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After our European heroics, we’re back to Premier League business, and we’re back at the Emirates. It feels like it’s been a while… and we face a difficult game against Bournemouth.

Our games against The Cherries, are very seldom straight forward, and I’m expecting this game to be more of the same.

We have a chance to go 12 points clear at the top of the league, with a win… and this would put immense pressure on Mancheatster City, who play a day after us… and face Chelsea away.

I’m expecting no favours from Chelsea though, so we have to ensure that we do OUR job, and collect all 3 points.

The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Ben White continued at right-back.

In midfield it was Rice, Zubimendi, and Havertz… and the front 3 was Martinelli on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

I was hoping we’d see Havertz, and Gyokeres linking up to devastating effect in this game… as we’ve seen glimpses of an attacking understanding between them, but due to injuries, or Arteta’s team selection… we haven’t seen it enough.

Mikel Arteta called on the fans to create a great atmosphere for the players, which they tried to do… but nervousness, and tension, were also seated amongst the Arsenal faithful.

We started the match well enough, but I noticed early on that there was a lack of urgency to get the ball forward, but more focus on keeping the ball… and just passing side-to-side, which is an unwanted, familiar pattern of play, that hasn’t served us well of late.

Concern sat down next to me, and we watched the proceedings unfold, together.

Bournemouth were encouraged by our tentative approach, and they started playing some good football, and were committing players forward… and in the 17^th minute, they got their just rewards.

We failed to deal with their deflected cross, and Kroupi finished from close range. 1-0 to The Cherries, and we were well, and truly… popped.

The response I wanted to see wasn’t forthcoming, and concern was now sipping my drink, while despair made itself a sandwich.

Bournemouth now looked in control of the game, and I was cherry upset, to say the least.

In the 35^th minute, The Arsenal were given a lifeline… when the referee awarded a penalty, after the ball struck a wayward, Bournemouth hand. Thank you cherry much!!

Gyokeres stepped up, and confidently despatched the penalty. 1-1 now the scoreline, we were back in it!

Hope smiled at me nervously, but the type of football we were playing… kept confidence outside, and reluctantly peering in through the rose-tinted window.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t build any momentum after our equaliser, and apart from Declan Rice, and Lewis-Skelly, too many players simply weren’t good enough! 1-1 the first half finished, and the scoreline flattered us… THAT’S how bad we were.

Like a tailor, Mikel Arteta had his work cut out for him… and his half-time team talk needed to be a dapper 3-piece suit, made of belief, desire, and attacking potency.

The second half started, and just like when you pay the exact amount tendered… there was no change.

Nearly moments, and half chances, began to offend… rather than generate optimism. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. We were wasteful, we were losing duels all over the pitch, we couldn’t play simple passes, and for the first time this season… it looked like the pressure got to us. The same players who got us to this great position in the season, were unrecognisable.

In the 54th minute, Arteta made a triple substitution.

Trossard came on for Martinelli, Max Dowman replaced Madueke, and Eberrechi Eze, came on for Havertz.

The Cherries were the better team before the substitutions, and they were still the better team, after the substitutions… and credit to them, because they didn’t just park the bus, they played really good football, and we had no answers to their footballing questions.

We were put out of our misery in the 74^th minute, when Alex Scott made it 2-1 to Bournemouth, after an Evanilson pass found him… and though there was ample time on the clock, I saw no signs of even salvaging a draw, let alone winning the game.

Mosquera replaced White, and Jesus came on for Zubimendi, in the 76^th minute. The latter substitution was apt, because we needed a miracle.

The miracle didn’t happen, and the match finished 2-1 to The Cherries.

Defeats can happen, home, or away… but when the manner of the defeat is like THIS, it’s a lot harder to take.

It was terrible team performance collectively, and Gyokeres working hard, and Declan Rice having a good game, couldn’t save us.

Eze tried to make things happen when he was introduced, but the fact of the matter is… too many players just didn’t perform. Now this could be fatigue, as well as the pressure getting to them, and that’s fine… they’re human beings… but what’s NOT fine, is our inability to find solutions.

For example, it’s clear to everyone that Zubimendi is exhausted, and he’s playing like it too. He needs to be taken out of the team, and Arteta needs to try another midfield combination.

We have yet another crucial week of football coming up, with the second leg against Sporting in the Champions, followed the Premier League away fixture, against Manchester City.

The game against City is a potential title decider, so it’s imperative that Arteta uses the squad wisely, and I’m sure he will.

I’ll end on a positive note…

We’re on the verge of reaching the Champions League semi-final, and we’re still 6 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Gyokeres scored AGAIN, Eze looked sharp, Max Dowman is STILL a ‘Wonder-Kid’… and we should have Saka, Timber, Calafiori, and Odegaard, all returning from injury.

Also… WE’RE THE ARSENAL!! There, positive.

Who would be your midfield trio, if Zubimendi is taken out of the team?

Should Max Dowman be starting games?

If you could choose, which trophy would you prefer to win… the Premier League, or the Champions League?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

Our third cup competition fixture in-a-row, and this is probably the most important one, as far as the cups go. It’s the one that’s eluded us, after all. The one that gets thrown in our faces, by fans of the teams that have won the competition. They cruelly point to the space in our trophy cabinet, yet to be filled.

Yes, you guessed it… It’s the trophy with the big ears… the Champions League.

It’d be amazing to see one of the Arsenal captains, hold this trophy aloft, and the squad to etch their names into Arsenal’s history… immortalised in glory, and gratification.

Our opponents are Sporting CP, and we play away at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Sporting have won their last 17 home games in-a-row, scoring a plethora of goals in the process, and they’ve beaten everyone whose visited their ground in the Champions League, including PSG.

This was always going to be a difficult game, but even more so now, as The Arsenal are on the back of two consecutive defeats.

However, the Champions League is the one competition where we’ve been almost perfect this season. We’ve won the most games, scored the most goals, and have conceded the least. We need that form to continue.

Mikel Arteta welcomed back most of the first 11 for this match.

Raya started in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Gabriel thankfully shook of the injury he sustained at Southampton, and partnered Saliba in central defence… and Ben White continued at right-back.

In the midfield, it was the familiar trio of Rice, Zubimendi, and Odegaard.

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

Sporting started the game quicker than we did, and Raya was called into action in the opening 10 minutes, after a simple ball over the top, caused problems.

A fierce shot was struck, but David Raya acrobatically made a fingertip save, and diverted the shot onto the crossbar. It was magnificent goalkeeping!

After that, Sporting spent most of their time sitting in a low block… hoping to catch us on the break.

We struggled to break them down, as we have done against low blocks, many times this season.

It looked as though the last 2 defeats were playing on our minds, as we wouldn’t gamble… we played everything a little too safe, and as a result of that… we lacked movement in the attacking sense. This made it difficult for players like Odegaard to hit dangerous passes, as nobody would make runs into the attacking areas.

