Always great to beat them. Recent wins against "big 6" teams were generally chaotic, frenetic and had elements of luck, but this was a really complete and professional performance. The better team in all areas, never gave them a sniff and the score probably flatters them if anything. Feels like another statement that we are actually a serious team this season. Have there been any criticisms for celebrating yet? "Men against boys" as they used to say when we got battered by the big sides.
Hard to believe it was a 1-0 win with a scrappy goal. The performance was top drawer. Some of that one touch passing playing out from the back was exquisite. We are quite the team now, the confidence is flowing with every touch. Jesus was amazing this morning, goal drought not a concern whatsoever with what he's bringing to the side. Saliba, oh my god, what a player. I was pissing myself when he popped up on the right wing, beat two defenders and got a cross in LOLOLOL
That defensive moment near the end from Saliba was amazing. He stepped up with perfect timing to play Broja offside, then turned and out-paced him and won the ball anyway. World class.
That was Arteta's 150th game in charge, and 87th win. Apparently more wins than Wenger at that stage which feels a bit incredible when Wenger won the double in his second season and was close to another double in his third.
Gutting for Gabriel who will be heartbroken. Not sure about their other CBs but surprised they have enough better than him when Brazil have never really been know for centre back strength. Who will be their starting keeper? For some reason it had never occurred to me that they have the two best keepers in the EPL until looking at their squad just now.
Anyway good looking Europe playoff draw for us with a number of big teams being out before the next round.
Heavy rotation tonight, Saliba the only man from Sunday to start again. Debut for Hein in goal, good rotation elsewhere across the pitch. And the most stacked bench you've ever seen. Looking forward to dodging sex ads to see it!
It's not broadcast anywhere in the world so there isn't even a dodgy stream for this one. Audio commentary on arsenal.com is the best we have. Takes me back to the UEFA Cup final we lost on penalties add being they last game I can remember listening to radio commentary over the internet as it wasn't on here. We're pretty spoilt here getting all the games, wouldn't even know where to look for a dodgy stream anymore.
Happy for White. Deserved but didn't think he was going to make it given he's been way down the pecking order for recent squads. He might get some time, potentially on the right of a back 3 if Walker isn't 100% and Southgate goes with that. Imagine Trippier is first choice for RB/RWB, but he could also go to the left if Shaw is out as no other LB picked. Or Saka will probably end up as a LWB again...
Disappointing loss to Brighton but silver lining of less games for our squad. Hopefully the confidence isn't knocked. Must-win this weekend, really want to go into the WC break on top.
City lost to Brentford, real smash and grab result - balances out last week! Huge pressure on tonight, get the W and we have a 5 point lead at the top of the table.
That was actually quite a good performance on balance. We kept our shape tight and managed to not get exposed on the counter attack. Mike Dean did us a solid on VAR with the Saliba penalty/card shout. Viera found his feet in the GX34 role. Odegaard found his poachers instinct.
But all of that doesn’t really matter because we are top of the league.
Feels a bit incredible to say we're 5 points clear at the top at Christmas. Who could have imagined that back in May when we collapsed out of 4th? I've still avoided watching the last episode of All or Nothing by the way as just can't face reliving it.
Still obviously not suggesting the title is possible but do note Man City appear to be feeling the pressure at least. If it wasn't for a 95th minute dive last week we'd be 7 points clear now.
Weve got a tough run when we return. West Ham at home then Brighton away not so much, but after that it's Newcastle, Spurs and ManU. Then a smoother ride until April, when we get another run of tricky ones. Also yet to have that postponed Man City game re-scheduled, which will throw a spanner in the works somewhere. It's a little quirk that we haven't played them yet, those games are going to be pretty huge now.
I think us and Newcastle are looking like the best teams in the league so that game is gonna be big. Not sure west ham will be much chop, they are having a horrid season.
I saw this today which I thought was a brilliant picture. I started supporting Arsenal after watching the 1978 FA Cup Final (I was young haha) so these players were all from that era and were my heroes at the time. The original photo was taken as the players were all Irish.1978 Arsenal.jpg132.77 KB L to R David O'Leary, Frank Stapleton, Pat Jennings, Sammy Nelson, John Devine, Pat Rice and Liam Brady.