Semi-Final League Cup Match Review Arsenal 0 – 2 Newcastle United

TotalArsenal

By now most of you would have read the varied opinions of all the wind-up merchants and bad actors who come out of hiding whenever Arsenal lose, we all know them and by and large we have the common sense to ignore them – many unfortunately don’t!

Ok, where to begin, one game doesn’t make a season but alternatively some individual games can break a season and we might have just suffered one of those.

Let’s not beat around the bush, after the referee influenced dropped points at City, Bournemouth and at home to Brighton you couldn’t help but feel that this wasn’t going to be our season in the Premier League, it just happens that way.

Then the injuries to Odegaard and then Saka, both huge body blows that only somebody gaslighting could ignore. We saw how losing Saliba in 2022/23 derailed that season, we’ve seen how injuries to Van Dyke and  Rodri/De Bruyne affected Liverpool and Man City in recent and current seasons so why should anyone think it wouldn’t affect Arsenal?

And then there was the virus, ok this sounds like excuses and yes they are, viable excuses that have influenced our season.

But as it stood yesterday, despite all the issues, Arsenal were still 2nd in the EPL, comfortably situated in the CL, home to a Man Utd team that didn’t know whether it was Arthur or Martha in the FACup and in the LCSF, not bad for a club in ‘crisis’…

Newcastle came to the Emirates without Bruno in midfield, they’d never won when he was absent before but they were in hot form and Botman was fit to start so defensively they were strong. The Newcastle fans took up most of the Clock End so no Ashburton Army and not as energetic an atmosphere from the home fans as you’d expect in such an important game.

Arteta picked a really competitive team, Havertz was back and Timber returned after suspension, Sterling was on the bench along with Jesus. Trossard operated in the Saka role and worked hard but it wasn’t his night, Martinelli should have scored, but lets be blunt here, how confident do you feel when he’s running at goal, do you expect him to score because I don’t? Well he hit the post and that reminded me of the Merino miss at Brighton, sliding doors, a goal that can change the whole outcome of a tight game, Martinelli missed, Isak did not.

Newcastle were resolute in defence and dangerous in attack, this wasn’t a game that Arsenal could dominate, Timber headed over and Saliba came close with a low shot that the enormous Dan Burn got his basketball frame in to block. Odegaard was not at the top of his game and Havertz looked like he’d just got over a debilitating illness although to his credit he played the entire game.

Newcastle took the lead as the 1st half drew to a close, a long ball by the Geordie goalkeeper sailed (just) over the head of Saliba, it pin-balled around as red and black boots challenged for it and then, there it was, somehow at the feet of Isak in front of goal with just Raya to beat and he rifled it into the roof of the net. He didn’t make a meal of his celebration, maybe with an eye on the summer perhaps, but the hope just seemed to ebb away from the home fans. We were struggling to score and Newcastle know how to kill a game, it’s a storyline we’ve seen before.

Saliba and Gabriel had been below par, Partey was invisible, Rice was working manfully, Martinelli was running, Timber played well but I wonder was this a game for Ben White? Lewis Skelly was the star for me 1st half, this kid is a baller.

Half-time and it was a subdued queue for the toilet and refreshments.

The 2nd 45 began brightly, Arsenal pushed deep into the Newcastle half but after only 6 minutes Newcastle countered, Partey was on his heels as Isak shot across Raya who made a good save but Gordon followed in the rebound with Timber slow to react, it was a killer. Both Newcastle goals had an element of fortune but they were also very simple in their execution, one touch, no over elaboration, just clinical.

Newcastle had been hunting down the red shirts in packs all game and that went up a notch as they switched to ‘what we have we hold’ mode or 4 5 1. But the Gunners opened them up, a deflected Trossard cross looped up and Havertz stole in to head us back into the game, or that’s what should have happened but he misjudged his header and the ball bounced wide via his shoulder, it was gut wrenching.

Arteta then took off the ineffective Partey and Trossard for Jorginho and Jesus, still no Stirling, how fit was he? Saliba headed over from a corner following some more scrambles in the Newcastle area, Willock was playing as if his life depended on the result, Dan Burn was all over Gabriel at corners desperately trying to exchange shirts before the final whistle.

The last 20 minutes was basically Newcastle showing an appreciation of how Arsenal defended at Man City earlier in the season, a lot of scrambles, some determined defending and a lot of effort by Arsenal trying to get a goal back. Jorginho came closest with a drive that just went over the bar, but that elusive Arsenal goal that would keep this tie alive, wouldn’t come.

Apparently no team has lost a League Cup semi-final 1st Leg by 2 or more goals and reached Wembley so the portents don’t look great. Can Arsenal do it at St James’s Park, well yeah of course we can, we can win 2-0 and go through on penalties or win 3-0 but Newcastle are experts at killing games and if we concede up there it’s over.
So whilst it’s not over yet it’s also not an ideal scenario.

Arsenal didn’t play badly but we lacked a bit of zip, Newcastle defended well and took their chances, we fluffed ours, it’s disappointing because this is a competition we could and should be winning, because we need some success to keep our stars contented and settled. Sunday is going to be huge…

By Allezkev

153 thoughts on “Semi-Final League Cup Match Review Arsenal 0 – 2 Newcastle United”

  • Great review, Kev.

    Thank you. This is never easy after a loss, and you managed once again to be very balanced.

    I have been banking on some of our experienced players sooner or later hitting form, but yesterday made clear that too few of them are any near their best.

    Rice, a shadow of his form last season. Just does not get involved enough in attack and we concede a lot of our goals from the area he is also responsible for protecting.