We seemed to be overthinking the simple things, as Madueke had the beating of the fullback most of the time, but he wouldn’t cross the ball. He’d pass it inside, or take too many extra touches. So the players who made runs into the box, became null, and void… especially Gyokeres.

This was pretty much the theme of the first half, and because Sporting flat out refused to abandon their defensive shape, even for a moment… and us lacking movement, and not moving the ball quick enough… it didn’t make for a good footballing spectacle.

To be honest, I didn’t care about that though… this was just a MUST NOT LOSE game, how we played was less important to me.

The first half finished 0-0, and yes there were some half chances, for both sides… but the 0-0 scoreline was a fair reflection, of a frustrating game.

In the second half, as legs began to tire, spaces started to open up for both teams. There was more cohesion in the team though, and The Arsenal were defending in unison, as we were earlier in the season… so we dealt with any threat that sporting presented, quite comfortably.

David Raya had to make a couple more saves to keep us in the game, and he’s doing this so regularly now, that his greatness is unfairly being overlooked. For me, David Raya has been the best keeper in the world for the last 2-3 seasons… and I don’t care how controversial that statement may appear to others, because it’s the undeniable TRUTH to me!

In the 63^rd minute, Zubimendi put the ball in the net, with a great strike from outside the box… but it was ruled out, because Gyokeres was in an offside position.

I started to fear the worst, as we hadn’t done enough to win the game, but we also didn’t deserve to lose it… and they’re the games we usually end up losing… after being hit with the proverbial “Sucker-punch”.

Kai Havertz replaced Martin Odegaard in the 70^th minute, and Martinelli came on for Trossard in the 76^th minute, with Max Dowman replacing Noni Madueke.

I felt they were good substitutions from Arteta, but I also felt that he made them slightly too late.

We were controlling the game, but still couldn’t find a breakthrough. There were fouls breaking up the play, and a lot of side-to-side passing, that rarely led to a chance on goal.

I had resigned myself to the fact that it’d be a 0-0 draw, and we’d take ’em back to the Emirates, and finish the job. Martinelli, and Havertz, had different ideas… and in the 91^st minute… Euphoria!!

Martinelli picked up the ball on the left, he cut inside, beat his man, and then played a sumptuous ball over the top to Kai Havertz… who had timed his run to perfection. Havertz controlled the ball instantly, with a delectable first touch… and he calmly slotted ball home. It was just the type of composed finish, that the situation warranted. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

It finished 1-0, and the Gunners had turned a draw, to a win, right at the death. We showed great mental strength, and resilience, to win this game… and although there’s still work to do, it takes us a step closer to the semi-final. An excellent result, that’ll take us into the Premier League game against Bournemouth, feeling confident.

Was the performance, more important than the result?

Ben White has received A LOT of negative attention of late, are you concerned about his form?

Do you think David Raya is criminally underrated?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… the international break ALWAYS feels longer, when The Arsenal have suffered a defeat.

I’ve deliberately avoided all things football for the last couple of weeks, as I didn’t want to hear the ridiculous false narratives, and the low hanging fruit comments about “Getting over the line” and “Bottle”.

I hope the Arsenal players did exactly the same, as the outside noise has become deafening of late… but there’s nothing like a convincing win, to act as noise cancellation headphones.

The Gunners simply must bounce back, as they have done after every defeat this season.

Opposition today, are Southampton, and the stage… St Mary’s Stadium… and the competition… the FA Cup.

Those of you who’ve been reading my previous blogs, will be well aware that I LOVE the FA Cup, and it’d be wonderful to increase our record 14 wins of the trophy, to 15… by winning the competition this season.

First things first though, lets get past The Saints… and ensure that they most certainly WON’T be, marching in.

There was a ludicrous amount of speculation surrounding our team selection, due to the number of players that missed games for their respective national teams.

The starting 11 was Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, Lewis-Skelly at left-back, Gabriel and Mosquera, central… and Benny Blanco (Ben White) at right-back.

In midfield it was Norgaard, Odegaard, and Havertz.

The front 3 was Martinelli on the left, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Max Dowman on the right.

Not our strongest team by any stretch of the imagination… BUT… this was a more than capable team, well equipped to deal with an in-form Southampton side. (I hoped, and prayed)

My prayers seemed to go unanswered though, as the early stages of the game, saw us squander some decent opportunities. A couple of shots from Max Dowman, the most memorable.

The usual worry set in, when we failed to convert our chances… and with good reason too, as in the 35^th minute, and against the run of play… The Saints marched in.

Sloppy, naïve defending, saw a simple cross cause pandemonium to our backline. Ross Stewart could’ve easily been mistaken for lost astronaut, the way he was drifting in space. He chested the ball down, calmly fired the ball past Kepa. 1-0 to Southampton.

The Gunners struggled to string 2 passes together after conceding, and every time The Saints were on the attack, they looked like blessing their fans, with more goals.

The half-time whistle couldn’t come soon enough, and when the referee blew his whistle, it felt like mercy. The Arsenal went in 1-0 down, at the break… and we got what we deserved. It was a woeful first half performance.

Mikel Arteta’s team talk, needed to be a galvanising, passionate, gladiatorial, rallying-cry… because too many players didn’t look up for the battle. Make no mistake, that’s what we were in, a battle! A battle to restore pride, after the loss to Mancheatster City. A battle to repair the damage to our confidence. A battle to get back to winning ways… and a battle to progress to the semi-finals, of the FA Cup.

It appeared as though whatever was said during the interval, must’ve been an array of clumsy sounds, because they fell on deaf ears. We were just as ineffective in the second half… and Arteta made changes in the 60^th minute.

Gyokeres replaced Jesus, Calafiori replaced Lewis-Skelly, and Madueke came on for Odegaard.

Southampton were determined to increase their 1-0 lead, and had a shot just over the bar, after a good move… and then in the 62^nd minute, they hit the bar… with an excellent curling, dipping effort.

Struggles to get to grips with this game, continued for The Gunners.

In the 68^th minute, Gabriel carried the ball to the edge of the Southampton box, played a nice through-ball to Havertz, and he cut it back to Gyokeres, who slotted the ball in… with a controlled strike, off the instep of his boot. An equaliser, a lifeline, a chance to sweep this bad performance under the rug. 1-1 now the scoreline.

Even with honours even, it still felt like The Arsenal had a mountain to climb, to win this game… and we were climbing barefoot, with no harnesses, no first-aid kit, and no provisions. That’s how dismal our performance had been.

Gabriel went off injured in the 72^nd minute, and was replaced by Saliba. We cannot afford to lose Gabriel at THIS STAGE of the season… so hopefully it’s nothing too serious.

Zubimendi came on for Havertz in the 79^th minute… and by then, the change just felt like a token gesture, as I had no hope of Zoobaah-Zoobaah changing the game in midfield, or scoring a screamer… because it’d just been one of those days.

The Wonder-Kid Max Dowman, had another good effort saved in the 84^th minute… but baring that, we created very little after the goal.

It was another stellar performance from Dowman, and he was probably our best player, and long may his development continue.

