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TOTL again. If only for one more short stay. Three point were mandatory today. But this was a pretty grim game. We were pretty shit. Thankfully United have perfected playing like shit all season long.

The team picked itself again. Within the first two minutes we were swarming all over them and created some half chances. But this was a strange game indeed. United really are pretty useless. Their team is unrecognizable as a United team. They really are a team decimated by injuries and with the Most Boring Manager of all time.

This was a strangely subdued performance by Arsenal. Arguably our worst showing since Fulham. But all that matters is that we won. Somehow, we created, care of Casemiro playing at walking pace a goal through White then Have-that setting up Trossard. It’s quite amazing how many important goals Trossard has scored for us. I’m sure I said this last week as well. He rarely scores the last goal in a 5-0 victory. Which if course is why his unfortunate miss against Villa will likely cost us the league title.

When White played that pass to Have-that I just waited for the offside flag to go up. Out of shot though Casemiro was taking a lunchtime stroll out of their penalty area. And then Have-that played the perfect pass to set up Trossard. It’s fair to say most of our team had a quiet game today. But, here again, Have-that created yet another goal for us. It’s remarkable how important he has become for this team.

White though had one of his quietest games. At times he was being turned inside out by Garnacho. And often losing his man. Saka provided little protection today and seemed pretty uninvolved. There were so many sloppy passes that I lost count. A prime example was Partey – the master of the bad pass – losing the ball on the edge of our area only for Hojlund to then slip over.

We seemed to degenerate down to the level of United today and that’s something we’ve not done for a while. They really were pretty useless. But we were so average that, at times, we even made Amrabat look like a half decent player. It was such a frustrating performance. And surprising given the importance of this game. We lacked energy, fluency and any rhythm. There was just no sparkle.

United structurally were like a poor man’s Porto. They flooded the midfield and starved Odegaard of the ball. Rice was barely involved and Partey was completely ineffective. So, while the backline passed the ball around, no-one was able to get free and create space to receive the ball.

Amongst the mediocrity on the pitch one man shone like a beacon. Saliba was head and shoulders the best player on the field. As White and others made mistakes Saliba was there to clean up and regain control. On the infrequent occasions when their players broker through he would marshal them away from goal and prevent any real threat. He exuded calmness and pose. He is surely the best center half in the premier league.

Raya had a few important saves to make but most of the time he just held the ball at his feet and waiting for players to find some space. As Wenger would say, today we played with the handbrake on. Maybe it was the importance of the occasion and our history at Old Trafford. Given their pathetic line-up I thought we’d slaughter them today rather than struggle to hold onto a 1-0 win. Not that they actually threatened us. There was a sloppiness to our game and lack of decisiveness on the ball. We seemed happy to comfortably pass the ball sideways. We seemed unsure how to play against a team that is completely dysfunctional.

I’d been looking forward to this game. After the hard work of playing Sp*rs away and Chelsea, I’d always been confident of this fixture. Especially as they were missing Fernandez, Rashford and many others. I did not expect such a dull and tedious game. A game lacking in any real quality. After our goal we seemed content to just manage the game out.  To our credit we were able to do this. But this was not a performance you’d expect from a team looking to win the league. Yet, we got the three points. And that’s what counts at this time of the season.

So, we go into the last match against Everton still in contention. Marginally. With City due to play those wankers on Tuesday, we really can’t expect to actually still be TOTL come Sunday. Even if those wankers could muster a performance I’m not holding my breath. Big Ange will play his predictable high line and provide ample opportunities for City to score multiple times. While I certainly expected Fulham to have put up more of a fight I have no expectations for Tuesday.

I won’t be watching the game and will merely check on the result an hour after the game has concluded. City will pull that lot apart and make them look as weak and vunerable as they are. Richarlson will predictably miss a few open chances and Son will be invisible. As their imbecile fans will actually rejoice in losing to City. As incapable of they are of witnessing their team winning any trophies all they can do is pray that we can’t lift the title. Of course, we gave up any realistic expectation of that after the Villa loss. But that lot can’t even muster a team with a backbone. Remember how they were 10 games into the season. All smug and full of themselves. And now they’ll be lucky to get into the NoHoppa Cup. They will lose to City and then rejoice in us not being denied the title. That’s the extent of their aspirations.

At least against Everton we should see the return of our vibrant, attacking, open football. None of the dreary action that we witnessed today. I don’t mind too much. It was, as they say, a professional performance against a bang up average team. But, oh was it boring. Come Sunday, though we can enjoy our final game of a wonderful season where we have seen this team evolve and excel. The progress we have made is self-evident. It would be nice to see ESR get a few minutes at the end of the game. It would be nice to see Partey on the bench. Unfortunately, I’m losing patience with him. Fearful of his next lazy pass or being caught on the ball. I would have loved to have seen Jorginho come on much earlier today. Everton should be a more entertaining game. One where we can celebrate the achievement of this team. And look forward to a bright future.

-LB7

TOTL still. Not quite as exciting or passionate as last weekend but an important win nonetheless. While we purred early in the first half this turned into more of a grind than the scoreline would suggest. We dominated and created so many chances in the first half that it started to feel like one of those games where we would never score.

Now we’re only playing once a week this team picks itself. Now is not the time of year to take any chances or change up a system that is running so smoothly. Right from the off we dominated with our right-hand side again creating numerous opportunities. They had one opportunity care of one of Gabriel’s’ mental mistake. Today was not his best game. Alongside him though he had the silky Saliba to clean up any mess. Throughout this game Saliba was at his imperious best.

Odegaard and Rice dominated this game. Odegaard roams around the field acting as a catalyst for our creativity. It was his pass that set up Have-that for our first goal. Yes, it was a penalty – just. If it was called against us I’d have been very upset but would have accepted it. We needed this given the number of other chances we’d spurned. I don’t get why VAR has to take so long though. I’ve said this so many times, but if it’s remit is to identifiy clear and obvious errors it should not take 3+ minutes. I mean, if it’s clear and obvious it should not take that long. It’s in that first word – clear. If its not clear then VAR should return control to the referee within a minute or so.

Of course, VAR was involved again in the denying them a goal late on. But again, the call on the field was right and any potential comeback was snuffed out. But I wonder why VAR did not look at that challenge on Saka by Christie early in the first half.

Rice looked to be running on fumes at times but was still able to muster our third goal. The only player to be able, so late in the game, to make a lung busting run from deep by-passing sleeping Bournemouth players. Sure, he should have scored in the first half as well but we can forgive him that (just). In time his composure and finishing will improve. His presence this year has been pivotal in the improvement of this team. And our presence this year has been pivotal in his improvement. Operating mainly on the left he’s not quite struck up a relationship with Odegaard but his physicality has strengthened our team. As has been said many times, we really should be paying WHU additional fees. This just looks like daylight robbery. Of all the other players signed for fees in excess of £100m, I can’t think of any that compare. Grealish, Enzo, Mudryk and Caicedo combined aren’t worth the price paid for Rice.

