A Gabulous Victory that would make Joan of Arc proud

TotalArsenal

Totts 0-1 Arsenal

A day after the sweetest 1-0 to the Arsenal victories and I am still buzzing. Arsenal were dealt with a very cruel start to the season, with three away games in the first five fixtures against opponents that can all hurt us. Villa, Spuds and Citeh away are never easy but to play them straightaway and in quick succession carries a real risk of making a poor start from which we could possibly never recover during the remainder of the season. But we have a manager who knows that a successful campaign is only possible by having a mean defence, and our lads are as mean as it gets. Two away games have reaped six points, and next up are the blue Oilers of Manchester. So far so very, very good.

White, Saliba, Gabriel and Timber, what a Spuds-crushing wall you all presented. Theo Walcott was right in his observation that this Arsenal reminded him of the early Mourinho-days. It is not the first time that Mikel has set up the team not to lose and count on us taking one or two of our chances; when needs must Arsenal can suck the life out of any opponent. And that is exactly what Arsenal did yesterday: no space, no time in all the areas where we could have be hurt: masters in the air, on the wings and through the middle.

In a way it felt like we were playing the entire game with 10 rather than 11 players. We sat deep and absorbed pressure and we let the Spuds bounce around the pitch as long as they did not come within 25 yards of our goal. The Gunners played with a Joan of Arc-like singularity of purpose and belief which were a joy to watch. The Spuds supporters thought we were there for the taking without Odegaard and Rice (Merino and Calafiori), but Arteta – sometimes accused of not having a Plan-B – made sure they all went home with their chins on their chests.

It is clear that we depend a lot on both Rice and Odegaard for playing the football that Arteta really wants us to play. In a way, we lacked springs between defence and attack, and Arteta knew that he had no solution for this. Calafiori and Merino could have been the like for like substitutes but they were both not available, and so Mikel had to come up with something else. I thought Jorginho was immense. Such an intelligent player who has a humble but effective, Marcus Aurelius like, way of getting the best out of the people around him with his serving leadership style. Partey was also fantastic. He will always give the ball away unnecessarily, but his presence and footballing qualities add so much to the team.

All our attackers worked tirelessly to support midfield and defence, and yet they also offered real danger if and when we were able to spring an attack. Martinelli was a great support for Timber and Saka doubled up wonderfully with White. I think we may have shown the Spuds too much respect with the way we set ourselves up, if I am totally honest, but it paid off and left us with the sweetest of 1-0 to the Arsenal victories.

By TotalArsenal.

56 thoughts on “A Gabulous Victory that would make Joan of Arc proud”

  • Well summed up, TA. Those fixtures couldn’t have been better lined up had it been done by the Reps of our rivals. At Spurs, it was a workman-like performance and the beauty of it all was that we set up that way; planned the game to pan out that way and got away with it.

    Whisper it but Spurs top the possession charts in the EPL, which says they have that in their locker to dominate games. No other side has had 60%+ possession in all the 4 games played, so far. It is a local derby so it was safer to stay humble and get the win. It was an Arteta masterclass.

    Knowing we lacked pace in midfield with Partey and Jorginho (now fondly referred to as our 2 uncles), Arteta got the CBs to stay close and the entire defence line Compact, while Partey sometimes made it a back 5. We also had the wingers falling back to support the FBs, actively; not sure I have seen both our wingers play defensively at the same time, this much. Kai Havertz had a very good game too, relentlessly chasing down their defenders, winning headers (was a perfect out-ball), forcing errors and laying on some good passes. Not sure too many are questioning his acquisition now, after that. Who would have thought…..?

    All in all, that defensive performance bodes well for the next few games. It grows players’ confidence and re-enforces purpose.

    On to Atalanta then, on Thursday, before the small matter of Man City on Sunday.

  • Ah, how can we forget David Raya’s commanding goal keeping. Not about the saves but how he plucked everything coming towards his area. Ethan Nwaneri also showed composure to suggest he is ready to be introduced slowly. He did put his body on the line at some point to block a shot off Son (I think). The kid should be played against Atalanta.