I was extremely disappointed with the “Fringe” players… as they didn’t play like they were trying to nail down a place in the starting lineup, and THAT’S exactly what they SHOULD’VE been doing. It was so disappointing to witness.

In the 85^th minute, Shea Charles made it 2-1 Southampton, and it’s exactly what they deserved. They wanted it more, and they played like it too! The Saints not only went marching in… they wiped their muddy boots on the Arsenal furniture, and then left with our pride, and a semi-final place. Yes… the match finished 2-1 to Southampton, and The Arsenal had suffered a second consecutive defeat.

We don’t have time to tend to our gaping wounds, as we have a tough game in the Champions League on Tuesday, away to Sporting… at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

It’s another must win game, but they all are, at this stage of the season. Only a win will stem the bleeding, and ensure the stitching of our season, won’t come apart… and our cuts don’t get infected… but are instead scars worn as a badge of honour, to reflect a long…arduous season, that ends with us lifting the big trophies!!

Don’t lose faith my Arsenal family, this is just a blip… and the team need us NOW, more than ever!!

Do you still believe we’ll achieve great things this season?

What would you change to give the team the “Spark” that we seem to be missing?

How can we be more efficient in front of goal?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

Here we are at Wembley Stadium, the stage for the Carabao Cup Final.

Our opponents, are Mancheatster City… The scourge in our progress. The stone in our shoe, that itch in the centre of your back, that you can’t quite scratch. The punishment evaders, and the team that mainstream media would rather apologise for, or make excuses for… rather than criticise them.

The Arsenal can only dream of such courtesy, being extended to us.

This is the first silverware on offer, and an offering The Gunners will go all out to accept.

We’re on the precipice of greatness, and we shall not be moved.

There’s nothing like a good cuppa, to galvanise a team, and give the players extra strength, pace, stamina, and increased mental toughness… to carry us through, for the rest of the season.

Let’s not forget, an immeasurable amount of confidence too!

In the buildup to this game, I had been talking about the importance of playing your best players in every position. Sentiment cannot come into it. The players’ feelings, cannot come into it. All that matters is, we give ourselves the best chance to win the final.

Imagine my dismay, when the team sheet was released, and Arteta had the nerve to ignore me completely… and start Kepa Arrizabalaga, instead of David Raya.

I felt this decision IMMEDIATELY put us on the backfoot, as I believe it’d make the defence less confident, and things they’d usually do naturally… they’d probably overthink, due to the choice of goalkeeper. Obviously though, I hoped I was wrong.

So, back to the team selection…

Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, Benny Blanco (Ben White) at right-back, Saliba and Gabriel central, and Hincapie at left-back.

Midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Havertz.

The attack was Saka on the right, Gyokeres through the middle, and Trossard on the left.

We started the game well, and looked confident… ready to play the occasion, and not let the occasion play us.

The passing was direct, quick, and incisive… and Mancheatster City, didn’t quite know how to cope with it.

We were cutting them open at will, but failed to draw blood.

Havertz clean through, should’ve definitely scored, but his shot was straight at the keeper. Their keeper went on to make further saves, but we made it easy… because our shots weren’t good enough. We should’ve been at least 2-0 up, in that opening 20 minutes… but City not only survived, they started to impose themselves in the game.

It got a little scrappy from then on, with both teams surrendering possession, and little niggly fouls breaking up play. The referee loved, adored, and cherished his whistle… and that didn’t help matters either.

There were multiple other “Nearly moments” for both sides, but as far as spectacles go… it wasn’t much of one, and as the curtain closed on the first half, the scoreline remained at 0-0.

An extremely forgettable half of football, that I wish to never clap eyes on, ever again.

The Arsenal needed to recapture the form shown in the opening 20 minutes, or risk losing this cup final. Risk not having a cuppa.

When the curtain raised on the second half, there was no change in our play. In fact, there seemed to be an element of doubt creeping in… both offensively, and defensively.

To make matters worse, City grew in confidence, and were now the better team.

In the 60^th minute, a simple cross from Cherki was put into the box, and what should’ve been a routine catch for Kepa, turned into a calamitous event… that looked like someone trying to catch a wet bar of soap. The ball squirmed through his hands, and O’Reilly headed the ball into the net. 1-0 to Mancheatster City… and my worst fears were now a reality. Arteta picked the wrong goalkeeper, and it cost us dearly. (Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh)

Surely we’d tighten up, and learn from such an egregious error… but only 4 minutes later, we conceded AGAIN!! A combination of casual defending, and insufficient goalkeeping… meant there was once again failure to deal with a simple cross… and O’Reilly headed in his second goal of the game. 2-0 to Mancheatster City.

Mikel Arteta rang the changes in the 65^th minute. Calafiori replaced Hincapie, and Madueke came on for Havertz. The changes felt hopeful, and were more of a token gesture… rather than confident substitutions, that’ll impact the game.

It was too little, too late… and City began to close out the game. Chances now, were few, and far between… and The Arsenal trying to force the issue, led to fouls, and the unwanted stench, of desperation.

These wounds were both avoidable, and self-inflicted… and players have to learn from it, harness that pain, and use it to make them more determined, to achieve something great this season… which I STILL believe they will.

Further changes were made in the 82^nd minute, when Martinelli replaced Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, came on for Benny Blanco.

I expected nothing to change, and nothing changed. I hate being right sometimes. The match finished 2-0 to City. We lost the Carabao Cup Final. It was a woeful day at the office.

It’s now the international break, so The Arsenal will have to sit, and stew on this defeat… and listen to silly narratives about “Bottle”… and how this defeat will derail our season, and blah, blah, blah… blahdy, blah.

That’s only the 4^th game we’ve lost all season, in all competitions. We’re still top of the Premier League by 9 points, we’re in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and the FA Cup… and it’s because of this, that I refuse to be reactionary, or overly negative… and instead, feel that perspective is needed.

The Gunners are having a fantastic season, and this is just a bump on our road to success. We’re still on track, and won’t be derailed! We WILL have the last laugh, my Arsenal family… mark my words.

Next up, we have a tricky FA Cup tie against Southampton, at St. Mary’s Stadium. That’s after the international break though, so keep everything crossed, that the players come back healthy, and unscathed.

Do you think Arteta needs to tweak our system?

Are you concerned that our attackers have been lacking ruthlessness lately?

Should Max Dowman be getting more game time?

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

Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit

Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com

After drawing the first leg 1-1 at Leverkusen, The Arsenal are hoping to put the tie to bed, in this second leg, at the Emirates.

Our brilliant result against Everton, and us extending our lead at the top of the Premier League to 9 points, should shut the Arsenal haters up for a little while. They can leve us alone! (You see what I did there. HA!)

I believe we’ll play much better than we did in the first leg, and with the Emirates crowd rocking, Bayern Leverkusen could be in for a daunting evening… especially if we score an early goal.

Our starting lineup was David Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Benny Blanco (Ben White) at right-back.

