I have watched some dire Arsenal games in recent years. Norwich and Wigan away, and Blackburn (FA Cup) at home were all pretty poor live-games last season for example, but yesterday I finally saw Arsenal play fantastic football again. The atmosphere in the stadium was good, and in the North Bank it was even better. The banter between North Bank and the East Bank supporters was great – singing to each other for prolonged periods which became louder and louder every time.
On such a mild day as it was, and with the sun coming through just as the game started, the fans singing and with a collective sense of this season possibly being different than previous ones, it felt extra good to be a Gooner yesterday.
As predicted, Arsene started with FlamTeta in the double-DM pivot and no typical wingers. I had Ramsey and Cazorla starting, but it made sense to rest Ramsey and give Jack an opportunity to show everyone once again what a great prospect he is. And boy did he deliver.
Effectively, we played 4-5-1 again. A similar line-up attracted a lot of unfair criticism against WBA, but this time round there appears to be no complaints. And with our wide midfielders contributing with goals, assists and penultimate assists, Wenger will feel justified for sticking with his midfielders for another game.
Norwich were well organised and defended diligently at the start of the game. Arsenal took their time to find the openings as the so familiar ‘Sturm und Drang’ football seems to be a thing of the past. This Arsenal are calculated in their efforts: we try to preserve energy and like to sit back – we even do not mind to relinquish possession of the ball if it will mean the opponent comes forward and out of their defensive positions.
To some extent we play like Red Nose’s MU during periods of the game. We love space and we relish winning back the ball in our own half, as to start our counter-attacks with speed, precision-passing, and cool finishing. Today we scored a couple of goals from getting the ball in our own half and I expect this to become a regular occurrence this season.
This sitting back and absorbing pressure does come at a price, though. At times during games – and yesterday this was the case on each side of the break – we sit too deep and hand over control too much to the opponent. Norwich had their best spell between the 35th minute and when they scored their goal; and we were a tat lucky with scoring our second one before they scored theirs.
Partly, this was due to the early departure of the Flame: the team initially struggled with regaining its shape and dealing effectively with Norwich’s very effective and physical central midfielders. I thought Wenger and Bould would coach our midfielders during the break on how to regain control, but they continued to struggle during the first twenty minutes or so of the second half.
Norwich lacked the creative and finishing skills to properly hurt us, and with Arsenal brimming with both confidence and super quality talent, it was pretty clear we would come out as winners eventually.
Our first goal, watched from the North Bank so from afar, was pinball football. When an improvised goal through the middle comes off like that, the team deserves all the plaudits it’s getting. We just could not believe what we saw: what a cheeky, brilliant goal. And we all sang: ‘same old Arsenal, taking the piss’. It was wonderful to listen to the collective OOHS and AAHS when the replay was shown on the stadium screens just after the goal was scored. Wengerball is well and truly back!
The delirium from THAT goal did subside though, and even turned into some howls of derision towards the end of the first half, despite OG almost scoring a second after another blitz-attack: the North Bank are a critical lot! But Arsenal sat back too much and allowed Norwich too much space and time on the ball during this period. Szczesny saved us during this phase with a first class stop: not just keeping the ball out of the net, but also pushing it away safely under pressure.
The start of the second half was also for Norwich, but another brilliant break from the back led to the second goal: the one that won us the game as Norwich just did not have more than one goal in them at best. Cazorla found, the brilliant throughout the game, OG in the right-wing position: he looks up and sees Ozil making a run into the box and produces a beautifully weighted cross into the box which finds the head of the German. Ozil cannot believe he scored with his head from a cross from our CF – something Ronaldo would never have done for him – but it is two nil to the Good Guys and we all sing ‘we are walking in an Ozil wonderland’, soon followed by the Beatles inspired Giroud tunes – and rightly so. The Frenchman’s ability to ‘serve’ the team is second to none, and just for that I love the guy.
A collective relieve across the stadium can then be sensed: the party can now truly begin, it seems. But Norwich get a reward for their fine team play and get a goal back. The BFG could have done better clearing the ball but Howson’s first touch is very good, and he hits the ball with venom and precision past Gibbs’ leg, leaving Szczesny, who sees the ball going past the Englishman’s legs late, with absolutely no chance this time.
The introduction of Rosicky for Santi gave the team a much needed renewed purpose and drive, and with Arteta improving significantly the longer the game went on as well, the Ramsey-show could truly begin. Our third goal was another superb one. Ramsey’s touch, control and spatial awareness in the tightest of area were unbelievable; and to see all of this right in front of me was pure ecstasy. We all went mad in the stands and tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. The boy whose leg was snapped in two, who was booed by his own fans and wished all sorts of diseases on the blogs, had scored a Bergkampesque goal of the highest order. Chapeau, chapeau!
It was not over yet, as the team remained hungry for more goals, and the likes of Ozil, Rosicky, Wilshere and Ramsey kept driving forward and combining at will and with great invention and penetration. Ruddy, the Norwich goal keeper, kept doing really well during this period, but he could do absolutely nothing when Ramsey found Ozil with the daftest of touches, as the king of assists was for the second time in one game royally presented with a fine goal scoring opportunity himself. Rosicky had spread the ball from left to right, finding Ramsey at the left post with precision, and catching out the Norwich defence in the process. Beautiful football by beautiful people.
After that there were individual songs for Rosicky, Ramsey, Ozil and Giroud, but the most poignant song was kept till the end: ‘WE are top of the league, WE are top of the league, WE are top of the league, We are top of the league!’
And so we are and long may it continue! 😛
Written by: TotalArsenal.
Bergkampesque 
nice one @ TA
seems like you had the “perfect” outing 😉 we all do envy you , just a little because we could watch our first goal again and again and again, ha
it was a fantastic day yesterday, everything was spot on and for a change, Wenger got his subs bang on as well….it was like he was listening to me for a change, i said bring on Rosicky for Santi after 65th minute…67th minute Santi was there, then i wanted Bendtner on for Giroud after the 75th minute and deja vu 😉
but on a more serious note, we are certainly playing with a confidence and swagger – the handbrake is well n truly lifted at home, the crowd has started believing in the lads and AW with a new sense of purpose and belief, which we lacked in the last 5 and so years at least….
opposition teams will once again fear coming to the emirates i reckon – and this is what we want
6 more matches to go until we go into another international break as number 1 ? you betchya!!!
on the OoooooooOOzil header, you’re spot on, he couldn’t believe how he was set up on a plate like that by Giroud , and even acknowledged it by tweeting about it and accepting a late birthday gift – shows the fella is a top notch player and a person as well, very humble !