  • Thank you for commenting, Eris.

    I like the description of the two uncles for Jorginho and Partey. Yes, Raya was calm and solid in the cauldron and the subs refreshed the team.

  • “All battles are first won or lost, in the mind.” Jean d’ Arc.

    Thanks Total and Eris. Good summaries.
    The teams performance reminded me of George Graham’s Arsenal, a team built upon a well drilled defence with a superbly coached forensic attention to detail, a back five who made 1-0 into a hymn. Seaman, Dixon, Adams, Bould and Winterburn kept 24 clean sheets in the victorious ’90-’91 season.
    With Martin Keown added they conceded just 17 goals in the ’98 – ’99 season. It was Arsene’s team by then but he still trusted in the defence which GG built.
    It is something in Arsenal’s DNA, think back to Don Howes (under Bertie Mee) preparation of our first Double winners in the ’70-’71 season: 29 goals conceded in 42 games. Wilson, McLintock, Rice, Simpson, McNab (with contributions from Roberts, Nelson and Story).
    Each of these back fives had some things in common: Mental and physical toughness, a ferality which induced fear in the opposition, a bond, a unity of spirit, a Gandalfian determination to defend their goal as it were the Bridge of Khazad-Dum. And, as declared by the Maid of Orléans they just knew, they just knew, as they ran onto the pitch they just knew deep down that they were winners.
    “As a man thinks, so he is” is a phrase found in the Good Book.
    Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber & Calafiore, organized by this present genius of a coaching team, think. They just know. They ‘are’. They are Arsenal through and through.

  • Hard not to think of George’s stalwarts indeed, Stu … I read several times to make sure that “Spider” O’Leary wasn’t on your list, though!
    I do believe the qualities you’ve mentioned are the ones who make up the identity of this club – and when they take us through a prolonged period of 1-0 wins, there’s also the supreme, unmatched delight of being hated by others for the way we achieve this.
    I keep thinking Mikel should have played by George’s book last season in Munich. What we saw sunday might be the sign he won’t repeat the same mistake in the last stages of the CL this season … but as TA suggests, when Calafiori-Merino-Rice-Ødegaard are available again, he might be tempted to play a more “artistic” kind of football, regardless of the opposition. We’ll see …
    Anyway, “still buzzing” I am as well . Nothing beats watching the team you support annihilate the opposition, to make you feel that’s exactly what they are: a T-E-A-M, not a collection of (as brilliant as they may be) individuals
    And let’s make no mistake, provided they don’t panic and give the sack to their Aussie, they’ll hurt some this season, those Tiny Totts …

  • I read that our set piece coach, Nicholas Jover, has been responsible for 24 goals, since the 2023/24 season. That’s incredible numbers, any how you view it. Give him his flowers.

  • Eris,
    I’m glad you mentioned Raya as I was thinking of him as he did all the little things right, always being available against the spuds overly relentless press, claiming balls as he’s best in the world at, which constantly relieves pressure for our defenders.
    You know- I think he might be the perfect keeper in the world for the way Arteta wants to play. No wonder we jumped at the chance to bring him in.
    All the “know it alls” who criticise our keeping coach as if they know what he does are hilarious.
    He coached Ramsdale the relegator, and made him keeper of the year
    (Great job by our scouts too)… now Raya becoming world class, plucked from a midtable team.

    I would dare say that Ederson and Alison, both world class keepers in our style of play, would not be any better in our team…
    As a matter of fact, I’d choose Raya because he claims crosses and high balls better than both of them, a real benefit to our defence.
    Those 2 will always get plaudits from average gooners, all down to the fact they have some titles, but those came in dominant teams, and they make at least as many errors as Raya (not many), if not more. I watch most of their games, and I see it. Highlight watchers only go by reputations.

