guessing too…and I cannot help, but LOVE that! Flex those squad depth muscles!

The match started rather evenly, with Arsenal having a lot of the possession, but just passing side-to-side, and not really able to get in behind Athletic Bilbao.

Noni Madueke tried his best to be that creative spark, but the space was closed down quickly, and he was being doubled up on. Eze on the left side, was just as ineffective, but that was down to how well Bilbao were defending.

It was a very physical first half, with some gladiatorial battles all over the pitch. It was stop, start, stop, start… and as a result of that, like an inebriated drummer, Arsenal couldn’t find their rhythm.

Apart from an attempted diving header by Viktor Gyokeres, from an excellent Jurrien Timber cross, there wasn’t any clear cut chances of note.

A clash of heads between Gabriel Magalhaes, and Viktor Gyokeres, stopped play for a while, as both players went up for a header. Gabriel was ok, but Gyokeres required treatment on a head wound, but was thankfully able to continue. He quite literally, bled for the cause! Nobody can question his commitment.

The second half continued in the same pattern as the first, with Athletic Bilbao defending deep, closing down the spaces quickly, and fully committed to their niggling fouls, to break up Arsenal’s play. The physicality theme also continued, which Arsenal stood up to, with no problems whatsoever. We cannot be bullied.

In the 65th minute, Arteta decided he’d seen enough, and he withdrew the walking wounded, Viktor Gyokeres, and brought on Leandro Trossard.

Gyokeres had an ok game, he was involved in a lot of the play, saw a decent amount of the ball, but was unable to influence the game in the final third, as he would’ve liked.

Trossard’s impact was instantaneous, he began to find little pockets of space, which he exploited ruthlessly. He was drawing players onto him, and this opened the game up. We looked much more dangerous in attack, and were moving forward with more purpose.

In the 70^th minute, Arteta took off Eze, and brought on Gabriel Martinelli, a substitution I most certainly disagreed with. Martinelli’s form had been atrocious, and I couldn’t fathom how he was going to help us get the goal we so desperately needed.

Well, it only took Martinelli 36 seconds, to tell me to shut up. A lovely headed flick in the middle of the park from Declan Rice, landed in Trossard’s path, and he flicked the ball through to Martinelli… He ran onto the ball, and managed to get the ball under his spell with a mesmeric first touch, which put him through on goal, and he held off the defender, and slotted the ball underneath the Bilbao keeper. GOOOOOAAAAAAAAL!!!  1-0 to the Arsenal.

Yes Martinelli! YEAH-HEH-EH-ESS!! I didn’t doubt you for a second! (Haha)

The whole team rushed to celebrate with Martinelli, and you could see that they were genuinely happy for him, as was I… Because even when he’s not scoring, or assisting, he works tirelessly for the team, and very rarely abandons his defensive duties, which Arteta demands from all his wingers.

Martinelli after the goal, was brimming with confidence. His runs were direct, and there was a belief, and a certainty, about his end product… and this was borne out in the 87^th minute, when he sprinted down the byline, beat his defender, and picked out Trossard, who was unmarked in the box. Trossard took a touch, and floated the ball into the roof of the net. It was a clever finish, and it took a slight deflection, but we don’t care about that.. The Arsenal were now 2-0 up, and looked to of secured their first win in this Champions League campaign, and away from home at that.

Both substitutes scored, and gave each other an assist too. Arteta not only must be praised for making the changes when he did, but also for the players he chose to change the game.

It finished 2-0, and Arsenal became the first team in the competition’s history, to beat Spanish opposition, six times in-a-row. A silly record I know, but it’s a record, nonetheless.

I’d much rather have the record of winning the Champions League, for the first time in our history. Well, we’re moving in the right direction with this win.

It was nice to keep another clean sheet, and it was partly due to colossal performances from both our centre-backs, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Cristhian Mosquera. They were immense, and snuffed out anything that even resembled a Bilbao goal attempt.

We didn’t get to see Max Dowman, but just him being with the squad on a Champions League night, will do wonders for his football education.

There were debuts late on, for Piero Hincapie, and Christian Norgaard, but they were not on the pitch long enough, for a fair performance analysis.

Overall, a good night for Arsenal. There were no new injuries, we won the game, and we’re gathering a winning momentum. This is perfect preparation for our game against Manchester City on Sunday.

