Month: January 2023

TOTL. Still. Well, it was just the F. A. Cup. I’m not too broken-hearted with this result. We don’t need these extra games. Having said that, this was a game we could have won. And maybe should have.

The selection made sense. We needed to protect key players. Unfortunately our squad depth and the injury to Elneny prevented us from resting Partey. This was what I had feared. And with Samabi being clearly insufficient, the one player who is the key to our team had to put in more minutes. Now we have to wait to assess the duration of his sideline stay. Whether this causes us to pull yet another player from Brighton will depend on how much LA Chelsea are willing to pay. And whether we are interested in Rising Rice. It would seem unlikely we’d buy one now and one later. But we need one now. Not that Caicedo would be able to seamlessly slide into that role.

Troussard slotted in smoothly right away; he looks like he was just another piece of the puzzle. Even with a pedestrian Tierney behind him, Troussard terrorized Stones and Lewis. He was both creative and direct. Between him and Toomy, we could have easily taken the lead. He unquestionably adds squad depth and provides an alternative for our front-line. He will thrive for us and is a fine example of bringing in an experienced PL player that does not require adaptation time.

Saka was quiet today but I think that was a direct impact of not being quickly fed the ball and lacking the presence of Odegaard alongside him. Vieira is an example of someone who does need time. He barely impacted the game. There is talent there but it’s going to take time to unlock. All this meant that Eddie also suffered. He was physically outmuscled by Akanji but still nibbled at a few chances.

The backline was interesting as well. While Tommy felt like an interchangeable swap with White, on the other side Tierney, while solid, highlighted his own limitations. Though to be fair I don’t think they are many left-backs that play like Zinny.

Watching the hairy Holding brought back memories of that disastrous Sp*rs performance. Very quickly he was bullied by the Ugly Norsk and was fortunate that the ref penalized the UN. Thereafter Holding and his hair were physically all over the UN. It was amazing that HH only received a yellow card in the 42 minute. By then it seemed inevitable he’d get his second before the half time whistle. Listen, I know we all love HH, but honestly, did he not learn anything from his aggressive manhandling of Son? Rightly, in order to protect him from the inevitable second yellow, he was replaced at half-time.

Unfortunately we also had to swap out Partey for Sambi. Thats like exchanging a Rolls-Royce for a Smart car. It’s like changing John, Paul, George and Ringo for the Jonas Brothers. It’s like changing my dog for any of my children (it’s ok they’ve still not learned to read so they won’t ever see this). Immediately you could see the impact of to the rest of the team. Sambi has not figured out – by watching Partey for 15+ games this season – how to position himself and protect the defense. While he eventually seemed to adapt, it again, amplified our dependency and vulnerability to Partey. We’ve known this for two years now but it was Elneny that could provide some cover. But now he seems to have broken down. Elneny is picking up injuries with the predictability that Sp*rs change their managers. Immediately you could see how Partey elevates the game of everyone around him. Xhaka, now without both Partey and Odegaard, had less influence and in conjunction with the presence of Tierney and Vieira  highlighted our limitations.

Then City knicked a goal. You could argue that Saliba should have closed down Aki but then Saka should have tracked him man. Turner had limited visibility to this placed pass into the net. In fact, Turner was the least of our issues; he put in a very creditable performance. His distribution is still in need of some work but he is a good shot stopper and will continue to improve with time. He will suffer the most from the lack of minutes now without a cup run.

The introduction of Zinny and Odegaard provided an uplift. But it was noticeable that our captain had to continually point out to Sambi where he should be positioning himself.  The balance of this team shifts without these two. This is why squad depth is so important. But even with these two we were not able to create too many clear chances. By then Saka had been removed along with Troussard. Maybe if we had started with all four we’d have a different outcome. But at least this was just the F. A. Cup.

In hindsight, arguably a better strategy would have been to rest not just ZInny and Odegaard but Partey and Saka as well. I know we have over a week until our next game. But we are so exposed to these key players. Until now we’ve been relatively injury free. Conversely, if we had played our full-team, we could have progressed. It feels like we were stuck in between these two approaches. Of course, I’m only saying this because of the injury to Partey.

We could best describe this game as Man City 1 Arsenal 0 or Sambi 1 Partey 0. That was the difference today. Sure, I know City did not field their entire first team and they lost Stone. But they have ready replacements. This now feels precarious. I fear it will take us back to last years implosion when Partey was injured. But this year we’re in an even worse situation without Elneny.

Maybe we just lose Partey for 2 or 3 games. Maybe Sambi finds his rhythm by playing more games. Maybe Elneny returns quickly. I’m scared to arrive at Goodison Park with their newly anointed, truly ugly manager without some protection in our midfield area. Everton will be looking for that new manager bounce. And last year is all too fresh in my memory. Of course, we’ve evolved since then. But without our lynch-pin, we have decisions to make.

