“Our actions may be impeded… but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” (Marcus Aurelius Meditations 5.20)
We are getting towards mid-January and it is all going swimmingly well with Arsenal. This is an insane month of games without any rest and plenty at stake. Luckily, Arsenal have a strong squad and players returning form injury are starting to outnumber those becoming injured. The defence (especially the full-backs) remains an area of concern, but it looks like Mikel has found an answer to everything. The summer signings have all made vital contributions to the success of the team until now, and our manager’s use of Norgaard in defence as well as Hincapie as a left full back have been inspired.
What I liked most about our victory over Portsmouth is the level of energy and commitment on display. Nobody looked like they did not care too much; all were able to match the aggression and desire of the home team and crowd. When Arsenal have leaders in the team like Big G, Merino, Eze and Jesus you know that the standards will be high. This is the sort of game Portsmouth and their fans will have looked forward to: nothing to lose but let’s give those spoiled Gunners a game and see what will happen! Home-hubris was high and the early goal against us could have made the game go south. Previous Arsenal teams may have wilted, but the early adversity got the troops riled and boy did Arsenal play well. What stands in the way becomes the way.
Well the boys raised their level and the game finished 1-4 to the good guys. Ethan progressed well in the game; Norgaard stood strong for 90 minutes, Ben White showed everyone who is boss, Martinelli leaped liked a salmon and scored a beautiful hattrick, Jesus and Kepa gained more match-fitness, Kai had some minutes, Noni produced two fabulous assists, MLS enjoyed himself, Eze may have found himself again at the end of the match, and young Salmon had a little piece of the action. The highlight for me was Jesus assist after quick acting by MLS.
Next up are the Chavs and I predict Arteta will field a very strong team, more so as a preparation for the away game v Forest, which will be another crucial one, than a huge desire to win the League Cup. It’s all about form and momentum now, so let’s give the Chavs something to remember on Wednesday.
By TotalArsenal
Bergkampesque 