    Odegaard, since his injury he is desperate to regain form. He seems to have lost a lot of feeling in his foot resulting in poor passes and shots on goal.

    Havertz, has not had a consistent run of games this season.

    Martinelli, started to show form recently and was unlucky not to score, but you know he will need a lot of chances to score.

    Jesus is back to a decent level, but we need to see whether he can keep it up. We will need him desperately to do so in the coming months.

    Trossard, has lost his deadliness and is lucky to get starts because of our injuries.

    I am hopeful that these players will hit form and start carrying the attacking duties of the team, especially in Bukayo’s absence. The team has been leaning heavily on Saka and now they all need to step it up.

  • Cheers Total, it’s easy to go off on one after a disappointing result so I slept on it but I think that Ian Wright made a good point, that the Board need to help Arteta, we can see how scoring goals in becoming a bit of an issue.

    Last season the ability to spread the goals around probably made Edu and his team think we could get through this season on a similar vein and then go big next summer, but things have evolved and the club needs to act.

  • I th8nk you are right, Kev. Eddie wasn’t replaced and neither was Balogun, and we could do with an injection from the transfer market.

    What did you make of Isak?

  • Thanks Kev. An excellent and insightful summary. The Geordie army certainly did their club proud with their unstinting support, especially the large shirtless fella with NUFC tattooed over his (likely) Newkie Brown Ale belly. I noticed Isak’s subdued celebration, too. From what I have read of him the Swedish/Eritrean is a humble lad with an excellent character. Newcastle paid a reported 63 million for him and he is contracted through until 2028, so we’ll have to break the bank to get him out of black and white and into red and white. But we did it with SuperMac breaking the transfer record in the process (333,000). A weeks wages in todays climate.
    Isak is the closest thing I have seen to Thierry, tho’ still has some way to go to get to Va va voom’s level. If he is beyond us, I do like the look of LG’s recommendation. Mahmoush looks some prospect, indeed.
    Wrighty is right, Mikel needs some help. The team, the club, we the fans need an injection in January to give us hope and impetus for the remainder of the season.

  • As usual, a pessimistic whine and hyperbole about how the Arsenal’s season is basically f**ked. What a load of BS. What team could lose Saka and not falter? We have 5 core players out injured but we came very close to scoring. The referees are starting to be a wrench in the gears but I have more faith and confidence in this team than any since the Wenger years. The next 2 games will be difficult, especially against the spuds but if we can come out of those with wins or even ties, our season is still chugging along well. If not, then we have a hill to climb but nothing is final until the end of May!

  • I think that Isak is a much better player than I originally thought he was, he’s had some issues with fitness in the past but at 25 he is into his peak years and would be a great acquisition but the fee required would be prohibitive and Newcastle aren’t short of financial support. I think that Arsenal need to look elsewhere and maybe sign a younger up and coming striker, say around 21/23, whose not quite peaked and is affordable.

    For me Benjamin Sesko is far better value for money, his next move will ape the breakthrough move Isak made to Newcastle. I’d be happy to wait to get Sesko if we can’t do it this January, but there are other players we could bring in this month even if they’re Euro Cup-tied.

    Basically we all need a bit of a lift.

  • Cheers Kev, that Sesko guy is unknown to me, but agreed on Isak. Probably too expensive but I read somewhere that NU need to sell for financial reasons.

  • I really hoped we would go for him, you know. We have Saka injured and from what I have heard, Marmoush is probably the closest we can get to replicating Saka.
    I do hope Arteta and the board have some big plans for this window and for ensuring we really push Liverpool all the way.

  • Morning Total et al, despite a myriad of rumours nothing has really happened regarding reinforcements for Arteta, although my son texted me yesterday and said ‘have you seen those rumours about Arsenal bidding £21m for Marcus Rashford’ which I hadn’t at the time.
    I could only reply that it seemed, if true, a Kai Havertz type of career reinventing transfer.

    It also seemed, given the age, cost and profile of the player, the type of transfer that Edu advised against when he joined the club and went on a clear-out campaign.

  • Yeah saw that too, Kev. I like him but can’t see it happening. We have Trossard and Martinelli on the left and we need something differently for the CF position.
    There appears to be a discipline issue, and Mikel is big on this.

  • Total

    It seems, that the guy that Arteta wants is Williams, but the cost, given it would a Partey/Tierney up front fee might and probably is too prohibitive, personally I like the boy at Wolves, Cunha, and if the ‘old golds’ bring in a forward this window then it’s a deal we could get done…

  • Kev, I rather we get the right player in the summer than a gamble of a player now. With Edu gone it will not be easy to get such business done easily in January.

    I also believe that we need our experienced players to step it up. Just like Jesus has done recently.

    Let’s hope tomorrow we see an upturn in performance.

  • I hope as well that we don’t gamble this month Total and I don’t actually think that we will, but it is possible that the club might try to bring forward a deal they have planned for next summer or pivot to a different target especially if an opportunity arises – and opportunities often arise when there’s been changes of managers at clubs and relationships between the new regime and hither to settled players change.

    New managers look for income to spend on new playing staff who they also view as more in tune with what they have planned, Trossard falling out with his manager or Havertz not fitting the new man’s profile for example?

  • I read Marquinhos is off on another loan; this time, to Cruzeiro, Brazil. And there I was thinking maybe, he stays to boost our numbers for the forward areas. I guess Arteta doesn’t trust him enough.

  • All agreed, Kev, and in a tight market negotiations are better done towards the deadline rather than now.

    I think that if a few of Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli, Rice, Merino and Odegaard hit form it will start looking great again. The lack of a natural, efficient finisher is worrying, though. Although Jesus has just been that man in recent weeks.