Should we stay or should we go now – to grab Caicedo? Do we really want to let Brighton and also LAChelsea bid up this number to £90m? Would you pay that money? Sure, I know none of us have that money, but is he worth it? Would that protect our league position and fit into our longer-term plans. The good news is that no-one is now blaming the owners. The fact that we’re even contemplating this is quite a change from prior years.

Unfortunately, I’ve not studied Caicedo too much so don’t quite know what we’re getting. But I do like our Arsenal Reserves team. I mean, we sent them Welbeck and we’ve gotten back both White and Troussard from them. If we are going to do this though let’s at least do it quickly. Be decisive. Don’t leave the door open for LAC to steal this one as well. It does give a new meaning to the idea of stealing someone when you’re consistently prepared to pay way over the odds to collect so many players for your team. More than can even be registered. So much for financial fair play.

If I could set this Partey issue to one-side (which I can’t), and review the game from a broader perspective, then we could see that even with a reduced team in the first half we went toe-to-toe with City. We were not overrun. We were more than competitive. And we should have been ahead in the first half. All those bodes well for the two upcoming league games. We have improved sufficiently to genuinely compete with City. No longer do we need to mind the gap. Of course, that all depends on Partey. We were way more exposed in that second half.

We are so close. But now we have to worry about how to solve this puzzle. Do we pay or do we go now…down the table. Last years run-in scarred me. Maybe we move White into Partey’s position. Maybe we use Kiwior. But I don’t see how we survive this with Sambi. I would dearly love to be wrong but I have no faith in Sambi. I’m not even sure he has faith in himself. It feels like groundhog day. We spent years trying to make Xhaka our defensive holding (no, not the one with hair) midfielder. And now we’re doing the same with Sambi; it’s not the position he will ever excel in. Let’s hope we don’t waste 2 years coming to that conclusion.  Arteta, thankfully, is smarter than our prior Accountant. And that’s also why we’ve already made a formal bid. It’s just an issue now of whether the extra £30m is a bridge too far for us.

My guess would be we don’t nab him and he ends up with Potter at LAC. He can join Mudyrick sitting on the bench with Cucurella. Anyone that wants to go there should never be a player we want or need.

The window closes this week so all will soon be revealed. And then we can turn back to praying for Partey’s heath. At least it wasn’t his thigh this time. Maybe ESR can come back to save the day. In the meantime, to end on a more positive note – we’re still TOTL.

-LB7

TOTL. And worthy of it. We are the half-way Champions. Great game and great performance today. A match where we demonstrated all the good things about this team – skill, quality, determination and character. This was thrilling, if not a little nerve wracking. The quality of play was very high – from both sides. And the last 20 minutes were pure domination. We showed our desire to win and belief that we would. By that stage, if there was to be a winner that was only one outcome.

Two weeks running now we’ve knocked off possible contenders. And this match was more challenging. United are a way better team. Maybe we benefitted from them having a midweek game. We, as ever, had the same selection and for the first few minutes overrun them. There were a number of occasions when Martinelli had chances to either shoot or take on WanBeserker. We created openings but failed to make that final pass or shot. But we moved the ball quickly and put pressure on them. They found their feet quickly though and played some decent football. Without Casemiro they used McThickey and, consequently, lost some control and balance.

The game of number 8’s was won by our Martin. Up until he picked up a knock in the first half he controlled the game. Their big-eared #8 linked them up well. However Erikson was out of his depth today. But they did have one legitimate striker. And when Saka lost the ball and then Partey misplaced a pass, Rashford pounced and struck a mighty impressive goal. This boy can play. And once they replace their Burnley striker and that ugly right winger, then they will be a real threat.

Within 6 minutes we were level. Their goal only reignited us. The quality of our play was elevated even from last week. And central to this was Zinny and Xhaka. Throughout the game Zinny received the ball, pushed us forward and linked up the entire team. Xhaka was intelligent with his distribution and also moved all round the pitch. Odegaard pulled the strings and Saka caused Shaw nightmares. As good as Shaw was, Saka was tearing him to pieces. He was a constant threat. This is a player that is there for us in big moments and big games.

White had a funny old game. His passing was off as was his positioning. He did not look right today. Something was up. Aside from him and Martinelli, everyone turned up today. Partey, aside from that mistake, dominated the midfield. And behind him Gabriel overpowered their Dutch monster. Saliba, though relatively quiet, continued to read the game well and cover Rashfords runs.   

Our response was down our left care of playing out of a corner rather than delivering it. Ultimately Zinny freed up Xhaka who placed a perfect cross for Eddie to hear home. A classic forwards goal. The kind of goal that Jesus might score. But today, in addition to scoring, Eddie was very strong. His link up play and movement was excellent. He really looks like he fits in this team now. As good as he was last week, this week he was able to revel in a few goals. He is a natural goalscorer. One, who, in the past, I’d given up on and despaired that he would ever be able to play at this level.

