DB’s Season Diary Week One So, here we are, on the opening day of a new season. Blimey, the last time I wrote those words were in the opening chapter of my new book – “Over Land and Sea (and Lockdown…. Arsenal – The Corona Diaries”. I’ve mentioned my book, yeah? I must have, because […]
Preparing for the absent POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I’m normally not in the camp of folk who say pre-season is just for fitness and rhythm. I’m still not. As a coach it is pivotal, not just for players to get in the groove but to try out the most important tactics/strategies that you want to […]
Arsenal fans are happier after this weekend than they were after the previous and this is hardly surprising. Despite the later second half blips, the overall dominance of Leeds and the scoring of four goals, quite a rarity these days, should have us smiling. However, many will still be scratching their heads as to how […]
January 2 December 0 POSITIVES, NEEDS and HOPES I kid you not, I wrote that headline on my notepad before the game. I looked at the line up and wasn’t entirely disappointed as the key players needed to be rested, but I saw Willian and some of his buddies and predicted that the ‘December crew’ […]
2020 has been a year most will wish to see the back of, for obvious reasons, and at present Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal players, and fans, for more footballing ones. However, we must not forget that the elongated and disrupted 2019/20 season has offered us some highlights this calendar year. After all, the year saw […]
It’s time to get in the ambulance The Positives, Needs and Hopes will return but I don’t think they are relevant today. I think this is more relevant… Over the last few years I’ve been avoiding the doctor. I didn’t feel right and knew I needed to go but fear and the hope for a […]
Match Preview Arsenal welcome high-flying Southampton to the Emirates on Wednesday evening, in an attempt to turn around their miserable home form, which has seen them lose four league games in a row for the first time since 1959. The Gunners will look to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Mikel Arteta by picking up […]
The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ isn’t a fixed concept. Fifteen years ago, you might have argued it was more of a ‘Big Three’. Whereas ten years ago, there were maybe four teams who challenged for the title. The number of teams who hit that peak of performance, and dominate both home and away, can shift […]
Normally a North London derby has attracted more attention i recent times, with both teams vying for more than perhaps they are tomorrow. However, it still is special. Now there is still a lot left to find out before the season is done between the two teams. In one corner, a team who’ve failed to […]
‘When Better is Average ‘ Positives, Needs and Hopes If I was the Arsenal board then yesterday’s game would have troubled me more than all the others. Why? I’d say that when you’ve had a group of miserable performances and then (finally) play better, even if it’s a little better, and you still […]