  • Arteta has no choice. We must bring in attacking options in this window.
    We need to be more dangerous with incisive passing, something I consider a strength of the side, when applied more often.

  • Martinelli puts the ball in the net, but deemed offside. I thought I saw a deflection from a United foot though…

    I have to ask the question: why get Goalkeeper Neto, if he cannot even be trusted with cup games as this one in which he is eligible?

  • We are playing better but need to add goals because you get the feeling this Manure side have a bit more in them to come. You feel they cannot be allowed the first goal.

  • Gabby Jesus cops another injury and Raheem Sterling gets his chance. Arteta’s face says it all. Surely, we are due some luck with injuries.

  • 0-0 at half time; Jesus off injured, Odegaard likely to be subbed off as he was limping badly towards the end…. The team will be depleted as we enter a very important period, meeting Spurs, Villa, a UCL game and ahead of the 2nd leg at Newcastle.

    The Kroenkes have to support the manager out here.

  • Odegaard comes back on. I hope it isn’t too much of a risk. United have been a tad too physical in this game.

  • It is 0-1, it is always on the cards when you keep possession but lack penetration. We shouldn’t even be giving this United side a sniff and don’t deserve to be down to them.

    Havertz fluffs a chance to bring it level.

  • Had Havertz taken that chance, it would be game on and we’d be talking about throwing the kitchen sink at them.

  • Gabriel Maghalaes gets the equalizer with a well taken volley. 1-1, with manure a man down,after Dalot gets his marching orders.

  • We have to go on and take the game by the scruff and win by a few goals.
    Good run by Sterling to give Merino a chance to take aim. Corner.

  • Well, consider that as poetic justice. Odegaard misses a chance to put us ahead from the spot. I didn’t think Havertz needed to go down for the penalty call.

    Rice is on for Merino.

  • Same thought I had. I would give such a pressure moment to Jorginho. Not that it was a bad penalty by Odegaard, though. Keeper just went the right way.

  • 1-1, after 120 minutes and it’s gone to penalties.
    We can’t say we have not created the chances, just not been clinical when it mattered. While we have to do better in these sitiations, manure have certainly deployed some dat arts to get up to this point.

    We will miss Jorginho for the kicks.

  • Arteta has to admit we need a striker, at the least. A tricky winger will help too. Sterling did well today, to be fair.

  • What Raya tried to achieve during the shootout … or so I think
    (from Alain Chabat’s “Didier”)

    Never been so ashamed of an Arsenal player …

  • He’s no Jens Lehmann, LG. But what a save he made from the Dutch boy.
    Much to darken the mind, but bright side is two less distractions as we gun for CL and EPL glory…

  • EPL is long gone, my friend.

    One of the two positive (realistic) scenarios this season if we keep our 2nd place in the Premier League – might be harder than you think – and try to reach the (semi-)final of the CL.

  • I only saw brief highlights and we should have won comfortably, Havertz had a nightmare and all those online who’ve been silenced by his previous good form have now come out from u dear their rocks to pile into him and to also insult his pregnant wife online, I guess that says it all about those individuals but they are a symptom of the doltish behaviour you tend to find on AFTV et al.

    Man Utd celebrated as if they’d won the Premier League and that kinda tells you the state that they’re still in, Amorim played the classic Mourinho style, it must be a Portugese thing, how Ugarte was still on the field after the penalty award is mystifying but synonymous with the level of officiating in this country.

    There isn’t an easy answer to where we are, it’s nuanced, but there needs to be some urgency shown in the transfer market as we are running out of fit players.

    Of course Arteta will play down the urgency otherwise you transmit that to the selling clubs you’re negotiating with and will get rinsed by the clubs and agents, it’s never wise to buy when you’re struggling but that’s unfortunately when you need to do business.

    Thank heavens it’s only a NLD this week!

  • Yes it is nuanced, Kev.

    There now is a break between 5-15 Feb. Let’s get as many points as possible before then and then take the boys to sunshine.

  • Isn’t tagged an International break Totsl or is it when the FAC 4th round is due, if so then yeah, off to sunnier climes with the players and their families. Great idea…

  • No international break, Kev. FA CUP indeed.

    February break would do them a world of good.

    Hang in there boys and fecking take your chances

  • There seems to be a bit of an AFTV vibe currently going around the fan base, you know that ranting and raving mentality that surfaces following a couple of bad results, it’s easy to let your emotions run away with you and you start blaming Arteta, Tim Lewis, Stan, Edu, Uncle Jorginho, the tasteless beer at the stadium (ugh) the overpriced pizza and of course PGMOL.

    Beat Middlesex tomorrow and poof, it’ll all go away.

  • Good results all round, especially at Forest where my mighty country man did us a huge favour.
    Beat Spuds and we are four points off the top. They also have injuries, and Aussie Ange will have them come at us. I’d play 4-3-1-2 with Declan, Thomas and Merino sitting, Martin playing as a number 10 behind Kai and Gabi.

  • OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (ON THE CLUB’S WEBSITE):
    Further to being substituted during our match with Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

    Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.

    We will continue to keep everyone updated with Gabby’s recovery, with everyone at the club fully focused on supporting Gabby to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.

  • There’s always going to be fan base disagreements but tonight is a time to put them all to one side and to come together and to focus on destroying the ‘61 boys.

  • Kev you have the voice of reason. I think it will be hard with all the injuries and the large numbers of games being played in sunny January, but we can be sure they will give their all.

    CoyrrGs

  • Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Sterling, Havertz.
    Subs: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho, Merino, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Martinelli.