Far be it from me to be dramatic, but that was the longest international break, in the history of international breaks. Time was moving slower than a snail, experiencing an eternal slumber. It’s always that way, when your team suffers a defeat, right before the international break. My Anfield wounds are no longer gaping, but they’re not fully healed either, and they won’t be, until we get our next three points.

Thankfully, we’re back at the Emirates Stadium, and with a lunchtime kick-off to boot… So, It’s all set up for me, for us Arsenal fans, to potentially have, a glorious weekend.

The visiting team this time, are Nottingham Forest, fresh from the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo. Apparently, he and the owner (Evangelos Marinakis) were no longer getting on.

Personally, I think this is a huge mistake by the owner, as Nuno Espirito Santo is a top manager, and he’s proved this time, and time again, in the Premier League. (His time at Tottenham, doesn’t count. HAHA!)

I rate him so highly, that after our greatest ever manager Arsene Wenger, called time on his illustrious Arsenal career, I wanted Nuno to be his replacement. Arsenal instead, decided to appoint Unai Emery, and the rest is history.

Nottingham Forrest now have a new manager in the dugout, and that manager (I use the term loosely) is Ange Postecoglou. The same Ange Postecoglou, whose Tottenham team finished 17^th in the Premier League last season, on a points tally, that has relegated teams in the past.

His whimsical footballing style, never strays too far from hilarity, and his teams often defend like they have absolutely no idea, what the word means. However, Ange saying “Mate” a few times in all his press conferences, somehow causes amnesia, and has the football media eating out of the palm of his hands, like they’re pigeons, and he has breadcrumbs in abundance. Postecoglou’s appointment, inevitably added extra spice to this match, for obvious reasons, and I was of course hoping that Arsenal would use said spice, to season Nottingham Forest up, cook them, and serve a delicious defeat.

Arsenal once again, faced a team with that “New manager bounce”. The last team we faced after a newly appointed manager (Graham Potter), was West Ham, and we lost that game. So naturally, I felt extra wary of this new manager wielding, Forest team.

I didn’t expect to see Ange Postecoglou’s trademark, ridiculously high defensive line, as surely the Forest players still had Nuno’s defensive discipline, etched in their brains. Surely.

As kick-off drew nearer, all I was thinking to myself is… Please Arsenal, score an early goal. An early goal would make Ange revert back to his default setting, which is kamikaze football. We love when teams play like that against us, because more often than not, we put them to the sword, like the fallen enemies of ‘Conan the Barbarian’.

I wanted to, no… I needed to see, an attacking lineup from the manager, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Eberechi Eze started on the left of our three pronged attack, Viktor Gyokeres played through the middle, and Noni Madueke continued to deputise on the right, for the injured Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners were locked, and loaded, and it too wasn’t long before the Forest goal was fired upon, but we’ll get to that.

The rest of the lineup was as expected, except for Mikel Merino starting the match, ahead of Declan Rice. A rare rest for Declan Rice, ahead of our Champions League game on Tuesday, against Athletic Club. I understand why Arteta made that decision, and anyway, Merino was in phenomenal form for Spain, during the international break. He scored four goals in two games for them… A hat-trick in the second game, so his inclusion filled me with excitement, rather than worry. With Saliba not being rushed back from his injury, Cristhian Mosquera was given his first Premier League start, and once again filled in for him.

It’s truly amazing, that the Arsenal squad has such depth now, such quality in all areas, that I no longer worry when player’s like William Saliba, or Declan Rice, don’t start a game.

My bottom lip is trembling, as tears of joy cause temporary blindness, while I attempt to hit these keystrokes. My goodness… a proper squad.

The match began rather cagey, and maybe a little international hangover reared it’s ugly head. Notting Forest sat deep, as Arsenal passed the ball around in front of them, trying to create an opening.

In the 18^th minute, Merino had a shot that was straight at Forest’s keeper Matz Sels, Merino unfortunately, couldn’t quite hit the shot cleanly. After the save was made, the Forest defence attempted to get the ball clear, as Arsenal tried to keep the pressure on, and Martin Odegaard was tackled on the edge of the box, and fell awkwardly on the same shoulder he previously injured. He had to go off, and was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.

I just cannot believe that our injury woes to key players, has continued on from last season. Thankfully though, as I’ve already stated, we have a squad to cope with injuries.

The show must go on, and in the 32^nd minute, Martin Zubimendi needed no invitation to take the starring role.

