Arsenal are on the Road to Somewhere, Come On Inside

TotalArsenal

You can kinda split this and any season up into sections, manageable sections, bites if you like, so that you can plan ahead but not too far because it could possibly give you sleepless nights if that’s in your particular personality.

For me it’s just totally exciting, I’m loving this season, it’s enough to make me want to croon, or maybe play a didgeridoo. I’ve so enjoyed the previous two seasons despite the ultimate disappointment of missing out to the ersatz club in Eastlands. This one feels a bit more serious if you get my gist?

Anyway, we’ve just come through what you could describe as our opening section, one that included some of the most difficult games we’ll face this season and as we take a deep breath during the Interlull it’s satisfying to see where we are?

Nicely tucked away among the main protagonists for the title and looking far more resilient and resourceful than in our previous two campaigns, No over-celebrating, not that I ever saw that as a problem personally and dealing with the oft repeated setbacks of injuries and two tier officiating with a Churchillian stiff upper lip.

We’re nicely situated in the Champions League mega table, keeping a low profile and allowing the many cretins in the media to rabbit on about other contenders whilst we prepare to accumulate the necessary points to finish top eight.

The much maligned League Cup has proved to be an enjoyable distraction allowing Arteta the latitude to play some youngsters this season after some previously terrible draws, some of these youngsters will be major components as the season progresses. The next tie in the League Cup will be tough but get through that and you’re only three games from Wembley and the chance of an early piece of silverware which might just be the catalyst for this group to do something special…

I’m looking at the next 10 fixtures, split by the final Interlull of 2024 thankfully. There are 6 PL games, the LC tie at Preston and 3 CL fixtures, but what is noticeable is that it’ll be very much Arsenal On the Road because 7 of those games will be away, necessitating a lot of tiring travel.

Arsenal on the road doesn’t actually bother me at all because this squad is set up to dig in and grind out the results when necessary. I think we sometimes look more vulnerable at home where expectations can be a tad unrealistic.

I never thought we’d beat Southampton 5-0 last weekend, football doesn’t work that way, but we did find a way to win and that’s all that matters. This team has improved from 12 months ago, our players have grown, our coaching staff have grown and our manager has grown and if you can’t take anything from that, then I’m glad I’m not in your world.

Fortunately this blog in general is one of endless sunshine, light and enjoyment.

By Allezkev

36 thoughts on “Arsenal are on the Road to Somewhere, Come On Inside”

  • Great, sunny post, Kev.

    It is indeed a joy to follow the Arsenal this season (and previous ones). The start to the season was very challenging and the boys fought for every point, and look were we are now. Pool are doing okay but they still have to face the top teams in the PL which they will do next. Citeh remain the team to beat and we are so close to them. I just want to keep focussing on OGAAT and enjoy the journey to the full.

  • I’m glad I’m in your world, Kevmeister. A world of red dawns and blue sunsets, a world of laughter and crooning, of kiwi calls at 3am and red robins (Bukuyu Rubecula) bob bob bobbin, of Raya reflexes and Benny Blanco vengeance, of Big Will Saliba and the King of Brazil, of St. Martin with the feet of Fred Astaire, of Heart of Oak# Declan, of Jack in the box Leo and Killer Kai.
    A world in which I’m stood beside you on the Holloway Road “dancing beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free” watching a big open top bus bedecked with stars…

    Always loved that goal, LG, especially for the identical jump celebration.

    You know, Total, in my world there is plenty of room in Heaven for Dutchmen. I trust the two Johan’s will be there, along with Vincent, Anne Frank, Corrie Ten Boom, and maybe even Kuyper and Eddie Van…

    # Our NZ navy has, like the British navy has “Heart of Oak” as its marching song.

  • I just love a post that oozes such positive vibes. Thanks, Kev; I needed that and I share your optimism for this season. We have certainly grown from the last two seasons’ experiences and are a lot more resilient, evidently.

    I think Arteta has effected a trade-off between some of our usual happy-go-lucky attacking flair for more pragmatic defending. Like some sort of bad habit, we tend to become defensive and concede ground the moment we go ahead, these days, as against going gung-ho attacking, conceding goals in the process as we were wont to do in the past. I believe once we get adept at steely defending, it will be easier to make the adjustments required to balance both great attacking and gritty defending at the business end; both qualities needed to dethrone a magnificent side like Man City.

    If there is a season we can do it, it has to be this one. I have heard it said that Liverpool may make it hard for us, but you just feel we are a level above them now.

  • One other thing that points to the likelihood of some major silverware was the clear agitation in the words (voices too) the way the City players after that draw at the Etihad. We had them shook and appeared to have got under their skin. They were celebrating the late equalizer like it was a win. That said it all for me.

