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Arsenal to Bounce back v Brentford but will Tomiyasu get the nod over White?

AFC-v-Bees

Blimey, 3pm kick off?  A 3pm kick off on a Saturday?  That timeslot is a definite rare occurrence for the Arsenal. It does feel a while since we were afforded the chance to play football at a time which wasn’t dictated to be played for the convenience of a television network.  Especially considering we are the league leaders the probability of having games shifted is quite high. All in all I’m not complaining, it’s been a while for me to attend on a Saturday afternoon, will be nice… provided we get the right result at full time.

A whole week has passed since that unpleasant result at Goodison under a rejuvenated Sean Dyche led Everton. Normally any defeat leaves a bad taste in the system as there is a desire to put right the wrongs as soon as possible in the next game. I have to admit the bad feeling was somewhat softened by the defeat Manchester City witnessed against another football team based in London.

ever11

New Manager Bounce – Bad Timing

                                         

It really was some serious bad timing to meet Everton at that specific period where their circumstances changed. There’s no doubt in my mind that facing a Frank Lampard team would have resulted in us returning with 3 points last week. It is what it is and Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle all failed to take full advantage of our shortfall.

We’ve had a week to get on the training ground, assess where we went wrong and get best prepared for our next opponent Brentford. This by no means will be an easy game, Brentford are actually one of the form teams in the premier league at the moment.

Brentford have been unbeaten in the league since the restart of the season, some results which have included a 3-1 victory over Liverpool, a 2-2 draw with spurs and they have also kept a clean sheet in their last 3 games. They are actually unbeaten in their last 9 premier league games and will be arriving at the Emirates in full confidence having taken all 3 points off Manchester City just before the season break.

The Arsenal cannot afford to be complacent against a team we played off the park in the reverse fixture. For all the good memories of a totally controlled performance (and the introduction of Ethan Nwaneri to the world) against the Bees, it will also act as motivation for revenge from the Brentford players. Ever since the fallout from that tweet from Ivan Toney after our defeat on the opening day last season there has been the simmering of a mini feud between the two clubs. Although the acrimony has manifested more on social media than on the pitch we cannot overlook what a potential trigger it can act as. Focused heads on the job is required from the players, we have far more at stake so cannot be drawn into anything petty that results in us deviating from our game.

           
Motivate

Motivation

                                         

Today’s game gives an opportunity for the fans to welcome the new boys signed in the recently closed transfer window to the club. Of course we gave Leandro Trossard a great reception during the Manchester United game but this will be a first home sighting for Jakub Kiwior and Jorghino.  On paper great additions to our squad, they fill the gaps we needed reinforcements for. On a personal note I did feel we maybe should have recruited a striker on a loan until end of the season.  This is not to say I think Eddie Nketiah hasn’t done a great job since coming in but he is technically all we have from a striking option. I worry about the idea of relying on him solely for the rest of the season.

Jorginho replaces Thomas Partey

Home reception for new boys

He is loving the game time and taking that opportunity with both hands but you just had to look at the bench against Everton last week that we had no alternative, no one to come on if Eddie tired or more firepower was required.

The image of Jesus returning to London Colney to training is a welcome sight but I am apprehensive at pining everything on a full rehabilitative return to the team with no hiccups along the way. We cannot make the assumption of 1. Eddie not picking up any kind of knock that would require missing any games 2. Jesus not facing any setbacks in his recovery and once back hits the ground running.

Jesus

Back soon, hopefully with no setbacks

                                        

We only have to look over to Emile Smith Rowe for an example of how carefully we need to manage integration back into the team after a long term injury, setbacks happen. Admittedly there is scope to play Martinelli centrally so there are options for worst case scenario; I just hope we aren’t forced to go there if it leads to weakening other areas.

Anyway, this is more food for thought rather than criticism, the squad is a lot stronger than before the window opened, we have options with players that can make a difference on the pitch and offer more than just ‘closing out the game’ qualities. It will be even more appreciated when the Europa League games start back and we need to likely rotate players and make changes earlier to counteract fatigue.

As we have become accustomed to with Mikel Arteta this season he primarily chooses his best line up with minimal changes game by game. I wouldn’t expect that to change from the Everton XI of last week. Thomas Partey will have overcome any niggle he was carrying prior to Everton game and start today. The only positions in question would be the full back positions. Zinchenko and Tierney tend to be rotated (usually based on who played midweek is benched) with the Ukrainian being the more favoured choice when both available. Ben White and Tomiyasu may be one to look at.

Tomiyasu

Will Tomi get the nod?

Despite Ben White having an outstanding season playing in the right back position in his last two premier league games his performances have fallen slightly below the high standard he has set all season. Not a crash in form by any means but Tomiyasu has replaced him on both occasions and proved he is ready to perform if called upon. Would it be reason enough for Arteta to make a change? Possibly not, but still worth keeping in mind when the teams are released later.

Wrap

It’s a wrap!

So here it goes an in form Brentford take on the Arsenal. I just want to head to the Emirates, enjoy checking out all the new wraps around the stadium and hope for a comfortable (stress free) victory. I’m going to predict a 3-1 victory. What’s your prediction?

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