Trossard is at the other end of the scale. A sneak, relatively cheap acquisition in the January 23 window, he is now our third top scorer. That second goal finally provided us with some breathing room. His goals always seem to be important ones not the late game tap-ins when the result is already settled. You can see why he’s displaced Martinelli now. And if you had any doubt, looked at that opportunity Martinelli had when he did come on. Last year he’d have run away and converted that chance. This year he was barely able to make it into the box before falling over. I wonder if there’s something going on with him. Something does not look quite right. Maybe he’s carrying an injury but he does not seem entirely fit and certainly he’s lost some of his acceleration. Even his defending was a little suspect getting nutmegged and not protecting Tomi. Not that Tomi needed too much help today. Another solid performance from him – he even wandered inside and linked up play quite nicely. He’s firmly kept Zinny rooted to the bench now,

Have-that was critical today. He was involved in so many good things. His confidence was so high. He had a few nice chances and, of course, made the run that created that first goal. His overall link up play was stellar and his movement was excellent. And he still found time to track back and help the defense. He really has elevated his game to another level in the last few months. He really is a threat now. And he has firmly kept Jesus rooted to the bench now. It’s a pleasure watching his movement and his football intelligence matches that of Odegaard. Imagine where Chelski could have been if they retained both Have-that and Jorghino.

Another clean sheet today. Sure, there was a little luck involved. On another day their disallowed goal could have been given.  But Raya really only had one important save to make today. It’s not like they battered our defense even if they did exert more control in the second half – though it would be hard to have been starved of the ball as much as they were in the first half.

Saka, after being attacked by Christie, helped create down our right. But it did seem that he was a little off his best today. It was refreshing to see him replaced today – resting him for the United game. He took his penalty wonderfully calmly but seemed to be operating on fumes at times.

There were periods in the first half when we just tore through them. We could (and should) have been 3-0 up before the penalty changed the game. But just remember back to last year when we’d have to find miraculous ways to win these types of games. This year there is so much less drama. It’s a sign of the maturity of this team. We might not end up winning the league but there can be no doubt how smooth and entertaining this team is.

You only have to look to our own touchline. Last year Arteta would be passionately running up and down transmitting his energy and angst to the team. Now you see a much more considered and calmer Arteta. Still orchestrating the tactics and strategy but now he’s  more confident and his team is more able to constantly follow his direction.

So another victory. That’s four on the run after the Villa fiasco. Scoring 13 goals just the two against the wankers last week. Three clean sheets out of four games. In the meantime, those wankers have lost three in a row and Liverpool have only won 2 of their last seven league games. And to think that last year we were accused of choking. The silence about these two teams is deafening.

Just two more games now. As confident as you can be that we’ll win these games it’s still a long shot against the City Machine. Inevitably they will demolish the abject wankers scoring multiple times from dead-balls situations as their Australian guru will claim he’s not worried about set-pieces. Which means are hopes rest on Fulham and West Ham. We need either West London or East London to help us because no-one else in North London can help us now.

In the meantime, we remain TOTL for another week. Enjoy it while it lasts. This will go down to the final match of the season stretching out the agony. But, like last season, it will just add fuel to our desire for next season. But for today, a nice three points will do nicely thank you.

-LB7

North London was Red, is Red and will forever be Red.

TOTL

The End

More stressful that in needed to be care of our goalkeeper, but thoroughly deserved victory against a rather toothless Sp*rs. This team picks itself nowdays. And from the beginning, though under pressure in an intense environment, this team held fir, was mature and largely untroubled.

Sure, we rode our luck a little care of a post or two and a favorable ref. And VAR that only wanted to sparingly intervene. As should be the case.

For all their bluster, this was a controlled mature performance. For all their claims to being at our level, they were unable to trouble us aside from our self-inflected wounds. The gulf in class was evident. We were destined to win this game. And deserved to. I hate playing this lot. It’s like playing your defective, useless younger brother. You are always expected to win but you know the odds are you’ll have to lose one of these games. That one in a hundred game. That they will then wallow over (and issue a DVD). Especially today with their desire to (undeservedly) join the Champions League elite and deny us a chance at the title.

But as we demonstrated with the Invincibles, when playing this lot you can always be assured of the result you require. They are just not – and never have been – in the same league or class as us. But my, are they noisy and loud. The chutzpah they have to claim equality with us when they have literally won nothing in decades. When they continuously fail to deliver on anything. But yet somehow they consider themselves to be our peer. It’s a joke really. They are not so much the noisy neighbors but the irrelevant neighbours. They are the Ruttles to our Beatles. They are the Prince Andrew to our King Charles. They are Liz Truss to our Tony Blair. You get the drift. They are upstarts that are unworthy of being a competitor.

White was charmingly annoying on each of our corners distracting their keeper and helping us, care of Hojbjerg, taking the lead. As good as cross as that was from Saka that was soon superceded by Rice to allow the wonderful Have-That to grab the third goal. But before that we had a few sliding door moments. Though they might have had some possession they really weren’t that threatening. Aside from corners. Romero had come close once. And then there were two penalty penalties decisions as a prelude to our second goal.

Trossard, who was wasteful with the ball most of the game, blew on Kulusevski as he ran into the box, stumbled and then passed to Maddison (I think). Rice proceeded to tackle him before he also fell over. While my favourite referee, The Right Honorable, Sir Michael Oliver of Highbury, waved play on, Rice feed Saka you released Have-That. Rather than pass to Trosard he switched the play to the unmarked Saka whos first touch was delicious. He then proceeded, in a Henry-esque manner, to skin Davies and put away the all important second goal. As brilliant as the finish was by Saka, that vision and execution by Have-That was exquisite. Yet again Have-that was the standout player. One assist and that third goal. And his overall work rate, link-up play and physicality – along with his slightly edgy but quiet personality – was crucial today. Compare that to their most annoying substitute. That Cunning Ungrateful Noxious Temperamental Richarlson who, from the first minute, was trying to wind up and hurt  our players.

Unfortunately, Raya made a colossal mistake. Dithering and indecision causing him to set up Romero. Until that point they were thoroughly beaten. In the second half they had nothing. No threat. This game was petering out. The crowd were subdued, and they created nothing. Their acclaimed manager, The great Big Fat Ange, had done nothing to change the game. No tactical tweak or adaptation. Nothing. Glory be to Ange the great next wonder of the world. Nothing. But here were here, care of Raya, failing to manage the situation. There was absolutely zero reason to be cute or take a chance in this situation. Sure, anyone can make a mistake. But not in this game, not in this situation. Unforgivable. And, if they had managed a third and caused us to lose the race for the title, he would have been crucified. Instead, Rice finally allowed them to win a penalty and we had to suffer through the last 10 agonizing minutes.

As unconscionable as that Raya mistake was, he really did not have a save to make during this game. Our defense was rock solid. Son, aside from his penalty, was anonymous. Maddison, who was substituted off way too early by Mr. Big. Brain. Ange, irrelevant. They had possession without any clear intent. Four of the five goals today came from set-pieces and clear mistakes. Only the Saka goal was from open play.

In prior season you would have bet on us to end up drawing this game. But this is a different team now (even with Raya). There was a backbone and resilience we did not see last year. Having Saliba and Gabriel at the core of the defense with Rice and Partey sitting in front of them provide the type of protection we’ve not had since the days of Koscielny. Partey can still get caught dithering on the ball too often but his finding his game again. And with Rice there, who was again relentless in his defense, enables us to defend a lead in ways we’ve not been able to do.

Back to White. Another impressive performance. Dealing with first Werner, then Brennan-Johnson and finally Son. Winning headers and being a general nuisance on our corners. Prior to that first goal there was a nice shot of him being an annoying little irritant by picking, in a child-like way, on the keepers right hand. Cheeky but effective.  