  • Indeed, LG. David Anthony O’Leary is our clubs greatest ever servant (on the playing field). I watched him regularly at Highbury in the ’80’s and loved his calm, play out from the back style. His sweeper role in the ’89 finale at Anfield was a fitting reward for his faithfulness to the club. Along with Brady and Jennings, our finest Irish player? Tho’ I understand he was actually born in England.
    The genome editing carried out by Arsene certainly altered our clubs DNA for the better in many respects, but I like very much how Mikel is drawing on both traditions to shape our present squad.
    “Every teacher instructing concerning the Kingdom of Heaven is like a wise man who brings out of his treasure things new and old”. Matthew 13:52

  • Yes, J. A good observation. “Raya does all the little things right”. Aaron admitted publicly that he struggled to concentrate for the duration of a game, his confession perhaps contributing to losing his place to Raya. At 29 the Spaniard is that bit more mature and attentive to detail, calmer, and, as I think it was Eris who noted, very “Seaman like”.

  • Strong lineup
    Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus.
    Subs: Neto, Porter, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Gower, S. Oulad-M’Hand, Trossard, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji.

    Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri, De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman.
    Subs: Patricio, Rossi, Kossonou, Del Lungo, Bellanova, Palestra, Pasalic, Cuadrado, Samardzic, Brescianini, Zaniolo, Vlahovic.

  • Raya has given us another “wow” moment, the boys have another clean sheet, no injuries, a point from an away game against a useful Italian outfit who won last seasons Europa.
    Satisfying if not electrifying.

  • I’m sensing Stu, that David Raya is fast becoming a favourite of yours, and who could blame you?

    When the fixtures came out a few months ago most, if not all Arsenal fans, felt a wave of anxiety flow over them, we knew that whilst we couldn’t win the Premier League by the end of September we could pretty much lose it. Chuck in some difficult CL fixtures into the mix and our opening season salvoes looked a tad on the Jutland side with shells exploding harmlessly.

    Then there has been a succession of extremely helpful injuries which has seen our tight, upgraded squad, one player bigger than Man City’s, decimated and a host of teenagers, who are in the process of making baby steps into the big time thrown in at the deep end.

    And although we’ve pretty much negotiated this nightmare with some amazingly resilient displays I read some absolute cretins complaining about our perceived negative performances during this time.

    Some on other blogs even likened it to Mourinho football…

    I fucking give up…..

  • Informative to see David Raya speaking at length with one of the coaching staff before the penalty kick was taken. Looks like another example of excellent preparation.
    On second, third and forth viewing Raya’s save is even better than the one he made from Watkins.

  • Stu, it is a phenomenal double save. To get up from the ground so fast and then get your bearings right to hand-eye coordinate your next save to perfection, is very impressive. Man City have a monster in attack, but we have five at the back.

  • I’m fine Total, I did send a long post last night but it’s probably in the spam..

    How are you and yours?
    When is that daughter of yours going to top the hit parade.

    Showing my age. 😀

  • For Raya to walk over to his coach and away from all the nonsense leading up to the penalty kick shows a maturity and sense of awareness.

    It allowed him to mentally prepare and then pull off the best save I’ve seen in years.

    Is he the most complete goalkeeper we’ve had since David Seaman?
    I think so…

  • Hey Kev,
    you
    I found the comment. It was banned because of the f-word (goes automatically).

    All good here and thanks for asking. No Windows are making good progress. They are performing a lot with more gigs planned in October and November (Holland, Belgium and Iceland!). You can check them out on line (Instagram, youtube, streaming services, etc). I did a bit of an Allezkev job earlier this year when I drove the band round in Europe. 🙂

    How are you and how are your sons doing?

  • Raya history and progress is amazing. Such a humble start with Blackburn and a short stint at Southport of all teams. I love the way he responds to all the admiration currently. Feet firmly on the ground but when needs to fly he is as mobile as a lapwing.