This game, as much as we controlled, looked like it could grind out to be a 1-1 draw. Until, that is, a moment of pure magic from Saka. Coming in from the right, he sauntered past Erikson and then, to everyones surprise – including De Gea – unleashed an unstoppable curling shot into the corner. Unbelievable. As good as Rashfords goal was, this was even better. Absolutely brilliant. You have to love this boy. As good as we thought he was he’s proving to be even better. He might have started the season off a little slow but in the last two games – as great as Odegaard, Zinny, Xhaka, Partey and Eddie have been – he has been the star; the difference maker. This boy is a super star.

A digression. Rashford, seems to have finally grown from a breakaway striker into a skillful, talented and brilliant striker. And he come out of their academy. And we have Saka. A little younger but brilliant as well – just even more brilliant. And he came out of the academy. And both are English. And then we had another English striker who scored two goals today that also came out of our academy. So much for spending money. And look (if you can bare the ugliness) to look at their right winger. £100m for that. He was absolute crap. Zinny was barely troubled by him. He’s one footed and predicable. Compare his output to that of Saka. His passing was wayward and there was no link-up play. £100m for that? He made Grealish seem like good value for the money.

There were a few instances when the referee, Anthony Taylor, could have handed the game to them. A few calls could have given them a penalty but thankfully he called a good game. He kept most of the players under control and was using good judgement. So the game flowed and he managed to even hand out a card to Shaw after his fifth foul on Saka. But how does Arteta get a yellow first? Someone needs to tell the referees they have an obligation to protect Saka. Fortunately neither Saka or Gabriel picked up another yellow today.

At half time Arteta did the right thing and replaced White with Tommy. Their only threat was coming down our right via Rashford so replacing the off White helped strengthen our defense. Unfortunately, it did not help then that Ramsdale decided to try and catch rather than punch their corner resulting in them drawing level.  But rather then cause us to withdraw into a shell it invigorated us. We then found the spirit and belief to completely dominate the rest of the game. Odegaard came back into the game, Zinny run through the midfield and Xhaka was making penetrating runs. Martinelli was finding it hard to make that killer shot or pass, often needing too many touches and only infrequently getting by WanBesker.

Arteta made another great call, this time to replace Martinelli with Trossard. And what a mighty fine introduction that was. Right from the start he added that penetration that Martinelli did not have today. And was a key architect of the winning goal. He ran at their back line and laid off the ball to Zinny to crossed for the ball to finally have Eddie flick it in. Immediately I assumed it would be called offside. I had thought both Zinny and then Eddie were offside. And the ref seemed to also think it was offside. So, my celebration was entirely muted. But, again, VAR helped us out though technically it just confirmed the right decision. Mayhem then broke out. What a last minute goal. Eddie the poacher. Ian Wright would be so proud of him. All three goals from our academy players. But this last one was set up by our Friday signing. How just was that. £21m fee rather than the brutal £100m that LA Chelsea chose to spend on the signing we should have had. That’s karma for you. And, note that this stupid £100m was because of the benchmark that United set for Anthony. What a joke. Given me 3 or 4 Trossards any day of the week.

What a game. What a performance. And what an outcome. Deserved and warranted. We were, again, the better team playing the better football. But now we’ve added belief and spirit. We had them pinned in their box for the last 20 minutes. They could not escape. They had no outlet and we didn’t let up the pressure. The crowd were loud and supportive pushing the team on. Today Saka, Zinny, Martin, Eddie and Xhaka were immense. And somehow we found a way – Eddie found a way – to grab the well-earned three points.

So here we sit. TOTL. Halfway through the season. This team is not the team that started the season. And, try comparing it to the team that lost the first three games last season. If that’s the trajectory we are on, we have a long way to go still. The improvement is off the charts. The progression has been driven by key signings. Zinny is the pick of the bunch, he has liberated both Xhaka and Partey and has allowed each to focus their game in the areas where they excel. Jesus has not been too shabby either. I know we lack experience. And as we continue to progress the pressure will mount. I’m still not convinced we are equipped to win the league but we’ve certainty demonstrated the ability to complete with City for it. We are better than that lot down the road. And we’re better than United. It’s just a case of whether we’re the City reserve team or their first team. With the points difference and two games against them to come, we have some leeway.

It’s so enjoyable to watch this team grow, evolve and develop. Each game we see some incremental improvement, some new sign that this team is special. And when you see Saka and Eddie being interviewed after the game you are reminded how pathetically young they are. The future is bright that’s for sure. Adding Trossard was a brilliant move. Experience and a style of play that enables him to fit in seamlessly. We just need midfield cover now. The new Pole we’re adding will protect us from poor Gabriel having to play every game.