Tomi was needed at full-back. He had some support from Trossard. But it was not Trossards day today. He was caught in possession too often and he took too many risks with the ball in dangerous areas. And, arguably, could have given them that all important first goal care of a penalty. But this was payback for the Cedric penalty given by Paul Tierney (and the sending off). Justice served.

We turned up today. Odegaard, Rice, Saka, the defense and, of course, Have-that. We again asserted our title wining credentials. The contrast to this team from last year is dramatic. No drama and all results. There is backbone and craft. Sure, we should have won this 3-0 but a win is a win. Look at Liverpool. Winning Derbies away is not so easy. Let’s see who they call chokers now. Not this team.

A fine week. Winning two London derbies on the trot within 5 days against teams that have had a more favorable schedules is no mean feat. With three games left we could conceivably now win all three matches and still not win the League. I’ve never thought we would win it this year. And City will destroy Sp*rs if they play like they did today. So, I’m not sure there are many instances in which they will drop any points.

Today though we put our ugly, distance, mentally challenged little relative back in their place. We reasserted who was the best football team in England. And the best team in London. We demonstrated that North London was Red, is Red and will always be Red.

-LB7

TOTL. Thank you Chelsea. Thank you Poch and thank you Nicholas Jackson.

When I saw that team sheet I realized two things. The first is that Chelski really does hate Sp*rs. And secondly, that Poch loves Arteta. What a shambles their team selection was.

Where to start this one. After Trossard, yet again, gave is the lead after 4 minutes, you thought the score line could end up like this. But there was a long period leading into the second half where you feared we’d regret all those missed changes. I forgot of course that Jackson is there main striking theat. How abysmal is this guy, thankfully. He is, hands-down, the worst striker I can remember since the wonderful Soldado at Sp*rs. Of course, with that tackle on Tomi, Jackson should have been sent off. He is a shambles of a player and perfectly suited to Chelsea.

With Tomi back in and Partey in the base midfield role Rice was able to shift out to the left. That provided a better balance such that not everything was down the right hand side. However, most of the chances were generated by the triangle of Saka, White and the masterful Odegaard. Today he ruled this match. He exuded joy. He feed passes and split their defense of some many occasions.

Going in only one-up at half time was frustrating. We won the ball high up the pitch – well, often Cheski generously just gave it to us – and we’d find ways to squander the chances. We dominated them and created so many chances I lost count. There was Have-that choosing to pass not shoot, Rice and Odegaard shooting. It was an endless stream. And sometimes their goalie would make a great save. You always worry that you’ll regret these missed opportunities. And there were periods where they would counterattack. And thankfully they (i.e. the aforementioned Mr. Jackson) found way to miss their chances as well.

You feared this might turn into a replay of the Wolves match. You figured they could not be as bad in the second half. They weren’t; they were actually worse. But the nerves started to enter the atmosphere. Anxiety crept in. It was not helped by some sloppy play. And Partey was guilty of numerous sloppy passes and lingering on the ball too long. Yet we also saw times where his simple link up play helped propel the team forward. For example his role in setting up that first goal.

Fortunately, we were able to sneak a Ben White goal to open up this game. Thoroughly deserved and resulting from one of our numerous corners. But nicely finished. And game over. You knew Chelski could not possibly recover. They have no leadership nor backbone. The anxiety dissipated. And our game continue to flow around them.

The third goal though was just majestic. The obvious foul by Gabriel was not called and then Odegaard feed the most exquisite pass through to Have-that. This time he drove directly to goal, brushing off the challenge of their £60m hairy fullback to thump the ball in for our third. That was a picturesque goal. Classic Odegaard and reminiscent of Ozil. The perfectly weighted pass. And the perfect finish.

And then it just because an onslaught. Again, from our right, Odegaard and Saka set up Have-that to get his brace to be swiftly followed by White. It became a procession that allowed us to make all the substitutions we needed ahead of Sunday.  It was good to see Jorginho back out there in place of Partey. But you could see the difference when Jesus replaced Have-that. As often said, Jesus can do everything but score.

We even got a chance to see Zinny get some minutes and for Martinelli to again show how he’s lost his scoring touch. And a miracle happened, we finally saw Saka substituted. Even if it took until the 82^nd minute. This was a much improved performance from him today. He was involved in nearly all our good moves. But he needs time to recover. Let’s see if those 15 minutes help him on Sunday.

Though he did not score, Rice again just crushed their midfield and dominated the play. He liberates Odegaard and pushes himself into many more attacking positions. He’s not quite developed the composure needed to score more goals but that will come with experience. Our midfield today was most likely that Edu and Arteta imagined when the signed Rice. And even though Partey has regressed you can see what the attraction when they brought in Rice.

Then you only have so amusingly look across the pitch at their £200m counterparts – Enzo and Caicedo – to appreciate how easy it is to make the wrong choices. And that’s not even consider the money they sunk into Mudryk. We were so fortunate that Chelski were brainless enough to save us from that one. We certainly dodged a bullet there. In fact with both him and Caicedo.

Consider this, we definitely got the better parts of Brighton. We have Trossard and White for about £70m whereas they have the Hairy left-back and Caicedo for £150m. Three goals versus one yellow-card. It’s hard to know where to start with the amount of money Todd Boehly has squandered way. It’s beyond arrogance to think that by acquiring (supposed) young talent, not even being aware that football is a team game and ignoring the need for senior, on-the-pitch guidance/experience, they could assemble a team like this. But it makes me happy none-the-less. In my dark moments I merely have to think about Nicholas Jackson and all is right with the world. I know supporters of this lot (sorry AJ); you have my long-term sympathies. How you must pine for the days or Roman.

Another clean sheet. I think that’s world-record for us. Or something like that. Score more goals and let in less than anyone. Pretty impressive. But not as impressive as the way we command the pitch, dictate the rhythm and control the game with our high press. We really are a joy to watch – aside from that period in the middle when the anxiety sets in. But surely, after watching us against Bayern, teams should figure that if they can starve our access to Odegaard they could (potentially) shut us down. Instead they let him have the freedom of the park.

So onto Sunday while still TOTL. We just need Everton to dig in now. And, we can rely on Forest to adopt a them against the world attitude. Hopefully they can channel their misplaced anger into a similar performance as they had against Liverpool at home last year. I doubt it. But they can at least make City suffer a little.

We need some luck. We need both of them to drop some points. It’s not much to ask. Just a little generosity ahead of our Sunday encounter with those wankers. As consummate failures they will be entirely motivated by their desire to try and help us fail. We, on the other hand, post Champions league and the Brexit of every other team (aside from Villa) can also put another nail in their aspirations to be in the Champions league next year now that there are only four places.

This is the game of the season for us. This is our most tricky remaining fixture. So, it’s good we were able to make wholesale substitutions today. And we actually have a four day gap which will seem like a long-term holiday for most of the players. But I am looking forward to watching Rice destroy them and for Odegaard to carve them open. And I suspect we’ll see Jorginho return. I don’t know if I can take Partey lingering on the ball for too long. This will be an intense match with a frantic atmosphere. But we go into this match perfectly set-up, two wins on the bounce and still TOTL.

