- The force of SaKai is upon us. Each a goal and an assist is a great start to the season for both. Do we need a more clinical CF than Kai or Jesus? Always welcome of course, but only if they also work as hard as our two boys do and are as multi-skilled as they are. Finding such a gem ain’t easy.
- Saliba and Rice looked a bit rusty to me. Hopefully they can step it up when we face Emery’s Villans.
- So good to have Thomas Partry fit at the start of the season. If we can get 30+ games out of him this season we will have a great chance to win the title. Unfortunately this is unlikely, hence Merino is likely to join us imminently.
- Raya was rightly celebrated for his incredible reflex-safe, but I also was impressed with his calm distribution and presence in the box. What a bargain signing he is.
- Other than cover for Partey, the left side is an area in need of improvement this season. Calafiori is an exciting signing and of course Timber is also rearing to go. The link with Rice and Martinelli will be key, and looking at Saturday’s performance, there is still work to do.
- Martinelli needs to break through this season. I don’t think he will ever be as balanced and deadly as Bukayo is on the right, but he should do better in his decision making, producing more assists and forming an integral unit with his left-side colleagues. Sadly, I am not sure whether he is capable of this.
- Martin Odegaard is one of us. Hallelujah.
- So glad football is back and what a season lays ahead of us. 😃
by TotalArsenal.
Bergkampesque 
Amen to that, TA
I expect great things from Timber … and I think we had glimpses of what he could do for us, during the little time he spent on the pitch.
I wrote nothing about it sunday, but I’m a little bit more worried about Martinelli than you sound …
Make no mistake … I’ve not given up on him altogether, and there’s so much to love about that boy, I think I never will, BUT watching him is like watching the Arsenal version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. It’s him and … it’s not him, anymore, as though the little something that made him special didn’t shine as brightly as it used to; it’s just a tiny speck of a difference, but which at this level makes all the difference, he’s like a flame that cannot be ignited properly. I find it a tad painful to watch, tbh, and I sure hope he’ll prove me wrong, asap, and why not at Villa Pk?
The Olympics now (and first, thanks a lot for your kind thoughts, guys – my heart went boom-boom-boom as I read them).
TA first … the ceremony.
Let’s be honest, it blew most people’s minds. The idea of taking it out of the stadium was brilliant, and it might have been the first time there was something so artistic about it that the two combined could mesmerize you into forgetting it was what it was, ie a sport ceremony.
Now, the few caveats which were pointed out by people whose opinions I respect, and sometimes share.
There was a lot of talk about the “Last Supper”… Thomas Jolly, the director of the whole thing – a Rouen guy, btw – denied the reference, but it was too little, too late, the “Last Supper” is what everyone I know saw. Church and State have been separated here since 1905, so many non-believers didn’t see the point in risking to hurt believers’ feelings, thinking it was useless and a bit … well, cowardly: it’s so easy using something as intimate, profound, as one’s religious faith to pick on people, bully them, that some of us were embarassed, a bit ashamed too about that.
The “queer” shade of it all was thought to be too … obvious, as well. There are very few events which are as universal as an Olympics opening ceremony, and quite a few of us thought that, there again, the fact that a huge majority of people on the planet feel (understatement) uncomfortable about this, should have been taken into account more, for fear we might be regarded as patronizing, arrogant … which enough people think we are, already.
But then again, those were caveats only, most people were proud of the job done, and acknowledge that art without subversion, well … is like a bladeless knife without a handle, isn’t it? What I’ve just mentioned has to be read as the few downsides of a thrilling, enjoyable performance.
More importantly, the bitter taste that was left in many people’s mouths came from what was seen as hypoccrisy, in the context of French politics under Macron … but that you will be told in my second instalment, the third being about … sport, namely my opinion about Dupont and … Remco Evenepoel!! (how’s that for creating suspense?)
Great to have football back, for sure and to glean your staple “8 observations” after the games. Fact is I couldn’t see the game real-time, so I shall rely on your observations and tut-bits of reviews and highlights I have seen.
I am not sure why the fan base think Merino is coming as replacement for Partey, as it is suggested the Saudis are interested. It’s also in the news that Ramsdale, Nketiah and Reiss will be off, after ESR. That gives me concern as it may affect our home-grown quota.
Martinelli’s decision making has to improve or he may just not hit the heights that he promised as a teenager. But I have faith in his ability to cause as much havoc as Saka, if only he will look up a bit more and look to seek out teammates, instead of going for goal and missing the target repeatedly. I can understand the pressure he must be feeling now, with Trossard breathing down his neck.
Le Gall, I particularly found the idea of taking Olympic ceremonies outside the stadium novel. It was pure Art and left the cameras swinging from one activity to the other, with scenic contrasts. Loved it. But, I guess it is a case of “Damned if you do; damned if you don’t”. There will always be critics…….until it becomes the norm to have sports’ opening ceremonies away from the Arenas.
Cheers Legal, I also have a good feeling about Martinelli scoring at Villa.
legall, thank you for your views, and those of your countrymen, on the opening ceremony. It was indeed an original and daring approach. I think the Olympians would have preferred to have been in the stadium, especially with all the rain, but for us the spectators it was awesome. The weather played a big part and I thought it was cruel on the organisers. Dion halfway up th3 Eiffel tower at the end was fabulous.
Good to read your comments, Eris. I think you are right re your suggested departures, with Eddie seemingly going to Forest.
Just like my brother Eris said, I am also glad that not only the games but the 8 observations are back. As usual it is easier to agree with them than to challenge.
Kai’s and Bukayo’s ‘chemistry’ is spot on, Odegaard is a joy to watch, Raya gave a good account of himself, and we were lucky to play our first game at home against a weaker opponent as Rice, Saliba – and White – were indeed below their usual (high) standards.
