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A game of this magnitude needs no hype, or introduction… but I’m pretty sure, I’m about to do both.

The players shouldn’t need to be reminded of the importance of the game, they shouldn’t even need a team talk. They should still be seething from the awful Wolves performance, and be determined to put things right, by slaying their north London rivals.

There’s 3 points at stake, there’s pride at stake, there’s bragging rights at stake!! North London has been, and forever will be… RED!! Every now and then however, we have to remind our trophy lacking neighbours, that we’re their superiors, and they’re our subordinates.

ANOTHER convincing win against these minnows, will spur us on, for the upcoming fixtures.

Tottenham are on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle, and The Arsenal are on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves.

Neither result will have any bearing on this game though, as form goes out the window where derbies are concerned, and this is a fact that’s been well documented.

We went with a starting line-up of David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, in central defence, and Timber at right-back.

The midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and the front three was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

It was a hostile atmosphere, as expected… but the Arsenal players didn’t allow themselves to be affected by it. In fact, we were composed, played with controlled aggression, and passed through our delusional neighbours… with an ease that reminded them that although we may be in a similar geographical location, we’re not in the same footballing class.

Early chances from Gyokeres, and Saliba, asserted our dominance, and instilled fear into our ill equipped enemy.

In the 32^nd minute, we inflicted the first wound on the relegation fodder… after Saka ran at Sarr, and then ran through him. Our Starboy then cut the ball back to Eze, and he flicked the ball up majestically, and volleyed it home. A wonderful finish!! 1-0 to the Arsenal!!

UNFORTUNATELY, our celebrations were short-lived, because just 2 minutes later, a mistake from Declan Rice, allowed Muani to equalise. He dispossessed Rice, cut inside… and put the ball past Raya, with a hard, low finish. 1-1. (BOOOOOOOO!!)

It was an undeserved goal, but as we know… you don’t always get what you deserve in football.

The first half finished 1-1, and it was all to play for. We looked unmoved by their equaliser though, and I must say… THAT’S always a good sign.

We began the second half ruthlessly, and that’s exactly what the Arsenal contingent needed.

Saka, and then Trossard, were unlucky not to score… but the Spursy Spurs, were on the ropes, and unsteady on their feet… a knockout, was inevitable.

In the 47^th minute, Timber played an exceptional ball in to Gyokeres, from the right hand side… and Gyokeres took a touch on the edge of the box, and smashed the ball past the Tottenham keeper, ferociously. A FANTASTIC GOAL!! A MONUMENTAL GOAL!! A goal that etches Gyokeres’ name, into Gunners folklore!! 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

Due to an earlier booking for Timber, and a little fatigue… he was replaced in the 57^th minute, by one of the signings of the season in my opinion, Cristhian Mosquera.

I sensed that there were more goals in this game for us, and in the 61st minute, I was proved right. Saka, and Eze linked up well… and Eze put Saka clean through on the keeper, but his shot was blocked. Fortunately though, the loose ball fell kindly for Eze, and he rifled the ball home. His second goal of the game, his fifth goal against Spurs, in two games!! A big game player, and derby assassin!! And from his kill count, business… is GOOOOOOD!! Oh, and of course, 3-1 to The Arsenal!!

We continued to embarrass Rottenham Notspur, and the two goal cushion helped the Gunners faithful to relax… including the manager, because in the 77^th minute, further changes were made.

Martinelli replaced Trossard, and Odegaard came on for Eze.

Trossard had an OK game, by his high standard… but Eberechi Eze, was phenomenal… and I’m not just talking about his goals. His little touches, and flicks around the corner, control in tight spaces, and his overall link-up play, was a joy to behold.

I’ve said in multiple blogs not to worry about Eze, I’ve said he needed time, I’ve said he needed to adjust to playing multiple games a week, and I’ve said he’s needed to adjust to a new system, and the pressure that comes with playing for a big club. We’re NOW merely seeing, an “Adjusted” Eberechi Eze… and opposing teams, are now going to have to adjust, to his attacking potency… and they’ll have to do EXACTLY the same, for Viktor Gyokeres.

Aaaaaanywhooo, more opportunities followed, but we couldn’t put the relegation fodder out of their misery.

Madueke replaced Saka in the 91^st minute… and I’d just like to say that Saka had a superb game. It didn’t matter which Tottenham player he ran at, or dribbled past… they were ALL scared to death, and I enjoyed their panic immensely.

The game was drawing to its conclusion, and I’d just begun to accept the 3-1 scoreline… but Odegaard had other ideas… when he picked the ball up in midfield, and played a perfect ball into the path of Gyokeres. He effortlessly held off the defender, and stroked the ball past the keeper… with a confidence that was inspiring to the Arsenal family. 4-1 to The Arsenal!!!! A second goal for Gyokeres… and an undeniable, marksman’s performance.

A positional awareness, character building, confidence inspiring, roughhousing the opposition defenders… type of performance.

Nobody is above criticism, but the criticism Gyokeres has faced… is agenda driven, unfair, and exaggerated. He most certainly shut a few critics up in this game, and I’m pleased for him.

The match finished 4-1, just like it did when we played them at the Emirates. That’s an 8-2 aggregate scoreline, and it highlights the fact that Tottenham Hotspur are a comical football team, and institution. (HAHAHA!!)

It was an excellent team performance, in a game that we simply HAD TO win, and not just because it’s the North London Derby… and not just because of our recent results in the Premier League. We HAD TO win, to expel the doubt that was creeping into the team, and our fanbase.

We HAD TO win to remind ourselves we CAN cope with the pressure, and to decrease the decibels of the outside noise… and that’s EXACTLY what we did.

Now, with Tottenham pushed closer to relegation, at the hands of The Arsenal… we can turn our attention to Chelsea. We play The Blues at the Emirates next, and we need to continue our brilliant record against them. Let’s add some black to their blue. Beat them black and blue, if you will. We need to go on a winning run now, and get this league title wrapped up.

Should Arteta play the same starting 11 against Chelsea?

Do Timber, and Zubimendi, need a rest?

Will this be the greatest season EVER, if we win the league, and Tottenham get relegated? HAHAHA!!

Let me know in the comments, as usual. NORTH LONDON IS RED!!! COYG!!!

Here we are, back to Premier League business… and we’re at Molineux, to face a Wolves side, who are dead… but not necessarily buried. I wander if we can heap dirt on Wolverhampton Wanderers, and lay them to rest.

Yes, their points tally is woeful, and yes… they’re already relegated, but their last two results were a 1-0 win away to Grimsby Town in the FA Cup, and a draw away to Nottingham Forest, in the Premier League. Make no mistake, sometimes… they’re no pushovers.

The Arsenal are on the back of a convincing 4-0 win over Wigan, in the FA Cup… and should be really up for this match, especially as it presents an opportunity, to go 7 points clear of Mancheatster City… at the top of the league.

We have to react in the right way, to the disappointment, of the Brentford result… and I’m sure we will.

The starting line-up was David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, in central defence, and Timber at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, and Zubimendi… and in front of them, it Martinelli on the left, Saka in a more central role, and Madueke on the right.

Viktor Gyokeres started up front.