The F. A. Cup is up next. With three games against City it’s not plausible to think we won’t lose one of them. So, this is the one I’d be happy to lose. Let’s focus on the league (and the NoHoppaCup). Let City progress – along the way knocking out that lot down the road – and have to play yet more games. For this game we need to rest Saka, Partey, Martin and Eddie. We should play Elneny – assuming he’s fit – along with ESR. I’d give Ramsdale the night off. Let Turner get some game time. And protect our key players from injury and let them rest. We have a long way to go yet. And the league now should be our focus.

Today was brilliant. To see our team perform like that, under pressure responding by committing players forward and ripping through United. They just had no answer. This team will get even better even if we don’t quite manage to win the league this year. I know people state that this is the year – in the way that 2016 was with Leicester City. But we are not like that City and the other teams aren’t as weak – we are just better than them. And we’re way better than we were 6 years ago.

By the time we return to the EPL, Everton might well have a new manager. Let’s hope they keep Lampard in place, at least for a few more weeks. Now would be a sensible time to replace him as they have 2 weeks before they play us. But then Everton have never been sensible.  

Enjoy the next few days. Wallow in the glow of being TOTL. We’ll be there for a few more weeks. And here’s a statistic to make you happy. We are 17 points away from 5^th place. We could lose 5 straight games and we’d still qualify for the Champions League. Not too shabby.

-LB7

TOTL. And London is Red. Three wonderful points. Completely deserved. Though it has to be said that Sp*rs really are Rubbish. Crap. Shit. Just pretty awful. But then they were playing against the best team in the league.

We have now nearly earned ½ a Premier League title. Just 20 more games to go.   And no more (in the league) against this lot. Today we dominated. From the 6^th minute onwards. They started decently and for 5 minutes looked like they might have a team there. But normality returned. We retained possession and thoroughly controlled the game. Partey and Xhaka controlled the midfield. Odegaard and Saka controlled the right wing. And Gabriel and Saliba shut down their ineffective #10.

The gulf in class was all to evident. Of course, it has been for decades now. Well, for the entirety of my lifetime. Today the passing, movement and, most importantly, the intelligence of our play was at another level. We were calm in possession and attacking. Whenever they had the ball they went sideways and backwards. They lack even a scintilla of creativity. They had no game. Even in the second half, when they made a better effort, they were pretty predictable. Of course, it helped that Ramsdale actually is a mighty fine goalkeeper. We’ve not needed him too much this season. But here, at rent-a-stadium, he made a number of crucial saves.

I know I should venerate our team but I can’t stop myself from laughing of the ineptitude of that lot. So disjointed with no obvious gameplan. That first half really tore the game away from them. We continued to put pressure on them in possession allowing us to win the ball higher up the pitch.

It helped that they still expect Llorris to be able to play with the ball at his feet. And save the ball with his hands. My only concern had been Partey giving the ball away needlessly a few times and putting us under pressure. Too often his passing was too short and his first touch was heavy. Yet our first goal originated through him. Though his first touch nearly let Kane get possession he was able to touch it away from him and then, once he received the ball back, played a classic Partey pass to release Saka.  After dancing away from Sessegnon he then teed up the ball perfectly for Lloris for us to get our first goal.

All our key activity came down our right. And the second goal involved Partey and Saka again. But this time Odegaard dispatched the ball past a slowly moving Lloris to seal our dominance. On both NLDs our key midfielders have scored stunning goals. In fact, Partey then proceeded to nearly break the post with a crushing shot. We should have been 3-0 up.

Fortunately, today, there was a reasonable referee even if Paul Tierney was on VAR duty. It looked like they might have stolen, right at the end of the half, an undeserved penalty. But thankfully they realized that Saliba barely touched Hojbjerg. Pawson managed to retain control of the game, hand out the required yellow cards to them and not be intimidated. Though how Romero managed to stay on the pitch is beyond me.

Martinelli was, by his standards, relatively quite today. But behind him Zinny was crucial to our creativity and link-up play. Along with that Zhaka/Partey partnership we were able to create and pull them apart at will. And, the front line was ably lead by Eddie today. Maybe he could have done better with his early chance and then a couple latter in the game. But he worked so hard. His game has developed so much. In the first half he took down a powerful pass from White on the by-line, retained the ball and kept the move going. No-way would he have done that last year. His movement has improved and his effort is more like Jesus now.

The second half was more about game management. They had very little, but we wanted to absorb their minimal threat and protect the lead. As we should. Even then, we had many opportunities, still demonstrated smooth passing and one touch football. This game is always worrying because they are so annoying but in truth, it was as relaxing a NLD at their place as I could remember. We were clearly so much better than them. It felt more like we were playing Bournemouth or Everton.

Odegaard’s game continues to evolve and grow. His presence in this team is key now. All good things run through him. And his effort and workrate ensure that we can win the ball back high up the pitch. But it’s his intelligence and wonderful soft touch that stand out. There were so many examples but when he danced round their defenders on the edge of the area only for Romero to foul him again that was delicious.