Dortmund next, i think Flamini won’t be risked which means that we can play Santi from the start and keep it more or less the same as we did against naples.
Fine comment, JB, and all agreed. Although, I am not sure whether we will still be ToTL by the start of the next interlull. But we will be close at least.
I reckon Flamini will be fine by Tuesday. He is a warrior of the finest DNA! 😉
Total nice post and fellow Gooners
Wonderful, wonderful football yesterday. I was left purring and in delight. The moves, speed, precision, awareness, technique and vision leading to the 1st goal was a joy to behold. A face-splitting smile on my face once i saw that, and I did not realize Jack was not offside. Ohhhh, the faces of Norwich players said it all. Ozil, pure pure class and the way he touches the ball is pure caress. A gold in my own opinion. Ramsey, thank you for presenting another wonderful face-splitter on my face. The move and technique in the 86-89th minute left Norwich players bewildered. Giroud (2assists), Rosa, Flames, BFG, Szc… special mention.
Hopefully, Flames recovers from double-vision for Tuesday. We sort of appeared clueless shortly after he left the field. Must congratulate others for upping their game.
i hope so @ TA – keeping fingers crossed
but i think the passage of play we lost our footing on the game was due to
A: losing Flam’s
B: JW moving to the left and Santi to the right
this allowed them to see more of the ball and keep it as well, but notice how we were hunting in pairs and three’s to win the ball back, it was very pleasing to see all that energy and hunger back at home !
if i may say so, re- Flamini, i said it at the time, that it was a rash challenge and one that he could and we could have avoided, sometimes he over commit’s himself and gets lost in the heat of the moment, he needs to be a bit more shrewd while going in such danger challenges, it could have ended a lot lot worse for not only him but the other player as well…and let’s just say, had he got booked for that one (yellow), i wouldn’t have minded it at all 😉
oh and we also had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down on Ozil, i reckon it was a penalty and he could have scored his hat-trick ? also , it will be interesting to see who takes all the penalties from now on – i would like Ozil to take over from Arteta.
@ MA
mA, Ramsey was brilliant and he is enjoying it all so much. A true professional and Gunner. 🙂
Agreed on all your special mentions, and i would like to add Gibbsie as well: quietly, he was class yesterday.
Jambon, you are underestimating the psychological impact of Flamini. He leads by example and sometimes we need to be hard (but not mean). Flamini has learned from the masters at dark and effective DM play at Milan, and for me he did the right thing yesterday. It was a ball to be won and he did not chicken out. Good boy. Bon garcon! 🙂
Arteta takes fab pens, so no need to change for me. Don’t let your FF team get in the way of reality! hahaha 🙂
ahahahahahhahahahahahaahah @ http://instagram.com/p/fsyz82pTKH
look what Frimmy has been posting lately
😀
hahaha 😛
What’s the little boy screaming now hey?!
valid point @ TA – however, i much rather he saves such challenges for a certain Van Pu$$Y 😀
Re- Penalties, i did say before OZil came that he may well be taking over from Theo as our corner and FK taker – he did, because he’s that bloody good
also, he takes Penalties for the German national team…Arteta is doing a fine fine job but Ozil would not disappoint – anyhow, it’s great that we have such options and are spoiled for choices
Milo, Dylan , where are you young gunners these days ?
Superb report Totes. After continuously watching the 1st and 3rd goals, I`m changing THOF…….The Home Of Football…………. to……..THOF………The Heaven Of Football !.
Yes, I know, another Cockiesque Gem !. hahaha
some fresh news coming in re – Theo
i’m hearing that he was back in training but broke down while running/jogging – hence a further 2 weeks until he returns to FULL TRAINING.
so there was a setback.
STARES AT OUR MEDICAL TEAM ONCE MORE.
*back in training on Thursday before the setback.
Poldi and Ox are out till December – bear in mind that had it been down to our medical experts, Poldi was penciled in for a return , right about now…it was only when he got a 2nd opinion from the German national doctor that the recovery time was increased and he found a tear and what not with his hamstring.
baffling and shocking….
AW’s strength can often be his weakness – Loyalty to our below standard medical department with top notch facilities, sadly our head of the medical team left us for England a while ago and i think his brother or who ever else are there are not as good ?
i hope AW and the board are looking at all this and pondering how to fix this – SOON.
Still think we should keep ourselves grounded and keep the OGAAT attitude as we have only played one of which I class as the top 7 teams so far !. Remember, only 2 points out of 18 against the teams who finished above us last year !. Turn that on it`s head and drop only 2 points against them and it will then be game on !.
Total coined the phrase….OGAAT, but personally, I have always done it that way. It`s a funny old game and unless you`re 20 points clear in the home run, then every next game is a potential banana skin to slip up on your arse !.
Enjoy the moment until the next one and then again likewise……OGAAT !.
Now back to normal………..I must be Psychic !………..I was laying out in the Sun naked yesterday and @ 18 mins into the game….I got a boner !……now, I didn`t have a time piece on, but, my boner was acting like a sun dial, cast a shadow on my number tattooed stomach telling me it was 15:18 and I also got a boner at 53, 83 and 88 mins into the game !. It also went drastically limp when a cloud came over @ 70 mins into the game !.
Here, here for the soothsayer sausage !. hahaha
JB – good point about National Side…. Happy for Ozil Smozil to take our penalties. Let’s hope we start getting them again….. 😉
The heaven of football…. I like it Cookie 🙂
More cockiescrew than cockiesque though
JB – not good news. Question is would Poldi or Ox even get on the bench right now…
Better to get them back in December, maybe?
Hahaha you have a sensitive hampton, Gooner lost in Cockie! 🙂
There was a lot BOING! going on across the globe, yesterday. You are not that special after all… 😛
There is definitely still a bit of fragility in the team, and I agree with OGAAT as our one and only approach. But we also have further potential for growth and Arteta coming back to full fitness might become an important factor in all of this.
Time to hit the pillow 🙂
Poldoski, YES – Always – Bendtener – NO
The Ox , Yes – Always especially with no Theo, i might be even inclined to start with him on the right , one of Arteta and Flamini makes way.
let’s not forget, the current team or the team that has been playing, isn’t our strongest 11.
our strongest 11 will include a winger a.k.a Theo /Ox on the right – currently, we are having to make do 😉
see you tomorrow !
