Month: May 2023

Yawn. Wake me up in August. That was poor. Not in the sense of being without money but in the sense of being without point, without energy, without structure, without ideas. This was about as pointless as I can remember. Even against Brighton we created more, tried harder and had more structure. And that’s two games in a row where we’ve not scored.

We knew we were not about to win the league today but we at least expected a performance consistent with how we had played this season. Instead, we reverted back to old Arsenal. This was thoroughly pointless. Slow, directionless and without purpose. We could have played for another week and I doubt we’d have scored.

So, why you might ask, were we a witness to such unfiltered drivel. It’s essentially the same players as we’ve used this season. Sure, they might be deflated because they couldn’t win the league. I think we all know the answer. This one was on Arteta. Everything he touched turned to stone. Or a rock. Or a pile of pooh.

If I was Tierney I’d be handing in my transfer request now. Sure, we’ve not been at our best lately. But since we introduced Kiwior we’ve found some defensive stability. So, what did we do today? Arteta moved Kiwior to left-back. Then moved White to center-half and plonked the Pathetic Partey at right back. A classic disaster right from the start. To accommodate one problem – no Zinny – we moved three players out of position. Though to be fair White looked very comfortable back in his original position. And all in order not to play Tierney.

Everything about this change reeked of a disaster. We lose any capability down our left-hand side. Kiwior is a great addition to this team but he is no left -back. Aside from being out run by some random Forest forward he had nothing to do. But he was incapable of supporting Xhaka and Trossard. Consequently, everything was down our right-hand side.

Except that meant it would start with Partey trying to feed Saka. So, this simple change unhinged the entire defense, midfield and attack. At least we left Ramsdale in place. But Saka would not receive the ball how he normally would from White. Partey and White were passing to themselves. Everyone – in particular Jorghino – was pointing at Partey for him to move into different positions. Poor Partey had no clue how to play right back.

I figured though that Arteta would correct his mistake after thirty minutes. And the convinved that at half-time we’d see us settle back to our normal shape. It was that blindly obvious. But no, we had to suffer through this drivel for 63 minutes before he brought on Tierney. And then finally we had a little movement on our left. But Tierney must understand by now that Arteta won’t use him. I mean, with Zinny out Arteta would select Tomy ahead of him. And now with both out he prefers to rearrange the defense in order not to play him.

And in-between we had to watch – yet again – Odegaard make another sloppy infield pass on the half way line that opened up our defense for their fortunate goal. This was the game. One mistake and one goal. I know we love Odegaard but really, this is not the first time he’s done this. At some point you have to learn from your mistakes. And today Odegaard clearly has not and it does not look Arteta has either. This pass by Odegaard was so sloppy and careless. Identical to the West Ham game. And I think, there was one other game where he did this but, in my deep sadness, I think I’ve blocked out that painful memory.

This is the point where I try and bring some balance of this article. We have to recognize the improvements we’ve seen this season, the quality football and the progression. It’s just a shame none of it was on display today. This was drivel. This was as turgid as it gets. We were without energy, spirit or creativity. The entire balance of the team was wrong. And that’s on Arteta. Ok, so much for balance.

This was one of his worst games for us. And, unfortunately, highlights a blind spot Arteta has shown in the past. His failing with in-game management. How did it take until the 63^rd minute to make a change. He should had changed things up after 30 minutes. We wasted so much time doing absolutely nothing. And that’s on Arteta. And even then, we persisted with Partey at right back.

I had assumed Tierney would come in at left back and everyone would slide over with Partey being subbed or moving to midfield. Yet somehow he remained on the pitch. I don’t get what Arteta was trying to do. And yet he removed Xhaka just as a real leftback came on. And then we had to see the vacuous Vieira as well.

What a waste of an afternoon this was. What a waste of momentum. This was a disaster from beginning to the end. This team had no idea how to play together. It was so slow and pointless. Arteta change completely unhinged this team. I kept waiting for us to gel and resume playing how we have all season long. Even when we’ve lost recently, we had some semblance of rhythm and style. Today we looked clueless. Areta confused his own team today. Arteta 1 Arsenal 0.

I don’t mind making changes. That is the only way to learn. And the result was immaterial. But you also have to react when those changes clearly don’t work. Yet Arteta persisted with a clearly failing strategy. At this point of the season, you’re playing for one reason only – next season. You’re setting yourself up for the new season.

But here we are against a bog standard Forest team playing sideways and backwards. Draining all our confidence and momentum. So rather than creating momentum into next season we’re going out with a damp squid. And we’re undermining all the good work we’ve done this season. And this is all on Arteta.

What I did like today was seeing White at center-half. He played confidently and I prefer (with the absence of Saliba) to see him on the ball. Of course, there was no-one ahead of him to receive the ball and Partey had no idea where to be on the right. Which is why we needed White at right -back. Jorginho was solid. But there was minimal movement ahead of him. There was nothing on the left. Trossard was too far away from the action. Jesus darted around but we had no idea how to pick Forest apart.