-LB7

TOTL. Again. If only momentarily. After the last week this was the performance we needed. Actually, it was the result that we needed to stay attached to this race.

Though others will see the last week through the eyes of the grim reaper, the performances have not been too shabby. In both games we missed our first half chances and then visibly tired in the second half. Today though, Trossard, who missed that chance against Villa, somehow managed to squeak out an all important toe-poke right at the end of the first half. That was the game changer we needed last week but I’ll take it today.

Prior to that I’d been moaning about how anonymous he’d been up. Or rather ineffective. Unable to really defend and unable to breakout in attack – or place crosses. It’s interesting how Arteta has lent on him rather than Martinelli during this period. I suspect Martinelli is not quite fit. Yet, right at the end of this game we saw a breakaway that Martinelli, care of his speed, jumped on in a way that Trossard would have not. Yet his finish was all too different from Trossards. Maybe that’s why Trossard starts currently.

The team selection is pretty established by now. With so few games left now and every point vital as we chase the City 115 machine, there’s no reason to shake things up.  Clearly a number of players are running on fumes. Saka being the prime example. It’s hard though to put him on the bench. Even on one leg he will both occupy their defense and still generate chances.

Until we fully resolve that left back position the balance of this team will continue to be through our right hand side. That combination of White, Odegaard and one-legged Saka, generates most of our chances and creativity. While we dominated right from the beginning this game, fueled with the accumulated anxiety this week, had that ominous dreadful feeling of us not being able to score. This is just our fear of the past versions of Arsenal revisiting this version. But this version is different. We are somewhere between last years immature version and the mature Invincibles. And closer to the latter than former.

Our defense was as resolute as ever unlike earlier this week. No mistakes – except for the curse of the left-back – and no real attacking threat to deal with. Until Timber is able to return, we will have to endure the defensive vulnerability down the left. I like Kiwior. He’s defensively better than Zinny (though, to be fair, so am I). And at least he’s not a Santos. Their one outright chance, care of our left-back, in the first half was well saved by Raya. Aside from that he barely had a save to meet. And, as a bonus, his distribution was quite reasonable. There I go lavishing praise on Raya again.

Jesus is a fascinating player. We hear that he’s still not quite fit, carrying a knee injury. Yet he roves around the pitch with such energy, linking up the play and working so hard. It’s just a shame he can’t score goals. That’s the one thing missing from his game. It’s just a pity he’s our center-forward. Otherwise he’d be perfect. His pressing and work, in combination with the buzzing Odegaard allows us to apply pressure much higher up the pitch.

Have-that had yet another one of his reserved, quiet but very effective performances. There were two great chances in either half but it’s hard to be critical of either. Aside from that he won headers, was calm and controlled. It’s also nice that he’s got a nasty little edge to him. Don’t let that languid style fool you, he’s not averse to pulling shirts or being a little bit sneaky in his tackles.

I could not see us actually scoring today. We continued to insist on making that additional, unnecessary pass rather than actually shooting. But thankfully Trossard toe changed all that. The second half continued to be one-way traffic. Arteta seemed to unleash both Rice and Have-that. Both wandered over to the right hand side. There was more fluidity and control. Yet, we still lack that second goal.

As the game wore on, Wolves had their moments of control but without any threat. Yet with that scoreline, with our history, the anxiety levels inevitably increase. You’re one Gerrard-like mistake from being out of the race for the league. Thankfully though we have Declan Rice. He was, yet again, immense today. And you could see how exhausted he was. But he functioned on fumes. He is the primary difference from last year. And his effectiveness – aside from the last two games – continues to grow. Today, it felt, for him, was a statement game. He was determined to stop the slide and propel this team forward.

His second half performance was dominant. He was a true box-to-box player today. Dragging himself all around the pitch. It’s that mentality we were missing last year (in addition to a few injured players).  Each game now has the potential to define our season. All we can do is lose the race for the title with one slip-up. We have to win every game now. And there are some difficult ones ahead – and today could have had been one of those. And that’s something we have to embrace. Because that’s the pressure that’s a natural part of wanting to win the league.

Todays performance was mature, calm and reassuring. This was the Arsenal we’ve come to expect. Ok, maybe slightly less exciting than earlier this (calendar) year. In truth, both in the first half against Villa and initially against Bayern on Wednesday, we played like this. The difference is that first goal. And today we found a way. So we did not have to suffer through the second half decay we’d seen of late. That goal provides all the motivation you need. And more importantly, it means you don’t have to go all kamakazi desperately looking for that winning goal – and then leave your self exposed to the counter-attack.

Sure waiting to the last minute of overtime for that second goal seemed a little unnecessary but this was three point well earned. And it leaves us in the race. And, most importantly (rant warning) it avoids others (and, unfortunately, some moronic Arsenal supporters) from accusing us of choking.

I genuinely don’t understand the use of this word. Choking. It’s so emotive. And designed purely to trigger a reaction. Which, of course, what this is. But it’s so illogical. First off you can only “choke” if you’re in the position to actually compete and win something. So, technically, shit mediocre teams that never come close to actually winning anything – you know who I’m referring to – can’t be a choke team. Because. They. Are. Shit.

This word is designed to be inflammatory. It’s designed to instigate. It fails to recognize the reality of those teams that just don’t win. So, by this standard City choked over the last 7 years because they’ve only won the Champions league once. Liverpool are chokers because they only won the league once. But this is clearly rubbish. And technically all the English teams that got knocked out of Europe mid-week are chokers. Well, aside from our Accountant and Villa. You can only “choke” if you can compete. So that counts out that bunch of wankers down the road.

I digress slightly. My point is this word, aside from being insulting, is a distraction. The reality is that it takes time to build a winning team. And failure to win is part of that evolutionary process. That is the journey we are on. And today demonstrated that. Care of Rice and Odegaard, we demonstrated the backbone we arguably lacked last year. That failure helped prepare us for today. That is how teams evolve. It’s not choking it’s maturing.

So let’s review the last week or so. We failed against Villa. Then we arrived in Munich and competed and controlled the game for long period but failed to convert. Bayern, who are an improved version of Porto ,exploited  – in both games – our naivety and nervousness, to use all their years of experience, to find a way to win. That pain we suffered will come in handy next year when we are (hopefully) back in the quarter-finals. The teams we face in Europe are more technical, with some outstanding, world-class players (i.e. Sane) that are able to rest and rotate their players all year long as they are in one or two-horse race leagues. These teams only have to seriously worry about  one other team in their league. They have uncompetitive leagues. Which is why they all want a Super League. But it also explains why we saw the collective aversion to Europe this week. The most recent version of Brexit. The departure of all the EPL title chasers. There’s no coincidence to this.

With just five games left, the next two are the major hurdles. After next Sunday we can revert to a game per week. That will help both Saka and therefore us. We saw over Christmas what happens when we have to play every three days. Arteta does not trust his bench. It’s hard to fault him when that includes Vieira.  I can’t tell you how scared I was when Partey came on. One casual, nonchalant pass away from them equalizing. At this stage of the season there is no rotation. It’s just play your best eleven and suck it up. In five weeks everyone can rest. I just feel sorry for ESR.

As you can tell, I don’t consider the last week to be one of abject failure. Of us “choking”. You’re just not living in the real world if you think you can win every game. It helps that City do not have to live in our world. Check out Liverpool against Palace. It’s how you deal with these setbacks. And today we learned, yet again, that team has the mentality to react and respond. Those fine margins, or toe-nails, just have to go in your favour. And today they did.