  • Thanks, Kev for this ” the-future’s-so-bright-we-gotta-wear-shades ” October lay of the Arsenal land.
    There doesn’t seem to be much to worry about away games this season indeed, or games against top-notch teams for that matter. Where’s all the fuss about possession gone? As Eris just pointed out, we’re all about pragmatism now: control of space, discipline, focus, physical dominance, along with the patience – and confidence in our plan/setup – needed to be able to wait for the right moment to strike. As yourself and Stu mentioned before, this bunch is a reminder of the very best Arsenal defensive combos, which is fascinating to watch, all the more so since not many of us saw this coming (I sure didn’t).
    I actually find it highly enjoyable-exciting too, since I’ve always had a thing for stronghold versions of the Arsenal. Hitchcock once explained to Truffaut that he favored creating suspense over surprise, because he wanted the audience to feel emotionally involved, rather than intellectually stimulated. The second form of pleasure is what I felt when watching the ” Invincibles “; you just waited for Henry or Bergkamp to pull off a magic trick in order to win the day, so you might clap your hands like children attending a ” Punch and Judy ” (” Guignol ” in France) show.
    On the other hand, I feel much more emotionally involved when watching a more defense-minded setup of the team. It’s an illusion of course, because the actual abyss that separates us from the players we support, is as huge between us and Bill-BigGab, as it used to be when we were watching Thierry-Dennis … but I’m with our two big boys all along when they hold the house together against the waves of assaults of the enemy, while there wasn’t a single moment when I didn’t feel a thousand light years away from our 2003-2004 otherworldly artists.
    Now, I just hope Kai’s knee setback will turn out to be nothing at all. Without him, and on top of Ødegaard’s absence, I’m not sure we’d have won one single PL home game – which worries me a lil’ (I don’t find it unrealistic to expect a 3-goal-difference win at least at home against Wolves-Leicester-Southampton, and/or these games to be ” over ” after 60 minutes, and/or a clean sheet at the end of such games …).
    Do not forget this is an only son speaking, digging up the spoiled brat from under the surface of the mature adult, is no Herculean labour at all …

  • Nice one, Stu. Heaven’s famous orange ‘corner’ will certainly also include Dennis, Desiderius, Rembrandt, Johannes V, Dick B, Frank R and Marco v B.

  • Palmer and Foden certainly seem to be the flavour of the month and are often used as examples as to why Bakayo Saka isn’t world class.

    One can only surmise what these geniuses of the pundit class can mean, is it just your usual dig at Arsenal and Arsenal fans in general? You know, to get them riled up so as to engineer clicks? Or could it be something more sinister?

  • Dick B? The inventor of “Miffy” or the composer?
    Another fine Guardian article, Total. That penalty kick photo is a favourite of mine, but I had never noticed before the absence of players lining up outside the penalty box in case of a rebound.

    Interesting reference to Hitchcock, LG, and how a great defence stimulates you. Got me thinking of Grossman’s and Beevor’s books on Stalingrad.
    I’ve scored a few goals in my time but it is the clearances off the line or last ditch tackles I’ve made that hold equal prominence in my memory. Ha! like your “spoiled brat”, I find it easy to find my boastful brat floating to and breaking the surface of my carefully cultivated maturity…

  • Indeed, Stu. Dutch toddlers grow up with Neintje, or Miffy for the non-Dutch World. The power is in its simplicity and choice of colour.

  • My conclusion has been on the (surely, please let it be unconscious) sinister side of things for a long, long time when I consider the fouls that don’t get awarded, the bookings not issued to opponents as well as the ones Bukayo incurs.

    He just seems to take it all in his stride though, such a class footballer and person. Exactly the kind of aura you want your kids to be around.

  • England’s 823 is the 4th highest test score in the history of cricket all that after Pakistan had scored 556, 4 sessions now to win the 1st Test, astonishing batsmanship.

  • The cricket makes a nice change while the Interlull borefest is continuing on it never ending attempt to remain relevant.

  • I do like a bit of England international cricket and rugby union Total but you can shove international football where the sun doesn’t shine. Unfortunately the players in general love it and if they want to join up with their national sides there’s little we can do!

    Interesting that Thomas Partey pulled out of the games for Ghana, ostensibly over a bout of illness? But the cynic in me does wonder if, in the midst of the final year of his contract that maybe Thomas is putting his club before his country?

    Havertz maybe the same but possibly because he wants to win something tangible this season after last seasons disappointment?

    I see that Saka limped off only minutes into the 2nd half… 😳

  • Kev, all agreed on the international footie. At best it’s watered-down wine. The England team were a tactical pipe dream, or an attempt to keep everybody happy. I hope Bukayo is ok and its just a knock.

  • Historically International football have given us some fabulous memories, but I think I stand in your camp now, Kev. With the World cup expansion we are likely to see the All Whites qualify for their third finals, as they no longer need a play off after the Oceania group games. Their games will have a following but nothing like the buzz which surrounds an All Blacks test match.
    Some dates for your diaries, Kev and LG.
    November 3rd: England v All Blacks.
    November 17th France v All Blacks.
    With a test against Ireland in between, this will be a tough tour for our boys. Even so, I’m happy to wager a beer on the results, if you boys are up for it…

  • Bukayo Saka did look injured; man usually walks with a limp after games or when being substituted but I’m not sure I have seen him look in so much distress. Praying it is nothing to worry about.

    Just read that our skipper has siffered a setback and will look to
    return in December. We’ve missed Martin Odegaard, to be honest.