In midfield, it was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and up front… it was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle, and Saka on the right.

The match started rather evenly, with possession an equal share… and neither team able to gain the required advantage, to break the deadlock.

As expected, Leverkusen were very well organised, and were reluctant to break their defensive shape, and had no ambitions of committing players forward.

As the half progressed though, The Gunners started to move the ball quicker, and began to build some meaningful attacks. The speed of play was opening up spaces, and shots the Leverkusen goal were a regular occurrence.

Yes, their keeper made some good saves, but A LOT of the shots were straight at him, and were at a favourable height.

Our dominance was now clear for all to see, but with the Leverkusen keeper in the form of his life… it was going to take something special to beat him.

In the 36^th minute, Eberechi Eze said… “Something Special” is my middle name… hold my drink.”

Trossard laid the ball off to Eze, on the edge of the box… and Eze, with his back to goal… flicked the ball up slightly with a deft touch, and then on the turn… he struck the ball with the power of a celestial being, matched only by the otherworldly accuracy. The ball flew past the keeper, and into the top corner!! 63 keepers wouldn’t of saved it! What a goal!! 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

It’s a first Champions League goal for Eze, and it’ll no doubt be the first, of many.

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to create any further clear cut chances. The half finished 1-0 to us, and we deserved more. So, with Bayern Leverkusen only a goal behind, they were still very much in this tie.

The second half started how the first half ended, with The Arsenal in the ascendancy. We were trying to get an early goal, to kill the tie off completely… and avoid any potential nervousness, in the latter stages of the game.

The Gunners continued probing, but as the minutes ticked away, the second goal started to look more, and more, elusive.

The aforementioned nervousness, began to rear its ugly head.

In the 63^rd minute though, the Arsenal faithful could breathe a little easier.

Leverkusen were put under immense pressure, and failed to clear their lines. The resulting scuffed clearance, broke to Declan Rice… and he showed great composure, as he passed the ball into the net, from just inside the box. 2-0 to The Arsenal on the night!!.. and 3-1 on aggregate.

With a 2-goal cushion, Arteta decided to make changes in the 69^th minute.

Norgaard came on for Zubimendi, Mosquera replaced Benny Blanco, Martinelli came on for Trossard… and Havertz replaced Eze.

Eze had an excellent game, and I’m not just talking about his magnificent goal.

His defensive work off the ball was brilliant, his movement was exceptional, and his link-up play was outstanding. He was doing little flicks around the corner… little one-two’s… he was dribbling, and creating space for others. It was one of his best performances, in an Arsenal shirt.

I need to also mention Gyokeres’ performance, because he ran tirelessly, he held the ball ball up well, he bullied defenders, and he was involved in everything good that we did.

Bayern Leverkusen were seeing more of the ball, but they weren’t doing anything with it. We just let them borrow the ball, until we intercepted with ease. Our class was showing, and school was in session.

The Gunners saw the rest of the game out professionally, barring a late save that David Raya was forced into. The clean sheet, stayed clean though… and we won 2-0, and deservedly made it to the quarter finals.

It was yet ANOTHER big win from The Arsenal, and another example of why we don’t deserve the criticism that we’ve faced from the mainstream media, and from some of our own fans.

We’ve played 51 games, in all competitions this season… and we’ve only lost 3 games.

The Gunners have been nothing short of spectacular, thus far. Again… LEVE US ALONE!!

Aaaaaaanywhooooo… no time to ponder, for we have a date with destiny… and I believe it’s our destiny, to beat Mancheatster City, in the Carabao Cup Final… and hold aloft our first piece of silverware, in 6 years.

First thing’s first though…

What would your starting 11 be, for the Carabao Cup Final?

Do you think winning the Carabao Cup, will act as a catalyst…  for us to win the other trophies?

If Odegaard is fit again, should he be made to fight for his place… or should he just walk back into the team?

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

We’re back to my favourite competition, the bread and butter, the hardest one to win, the one you just cannot fluke… the one I want the most, of all the 4 trophies on offer this season… the Premier League.

We face Everton at the Emirates, and it’s another MUST WIN fixture. We kick-off before Mancheatster City, and have the chance to go 10 points clear at the top.

Everton have been excellent away from home of late, so we’ll need a colossal performance, to get the 3 points.

The Toffees are on the back of a 2-0 win, at home to Burnley… and the Gunners are on the back of an underwhelming 1-1 draw, away to Bayern Leverkusen.

At the very least, the Arsenal faithful are expecting a much improved performance. We’ll need to rediscover our battling qualities, as we simply cannot afford to be losing our duels, lose possession cheaply… but most importantly, we CANNOT afford to lose our nerve.

Our starting lineup was David Raya in goal, Calafiori came in at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

In midfield, it was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and up front… it was Madueke on the left, Havertz through the middle, and Saka on the right.

It was a good atmosphere at the Emirates, but understandably… it was a nervous atmosphere too. Nothing that an early goal wouldn’t fix though.

The Gunners started the game well enough, but it was evident early on, that Everton were going to be extremely difficult to break down.

McNeil had an effort which struck the post, and had David Raya scrambling… and Calafiori made a great block while on the floor. He somehow took to the air with one hand, and snuffed out the danger horizontally. It really was a remarkable block.

The Toffees were the better team, and things were looking sticky for The Arsenal.

We should’ve had a penalty, when Havertz was clean through… and the defender stepped on the back of his heel, but it wasn’t given… and I don’t recall VAR even checking it.

It was one of those days, that looked as though it could be turning into… one of those weekends.

Everton had another chance… it was a shot by Dewsbury-Hall, that was smartly saved by David Raya. The Gunners were relentlessly being fired upon, and this wasn’t an irony that I appreciated.

The Toffees have only lost 1 game away from home, in their last 10 away games… and we were seeing exactly why.

In the 38^th minute, Timber went off with a suspected injury, and was replaced by Mosquera. I’m hoping the substitution was just precautionary, and not anything to be worried about.

We need the best right-back in the world, doing what he does best… and that’s, playing for The Arsenal. Come back soon Jurien Timber. PLEEEEEEAAAAASE!

The first half finished 0-0, and although it was frustrating… I also felt relieved, because it could’ve been much, much worse.

We needed to find a way to improve our game, and break down this stubborn, well organised, Everton team… in the second half, or we won’t win the game. It’s as simple as that.

The Gunners looked slightly better in the second half, but we were still misfiring, and suffering from gun-jam. An irony, that I couldn’t appreciate.

David Raya was called into action early in the half, as he saved an effort at point-blank range, to keep us in the game, and to keep us believing, that we can win the match. I won’t lie, because of the way we were playing… my belief was on the ropes, taking a vicious beating, and was barely able to stand.

Arteta had decided he’d seen enough, and Martinelli came on for Madueke in the 61^st minute, and Gyokeres replaced Havertz.

Our possession increased, and Eze had curling shot that juuussst went wide… but it still wasn’t enough to ease my nerves. This game STILL had draw, etched all over it… and it was time for an Arsenal player to step up, and scribble their signature on this match, and change our fortunes.