    Tottenham: Kinsky, Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Son, Solanke.
    Subs: Austin, Reguilon, Hardy, Olusesi, Lankshear, Maddison, Johnson, Moore, Richarlison.

  • On the break!
    4 touches, then BOOM!!
    The kind of goal all Arsenaldom had been waiting for so long
    This should free the boys’ minds, thanks Leandro – Partey’s tackle should be counted as an assist, too
    It’s up for grabs, now!
    C’mon, kiddos!

  • Sometimes, all you need, is a bit of good luck, or a goal kick being given as a corner from which the opposition score in their own goal.

  • Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo you beauties.
    Is not Big Gab the most beautiful Brazilian since Pele….

  • Goo goo eyes, Kev, from Lennon’s “Come together”, an allusion to your earlier post. It was written for Timothy Leary but was apt today. Despite some poor form in front of goal, our boys and the fans came together and did us proud.

  • Driving snow and resultant sluggish traffic slowed me down getting back home to watch the game. Saw a bit of the close though and it was fingernail biting stuff, especially when Porro hit the post.

    Just saw a play-back, along with highlights. Did you hear the huge cheer when Havertz name was called? He needed it and it made him fight for the team, even if his end product wasn’t as we would have wanted. No professional deserved what some so-called fans did to his wife on social media.

    Just glad we won this.

  • Got to be a joker he just do what he please……

    Our finishing is going to cost us I fear, we should have won by 4 or 5 but Odegaard cannot buy a goal nor can Stirling or atm Havertz. We need these guys to somehow rediscover their best form because Villa won’t be as obliging as Tottnum.

  • I did enjoy watching Myles strut his stuff against the ‘61’s, that boy has no fear, he plays as if he’s 25/26, we have one hell of a talented young man there, an 18 year old who plays like an experienced international and that stuff can’t be taught it’s very much part of what he is.

    Confidence is very much like a game of snakes and ladders, it takes time to climb a ladder but no time at all to slide down a snake, we are currently climbing up that ladder again but rung by rung we’re gradually recovering and as the injured return then so will our confidence. Nwaneri is close, Califiori can’t be far off and Tomiyasu has to be getting there after a nightmare period.

    Now if the recruitment team could only get a deal or two over the line then we’ll be back in business.

  • MLS was indeed amazing, Kev. Fearless, confident, dynamic and with a great thrust in his play. Loved it.

    We could have scored many more but got there with a tight defence. Another performance like that against the Villans and we will be very happy. Brentford are in great form and Pool will get a game from them on Saturday.

    Eris, sorry to hear you missed the game live.

  • Thanks, Total. Seen it all now and it was a battering at the start before they got their goal, against the run of play. And yes, it should have easily been 5 or 6 goals, had we taken the chances created. I think the form/luck will return, with time, for Trossard, Havertz and Odegaard.

    On Miles Lewis-Skelly, I fully share your sentiments and descriptions of the lad. What a kid, living his Arsenal dream and playing the NLD like it was a street soccer kick-about. He has no fear and appears to enjoy a brawl with opposition players; and it will seem the bigger they are, the more he relishes it.

    Also listen to him at interviews and see how he explains his play; so pure and unassuming. He actually told Wrighty he was tackling so hard because of his grand mother, who was in the stands as he couldn’t afford to have her think he was soft. Hilarious stuff. Great kid. Pity, Nwaneri is out injured. I bet they would both enjoy this period where they would be guaranteed starts.

  • One of the greatest films, ever – “Mulholland Drive”
    Probably THE best TV series, ever – “Twin Peaks”
    and, of course, one of the best soundtracks, ever:

    You’ll be missed, Dave – big time
    RIP

  • And, all those of Scottish blood will mourn the passing of the great Lawman. Those of Huddersfield, Manchester, Turin too, and all who loved football, and the way he would raise his arm, one finger pointing to Heaven, the other four clenching his sleeve cuff, after he scored one of his countless goals.
    Imagine him up top for Arsenal today.

  • Wednesday was great, it was the perfect antidote to those two disappointing home cup ties, the club was on the edge of losing itself in a sea of self pity but Mikel worked his magic, the fans turned up and tuned in and the players responded.

    That was then, this is now, I’m hearing worrying reports about Saliba and a tight hamstring (ffs).
    The muscles will be aching, the rotational options are a dream, we go with what we have again.

    Villa stitched us up a year ago and the portents don’t look good, the opposition, the officials, the scenario, it all seems a bit contrived, you know, we’ve been set up for a fall…

    It’s as if Howard Webb has decided to cut short our joy by giving us officials with a history!

    Then there’s the Uni Emery effect, you can bet that when the fixtures came out last summer that he looked for this one and underlined it. Make no mistake Uni still has a score to settle and will do as long as he is in England.

    We’ve just, finally, narrowed the gap on Luckypool and that’ll not go down well across the British football diaspora, nobody likes us except us.

    Beating Tottnum was great but it will mean bugger all if we don’t take the points today and although I can see a lot of situations stacked against us, if the crowd stay with the team then I think we can get over the line.

  • It’s looking as if it’s likely to go to deadline day before the club do anything, the Sesko thing is getting boring now, maybe the club needs to pivot elsewhere?

    I just hope that we can hang in there over the next couple of weeks and it doesn’t cost us any points?

  • Denis Law led to naming of our blog king Dennis, as his father was a great admirer of Denis Law. I never saw him play, but by all accounts he was special; and so was of course the one and only winter wonderland Bergkamp.

  • No Saliba would be a setback. Agreed that the boys will have to dig deep again to get the three points. Can they play with a high tempo/high intensity again just three days after our epic win?!

  • Arsenal: Raya, Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz.
    Subs: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Sterling.