  • When I saw the England selection to face Greece, and heard the intended tactics, I felt they could get a shock. And so it turned out. Greece are no pushovers. Hopefully, they sort things out and show improvement on Sunday.
    While the leagues are in recess for the men, the women were busy playing domestic and UEFA women’s champions league footie. After starting so well, Arsenal ladies lost 5-2 Away to Bayern FC. Clearly, a long way back for them. To be fair, while we have a good crop of players, it’s not been working too well for the girls this term. Early days, though.

  • Our Ladies lost at home to Chelsea in the WSL. That’s two bad defeats in a row (plus no win in 3 games) and it may be time for some soul searching. When you watch them play, you can see they have the concepts of the game, clearly and create moments. They just seem to be unlucky when it matters. .

    This will only ramp up the pressure on Jonas Eidevall.

  • Just 8 more days to go before we get proper football back again…

    Then we’ll go through the full gamut of PL, CL, FLC this month, from the sublime of Liverpool at the Fortress Emirates to the ridiculous of Deepdale on chilly Lancashire evening and a heavily rotated team against the northern barbarians whilst throwing in the continental flavour of Shakhtar with a referee who has no bias.
    It’s gonna be great.

    Not forgetting the 2nd and 3rd cricket tests in Pakistan.

    Stu, no tests vs Scotland or Wales on this visit then?

  • No, Kev. Like our Team New Zealand Yachties, our All Blacks go where the money is. Itinerary is: Japan, England, Ireland, France, Italy. My heritage is Scottish, my wife’s is Welsh, So we are a little disappointed.
    INEOS GB got a wee bottom whipping this morning.

  • “A blood black nothingness began to spin
    A system of fans interlulled within
    Fans interlulled within fans interlulled
    Within one fan … ”
    Interlulled … time to leave no stone unturned, no question unanswered.
    My son as a PSG fan, first: well, let’s say he’s still believing, but no longer practicing.
    There’s a practical, positive reason for this first. He’s actually too busy for it. He’s still in charge of the “academy” of a fourth-tier basket-ball team south-east of Rouen. Nothing to see with what this word means for us football fans! It’s much more like Henslowe explaining the theatre business in “Shakespeare in Love” (“the natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster”), my boy’s responsibility being to make sure that in the end “strangely enough, it all turns out well”, which he loves. But since the start of this season, he has also taken up the assistant-coach position for a (grown-up) third-tier team, north-west of Rouen – not far from Le Havre, which means he spends a lot of time coaching basket-ball, but also … on the road, so that I’ve not seen much of him lately.
    Secondly, the Qatari take over was a bitter pill too hard to swallow for many like him who still regard Amara Diané, who saved the club from relegation in 2008 as the last true legend of the club. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was found out that many Cheaty, Maine Road, “historical” fans felt the same way. They take the results, the titles, they enjoy the show, the banter rights too, but they can’t shake the feeling that the moment oil money took over, they were given the Dementor’s kiss.
    The thing fans like him can’t get their heads around is the billions of euros spent on players who won “only” domestic titles, while graduates from the academy like Maignan, Rabiot, Coman, Nkunku, Ferland Mendy were shown the door, and players like Ibrahima Konaté or … our BigBill weren’t even scouted, even though they’re from Paris – or its « banlieue » – and PSG is the one and only Ligue 1 club in Paris, the one club all of these kids fantasize about playing for.
    He’s still in touch with other fans, though, which means he was able to give me a few tips about their U19s, which I posted a s a comment of Jeorge Bird’s preview of the game our boys won against them (well … U17s if what they really were, these “Titis”, but there were a lot of positives to be taken from that win anyway) …
    Next, Dupont … and I’ll keep that promise, this time

  • Alexander-Arnold just scored a Zinger of a free kick for England. What a well taken one which will do his confidence a whole lot of good; and I say that with no great enthusiasm.

  • Thanks Legall, that’s all very clear. Coaching basket ball teams seems a fun thing to do, and you must be proud of him. I was also wondering whether the shift by PSG from expensive, established players to up and coming talents is seen as a big positive change by him or not?

  • Yes indeed, LG our Nabokovian inclined friend, the City of Bell, Lee, Summerbee, Royal, Corrigan et al established an enduring legacy of success, panache and great kit all which caught my eye but never turned my heart. The soul of that legacy has been drained, sucked out by that aforementioned kiss leaving a tarnished glittering hollowness, brilliant but brittle in the face of hopefully impending righteous judgement and the relentless form of the red and white army.

    And, yes, Dupont. Where does he stand in the pantheon of great Scrum Halves? On a par with Smith, Marshall, Pichot, Farr-Jones, Gregan, Van der Westhuizen, Le Garrec, Dawson? Certainly IMHO. But any where near the GOAT… Gareth Edwards?

  • Hi TA, disobedient dogs aside, personal life is exceptionally good right now, thanks. Arsenal life likewise (apart from a troll of a youngest brother who doesn’t like Arteta). We just need the Manchester Oilers to be treated fairly by the “independent” Premier League hearing. The evidence looks like a smoking gun though.

    Awful to see everything else going on in the world of course. Puts things in perspective.

  • I couldn’t do a blog like you – I need the freedom to disappear for years at a time!

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