In this edition we look back on the NLD and the Carabao Cup midweek game against Brentford.
Credit: Arsenal.com
HIGHLIGHT
NLD
Dave Seager: The only true highlight from the NLD was the magnificent Saliba.
Dwayne Bingham: The fans, brought the atmosphere to the game. Understandably it doesn’t take much to lift us against Spurs but despite his mistake we rallied behind Jorginho and sang his name. The players need us as much in the bad times as the good.
Steve Wellman: Intensity of the high press. It put the Spuds under pressure and caused mistakes (we just didn’t punish them)
Nigel Evans: Saliba’s performance and the atmosphere in the stadium.
Mike McDonald: Another strong performance from Saliba. Fully focused, aggressive yet composure when necessary.
Paul Hepker: Saka’s penalty. Convincing.
Carabao Cup
Dwayne Bingham: The performance of Aaron Ramsdale. Perfect way to respond to those who have written him off already. The goalkeeper debate will drag on throughout season by looks of it but Aaron has done his chances no harm.
Paul Hepker: A second-string team that most times looked slicker than the NLD starters.
Credit: Arsenal.com
LOWLIGHT
NLD
Dave Seager: The manager inexplicably keeping an obviously injured Saka for so long. Smith Rowe could and should have been introduced so much earlier. That and the equally inexplicable substitution of Jesus instead of the ineffective Nketiah.
Dwayne Bingham: Not using a natural winger to replace Martinelli and Trossard. Jesus did ok but his strongest attributes are suited as the main striker. We lost the unpredictability of someone like Nelson to get to byline and fly in a cross in addition to cutting inside. We lost the ability to give the spurs right hand side more to worry about.
Steve Wellman: Ongoing injuries. Partey, Rice ? Martinelli, Trossard. These bite hard after a Wednesday night in Europe.
Nigel Evans: Having to get up at 4-00am and Arsenal’s sloppy passing
Mike McDonald: Yet again we are second to every attacking corner. The idea is menacing. The delivery is normally dangerous but they need to attack the ball on the move.
Paul Hepker: Not a fan of Saka’s dart throwing wind-up. Perhaps it’s just banter from the England team-mates, but I don’t think players should be winding up the scum in a derby. Thought Raya’s performance was pretty average at best.
Carabao Cup
Dwayne Bingham: The reluctance of Ben White to trust in Sagoe Jr. Understandably trust comes with time but there seemed many times when the youngster was the better option in some plays but our full-back decided against the pass.
Paul Hepker: Not really a lowlight – but would have liked to see a couple more Academy players involved.
Credit: Arsenal.com
HEADLIGHT
Dave Seager: An excellent opportunity this week to blend in some squad players in need of minutes such as Nelson, Kiwior and Nelson with a youngster or 2 v Brentford.
Dwayne Bingham:With Carabao Cup up next it should be a chance to field Havertz as a no.9 and see how he fares there for whole game AND if we have a penalty let him take it. That first goal could hopefully be a monkey off his back and can kick on from there.
Steve Wellman: The opportunity to give the likes of ESR, Nelson, Tommy and Kiwior a run out on Wednesday
Nigel Evans: Like others I’m looking forward to some of the squad players getting a chance in the League Cup
Mike McDonald: Wednesday will be a good distraction. An opportunity for others to step forward. Particularly looking forward to seeing which Academy players are involved.
Paul Hepker: Fringe players getting a chance to convince Arteta in the Carabao Cup.
Carabao Cup
Dwayne Bingham: We now go to Bournemouth with a potentially patched up side. The replacements gave a good account of themselves on Wednesday. 3 points against this level of opponent is vital in an already congested chasing pack. Whoever Arteta selects should have more confidence after the work put in midweek.
Paul Hepker: A convincing win against Bournemouth would do wonders to keep the fanbase tidy. Gooners are an unforgiving bunch. Don’t need any toxicity creeping in. That stuff spreads waaaay too fast.
What do you think? Give us your highlight, lowlight and headlight in the comments below.
#UTA!
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