TA, thanks for sharing some of the vibes from being there… I’ll have to make a trip someday to see and experience for myself. While I’m still a bit frustrated by those 30 minutes where we struggled to control the game and almost looked complacent at times (against a better team that could have cost us much), I must say that the quality of some of our play was sometimes outstanding, and I’m sure that even when dominated, we will still inspire some fear to even top teams, and that’s a great thing. That capacity for greatness reminds me a bit of glorious days past… even when we were playing average, it was always peppered with inevitable brilliance!
Rambo doesn’t stop surprising me, every game he does something new… The time he gave himself on his goal (if you look at it again, he calmly re-adjusts the ball just before shooting, after he had put 3 defenders on their butt) is Messi like… Fast but aware and in control. And then his roll and backheel dribble ala Zidane. He may be the best midfielder in the world over this past 2 months. I’m also delighted about OG… he didn’t score but those 2 assists more than make up for it, and I’m sure builds hhis confidence just as much if not more.
Jack I thought was looking better, his burst seems to be slowly coming back. Santi seemed a tad rusty but I’m sure will quickly be fully back, which is ok cos TR7 is a more than great backup! I do hope Flam will be cleared for BD, but when you look at how he was totally knocked out before he hit he the ground… I’d say the concussion would command a weeks rest… At least it looks like Arteta started to get back to his best during the game. As for the back 5, nothing to complain about… I’d like to see Verm soon though (crystal?), it would be good to be able to rest Per/Kos from time to time, and maybe explore the option of a higher defensive line (alongside Kos) when needed. I never like it when we defend too low…
JB, bad news indeed for Theo and Poldi. We do miss some speed on the wings – that will give Özil even more material for being (or making others be) amazing… Can’t wait for Tuesday for the biggest test so far!
Laters!
Hi all..
Great post TA.. enjoying the atmosphere you got there..
No need to add more to that wonderful game.. Just a little bit funny to saw Giroud becoming the man of assist.. and Ozil scores twice.. hehe..
I will go to the Dortmund battle.. I think our team spirit is very high now.. and Emirates also on fire.. all the fans will come and support them to make another victory.. and if Dortmund play an open-war game.. then another 4-1 may come.. hahaha..
I think Kloop won’t be that stupid to do so.. but poor him.. he lost a lot of his players..
But I never see Dortmund play a defencive way.. just like us..
So once again.. not to underestimate them.. but We will win again.. and again.. hehehe.. cause We Are The Champion.. hahahaha..
Go Gunners..
Hi TA
Great post. My thoughts for you, JB, Alcide et al:
A. AR is the best for the last two months agreed. The goal and assist yesterday were another level
B. The goal we gave. I agree we lost shape but the key was we weren’t as aggressive in fronting the ball, and thus a touch too soft middle of the park. We don’t sit back as much as we let this happen sometimes and end up further back… Some is fatigue, some is Flamini organizing vs a quieter Arteta! but! and here I disagree with TA, we don’t “allow” goals even then ..
We must remember even then there are ups and downs to all games for both sides. The goal is to minimize and survive your own lulls or when the other team is strong, and maximize the opposite. No matter how poor the opposition they will still own some small part of the game. It’s only natural. It’s not a luck of discipline but at the top levels all are fit. If you press hard for a dominant period, you must expect a slower period.
Thus, failing to capitalize when you go all out is a double loss.
Equally, if we’ve a failing it’s that in those quieter periods we don’t change focus or style enough to counter it better. Ie sit more defensively and tiki taka more to rest with the ball. Playing Wenger-ball in a lull period is IMO risky due to loss of shape and speed fronting the ball…
Just my 2p…
C. I suspect Flamini out as concussions are no game and all real medicos know this now. If we see him it proves JBs quality point. Sad, as I would love him on the park vs BD.
Overall, great game, great football, and for the silver lining of the goal against that Norwich earned, well look at the quality of the response. Prior year arsenal teams couldn’t step it up like that. From that comes the fear that makes a team have Presence! 🙂
Cheers — jgc
i will say it again, happily, smugly,
I said it here first at the beginning of the season … Ramsey will be PFA player of the year.. going by the way he finished last year, and obviously his form this year..
based less on the goals, more on the hard work…but goals and assists will cement it. his defensive stats are as good or better!
three players votes assured for this week- the three defenders left on the ground as he scored his goal on saturday.
🙂
Hello, what a magnificent goal 🙂 and what a pleasure to find an Arsenal Conquerant the Emirate Stadium. I have nothing to say except that it was on the great Arsenal, just a damper on Arteta that for me again showed its carrence at his post ……
I hope to continue to see the matches to this quality 🙂
GO GUNNERS
Fantastic TotL. Brilliant report, and yeesss im a tad jealous, but really glad that you finally got to see Wengerball at its best, and naturally scooping up another 3points for the bag 🙂
You are right when you say that its been anything but Wengerball in the last 5 yrs, but im glad its finally come. I also agree that we lost that agression our shape and tenacity from the 35min. However, in the past when we would leak a silly goal it was Alarm bells and Arsenal went into panic mode, this current Arse has grown a pair of gonads and with our backs to the wall, we morph into a wounded animal. This new bite that we possess will be our key to turning our overall 2 point gain against the contenders into an overall 2 point loss, which as that blue furry muppet has pointed out, should see us with a genuine hand on the domestic title……
“OG in the right-wing position: he looks up and sees Ozil making a run into the box and produces a beautifully weighted cross into the box which finds the head of the German. Ozil cannot believe he scored with his head from a cross from our CF – something Ronaldo would never have done for him”
“The Frenchman’s ability to ‘serve’ the team is second to none, and just for that I love the guy.”
On the button, Total. Never heard a truer word.
“Our third goal was another superb one. Ramsey’s touch, control and spatial awareness in the tightest of area were unbelievable; and to see all of this right in front of me was pure ecstasy. We all went mad in the stands and tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. The boy whose leg was snapped in two, who was booed by his own fans and wished all sorts of diseases on the blogs, had scored a Bergkampesque goal of the highest order. Chapeau, chapeau!”
