In this edition we look back on the Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Credit: Arsenal.com
HIGHLIGHT
Steve Wellman:
Saliba: Duels won – 100%
Pass completion – 97%
Fouls committed – 0%
Dribbled past – 0%
Haaland in his pocket – 100%
Harry Scott: Declan Rice monster performance. This is why we paid the £100m for him – huge presence in the centre of the park, sensing danger, killing transitions and bursting up field. Partey/Jorginho ain’t half bad backups too..
Dwayne Bingham: The team performance, from Raya carrying out the (somewhat risky) gameplan as per Arteta’s instructions to Eddie running non stop whilst on the pitch. The team won ugly but as planned. Where in the past we would be swashbuckling and go all out for a win only to fall foul to a sucker punch goal, our performance was more reserved and patient. Like a game of chess Arteta made his move with his changes and we benefited from them to finally get one over Pep. #checkmate
Nigel Evans: Our overall defensive display but a special mention for Saliba. Yet again the atmosphere was brilliant.
Mike McDonald: The last 10 minutes. Lockdown. Didn’t expect that. I would’ve been happy with utter panic and goal line clearances but the nervous start to the game was forgotten by the mature ending.
Thomas Bahnson: Martinelli showed just what we have been missing and brings back memories of the Martinelli-Jesus-Saka combo last season. We have missed the double punch wing threat and boy was his comeback timely and needed!
John Bordones: We are a defensive stacked club. We build up from the back and we can make 1-0 to the Arsenal a thing again.
Paul Hepker: Arteta being able to give Pep a dismissive pat on the shoulder after the game, instead of having to endure the patronising hug from the spit machine. Also: his four substitutes combining to get us the winning goal. Great day for Mikel.
Credit: Arsenal.com
LOWLIGHT
Steve Wellman: The inconsistency of VAR application. Kovacic lunges at Odegaard and because the ref gives a yellow, the tackle is reviewed, and, in my humble opinion, incorrectly not upgraded. The lunge minutes later on Rice is not reviewed because a card wasn’t given. Both deserved at least a yellow but second challenge cannot be reassessed!!!!
Just plain f…ing stupid
Harry Scott: Arsenal security forcing Walker down the tunnel after his little tantrum with Jover. A few extra seconds would’ve been lovely but you can’t have it all.
Dwayne Bingham: Not really much to call out as a lowlight, I would maybe have to chose the nervousness of the crowd(myself included). Big games we are usually electric from start to end but the nervousness set in quite early as city looked a bit in control early on. Took a few gestures from the players (and some awesome Rice challenges) to get us going but by the end I’m sure the NFL crowd over at WHL could hear us roar.
Nigel Evans: Why wasn’t Kovacic given a second yellow card ? No food available at the M6 Toll Road McDonald’s on the way home
Mike McDonald: The steady flow of injuries. The schedule is clearly at fault so I suppose we have to simply accept it. A third international break before the season is 10 games has to be looked at, but won’t.
Thomas Bahnson: Doesnt take much to awaken the negative horde on Twitter. Didnt know we had so little faith in the guys behind the XI.
John Bordones: Positional awareness and the GK position will be an issue going fwd.
Paul Hepker: Trossard a mere shadow of the player he promised to be last season.
Credit: Arsenal.com
HEADLIGHT
Steve Wellman: (Hopefully) Saka not playing for England and getting 2 weeks off to recover before playing The Chavs.
Harry Scott: Shaking off the City hoodoo once and for all, whilst reducing them to just 4 shots is a huge psychological barrier lifted and will give us a huge bounce moving forward.
Dwayne Bingham: Hopefully some minutes for Eddie Nketiah on England duty. Would be nice to see his patience and loyalty rewarded finally. He could have been turning out for Ghana at last World Cup. Let’s hope Southgate chooses someone other than his favourites.
Nigel Evans: Saka getting a couple of weeks rest.
Mike McDonald: Often there is a slump after a big win so I’m glad that there is another big game upcoming. Keep our levels and focus high
Thomas Bahnson: We’re title challengers in everyone’s eyes moving forward
John Bordones: Rice is a baller and He and Partey in a proper MF pairing will dilute many an opposition attack and/or build up . We are a PROBLEM for so many going forward. #UTA
Paul Hepker: Can’t wait for the Spurs fraudsters to meet some proper opposition. They’ve played 5 of the bottom 6 and had a lot of help from VAR. I’ll bet you a bunch that we are the last team left undefeated.
What do you think? Give us your highlight, lowlight and headlight in the comments below.
#UTA!
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