Partey provided only 1 less key passes than Odegaard, Rice and Havertz combined (!), and he made the same number of tackles than White, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice and Havertz combined (!!), still one less than Saliba.
Where I disagree with you, TA, is a single word. You said “unfortunately this [getting 30+ games out of Thomas this season] is unlikely, HENCE Merino is likely to join us”, while I beleive that unfortunately this is unlikely, BECAUSE Merino is likely to join us.
Even if Partey’s age (31) and/or his past perceived fragility is a concern, Arteta/Edu have just signed a new contract with the (former) captain of the Italian national team. It is hardly possible that both Jorginho and Partey would be unavailable for longer periods, and even so there are plenty of temporary solutions like calling back Havertz to midfield, promoting Zinchenko or White to DM, using Vieira, MLS or Nwaneri as the 3rd midfielder, playing 4-1-4-1 for a few games, etc.
But it is water under the bridge as Merino will sign today or first thing next week, so let’s wish him and the club all the best, but I still can’t help but feel that our management has no respect for money (e.g. paying more to our #6 midfielder than those academy players we are desperately trying to sell to “recover their hefty salaries”, the upcoming Ramsdale transfer, wasting all those Hale End talents, overpaying some first team players, etc.).
Regarding Martinelli I have to agree again with the observations. But I sincerely hope that there is a way back to his unstoppable self. Maybe it is purely confidence, maybe it could be the new dynamics with Timber and/or Calafiori, maybe it is just luck, or something else nobody has influence upon. Whatever works for him should hopefully work with Jesus, as I – unlike the vast majority of fans – have faith in our savior, and think he has a big season ahead.
Last season we didn’t know that our trip to Villa Park would eventually make or break our quest for silverware. We know a lot more now, so let’s give this game the attention and respect it deserves and tick a box in the Arteta vs. Emery debate in Mikel’s favor with a (confident) win.
Great comment,PB. Those Partey stats are impressive indeed!
I get your point re cover in the Partey position. On paper we have this and I like Jorginho…..
But if Partey gets injured tomorrow, it really is up to Jorginho to stay fit and play two games a week, and this likely to lead to injury. If both are injured we are in trouble. Both are prone to injury, and so getting the experienced Spaniard makes sense to me. Unlike you, I don’t believe we have further adequate cover for Partey/Jorginho in the current squad. I also wonde whether the imminent addition could play in Odegaard’s position..
Finally, it would not surprise me if Partry moves on this week or in January.
Some curious sightings in pics and videos of team training today;
Read that Fabio Vieira has given his nod for a Loan return to his former club in Portugal. My view is he does need to play.
Looks llike Michael Oliver would be in charge at Villa Park. We’d need to play better and hope for all the luck, to be able to get the 3 points.
On the subject of Partey’s involvement, I do hope we can keep him fit for the majority of the season. That man gives us so much, despite the fans’ (rather unjustified) criticism of his output vs Wolves. He is the No. 1 pick for that role, then Rice before Jorginho, in my honest estimation.
I feel we need to shed the Unai Emery nerves and play like we are the boss. Psychologically, we allow Villa’s recent successes over us play on the mind and become too self conscious when we should be putting them to the sword.
COYG!
Wrist, you are not a big fan of Jorginho then? A different player to Partey, but great when facing a high press, I think.
Yes big game tonight. Look forward to it.
TA, the thing is if you had a choice between the three for the DM role, in what order will you pick them? I thought I was fair to Jorginho, under the circumstances. If Partey gets injured and with Merino in, my guess is we get Rice in the No. 6 role and play Merino in the Xhak/Rice role (No.8), especially when we are against teams with serious attacking threat.
My opinion, though. Look forward to the game at Villa Park too; cannot afford any slip ups.
No worries, Eris. I think Rice has his own position, left midfield, but I can see the way you are thinking. 😄
Timber turbo booster starts on the left. Big sigh of relief.
Thought he would start. Glad he is.
Loving the sport jackets. 👌
Tentative start but we are in control.
We we’re let off the hook that time Gabriel hesitated, but Martinez has saved them from going down a couple of times too. We need to up the intensity because, for me, we are playing the game they want, being passive and only opening up for counter attacks.
We have more possession but are too tentative going forward. Almost like we fear their attackers when they should worry about ours.
It is a chess game, held back by tactics. But I am glad we survived th3 first half without conceding. Arteta has got his work cut out here, as Villa are v strong in midfield and are clearly playing on the counter. CoyrrGs.
Martinelli, promised a lot but delivered so little. Game is opening up and I must say the hosts have the edge. Martinelli off for Trossard, even as Villa take off Watkins for Duran and Mcginn off for Ramsey. Can’t believe I am saying this but we may need Zinchenko now.
Trossard!
0-2, Partey. Trossard has had an impact. Ricardo Califiori comes on for Timber.
Our skipper just blazed a sitter over the bar.
114, here we come!
These first 6 have “Raya” written all o’er them, don’t they? But yes, Eris, Leandro T. was the game-changer today, even though this 2nd half was a symphony – none of the lads was out of tune.
What a mature performance this was, you can feel the sheer strength of the team from in front of a TV screen, what an impression these boys must make from the stands …
Bring on the Seagulls, they’re full of confidence, attack-minded, this should be fun
COYG
An iimportant 3 points there! Big up, David Raya for those two top saves. Wow! Martinelli continues his rabbit in the headlights football, however he kept the Villa defence honest, knowing he was about.
Great start to the season for our boys.
Yes gents, a brilliant win. The team is growing fast, and what a supersub, The Tross is. Rayas safe is from a different planet: not only did he get a hand to it, he pushed it out of danger too. Just brilliant.
New post 📫 🙂