Month: September 2022

Yes, and we back to top of the league again. For both August and September. How things can change in a year. Today we were, dare I say, imperious. Even with a few enforced changes we dominated the game, withstood some initial intensity from Brentford and controlled the entirety of the game.

It’s hard to decide who was our best player today. Between Xhaka, Partey, Saliba and Jesus I’d slightly come down on the side of Xhaka. Partey purred today. Today he was so quick and simple on the ball. Often surrounded by one of two of their players he is able to know where he wants to pass before he receives the ball. And no hamstring or thigh injury today. Let’s hope he does not play many minutes during this infuriatingly unnecessary International break. As impressive as Sambi has been, Partey operates at an elevated level. And today he linked up the play effortlessly.

Jesus continues to highlight what we were so lacking last year. A true forward who can energize our team. His goal demonstrated his range of ability. From his delicate chips, breakaway goal and now Giroud-like headers. The pass though from Xhaka was Odegaard-like. He really has been liberated in this new role. Without Zinny to feed him, Xhaka had to play a little deeper at times – something we know can cause him problems. But today he moved up and down the left hand side and dominated the play. Martinelli was a little quiet – he’s allowed a day off. In fact, he should have given us the lead in the first two minutes. That passage of play was an example of the time of control and sweeping, controlled football we’d play throughout the game. It’s just a shame he were not able to convert.

Our opening goal though came care of our Enlarged Willy. Not only did he clock (oh, come on. I said clock) his second goal (ignoring his own-goal) but he controlled the newly called up Brentford forward Toney. There were a number of examples in the first half when Saliba calmness and strength enabled him to prevent any danger. Though the entire game, his reading of the play and position continues to amaze. This boy is a gem. As good a center half as I’ve had in my life-time. I know it’s only 7 games in so I should reserve judgement. And we have (aside from the next game) some big teams to play. So I’ll temper my opinion a little. He’s as good as a center half as I’ve seen in the last 7 games. But money is on my original statement being one I restate later on in the season. Let’s hope he stays fit.

Our defense was completely in control. From Tierney to White to Gabriel we were barely stretched. Ramsdale had but one real save to make. We need to wrap this boy in cotton wool as it’s the second time we’ve seen him holding his leg late on in the game. He is one though I want to see play during the internationals. Not just because he deserves it – he is the best keeper in England but because it’s inconceivable that the ugly Pickford should remain the #1 keeper. There is no comparison between the two. Pickford has no calmness. He’s a shotstopper and a thug. He can’t distribute the ball. And he can’t properly comb his hair. He looks like a hit man from the 1930’s with too much Brylcream on his hair.

And can anyone explain how England continue to pick a center half that can’t even get into the ManU starting 11? And yet, White, who’s played in every match this season, does not get picked. The man with the largest forehead and biggest chin, has not played since being embarrassed at Brentford. So how has Southgate judged whether he is fit and able to play? We know that the man is a donkey in disguise (The Manu player not Southgate). But how can he not have picked White. We benefit because he both gets a two week break and won’t have to socialize/train with the England captain. Sure, I was not happy with his performance against Zaha and Palace in our first game but since then he’s been pretty impressive. Why would you not want someone who can play at either center-half or right back. As opposed to someone, say, who can’t play in any position? Southgate is too conservative. Better than nearly every prior England manager but still too conservative. We saw that in the Euros’ final when he was too scared to win. And this is another example.

Anyway back to today. I can rarely remember us going to another ground against a pretty decent team and totally controlling the pace of the game. Some of our quick passing and movement -again, without Zinny or Odegaard – was really so enjoyable to watch. This is a team that is operating at another level. We have advanced more than I would expected in the last year.  We are a joy to watch. There’s nothing like watching your team win and, at the same time, being proud of the way they play the game. Obviously many people will compare this to our performance here last season. But look the which players were in that team and remain in todays team. Just four – Tierney, White, Martinelli and Xhaka. And it was White’s first game. That’s quite a turnover.