White was largely untroubled and was able to support Saka. Remember when we had Cedric or Bellerin trying to be supportive of Saka? Between them they continue to torment defenders. Alongside him Saliba was solid – no mistakes today – and Gabriel was strong, consistent and stable with his distribution.  Again, behind them they had the best English goal in the league. The save from Sessegnon was the game changer. If they had managed to undeservedly steal a goal then the intensity of the game would have shifted. Instead, his reflexes literally saved us.

This team is turning into the real deal. Against the supposed top teams – not that I’d include Sp*rs in that group – we are now taking points and being competitive. Well, we’re TOTL, so we’re doing many things right. We just need to stay injury free and red card free.

I was happy to see Martinelli go off once he got that yellow card. But I worry a little about Tierney. He seems to have lost his mojo. But at least Zinny stayed on to help create. Tesco boy seemed behind the pace and positionally a little lost. It was also good to see ESR on the pitch for a few seconds. That will help us as the season progresses. There are many more banana skins ahead for us but at least that lot won’t be an issue now. Maybe they could help us on Thursday when they play City. But based on todays performance they have no chance. I can’t seem them qualifying for the CL. Brentford look a better organized team – as do Fulham. Let alone Liverpool.

A word on Richarlison – what a Cunning Unlikable Nasty Toad he is. Always looking for trouble. As soon as he was on the pitch he was arguing and pushing players around. In the face of the referee and generally a bully. And at the end of the game he had the temerity to slap Ramsdale on the head. This was then followed by some stupid little Sp*rs fan come onto the pitch to kick Ramsdale. Let’s see if the FA does something about that. Don’t hold your breath though. That kids should be banned for life. Or made to watch each and every Sp*rs game for life. Who knows which is worse punishment.

After the game comments from Conte were interesting. He was as subdued and passive as I’ve seen. This is a thoroughly unpleasant man who knows he was completely beaten today. Even he could not moan and complain at any injustice. Whereas Arteta, rightfully, just beamed.

Today though threw up a dilemma I thought I’d never have to grapple with. Something that I’ve never doubted. But, now I’ve had to question myself and question whether my foundational beliefs were flawed and whether I was too rooted in the past. Had, in all these years, I been blinded to the true despicable, contemptable, corrupting influence that was right in front of me. I had, proudly, grown up (ok, not that I actually have ever grown up) with pure anger and distain for the losers that are Sp*rs. It’s well deserved and barely requires an explanation to any sentinel, warm blooded person. I will go to my grave with that unquenched hatred. It comforts me.

But now I find myself worrying that I’ve misdirected some of my hatred and that I should be looking to west London. In so many ways they are the greater hypocritical and destructive force in our game. Any team with both John Terry and Diego Costa being managed by Darth Vader should be despised.  But if we thought they were classless with no history and all Russian corrupt money, we are now seeing them elevate their stupidity and arrogance to an entirely new level.  They are the COVID killers to the Flu of Sp*rs.  Chelsea are as mindlessly wasteful and soul destroying as PSG. How did I not realize this any earlier I don’t know. I always knew they had ruined English Football before Man City joined in. But Chelsea’s use of money puts both City and Newcastle to shame. First off, I don’t even know if it is their money. At least with the sovereign wealth finds we know they have limitless pockets of oil (and money) that they will continue to pump into their teams. But for Chelsea we know it’s not the money of the CEO. It’s a hedge fund – that at some point will want a return on this wasted money.

I had not truly focused on the damage that Chelsea with their morally vacuous and ethically challenged owners have infected the league with. But now in the space of a week we’re seen yet again the stupidity, lazzyness and wonton waste of excess money as they have laid bare their inability to create their own vision, plan or strategy. Instead, they merely look to hijack other teams plans by overpaying for any player that any other team is interested in.  It started in the summer window with Raphinha and then Cucurella. And now we see them steal both Joao Felix and Mudryck. Not only do they pay over the odds for the first guy but they offer an 8.5 year contract. What? That is not just unheard of but insane. I’m not sorry to see them by-pass us. Anyone who wants to play for a 10^th placed team is not worthy of playing for Arsenal.

I just don’t know I’ve ever really felt this type of contempt for another team. We have so many examples now of their buying strategy. How pathetic and embarrassing are they? Firing Tuchel right after signing Aubameyang. And now this. If only they could bring back Lampard as their manager. If only they could fall into a relegation battle.

And all this on the day of the NLD, when my energy and hatred should be focused on them. Yet another reason to hate Chelsea. But hating them more than Sp*rs? That has been an enjoyable lifelong commitment. I’ve never challenged my belief that as long as Sp*rs lost on any given day I could handle us losing. But now l’m wondering whether I’ve missed the larger threat to humanity living nearly so close to our door steps. Fortunately, I carry enough anger and hatred that without diminishing my feelings for that lot I have ample to spare, enabling me to invest so much more into my contempt and hatred for Chelsea.