Arsenal earned a corner from a direct, pacey, jinking, twisting, and turning, faints, and drop of the shoulder, type run… from the irrepressible, Noni Madueke. He caused the Forest left-backs Marato, and then Williams, problems all afternoon. They were visibly terrified, and probably had to change their shorts a couple of times, such was their crippling fear.

I’m so glad that Noni Madueke proved me wrong, because I wasn’t thrilled that we signed him, and I was convinced he wouldn’t improve our team in any way.

Well, I’ve seen enough now, to accept that I was wrong, and I’m currently choking on my own words, that he’s forcing me to eat. Arteta’s holding a humble pie, that I must also devour, and I’ll inevitably have to wash it down… With a tall glass of “Trust the process”.

I digress. So, the aforementioned corner was taken by Noni Maduaeke, and Chris Wood managed a decent defensive header, which was expected to give Forest some reprieve. However, this is football, and we expect the unexpected…and unexpectedly, Martin Zubimendi, twenty-five yards out, met said defensive header, with a thunderous volley, that flew past Sels at breakneck speed…and probably broke the sound barrier, in the process. The Arsenal were 1-0 up, and deservedly so.

Ange was on the Forest bench looking more bewildered than usual, and of course, devoid of ideas. Arsenal were not about to give him any clues on how to stop this footballing foray, and we continued to control the half, and went in 1-0 up at the half-time break.

Less than a minute into the second half (46 seconds), and Calafiori, played a wonderful pass over the top to Eberechi Eze, who controlled the ball expertly, and glanced up to see Viktor Gyokeres arriving in the box. Eze passed the ball square.. quickly on the half-volley, and Gyokeres tapped the ball in from close range. Eze got his first assist in Arsenal colours, and Gyokeres took his goal tally to three goals, in four games. All the Gyokeres haters were sitting rather uncomfortably in their seats, I imagine.

It was a truly splendiferous Arsenal move, and put us comfortably 2-0 up.

The second goal knocked the wind out of Forest, but they still huffed, and puffed, nonetheless, but with barely enough force, to blow out the candles on a birthday cake.

Arsenal though, continued to cut down the Forest, and collected enough wood, to build a luxurious log cabin, such was Arsenal’s dominance. The Arsenal fans began to sing  “ARE YOU TOTTENHAM IN DISGUISE?” which I’m sure the Ex-Tottenham boss, thoroughly enjoyed!

With the game more or less won at 2-0, Arteta sensibly started to rest players. He took off Calafiori in the 68^th minute, for Myles Lewis-Skelly, and he brought on Declan Rice, for Viktor Gyokeres, which meant Mikel Merino moved up front.

Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, were replaced by Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli, respectively, in the 78^th minute.

Leandro Trossard, with his first touch since coming on, put a teasing ball into the box, and Martin Zubimendi headed the ball home, and completed an unlikely brace.

3-0 to the Arsenal. Game well, and truly over… even though the time on the clock, promised Nottingham Forest at least, eleven more minutes of pain.

We reacted to the Liverpool defeat in the perfect way, and we can now turn our attention to Tuesday’s Champions League game, with confidence.

Where to begin? Well, though the question is partly rhetorical, it’s also a genuine question that I’m posing to myself.

I rarely know how to convey exactly what I’ve witnessed, when Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield, and today isn’t any different.

Arsenal, without Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard, set out to collect all three points at Anfield, for the first time since 2011, when we beat them 2-0.

I deliberately waited a couple of days before writing my incredible, in depth analysis, as I always mourn after an Arsenal loss, and have only just stopped sobbing uncontrollably, and wiping my nose on my sleeve. Please respect my privacy at this difficult time.

Now, I was already nervous before the match, due to injuries sustained to the aforementioned key players, but Arteta decided to increase my nervousness one hundredfold, by leaving Eberechi Eze on the bench. He was signed to be the difference in big games such as these, and Arteta leaves him on the bench. It’s been two days, and I’m still outraged, and in total disbelief by that decision.

Yes, hindsight is twenty-twenty, but why was Arteta’s foresight impaired? It couldn’t of been more obvious! It was staring him in the face, like a toddler watching you open their favourite snack, and not sharing it.

Reluctantly, I’ll move on. To leave Eze on the bench though.. ON THE BENCH! Ok, ok, now I’ll move on.