I had few expectations of Vieira today being his first game against a pretty physical and intense Brentford team. But he kept things simple and made no obvious mistakes. It was noticeable that Saka was not in the game as much because of the lack of interplay with Odegaard. But Vieira moved around the pitch and seemed to gradually adapt to the pace of the game. And then capped it off with a glorious goal. One that I don’t think our Norwegian could pull off. It was effortless and seemed to come out of nowhere. And truly sealed off the game and put any nerves to rest. There seemed no backlift or significant power but was perfectly placed. What a perfect start. If it usually takes six months for a player to adapt to English football then we’re in for a treat.

We were so good today that at times I forgot Zinny was not on the field. Nor Odegaard. Arteta got it completely right today. The way he set the team up. It was a continuation of how we played against ManU but this time with the outcome and goals we deserved. There was not intervention by VAR or the referee today. Though, can someone explain to me how in the hell Jesus picked up a yellow card for his only foul in the game? That made no sense.

As much as I hate early games this was thoroughly enjoyable. We completely deserved these three points. And we’re back to our rightful position at the top of the league. It’s only seven games in and I know that’s not where we will finish up. But it’s good to see a gap with the other teams looking to get into the Champions League. We remain a young team and there will be periods where we throw away games and points as we show our inexperience. And let’s face it, we’ve not had Xhaka sent off yet. In fact, we’ve not had anyone sent off. But with that lot down the road due up next let’s see how that turns out. Surely they can’t have Paul Tierney referee that game. At least our Gabriels will all be rested – along with White.

Before we head off into this infernal international break let’s all take a minute to barf out loud about the new Chelsea owner and the bonehead statements emanating from his too-often-open mouth. It’s enough to get Americans in England a bad name. It’s bad enough the Glaziers are at United (or, maybe, we are lucky they are there). At least Kroenke is Silent. There is virtue in that. It’s so embarrassing and squirmy it makes you pine for having an Oligarch run the club. At least we never heard from him. Oh, sure, he might have been responsible for fleecing his nation and supporting a megalomanic, messianic dictator who’s trying to push the world into World War III. But, listen, no one’s perfect. But at least he kept his mouth shut. And all-star game north versus south? Really? He said that out loud? What a putz. Has he no shame. No chance. When the only one agreeing with you is Stevie Gerrard you know it’s a horrible idea. What a moron (either of them). It’s hard enough watching Saka play up front with that England captain. Imagine a north versus south game. Inconceivable. If this is a fine example of his thought process, then Chelski are well and truly fucked. Not that I would mind. I remember when they were a bang below average team before the Russian dollars took Ashley Cole away from us. They deserve nothing less. I just don’t know I can take listening to this big mouth spouting off his ridiculous ideas. He makes Ted Lasso seem pretty intelligent.  How he could have fired Tuchel a few days after the transfer window closed after letting him bring in Aubameyang or paid £60m for the Brighton left-back when he already had another £50m fullback in place. Well, after listening to the latest drivel spewing from his egotistical brain, I think we now have the answer. He’s a buffoon. Buffoon Boehly.

Oh, did I mention, you know, what is it that I wanted to say? And leave this in your head for two weeks. Oh, I know. We’re top of the league.

-LB7

We’re still top of the league. But only just. That was a painful reminder of how far we’ve come but yet how far we’ve yet to go. This is a long journey. Let’s hope we don’t get lost. I decided to wait 24 hours to put pen to paper (well, not literally – neither exactly 24 hours nor pen on paper). We had deserved something from this game but somehow managed to make crucial mistakes

Did I mention VAR?

This was the first game of the season where we did not start with possession domination. For the first 15 minutes they, had more energy, looked fairly decent but did not create any outright chances. We held a firm line and waited. Then we had a counter attack goal, beautifully executed from Odegaard winning the ball back to Saka playing through Marintelli who’s speed and delicate chip was reminiscent of Overmars.

And then VAR gets in on the scene. How this is clear an obvious error? It takes 3+ minutes to decide it might have been a foul. But don’t tell me that’s clear and obvious. That wanker Tierney was two inches away and had eyes on this. He did not think it was a foul. Yet, VAR hundreds of miles away, someone deep in a bunker, decides this was clear and obvious. They spent an extended period looking in microscopic detail for any contact or possible foul. If you look long enough and in excruciating detail, you’ll always find something. Now, it’s clear and obvious that VAR can’t help trying to re-referee a game. I’m sure other teams had more egregious instances of being penalized this weekend. And we will witness yet more as the season drags on. At some point boundary conditions have to be put in place on VAR. Or, better still, take the human subjective element out of VAR. automated offside and maybe red cards but you don’t have to intervene on any and every situation. To be fair this was marginal. It might have been a foul. But so what? It might not have been. And Tierny is there to referee. As painful as that is.