TOTL again and now onto Tuesday night.

-LB7

We should have won this game in the first half but instead we lost it in the second. Games like this are inevitable. It just comes at an inopportune part of the season. At least we can comfort ourselves in Villa remaining fourth.

I do wonder whether this was our Fulham moment. Though we can’t now head of to Dubai. It’s Munich instead. That second half performance was reminiscent of Fulham. Leggy, sloppy and tired. We should also, as much as it pains me, give credit to Villa. They dominated the second half. It seemed inevitable that they would finally score. With the first half effort from Watkins that somehow hit the post and spun out and then the second half Tielmans effort that hit the cross bar and post, you felt it was coming.

In that first half we had a number of chances, whether it was Jesus’s missed header, Saka effort and Have-that running through a couple of times. We seemed to be playing our usual Arsenal way with Odegaard dominating in midfield orchestrating all of our moves. It seemed inevitable we would score. The defining movement, immediately after that Watkins effort, was when Trossard failed, from 5 yards out, failed to convert and instead Martinez was able to stick out a foot. As aggravating as this was it’s worth remembering how often Trossard has scored for us while being in that position. Shit happens. And today it happened to us.

It’s the contrast from the first to second half that was so dramatic. Arteta, who’s selection has been so good lately, changed up the balance of the team. Trossard got the nod over Martinelli but Have-that returned to left mid-field. In the first half the selection did not seem to impede us. Have-That made a number of penetrating runs while Jesus continued to work back and provide defensive cover.

Again, most of our creativity was down the right hand side with Saka and White working with Odegaard. It felt like we missed the breakaway speed in that final third. We would see Jesus and Have-that breakaway but not be able to separate from the defenders. Villa, who were wasting time from the first minute, continued to play out from the back and put themselves under immense pressure. It just seemed like we were destined to take the lead.

As we’ve seen before, of course, this though was a game of two halfs. And in the second half Villa were superior, the better team and controlled the game. We seemed off the pace, tired, somewhat sloppy and unable to convert any chances we had. Villa had the bulk of the possession and, most telling, we would lose all the second ball challenges. That’s the sloppiness we saw. But I suspect that came from tiredness. Sure, they also had a European match on Thursday and we had 48 hours more recovery time. But we largely have been using the same set of core players. Anyway, this had all the makings of a second half car crash.

And crash we did. After Zinny had made his customary mistakes, they were able to convert after the second phase of one of their numerous corners. While we had chances to get out of defense and had resisted the initial corner, we were suspectable to that second phase of the attack. White could have done better, Gabriel could have intercepted, Raya was caught in non-mans land and Rice was asleep at the back post. While none is entirely responsible, that’s too much collective loss of focus.

That second goal though was reminiscent of what happened against Bayern mid-week. In that instance, White was able to come back and recover. But this time as much as ESR tried, he’s no defender. And Watkins, who was impressive the entire game, wonderfully converted. It’s fair to say if he was playing for us, we’d surely have converted some of our chances. But the point here is that for the second time inside a week we over committed and left ourselves exposed. You just can’t afford to do that. And you have to be able to learn your lessons. Not that I felt we’d have even score an equalizer at 0-1. It’s more that we have to be able to learn from our mistakes.

I’m sure there will be some attention on Zinny today. I thought, defensively, he was a liability. He makes too many mistakes, passes in the wrong areas and fails to win important tackles and, in possession, he can linger on the ball for too long. To be clear, again, he was not the reason we lost. We lost because of our collective disintegration in the second half. Odegaard was non-existent, Saka barely touched the ball and Rice was largely anonymous.

You could see why Arteta made the changes he did. Not that they helped. And, I was surprised then White rather than Zinny came off. But we lacked our composure, rhythm and style. A large part of that has to go down to Villa and their accountant. They adjusted at half time and we did not know how to respond.

As disappointed and pissed off as I am it’s hard to get angry at this team. They have been so good for so long and such a pleasure to watch. And today, in the second half we just sucked. But, and I just checked on this, it’s not the end of the world. That only happens if that lot ever win the League. So, nothing imminent on that front.

The challenge now will be how we recover from this. Not just against Bayern but also against Wolves. Unlike Fulham, there is no recovery time. And the cloud of last year will reappear with the related fears about us fading away. But this is not last year. Der. We are a better team with better players. It’s just about whether we have the mental strength to respond.

What did make me angry however was the camera usage of the TV director. Today was an aggravating as I can remember. The number of times the camera lingered on a player with close up shots while the play was ongoing. Or the frequency with which they showed replays when the game was ongoing is so fucking annoying. We are tuned in to watch the game. Let us watch it. It’s ruins and detracts from the game. Rather than being absorbed in the rhythm and flow of the game we’re being forced to watch though this endless, tiresome “artsy” view of the game. Sure, I’m concerned about the creeping usage of VAR in the game. But, for me, this inept match director selection of various camera angles is much more frustrating. At least with VAR you know, at some point (and we’re seeing that in general) it will improve. But these camera shots are just getting more obtuse and destroying the viewing experience.

Ok, now back here on planet earth, as I’ve said, we should expect shitty days. We’ve not had one in a while. And today was certainly one. But it was a collective one. It was not down to an individual players. This was a collective failure – including Arteta. So, as I’ve profoundly said already, shit happens. It’s how you respond that counts. All is not lost. Just look at Liverpool. We have always known that City with their depth of squad and experience (and their pending 115 financial charges) were the likely favourites. But even they are likely slip up at some point. Hopefully.

What counts now is checking on the fitness of Saka and Odegaard and taking a breath to reset and refocus. We can’t be that aimless and disjointed again – I hope. Rather, we should be gathering ourselves for the mighty task ahead of us. This has been a better season than last year and it’s not yet over. There is no pre-ordained expectation that we should come out of this with a trophy. But we should expect a reaction and a response.

-LB7

TOTL. Again. Another 24 hours at the top before United implode yet again.

Today was such an impressive performance. Against a genuinely dangerous team that has not lost at home since August we were in complete control.

More changes after Luton. Jesus, Rice along with Jorginho and Saka returned. And so did our smoothness. This team just dominated Brighton and made them look quite ordinary. Let’s hope when City play they rediscover some form.

It took a while to breach their defense but we had chances from the 2^nd minute onwards when Gabriel headed wide with the goal open. But whereas in previous years where you’d worry that that was “the” chance, today we just continued to create.

At the center of it all was Odegaard orchestrating and Have-that wondering around, linking up and creating. Our movement was incisive and quick. Our passing was sharp. And Brighton had no real response. Once the game settled down there seemed an inevitability about the outcome.

Even with the squandered chances you just felt eventually we’d put one away. Jesus was a constant nuisance on the left and, importantly, provided cover for the vulnerable Zinny. I thought it was brave to play him against Brighton and he looked susceptible to a mistake. Defensively he seemed too exposed and prone to lapses in concentration. Thankfully though Gabriel also knows this and seems to know to cover for him. As much as Zinny helps us going forward against a team with a real winger you just can’t play him. The sooner we get Timber fit the better.