We started the game with a determination to right our previous wrongs. The movement, the quickness of our passing, and the productivity in the final third, was exciting to say the least. I waaaah, wah, wah, wah, wandeeeerrred… if Wolverhampton Wanderers, were in for a hammering.

In the 5^th minute, Saka gave my hammering thoughts some nails. A lovely pass from Declan Rice over the top, complimented Saka’s well timed run… and our Starboy finished with a clever glancing header. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A perfect start to the game, and a perfect way for Bukayo Saka to celebrate the signing of his new 5 year contract.

We were dominating the game, but we didn’t capitalise on multiple opportunities, to kill the game off in the early stages.

The Wolves fans were unrelenting in support for their team, and the Wolves players were NOT playing like a team already relegated… so naturally, my hammering thoughts dissipated… and rightly so, because the first half ended 1-0, even though it should’ve been more.

Wolves were a completely different opposition in the second half, and we seemed to of forgotten how to pass, how to keep the ball, how to defend, AND how to attack.

It was painful to watch, and even though we were still 1-0 up, the fragility of the lead was apparent.

We somehow got sucked into the type of game that Wolves wanted to play. It was scrappy, it was chaotic, it was nervous, and it was uncharacteristic, for the Gunners to play this way.

Now I appreciate that there’s been a huge volume of games, due to us being involved in every competition… HOWEVER, I also appreciate that we’re playing a team at the bottom of the table, and we should be putting them to the sword. The mentality of the players is often questioned, and I think it’s unjustifiable MOST of the time, because the players have proved the solidity of their mentality… on multiple occasions this season. We’re in the position we’re in for a reason.

In this game though, there were signs of fatigue… both mentally, and physically. Mikel Arteta has to accept some blame for that, as I don’t feel he’s been rotating the squad as often as he should be. In addition to that, I think Arteta of late, has been too obsessed with how we are defensively, as opposed to focussing on how to have a more attacking mindset… and NOT take our foot off the gas, after going a goal up.

As you know my beloved Arsenal brethren, I seldom focus on the negatives, as I feel it’s an exercise riddled with futility… but we must acknowledge that our current form in the Premier League, is somewhat concerning.

Aaaanywhooooo… back to the match at hand, we were still playing like we were unsure of ourselves, but in the 56th minute, and against the run of play… we managed to double our lead.

Gabriel of all people, spotted a clever run from Hincapie, and he slid a perfect ball to him, which Hincapie took in his stride, and finished emphatically past the Wolves keeper… with the confidence of a seasoned striker. It was a great finish into the roof of the net, that put the Gunners into a commanding lead. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

Funnily enough though, even with the two goal lead, I wasn’t sitting comfortably, as we hadn’t been playing well in the second half.

How uncomfortable I felt was warranted, because in the 61^st minute, Hugo Bueno hit a wonder-strike from the edge of the box. A sumptuous curled effort, with his left foot… and we only had ourselves to blame. The game could’ve been over in the first half, and we were paying the price for our inefficiency in front of goal. 2-1 now the scoreline.

Mikel Arteta responded by trying to freshen things up, and he brought on Jesus for Gyokeres, and Eze for Madueke. Nothing changed though, and we still didn’t look like scoring a third goal… so in the 73^rd minute, Trossard replaced Saka.

The match continued scrappily, and The Arsenal were in danger of dropping points in back-to-back games.

We were unable to stop the Wolves resurgence, and we started defending way too deep. We were almost inviting the pressure.

 The squandering of chances continued for us, and inevitably, Wolves gained confidence. There was a growing feeling amongst the Arsenal faithful, that a Wolves equaliser was on the cards.

In the 94^th minute, our worst nightmare came true.

A nothing ball was put into the Arsenal box, and David Raya crazily attempted to catch the ball, over Gabriel’s head… which he failed to do spectacularly. The loose ball was then fired in by Tom Edozie… after hitting the post, hitting Calafiori, and then going in. It was comical defending from the Gunners, but I most certainly WASN’T laughing.

We threw away the three points, in almost the last kick of the game. It was incomprehensible, unfathomable, inexcusable… and looked like another case of self-sabotage… because it was painstakingly avoidable. The scoreline now 2-2. (Unfortunately!!)

The game ended 2-2, in a match where Arsenal could’ve easily been 3-0 up in the first half. I felt sick, and the regurgitation of the same old narratives, were pending from the mainstream media.

It was a terrible day at the office for The Arsenal, but we have little time to lick our wounds, as next up… we have an away trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to face a Tottenham team, that’ll have a new manager bounce, and will be determined to get revenge on us… after the 4-1 humiliation at the Emirates.

It goes without saying, that only a win will do!!

Are you concerned by the lack of fight, and desire we showed?

What do you think we can we do differently, to increase the potency in our attack?

David Raya has looked calamitous in recent weeks, does Kepa Arrizabalaga, deserve a run in the team?

Let me know in the comments as usual. GOYG!!

The oldest cup competition in the world, always throws up some surprises… and I’m hoping any Arsenal surprises, are pleasant ones.

We’re at the Emirates Stadium, where we face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

The Latics have recently appointed a new manager, but by now… The Arsenal are used to facing teams, with that new manager bounce.

Wigan sit 22^nd in League One, and are on the back of a 2-1 home defeat, at the hands of Reading.

We’re on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brentford.

On paper, we should obliterate Wigan… but as I’ve said before… football matches aren’t played on paper.

The starting line-up was Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, Benny Blanco at right-back, Saliba and Mosquera, in central defence… and Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

Lewis-Skelly was initially going to start in midfield, but Calafiori getting injured during the warm-up, changed Arteta’s plans… which is a shame, as many Arsenal fans, including me, are longing to see Lewis-Skelly start games in midfield.

Anywhoooo…. In the midfield it  was Norgaard, Saka, and Eze.

Saka in a more central role excited me, because he absolutely has the creativity, to play this role. He has the intelligence, passing accuracy, and the vision too. I hope it’s not the last time we see our Starboy in that position.

The front three was Madueke on the right, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Martinelli on the left.

We started the game well, and it became apparent early-on, that Saka was given freedom to float around in dangerous areas. He, and Madueke, were linking up superbly,… and despite Wigan trying to sit in a low defensive block… we were finding space all over the pitch, and we were incredibly efficient, in those spaces.

Arsenal being two leagues above Wigan, started to show… and in the 11^th minute, the wheels fell off Wigan’s wagon.

Eze beat his man on the midfield line, and spotted Madueke making a great run. Eze found him with pinpoint accuracy, and Madueke slotted the ball home calmly. It was a great pass, and it was mirrored, by the composure shown on the finish. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

Our dominance continued, we sensed that the floodgates were open now… and the 18^th minute, confirmed there was no dam in sight.

Eze again picked the ball up, but a little further forward in midfield this time… he slid the ball to Matrinelli, who held off his defender, and finished confidently. He made it look so easy… and our ruthlessness in front of goal, was a joy to behold. Something that was missing in our game against Brentford. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

The clock displayed 23 minutes… and Madueke beat his man on the right, and played the ball into his fellow minister of havoc, Bukayo Saka. The Starboy got to the byline, put the ball into a dangerous area, and it was finished expertly, by the Wigan defender, Jack Hunt. He put the ball into his own net, and made it 3-0 to The Arsenal!!