  • When you think of the number of games our 1979-80 lads came out of unscathed (empty-handed, yes – undeservedly -, but unscathed) … what’s going on on the injury front this season is hardly believable …
    Well, nothing but a “Battle of Helm’s Deep” kind of performance will save us today, won’t it?
    Do I believe in it?
    You bet I do
    COYG

  • Good morning fella’s. Matchsticks holding the eyes open after a late night conducting a mates wedding. He and his new Mrs are Gooners, as were half the attendees. He presented me with this seasons home shirt as a thank you. Man, I look good in it 😎. The bride mentioned Arsenal 3 x in her vows. Our kinda gal.
    Declan at Centre back?

  • Still reeling from how Liverpool have gone on to get two very late goals. But, like TA said, we must rely on ourselves and control what we can. Hopefully, that result doesn’t transmit to the fans

    No Saliba is a worry but I take solace in the fact that we can control Villa as we usually do, but for their breakaway tactics. Timber just has to be calm and not take risks or we may get punished.

    Pressure is on.

  • With the prospect of tired legs in the 2nd 45 we needed an early goal to settle the nerves but after 31 minutes of Arsenal pressure and no cutting edge it’s a bit worrying.

    Kavanagh has booked Arteta and he loved doing it.

    I’m telling ya this is going to be a stitch up…

  • I’ll tell ya something else I noticed, if you get a chance, watch the end of the Brentford vs Liverpool game and look at the interaction between the referee, linesman and Liverpool players.

    Best of friends they were, laughing, smiling, Jones was cuddling the referee – of course he was, we all know who the powers that be would prefer to win the EPL.

  • 1-0, Martinelli, off a cross from Trossard. Two of those we need to step up have delivered.
    Trossard nearly gets a second from a Martinelli pass.

  • And Martinelli makes it 1-0…

    Have a look at Kavanagh’s boat race, he looked gutted as he pointed to the centre circle

  • With their left back on a yellow card, Martinelli and Odegaard need to pile on the pressure on him.

  • Marti, you Aragorn!
    (exclusive Bergkampesque): LG the Supreme Tactician Half-Time Masterplan
    1. Close shop
    2. Whenever a yellow sphere comes rollin’ around, kick it high up into row Z
    3. Whenever anything or anyone wearin’ navy blue come strollin’ around, beat the s..t out of it-him
    Everything’s gonna be just fine
    1-0 to The Arsenal; COYG!!

  • Eris, he would have loved to disallow it mate, I just hope we can get a 2nd and then manage the game.

  • We got the second and truly, against the run of play, have just conceded a second from seemingly not so dangerous situations.

  • Can’t be certain but both of those Villa goals came from crosses into the box and maybe Saliba’s absence was felt there.

    Thomas Partey could have done better both times

  • This is a significant result in the title race. Very disappointed especially as it was not even goals from a counter attack that have undone us.

  • Four points v Villa is a big improve on last season. Just that tad of good fortune missing for us again.
    Leandro’s best game of the season. I thought Kavanagh did ok today, I know he’s had it in for us in the past.
    At 2-0 we should have followed LG’s advice, brought on another defender and shut up shop.
    Still on, boys. That Liverpool lapse will come.

  • Arteta I feel keeps hinting in his post match pressers in particular that we’re down to the bare bones and that he needs some help.

    I’ve never heard him speak like that before and it makes me concerned that he isn’t seeing the support from the ownership that he feels he needs and deserves, it could also be a nod to Edu and why he decided to move to another sporting enterprise?

  • As for Kavanagh, he booked Kamara and several minutes later ignored said Kamara kicking the ball away and stopping us taking a quick free-kick. Two tier officiating on display.

    The media of course made no comment…

  • I said it already; the PGMOL have decided to roll back that new rule on stopping a quick free kick, without making it official. That’s the kind of room for manipulation that Howard Webb can bring.

    Still smarting from that draw (feels like a defeat). We are down to the bare bones; it is clear to see from the available subs (only Raheem Sterling), which is now the main difference between Liverpool and us. Slot has freshened things up late on, bringing on 5 players from the bench and two of them were involved for both goals with one scoring both goals for them.

    Today, Emery could bring on Duran, Bailey and Kamara; all players who can do a job for our first team now. That’s the problem the Board has to address and support the manager to get the club over the line.

  • Smoke and mirrors around the Saliba hamstring, I’ve seen many conflicting reports, Saliba returning on the 29th January was one, others have suggested he’ll miss 5 games including Man City…

    Hopefully Ben White and Tomiyasu will be back by the start of February?

  • Yes, I noticed that too, Kev. I wondered if Edu had left out of frustration. He seemingly had such a great partnership with Mikel.
    I also questioned the second Kamara offense but thought Kavanagh had his back to the incident? Or, perhaps it was as you suggest. I’ve seen several similar incidents recently where the offender has not been punished, and wondered if the refs had eased up on the issue after the righteous furore surrounding Declan’s sending off.

  • Eris, we are all disappointed, but what I have learned over the years is that during these busy periods all the top clubs gain a similar amount of points. It’s just very hard to keep winning evey game then. Given the injuries and the number games played in quick succession I am happy with the results.