I’m not sure that Xhaka touched the ball in the first half. This team was so out of balance. But I was convinced Arteta would recognize his mistake and make a change at half-time. Yet we started the second half in the exact same way with the exact same outcome. How could Arteta not see the issue. What does this say about Arteta? Is he this stubborn and rigid? I don’t think so. But is Partey destabilizing at right-back. Der, is the Pope Catholic?

So, in case, I’ve not made my viewpoint clear. Arteta’s team selection was completely flawed. His in-game adjustment were non existent. His opportunity to make changes was wasted and then his substitutions were the wrong players at the wrong time. Apart from that, Arteta was great.

So now the question is whether Arteta persists with this approach or resets and reverts back to what we know works. Does Arteta undermine and derail the progress with this flawed position changed or learn his lesson and put us back to the place where we were progressing. This is really quite worrying at this time of the year to suddenly be confronted by doubts about what Arteta is trying to do. How the fuck do you lose to Forest when they are this shit? But putting your players in a structure that brings out the absolutely worst in them and then not adjusting.

That was a dreary a game as I’ve watched in such a long time. It reminded me of end of era Wenger performances or accountant Emery games. How depressing is that. We had no game today. I don’t understand what he was trying to achieve today. And worst of all, he seemed clueless as to what was happening. How could he not see Poor Partey struggling in this new position?

I could have managed a better Arsenal performance today than Arteta. I’m available if needed for the Wolves game. Because if he insists on leaving Partey at right back he will rapidly lose the crowd being on his side. He will dissipate all the good-will built up this season and contaminate next season. This is the stupidity of it all. We have been slowly going backwards over the last month or so. I thought after the Newcastle game that we’ve figured it out. Bring Kiwior in for Holding. That saves us. So why move Kiwior?

I realize I’m just repeating myself at this stage. But I’m looking for some silver lining. And it’s eluding me. We basically had a week to prepare for this game (or six days) but we had no way to pick apart their wall of nine defenders. We didn’t even blood any of the youngsters on the bench. We did not see SRP. But we did see Vieira. Who managed, at the end, to get in the way of Odegaard in the box. Right after Jesus slipped over when he sighted goal. Nothing worked for us today. This was more than a bad day in the office. This was more like a day spent stuck in a locked car in the parking lot for ninety (or one hundred) minutes.

Sure, Sp*rs lost again. But, there is little satisfaction in that after such an abject, emotionless performance such as this. Because today was as utterly boring and tedious as you could hope for.  Maybe we should just forfeit the next game and go right to our summer holidays. Yet, I want to see what Arteta does in the next irrelevant game. If he still plays Partey at right back then I know we’re really fucked. Because that means Arteta is really fucked.

-LB7

No longer TOTL. And we won’t be until the new season starts. Well, that was a fluster-fuck. At least we did not lose the league today. That was in the three draws previously. Today was never about jumping ahead of City. We were however, outplayed but a dominant Brighton team.

For the first time this season – aside from City – we were outplayed. They had more possession and we didn’t take the opportunities that came our way. Too many times we wanted that extra touch. Whether it was Odegaard or Trossard.  Yet, one might wonder what Trossard was doing on the pitch. For that you have to ask Madley. He mad so many aberrant decisions today.

We did not lose because of Madley but he how did he not book Caciedo for that foul on Martinelli. The man had to leave the game and yet, nothing? And their first goal. A clear foul on Kiwior? Neither he nor VAR seemed to see what we could all see. How can that be deemed not to be influence the game? Brighton were very good at breaking up the pace of the game in the first half. Both fouling and taking time on all restarts. They, intentionally, disrupted the rhythm of our game. And Madley allowed it to happen. But so did we. But then Madley also allowed this to happen when we played Newcastle at home. So a pattern is emerging with him. And it’s not a good one.

Today we had no answers to them. Our passing was not sharp and we gave the ball away too often. To be fair, that was because of their pressing. They played out from the back most of the time. Often we would win the ball back by pressuring them but then immediately turn the ball over again. Steele in their goal misplaced a number of passes but we could rarely build anything from it. They played a very high risk game but we were not able to capitalize on their mistakes. Yet, care of Trossard, we made one mistake, in the second half, in passing out from the back and they scored.

It felt like however long we played for today we would not score. Without Zinny and, for most of the game, Martinelli, we had little movement on our left. Everything seemed a little subdued. Maybe we’ve just ran out of steam. Odegaard was fairly quite aside from one shot from distance. Saka, closely marked all game, was unable to impose himself. And White was being ripped apart by the impressive Mitoma. Their long balls over the top continually threatened us.

Even with after a half-time break, we could not change the direction of the game. They controlled the game, passed relentlessly whereas we could not keep the ball. As dominant as we were last week Brighton were today. We had no answers to them. Arteta was unable to change the tempo of the game.