The Gunners were determined not to allow us to catch our breath… and though I was fighting for oxygen, I was enjoying myself. Breathing is overrated anyway. (HAHA!)

Only a mere 27 minutes had passed, and as The Latics attempted to fix their Wigan Wheels, we interrupted their repairs, once again.

Norgaard the protagonist this time… put the ball under his spell, in his own half… and played a fantastic ball over the top, to the sprinting Gabriel Jesus. The Wigan keeper rushed off his line, to quell the striker’s intentions… but Jesus just dinked the ball over him nonchalantly, and then turned water into wine. An exquisite finish!! 4-0 to The Arsenal!!

The Gunners became the first Premier League team, to score 4 goals, in the opening 30 minutes of an FA Cup tie.

That’s how the first half finished anyway, with The Arsenal 4 goals to the good.

I expected a combination of a damage limitation exercise from Wigan, and a foot off the gas performance from The Gunners, in the second half… and that’s exactly what I got.

Gyokeres replaced Saka at half-time, as Saka’s not fully fit… However, even with the introduction of Gyokeres… firearms remained on safety, and Wigan’s wagon wheels, were restored to their former glory, except this time, they were made of bricks… instead of straw, and wet A4 paper.

Cruising, and just seeing the game out, Arteta made further substitutions. In the 62^nd minute, Marli Salmon replaced William Saliba. A second FA Cup appearance for Marli Salmon, after making a cameo against Portsmouth, in the previous round. An extremely proud moment for him… and for his family, and friends.

Leandro Trossard came on for the irrepressible, Noni Madueke… who scored for the third consecutive game. It’s great to see him show this kind of form, at the business end of the season… and long may it continue.

We had some nearly moments in the later stages of the game, the most memorable being a Gyokeres shot that hit the post… but ultimately, we finished the game in the first half.. so we didn’t have to exert ourselves too much. Energy, was conserved.

Martin Zubimendi replaced Benny Blanco in the 79^th minute, who I thought had a good game. Ben White is definitely back to his best, and I hope now that he can stay injury free.

We’re going to need EVERYONE in this gruelling title run-in, that’s for sure.

There was a wonderful moment in the 87^th minute, when the young goalkeeper Tommy Setford, came on for Kepa Arrizabalaga.

At just 19 years old, he’s made his FA Cup debut for the senior team. A proud, and surreal moment for him I imagine, and for his family, and friends.

As you’ve probably guessed, the match ended 4-0 to The Arsenal… and it was a much needed, feel good performance, after the Brentford result in the Premier League.

We played with a freedom, and a fluidity, that made us look like scoring, with every attack. Yes, I’ll have to caveat that “It’s only Wigan” but with the changes made to the starting line-up, and with players starting in unfamiliar positions… the cohesion, was impressive.

It was a stellar performance from Norgaard by the way, who controlled the midfield, and always tried to play the type of passes, that hurts the opposition.

There was also two assists from Eze, which will do his confidence a world of good, going into the next run of games. Hopefully, this is the start of us putting another winning run together.

Next up we face Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Molineux Stadium… and I’m wandering, if we can keep the wolves from our door. Hopefully, we leave them howling in despair.

Should Arteta play Saka more central, in the game against Wolves?

Does Arteta need to start playing more players, in different positions… or is that too big-a-risk?

Even with this latest injury to Kai Havertz, we still have multiple options in attack… who would you like to see in the frontline against Wolves?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. Thanks for reading, and COYG!!

Unrelenting, unforgiving, unpredictable, unwavering, uncontrollable. All words I’d use to describe the football calendar… and The Gunners must once again dig deep, and deal with a tough away game, against an inform Brentford team.

We have to put aside fatigue, doubt, injuries to key players, the possibility that Mancheatster City, could cut our lead at the top from 6 points, to 3 points.

All of those things must be put aside, as it’s outside noise… outside noise that we must mute, in order to make positive noise of our own.

We’re at the business end of the season, when only wins will do… so we have to be the buzzkill to The Bees. We have to avoid being stung, we have to keep The Bees at bay. Be the Beekeepers, if you will.

The starting line-up was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Mosquera, in central defence… due to Saliba being out with the flu. The ever-present Jurien Timber, continued at right-back.

In midfield, it was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze.

The front three was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

It was a miserable evening at the Gtech Stadium, with the rain threatening to make it a scrappy affair… and scrappy, it was.

The Gunners started the game woefully, and The Bees sensed weakness, and were determined to make honey. They were buzzing, and we showed no signs of being the buzzkill.

We gave the ball away sloppily, a nervousness suppressed the fluidity in our play, and cohesion seemed to of abandoned us.

I’m not going to say they players succumbed to the pressure, because that’s too easy… and anyway, these players have shown numerous times this season, that they not only perform under pressure, but they welcome it… they long for it… they embrace it.

I think the issue was a more simple explanation, there’s some tired legs out there. We’ve played a large number of games, in a short space of time, and due to injuries… Arteta hasn’t been able to rotate the squad, as much as he would’ve liked.

There honestly wasn’t anything of any note, to report in the first half… it was a hard watch, and silly fouls continuously interrupted play, for both teams.

It was a half for the set-piece purists. There were long throws, and there were corner-kicks, and then there were corner-kicks, and then long throws.

To say it was an extremely forgettable half of football, is an understatement. As you’ve probably been able to deduce by now, the first half finished 0-0.

Mikel Arteta brought on Martin Odegaard, for Eberechi Eze, and quite frankly… anyone could’ve been substituted, because the whole team played within themselves. We were awful.

The introduction of Odegaard, seemed to give the team a lift… but I think the “Lift” was down to Arteta, giving them a talking to at half-time.

These players should need little motivation to win this game, as we’re going for the Premier League title, but… what should, or shouldn’t happen… is often far removed from, what IS.

We looked slightly better in the second half, but we still lacked that killer instinct in the final third.

In the 61^st minute though, Piero Hincapie put a superb cross into the box… that was met by Noni Madueke. He jumped highest, and connected with the ball brilliantly, to guide a difficult header home. 1-0 to the Arsenal!!

Saka replaced Madueke in the 70^th minute, and we needed the substitution to be an impactful one.

Unfortunately, the lead was short lived… as in the 71^st minute, a Brentford throw-in caused chaos in the Arsenal box, and we failed to clear our lines… and the ball fell  to Lewis-Potter, who headed in from close range. 1-1 now the scoreline.

Excellent work from Brentford, and shocking defending, from the Gunners.

The introduction of Saka changed nothing, and we were still playing waaaaaay below our usual standard.

Brentford were the better team, and looked more like getting a winner, than us.

In the 81^st minute, Martinelli replaced Trossard, and Calafiori came on for Hincapie. Changes that I didn’t necessarily disagree with… but they were changes that I felt, were made too late.

There were chances from Declan Rice, and Martinelli late on… but ultimately, we simply didn’t do enough to win the game. It finished 1-1, and we were lucky to get out of there with a point. I have to be honest… The Bees deserved to win the game. I believe this will turn out to be a good point though.