Mutual respect was written all over the early stages of the match, with players on both sides afraid to make a mistake. Within the opening five minutes, my body was riddled with crippling fear, as William Saliba went down injured. What made this scarier, is that the injury wasn’t sustained during a sprint, or the impact of challenge, so naturally I thought the worst… (Here we go, yet ANOTHER long term injury to an important player) This thought however, evaporated rapidly, like steam in the wind, as Saliba was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera. He grabbed his unexpected opportunity with both hands, and wouldn’t let go, like he was making a citizens arrest.

After a few nervous early touches of the ball, Mosquera settled into game, and quickly looked like he’d been in this Arsenal team for years, and had played at Anfield many times. His footballing intelligence, his refusal to panic when being closed down, in addition to his clean tackling, and productive passing, makes him the perfect modern day defender.

Christhian Mosquera’s performance was one of the few positives, on an otherwise disappointing day for Arsenal.

Both goalkeepers were underworked, and goalmouth action was as rare as a wino with a full set of perfect teeth. The battle was all in the midfield, and both teams lacked creativity, and the forward line on both sides looked like peripheral figures, begging for their attacking prowess to be activated. The first half continued this monotonous pattern, and maybe Arsenal just about had the upper hand, but only just. It was to no avail anyway, as the teams went in 0-0 at the half-time whistle.

In the second half Liverpool looked more dangerous, and it seemed that they were reminded that they’re not only the home team, but also the current champions.

Arsenal however, were more tentative in their play, and though Noni Madueke looked dangerous, with his direct runs against a terrified Milos Kerkez, that efficiency in the final third eluded us.

We had a string of corners, that barely qualified as “Nearly moments”… and It was evident that even our set-piece potency, had abandoned us.

It wasn’t until the 70^th minute, that Arteta decided to try and change the game in our favour. He brought on the not fully fit Martin Odegaard, and the player who most certainly should’ve started the game, Eberechi Eze. How late these substitutions were made angered me, and this fury was quickly added to my previous fury, because.. ARTETA LEFT EZE ON THE BENCH IN THE FIRST PLACE!! I may of mentioned that, once before. Ok, ok, let me breathe. Breeeaaaathe.

The change in personnel had zero impact on our fortunes, and an unshakable feeling that the game was slipping away from us, got me in a headlock, and began to squeeze. It’s vice like grip was unrelenting.

In the 83^rd minute, Martin Zubimendi gave away a free kick, and was booked for his troubles. Dominik Szoboszlai placed the ball down 32 yards out, and hit the ball like it had previously insulted him, and only a kick with such ferocity, would give him restitution. The ball flew into the top left corner at godlike speed, giving David Raya no chance to even get a fingertip to it. Unfortunately, Liverpool went 1-0 up, and finished 1-0 up, in a game that seemed destined to end 0-0.

We didn’t do enough to win the game, but we definitely didn’t deserve to lose the game. A draw would’ve been a fair result, but football isn’t fair, and that’s why we both love, and sometimes hate it.

On the “Love” side of things, I love that Max Dowman made a five minute cameo, and had his first taste of the atmospheric cauldron, that is Anfield. It’ll definitely do wonders for his football education.

Hopefully, Mikel Arteta learns from this defeat, and as the season progresses, picks more ambitious team selections. It’s early in the season, so this defeat isn’t a disaster, as league titles aren’t won, or lost, in August.  It’s how we respond to this setback that’s important, and I’m confident that we’ll respond positively, and make this defeat a distant memory.

I called this piece ‘Anarchy at Anfield’… Not for what happened on the pitch, but for the internal, emotional civil war that takes place in my body, every time these teams play each other. It’s wreaking havoc on my heartrate, and blood pressure, and Arsenal have a flagrant disregard to my health. (I’m good health wise, so please don’t worry. I’m referring to my football health. Now laugh, a joke was made)

The rude interruption of the international break, brings the Premier League to a grinding halt, and Arsenal will now have to wait two weeks, to right that wrong. This makes the pain of defeat more intense, and also gives pundits, and the “Arteta Out” mob, more time to overreact, and more time to create false narratives. I can already feel an unscheduled nap approaching, caused by the ridiculous, repugnant, repetition….That’ll inevitably spew from the, incapable of independent thought, brigade.

We were back at the Emirates Stadium for the first time this season, and what a return it was.