  • “L’Équipe” has it that William will be out for 2 weeks “only” … which means he’d miss Zagreb, Woves, and Girona, but might return to take on Cheaty. “L’Équipe”‘s guys’ intel is usually very reliable so, under the current circumstances, that’s as good a piece of news as we can get, isn’t it?
    About our frontline problems (even though Leandro had one of his best games against the Villains) – I’m surprised Atalanta’s Lookman should never be mentioned. I don’t think MA will ever go for a classic CF (otherwise I’d suggest Ekitike, the lad’s blooming …), but rather for someone who, just like Marmoush, can operate across the frontline … and score!, which is why I thought of the young Pharaoh in the first place (we should all be very worried about the oncoming partnership Haaland-Marmoush btw; I, for one, definitely am).
    Lookman’s “only” 27, after all. I think we can all agree he’s an extraordinarily entertaining, consistent player/scorer … and he’s a London boy!! How hard could it be to lure him back home? Or do the Kroenkes suddenly have too short arms for their deep pockets?

  • Man City won’t rest of their laurels, they took a chance with a small squad this season and a combination of injuries, mental/physical fatigue and loss of form has made them look human, but they’ll be back next season and I fear that Arsenal will have missed the boat.

    If City do what I suspect they’ll do in the transfer market then it’ll match whatever we do and we’ll still be catching up.

    Liverpool will fall away next season but they’ll have a title in their pocket and we’ll still be waiting.

  • Each day through my window I watched them as they passed us by
    I say to myself, “You’re such lucky guys”
    To have a team like yours is truly a dream come true
    Out of all the fans in the world, they belongs to you

    But it was just my imagination
    Runnin’ away with me
    But now my imagination
    Isn’t runnin’ away with me

    Ooh (Soon)
    Soon we’ll be champions and top of Europe’s tree (Oh yeah)
    A Ballon d’or for Bukuyu,
    With two signings, maybe three
    I tell you I (I, I) can visualize it all
    This couldn’t be a dream, for too real it all seems

    It was just my imagination
    Runnin’ away with me
    But now my imagination
    Isn’t runnin’ away with me

    Ev’ry night on my knees I pray
    “Dear Lord, hear my plea
    Don’t ever let another take their love from me”
    Or I will surely die, hmm
    (Their love is) heavenly
    When their play enfolds me
    I hear a tender rhapsody
    And they will always be
    The greatest football team
    The world has ever seen.

    It’s just my mighty Arsenal
    Runnin’ away with me
    The greatest football team
    The world has ever seen.

  • Ademola Lookman will fit right in, for me. He can play any position across the front three and plays with a passion that is exactly what we require. He has a winner’s mentality too. I will be surprised if he isn’t on most top teams’ radar by the summer.
    Is it possible that after the financial backing he got last summer, Arteta had assured the Kroenkes he won’t require any new additions in January, making it difficult for him to make an effective demand of them in January?

    TA, you may be onto something there, re: similar amount of points in this busy month. The thing is we have 9 points and a few more goals (GD) to chase down, while also looking over our shoulders. We needed to make that happen.

  • …We needed to ensure we got the points to rein Liverpool in a few points.

    Looking at this Liverpool team play, I don’t see them losing or drawing games enough for us achieve that kind of swing, since we don’t look like going on a long winning run, unless…….

  • Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
    Man never Is, but always To be blest.
    The soul, uneasy, and confin’d from home,
    Rests and expatiates in a life to come.
    Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man

  • Tomorrow night?:
    Neto
    Timber-Rice-Kiwior-Tierney
    Jorginho-Merino
    Sterling-Zinchenko-Martinelli
    Trossard
    (Raya-Gabriel-LewisSkelly-Partey-Ødegaard-Havertz- … they ALL need to sit their exhausted a…s on the very comfy-looking sub seats)
    If such a starting XI is deemed incapable of doing the job, at home, against Zagreb – then very serious questions will have to be asked about squad building, won’t it?
    COYG

  • No chance Legall, there is an (un?)written rule that clubs line up as strong as reasonably possible for CL games as to not devalue the competition.

  • I understand that many of us would be thrilled if only anything would happen – just by the fact that the club is willing to invest and we expand the seemingly short squad, but I doubt that many of the players from the endless rumors and gossips would would help us cross the line between contenders and actual champion.

    Unfortunately in my (pronouncedly subjective) opinion Zubimendi and Lookman included. Ademola is indeed a fine player and versatile beyond words (not only in the front 3, but the front 4 as he could play AM or SS without difficulties), I just don’t see him elite at either positions. He wouldn’t threaten Saka’s starting spot at RW, and while he might be challenging Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus or Havertz at LW or ST he is not a clear level ahead of them (like Vinicius Jr. or Raphinha would be) so apart from from rotation purposes (which could be important, but unfortunately not Arsenal’s strong suit at recent years) or injury substitution his inclusion wouldn’t help the club surpass. And that applies to many of the players, not exclusively to Lookman.

    If we are talking about offensive reinforcements there are 2 scenarios. First, there are those players who are versatile, can pass, dribble and shoot, strong in defensive positioning and relentless in pressing, those who already match (last year’s) Arteta-ball thus could seamlessly slot into the team. Among those Marmoush and Cunha might be the 2 best candidates, but I don’t think we have much chance to sign either. However if we could, I think they would change our game big time.

    The other approach is to get a classic striker who scores a lot of goals (like Mbappé and Haaland), and let go of the versatility and defensive contribution expectations. There are such players at the horizon: the fanbase demand Gyökeres and/or Isak, and Jonatha David is not a bad candidate either. If I’m being honest, I would not go for them, although I’m perfectly aware how little relevance does it hold. Nevertheless, I think we should honor Mikel’s football philosophy and not force him to change it overnight (also if and when the next manager arrives he should have the wiggle room to pick his target man to avoid repeating Manchester United’s embarrassment that after signing Hojlund for 74M and Zirkzee for another 42 they find themselves back in the striker market and break the bank for Gyökeres). We also have the target men tailored to Artetaball: in the last 2.5 years we paid 52M for Jesus and 75M for Havertz (making them the 2 highest earning players), so I honestly think that demanding to spend another 90M for Isak or Gyökeres (and discarding the former in the process) is the worst Football Manager mentality that should be reserved for Chelsea fans.