Total, same happened to me. I thought-” WTF? Tears? Not enough testosterone!………so i went outside and killed a kangaroo 😉
But this says is all for me-
“Ruddy, the Norwich goal keeper, kept doing really well during this period, but he could do absolutely nothing when Ramsey found Ozil with the daftest of touches, as the king of assists was for the second time in one game royally presented with a fine goal scoring opportunity himself. Rosicky had spread the ball from left to right, finding Ramsey at the left post with precision, and catching out the Norwich defence in the process.”
-when you have, players playing for each other, putting their bodies on the line for the good of the team, and unselfishly assisting others when their own scoring boots have been left in the locker, then you know you have something special!
Pure, Purrfect (at times), Total Football.
Thanks again for a top top match report. Back off to work now. Putting in the double 🙄 But yet it seems easy when you have good highlights to replay in your head when
working 😉
jgc,
Good comments on ups and downs – ability to managing these is a key tactical feature in Rugby, but the concept is equally important in football.
Great post TA – The ‘atmosphere’ angle warms the heart of us distant gooners. Thanks.
I will follow on from the point Geoff made above, and JB,, and that guy TCM doesn’t know, et al, on the various points that turned the game this way and that?
i could be simplistic and answer Marcus’s response from his previous post and show it like this:
With Flamteta, played well. Won 1-0.
With Ramteta didn’t hold possession. Drew 1-1.
Add Rosicky (and lose Santi), played well. Won 2-0.
Ah, if it were only that simple? ha ha.
I think there were other things happening when Flambeau went off. Subtle, but made a big difference.
1, It looked to me that most of that first half hour it was Flamini on the left, Arteta on the right, and playing quite a high defensive line.
2, Ramsey comes on, probably having been told he wasn’t going to play at all? So mentally he had to adjust, which took a while, and also he was coming on to be more defensive minded, which I think restricted his freedom to do what he has been doing in the other games this season?
3, He switch to the right side, and thus Arteta went to the other side, and this seem to unbalance the side more than you might expect?
4, Norwich also, during the ‘injury time out’ were told to press more, and at times it exposed Santi’s rustiness and possession was lost several times, not just by him, but across the park.
So to Geoff’s point about sitting back and taking a breather is fine, IF you can retain possession? We couldn’t in this period, and our second goal was against the run of play.
Enter Rosicky. Suddenly there is an urgency to get moving the ball quicker, AND forwards.
I said in the build up to this game that, in my opinion, we don’t have another player that brings a combination of things to our attack – The Ox when fully developed, probably will be? – It is not just the movement forward, nor the one-two play he does as he goes, but also the Ozil-like ability to get into the space where other players have an out ball. Finally, his ability to switch play from one side to the other. Ramsey has admitted himself that these are things he can improve upon. Wilshere, in this game, showed the value of pass and move as opposed to running into a cul-de-sac and expecting a free kick every time? Santi at his best comes close, but he and Ozil both lack the tackling ability of a fully fit Rosicky. The team improves no end with him in the starting line-up, or, as in this game, when he comes off the bench. His energy has a vibrancy that is tangible, and the rest respond to it.
I would also echo TA’s special mention for Gibbs, his speed at getting back for crucial tackles were really appreciated. I would also add Koscielny as another, who I called our CB sweeper yesterday. It is his speed across the box and out to the wing that makes his contribution with Per so valuable.
Some very special moments in the game; The Wilshere one touch run for his goal was fantastic for all involved. The Ozil run to get on the end of Giro’s assist and get his header. Magic! The Rambo-esque solo, just brilliant. But I go with Totes love-guy, for just his total teamwork. He hopes for the Golden Boot at the end of the season, and that would be magnificent for him, but pales into insignificance as to the rest of his contribution to our success so far.
MOTM – OLIVER GIROUD
Oh before i go, How good was Rambos showboating on the left wing towards the end of the game? Like hes got the ball on a string and im controlling him in Fifa….haha
Looking forward to reading up on comments later…. 🙂
Rambo…
Really pleased you enjoyed the game TA.
Why didn’t you let me know you were going?, we could have met for a beer. Anxious and worried of been overwhelmed by Terrys shiny teeth hey? Dont worry about it, perfectly understandable.
Couldn’t agree more with your match report and love the emotional content.
Would you agree TA, that when you go to games like that you dont just see what Arsene is trying to build here, you “feel” it to?
This is all about vindication. I have said it before but will say it again, Arsenal is all about building 80% from within, and then adding the icing on the cake with people like Ozil.
We are no were near the finished article yet, and that’s what excites me the most. the potential is simply awesome.
The plan is to develop a side that can not only match the likes of City and Chelsea for quality, but eventually surpass them by having an ingrown spirit and set pattern of play, and i believe that it will bear fruit.
Has any one ever seen two peas in a pod? They are very happy, perfect harmony and balance.
The Ghosts of the Thirties are Stirring
I did the Ramsey footwork in alcides link at 5-a-side the other week and the rest of the players all said ..Whoa !, but for one who has been doing that for over 50 years along with the Cruyff turn, it`s just normal to me and meant nothing special . Should have took football more serious instead of cookies when I was younger !. That’s why my less skilful mates played to high standards and I didn`t !. Oh well, cant beat a cookie !.
Not sure what Gerry`s on about , but if it`s tactics, then fair enough, but when your as skilful as Cockie, you don’t need them !. Same goes for qualifications, who needs them when you`re naturally gifted !. hahaha
That’s enough about my Genius, how`s life treating you sad bastardos !. hahaha
Prince – On that bit of showboating …
The commentator on the ‘Player said ‘Oh! Where has that come from? Why wasn’t he doing a year ago?’
My immediate thought was that he was doing that at the beginning of the season. The only trouble was he either did at the wrong time, or not as well through lack of confidence, and it invariably lost possession. It was things like that that fans gave him so much stick for?
It is funny how the memory works both ways. Now we cannot remember how bad he could be 😆 It really is like we are talking of two different players. Not that he deserved half the stick he got. Just full praise for him to work through it and be the player we see today.
TA, Gerry, Alcide, jnyc et al,
Well some brief replies
Alcide and Gerry: you dont have to retain ball but simply be aggressive about fronting it. If you recall Napoli we were and their passes then went sideways and then back. Eventually, we were in their half without the ball!
I call this bullying the ball back and aggressive fronting does it. We lose some organisation for that when Flamini leaves. Likely as hes so vocal. That said, when we are slower to it others penetrate a bit further or have the opportunity to create opportunities more easily.