But from that moment on we woke up (in a non-woke way). Odegaard got on the ball, Zinny feed Martinelli and Saka started to rinse their fullback. But aside from one De Gea save with his feet, we failed to test him. We would get close in the box but missed that final pass or shot. Like Bigg(ish) Willy, this time he shrank way from his shot.

And then we were picked off for their first goal. Gabriel jumped in where he should not have; he broke the line. And then the wonderful Zinny got sucked into a central position to leave their tattooed, ugly new forward to slot it past Ramsdale. It was a well taken goal but not exactly deserved and against the run of play.

The second half started in the same vein. You could see that United were lacking in self belief and confidence. We played some nice football. Pressured them up the pitch but somehow lacked that final killer pass or shot. The truth is we did not make DeGea work too hard. But we still deservedly drew level. High pressure and Odegaard playing the intelligent pass through to Jesus for Saka to sniff out a shot. All good things continue to run through Jesus. And both Martinelli and Saka were tormenting their full-backs. We just needed to be patient. And then Sambi mis-places a pass to Jesus in their half and they counter-attack again. White was caught out this time (and for their third goal). But when we, like Man City, play such a high-line, small errors will be costly.

Back to reality. That’s what this game was. I believe we were better than United. But we did not earn the right to win. We made two many mistakes. Aside from our defense mistakes, in hindsight, Arteta should not have made 3 substitutions at once. And not then. We were still in the ascendancy. They hit us on the break for the second. But we had dominated the second half. He should have been more patient. And I would not have taken off Zinny (though maybe that was more protective) because with those changes we were too open. And that third goal killed it for us. And it might have been more if Ronaldo was, like, 30 years younger. We need to get used to this. Because when we play the wankers down the road this is exactly the strategy they will use – to hit us rapidly on the counter-attack.

It was good to see Zinny back out there though Tierney must be a little pissed. But Zinny adds more for us in creativity and forward movement. He also helped – as did Xhaka – with Sambi. And Sambi had a decent game. Some of his passing was excellent. He controlled his game and could not really be blamed too much – even if he helped on their second. Once those subs came on I think he got a little lost positionally. As long as he is not over played he should continue to develop.

But like the rest of the team they need a year or so to fully cook and mature. I still believe we were unlucky yesterday. We held our own against a re-energized and re-organized United team. The score line flattered them. This is a good team (to be clear i’m refering to Arsenal). We were picked off against the run of play.

And back to VAR. There have been many instances where VAR has interceded correctly (i.e. VARdy diving in our area against Leicester). And I don’t hear of any anti-VAR noises our of Spain or France. Or in International matches. Or European matches. So, just maybe, we in England just have knobs for Referees and VAR assistants? Is that possible? A long line of knobs from Dean to Tierney to Moss. VAR has evolved in the 4 seasons we’ve experienced it. But someone needs to take clear ownership and define clear standards. First off, there has to be a timer on VAR. The person reviewing has no more than 1 minute to assess and make a decision. I mean, that’s still more than 60 times as long as the referee had to make the original decision. If they require more than 1 minute then it can’t be clear and obvious. How hard a concept is that? Let’s see how long it takes to implement this? People will argue, when does the 1 minute start? Well, when the referee refers it or from when the incident occurs. We would need someone to oversee VAR and implement the changes needed. Not FIFA or EUFA thank you. But someone steeped in the knowledge of the game. And, yes, I am available. I would be prepared to make that sacrifice. For a large sum of cash (in re-usable notes – no crypto thanks) deposited into an account in Bermuda, I would be willing to be the Czar Master of VAR. There that’s settled.