    The part I appreciate in the transfer window is that we started to consider midfield reinforcements. I find it more important than attackers as the departure of Jorginho and Partey are just a few months away, and also there are more players that could elevate our play (i.e. could be a significant improvement over Jorginho or an ageing Thomas) than there are better LWs than Martinelli.

    However I’m not sure that paying the 60M release cause for Zubimendi is the smart investment here. Firstly, I would not be looking for a DM. We have Rice who is the best DM in the world, and I have (some, albeit little) trust that Myles Lewis-Skelly is primary considered as a DM and just polishing his defensive skills at LB – just as Saka did under Emery. So I would do for a classical CM, and would sign either Tillman (22, US) or Veerman (26, NL) from Eindhoven, or – if on a budget – Santos (20, BR) from Strassbourg or Damsgaard (24, DK) from Brentford (maybe Timber’s twin).

  • I can relate to Kev’s comment on next year’s chances, albeit I came to different conclusions.

    I don’t think City’s downfall is about fatigue. I would interpret their struggles as insisting to play 4-1-4-1 but with Rodri sidelined for the entire season they are no longer an unstoppable force. The good news is that no matter how good Marmoush is, he wouldn’t make the Citizens much more terrifying. The inevitable return of Rodri unfortunately will.
    By the way, we should [have] also experiment[ed] with 4-1-4-1 with Rice as the sole DM and Martinelli-Havertz-Odegaard-Saka behind the lone striker. And while we did play with those players last season (and often with confidence scoring goals) it was mostly 4-3-3 with both Martin and Kai trying to play CM which isn’t their natural role…

    Regarding Liverpool I am honestly concerned that with such strong squad and competent manager they will not grant the favor of deteriorating next season. They have the finances (practically didn’t sign anybody this summer), and if the Saudis are indeed willing to play top money for Salah then they have everything to keep up their performance. Their challenge will be completely different though, they will have to replace Salah, van Dijk (and possibly TAA) properly of which they will have little time, but tons of money to achieve. So there is a significant chance that next season they will be the favorites to defend heir title. The banana skin ahead of them is to renew the contract of their Egyptian mage, and his salary or loyalty/sign-up bonus would disrupt the balance of the dressing room. And at some point Salah has to start playing according to his age, so the scenario where they keep him is – for me – the less terrifying one.

  • Yep, TA, you’re right, I had forgotten that … But there has to be some leeway for the clubs, otherwise why not let UEFA pick the teams?
    That’s an eleven-international lineup up here, after all, even if Neto is, and will remain, a one-cap player.
    And btw, should MA pick this starting lineup (which he won’t, I agree with you), what exactly they could do to us I’d like to know …

  • Some good news on BBC

    Arsenal duo Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri are fit to play against Dynamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday after recovering from muscle issues, says manager Mikel Arteta.

    Arteta called their return “very positive news” with Italian defender Calafiori having missed Arsenal’s past three games and 17-year-old English forward Nwaneri absent for four.

    The return of Calafiori eases Arsenal’s defensive injury worries, with William Saliba, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu all sidelined.

    Arsenal are third in the Champions League table with 13 points, and a win against their Croatian opponents at Emirates Stadium will put them in a strong position to finish in the top eight, meaning direct qualification for the last 16.

    Failure to beat Zagreb and then Girona away next week would likely see the Gunners enter February’s play-off round.

    While Saliba will not be ready for Wednesday, Arteta expects him to return in time for the Premier League match with Manchester City on 2 February.

    “He’s evolving really well. The last few days he was feeling much better already but this game comes a little bit too early for him,” said the Arsenal boss.

    When asked if Declan Rice could fill in for Saliba in central defence, Arteta said: “It has been in my head. We have had to play him in different situations as a 6, 8, 10. He has the ability to do it.”

    Spanish manager Arteta also said he is “very happy with what we have” up front, despite a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury for Gabriel Jesus prompting speculation Arsenal will invest in a striker during the January transfer window.

    Kai Havertz is the Gunners’ only fit centre forward.

    On Bukayo Saka, who underwent surgery on a thigh issue last month and could be out until March, Arteta said: “It’s not going to change. He’s feeling better day by day but we have to respect the healing process.”

    Latest Champions League table

  • Good to read your insightfull comments, PB.

    It looks to me that Jesus is out and may struggle to get back to his previous level of fitness and form. With Eddie gone and Kai not being a typical CF, we will need to buy. But I also believe that it will be hard to get it right this January.

  • Thanks for sharing these, Eris. There is just one word for all of this and that’s Class.

    Great tributes by Wrighty and Arsene. Have happy tears in my eyes.

  • Total, it’s a double whammy with Jesus, not only is he not available, he’s also a massive drain on our finances and how it affects our PSR.

    I was reading that he most probably won’t return before November time and so by the end of next season he’ll have a year left on his contract which will affect his value and the clubs’ ability to recoup anything for him.

    I’m guessing that a good end to this season might have seen Arsenal sell him for a decent fee, that now seems unlikely even in 2026. So not only is he a drain on our resources now, he also has a diminishing value which will have a knock-on effect on future business we might not be able to do.

    Not his fault of course, he’s been so unlucky it’s untrue, but his situation pretty much sums up this bastard of a season for us…

  • At least I will always have that brilliant memory of him smashing in that League Cup hat-trick vs Palace.