Earlier on in the week, Arsenal had beaten Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Eberechi Eze (Haha).. from Crystal Palace and he came out onto the pitch, and gave the fans a wave, just before kick-off. Unfortunately, he wasn’t registered in time, to play a part in this game. A truly amazing acquisition to the team, whose creativity, and unpredictability, will cause chaos to any opposition.

Arsenal faced a Leeds United team who were feeling confident, after their impressive opening day win, over Everton.

The early stages of the match went as expected, with Leeds United sitting deep, staying organised, and daring Arsenal to break them down. It seemed like we were in for a frustrating day, until we earned a corner in the 34^th minute, and Declan Rice put a sumptuous ball into the box, that Jurrien Timber glanced home, with a cleverly guided header.

1-0 to the Arsenal! The relief around the Emirates could not only be heard, but it could also be felt. Surprisingly though, after the goal, instead of going for the jugular, we slowed the tempo down. We frustratingly stroked the ball around in front of Leeds, never really troubling them, and a familiar anxiety grew amongst the Arsenal faithful. Flashbacks of us previously failing to break teams down, who defend in a low block, were now at the forefront of our minds.

Up steps the brilliant, the dependable, the most consistent, the “Star Boy” , Bukayo Saka. Declan Rice wins the ball back superbly, Zubimendi gathers, quickly passes it to Timber, who threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Saka, and Saka with the angle against him, smashed the ball home with his right foot, and the ball was nestled in the net, all tucked up in bed, before the keeper could move. Right on the stroke of half-time too! The 46^th minute of the half, to be precise. A perfect time to score, and a perfect way to turn the aforementioned anxiety, into jubilation. Arsenal, 2-0 up.

Arsenal began the second half looking much lighter, the comfort of a two goal cushion, and Arteta’s half-time team talk, helped us up the tempo. The passing was slick, and incisive balls were played quicker, and with more purpose. We didn’t have to wait long to be rewarded for our purposeful, positive play, and in the 48^th minute, the reward tore the Emirates’ roof clean off, even though it was already open. Calafiori receives the ball just inside his own half, looks up, and plays a perfect first time ball over the top, into the path of Gyokeres, who chased the ball down in cheetah like fashion, and the ball submitted in his clutches, in gazelle like fashion.

Gyokeres, in his favoured starting position on the lefthand side, drove into the box, beat three Leeds defenders, and rifled the ball home, at the keeper’s near post. The stadium erupts, and the whole team runs to congratulate our new No.14, who was off the mark, with the unspoken promise, of more goals to come. Arsenal, 3-0 up.

The proverbial floodgates were well and truly open, and Leeds were drowning in Arsenal’s waves of attacking prowess, and were in desperate need of a lifeline, which wasn’t forthcoming.

In the 56^th minute Arsenal earned a corner, that was put into a dangerous area by Declan Rice, and causing pandemonium in the Leeds defence. Calafiori managed to somehow guide the ball into Timber’s path, who scrambled, and stretched, to toe the ball home. An unlikely brace, for the impressive, the colossal, the incomparable, Jurrien Timber. Arsenal, 4-0 up.

Arsenal in complete control, ring the changes in the 64^th minute, and though Mosquera, and Lewis-Skelly were introduced, the biggest cheer came for the introduction of Max Dowman.

I feel that the term “Wonder-Kid” is thrown around too casually, in the football world, but this is not the case, when describing the 15 year old, Max Dowman. The “Wonder-Kid” title is not only fitting, but it almost undersells his talent, and his ability to influence games.

I’m really trying to contain my excitement, because I don’t want to put too much pressure on a young player, but Max Dowman doesn’t make it easy, because he’s by far, one of the best young players I’ve ever seen. He’s positive, he’s direct, he glides past opposition players with ease, he invites fouls, and makes excellent decisions in the final third. He did more of the same in this latest cameo appearance, giving the Leeds left-back a torrid time, with his teasing dribbles. In the 93^rd minute, Downman runs at another petrified Leeds defender, driving into the box, and in the defender’s panic, he steps on Dowman’s foot. Dowman goes over, and the referee points to the spot. The “Wonder-Kid” earns his team a penalty.

Max Dowman plays with a strength, a fearlessness, and a maturity, way beyond his tender years, and I sincerely hope we see a lot more of him this season.

Ok, on now, to the penalty. Gyokeres confidently places the ball on the spot, takes a short run-up, and blasts the ball home, sending the keeper the wrong way in the process. A brace for our new striker, and we can brace ourselves, for a lot more where that came from. Arsenal, 5-0 up.