Time is a super grasser, so…. I guess time will tell.

I’ll acknowledge that it was a terrible day at the office, but that’s football. That can happen in the most competitive league in the world. It’s time to review, and take stock… based on how badly we performed, but it’s NOT time for a meltdown.

It’s NOT time for kneejerk reactions. It’s NOT time for overly negative, analytical takes. It’s NOT time to lose faith in this brilliant team… and it’s most certainly NOT time, to be divided as a fanbase.

I’ve said this previously, we’re NOT going to win EVERY game. We’ll lose some, and we’ll draw some… and that’s ok. That happens, when you’re challenging for the title.

Please my Arsenal family… BREEEEEEAAAAAATHEEE… and then BREEEEEEAAAAAATHEE, again.

We’re still 4 points ahead of Mancheatster City, at the top of the league… and we’re there for a reason. Do NOT allow the PTSD from previous seasons, to cloud your judgement, or make you listen to the outside noise. Our team need us NOW, more than EVER!

We have to ensure that our anxiety doesn’t filter down to the players. They need encouragement, they need unshakable faith, and they need to know… that the fanbase won’t be on a downward spiral into despair, after every loss, or draw.

Perspective is needed. Context is needed. Level heads, are needed.

Next up, we face Wigan in the FA Cup, at the Emirates Stadium. A welcome distraction from the league, I feel. A morale boosting, convincing win, is what’s needed… and I’m sure The Arsenal, will give us what we need.

Do you have anything to add to my match analysis?

Do you feel the players are succumbing to the immense pressure?

What needs to change in our attack, to be more dangerous in the final third?

Does Arteta need to be more adventurous in his tactics?

Let me know in the comments, as usual… and thanks for reading. COYG!!!

The Emirates Stadium is once again the venue, but this time for a Premier League fixture, against Sunderland.

The Black Cats have shown on multiple occasions this season, that they’re more than capable of mixing it with the “Big Teams”.

They held us to a 2-2 draw, when we played them at the Stadium of Light, and the memory of that game… should keep any Arsenal complacency at bay.

Sunderland are on the back of a 3-0 win against Burnley, and The Arsenal are on the back of a dramatic 1-0 semi-final win… over Chelsea, in the Carabao Cup… so both teams will be fairly confident, going into this match.

Our fans were in full voice, and immediately dispelled any notions, that it would be a tense, anxious atmosphere.

Instead, there was belief in the air, and a level of certainty… that we’d put in an professional performance. A prrrrfect pawformance, against The Black Cats.

The line-up was David Raya in goal, Timber at right-back, Saliba and Gabriel, in central defence, and Calafiori at left-back.

In front of them, was a midfield trio of Havertz, Zubimendi, and Rice.

The front three was Madueke on the right, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Trossard on the left.

We started the game determined to remind Sunderland, that they are at the home of the champions elect. Our movement, and slick passing, were hand-in-hand, like newlyweds… and The Gunners, were ready for the first dance.

Warning shots from Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz were fired… but not before The Black Cats had a chance of their own… when David Raya fluffed his attempt to catch the ball, and it resulted in a Sunderland shot. Fortunately though, the shot was blocked, and cleared away, by Kai Havertz.

The Arsenal responded pawfectly in the 42^nd minute, when Trossard squared the ball to Zumbimendi, near the edge of the box… and Zoobaaah-Zoobaaah, struck the ball beautifully, with the outside of his right foot. The ball kissed the post tenderly, on it’s was past the Sunderland keeper. A world class finish, that made it 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

The Black Cats were in a low block, but to their credit… they showed ambition, and tried to attack us. This meant more space than usual, for our attackers to exploit.

Havertz did just that, when deep in his own half, he put a defence-splitting through ball, into the space for Jesus.  As Jesus sprinted into the box, with the goal at his mercy… and ready to pull the trigger… he was bundled over by the Sunderland defender, Daniel Ballard. We thought we had a penalty, but after a VAR check, Gabriel Jesus was deemed to be offside.

The Black Cats survive by their whiskers, but I’m pretty sure they lost at least 4 of their 9 lives.

Unfortunately we couldn’t add to our goal tally, and the curtain dropped on the first half, with The Gunners leading 1-0.

Sunderland had some “Nearly moments” early in the second half, when we were careless with the ball, a few times… but defending as a team, all over the pitch, ensured the ball was recovered quickly.

A whisper from the clock in the 60^th minute, encouraged Mikel Arteta to make substitutions.

On came Martinelli for Madueke, and Gyokeres replaced Gabriel Jesus.

In the 66^th minute, Trossard intercepted a Sunderland pass, and threaded the ball through to Havertz. He cut it back to Gyokeres… and although Gyokeres was off balance, he finished the move with aplomb, as he was falling over. A powerful right foot finish. 2-0 to the Arsenal!!

Another Havertz assist to Gyokeres, and the chemistry between them, seems to be getting better, and better. Long may it continue!!

As both Calafiori, and Havertz, have not long returned of injury… they were replaced by Hincapie, and Eze, respectively.

Due to The Black Cats having to go for it now, there was space all over the pitch. The game had opened up… but The Gunners wanted closing time.

We were dominant, and The Black Cats were looking like they’d be quite happy for the referee to end the match early, to prevent further torment, from the Arsenal laser pen.

In the 93^rd minute, a Norgaard clearance fell kindly for Martinelli… and still in his own half, he flicked the ball over the Sunderland left-back Reinildo, and sprinted past him. As he entered the Sunderland box, he unselfishly squared the ball to Gyokeres, who tapped the ball into an empty net. It was classic breakaway goal. 3-0 to The Arsenal!! That’s a brace for Gyokeres, from the bench, and that’s now 6 goals, in 8 games, for him.

All the ignorami who relentlessly tried to force the false narrative, that Gyokeres isn’t a good player, are looking rather stupid right now.

They’ll continue to look stupid, and Gyokeres will continue to let his football do the talking.

Aaaaaanywhoooo… the match finished 3-0 to us, and it was a deserved win. A professional win. A win to underline our mental strength. A win once again showing our squad depth, and that it’s abundantly clear… regardless of who starts for Arsenal, they’re all singing from the same hymn sheet… and they’re singing, beautifully.

Next up, we have a tricky away game against Brentford… and I’m sure The Bees will be eager to sting us. We’ll have to bee-keeper them, at bay… and take the 3 point shaped honeycomb.

Do you agree with my match analysis?

Will Gyokeres continue scoring?

Are you concerned about Mancheatster City catching us?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. COYG!!

Another big game, another big opportunity… and another London Derby.

The Emirates host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, and they better wipe their feet, before they enter the home of their superiors.

With regards to domestic success, The Blues are nothing more than our subordinates… and it’s time to put them back in their place, AGAIN.

They buzz around, make a lot of noise, but it’s often short-lived… just like the Bluebottle Fly.

Well, The Gunners have just the spray of passes, to bring that “Buzz” to an abrupt end.

We’re 3-2 up from the first leg, and yes it should’ve been more… but we still have a 1 goal advantage, nonetheless.

