TOTL. And that was easier than expected. There were some nervous moments but finally we remembered how to score and dominate. After the last few weeks, I’d figured this would be a tiresome game with an obstinate, defensive Forest proving tough to breakdown. In the previous four games we’d started to show some fatigue. This seemed the game where we could take a wrong turn and veer backwards. It’s all relative, of course. You could run me over with a bus and chop off my legs (please place them carefully somewhere so I can reattach them) but I’d still have the joy of the first eleven games. So, I went in with low expectations. And by half time I was genuinely nervous.
We dominated the first half. Forest were as advertised. A latter day Bolton. Banks of defenders looking to score from set-peices and our mistakes. And there were a few care of a White/Partey mix up and then a classic Garbiel moment of suicide in the box. Overall though we came out the blocks fast and sharp. And within 5 minutes our youngsters had combined for a brilliant headed goal. Martinelli had evolved from last year and he’s still a baby. I’m not sure he’s allowed to go out at night. But what a header; all care of Saka. At that point you figured we’d dominate and run up the score. Instead, we had to watch as we missed too many chances.
Poor old Jesus, he is fated to never score again. Fortunately, he can still set up goals. Hopefully he knows more than us and has decided to break his goal drought next week. But today he found numerous ways to not score.
A moment of thought for Saka. At one nill up losing him did not bode well. I bet few people expected to see Nelson emerge as his replacement. It felt to me that this could turn into one of those games where we let them back in; just as we did last week. For Saka, this was quite upsetting. He has been targeted by every team we play. He’s normally the first person on Arsenal to be fouled. And sure as you can set your watch by it, he was immediately fouled to start the game. I suspect that was the kick that hurt the most. But within 20 minutes he’d been fouled three times. No yellow card for anyone. This boy screams out for protection. At least that knuckle head is no longer at Villa. Instead, we’ll have the pleasure of seeing the accountant return to lead them. But back to the game.
The rest of the first half was one way traffic – aside from the mindless pass by Gabriel in the penalty box. Once Lingard spurned that chance – though, it was White that threw himself in to block that shot – you felt we’d likely be safe. How passive was Lingard generally. There’s a boy who’s career was blessed by being at United, raised on a pedestal because of that club and has since flattered to deceive. Anyway, once we got through that moment of madness – we are more or less guaranteed once a game a Gabriel moment of suicide – we remained in control if somewhat ponderous and slow.
Halftime was worrying; thinking about the lack of Saka, the introduction of Nelson who immediately seemed to play too narrow and thus force our creativity down the left-hand side. I could see Forest undeservedly sneaking back into the game.
Whatever Arteta said at half-time he should copywrite and franchise. The second half looked entirely different. Of course, it helped that Forest continued to give us space to construct their demolition. And it turns out Nelson is not half bad. From being surprised and concerned about his appearance I quickly pivoted to demanding that he replace Kane in the England squad for the WC. Not just one goal but two and then an assist! And the second was a little more intriguing. And real opportunist goal. A delicate touch with a late arrival into the box. That first goal seemed to transform him. From the first half when he seemed scared of making any moves. Where he passed the ball sideways and backs to remembering that he could take on players and create. From then on he shone bright. Even when moved over to the left hand side to accommodate the ineffectual Vieira. Nelson today, hopefully, marked his formal arrival. Of course, Saka will consign him back to the bench where, hopefully, he will soon be rejoined by the beaming Elneny. But today Nelson made a real difference. Maybe that’s the diference between playing with the second string in the NoHoppa cup and playing with the big boys against the Mighty Forest. Many have often worried what would happen once we lost Saka. And today we found out.
After that cameo, it was one way traffic. Forest were pretty abject but that was also partly down to the majesty of Partey. I was in shock at the amount of space Forest continue to give him. In the first half they remained fairly close to him but by the second half there was rarely anyone within a 20 yard radius from him. He controlled the game and purred. And then, unbelievable, he scored another picturesque, curling goal. Twice in one season. And no injury yet. Could this still be our Partey? Reality returned towards the end when he reassuringly tried another shot that ended up in row Z. Phew, normal service was resumed. He shone so bright today. Effortless and simple. For that second goal you could see the vertical progression from Ramsdale simple throw to Partey who then perfectly threaded the ball through to the rejuvenated Xhaka. That pass split their defense and lead to Jesus realizing that he was not destined to score and set up Nelson instead.