Injuries to Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka, took the shine off a sparkling performance, but we scored five goals, kept a clean sheet, and unveiled Eberechi Eze.

Home… There’s no place like it.

Do Arsenal Football Club have the most fickle fans on the planet?

Now, this may seem like a silly question to some, but to me (Arsenal supporter for 42 years) this is something that needs to be discussed, and I’m well placed to invoke said discussion.

I watched my beloved Arsenal take on Manchester United at Old Trafford, a venue where we have an abysmal record, on the opening weekend of the return of the Premier League.

The atmosphere was electric, from both sets of fans. Arsenal fans were buoyant, as we finally landed the type of striker that our team has desperately craved, since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure, and Manchester United fans were optimistic for their first home game of the season.

Add the historical animosity between the two clubs, and no hype was necessary. The pundits gave their best efforts to hype it, nonetheless. Trying their utmost best, to make it a Gyokeres vs Sesko clash, like they were two boxers about to finally give the people the long awaited bout.

Sesko hadn’t had a full pre-season, and had only been with Manchester United for a week, so he didn’t start the game. Thankfully, the tie quickly reverted back to Arsenal vs Manchester United, as it should’ve been.

The game started at an unbelievable pace, tackles were flying in, and both teams struggled to control the game. This concerned me, as I thought our midfield of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Martin Zubimendi, would embarrass Manchester United’s midfield of Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, and Dorgu. I was wrong.

Ruben Amorim bypassed our midfield completely, by instructing his players to play balls over the top. Straight balls, or diagonal balls, it didn’t matter, as shockingly, we struggled to deal with it. This tactic unsettled the Arsenal team, and made us invite unnecessary pressure, with a plethora of miscommunication, and misplaced passes.

Despite these early exchanges going against Arsenal, a corner was earned in the 13^th minute, and a beautifully flighted ball was put into a dangerous area by Declan Rice, Manchester United’s nervous keeper Bayindir couldn’t catch it, and made a feeble punch on the ball, that fell perfectly for an unmarked Calafiori, and Ricardo Calafiori headed the ball home with an ease that surprised him. The Arsenal were 1-0 up at Old Trafford, even though we hadn’t been playing well.

Cue the jubilant, but somewhat cautious celebrations, as our awful record at Old Trafford, was in the minds of the Arsenal players, and the fans alike.

From a Manchester United perspective, they were a team looking determined, and assured in attack, and caught Arsenal on the break numerous times, but I’m not here to give Manchester United’s perspective. The match continued in this vain, coupled with some Arsenal half chances, and a commanding display from the dependable David Raya. Some wonderful saves from him, kept Arsenal’s narrow lead intact, along with Arsenal’s dogged defensive determination. Gabriel, and Saliba, in particular, refused to be beaten, and their colossal display inspired the rest of the team, to see out a hard fought 1-0 win.

However this is not the story I wish to tell, because the victory was marred by some Arsenal fans, who sadly chose to focus on everything negative about the performance.

There was nothing but kneejerk reactions, and opinions that seemed to of been force fed to the malleable, and online ignorami, from incompetent, agenda wielding pundits.

Balanced analysis, has now become a relic of yesteryear, and the ludicrous demand for instantaneous success, hasn’t helped matters.

I’ll be the first one to admit that we didn’t play well, but is that not what the great teams do.. find a way to win, when not playing well?

I was all awash with befuddlement, at the reactions I saw from the Arsenal fanbase, because they seemed to of ignored the fact that we won the game! It seemed like they were incapable of standing back from the performance, and looking at the bigger three points gained, picture.

This is what prompted the question I asked at the start.. “Do Arsenal Football Club have the most fickle fans on the planet?” I’m leaning towards an emphatic, YES.

Viktor Gyokeres needs to settle, and get used to not only a new league, and new country, but also a new system. An understanding needs to happen organically, with his teammates, none of which happens overnight. Shockingly, some Arsenal fans slated his performance anyway.

I’m supremely confident, that Gyokeres will be a success at Arsenal, but I’m also under no illusions, that this will take time.

Lets be patient, and lets not over react. Lets stand back, look at the bigger picture, and give a balanced view. I promise you, we’ll all be better for it.

I’m certain that some of you will agree, and some will disagree, and that is the beauty of discussion. We wear our football opinions like a badge of honour, but will the integrity of your badge be compromised, after lengthy, intelligent discussion?