So the next few games will be interesting. Aside from the accumulation of injuries, this will be an interesting test. Last year we were a streaky team. A run of wins followed by a run of losses. Is that still the nature of this team? Or can we find a way to immediately bounce back. That will tell us a lot about our character. Let’s see how Arteta reacts in his team selection. As I always say, it’s a long season and it’s early days yet. We are still top of the league. We are still in a great position. It’s not the end of the world. But neither should it be the beginning of the end of the world. So let’s see what backbone we have. I suspect we will bounce back. This team has more confidence. And better players. But we need to sort out the defense. Maybe we’ll see Tommy re-appear. Not to blame White but we need to get this right.

And now we have the distraction of the NoHoppaCup on Thursday. Let’s see if we have any players to put out there. ESR, who was invisible when he came on, now seems to be injured again. I hope does not turn into another version of our Jack. This would have been a fine time for him to get some minutes. But we can’t afford to play Sambi nor Odegaard nor Jesus. So let’s see.

And remember, we’re still top of the league. For the moment.

-LB7

Still top of the league. Amazing. But soon to be caught by the Nordic giant from the North. What a contrast to last year. Five games with maximum points. Time to end the season I think. Who needs a nine month season. August is sufficient to determine the league winners.  

I was petrified that Arteta would juggle the entire team to adjust for the lack of Partey and Elneny. Instead he made the wise choice to go with the as-yet uninjured Sambi. Fortunately, against such muted opposition he was not tested greatly. However, he performed admirably and linked up the play quicker and more smoothly than our injured Egyptian. In fact, we looked a little more nimble with him there. He does though have weaknesses that others will exploit. He can’t seem to win headers and is caught ball-watching on defense. Too often he fails to track his man back as he watches their possession develop. But, all  in all, it was a good introduction for him. It’s been a while since he’s played 90 minutes and deserves time to adjust to no longer sitting on the bench.

Our attacking strength was on fall display today. Again, we came out of the blocks pretty quick. We dominated. Well, as much as we could, while Villa were hacking us to bits. It’s amazing that McGin did not get a yellow card until the second half while the wonderful Odegaard picked one up in the first half. Maybe it was their colours, but there were times when they looked like and played more like Burnley than Villa. Not that Gerrard is as ugly as Dyche. But like Burnley, if they continue to play like this they will be relegated. Though they will discard Gerrard before then.

There were so many chances to score in that first half. Our interplay was at a level they could not compete with. Jesus continues to shine brightly. Martintelli buzzed around and Saka showed signs of life. At some point he will rediscover his scoring boots. Maybe he has to learn to shoot with his right foot or learn just to stand on it. Marintelli set him up with a gorgeous chance that he missed. And there were so many skirmishes in their area that you wondered if we’d ever manage to get that opening goal.  

Martinez pulled off a number of excellent saves. And it was refreshing to hear the crowd continually boo him. Well deserved after his comments. Thankfully though the curse of our old goalkeepers returned to help us. He should have done better with that first goal. As good as Xhaka was again operating in that forward position, he should never have been allowed to advance without being offside but they could not hold their line and then Martnez should have held onto that deflection. Thankfully Jesus was alert enough to pounce and deservedly give us the lead. It was suprising how muted the Villa reaction was to going behind. We continued to dominate and miss chances.

Most of our best play came down the left. Tierny and Martinelli linked up well and Xhaka, operating in that free role, pulled the strings. He looks so much happier these days. And on the other side Odegaard continued to stroll around. Saka, aside from not scoring, flitted in and out of the game. But once he hits his stride, this team will explode. Of course, by then we’ll be playing teams that are more towards the top end of the table so we’ll need him.

The defense, while untested, was solid again today. In fact, I thought when White was taken off we actually got worse. By the end we had ESR and and Tommy on the right and we looked more venerable. First off, for their goal, Tommy has to take some of the blame. He was in front of Ramsdale and should have made more of an attempt to attack the ball. And then, while he is better at getting forward, he gave their players more space to operate in. It made me appreciate a little more the work White has been doing. In front of Tommy I was surprised at how low ESRs work rate was. It’s noticeable now once you see how much running Jesus does – and even Eddie, when he came on. ESR has to figure out how to work harder. He came on for Odegaard who was still suffering from the hacking of that thug McGin – when he was not booked.