    We thought at the time that he was like the US Cavalry riding over the hill to save our season post Saka, but it was not to be as the Apache bushwhacked him in the pass.

    Rumours of Chelsea trying to do a Mudryk on us over Sesko.

    Happy days

  • Agreed Kev, the arrival of Jesus and Zinchenko was,pivotal to Arsenal resurrection under Arteta. Ww have got to be thankful for it, and now we need to move on from both of them. All clubs suffer these situations but at least Jesus helped us with important goals before he became badly injured.

  • Indeed!
    Stu, btw, did you know that?:
    “The 488th CIES Football Observatory Weekly Post presents the 100 players who have scored the most goals in official club or national team matches (senior, U23 or U21) over the last year.
    …/…
    In terms of goal frequency, the top three are Irishman Garbhan Coughlan of Cashmere Technical in New Zealand (one goal every 43 minutes) …”
    Rivals of yours, these Christchurch lads?
    Jonathan David is high on the list, Pb … but I don’t know, I can’t say he’s ever impressed me much (warning: I don’t watch all Lille games, far from it). He scores a lot of pens, and there are whole chunks of games when he just disappears. I often can’t shake off a “Pépé deal risk” feeling when I watch him play.
    He has a tremendous quality though, he’s mentally very strong. He often ends up scoring in games which started looking for him as a kind of “Gus-Cæsar-against-Luton” performance … It’s astonishing, really.

  • It’s astonishing really Total and how quickly we tend to forget!

    Jesus and Zinchenko were almost revolutionary in their effect on a team that was and had been full of players ‘nicking a living’…

    The energy and professionalism they brought from City really put into focus how below standard a lot of our overpaid ‘superstars’ were.

    But the team has not only matched but surpassed what Gabby and Alex gave us and like you say it’s time to say merci and adieu.

  • Yes, Kev, it does indeed seem a season of testing, of, In the words of the Bard, “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”.
    Not my poem, Total. The majestic Temptations. I only gilded it. Tho’ some might say, gelded it.
    Once rivals, LG. I made my National League debut in QE2 Stadium, Christchurch way back in 1979, for Auckland team, Courier Rangers. I was marking Steve Sumner, then captain of our NZ All Whites. He handed me a lesson in football that day. Incidentally, our coach at the time was Juan Schwanner, a countryman of our PB.

    City adding to their mischief list… https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ckg7rj9e4rdo

  • Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Sterling, Martinelli, Havertz.
    Subs: Neto, Setford, Tierney, Calafiori, Kacurri, Partey, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia.

  • That’s a nasty one on Gabby back there. We cannot afford an injury to him. Why isn’t it even a yellow card?

    We started very fast and that’s the way to go. If we can get it to 2-0 and more, we may be able to rest some players for the weekend.

  • This would have been a good game to play Neto in goal. The decision to recruit a cup tied keeper now looks rather curious.

  • Gabriel with a header, Martinelli taking an early shot (for a change) off of the toes of Martinelli, both probably should have scored.

    Everyone else seems averse to taking an early shot and at 1-0 we’re one cock-up away from handing Dinamo a lifeline.

    Yes Eris, the linesman was there and thd referee had a clear view, the Dinamo player was nowhere near the ball and just kicked Gabriel in the knee, the lack of understanding of the game by some of these officials is breathtaking. A clear yellow card, not a shadow of a doubt. I sometimes think I’m watching a different game with different rules/laws.

  • The same referee then stops the game twice for nothing when Dinamo players are writhing/playacting on the floor.

    Again a clear lack of understanding of the game.

  • Now, a yellow for Timber, even though he got the ball first. No arguments if he gives a yellow for that, but how does he explain not doing same for the foul on Gabby?

    Raheem Sterling could do with a goal here. If he cannot cut it here, he may be on his way back to Chelsea soon.

  • I’d like to see Nwaneri brought on, he doesn’t fanny about, he gets the ball, drives into the box and always looks to take the shot. A breath of fresh air.

  • Havertz makes it 2-0, off Martinelli’pin-point cross. Now, we should go on to add to that. Good cross.

  • Nwaneri is on and is already making his presence felt, despite the close attention of the dynamo defenders. Gets a yellow card for a bad challenge

  • Happy for Odegaard getting the third goal. Ends 3-0. We look to have top 8 locked down. Bravo, lads.
    In a group where Man City are likely to be 25th and Real Madrid needing to win their last game to have any hope of being in that top 8 seeding, we have to be proud of the boys.

  • Is it just me, or is our Gabbi M’s crossing hugely improved?
    A couple of nervy moments at 1-0, but otherwise a professional 3-0 outing which sets us up for a better run in, fixture wise. Nice to see another young fella get a, albeit brief run out, tho” I don’t think he got a touch of the ball.
    I’d forgotten just how short the mighty Cannavaro is. What a player he was.

  • Yes Eris, Martin needed that goal, as did Declan and Kai, it’s a long way back rebuilding our confidence.

    Delighted for the kid even if he didn’t get a touch of the ball, not many youngsters make their senior debut in the Champions League. A Hale End boy to boot, maybe the first of a few more minutes for him this season.

  • Stu I think with more of an emphasis on the left that Martinelli is looking more comfortable with the extra support he’s getting, he’s confidence is definitely returning.

  • I don’t want to pile on Stirling but we looked so much better when he went off and Ethan came on.

  • Fingers crossed, everything crossed as it goes, that the scan on Lewis Skelly today is clear because losing him would be heartbreaking.

    At least we saw Tomiyasu sitting on the bench next to Saliba, with both he and White close to a return we’ll probably (hopefully) return from Dubai with an almost fully fit squad ready to give it a go…

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