The defense was not really tested accept when we decided to test it ourselves. We created their best chances from our own mistakes. But thankfully in the second half there were none. Aside from that moment Gabriel was unchallenged. In the first half there were too many times where the ball was at his feet as we looked to progress the ball whereas in the second half it was, thankfully, others. Alongside him Saliba was as majestic as ever. And then there’s White. It’s impressive to see how he’s settled into that right back position. It was harder for him once Saka went off, with no clear outlet in front of him, but he still shut down anything and helped create. And then, once the game was won he switched back to center half and effortlessly controlled the defense. And don’t forget that block in the first half when he threw himself at the Lindgard shot. How can White not be going to the WC? How can Southgate not pick this guy? Maybe we’ll benefit by keeping him fresh but given his ability and versatility it’s amazing to think he won’t make the squad while the chin that plays for Man U might not only be in the squad but the starting eleven. Oh poor England.
The demolition of Forest in the second half makes up for the lack of goals in the past few games. It was a pleasure to watch. Much like most other games this season. We just seemed to find another gear. There was a fluency, speed of movement and actual finishing. Well, apart from poor Jesus. Surely, he will score again in the next few years. You’d hope so. But in the meantime, he continues to create and set up others. Two more assists today. One of which set up twinkle toes Odegaard to crush the net. Our captain was fairly quiet today but it’s always good to see him actually take a shot – especially with real venom.
You have to feel a little sorry for Tierney. Not only did he not start. It seems pretty clear he’s lost his starting position to the reliable Tomi. But now even Cedric comes onto the pitch as a substitute before him. Oh, how painful must that be. I’m sure though that was just to give Cedric some minutes. Tomi is still figuring out the whole inverted full-back thing. He’s getting more involved in the creativity thing but when Zinny is finally back it will be interesting to see who starts.
Arteta even sat down for the last 10 or 15 minutes today. That’s how assured we were and how tame Forest were. I have no idea how Forest managed to win against Liverpool. It must have been like winning the lottery though because they had nothing today. They seemed destined to return to the Championship. Surely, they will get relegated. They are the worst team we’ve played. Leeds, who were excellent against Liverpool yesterday, are miles ahead of them not just in terms of talent, work-rate and commitment but in terms of how Leeds actually try and play football. We can officially anoint Forest as this years Burnley. With the same destination.
So, the accountant has landed at Villa. That will be a match made in heaven. They resemble Villareal and Seville in many ways. He also follows on from a Philistine who thought in terms of blood and guts. Actually, it’s not clear he thought. But the accountant will make them a more competitive team and allow them to become a solid mid-table team. He’ll need a little time to work his system and organization into that team. It will be a shock to the players to have some actual tactics and adaptability. He’s earned his right to return after getting the Champions League semi-final. Whatever he accomplishes though I will forever be relieved that we relieved him of his duties with us. Arteta is our savior and he was never going to be. Arteta had the backbone to stand up and insist on his methods, belief and the players he wanted. Two different styles; two different philosophies. And, depending on the club and their expectations, each could be successful. But at Arsenal it’s Arteta that works. And, it turns out, it’s happening quicker than we had a right to expect. And not just in terms of points and position in the league. But, more fundamentally, the way we are trying to play; the way we are trying to entertain; the way we are trying to dominate and impose ourselves. It won’t always work. As we saw against Leeds and Southampton. And that’s why today felt like a potential banana skin. Last season we’d go on those winless streaks where we’d seem to decay and deteriorate. But today we saw the new Arsenal. With better players and more experience. More experience from our 21 year olds.
So, aside from the Thursday distraction, it’s all eyes on Chelsea. We can’t hope for last years performance and result. They will surely react to the disaster in Brighton. And hopefully we’ll have Saka back. And this would be a nice time for Jesus to rediscover his scoring touch. Potter will be tactically fluid and we’ll have to adapt. This will be our last major conflict (no offence Wolves) before the infuriating WC. Two more games to see whether we can enter the WC period TOTL. But, in the meantime, we can remain content that we will, remarkably, remain TOTL.
-LB7