By then we demonstrated our new found resiliency. I had the fear that Villa would find a way of scoring after we passed up so many chances and had started to withdraw into a more game management mode. But then, like against Leicester, we found a way to respond immediately. That must give us increased confidence. It started and finished with Martinelli. But this time Saka returned the compliment of setting him up. And Martinelli showed him how to put it away. And, again, Martinez, did not cover himself in glory. Maybe against United, they can sign Almunia or bring back Peter Cech.

To be able to recover the lead so quickly was so refreshing and so unlike Arsenal of the last few years. I’m still in partial shock. Of course it was deserved. But after all those missed opportunities it felt like we decided to wake up from our deep slumber to just put Villa down again. We had outplayed them and were so clearly superior. When you think back to last seasons encounters you can gauge how much progress we’ve made. And so much of it stems from Jesus. Not just his scoring but his work-rate and attitude. It infects everyone. Including Eddie. When he came on, aside from spurning one great chance, he worked so hard, held up the play and occupied their defense.

I’ve yet to mention Saliba or Gabriel. And that’s because they had little to do apart from swat away Watkins. How Gerrard left David Luis, Coutinho and Ings on the bench for so long is beyond me. Maybe he was scared of being picked apart. Maybe he did not notice that was happening anyway. But even when they did come on (apart from the freak corner) our rocks in defense held firm. We even saw a late appearance from Holding and his new improved, coloured hair.

That’s not to say the game was not annoying. Beyond the constant Villa (aka Burnley) fouling and weak referring, we had to deal with our own sloppy passing late in the game. When we should have been holding onto the ball we seemed to give it away to easily and started to lose the second tackles. It was enough to put my nerves on edge. Fortunately, Villa had no punch in them (ironic I know). Even Fulham were more threatening than this lot. As I said, hopefully they will go down this year.

Beyond this though, the most annoying part of the game was the abject camera work. And the habit of showing replays at least 3 times. While the game is going on. Or shots of either manager that linger while the game is going on. And now, whenever a player does anything, the camera goes in for a close up on that player. While the game is going on. For example, when, in the first half, when Martinez was closed down by Saka and he tried a back heel while right by his goal-line, we did not see that because we were being subjected to yet another re-run of a replay. Whoever is making these decision is an obvious moron. I can’t believe, in this age of ubiquitous iphones, streaming services and tick-tock (whatever that is), we don’t yet have either (1) picture in picture or (2) a choice of camera shots. This would alleviate the pain of being subjected to some producers idea of the collision of art and football.

So, when we next meet, we might or might not have made a few more transfers. If we haven’t it’s still going to hard to claim that this was not a great window for us. Remember this is a team for the future. One more year and one more window and we’ll have the full squad we need. But, let’s return to Sambi and Partey. As I said after Saturday, we can’t rely, unfortunately, on Partey. He was barely injured while at Atletico. But, in the English League, with its increased intensity and increased thuggery (that’s you, Villa), he can’t be relied on. And with Elneny felled by some mysterious injury, we can’t just rely on Sambi. As much as I’d like to have Neto it’s more important that we add a defensive midfield player. Once Sambi gets injured we’ll have to move Xhaka back into a position where he’s guaranteed to get booked and sent off due to his lack of pace. Not that I know who’s available at this late stage. But, as I’ve said even a blind man could see this exposure in the team. Not to say I’m a blind man, because I could see it.

This team is so exciting to watch now. It reminds me of our best Fabregas lead teams with Hleb, Carzola, Rosicky and Jack. Except that team was more mature. You have to go back to Eduardo to find a forward of the caliber of Jesus (sorry Giroud). We are close to operating at the level of the top 2 but we just need that defensive midfield cover. And we need another year or two to mature. This season cannot continue like this. Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s unreal. After the pain of the end of last season we deserve this. All I’m doing is watching the points gap with Chelski, United and that other lot. Give us as much cushion as we can to get that Champions League position. With the NoHoppaCup due to start I’m sure we’ll pick up yet more injuries. That’s what undone us last season. Even more reason to bring in a few more players. And we should also say goodbye to AMN and Hector. And all before our journey up into the red midst of the north. Let’s hope Ramsdale is fit and we have someone in midfield to demolish their cheating, faking, rollover at every chance clutching you face Fernandez.

In them the meantime, can I remind you of something? We are top of the League.

-LB7