Phew, glad I got that therapy session over with. Back to us now. What a great performance. Dominant and deserving of all three points. Next up are a resurgent United. But we owe them. Last year Sp*rs had a ref to help them and at Old Trafford we were denied the opening goal. So, now, at home, without an incompetent ref (please keep P. Tierney or Madley well away from us), we have our chance at retribution. We can’t lose this one. And thankfully we have a week to recover whereas they have to play Palace first. Maybe they can do us the favour they weren’t able to do today. Either way, this will be another opportunity for us to demonstrate the growth and development of this team. We forget how young they are. But not how talented!

Eight points clear. But that’s still not enough. With City chasing (and maybe United as well) and lacking the required squad depth, we need to get the points now. As the seasons ploughs on – as it did last season – we should expect to wilt towards the end of the season. Unless we can sign players so quickly that Chelsea can’t.

A well earned weeks rest now. And don’t forget to bask in the glow of this wonderful victory. This is a team that will only improve and a manager that will only get better. BTW, how well behaved was he today! So, we get to enjoy a few more weeks as league leaders. And the acknowledged best team in England. And more importantly, in North London. It does not get better than that. NL remains Red.

-LB7

Still TOTL. But this was the opposite of our last game. There was little joy to be had tonight. And that’s because Newcastle – for understandable reasons – chose to adopt the well worn playbook of Bolton and Stoke. They played for a point. And got it.

We kept a clean sheet and got a hard earned point. We’ll be frustrated. But if we can take that frustration into our next match – The NLD – and take it out on them then I’ll be more than happy. And, more importantly, both Saka and Saliba avoided yellow cards, so they are eligible to play in that game.

We had out chances early on. We came out like gangbusters (again). But we could not quite take our chances. We were just off but just a smidge. You could see it all over the pitch. Both Zinny and Xhaka made misplaced passes. We did not see that at Brighton. But then Brighton did not sit there with 10 behind the ball. Given the transition in that club (Newcastle) over the last year it’s quite an impressive feat. Of course, it’s been more than helped by the endless pit of Saudi money. But at this stage, for them, a point protected their elevated position. You can be sure that when we go to St. James Park they will be more pressing, intense and less defensive.

We still managed to play some good football but too often we were falling into the trap of passing sideways and backwards and we tried to find gaps. The times when we were able to open them up was when we passed quicker and more vertical. But that was tough in such limited space.

I’ll come back to the size of our squad again. We made no changes from Saturday. I understand why. But I think we just missed a little extra zip today. Too many players were off by just 1%; which at this level is enough to change the outcome. For example, Martinelli, after his efforts against Brighton was relatively quiet. To be fair, Trippier played him quite well. Saka, on the other side was confronted by the man-mountain called Dunk (I mean, what sort of name is that) and then supported by at least one other. Saka still managed to create chances and worked well with Odegaard but never managed to make that final pass.

Eddie also worked hard. His link-up play has improved so much. But he barely had any chances today. What he did have though were a couple of bullying center-halves who kicked him around all game. As they did to Saka. In fact, as all of them did. From the first minute, in addition to time-wasting, they systematically fouled and broke the game up. Again, that is their right. It’s where they are as a team. But here we would expect a reasonable referee to control the game.

Instead, Madley started handing out yellow cards to them and clearly felt that he needed to be a socialist with his cards. So, to even things up, he handed cards to Eddie and Zinny while allowing pretty nasty tackles to not warrant more yellows for them. This resulted in a very petulant match that arose entirely from Madley’s mis-handling of the game.

Generally, the one thing that seemed about right at the world cup was the standard of refereeing (with one of two obvious exceptions). This is why just two English refs were appointed. Because here, in the most popular league in the world, we have refs like Madley and Tierney and others, who are not fit for the job.

Of course, again, this played right into Newcastle’s tactics. As the game progressed they managed to disrupt the rhythm of the game. From rolling on the ground, to chasing the ref and surrounding him this all managed to take us out of our stride. They successfully mastered the Allardyce playbook. In the end I was half waiting for the inevitable penalty to be awarded against us.   

I don’t believe Ramsdale had a shot to save for the entire game. Their primary threat came from all the free-kicks they fell over for, and their corners. On the plus side, Saliba was back to his best with no silly mistakes. Alongside him Gabriel was also consistent even if there were too many times when he was isolated on the ball before Zinny or Partey made themselves available.

There are lessons here again for our young team. How to deal with a negative, solid, cynical and defensive team. How to deal with an incompetent referee. And how to manage a game. In years past we’d had overcommitted and given up a goal. Today, we pressed right until the end. Could have had a penalty but, in truth, did not require Pope to make more than a couple of important saves.