Alcide has it via rugby which in this is very similar, and which I also know well being from la paye des all blacks…
So, Gerry, I think it is simply that we dont change focus when we are done expending extra effort and dominating. One cannot dominate all game, simply, especially if you are not Barca RM in La Liga, and especially not in the EPL. Other teams will get their times (Norwich had 20 mins of 90 and we had 55-60 and the rest was mixed, that aint bad at all). Its what you do about it in first recognising it annd then responding.
jnyc – I give you full credit for your call on Ramsey and didnt disagree. That said, I didnt see 9 goals in all comps as anything less than half or three quarters of a season for him, not the first 20%…. Did you?? IMO, hes well beyond what even his stronger supporters suspected… Which is good! Like picking Spurs to win in UMF I am always happy to be wrong like that… 🙂
cheers — jgc
TA,
Lovely article this. I have kind of a negative-positive (if there’s something like that) to point out. When we were at 0-0, I felt we were having an OUTSTANDING game defensively. We gave them nothing, in fact we never lost possession for more than a few seconds at a time. The pressing was fantastic. But then we scored and we began to lack. I’ve noticed this happens when we score. We usually take the foot off the gas regardless of how early in the game it is or that we are only one nil up. We gave Norwich a way back in to the game and that is something I feel we need to cut out of our game.
That said, the 2nd half started the way the first ended, with Norwich on top. Ozil’s goal was rather against the run of play, which was confirmed when they got a goal back. Which brings me to the positive. After they scored, we went into top gear, especially with Ramsey’s introduction. We really showed them we are a superior side. i know when they scored many were thinking,”here we go again” but the response the team gave was that of a title contender. We turned on the screw and in the end we got the scoreline that I think should be routine when playing a team like Norwich.
I think what I’m saying here is i feel we should be able to kill games off a bit earlier.
Note for those that can get to watch it – the PSG v St Etienne match on Friday evening.
You can run the rule over KZ4 v Arsenal reject?
I watched both the Lyon game, which got to be a quite entertaining 1-1 draw, and Etienne 3-2 win over Lorient. Both games featured ex- Arsenal players in Manninger (Lyon GK) and Aliadiere (Lorient striker). The latter was up against KZ4, who looked like he has the ‘Presence!’, but not yet positional sense … He could learn a lot fro Per??
It would have been a travesty if Etienne did’t win though, as they should have been 3-0 up in the 1st half, but for yet another goal-line howler, when the ball came down off the bar and bounced inside the goal. It would have needed our goal-line technology to determine if ALL the ball crossed the line, but the way the camera lenses foreshortens the distance, the base of the ball was probably a good 6 inches in, but not given.
Add that to the Bundesliga debacle when the ball went into the net through a hole in the side netting, and the ‘goal’ was given, it will not be long before all leagues follow our example? It was tough on Hoffenheim though, as they lost it 2-1.
CR7 was Captain for Lyon, and this game might just turn the corner for them as they kept battling to get earn a draw.
Again, for those who can get to watch, Lyon play on Sunday.
I also saw another talked about target in the Augsburg v Wolfsburg match, the young WB winger. He had plenty of pace and looked quite lively while he was on. I was rooting for Augsburg though, who, like Arsenal, were maginificent in the opening 25 minutes, but only scored one goal, then eased off and Wolfsburg took over. Scored twice in their period of dominance, and held on. Augsburg really came back into in could have snatched it at the death. That finished 1-2.
That is a mini round up of the matches I saw. I turned down the chance to watch the closing stages of Fiorenta match, as JB said, down 0-2 at the time, so I thought I’d give it a miss …
Doh!
Hi jgc,
Actually I agree – it’s the lack of aggressivity, and our letting teams develop their play a bit too comfortably that bothers me most (and more than not retaining the ball). And that also applies to some nonchalance when we are pressed – instead of putting an effort to get past the middle line, we sometimes pass back deeper and deeper to finish by kicking it up front where it’s OG vs. rest of the world as 2/3rd of our team is in our own half. If you want to play wengerball from defense, put the effort in, if not, let Szeczny kick it upfield to start with.
*remembers All Blacks playing pick and go for the last 5 minutes of last world cup final to deny France any “up” time*
As anticipated, AW confirms Flam is out for tomorrow 😦
ToTL, great match report and you’ve conveyed the sense of “being there” beautifully. Tears of joy are the only ones worth crying in football… Arsenal have become a great product–you can enter the stadium with confidence AND have your expectations exceeded. There are bigger tests on the horizon (starting tomorrow, in fact…) but we all *should* be able to relish what we’re seeing…
People are going on and on about the first goal but I thought all 4 were of the absolute highest quality. Sure, Norwich tired a bit (and we took advantage) but they’re a good team and pushed us whenever they sensed an opening. I’m pretty deeply impressed by the depth of quality in the league, and the general lack of cynicism throughout. It’s still early day, of course, but (IMO) we deserve our spot at the top…
So what can I add to what’s already been said? Not much, but I’ll give it a go… 😆
Something very good, I think, is brewing between our two left-footed MFs, Wilshere and Ozil. Our weak period after Flamini’s departure, I believe, was the result of Jack moving to the left. On the right he and Messy took turns going wide and going central and our spacing was excellent. In that spot Jack (finally) appeared fully comfortable, taking his touches with ease and not pressing too hard trying to run with the ball and playing for fouls (which he was unlikely to get from Probert). The single touches while continuing to move on the goal is as much a reflection of the mind-set of the team as on the skills of the individual(s) but it couldn’t have happened without the latter. Corner turned for Jack? Maybe…
Still, as people I asked have suggested, he likely sits for the Dortmund match. It’s incredible if he does and a testament to the other attacking players we have. Ramsey is playing unbelievable stuff but Ozil takes everybody up several notches and it all looks so easy. Those two have laid down a marker for the others in terms of fitness, technique and confidence and now it’s up to Jack and Santi to match them (not to mention Theo and Lulu when they return). Arteta, I thought, looked extremely resolute in cranking up his game too. I agree that we missed Flamini’s voice during Norwich’s better spell and I hope he returns immediately. My experience with concussions however, is that they remain delicate for quite a while and that recurrences are very common in the early days after the initial injury. If he starts we risk having to use early subs once again…
I could go on and on and the contributions up and down the squad were excellent. Giroud MOTM is a reasonable call. The defenders played (very) well too, and the lack of a clean sheet came down to a bad bounce and a fine touch and shot from the scorer. I find it difficult to fault any of our individual players too much on that one. Maybe it will motivate the rearguard for a superior “team” performance at the back against the CL finalists tomorrow. A clean sheet in that one pretty much seals the group for us, I would think…
So good times and fully appreciated by our fearless leader. Thanks so much for sharing it and giving us a place to enjoy! After some of those others you mention and for all your hard (and positive) work here, you deserve it. Of course it’s one at a time and they’re coming thick and fast. In the form we’re in, what could be better?…
Hey Gerry, thanks for the report on the continental matches…I saw a tiny bit of the Osasuna-Barca scoreless draw and there was some banter about “almost as good as Arsenal” between Fat Phil (the American) and (crazy) Ray Hudson (who mocked the idea). I dunno, Spain’s loss (Ozil) would seem to be England’s gain. A few others (Saldado, el Kun, Y. Toure, Silva) also looked (very) good in the games I saw this weekend… Totts (esp. the “new” future of England, Townsend…) looked very pacy at Aston Villa…Not much ball control, however, compared to the other road winner, Man City…
Alcide, thanks for the update on Flamini…based on my experience caution seems a good practice here…
As in the Norwich match we will miss Flamini and that pressing game he brings. Without him our best defense (defence?) might be our offense (offence?) and trying to dominate possession. Not so easy against Dortmund, I would think… Who will AW pick for the 5 man MF? I’d be tempted to go with Arteta and Ramsey as the deeper lying pair, and then Santi, Rosicky and Ozil (starting from left to right…) in behind Giroud. Wilshere maybe is more primed to go 90 (over Santi?) now that he’s (maybe…) past the nicotine withdrawals and adjusting to life with two kids?