In the 74^th minute, Hincapie replaced Calafiori, and Max Dowman came on for Zubimendi.

I wanted Arteta to bring on Max Dowman in the game against Bayern Leverkusen, because it was a game that just needed something different, something unscripted, from an Arsenal perspective. Max Dowman is so good, that I don’t hope something happens when he comes on… I KNOW something will happen. THAT’S how good he is!! Now, I’m not trying to put extra pressure on this boy, but every time he plays, he influences the team, in a positive way.

I’m wondering which superlatives to use, to describe the awe, and wonderment, that is The Wonderkid… 16 year old, Max Dowman. 16 years, and 73 days old, to be precise.

I’ve waxed lyrical about this young man, multiple times this season, and for good reason… because yet again, he’s proved that he’s a special, special talent.

Master Dowman picked up the ball on the right, cut inside onto his left… and whipped a sumptuous ball into the box, that Everton keeper Pickford came for, but missed. The ball hit Hincapie, and spilled into the path of Gyokeres… and he tapped the ball into an empty net. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A big goal! A HUUUUUUGE goal!!! A GARGANTUAN goal, in this title race.

The clock showed 89 minutes played, and I thought… ok, game done, don’t dare push for another goal… just shut up shop defensively, and take all 3 points.

With injury time looming though, The Toffees started to commit players forward… including their goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford… who came up the pitch, for an Everton corner.

The corner was taken, and a BRILLIANT defensive header was made by Martinelli… and the ball fell perfectly for Max Dowman, who carried the ball from deep inside his own half. He brushed off Mykolenko, skipped past Dewsbury-Hall… and then proceeded to slot the ball into the empty net. What a moment for him, his family, and Arsenal football club. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

History was made!! Max Dowman became the youngest player ever, to score for Arsenal… and the youngest ever goalscorer, in the Premier League. Sensational stuff, from Dowman.

The match finished 2-0, and again Arsenal found a way to win, when not playing particularly well. No, scratch that… Max Dowmnan, found a way… and he’s created a memory that he’ll cherish… foreverton.

On to the next one now, and the next one is… Bayern Leverkusen at home, followed by Mancheatster City, at Wembley, in the Carabao Cup Final. Our first opportunity to lift silverware this season, and we have to grab it with both hands. The opportunity, and… the silverware.

What would be your starting lineup, for the Carabao Cup Final?

Do you think beating City in the final, will finish them off in the league, psychologically?

Hincapie has shown great form of late, should he now be our first choice left-back?

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

The games show no signs of slowing down, as we hop from competition, to competition… and that’s the way we like it, because it means we’re still involved, and still determined in our quest, to win all 4 trophies. The Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.

Now I know the Arsenal players probably won’t be thinking about winning all 4, but the longer we’re in every competition, the more us fans will dare to dream!

First thing’s first though… we’re away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. A tough game, and no doubt an emotional one, for ex-Leverkusen players Kai Havertz… and more recently, Piero Hincapie.

We need to take a positive result back to The Emirates, and hopefully it’s a healthy lead, so nervousness in the second leg, can be kept to a minimum.

Bayern Leverkusen are on the back of a 3-3 draw, away to SC Freiburg… and The Gunners are on the back of a 2-1 win, away to Mansfield in the FA Cup.

Arteta recalled all of the “Big Guns” to the starting line-up.

It was a 4-2-3-1 formation. David Raya was back in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

The midfield was Zubimendi, and Rice… and in front of them, was Martinelli on the left… Eze in the middle, and Saka on the left.

Viktor Gyokeres was again, up front on his own.

We started the game well, keeping the ball, patient in our build-up… and were very assured in our passing.

The Arsenal have been formidable in the Champions League this season, and we looked like a team brimming with confidence.

Unfortunately though, as the half progressed… the simple passes were made to look difficult, and Leverkusen started winning the 50-50 balls. Naturally, this gave them confidence, and they had a couple of half chances… but nothing to really trouble David Raya.

The game suddenly became a scrappy encounter, and we were not in control, AT ALL.

Martinelli hit the bar with a powerful left-foot shot, but apart from that… our attack had the cutting edge, of a plastic spoon. Very little else to report from that first half, and it finished 0-0.

The Gunners needed a better performance in the second half, they’re hoping to get anything out of this game.

We had the worst possible start to the second half though, and conceded a goal in the first minute.

Bayern Leverkusen forced a corner, and from the resulting corner, the centre-back Andrich… headed the ball into the net, unchallenged. It was sloppy defending, so we only have ourselves to blame. 1-0 to Leverkusen… and all I could think was… LEVE IT OUT!!

A response was needed. A response was expected. A response looked unlikely though, as we were still not playing well… and looked like we were still shellshocked, from conceding that early second half goal.

WAAAAKE UUUUP AAAARSENAAAAL!! I shouted at my TV, like somehow the players would hear me, and suddenly start playing good football.

So frustrating, as we were clearly playing within ourselves… and none of the “Big players” stepped up, to grab the game by the scruff of neck, and make something happen.

Speaking of big players, Saka was replaced by Madueke, in the 60th minute. The Starboy, by his own high standards, was ineffective on that right-hand side… and struggled to beat his man, on multiple occasions. I hope he’s not carrying an injury.

The 1-0 deficit was making the time tick away on fast-forward, and our attacking prowess seemed to be on pause, and this performance was definitely one NOT to record.

Havertz came on for Gyokeres, in the 74^th minute… but the way we were playing, I wasn’t confident that his introduction would make a difference.

I prayed silently, to be wrong… but still… nothing changed.

Jesus replaced Eze, in the 82^nd minute, and it felt like the last, LAST… last, roll of the dice.

I didn’t feel much like gambling on us getting the job done, in the second leg roulette wheel… but here we are.

Unbelievably, we were awarded a penalty in the 89^th minute, after a driving run from Noni Madueke… panicked the defender, into bringing him down in box.

VAR checked, and then they checked again… and the penalty stood! What an opportunity for The Gunners, to fire our first meaningful shot, in this tie.

Up stepped Kai Havertz… the player who played for Bayern Leverkusen, for four years.

Up stepped Cobra Kai… to bite his former team… and inject equalising venom, into the veins of the club that’s near, and dear to his heart. LEVE THE EMOTION OUT OF IT… I thought loudly, but couldn’t say the words… due to my fervent prayers, for him to score. (HAHAHA!)

King Kai placed the ball down on the spot… he took a deep breath, while I held mine… he did a stuttered run-up… and… he slotted the ball past the keeper. Low, and hard! GOOOAAAAAL!!! What a way to dispatch a pressure penalty. 1-1 and Havertz once again showed, that he’s a player for the big occasion.

The match finished 1-1, and we got away with one there, because we didn’t play well. We looked flat, lacked fluidity, and the sloppiness we showed both offensively, and defensively… was a concern.

Though saying all of that, we must be commended for finding a way to NOT lose the game, while not at our best.