  • Loving all the love for David Raya on here. I can’t lie that I was one of the critics of his signing, but that feels like a distant memory now. The Ramsdale argument is no longer a thing and it’s all about enjoying our Keeper.

    What a double save…. Incredible.

  • A thing of beauty, is the Lapwing, Total. It’s capacity to switch tack so quickly and gracefully is one of the great actions of nature. Reminds me of the clever sequence of events which lead to the modern America’s Cup yachts shifting course. Manoeuvrability. (Such a beautiful word, for which we can thank the French).
    Engineering genius and the core strength of the Lapwing and those yachts is what enables such astonishing movement. Similarly David Raya has a masters in kinesiology.
    Yes, Kev, if he continues in this vein of form, then Seamanesque is a term we can justifiably apply to him.

  • I never imagined you’d end up as a ‘roadie’ TA.

    My boys are just fine thanks, working hard and enjoying the football. My eldest changed jobs recently and is a lot happier.

    Belgium and Holland, are you doing the driving again? Iceland should be interesting.

    Apologies re: F bomb

  • Like you Eris, I couldn’t understand the signing of Raya but he’s certainly proved me wrong.

  • Stu, a further fine analogy there with the American yachts. Glad you also like the lapwing. During my sabbatical year in Southern Scotland we had a nest right in front our house in a field. The flight and sound of the lapwing, or peewit, was one of the highlights. The Dutch word for it is Kievit.

  • No worries about the F bomb, Kev. My daughter has many of them in her songs hahaha.

    A change of job can do wonders, but it is a big thing to do. It takes a lot of effort and requires confidence in oneself and a good outcome. I am glad both your sons are doing well.

    It looks like I am not driving them to Europe this time round, but I am in reserve if needed. Mrs Total and I will drive to Rotterdam anyway, though. This will be No Windows’ first ever gig in the Netherlands which I don’t want to miss.

  • A lot is being made about missing Odegaard v Man City, but I think it will be against the teams that sit back deep when we will miss him most. Citeh will press us high and we will need to be compact. Mart8n is great at breaking the press with his intricate passing and ball control, but others can do this too. It is going to be a mighty chessball game, I reckon.

  • A slight correction, Total. Only one of the yachts is American. One is British, one Swiss, one Italian. The holders of the America’s Cup are my countrymen, with a totally NZ made boat. They are odds on favourites to retain the Cup in Barcelona.
    “Chessball” is a good term, it may well be the case v City. I foresee a 0-0 stalemate, unless Martinelli hits his straps and sticks one under the bar to clinch another 1-0 to The Arsenal.

    LG, (forgive me, brother) I am impatient for your piece on DuPont.

  • Thanks for the correction, Stu. Makes total sense.

    I dont think Martinelli will start, but he could score the winner coming from the bench. Bukayo likes to score in the big games, so my money is on him.

  • Well, I still owe you a tenner from the last bet I had with you, mate.
    Pray for my mum, if you would. I’m in hospital with her now. She suffered a significant heart attack and was resuscitated via 10,000 volts.

  • Thanks Total. She is awake and alert this morning. The doctor on duty has a remarkable ap which enabled him to perform an electrocardiogram on his phone. Astonishing detail, and some hope offered for life on earth to continue for her.

    Another fine piece from the Guardian. I wonder if the EPL will survive this. Perhaps, but not as we know it. A compromise (“fudge”) does seem the likely outcome.

    Lovely to see ESR ESRing over at Fulham. What an opportunity he would have had with us in our present circumstances.

  • Thanks for the update, Stu, and that sounds hopeful. Fingers crossed she will fully recover again.

    Yes it is a great summary of what’s at stake and how it is likely to go. Essence has to be fairness and that success cannot simply be bought. Let’s se how it will finish.

    And yes Emile is thriving and I am happy for Reiss too.

  • I get so much satisfaction and enjoyment watching Fulham. Especially since I’m a big proponent of Reiss Nelson.
    Everybody loves Smith Rowe.
    To have 4 gunners out there at the same time was fun.. but nothing beats that cretin Guimaraes assisting Nelson’s goal.