Thoughts?
No Geoff, i didnt see the Ramsey goal scoring coming, the only person who did was Arsene. He is on record saying that once Ramsey starts scoring, he will never stop. Also many times referring to him as a goal scorer, long before we saw it.
just more signs of Arsenes genius – the things he knows and sees in training or games.
but Rambos overall play, industrious, defensively are already at a higher level than past award winners. His work rate will not change- its always been his nature. Even if he scores less
frequently – but to me the goals are a super bonus, and may put us over the top as a team this season.
good news : Yaya is back in training – so maybe he’ll be starting against on the bench vs chelsea and Bendtener starts ? seems likely.
confusing news : Flam’s trained (intensively)…….yet, AW has ruled him out for tomorrow – i’m not medical expert but once you have a concussion , the 5 day rule should rule out training as well, no ? what’s the difference in training intensively and hard like he did today and playing a 90 minute match tomorrow ?
– Either, AW is planning to surprise everyone tomorrow
– or the medical team is poor beyond what i expected, why let the bloke train today instead of letting him rest and giving him a few days off ?
anyhow, Flamini’s loss is Santi’s /Rosicky’s Gain and even Ramsey’s/JW’s as one of the 2 can play through the middle …i’m guessing it will be Ramsey and JW will be on the bench.
Gnabry as trained today, he can have plenty of fun tomorrow agains their back line as their captain, their usual RB and gundogan are all out…these games are tailor made for the likes of Theo walcott as it will be a very open game…
loved what Wenger said ” It will be an open game, they won’t hide NEITHER WILL WE” , bring it on !!!
TA – you were in London and didn’t park at mine?? I am offended.
Great report, thanks. I am surfing all Arsenal blogs to read more and more, and more about Saturday, can’t get enough of it. Not to mention watching over and over, and over again the goals, especially Rambo’s. Sheer poetry, no, actually better than poetry, more real and tangible; even morons like Hansen and Shearer could not fault it.
I share your love for Aaron, he is just incredible! He’s been called the Welsh Messi, but someone corrected that- Messi is the Argentine Rambo
For me the MoTM was the team – the understanding among players, working for the team, complimenting each other was just magical. I truly think we have finally arrived. Bring on BD tomorrow!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2cRO1nS2TfU
Macko,
it seems that you have for Arteta what i have for our goalie 😀 – honestly, Arteta isn’t that bad, i expect him to be back at his best tomorrow night
Gerry,
i’m glad you’re done with the racing blogs for now as the season has ended ? – it means we can have more of your insightful posts and mini analysis from games across europe , but what a shame that you decided to switch channels for the most entertaining game of them all, that was a crazy last 20 minutes at Florence….
i think tomorrow’s Game will be more like Arsenal vs Swansea and along them lines.
Amendment for the 13.20 comment
For Cr7 read CG7
JB – If you think I was crticising Arteta, far from it. I just think perhaps he is happier on the right. Not that it is a position cemented in stone, but just where he seems to do better?
It was an observation, not a criticism.
Comparing it to your comments on our No1 GK … 🙄 I think you have taken HH’s mantle for winding people up, so I no longer take them seriously, as they bare little resemblance to the reality. And we will disagree on that as much as I disagreed with people on Giro last season.
As to the racing. The season is not quite over, but there is only one more Group 1 race left, coming up on Saturday. That is for next season’s 3yos, so I can explore that result when the season does end right through to next March.
Bond, these guys can be training hard but not using their heads…In a match, however, if Flamini cannot use his head, he cannot be played…
JGC, (“the professor”) can probably explain concussions a lot better than I can if he’s got the time/energy. I picture him at conference after conference here on his travels in the States. (And Geoff, you’re still welcome if you want to come watch a match, have a coffee or beer, etc., here in Tahoe…) Personally, I’ve always wondered about the long term concussive effects of playing football and using your head as these guys do….
I once got knocked out playing sports and I had little recurrences not long afterward with my head landing (pretty gently) on the pitch. My understanding is that everything is just a bit delicate for a while after the initial injury… Still there’s no need for Flams to lose his fitness while he takes a precautionary break from match-play…The longer term effects are becoming well documented in American football and Boxing. For me, they can be seen (perhaps) in my writing… 😆
Anyhow, looks like we’re thinking about Dortmund already. Agreed that starting MFs will be MA8, AR16, MO11, TR7 and SC19 or does one of the latter two give up their spot for JW10? Who will Dortmund play?
Never mind CR7 or CG7…..who the fcuks KZ4 ?….and before you say it, I know…..FU2 !. hahaha
Trust JB007 to get the Gerry bug !. I`m glad MOTD commentators use the proper names !.
OMG !….What a fantastic goal from JW10…the link up play between JW10,SC19 and OG9 was scintillating !….1-0 to AFC ….puts them TOTL….concentrate now, OGAAT……FU Hansen ! …….LOL……..SWALK !.