Jesus missed a couple of great chances before he was brought down by Lamptey for a penalty that Saka converted. Saka clearly benefited from his little rest. Along with the White/Odegaard combination they terrorized the right hand side of their defense. Saka could and should have also scored when he cut inside but overall he looked so much fresher. And it was good to see him brought off early as well.

The Jorginho and Rice axis was again in complete control and provided any protection the defense required. Not that they were that troubled. With our old friend Welbeck in their front line there was little danger that he would be able to score against us. But Enrico on their left is a little tricky but White had him under control. And Saliba and Gabriel dominated at the back. And from their corners White seemed to win every header. I’m not sure that Raya actually had a real save to make today. Again. That is a testament to the blanket coverage this defense provides. And yet another clean sheet – and that’s with Zinny at left back.

We’ve scored more goals than anyone and also let is less goals; with the largest number of clean sheets. That’s a remarkable statistic. For a game where we should have been 2-0 up inside the first twenty minutes it never felt like we’d let our chances slip.

The second goal was vital to creating some breathing space. As against Luton, through our high press we won the ball back high up the pitch. Thereafter it was a goal made by our ex-Chelsea friends. And there was Have-that at the near post to receive the Jorghino pass to nicely slot the ball away. Have-that really has been on fire for the last 7 games. Our run has coincided with his rise to prominence. He now seems to have owned that false 9 position.  

With Have-that upfront, that enables Jorginho to play at the number 6 and Rice in the number 8. Which means we apply a high press more consistently. And that usually starts with Odegaard who seems to have found additional reserves of energy to propel him forward through the entire 90 minutes.

After that second goal we sat back and absorbed some of their pressure without them actually getting a shot on target. And then we broke away, care of yet another assist from Have-that. I figured Trossard would run out of steam charging up field. But with the ungrateful Brighton fans booing him on, he delicately chipped their goalie to put the result beyond any doubt. And also further increase our goal difference.

This was a complete performance today. Brilliantly executed. Throughout we exuded a calmness and confidence that we just did not see last year. In addition to the interplay and control of the ball we have a grit and backbone that supplements our creativity. And this was no better demonstrated than the reaction of Gabriel and his teammates to his block of one of their few shots in the 80^th minute. It was as though he’d scored himself.

Last year Gabriel (like Zinny now) seemed prone to at least one moment of madness per game. And his distribution – whether long or short – was inconsistent. At the start of this year he was even, initially, dropped to the bench so that Partey could play right back. Thankfully that experiment was terminated. Since then, as smooth and skillful as Saliba has been, and as much as Saliba has, rightly attracted all the plaudits, it’s really Gabriel that has developed the most.

This year, in addition to his four goals, he seems to have irradicated those mistakes of previous years. His distribution – because of the availability of Rice – is more consistent and his defensive play has irradicated those careless or clumsy fouls. In terms of the most important players to this team, I know Gabriel will not rate in the top 4 (after Rice, Saka, Saliba and Odegaard) most important players but his improvement is pivotal to our defensive stability.

Even though Brighton was a much more daunting task than Luton, in many ways, this was, yet again, a relaxing watch. No stress. No anxiety. No drama. Even with our missed opportunities. That is the measure of this team. It is a pleasure to watch their development and evolution. They really have developed into a mature, controlled and exciting team to watch. And this all seems to have come together since the break in Dubai. Unlike last season where we started strong, led the league and then notoriously faded, this year we seem to have reversed the order. We are proving it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish.

So, back to TOTL. Unfortunately, as Liverpool have to play that shambles that is United, it’s likely to be only temporary. And with City having the easier run-in, the odds are still against us. The European matches might now dictate where the title goes. Let’s hope that City can overcome Madrid to keep them engaged on the Champions League even they have a clear history of being able to win both at the same time. But we need them to pick up a few more injuries. Preferably to KDB. And as for Liverpool, let’s just pray they only manage a draw tomorrow. Unlikely though that is.

Bayern at home on Tuesday could be a nice distraction. In some ways this will be easier than playing Porto. Bayern will at least attempt to engage us. And with Partey and ESR rested they should be able to contribute some important minutes. But my focus will remain on the Villa home match. And at least Douglas Luiz is now ineligible. We just need McGinn to be injured. This will be another difficult challenge for us and would, unfortunately, help that lot get closer to the Champions League. But I suppose it’s more important for us to win. Just.

So enjoy the next few hours as we return to TOTL. We deserve it. This is far beyond my expectations at the start of the year. And unimaginable after that loss at Fulham. And while I’m still unconvinced that we can win the league it’s important to enjoy each and everyone of these victorys and recognize that this team is for real. And we’re still a few years away from being in our prime. How dominant were we today? So dominant that Arteta barely had to break into a sweat. No berating the referee or screaming from the sideline. He can see our patterns of play develop and has increased confidence in this team. As we should all have.

-LB7

TOTL again. If only momentarily. A nice relaxing three points. Players rested. Clean sheet. Just what the doctor ordered. Minimal anxiety and stress. As much as I admire Luton; plucky little Luton they really offered nothing. I fear they are destined to return from whence they came.

Arteta finally indulged in some genuine rotation. Gone were Rice, Jesus, Kiwior, Jorginho and, not by choice, Saka. They all needed time on the sidelines. It’s the first time in the Premier League we’ve started without Rice. Partey started his first game since before the discovery of electricity. And we finally saw the return of Zinny. Best of all ESR started ahead of Vieira.

From the outset we dominated. But you could see the slight lack of precision which comes about when you swap out nearly half your team. Slightly misplaced final passes or the expectation that someone would have made a run that they didn’t. Nonetheless, there was minimal pressure from Luton so we had total control of the game. It would just depend on whether we created any openings.

Fortunately we still had Odegaard. He linked up well with Partey and helped drive us forward. The first goal came from a high press with ESR winning back the ball before the interplay between Odegaard and Have-that saw Odegaard coolly score making a difficult chance look easy.

In the meantime, Trossard continued to burn their right back but marginally fail to deliver the killer pass or shot. Today was not his day. Nothing realy came off for him. And, you could see what he could not play against City. His defending left a lot to be desired. With both him and Zinny on the left, they conspired to make Townsend look threatening.

On the other hand, while he still had energy, ESR was a live wire. It took him a little time to adjust to actually playing rather than sitting on the bench. But he found pockets of space and linked up well with everyone. He even managed to defend as well. And he was the source of the second goal. Finding space in the box to pull the ball back for Nelson to let the other team score.

It’s a shame Reece could not put that away as he put in a decent performance. It’s hard to have to replace Saka. And while he does not have the incisiveness of Saka he was able to track back and defend Doughty in a way that I suspect Saka would not.  Of course, it’s tough for him as well, having spent so long on the bench. But he took his chance today and showed that he can contribute, even if he is no Saka.

The second half was pretty dull. After the domination of the first half, we played game management in the second half. Conserving energy and working the clock. It would have been nice to run up the score as goal difference is going to come into play. However, we kept a clean sheet. I’m not sure Raya had a save to make. At times, especially with Partey, the closet they came was when we were playing the ball out of the back. Partey can seem too casual and nonchalant at times. He was the only one that induced any anxiety. Thankfully we brought on Rice for the last 60 minutes. I fear I’ve just lost faith and, maybe, patience with Partey. He was so key to our success for so long. And I know he needs a run of games to regain match sharpness but I just wait for that slack, careless pass. Today we saw a few, but not from him to be fair.