The Arsenal are on the back of thumping Leeds 4-0, in their own house. We disrespected them. We didn’t wipe our feet upon entry, we made sandwiches, and brushed crumbs on the floor, we finished all their juice… and we helped ourselves to their Netflix password.

The Blues are on the back of a narrow, flukey, chaotic, 3-2 win… over a struggling, West Ham team.

It’s been well documented that form goes out the window, in derby games… but I have a feeling that this game will be different. The Arsenal will simply have too much for the Bluebottles, and if the spray of passing doesn’t get them, the set-piece swatter… WILL.

There were three changes to the starting line-up, from the team that obliterated Leeds United… and because of the sheer volume of games, it’s imperative that we try to freshen things up for each competition.

Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, Timber right-back, Saliba and Gabriel, in the centre of defence…  and Hincapie at left-back.

The midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and the front three was… Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

I LOVE the fact that there’s 2 ex-Chelsea players in this line-up. They HAVE TO use the feelings of rejection from their old club, as a positive, to fuel thee performance of their lives… for The Arsenal.

The Emirates faithful were in full voice, and Chelsea had to not only deal with a cauldron of an atmosphere… but they had to also deal with being a goal down in this tie.

Our start to the game was excellent!! The Blues could only stand and admire, our attacking prowess, as we moved through them effortlessly… like a warm knife through butter, just like ‘Brick-Top’ said, in the movie ‘Snatch’. (Hahaha!)

Unfortunately, because of Chelsea’s defensive mindset, the slick football didn’t last long. Chelsea were 3-2 down in the tie, and despite needing a goal, they played 5 defenders at the back, they sat deep, and lacked ambition going forward.

On the rare occasions when they did go forward, we limited them to speculative shots, from way outside the box. It was evident that we were the much better team, and it was evident that The Blues were scared to death, to play football against us.

Maybe Chelsea were confused, and they thought NOT scoring, somehow aided their cup final ambitions. (HAHAH!)

Aaaaanywhooo… With Chelsea absolutely petrified, the game WASN’T much of a spectacle, and The Arsenal started to relax. The onus was on The Blues to attack US… we didn’t need to take any unnecessary risks… and we showed great professionalism, and great game management.

It was very much stop, start, in the game… and The Bluebottles buzzed around, and made it a scrappy affair. The Gunners remained unbothered, and patted their subordinates on the head, for their underwhelming efforts.

It was much of a muchness, in the first half, and it finished 0-0.

Of course I wanted to see our free-flowing football, and I wanted to see more goals for us… BUT, I also understood, that it was a “Want” and NOT a “Need”.

We did most of our hard work, when we beat them at Stamford Bridge… Again, the onus was on Chelsea.

The second half was more of the same… Chelsea continued to defend a 3-2 deficit, and we continued to be in a winning position.

Arteta made changes in the 69^th minute, when Trossard replaced Madueke, and Kai Havertz came on for Gyokeres.

Again though…. NOTHING changed. It still wasn’t a spectacle, Chelsea were still petrified to play football, and the minutes still ticked away, nonchalantly.

Chelsea in the last 10-15 minutes of the match, remembered that they need a goal.

The Blues’ sudden willingness to attack, left spaces for The Arsenal to exploit… and exploit it, we did.

Martinelli was brought down by Chalobah in the box, but for reasons unbeknown to me… the referee decided that it WASN’T a penalty. It was then checked by VAR, and they mirrored the referee’s incompetence.

I shouldn’t be used to incompetence from the officials, but I am. Arsenal are just refereed differently… and I have a plethora of examples, to back up that statement… but meh, what good would it do?

We refused to feel sorry for ourselves, and got on with playing with our subordinates.

The clock approached the 90^th minute, and the official held the board aloft, that displayed 7 minutes of injury time. I have no idea where on earth that time came from, but I just chalked it up to more awful, official… officiating.

We persisted with our swatting of the Bluebottles, with our dogged defending… but in the 97^th minute, we caught Chelsea with a classic counter-attack.

Hincapie thwarted a potentially dangerous ball into the box, with an excellent defensive header. Trossard picked up the ball, and played it quickly to Rice on the left. Rice saw Kai Havertz making a gut-busting run through the middle… and played a wonderful pass with his weaker left foot… effortlessly.

Kai Havertz bearing down on goal, had Martinelli in close proximity… and Havertz used him as a decoy, faking like he was going to pass to him… and then skipped around the onrushing keeper, and slotted the ball into the empty net. It was 1-0 to The Arsenal!! It was an incredibly composed finish from Havertz, it was 4-2 on aggregate, and it was Arsenal into our first cup final, for 6 years!!

The Emirates erupted, and players ran off the bench to celebrate with Havertz. Arteta and the coaching staff roared joyfully, and embraced… enjoying the fruits of their labour. It was pandemonium, and beautiful to witness.

Kai Havertz delivering the fatal blow to his old club, rubbed salt into the Chelsea wounds, and him pointing at the Arsenal badge during his goal celebration… poured vinegar, into said wounds.

With The Blues well and truly back in their inferior box, thoughts turn back towards the Premier League. We face Sunderland at home, and we’ll need to ensure the Black Cats don’t land on their feet, after falling to our formidable football.

We’ll need to end all of their 9 lives, to obtain those precious 3 points.

Do you have anything to add to my match analysis?

Who would you prefer to play in the final, Mancheatster City, or Newcastle?

Will we win the cup regardless of the opposition, because we’re just THAT good?

Let me know in the comments, as usual. COYG!!

The venue, Elland Road… The opposition, Leeds United… the amount of pressure we’re under to win this game, unquantifiable.

The Whites are on the back of a 1-1 draw with Everton, away from home… and we’re on the back of a soul destroying home defeat, to Manchester United.

The bitter taste is still hanging around, and the wounds are trying to heal… but they’re still seeping.

3 points for The Arsenal, comes with miraculous healing properties.

Let’s leed Leeds on a merry dance, and remind ourselves, and the footballing world, that we’re the leeders of the pack, for a reason.

We have to leave The Whites, stained. Stained with the type of defeat, that doesn’t come out in the wash.

The team selection will be interesting, because Odegaard has come in for a bit of criticism lately, because by his own high standards, he hasn’t been playing well.

Does that open the door for Eze, I wonder.

Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz, were linking up well against Kairat, in the Champions League… and I’m thinking that Mikel Arteta should lean into that.

The point is… with everyone fit, and us not looking particularly dangerous in attack… Arteta has A LOT more things to ponder.

The starting line-up was, David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

The midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Kai Havertz. I wanted Havertz to start over Odegaard, but I didn’t think Arteta would do it. Just goes to show how much I know. (Haha!)

Kai Havertz started his first Premier League game, for almost a year.

Up front it was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right. Madueke was called into the team late, due to Saka getting injured in the warm-up, just before kick-off. Yes… ANOTHER injury.

Mikel Merino is also a casualty, as he fractured a bone in his foot… and requires surgery. He’ll probably be out for the remainder of the season.

That’s a huge blow, as he’s so versatile, and he’s a great finisher too.

The atmosphere was hostile, the Leed’s players were flying into tackles, and it was all set up… for us to slip-up, on the proverbial banana skin.