  • So sorry Stu to hear about your Mum, that must be so worrying mate and my heart goes out to you.

    Fortunately you’ve got a direct line to the ‘Big Guy’ so she’s in safe hands.

    I think the team at Eastlands will mirror the team that went to WHL minus Jorginho and replaced by Rice.

    We simply cannot afford to lose so I’m going for a 0-0

  • So sorry to read about your ma, Stu – your latest update is heartwarming, though. I hope you’ll have more good news to share with us soon.
    I’ve just had a few post-op difficult days (I had been warned there was more than an outside chance I would …). It started right before the game thursday, so that I couldn’t watch it; I’m feeling much, much better this morning!
    I just saw the highlights, and Raya’s double save was jaw-dropping indeed. Of course “Ponytail” comes to mind – THAT Sheffield save in particular … but what mesmerized me about David is how his reading of the game, his focus, his positioning, allowed him not to do very much, most of the time – I often had the feeling he could have played in a tux (or a fishing gear!!). Of all the GKs I saw “live” none has impressed me more, but the Italian guys behind David’s goal thursday must have questioned the reality of what they saw, tbh.
    I was among the sceptics about him, too, and of course what he’s brought to the team since the start of the season should make me “forever hold my peace”, but the truth is I still feel for Aaaron. He has exceptional qualities too, he’s very young for a shot-stopper, so that thinking of him I often wonder what has become of helping a gifted, hard-working, happy-go-lucky lad overcome his (very) few flaws? Anyway, to finish with goalkeeping, the truth is our jack-in-the-box Spaniard makes me think a lot of peak … Lloris, too (call me jingoistic as much as you like, I’m ready for it).
    On your way to the next gig, do you and the kids sing this along, TA?:

    COYG … (don’t know what to expect about today’s game at all … tbh, a goalless draw would make me happy

  • Good to hear you are feeling much better today, Legall. The discomfort must have been great for you to miss out on a game.

    Nice song that i didn’t know. Thanks for sharing.

    Agreed re Aaron, that was a tough experience for him. In hindsight, he came to Arsenal too early in his career. Rayas calm came with age, and that makes him a better fit with the defenders. Technically they are pretty close.

  • Sorry to hear about your Mom’s illness, Stuart. Glad she is recuperating well. We shall keep her in our prayers till her healing is complete. Good of you to have stayed by her side through it all.

  • LeGall, hopefully it is mere post-OP conditions which will soon go away and have you back, stronger.
    Take care of yourself, man.

  • Re: Arsenal Vs Man City (WSL) at the Emirates stadium. You just knew Vivianne Miedema would score against us. Hopefully, that’s all the good she would do today, for City.

    1-1 at half time, after we led for most of the half only for Miedema to level it up, off a deflected shot. We look like we can get the win on the overall play, but you never know.

  • Ended 2-2, thanks to a late equalizer by Mead. City do look like they have an accomplished Ladies team.

    Well, now to the big one at the Etihad stadium.

  • Teams
    Manchester City

    18
    S Ortega Moreno
    25
    M Akanji
    3
    R Alves Dias
    6
    N Aké
    24
    J Gvardiol
    16
    Rodri
    20
    B Silva
    17
    K De Bruyne (c)
    8
    M Kovacic
    47
    P Foden
    9
    E Haaland

    Substitutes
    5
    J Stones
    10
    J Grealish
    11
    J Doku
    19
    J Álvarez
    21
    S Gómez Martin
    27
    M Nunes
    33
    S Carson
    52
    O Bobb
    82
    R Lewis

  • In last season’s corresponding fixture, the Gunners claimed a 0-0 draw to keep their noses in front of City in the race for glory, only to be pipped at the post by Pep Guardiola’s relentless side.

    So, how much do they want to win this time? We’re about to find out.