Arteta must also be given great credit, for bringing on Madueke… who looked dangerous on the right, after replacing Saka. It was a brave substitution, and the bravery paid off.

It’s half-time in the tie now, until the second leg next week. We have Everton in the Premier League at home, before that game… and it’s another MUST WIN fixture.

We kick-off before Mancheatster City, and have the chance to go 10 points clear at the top.

Everton have been excellent away from home of late, so we’ll need a colossal performance, to get the 3 points against them.

We just played our 46^th game in all competitions… was that a contributing factor of our lacklustre performance?

Do you think Saka’s injury has affected his mobility?

How do you think Arteta can get more from the attacking players?

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

The Arsenal face Mansfield Town, at Field Mill… which is widely recognised as the oldest ground in football. It’s stood since 1861, and I’m sure it’ll stand for many more years to come.

So, we play in the oldest cup competition, at the oldest stadium in football. It’s fitting. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.

Mansfield Town are a League One side, but they’re NOT to be taken lightly… we’ve seen too many giant killings in the FA Cup, and it’s one of the reasons why I LOVE the FA Cup.

Let’s be professional, let’s get the win, and let’s progress to the next round.

The Stags are on the back of a 0-0 draw away to Rotherham, and The Gunners are on the back of a hard fought, 1-0 away win over Brighton.

Wholesale changes were made for this game, so most of the first team players were given some much needed rest.

Arteta surprised everyone with his 3-5-2 formation.

Calafiori, Mosquera, and the 16 year old, Marli Salmon… were the 3 centre-backs, with Martinelli, and Noni Madueke, both playing as wing-backs, to provide the width.

Trossard, Norgaard, and our other 16 year old… The Wonderkid… Max Dowman, were more central.

Kai Havertz played in front of them, just behind Gabriel Jesus… who played up front on his own.

It was quite the experimental starting line-up, and an even more experimental formation.

The Stags created a great atmosphere, and it had the feeling of a PROPER cup-tie. The sort of FA Cup match, where there was a whiff of a possible “Giant killing” in the air.

Max Dowman reacted quickest to a misplaced pass, by the Mansfield keeper… but unfortunately, he couldn’t quite get enough on his shot, and it was blocked.

Mansfield responded well, and it was clear that they’d been instructed to take the game to us, and not just sit back, waiting to be beaten… and that’s credit to their manager, Nigel Clough.

The Stags were thwarting our attacks, before they even began… due to how quickly they were closing down the space, and then they building attacks of their own. A smart stop from Kepa, prevented them from scoring opening goal.

Another couple of shots were put wide, and The Stags were letting The Gunners know, that they’re not in for an easy afternoon.

There’s that whiff of “Giant killing” in the air again. A pungent aroma, I must say.

We lacked cohesion, our passing was wayward… and some of the Arsenal players looked like strangers out there… which can sometimes happen, after so many changes, and a change in formation.

Take nothing away from The Stags though, because they’d been brilliant.

Trossard was withdrawn in the 38th minute, due to a suspected injury. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious, as our injury list seems to be piling up again.

Mikel Merino is a long term injury, as we know… but we’re still missing Odegaard, Saliba, and Ben White.

In the 41^st minute, some nice play between Havertz, and Madueke, down the right… opened Mansfield up, and the move ended with a good Madueke shot, which the keeper saved. However, the loose ball broke to Martinelli, who squared the ball to Madueke, but this time… his shot gave the keeper no chance. A powerful, but controlled, left-foot finish. 1-0 to The Arsenal!!

That’s how the first half finished too, 1-0 to us. It could’ve quite easily of been 1-1, or even 2-1 to Mansfield, because that’s how well they played in that first half.

I said it had the feel of a PROPER cup-tie, and that’s exactly what it turned out to be.

The second half had barely started… and it the 50^th minute, Will Evans pounced on a misplaced pass from young Marli Salmon. Evans then ghosted past Mosquera, and slotted the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga, to make it 1-1.

Max Dowman was running at players, zig-zagging, and then having a shot on goal, or playing an excellent pass to a teammate. He was by far, the best player on the pitch.

He’s always calm under pressure, his balance is flawless… and he makes space for himself, when he has no right to. He’s an incredible talent, and I’m sooooooo glad he’s at The Arsenal, developing in the right way.

We started playing slightly better after conceding the goal, but we were still not in control of the game.

Arteta was hoping to change that in the 62^nd minute, when he sent on Eze to replace Havertz, and Timber came on for Marli Salmon.

Havertz had an ok game, and it showed that he had only just returned from injury. He struggled to keep pace with the game in some periods.

Salmon had a steady game, and quickly recovered from his early mistake. He’ll learn from it, and use it in a way that builds character, and resilience… and increases defensive awareness.

It took Eze just 4 minutes to make an impact. With the clock showing 66 minutes played, the ball was laid off to Eze… and from just inside the box, he shifted it onto his right-foot, and hit a thunderous strike, that flew past the keeper… faster than the speed of light. I think I heard the net scream in absolute agony, as it struggled not to burst, from the shot’s ferocity. What a strike, what a goal, and what a way to take the lead in this cup-tie. 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

In the 76^th minute, 19 year old Jaden Dixon, replaced Calafiori… who went off with a suspected hamstring injury.

Saka also came on to replace the irrepressible… Max Dowman, who had only just returned from injury himself.

We couldn’t add to our narrow 2-1 lead, but in the end, it was a win for The Arsenal. A Stag Night, if you will… as The Gunners hope to re-marry the cup competition, that they’ve won a record 14 times.

The draw for the quarter-finals has now been made, and the Gunners will face Southampton at St Mary’s.

We have a some Premier League games, some Champions League games, and the Carabao Cup Final, before the Southampton fixture.

 Next up, we’re away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. A tough game, and an emotional one, for ex-Leverkusen players Kai Havertz… and more recently, Piero Hincapie.

We need to take a positive result back to The Emirates, and I’m sure we will.

Should Max Dowman be given more game time, even though he’s only 16?

We lost Trossard, and Calafiori, to injury in this game. Are the amount of injuries a concern that should be investigated by our medical team, or have we just been unlucky?

With the outside noise now louder than EVER… what should The Arsenal players do, to insulate themselves form it?

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

Under the lights at the Amex Stadium, The Arsenal take on Brighton. A game that’s never easy for us, but few games in the Premier League are.

There’s 9 league games remaining for the Gunners to play, and this is just another difficult one that we must tick off the list.

At the business end of the season it’s not about performances, it’s irrelevant how we look stylistically… It’s  just about finding a way to win. No losses, no draws, just … WINS!!

We have to assume that Mancheatster City will win ALL of their remaining games (Apart from the game against us of course) and we HAVE TO win all of OUR remaining games.

It’s still in our hands, and we want to keep it that way. We don’t want to be relying on other teams, to help us win our first Premier League title in 22 years.

Brighton are on the back of a 2-1 home win over Nottingham Forest, and The Arsenal are on the back of a vital 2-1 win, over Chelsea.