It’s tough to fault anyone today. But it was also noticeable how few substitutions we made. Just Tomi for White. No other ideas came from the bench to change things up. This speaks to the depth of our squad. Being able to bring someone else on who might have contributed that creative spark might have been the difference. Instead, we had to persist with the tired legs of our key players.  

Fortunately we now have 10 days before the NLD. Hopefully we treat the F A Cup like the early rounds of the NoHoppa so that Partey, Saka etc don’t have to play.

I know we should have won this game but Newcastle really were pretty resolute. They have mastered the park-the-bus, time-wasting approach and sprinkled in a little bit of quality; just enough to threaten. But I still think Brighton are a better team than them. Of course, once Newcastle spend another £100m+ in this current window and also the next, we’ll see how they look.

They got the result they wanted and we didn’t. It’s not the worst outcome. We can’t win every game. There will always be games like this. The crowd were excellent today. They created a great atmosphere and supported the team throughout. But in a long season we should expect this. It’s also good experience for the team. For them to learn to take their chances when they are on top.

After the excitement and joy of West Ham and Brighton, this naturally feels like 2 points dropped. And a team that could contend to win the league can’t really afford that. However, with a stronger squad i.e. +1 Ukrainian, we will inevitably improve. The way Madley was running this game I was fearful that this was being tee’d up to send of Xhaka or Gabriel. So, I consider it fortunate that one of them did not lose their cool. Unlike Arteta. He also needs to calm himself down on the sidelines. Sometimes – like at Anfield last year – he can become a distraction. And I worry that his frustration gets transmitted to the players. But that is also part of his (and the teams) inexperience. But it also shows how intense and committed he is. How fully engaged and emotionally involved he is. And, especially when you have a ref like Madley, it must be so frustrating. Nonetheless, Arteta needs to manage that and allow his team to focus on applying pressure. Which, to be fair, for the most part they did.

Off to the F. A. Cup now. Let’s hope by the time we get to the NLD that Conte is still in place. He is doing such a fine job over there. Everything we could have hoped for. They spent +£100m in the last transfer window, and yet he still moans. With a little luck Vieira will emulate Emery. And then we can put the final nail in place. But before that it’s off to Oxford.

And, always remember. We are TOTL. Still.

-LB7

TOTL. EOY. TOTL. What a way to end the year and enter 2023. TOTL.

Review Over. And a day late.

Same team and some outcome. No changes and a goal in the first two minutes. We did not dominate a good Brighton team but controlled the game. Two nil up by half-time and then another goal right at the start of the second half. This was cruise control.

Sure, we wobbled a little towards the end and it became more fraught than needed. But with others dropping points we’re still lodged at the top with some breathing space. Who would have believed this? Not me.

Right from the kick-off we were aggressive and opened them up. Zinny on the left is so important to us. He liberates Xhaka and feeds Martinelli. But the man of the moment is Odegaard. He was aggressive, worked really hard and dominated this game. His vision and touch were stellar. The last few games he’s managed to elevate his game. And today he was central to our attacks.

The pressing and passing quickly lead to our first chance which fell neatly to Saka. It took a good first touch to allow him to pass it in and take some of the pressure off. Brighton are a really good team and, at full strength, would be a real threat. But today, our creativity our-created their limited threat. We broke quickly, and, care of Odegaard, often sliced them apart. Odegaard glided around the pitch today. Whether it was playing delicate, short passes in the box or threading the ball to our forwards, he operated on another – and new – level.

Our second goal came care of MO from a corner. It was well deserved. We looked like we could score at will. Brighton offered some threat, mainly down their left wing where their Japanese winger nipped around. White had to work pretty hard to contain him. Saka, unfortunately, was caught out a few times not tracking back. But they barely had a shot on target in that first half. It all looked to easy. This team expects to win.

Then the second half starts with a repeat of the first half. Martinelli, who’d been trying to beat Impy Lamptey on the inside, took him on the outside and forced the goalie into a good save. Eddie, the poacher, pounced and then we’re three nil up. Game over, right? But first a word on Eddie. This was a goal that Jesus would not have scored. Sure, he does not work as hard as Jesus – I mean, who could – but this is a classic Eddie goal. And vital as it turned out.

Somehow Saka managed to get a yellow card for a single foul. I can’t fathom how he can get kicked from pillar to post and the fullbacks rarely get a yellow and somehow, he makes one tackle and gets a yellow. OK, today Brighton – who do play football – did not hack him. But the point still stands. Saka needs protection; from referees.

At this point I thought Arteta would pull Partey and Saka to protect them. Instead, we replaced both full-backs. Turns out that was not the best idea MA has ever had. Whereas Tierney helped locked down our left hand side, poor Tomi got ripped apart by Mitoma. Once we made this change our defense seemed unsure. And Saliba, for the second match in a row, hesitated and dithered long enough for March to nab a goal to put us under unnecessary pressure.