    The Sporting News is following the Man City vs. Arsenal match live, providing live updates and commentary

    Latest live updates | Team news and lineups | Where to watch where you are

    Man City vs. Arsenal score
    1st Half Goalscorers
    Man City 0
    Arsenal 0

    Referee: Michael Oliver
    Lineups:

    Man City (4-3-3, right to left): 31. Ederson (GK) — 2. Kyle Walker, 25. Manuel Akanji, 3. Ruben Dias, 24. Josko Gvardiol — 20. Bernardo Silva, 16. Rodri, 19, Ilkay Gundogan — 26. Savinho, 9. Erling Haaland, 11. Jeremy Doku.

    Arsenal (4-2-3-1, right to left): 22. David Raya (GK) — 12 Jurrien Timber, 2. William Saliba, 6. Gabriel, 33. Riccardo Calafiori — 5. Thomas Partey, 41. Declan Rice — 7. Bukayo Saka, 29. Kai Havertz, 11. Gabriel Martinelli — 19. Leandro Trossard.

    So, we start with White on the bench. This is a major decision by Arteta.

  • You know that I am not the epitome of enthusiastic optimism, but I am taking a leap of faith here.
    I’m aware, that
    – we are playing against the best team on the road, so
    – there is a good chance of this comment will not age well
    – a partnership needs time and practice beyond the skills of the players
    but if you gave me a billion (!) of pounds to improve the back 4 – and I can only buy players younger than 29 so Grimaldo is out – I could not spend a single penny. The Calafiori-Gabriel-Saliba-Timber quartette is simply the 4 best players in their respective positions. (And I’m starting to open up to consider Raya and hence upgrade my statement on the back 5, but let’s not rush getting there.)

    With White and Kiwior on the bench (I can imagine improvement on the latter, but let’s not be greedy) we have quality subs for all 4 positions if necessary, even though Zini, Tomi and Tierney are all injured.
    Nevertheless I think Calafiori and Timber are best suited to oppose the dribbling prowesses of Savinho and Doku, so it depends on Trossard and Lady Luck to leave the Etihad with 3 points. However I’ll be satisfied with 1.
    Taking Gündogan’s limited defensive skills into account I can imagine we dominate midfield, and head to 0:0. A fortunate goal can/will decide the game, and it can go either way.

  • Arsenal Subs: Neto, White, Kiwior, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.

    Dropping White means Saka gets a new partner on that side which has its own implications for fluidity. I felt this was coming as White was a bit leggy the last two games but good for the team to have good deputies so the first teamers can recharge.

    Will be watching this one with some tension.

    COYG!

  • Ben White lacked his usual zip in Italy so maybe Arteta took him out of the firing line to give him a breather, not least given that Ben hardly ever has a day off.

    As it is, Arteta now has a squad he totally trusts, even Lewis Skelly (how his use must disappoint some) so Mikel is now utilising them all.

    Nothing conspiratorial about that but if your of that nature then go ahead.

    With City leading 1-0 I feared the worst, but our equaliser just flipped the game and from then on and the Gabriel goal ( he should have had two) I thought we could win.

    I hate the new rule and I also hate the fact that it seems to only apply to Arsenal players but we know the score and what you shouldn’t do is give referees the opportunity to flash a red card because they’ll always do it to us, less so to any of our protagonists.

    And so Trossard was dumb and what should have been a satisfying victory was instead a battle for survival.

    Even so we almost pulled off the great escape, City’s celebrations at the end showed me how the tectonic plates have shifted, our players looked devastated, but they were magnificent and I felt a warm glow of pride, it’s something that most positive football fans feel because we enjoy the game.

    I feel from here that Arsenal can take so much more from this result than City who look like a team that relies entirely on a flat track bully.

    We simply have to make the most of our next two home league games vs Leicester and Southampton to really turn up the heat on a Man City team who are on the cusp of a sudden decline. Yep, I think their best days are behind them and as soon as Pep leaves, or even sooner, the wheels will come off.

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