The Gunners looked up for this match though… and we were moving the ball like we had a point to prove. Like there was more than 3 points at stake… Like we wanted to silence the doubters, and also remind the Arsenal faithful, that we’re an excellent team… and we won’t let a couple of bad results, derail our season.

In the 27^th minute, Madueke created space for himself on the right, and put a teasing cross into the box. Zubimendi glanced the ball in, with a lovely header. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

I was especially happy for Martin Zubimendi, because it was his mistake which led to Manchester United’s first goal, last week.

Leeds were now struggling to get out of their own half, and the decibels from the Leeds fans, dropped dramatically.

The clocked displayed 38 minutes played, and we earned a corner. Madueke curled in the corner, and the goalkeeper punched his own player, trying to prevent the ball from going in. He failed spectacularly… and Madueke had scored directly from a corner. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

That’s a goal, and an assist, for Madueke… who’d been giving The Whites’ backline, a torrid time.

The first half ended 2-0 to us, and it could’ve been more.

Leeds have only suffered 1 defeat, in 10 games, so they’re a team in form… and they’re exceptionally good at home. We made them look average on their own patch, and I sensed that there were more goals in the game for us.

In the second half, we picked up where we left off. Leeds were chasing shadows, and couldn’t cope with our physicality, our movement, and the quickness in our play.

61 minutes had now passed, and Arteta took the opportunity to rest some players, and give minutes to others.

Martinelli replaced Madueke, and Odegaard replaced Kai Havertz.

There were glimpses of the link-up play, between Gyokeres, and Havertz… But also signs of signs of rustiness from Havertz, which is understandable, because he’d out for 4 months.

He’ll continue to build his minutes up gradually, until his match sharpness returns, and he gets used to playing 2-3 games a week again.

In the 69^th minute, Martinelli made his marker look ridiculous, with his twists, and turns… then he crossed the ball in, with his weaker foot. His cross was met by Viktor Gyokeres… who outmuscled the defender that was holding him, and while almost falling down, he stretched out a leg, and put the ball in the net. It was a proper striker’s finish. 3-0 to The Arsenal!! That’s goodnight, and sleep tight, for Leeds United.

Mikel Arteta made more changes in the 75^th minute.

Gabriel Jesus came on for Gyokeres, and Calafiori replaced Hincapie.

In the 81^st minute, Eze replaced Trossard.

Odegaard was orchestrating the midfield, and showed glimpses of his old self, with some defence splitting passes. One of those passes found Gabriel Jesus, in the Leeds box, and with his back to goal. Jesus turned the defender brilliantly, and sent him for refreshments against his will… and then fired the ball in. It was a great, powerful, accurate finish… that gave the keeper no chance. 4-0 to The Arsenal!!… and that’s how the match finished.

The Whites, well and truly… stained.

An incredible performance from The Gunners, at a tough ground, and under immense pressure to get the result. We once again showed our mental strength, as we have done… all season long.

It was a professional, morale boosting, form building win. A win that reinforces our credibility, as potential champions.

Next, we face Chelsea at The Emirates, for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

We’re just 90 minutes away, from reaching our first cup final in 7 years.

First thing’s first though… Do you have anything to add to my match analysis?

Was Arteta right to bench Odegaard for this game?

Should we try to get someone in on loan, to cover Mikel Merino’s injury?

As usual, let me know in the comments. COYG!!

I know the wounds from the Manchester United defeat are still gaping, but here we are back in the Champions League, with barely enough time to dress said wounds.

A win against Kairat, would most certainly put us on the road to recovery.

Kairat sit bottom of the Champions League table, and haven’t won a single game. This could be quite the morale boosting demolition, IF… we put them to the sword, like we’re supposed to.

Arteta will most certainly make changes, and even though football isn’t played on paper… on paper… we’re supposed to destroy this team, regardless of our starting line-up.

After the defeat to YANITED, I felt we may need to try something different. Maybe tweak the system slightly, and give other players, an extended run in the team. Be more adventurous in our play, and sacrifice our possession based football, for being more direct.

Allow our attacking players, to express themselves more.

As we’ve practically already won the league phase of the Champions League, THIS is the perfect game, for experimentation… and I hope Mikel Arteta, sees it the same way.

Let’s have our Kairat Cake, and eat it too. (HAHAHA)

It was a much changed lineup, with Kepa in goal… Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Calafiori, and Mosquera, in central defence… and Ben White at right-back.

The midfield trio was, Eze, Norgaard, and Havertz.

Up front, it was Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

A more than capable team, to invoke destruction, and restore pride.

It only took 2 minutes for us to take the lead… after a great through ball from Havertz, found Gyokeres… and he took a touch, fought off the defender, and his finish was clinical. 1-0 to the Arsenal!!

I thought to myself, here we go… the demolition is underway. Calafiori though, had other ideas, and he gave away a needless penalty in the 5^th minute.

I was absolutely FURIOUS!!! I couldn’t believe we shot ourselves in the foot, YET AGAIN!!

Why do we hate our feet so much?!?!

Anywhoooo… Monteiro scored the resulting penalty for Kairat, and made it 1-1 (Unfortunately)

We responded brilliantly, and were zipping the ball around. It was abundantly clear, that Kairat were inferior opposition.

The Emirates surface was pleased, to have such football played upon it.

In the 15^th minute, Benny Blanco played a sumptuous pass, with the outside of his right boot, from deep inside his own half… up to Kai Havertz.

Havertz charging towards the box, cut in from the right, moved the ball onto his left foot, and capitalised on the space Gyokeres created for him… and smashed the ball home.

A great move, and an even better finish. 2-1 to the Arsenal!!! It was good see Kai Havertz looking so sharp, and getting on the scoresheet, after such a torrid time with injuries.

In the 36^th minute, Benny Blanco was involved again… when he carried the ball towards their box, laid it off to Norgaard, who flicked the ball first time, into the path of Gyokeres.

Gyokeres cut the ball back across goal, and Martinelli tapped the ball in from close range.

The goal was initially chalked off for offside, but after an intervention from VAR, the goal was given. That’s 6 goals for Martinelli now, in 8 Champions League games. He’s been excellent, in this first phase of the competition.

Demolition, well and truly, back on. 3-1 to the Arsenal!!

Every time we went forward, we looked like scoring, but some wayward finishing, prevented us from increasing our goals tally.

The first half finished 3-1 to The Gunners.

Arteta made half-time changes… and brought on Odegaard for Havertz, and Hincapie, for Calafiori.

Both Havertz, and Calafiori, have just come back from injury, so the changes made sense.

We continued to dominate the opposition, but it was evident that The Gunners, had forgotten how to shoot. We were locked, but we weren’t loaded. We missed chance, after chance, after chance.

Yes we played a second string team, but missing chances that we should be burying, is becoming a theme… and I’m concerned, because against better teams… we may pay dearly for our carelessness, in front of goal.

Gabriel Jesus replaced Gyokeres in the 77^th minutes, and 17 year old forward, Brando Bailey-Joseph, replaced Martinelli.

A wonderful moment for Bailey-Joseph, and his family… and credit to Arsenal’s academy.

More time passed, more chances were squandered, and more frustration slapped me in the face.

In the 88^th minute Jesus put the ball in the net, after a decent move, but it was ruled out for offside.