Leading up to this match, there were unnecessary, overly elaborate, nonsensical discussions… about The Arsenal scoring from set-pieces, like we’re somehow cheating, and it’s suddenly not part of the game.

What made matters worse, is that most of the noise was coming from ex-players, ex-managers, and so called “Respectable” pundits.

Our style of football was put under the microscope, and dim-witted analysis followed.

For the previous 2-3 seasons, we’ve played glorious football, and came close to winning the league, but finished those seasons trophyless. We were ridiculed, and labelled as “Bottlers” and accused of lacking the required mentality, to get over the line.

It’s Arteta’s job to find another way to win more games, and ultimately, win the league… and he’s found a way, and he, and the Arsenal team… are being criticised for it.

I don’t even know where the goalposts are now, they’ve been moved so much. The movers must be exhausted.

This’ll make our league title win, all the sweeter. I will quench my thirst with naysayer tears.

Aaaanywooo, where were we… ah yes… The Gunners’ starting 11 was Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Mosquera, in central defence… and Timber at right-back.

William Saliba picked up an ankle injury… hopefully it’s nothing too serious, but we’ve been dealing with injuries to key players well, since the start of the season.

In midfield it was Zubimendi and Rice… just in front of them, was Martinelli, Eze, and Saka.

Viktor Gyokeres started up front on his own, in a  4-2-3-1 formation, with Eze given a licence to roam.

The Seagulls play quite open, expansive football, and I think this may suit us… as we can exploit the space they leave in behind, and catch them on the counter.

Accurate passing, and good decision making in the final third, will determine whether we get the win or not. I’m hoping for a couple of early goals, and then complete control of the game… but The Arsenal like me to shout at the television, and increase my heartrate to dangerous levels, so I won’t hold my breath. I can’t afford to! (HAHAHA!)

There was a good atmosphere at the Amex Stadium, and we needed to start the game well, to silence their fans. The Gunners can’t give them encouragement, or anything to sing about… and we DEFINITELY can’t feed The Seagulls, as they’re perfectly capable of taking food, all on their own.

Seagulls are just basically pigeons anyway, but with a nice suit on. (HAHA!)

The Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, was crying, whingeing, and moaning… about our alleged timewasting, during his pre-match press conference. I guess it was an attempt to get the referee on side, as ANY false narrative where The Arsenal are concerned… is taken as gospel.

Hurzeler is the youngest manager in the league, and it showed… as he spat his dummy out, knocked everything off the table, and started crying LOUDLY, for no reason whatsoever. PATHETIC.

Aaaaanywhooooo…. We started the game a little cagey, a little unsure of ourselves… and were looking like because we’re close to the finish line, the pressure is weighing heavily. We were overthinking the things that we’ve been doing naturally, throughout this season.

Case, and point, was David Raya misplacing a pass in the opening minutes… when he was outside his area, and then getting chipped by Baleba. Thankfully though, Gabriel Magalhaes was on the goal-line, to clean up the spillage in isle 13… and head the ball clear.

The Gunners settled into the game better after that, but The Seagulls continued to look for any unguarded snacks, that they could swoop in on.

In the 9^th minute though, we let them know how serious we are, about protecting our food.

Timber passed the ball to Saka out on the right, and Saka casually cut inside the two players attempting to marshal him… and he fired a left-foot shot through the keeper’s legs. It was an excellent finish, but admittedly, the keeper should’ve done better. 1-0 to The Arsenal, and another reason for Fabian Hurzeler to cry. He probably needs changing now too! (HAHAHA!)

Our Starboy gets the goal, on his 300^th appearance for the Gunners. An incredible achievement, for one so young. Hopefully, there’s another 300 games AT LEAST, to come. A truly magnificent player for us… and I struggle for superlatives, to accurately describe his importance, to Arsenal football club.

Brighton responded well, but our defensive solidity, prevented them from shining bright-on like a diamond… they were instead, reduced to dull, tacky, costume jewellery.

Yes, they put us under some pressure, and we rode our luck at times… but they just couldn’t break us down.

We needed to increase our potency in attack, and we did try, but couldn’t find that killer pass.

It got a bit scrappy after that, and silly fouls, and play acting, prevented the fluidity to the game.

The first half finished 1-0 to us, but I’d have Brighton as the better team, in that half.

We had another 45 minutes to put that right, and the second half started A LOT better, from an Arsenal perspective. There was no sign of nerves, our passing was better, and we began to exploit the spaces better… by our own high standards though, we didn’t create enough in front of goal.

Arteta tried to change that in the 60^th minute, when he introduced Havertz for Gyokeres, Trossard for Martinelli, and Calafiori for Mosquera.

The changes gave us more control of the game, and we seldom gave the ball away cheaply, which was imperative to us seeing this tricky game out, and taking all 3 points.

Havertz had a great chance to make it 2-0, after being put clean through on goal… but the keeper saved it.

Norgaard replaced Zubimendi in the 80^th minute, just to sure things up… and sure things up he did, as the match finished 1-0 to the Arsenal.

It was far from a vintage Arsenal performance, but who cares… at this stage of the season, it’s about the wins, and win…we did.

It was a gritty, battling, defensive display… and Gabriel Magalhaes led the charge. He was imperious, he was immovable, he was gladiatorial, he was colossal. Gabriel embodied what Arsenal football club, is all about… and so did Piero Hincapie.

It filtered through to the Arsenal fans in the Amex stadium, that Mancheatster City had dropped points at home to Forest, and the roar from the Arsenal faithful could be heard for miles, and miles. It felt significant. It felt like a …”That’s when we won the league” moment.

Titles aren’t won in March, we know this… but we’ve put ourselves in a position where we can afford to drop points, and STILL be in a great position. We’re 7 points clear at the top, after all.

Fabian Hurzeler was STILL crying in his POST MATCH press conference. He was snivelling about the football we played, the non-existent “Time wasting”… and how we make our own rules, when we play football. (HAHAHAH!!)

Hurzeler needs to make a bottle of sour wine, with all those sour grapes. PATHETIC!!

Aaaanywhoooo… we now turn our attentions to the FA Cup weekend. The Arsenal face Mansfield Town, at Field Mill… which is widely recognised as the oldest ground in football. It’s stood since 1861, and I’m sure it’ll stand for many more years to come.

So, we play in the oldest cup competition, at the oldest stadium in football. It’s fitting. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.

Mansfield Town are a League One side, but they’re NOT to be taken lightly… we’ve seen too many giant killings in the FA Cup, and it’s one of the reasons why I LOVE the FA Cup.

Let’s be professional, let’s get the win, and let’s progress to the next round.

Wholesale changes are expected for the Mansfield match… who would you play?

Do you agree that this win away to Brighton, is a “That’s where we won the league” moment?

Are you enjoying Tottenham’s relegation dogfight? (HAHAHA!)

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

After a rare one week gap since we assaulted Spurs, we’re back at the Emirates Stadium, and it’s the setting for another London Derby.