Behind them all the pillars of stability were barely troubled. Saliba and Gabriel are on fire currently. As is White. They seem impenetrable. As physical as Gabriel is, Saliba was so graceful on the ball. So much in control and he reads the game perfectly. Behind them Raya though untroubled did have issues with his long ball distribution.

Arteta was completely vindicated in his team selection. After the injuries and fatigue of last years campaign it vital that we can successfully rotate players. Some of them – such as ESR – deserve more game time. And some of them – such as Partey – just needs minutes. The extra rest for Rice, Martinelli, Kiwior, Jorghinho and, unfortunately, Saka is vital. We saw again today why Zinny can’t play against a real winger; the boy just can’t defend.

Even Eddie got playing time. At one point we had Eddie, ESR and Nelson all on the pitch at the same time. All three Hale End boys. We were just missing Saka. Of these, it was ESR that stood out. He made the vital contributions and demonstrated he has something to offer to this team. He just needs to stay fit and healthy. Otherwise, he’ll end up treading the same path as another number 10 – Jack. I hope not. And to be fair to Jack he really did play many minutes from a very young age – and was not protected by the referees.

TOTL until tomorrow and then off to the south coast at the weekend. Our run in is challenging. More so than the other two. And the margins are so thin. I suspect one team will go undefeated and pick up the title. I just hope it’s us. But I doubt it. It’s a shame Villa could do us no favours today. And I doubt Sheffield are capable of even tieing their own shoe-laces tomorrow. Let’s hope that at least they keep the score line – and the goal difference – respectable.

The contrast between today and Sunday could not be greater. And that just amplifies the maturity and growth of this team. Actually, this squad. There is the sense that there is just a little more depth to this team now. And there is an adaptability and flexibility to how we can play. We have a Plan B. But, watching Plan A play out is so much more fun. We have seen others struggle to overcome Luton but, today, there was no drama. Just classic Arsenal football.

So, TOTL for one more day. Expect Saturday to be way more tense.

-LB7

Now that’s how to compete. No goals but a backbone performance unlike last year. We restricted them to a handle of opportunities. Raya was largely untroubled. We talk about how to win this league you have to grind out results. This was a game we could not afford to lose. And we didn’t.

Saliba and Gabriel, in particular, were monsters today. They provided the backbone to this performance. Though we looked a little vulnerable down the wings they intercepted every cross and blocked every shot. Initially Kiwior looked suspectable to being beaten by Silva but finally got he measure of him. He was helped by the diligent defensive work of Jesus. It’s just a shame he can’t score goals (Jesus not Kiwior).

On the other side the non-English playing White was imperious. He snuffed out Foden and then Grealish. And, at the same, time (in the first half) provided us with a real attacking threat. It was just a shame that Saka was not entirely fit. Mind you, against a team like City , you will be starved of the ball for long periods. This left Saka chasing back to cover Gvardiol.

This was a tense and dogged game. There were only brief moments when we had real possession. City pressed very high and remained relentless. Our approach was similar to that in the Community Shield. To play defense and, unlike last year, when we made too many mistakes, this year we had the personal and mental toughness to complete the task.

It’s a shame that we were unable to take advantage of the few chances we created. Not that we would have deserved to win. But we could have. And, in most cases, these chances revolved around Jesus. In the first half a couple fell his way. But as we know he’s not exactly prolific. One time, given a layoff from Kiwior, he took too many touches before shooting when he might have been better off passing to players lined up on the edge of the box. And then again his final pass to Have-that was just too strong as have-that piled into their goalie. In the second half, when we started with more energy and applying a higher-press, Jesus had one more chance when Odegaard and Saka created a cross into the box but he was late arriving.

Though I thought Anthony Taylor was quicker to call us for fouls than City, I was amazed – and happy – he did not hand out yellow cards like confetti. Kiwior could have received one very early on. As could nearly everyone else. Gabriel was very physical today. Rice stood firm and even Odeegard got stuck in. It’s ironic that the only yellows we received were for Jesus messing around with an extra ball and Raya for delaying goal-kicks.

We had to work so hard today. We barely saw Have-that but he was tireless today. Likewise Jorginho was quiet and rarely on the ball. For long periods, we were playing the Bolton defense – parking the bus and asking them to break us down. Thankfully, we are an improved team from last year. As nerve wracking as this was to watch, we just about deserved the point. And given our goal difference we just needed to ensure that we did not lose.

The international break loomed large over this game. Walker and Stones paid the price for Southgate being insensitive to the most intriguing tittle race in a decade or more. How he could play such key players for so many minutes for games that are irrelevant is beyond me. Likewise, KDB looked off the pace today and not 100% though part of that was due to Rice sticking to him like glue.

We were fortunate that Saka pulled out. But it’s clear he’s not really fit. Let’s hope he can recover for the Luton game. Martinelli also escaped minutes as did Gabriel. I hate to think of todays game without Gabriel. He out muscled and bullied their ugly Norwegian.

I know this guy is a natural goal scorer but he was largely anonymous today and that was due to Gabriel. I’m still not convinced that  he fits into City’s style of play. Maybe it was that we starved him of any supply. When Doku came on they looked more threatening. By that time we have seen the return of Tomi and Partey. Partey still makes me nervous. He’s still quite rusty. And I worry about his carelessness. In such a tight game, his mistakes could be critical. And his lack of pace was demonstrated when KDB ran pass him on one of their few transitional breakaways.

Trossard replacing Jesus helped us from a creative perspective but the boy can’t defend. It’s scary to seeing him trying to defend against Doku on the edge of our box. However, it can offer more going forward. He had one opportunity when Odegaard sliced open their defense. But rather than first time square the ball to a charging Martinelli he tried, instead,  a shot from a tough angle. In  a game such as this, when chances are so few, it’s imperative to take advantage of the few opportunities you have. And today, we didn’t.  

We have a tougher run-in than the others , so we could have done with the three points today. But, rightly, Arteta set us up to not lose and to, possibly, nick a win. But what we saw today was an Arsenal team we could only pray for last year. A team that clearly demonstrated a backbone and steel. A team that could concentrate for the entire 95 minutes. This is clear progress. It’s the kind of improvement we’ve been crying out for. Well, in fact, demanded. So, unlike last year, this is real progress.

We’re still in the hunt though the odds favour Liverpool slightly.  My worry remains Rice. He was vital today. Working so hard to shut down KDB. But with Southgate running him into the ground it’s vital he remains fit. And we’ll need Saka to get healthy. Luton won’t be a push over. Like all games now, it’s a must win game for us. It’s a shame because they are such a watchable team. Aside from us winning the league my other wish would be that Forest get relegated and Luton stay up. Oh, one more. In addition, Sp*rs to miss out on Europe and to have their entire team come down with a new strain of Covid.

Arteta got it right today. His tactics were defensive and protective. I have no issue with that. We will though have to recover quickly from this grueling game for Luton to then face a Brighton team that really should have left Anfield with a point. This run-in is going to be tough on our squad. As long as Saliba and Gabriel can stay fit we’ll have a shot. With Rice infront of them we have a backbone that we did not have at the same stage last year. We just need a little luck to flow our way. And we will need help from the bench. Whether it’s ESR, Nelson, or, god help us, Vieira. Or maybe Eddie. Someone will have to help our core team.