The 89^th minute saw the Arsenal academy hailed again, with the introduction of 18 year old midfielder, Ife Ibrahim. Brilliant for him, and his family.

Just as I was accepting the 3-1 scoreline, in the 94^th minute of injury time… Ricardinho headed the ball in, after a good cross, and some sloppy defended from us.

The score now, 3-2… and that’s how the game finished. 3-2 to The Arsenal… But it should’ve been so much more.

As frustrating as it was though, to concede 2 goals , and not score more goals of our own… the result made it 8 wins from 8 in the Champions League, and it was also Mikel Arteta’s 200^th win as Arsenal manager.

Incredible achievement, and it’d be nice to top off all of these records, with the big-eared trophy.

We’re away to Leeds United next, in the Premier League. We’ll have to deal with the hostile Elland Road crowd, and take ALL 3 points!! COYG!!

First things first though, do you agree with my match analysis?

Were there signs that Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres, have an understanding on the pitch, and should play together more?

Are you concerned about the number of chances that we’re missing?

Let me know in the comments as usual, and thanks for reading!

The Premier League has resumed, ladies and gentleman… and for the long time readers, I know you’ve heard it all before… but for the newbies… we’re BACK to the bread and butter.

We’re back to the competition, that I want us to win the most!

There’s NOTHING like being crowned champions, after being the best team, over a 38 game period. I don’t tire of saying it.

We host Manchester United. We host YANITED. We host The Red Devils, at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal have to make devilled eggs out of The Red Devils, and then use their own pitchfork, to eat them.

Manchester United haven’t beaten us for a while, but that doesn’t mean they’re not capable of doing it. We’ll need to have our wits about us, and will need to be at our sparkling best, to get the result we desire… especially as The Red Devils are on the back of a 2-0 win, over Mancheatster City.

We’re on the back of a 3-1 win over Inter Milan, AND, we’re at home… so we’ll be supremely confident too.

Our rivalry goes back to the Fergie vs Wenger days, when Arsene Wenger was new to the league, and dared to have a brand new football philosophy…and then dared still, to challenge Alex Ferguson, and his Manchester United machine.

There’s no love lost, there’s no love found, there’s no love up, and there’s no love down.

I want us to batter them, like they were a savoury food, in a chip shop.

First things first though, the lineup.

David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel, and Saliba, in central defence, and Timber at right-back.

The midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Odegaard.

Up front, it was Trossard on the left, Jesus through the middle, and Saka on the right.

I’m sure you’ve noticed, that I never do the lineup for the other team…and that’s because… who cares! This is an Arsenal blog… the rest, are insignificant! (HAHAHAH)

The Arsenal faithful were in full voice, and their vocals boomed through the Emirates Stadium. Their roars, shaking the very foundations, of this footballing colosseum.

The stage was set, for a gladiatorial encounter.

We started the game tremendously, and the Man United players, had the deer caught in headlights look, etched all over their faces.

The Gunners meant business, and I leaned forward in my chair, eager to witness their business model.

We were in complete control, and our quick, incisive passing, and elusive movement… reminded the Red Devils, that they were facing a proper team.

In the 29^th minute, we got our just rewards… when a ball into the box from Hincapie, was touched on delicately by Saka, and Odegaard’s miss-kick, fell to Timber… who appeared to put the ball in from close range.

Upon closer inspection though, it was deemed to be an own goal from the Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martinez.  1-0 to The Arsenal!!

Our jubilation was short lived though, because just 8 minutes later, Martin Zubimendi made an uncharacteristic mistake… when he passed the ball across our goal, and directly into the path of Bryan Mbeumo… who sickeningly, slotted the ball in, with great composure. It was 1-1.

Now, I didn’t expect an easy game, but I didn’t expect the Arsenal foot, to be riddled with bullet wounds from our own guns, either.

The first half ended honours even… and 1-1 didn’t feel like a fair reflection of the game, but that’s on us, because our dominance in the first 30 minutes, should’ve meant more goals.

Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve… I guess.

When we came out for the second half, it looked as though we were still reeling, from the mistake which led to the YANITED equaliser.

We needed clearer, cooler heads, to navigate our way through the remainder of this game.

It was time for mentality to take precedence, over physicality.

The Arsenal players seemed to be giving nervousness, and doubt, a piggyback, at the same time… and it was borne out in our play.

Simple passes were being missed, tackles weren’t being made, our movement became static… and our energy seemed to dissipate.

The Red Devils started to look like the better team, and they confirmed it in the 50^th minute, when Patrick Dorgu blasted a left foot strike, from the edge of the box, past David Raya. 2-1 to Manchester United.

I expected a positive response, but quite frankly, our play became much worse after that… and too many of our “Big players” made themselves small. They were just not visible, to the naked eye.

Mikel Arteta made changes in the 58^th minute, and in my opinion… he should’ve made them sooner.

Ben White replaced Piero Hincapie, Gyokeres came in for Jesus, Merino replaced Odegaard, and Eberechi Eze, came on for Zubimendi.

Full credit to Arteta, for the number of substitutions he made, in an attempt to regain control of the game, and to reignite the fire we showed in the first half… but I feel the players were letting him down in this match.

Nothing changed in our play. We still lacked belief, we still played within ourselves, and The Red Devils, still looked like the better team.

In the 75^th minute, Madueke replaced Trossard, and I, like Arteta, was hoping his introduction, would cause chaos to the opposition’s tired legs. It didn’t.

A corner in the 84^th minute, taken by Saka, caused a bit of a goalmouth scramble, and Mikel Merino, poked the ball home from close range. 2-2 now.

Again though, cheers quickly turned to tears, when Matheus Cunha picked up the ball in the 87^th minute… and unleashed a ferocious shot, from waaaaay outside the box, that flew past Raya.

It was a fantastic goal from Cunha, and I wish I could say that YANITED didn’t deserve that, but I’d be lying. 3-2 to The Red Devils… and it felt like, we let evil win.

I thought we’d make devilled eggs out of them, but instead… WE cracked.

The match finished 3-2 to them… and it was another unacceptable performance in the league, for us. On the back of two consecutive 0-0 draws, it’s concerning yes… but disastrous, no. An emphatic, NO!!

Perspective is needed, and reactionary, PTSD takes, need to on the back burner.

That’s only our third league defeat of the season, we’re still top by four points, we’re top of the Champions League, we’re still in the FA Cup, and we’re in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.

The season is a long one, and the journey to success, is even longer. There’s going to be bumps in the road, and we’ll change our tyres, and keep on driving.

Accept it was wasn’t a good performance, but also accept that we’ve had, and are STILL having, a good season. We’re still fighting for silverware in all competitions, and we STILL have a chance to turn a good season, into a GREAT season.

BELIEVE!!!

Next up, we have a Champions League game against Kairat, at the Emirates Stadium.

This is the perfect game to bounce back, as Kairat are bottom of the Champions League, and haven’t won a single game, in the competition.

We need to rack up the goals against them, boost morale, and dispel all thoughts of Manchester United.

Do you think we’re succumbing to the pressure?

Do you agree that the players let Arteta down, in this game?

Are we going to win the league?