Before the nerves could really creep in though, we stole one back. Again, they got to us down our right flank; Tomi got beaten and Saka was nowhere to be seen. The cross whipped across finally landed with Partey who feed Zinny and then Xhaka. As quiet as Xhaka was today, he held the ball and surveyed the field. Then Odegaard made himself open in the middle. Before he received the ball he already knew what he’d do. So, when Xhaka feed him, he immediately played the perfect ball over the top for Martinelli to out run Impy. And then, rather than pass it to the open Saka, he placed the ball between the goalies legs to make it 4-1.

What a classic counter-attack goal. Reminiscent of the great AW teams of the past. But that pass from Odegaard was sublime; perfect – fucking brilliant! It was Ozil-esque but without the attitude, without the salary or the lack of commitment. As each game passes by Odergaard is becoming our very own KDB. Today was another masterclass. His intricate passing is unparalleled. Thinking back to when he was initially on loan from RM, he seemed more like Ceballos than DB10, but, like this team, he has evolved and matured. I was skeptical of him being appointed our captain, but he’s also proven that he can be a silent leader. I never bought into this lead by example role but it’s hard to fault it now.

Watching this team makes me so proud. Not proud to be TOTL. Any team can do that (well, apart from that lot). And some other team will surely displace us. But proud of such a young team, with a young inexperienced manager, producing this style and quality of football. This is the type of football that we would all be happy to pay to watch and enjoy. Some of the interplay is exquisite. The style of play is as close to that of the peak Wenger years as you could hope to see. We started as Manchester City Reserves but it’s beginning to feel like we’ve migrate to be Wenger Reserves. And that’s something to be truly proud of. Not just to be successful (which we’re not yet) but to play in a way that inspires admiration from others. That leads the way; that moves the game itself forward.

Of course, I expect this all to implode during the next game. We surely can’t sustain this level of performance. I will always be haunted by prior years implosions. But here we have the future on our side. Any defeat or trauma will be but fuel for the future. Can we win the league? I doubt it. But, all I want for this season is Champions League qualification. Anything beyond that is a bonus. For instance, if that lot fail to qualify.

As the game got a little nervy, we can certainly give praise to VAR. In prior years the score would have been 3-4 with a tense 10 minutes. Somehow, it turned out that Mistoma’s long toe-nail was one micron offside in the build-up to this disallowed goal. In years gone past this would have been the prelude to a full on implosion. But this time we had VAR to protect us. Rather than have any of Tomi, Saka, Xhaka or Saliba actually defend the corner of our box we had to trust in VAR. Needless to say, if that had been our goal ruled out I would be fuming at VAR. As grateful as I am for VARs intervention, I’m not convinced that this was the intention of VAR. I can’t remember a single Arsenal player shouting for off-side. We had all assumed they scored. Someone, somewhere has to figure out this VAR thing. One idea from the new mistro Webb was putting ex-players in the VAR center. As long as it’s not that neanderthal Owen or moron Tony Gale.

That last 10 minutes was too nerve racking. Now that we survived, it can be a good learning lesson for the team. And for MA. Once Odegaard and then Partey went off we seem to fall apart. Against better teams and without VAR on our side, we would be punished. And now, as leaders or this fine and noble league, we have to hang on for as long as we can. We still have to play our first team twice and also Newcastle. This was a great weekend for us in the terms of the immediate teams around us. And thank you our ex-accountant for your contribution. But we have to be careful about how we close out games. Our Achilles heel in the past.

This was though, aside from the last panic-fueled last 10 minutes, an assured and polished performance. Unlike prior encounters with Brighton this one demonstrated the gulf in our class. And was yet another testament to the remarkable achievements of Arteta. He seems on track to out Pep’ing Pep. Even if we don’t quite make it through to the end of the season, We have seen more than sufficient evidence that we are blessed to have Arteta. He has helped rediscover the soul of this club. He has been able to rub out the tenure of Gazidis, Emery and Raul and reassert the Wenger values. Within a year of the exit of these three our view of Arsenal began to shift to where we are today; 180 degrees from where we had been. Think about that. The irony that the departure of our greedy Gazidis reignited this club. Thank you AC Milan. Please enjoy him to the fullest extent possible.

Now it’s time to turn to the transfer window. I think we all know what’s needed.  A £500,000,0000,000,000 investment in new players. But besides that a nice back-up to Partey along with another forward to support our current forward-line children. Of course, no-one above puberty need apply. Anyone with facial hair is already too old for us. Maybe a few zygotes would do nicely. Or, if we can stretch that far, a couple of toddlers. Or, alternatively, we could always try and recall Pepe. How we miss him. Sorry about that. Won’t happen again.

So happy new year. Enjoy the new year (at least until Tuesday). Enjoy the beauty of this team. And did I mention that we’re still TOTL.

-LB7