Haha, Nom Nom sock puppet…That was me, HT17…But, like I say, I’m a little soft in the head….
KZ4 = Zouma, I believe…
17HT, I agree on the seriousness off a bad concussion, but even mild ones can turn bad.
One of the warning signs is sickness and dizziness anytime in the following 24 hours, but monitored for longer.
I am not a doctor, but from watching many an episode of ER – in the early days, and House now, The crude diagnosis is a bruise to some part of the brain. A brain bleed as it were. In the worst case scenario, the ‘aneurysm’ can continue to swell causing pressure to develop against the skull, and if not spotted early enough, this can burst and the patient bleeds out.
Serious!
Hence the 48 hour watch, so I am surprised Flamini is in training, as any exercise will increase the heart rate, thus the pressure. If they are just testing to see if there are any after effects without some sort of scan, would be foolhardy in the extreme. I am assuming therefore they have the equipment to do that?
However, no ill effects does not mean clear to play. The bruise is still there and any slight knock could open it up in an instant.. Given the type of player he is it will be no surprise if he is just on the bench for the next couple of games after tomorrow?
As for the Dortmund game, it is probably a case of both managers thinking that attack will be their best defence? More to the point, who has the best counter attack/ So i expect end-to-end stuff.
Lucky for us in the UK it is on ITV, which means it should be fairly accessible world wide?
The key difference as I see it from our two styles is;
Dortmund will largely attack out wide, down both wings, and have late runners to move into the spaces that Lewandawski will vacate, as well as him being the central target. Both PEA and Reus will be dangerous if allowed to get around the back. or get a sight on goal.
Our best chance will be our movement and passing down the middle. Unless there is a surprise formation with say with Gnabry, or maybe Gibbs ahead of Monreal, our wide men will be the in and out movement of the selected midfielders. But as I have said before, their two CB’s can cause panic when attacked at pace. When that happens opportunities will arise, so we must take them as often as we can.
If we start with the idea that a score is more like than a 0-0, to tip the balance we need to be more efficient in front of goal. Whatever happens it should be a great game to watch?
A draw would not be the end of the world for us, but for them it would leave them needing to win their next 3 games, including the return leg. However, with both Napoli and Marsielle falling off a bit lately, it should not be beyond us to win two as well?
Gerry,
the Arteta reference was in reply to MACKO – it’s Macko who has a dislike for Arteta and not you.
i don’t see me winding anyone up, in fact, i had recently announced that i wouldn’t be slating him anymore – as it makes me sound like a broken record plus we have enough quality on the outfield to cover up all the short comings at the back, much like Michu covered up most of Ashley William’s short comings last season but anyway that is as far as it goes, really.
however, ones resemblance to reality could another’s another nightmare….it’s a matter of opinion really , all opinions may well be equal, some lack logic and some are backed up with stats and the other entirely based on “potential”.
17HT,
that’s a good point actually, the head using – makes sense and all agreed
it’s a very tough call whether to start with Rosicky or JW – considering JW will be on a right high…50/50 for me , and i wouldn’t mind if JW was to start , however, Rosicky will offer us a lot of pace both on and off the ball…tricky one for AW.
Correct HT, on Kz4.
glic/TCM – These are potential future players we might see playing for us.
I am not making it easy for copywriters to scan for names. Hence the TV5 type reference.
PEA is one such player that we let slip, and we will get a close up view tomorrow as to how he might have fitted in?
I couldn’t stay awake long enough to report on LM14 last week, but again, one for the future
*could be another’s
yep, PEA was our type of player, even Klopp has admitted it yesterday, saying that he was Wenger’s type of player for sure.
i hope he does a repeat of the weekend and shoots it into the crowd tomorrow, ha
I really think there was a change in Wilshere’s play that I noticed at the outset when he started on the (wide) right. He can do final balls with his right foot but not much else. As such, he just seemed committed to taking fewer touches from the get-go. To me he seemed a lot happier over there esp. given that Ozil likes to drift that way (wide right) giving Jack chances to play the role his shirt number would suggest. Thinking about taking fewer touches maybe set the table for the ultimate in tika-taka goals?… Agreed Bond that he looked good enough (out there) to deserve a re-do tomorrow night.
Santi, I think, is at his best when we’re in counter-attack mode. Yesterday he did some dribbling on both of the moves that ended in the goals that happened during his time on the pitch. He’s even better when he’s got a long ball target like Theo at his disposal… It’s hard not to pick Rosicky when he looks so fit and (and can maybe rotate better with Ramsey, fore and aft…) esp. given that he played with so much spirit vs Napoli. Still, I think Santi might be the one, with Sicky knowing he’ll come on for at least 20 mins…
Obviously, I’m already looking forward to this one, but thinking Dortmund (and we…) might play a little more defensive-minded than early talk is suggesting…
JB – Sorry, I though it was in the comment to me.
I did not have time to go through all the weekend chatter with you and PG, so I missed the bit when you sounded like a broken record.
You reference to stats is interesting. I read the Squawka stats on our game and they seem to make little sense in the overall picture of game. I used to like their stuff, but I will treat with a great deal of caution from here on. As I would for the lack of clean sheets as to how well Szcz is playing. It only tell you about the goals that got through, not the number of goals prevented? Or even the number of one he had no chance with.
That I think is where we differ?
Choice between Rosicky and Wilshere? Am I missing something, but without Le Flam they will both play. Basically the team that took over when Santi went off? Unless Gnabry plays.
I think Santi will come on as and when needed. Late for JW, Rosi, or Ozil. Earlier if Ramsey is looking like he needs a break?
Wow guys, many thanks for the fine, in-depth comments today and thanks for the kind words. 🙂
It was a special day indeed and good to hear that this has come through a bit in today’s post.
Terry, it was touch and go for me going to the game as I had been ill last week, so I did not think about meeting up with fellow bloggers at all. Next time, we meet up although I am a bit scared of the snowy whiteness of you fabulous carrot slicers. 😀
Think nothing of it Totes, my fine in-depth comments come natural, although I cant remember the kind words you bastardo !. hahaha
If it wasn`t for all the camera phones constantly flashing, you could have picked out Stretches teeth in the crowd …………..from Norfolk !.
hahaha, yeah, thats Cockie
Good teeth are very important for pulling Birds. The women love it when i flash my nashers.