What would you change, to get more from our attackers?

As usual, let me know in the comments. COYG!!!

For those who may of forgotten, The Gunners still sit top of the Champions League table, and we’re 3 points above second placed, Bayern Munich.

With only 2 games remaining in the group stage, and a guaranteed top 2 finish, Arteta can afford to rest players. Now whether he does, or not… is a different thing entirely.

We’re hosted by Inter Milan, at the San Siro… and even though we don’t have to win the game, I want to win the game, to banish all thoughts of the Forest performance, completely from memory.

I want us to beat them convincingly. I want us to give them a good kicking. The type of kicking, that Bruce Lee would be proud of.  Inter The Dragon! (HAHAHA)

Let’s be interstellar!! Let’s be so otherworldly, that interstellar… is the only suitable description of our performance.

I need every shot, to intermingle, with the back of the Inter Milan net.

Ok, ok, I’m done playing with the Inter name… for now.

Let’s get down to business.

Arsenal are on the back of a 0-0 draw, away to Nottingham Forest, and Inter Milan are on the back of a 1-0 win… away to Udinese.

There were changes to the Arsenal lineup, as suspected.

David Raya, started in goal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Mosquera, and Saliba, in central defence… and, Timber at right-back.

In midfield, it was Eze, Zubimendi, and Merino.

The front three was, Trossard on the left, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Saka on the right.

It was sensible to rest players, but to still field a team strong enough to compete with Inter Milan… and Arteta’s done exactly that.

Hopefully we won’t look too disjointed, because of all the changes… and we’ll still be interconnected, in our play. (I snuck another one in there, and I’m not sorry)

We started the game significantly better, than we did against Nottingham Forest, and it warmed my football shaped heart.

The Gunners brandished all their firearms, pointed them at Inter, and let the football world know, we’re prepared to use them.

We were fearless, we were ruthless, and we were unrelenting, in our direct play.

Inter had no time on the ball, and when we had possession… our passing was precise, intelligent, and we looked hungry for goals.

Inter Milan had no choice, but to prepare a table for us… because it was clear we would only accept a serving of goals, and we were immovable, on our will to dine.

In the 10^th minute, some sustained possession , took us to the edge of their box. A scuffed shot from Timber, fell into the path of Jesus… and he instinctively stretched out a leg, and slid the ball home. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!… and it was Gabriel Jesus’ first goal in the Champions League, for 2 years.

It was also our 400^th goal in Europe… and It was fitting that it was scored by Gabriel Jesus, because he’s been so unlucky with injuries. I imagine that even people who DON’T support Arsenal, are happy for him.

Inter responded to our goal well, and they started seeing more of the ball.

In the 18^th minute, the brilliant Mosquera, blocked a couple of shots, in quick succession… but unfortunately, the loose ball fell to the Inter midfielder, Petar Sucic… and he absolutely, BURIED IT! He hit a thunderous strike, from outside the box. There was no chance for David Raya, it was just a great goal.

Sickeningly, the scoreline was 1-1.

It was our turn to respond well to conceding a goal, and we did it, by regaining control of the game.

We kept possession, we stroked the ball around, and quietened down the inter crowd, and tried to take the sting out of the game.

We created a couple of half-chances, with Eze’s shot being the most memorable, as he should’ve done a lot better with it.

Inter though, were putting up more of a resistance. How very dare they!!

We earned a corner in the 31^st minute, that was taken by Bukayo Saka… and he swung in a deep corner, that Trossard headed back across goal. The ball seemed to pick out Jesus, after clipping the crossbar, and he headed the ball in from close range. A second goal for Jesus, and 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

The set-piece kings once again,  forced the football world… to pay reluctant homage, to our dead-ball greatness.

A shot from Saka in the 37^th minute, should’ve been passed to Jesus, who made a great run into the box.

Saka tormented Inter Milan down their right side, for the whole first half though, so he’s allowed a few wayward shots, I suppose.

The first half finished 2-1 to the Gunners, and it was a quite brilliant performance form us.

Inter came out in the second half, almost looking offended, that we dared to be much better than them, on their own ground.

We dealt with their attacking threat well, and limited them to hopeful longshots, or just snuffed out their build-up play in the midfield.

Once again, The Arsenal frustrated their opponents, by keeping the ball.

Inter Milan had  some passages of play, but said passages, led to nowhere.

Arteta decided to freshen things up in the 64^th minute, when he brought on Benny Blanco for Timber, and Declan Rice, for Eberechi Eze.

I get the substitutions, as it was Arteta just trying to sure things up, and ensuring that players get minutes in their legs, so they stay sharp for upcoming fixtures.

The 75^th minute, saw the introduction of Gyokeres , for Jesus… and Gabriel Magalhaes, replacing Mosquera.

Now considering this was Mosquera’s first start, since returning from injury… I have to say, he was nothing short of spectacular. He had great composure on the ball, he was brave, he made key tackles, and blocks… and just wasn’t fazed in any way, by the occasion.

He showed a defensive maturity, way beyond his years… as he often does. Again, he’s been a great acquisition, to this Arsenal squad.

In the 79^th minute, Trossard made way for Martinelli.

As Marinelli has been so good in the Champions League this season, I expected a moment of magic from him… and I wasn’t disappointed.

As the clock displayed 84 minutes, Martinelli spotted a great run from Gyokeres… and from deep inside his own half, Martinelli played a sumptuous ball, with the outside of his right boot… that fell perfectly for Gyokeres.

Gyokeres controlled the ball brilliantly, and laid it off to Saka.

Saka miss-kicked the ball, and it still went to Gyokeres… who dispatched the ball expertly, from the outside of the box. It was a wonderful strike!! 3-1 to The Arsenal!!… and an accidental assist, from Bukayo Saka. He’s THAT good, he provides assists, accidentally! A generational talent!

I’m so happy that Gyokeres not only scored, but he scored a GREAT goal. He’s muted his critics, and I love it!!

Another player who muted their critics, is Myles Lewis-Skelly. He was excellent, and looked back to his best, after a nervous start.

His passing was good, his tackling was good, he was assured on the ball, and he was in-tune with the players around him.

I told the cynics, that all Lewis-Skelly needed was a run of games, and I was right. I’m extremely happy for him.

The match finished 3-1 to us, and what a result!! What a performance!! What a statement, to the rest of Europe!!

That was our 7^th Champions League win, in 7 games… which is a new club record. We’ve scored 20 goals in that time, and have only conceded 2 goals, and it was our first win in Italy, since 2008.

This team constantly surpasses expectations, and casually sets new club records. I must say, I’ve been smiling like a proud father, for most of this season… and I know that there’s A LOT more greater moments to come.

Do you have anything to add to my match analysis?

Is our European dominance, being played down by the football media?

As both strikers scored against Inter, who should start the next game?

Let me know in the comments people, as usual.

We now turn our attention to Manchester United, who we host at the Emirates Stadium, on Sunday.

A HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE, GAAAAAAME!!!!

There’s no love lost between The Arsenal, and YANITED… and I’m sure the history between the two clubs, will resurface, leading up to the game.

Nothing less than 3 points please Gunners. Let’s shoot the Red Devils down. COYG!!