Not for the first time this season, the fixture list seems to be working against us, with all it’s might. We’re used to dealing with it, at this point… and I’m sure Chelsea will feel they have a point to prove, after playing us three times so far this season, and having zero wins to show for it.

Another colossal performance is required, in order for us to win this game. There’s no margin for error… and no errors will be tolerated, in our margins.

The Arsenal are on the back of escorting Tottenham, closer to the relegation door… with an emphatic 4-1 win.

The Blues are on the back of a draw at home to Burnley… but they’ll no doubt raise their game against us, and play out of their skins, in an attempt to spoil our party.

They’d love nothing more, than a win out of the blue.

The Gunners lined-up in the same way we did against Spurs… with Raya in goal, Hincapie at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba, central… and Timber at right-back.

Midfield was Rice, Zubimendi, and Eze… and the strike team was Trossard on the left, Gyokeres through the middle… and Saka on the right.

A raucous atmosphere, promised a game with incident… and the Gunners will need to keep cool heads, and not abandon our discipline. We cannot allow the Chelsea thuggery, to disrupt our methodical, and sometimes pragmatic, football.

The Gunners have an exemplary record in London Derbies, and have only lost 1 Derby, in the last 25 games. A proud record that we hope to continue.

We started the game at a pace that confused The Blues, and it was evident, they had no clues, as to how they’d stop us… and yet, they were very much involved in the game. They looked up for the fight, but early jitters from their goalkeeper Sanchez, put uncertainty in the players’ minds. He seemed determined to sabotage anything good that his teammates did, and I love him for that. (HAHAHAHA!!)

In the 21^st minute Saka took a corner, that he swung in deep to the back post.

His ball was met by Gabriel, who ignored the grappling of his markers, and headed the ball back across goal… to an alert William Saliba.

Willow headed the ball home from close range, to make it 1-0 to The Arsenal!! It took a deflection on the way in, but who cares?!! I know Saliba doesn’t, as this was his first goal since early December 2024.

We had chances to increase our lead in the minutes that followed, but a combination of lacking a cutting edge in the final third, and Chelsea defending well… thwarted any designs we had, on doubling the tally.

Chelsea grew more into the game, and it was evident that our inability to kill them off, gave them encouragement… and in the 47^th minute of the first half, their encouragement turned to jubilation.

The Blues were awarded a corner, and Reece James whipped a dangerous ball in, that missed everyone, except Hincapie. He glanced the ball into his own net, and made the scoreline 1-1.

A horrible goal to concede, and right on the stroke of half-time too. The price we pay for not killing teams off, is always one we cannot afford.

The first half ended 1-1, and we were OK at best. Much more effort, desire, footballing intelligence, and passing accuracy… needed in the second half.

Many of the “Big” players hadn’t shown up yet, and the Arsenal faithful were praying that they’d make an appearance.

The second half was scrappy in the early stages, with both teams giving the ball away cheaply. Chelsea started to gain the upper hand, and put us under extended periods of pressure, which we dealt with reasonably well.

I know it’s an old cliché, but the game was balanced on a knife-edge, and the edge was balanced on the edge, of the edge.

Arteta brought on Martinelli, for Trossard in the 56th minute, in an effort to tip the balance in our favour… and edge us closer to victory.

Cynical fouls were the desired commodity of the second half, and the referee was happy to make purchases… using yellow cards, as currency.

Clear cut chances, and the ability to create them, was a real struggle for us… and I wondered where, and how… our much needed winning goal, would come about.

The 66^th minute brought my wondering to an abrupt end. We earned a corner, and Declan Rice & Peas, put an incredible ball into the box… with extra gravy… and the ball seemed to kiss Timber’s forehead tenderly, on it’s way into the net. A clever header from Timber, who took up a good position, and caused chaos with his movement. 2-1 to The Arsenal!!

Robert Sanchez, the hapless Chelsea goalkeeper… claimed to of been pushed, and wanted the goal disallowed. He’ll do everything, except admit his calamitous clownery… between the sticks. Other Chelsea protests followed… but they fell on deaf ears, as the goal was cleared by VAR… and Pedro Neto was booked, for not knowing when to shut-up. It’s so wonderful to see diiiiirrrty Chelsea suffer. (HAHAHA!)

Not long after receiving a booking, Pedro Neto brought down Martinelli with a clumsy challenge, in the 70^th minute…  after Martinelli made him look silly… with some good dribbling skills, and excellent ball control. The referee had no choice, but to send Neto off. Yet ANOTHER red card for The Blues, who seem to have a real discipline problem. Again… It’s wonderful to witness. I wish nothing but the worst, for Chelsea Football Club. (Insert shrug emoji here. HAHA!)

With the game now stretched, and Chelsea down to 10-men, Arteta made further changes in the 76^th minute.

Norgaard replaced Declan Rice & Peas, and Havertz came on for Gyokeres.

We didn’t really let our extra man count, and Chelsea avoided further damage, as the minutes ticked away.

Eze came close with a decent shot, but it was saved by Sanchez. I guess he remembered how to be a goalkeeper again, for the briefest of moments. (HA!)

Unbeknownst to me, we struggled to keep the ball, and our passing got significantly worse, after Chelsea went down to 10-men.

Our attacking players were still yet to be seen, and because it was still only 2-1, I couldn’t relax. We needed another goal… and the moans, and groans of anxiousness, reverberating around the Emirates Stadium… wasn’t doing my heartrate any favours.

The Blues continued to push for an equaliser, and David Raya made a brilliant save, after a teasing cross from Garnacho.

Raya knew that the flight, and pace of the ball, could change with the slightest of touches, from a Chelsea player, or his own player… so he waited until the very last moment, to pull off a match-winning save.

It was very intelligent goalkeeping from David Raya, and he once again showed exceptional agility, as he has done all season. Truly, the epitome of “Safe hands”.

In the dying moments of the game, Delap put the ball into the Arsenal net, after a magnificent double-save from Raya. Thankfully though, Delap was offside.

The referee FINALLY blew the final whistle, and we won the game 2-1. A statement victory, considering it was against a good Chelsea team, and we didn’t play well at all.

A statement victory, considering it was our second London Derby in-a-row.

A statement victory, considering the immense pressure we were under to win this game.

We’ve played Chelsea 4 times this season, and have won 3 of those games, and drawn one.

They’ve been dominated, and I’m glad to see the back of them. We’re out of the blue. We’ve given them the blues, and we’ve beaten them… black & blue.

With Chelsea in the rearview, and their ashes still smouldering… we can turn our attentions to Brighton, who we face at the Amex. A tough game, and we’ll need to shine Bright-on them, to get all 3 points.

We won ugly against Chelsea, but are you concerned that our attacking players were so ineffective?

With Odegaard injured again, and Havertz back… would you play Havertz, or Eze, against Brighton?

Are you as bored as I am, with all the criticism The Arsenal face, over our set-piece brilliance?

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