Quite frankly, we looked a little lost and surprised. This was Brighton fired up after their home loss to Everton. But, if you want to compete for the TOTL, you have to know how to deal with this type of game. And we didn’t. Jorghino was not able to build anything, Jesus worked hard but was unable to threaten their goal. He lost every header against the giant Dunk. But, why would we play long high balls up to him when he’s marked by a giant beanpole.

There was little enthusiasm or energy today. You kind of knew how Brighton would play but we had no answers. We were unable to control the ball or create much. I don’t think Steele really had any meaningful shots to save. We would get close but then fail to hit the target – aside from when Trossard hit the bar.

It was deflating to watch and just deflating to write about. I would not blame Gabriel or Kiwior. White was exposed too often but then Saka did few favours for him; he failed to track back too often. On the other side Tierney did not try to play inverted. And Xhaka missed Martinelli. Shame Caceido didn’t.

On their side MacAllister ran the game. No-one could get near him. They played out from the back and then launched long balls over our midfield. Their tactics were excellent and ours never changed. We kept on trying to do the same thing and yet our passing was not crisp enough. They were the better team today.

But it felt like we wilted, just lost confidence and self-belief. There were very few occasions where we really built any momentum and threatened. Maybe this is an overreaction to losing 0-3 at home. I can’t remember when this last happened. Even against City we managed to score one goal. Today though we were unable to pull them apart. On the other hand they were able to hit us on the counterattack with those long balls over the top. Mitoma really was a handful today.

Brighton are a good team – make no mistake. But we made far too many mistakes today. And Arteta will learn from this as well. He was too slow to adjust his tactics and system. His substitutions seemed ok, and it was good to see SRP again – even if he did nothing. But the directness of the team was missing. We were unable to really create. Nelson, added energy when he came on. But Trossard is not a midfield player. And that exposed Tierney as well.

So rather than continue to drone on about how flaccid we were today – and this will happen in any normal season – but should not have happened today, at this crucial time of the season. Instead, let’s focus on the abysmal TV coverage. I’ve noticed this in a number of games lately. And, it’s been a while since I’ve ranted on about this. But, please what is going on with the selection of pictures we’re seeing on the TV? Who is choosing to show endless replays when the game is in play? Who is deciding to have the camera lock in on the manager when there is play going on?

Today, when Brighton would choose to play the ball out from their goal-kicks – which is basically every goal kick. – instead of watching this we’d have shots of the manager or the most recent player to touch the ball or another unnecessary replay. Why can’t they just show us the game? Why do we have to see these random shots of the last player to touch the ball? And then hover on that player for 15 seconds?

It ruins the flow of the game. Also, when the play is on the wing, the close up camera shots make it impossible to see the flow of the team, the spaces available or the available options for the player. It’s like MTV is running the camera shots. It’s destined to give you a headache. Why can’t they offer either picture-in-picture so we can continue to watch the game or another feed that just shows the actual football match?

I caught some of the Everton City game. After their first goal they continued to show endless replays from minutely different angles. In the meantime City were winning the ball back and setting up their second goal. They managed to cut back just as City won the ball back for Gundogan cross the ball for their second goal.

It feels like there is an intentional stylistic change to make the game more “hip” or “interesting”. Yet, everyone wants to watch these games, That’s why the TV rights go for billions. So rather than try and make this an artsy-like experience and/or trying to capture the emotion of individuals in the crowd, can’t they just let us watch the actual game.

It is more fun though to rant on this than our team. After the season they have produced, landing second in the league, it seems churlish to rip them apart for this performance. Truth is the result was always going to be irrelevant as City just relentlessly march on. And, just, maybe, like the Sp*rs and Newcastle disaster at the end of last season this will be yet more fuel for next season.

I fear though for where this stylistic change in the use of camera angles and replays will take us. And there’s no obvious mechanism for providing feedback. It’s been getting worse for years but this weekend was ridiculous. I would pay good money to find out who is the right person to complain to.

In the meantime, we should just note that while the ugly man from the north has won player of the year, this is all Kane’s fault. If he would have joined them as he should have done, they would not have been so dominant. And it’s not like Sp*rs would have been any worse.

So, as dispiriting as today was, we can’t let that cloud over this season. We remain way ahead of where we thought we’d be. So are Brighton though. Arteta is not the only bright young thing managing in the PL. But we need to be careful now in our recruiting. We have found yet another impressive center half in Kiwior. We just need more in midfield.  When Partey eventually came on again he remained off the pace.

I know it’s said that MacAllister is headed to Liverpool but I’d love him to join us. More so than Caceido. Have both MacAllister and Rice. That would be nice. And another forward. And maybe another full-back. We need to grow this squad because this year we’ve been a little short and next year, in the Champions League, we won’t be able to blood any youngsters. And Chelsea can’t possible be as awful as they were this year. