Keeping things short and sweet… A new regular feature on Gunners Town, using the framework started during lockdown on the Gunners Town Pub podcasts… Our writers each offer a highlight and lowlight for the previous Matchday, and then shine a headlight on what lies ahead for the Gunners.
What do you think? Give us your highlight, lowlight and headlight in the comments below.
#UTA
Fabio shines
HIGHLIGHT
Paul Hepker: Eddie Nketiah’s attitude. We are going to need him firing on all cylinders to give us a chance at replicating last season. He’s also making it easier to bid adieu to Flo.
Gary Lawrence: Fabio Viera’s superb cameo performance where he finally showed why Arsenal paid £30m for him.
Dave Seager: The return of Zinchenko to full fitness. Timely, and I hope it will mean a return to the status quo, with our inverted FB from the left.
Steve Wellman: Fabio showing the ability and determination we all hoped he had. Especially when he pushed Ode (I think) off the ball to get his cross in.
Dwayne Bingham: Substitutions having a positive impact on a game that wasn’t going our way.
Mike McDonald: Arsenal having an aerial target in the box, often wide open.
Harry Scott: The Eddie & Vieira cameos. Both have their doubters but came on with a point to prove and changed the game. Vieira is another unique profile we can utilise now he has hopefully adjusted to the demands of the league.
Havertz vs Havenotertz
LOWLIGHT
Paul Hepker: Yet another first-minute goal conceded at the Emirates. We definitely know how to make our lives difficult. Any decent theories on why it is happening?
Gary Lawrence: The experiment of playing Thomas Partey as a hybrid right back/midfielder which clearly isn’t working.
Dave Seager: Continued exclusion of ESR and now rumours of his departure.
Steve Wellman: Not picking Gabriel & inviting constant rumours about Saudi splashing their cash again.
Dwayne Bingham: Not seeing out the game after being a goal up and against 10 men.
Mike McDonald: Wingers not picking Havertz out when he is doing his main job, trying to get on the end of things.
Harry Scott: Havertz slander. By no means has he been an instant success, but he is consistently picking up great positions with no supply. The LHS is a bit of a mess without Gabriel/Zinchenko/Jesus. Give it time.
Jesus vs United?
HEADLIGHT
Paul Hepker: Arteta’s selection for the upcoming United game. Does he stick or twist. Does he want to be right or happy? I have a feeling he wants to be right.
Gary Lawrence: Hoping to see the return of Gabriel Jesus to the starting lineup against Manchester United.
Dave Seager: If Ben White does return to RB I anticipate a swift return to the Saka, White dynamic of last season. The lack of an effective overlap provided by White has limited Bukayo’s effectiveness and hence our fluency.
Steve Wellman: Upcoming Manure match and a chance to put them in their place
Dwayne Bingham: Hopefully with transfer window closing this week we can lose all the speculation and have a clearer picture of the squad and Mikel’s plans.
Mike McDonald: Havertz winning the game on Sunday. Has a reputation for being a big game player.
Harry Scott: Clear the decks. Need to find homes for Balogun, Holding, Tavares and Lokonga by hook or crook. Arguably need another defender with Timber out and a player to push Saka on the right. Then smash Man United!
Great idea.
I couldn’t watch the match so this was especially good to read.