We have already proved we’re a better team than last year. I know everyone was worried about our fluidity at the start of the season. But it’s how you finish that counts not how you start. And, here we are, in the middle of a title race. And, to be honest, as happy as I am with a point today I thought City, overall, looked a better team.  We are very close though. And closer than last year. Arteta really has overseen a revolution at Arsenal. Let’s just hope he can dethrone City and put down the Kloppites. But it will be nail-biting right up until the end.

And now, without any annoying and irrelevant International breaks left, we really can focus on the next 2 months and enjoy this team and this challenge. We might not end up winning it all but, we really are contenders now. And that was the statement we made today. This team has now matured. We validated ourselves. And now we have to continue to challenge. There is no margin for error or slip ups. And unlike last year, this year I believe.

-LB7

TOTL again. Finally. If only for a day. Unlike our rampant demolition of the opposition in nearly every game this year, this one was more of a grinding out victory. This was back to what you expect in this league. Tense, nervy and nail-baiting. But, nonetheless, well deserved.

Brentford fought harder than these other teams, wasted time and disrupted as best they could our rhythm. And they thoroughly deserved to lose. This felt like some of those last minute winners from last season. But here our character really shone through.

A good starting point is Aaron. What a game for him. The whiplash of uncertainty, indecisions and mistakes to be followed by redemption. His distribution was erratic. The throw out to Trossard for the quick break was excellent. If Martinelli had been playing that would have been a different outcome. But too often he played it long right back to them. And then, of course, there was that hesitation leading to their goal. His teammates could have helped more by providing more options to him. But it’s his responsibility to recognize and read the situation. That last second twitch or stutter cost him – and us. And potentially our title chase. I felt so sorry for him. And some of this is a by-product of having mostly sat glued to the bench for the last 6 months; a certain amount of rustiness is inevitable. There is no substitute for actual gametime.

Then there was the second half redemption. Two outstanding saves. One from the long distance speculative Toney shot and then the close range header. This kept us in a game we continued to dominate. You could see his relief when Have-that scored. And in the celebrations on the final whistle. I fear though this is the last time we’ll see Aaron in Arsenal colours. You could see that in the way he was waving to the crowd. We’ll miss him. He could have been an Arsenal legend. It will be a shame to see him move on. But he should. He deserves it. He’s too young to waste away on the bench. And, unfortunately, we could see that jittery side to him today. He is a wonderful goalkeeper. As much as it hurts me to say so, and even before his mistake, I was sat there thinking, OMG, we’re missing Raya. Strike me down with a feather. But suddenly, finally, I realized what others have been claiming for months now. Sure, I’m a but dense. And just a little slow. But, Raya is better suited to the style of this team. We are a better team with Raya plays. There I’ve said it. Now take me out and shoot me (form an orderly line please).

Before going further it would be remiss not to comment on the referee today – Rob Jones. He, in addition to Brentford, did his utmost to disrupt and slow down the game. He blew up for nearly every niggly foul. He booked people for breathing on a player. The collective frustration of everyone with him meant that far more emotion and anger seeped into this game. It could have easily boiled over. And that would have been on him. Of late, the refs have been pretty reasonable but todays officiating was picky and rewarded the Brentford players for falling over and wasting time. He did not have a grip on this game. Let’s hope we don’t see him again.

One of the many beautiful things about this team is how they consistently try to play their football. We’ve seen this all season though in particular since the start of the year; well after Fulham anyway. Our captain, who was instrumental again today, is the perfect bellwether for our team. He personifies how we approach the game. He is our heartbeat; he is a microcosm of Arsenal. Consistent and calm. No panic. But a relentless commitment to controlled, intelligent and intricate football.

The vast majority of our threat today – due to the absence of Martinelli – was down our right. That triangle of Saka, Odegaard and White ran Brentford ragged all game. On the other side Trossard was largely anonymous. He only came alive when he drifted infield. Saka torched their fullback and, and in the second half, as we desperately sought the winner, was instrumental as he asserted himself. His character and determination really shone through; leading the charge, challenging their defense and pulling the string along with Odegaard. Though he did not score or provide an assist today, but his presence was pivotal.

And then there is Ben White. What a performance for a right back. Two amazing assists and forever providing options for Saka. How he is not in the England squad is mind-blowing.

Today it was all about the “2”s.

– The two summer signings – Rice and Have-that – both scoring our goals

– The two assists from Ben White

– Our two goals

– The two Ramsdale saves

– The two winning Have-that goals against Brentford this year.

Without those two summer signings we, literally, would be last years team. What an impact they have made. Sure, that was a ton of money to spend. And while there was no doubt about Rice the same can’t be said of Have-That. Yet again today he was the difference maker. Yes, he missed a breakaway chance in the first half where he should have scored. But, when the pressure is on, with the clock winding down, with us all fearful we’ll stumbling to a dreary underserved draw, there he is in the six yard box to head home the winner. That’s six points he’s earned us against Brentford this season.

And more credit to Arteta. He has backed Jorginho this year and he’s been rewarded. He had another fine game. And that has released Rice to operate further upfield. His goal today means that he has scored more now than all last season for WHU. And he hit the bar today. He is developing into a true goal scoring threat now. He is developing into that Lampard, Gerrard role now. A box-to-box midfielder who can score goals. And he makes Have-that a better player. It was Arteta’s decision to take off Jorghino and push Rice back to defensive cover though that enabled us to apply further pressure. Bringing on Nelson and Jesus injected further urgency and pressure. Culminating in White, yet again, setting up that glorious winner.

These are the games that you have to find ways to win. Look at Liverpool at Forest. You have to find a way to win. And we did that while staying true to how we play the game. There is a belief and confidence in this team. They stick to their principles and continue to play the same way knowing that it will yield results.

I’m still not convinced we’ll win the league this year.  We might but it’s going to be so tight and we have three tough away games coming up starting with City. This team though has elevated itself from last year. We have more maturity, more intelligence and more ability. Our game has evolved and we play the best football in this league. And we will, over time, only get better. These are two teams are cresting while we are still rising.

Before the extended break and the City game we have the small matter of Porto. I’m slightly ambivalent about this one. Sure, I’d like to win. I just don’t know if I want to waste time on this. If I had to chose between the league and the Champions league I’d take the league no doubt. Our squad is still thin and would hate to see any injuries to our key players. Also, Europe is tough for us due to our lack of experience. With the ways refs disallow physical contact and the opposition play negative, defensive counter-attacking football I’m not sure we’re well suited to this style – yet. It’s good experience for us – for next year. It’s also less enjoyable to watch these slow, tactical games with European players melodramatically falling over.

Tomorrow we can hope for one win and one draw. Villa need to put that lot to the sword. And Liverpool need to draw against City. As I’ve said, plenty of red cards and injuries are the order of the day. Let’s see Haaland and KDB stretchered off after colliding with each other only to them watch Walker and Stones both pull each others hamstrings. It would b e convenient if they were all sidelined for our visit. And of course, Klopp should also injury himself running up and down the touchline. Not that the celebration police would ever criticize him.

Even if we do somehow get knocked out by Porto, one positive by-product could be that the 5^th place finish would not qualify for the Champions League next year – and you know who’s in 5^th currently.

Let’s enjoy today though. What a wonderful, if slightly stressful, result. To be finally back TOTL. That feels so good. Back where we belong.

-LB7