I once had a date with this really nice bit from cambridge. She said she loved my teeth and couldnt wait to see me so i could flash her.
I must have misunderstood her. I never turnd up for the date. Instead i hid behind some bushes and as she got back home around midnight, jumped out and underneath my dirty mac exposed the flash
She ran into her house screaming, and i ran away from her house fully satisfied
Theres nothing better than conning some bird your a really nice guy and then creepily and totally inapropriately exposing yourself. The satisfaction is immense,.
Ime in a really horrible mood tonight
Next bird i pull ime going to play the charmer and when she takes me round to meet her mother, whilst discussing the lovely and delightful decor of her house i shall simultaneously indulge a vigorous stretch.
grow up transplant!!
my comment never showed, I am barred from this site
All
Concussions…
A. 5 day rule is now more like 7+
B. There is an enhanced susceptibility period after that. The bruise is not gone entirely. That is about 1-2 months
C. Head balls suck with concussion. I know this directly. By suck, I mean drive you to your knees agony … I had 11+ as a football player and later bike racer. I now worry a lot because
D. The real effect of concussions is multiples or overlaid ones. In the last few years at least 4 former NFL players, if I recall right, have committed suicide due, many believe in part, brain damage and depression that seems to onset later from concussions. At least two have shot themselves In the chest to leave their head to science (note and all). So, Flamini out tomorrow was a no brainer and you may not see him next weekend, which is CP anyway…
S’all for that
Now midfield… We need work rate and pressurizing … So for me JW starts deeper and is asked to chase back hard like Flamini and TR the same wider. Santi on later for one or another.
IF we pressurize well and put numbers in front on transition with some bite THEN we can “Napoli” Dortmund. Yes, really… If we don’t Reus, Lewandowski and others could run wild. Per prior comments they will have their time, we just need to minimize it in quality and quantity, while maximisng our own. As we did to Napoli….
Cheers — jgc
Hahaha Stretch……..I think e va va vonne is inviting you around her house to meet her mum, so with you and your stretching that will make 3 poles !. hahaha
Yes, Cockie. I like Evonne, so i wont respond to her comment
I admit i have been vile, sexist, and disgusting in my comments tonight, very bad mood.
Sod this, ime going out. Weres my Mac? hahaha
Professor !….now that TMHT has gone out ” Macking”, can I ask on his behalf about the effects of concussion to the cock !….as I think he is suffering from extreme purple bruising judging by the photos he sent to VCC`s wife. (she by the way is still in therapy as she hasn`t seen anything like it since VCC started suffering from Dementia of the cock ! ) The man is begging for help by the sound of his comments and feel he may take the drastic step of taking his own syrups life !.
PS…..”Macking” is an extreme version of Dogging where the participants all converge at a Gentleman`s outfitters changing room…such as “George” @ ASDA`s and try to remove the security tags from Ladies under garments using their Knobs !.
PPS…..Have you any advise for frost bite of the todger, as mine is turning blue !.
cockie and transplant 🙂
I can honestly say that I have not been looking forward to big games EVER, no guts and all that. But that wass before. Now. I can hardly wait till tomorrow. And frankly, if we play BD like we played on Saturday, I couldn’t care less about the result. Mind you, if we play like that again, the result is guaranteed.
Cockie
These things all work like the old floppy disks on computers, which is to say “never dip your floppy into a dodgy or infected drive!”
AFter that rest, ice (unless its frostbite) compression (I;ll leave that to you) and elevation … the old RICE therapy for “sports” and (real sports) injuries..
Good luck 🙂
cheers — jgc
ahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaha @TCM & TMHT – good stuff !
Gerry,
yes, amongst other differences but let’s keep it for another day and another relevant article/post – no worries
i like the idea of no Santi and yes JW as well, makes perfect sense but, yep, there is always a but or a however, ha
JW can very much be an impact sub , whereas with Santi, he more like a feel good , grow into the game with plenty of quiet periods in between, so i’m thinking let Santi start and get on with it for the first 60 minutes or so as he has a much better understanding with Gibbs as opposed to JW on the left…
Evonne, a nice blast from the past there, 🙂
We had good train tickets this time, Evonneski, but good to know your drive is still welcoming my car! 🙂
How’s life been treating you lately?
new post, new post !!!
😀
Hahaha Thanks Professor !
Look at Total trying to be the gent when there`s a lady about !. However Totes, I`m an expert at deciphering euphemism`s ( it helps using my boner stacked with ringed donuts as an abacus ) and I`m currently working on your……” good to know your drive is still welcoming my car ! “………what can it mean ?. hahaha
Just remember bastards….you have to be careful of what you say when I`m about, otherwise you could end up with my Cockie innuendo !. hahaha
PS
For the bastards who are not as clever as the likes of me and The Professor….in the case of the above innuendo……innuendo acts as an innuendo, as in ……”in your endo” !.
Sorry about that , but, the old senile git, Vicky, keeps asking me to explain stuff !. hahaha
false alert false alert re- new post (got it wrong the first time) argh…
by the way, Cardiff were robbed on saturday against chelsea and guess who by ? yep, our favourite Anthony fcuking Taylor – this tw@t needs to be banned from being a ref (he already cost us vs Villa earlier in the season).
JB
Re: Taylor:: At least he’s spreading the love…. This CM opening provided free of charge (ba-da-booom)! 🙂
ps: Total you have mail
cheers — jgc
007 I am objective, I look at the displacement / placement of Arteta and I laugh (I cry it would be more accurate) for you if he plays its role of number 6 (defensive midfielder) we can say that we do not have the same way to see what role assumed
After when Arteta plays well I also would point, I promise you the game Saturday but really not terrible Were regarding Arteta
We even heard a scream come from the bench that said (ARTETA WAKE UP) that was on Canal + 😉
HAPPY 64TH BIRTHDAY TO ARSENE WENGER.
morning TA,
yeah, the drive is still there waiting, followed by a nice cuppa.
Life is ok, if your team is playing like the Arsenal, how can life be bad?
What is the Dutch press saying about the Judas? Is he getting some stick for ditching us for United?
Thanks Evonne.
The Dutch media still thinks the sun shines out of the Judas’ rotten bottom, but apparently they heard the little boy inside in him screaming again and again: ‘AAAAAAhhhhh get me away from the Precious!!!!!’ 😉
New Post 🙂
I am awaiting a pre-match report by Dylan, but Marcus has kindly written a ‘starter’ post. Enjoy 🙂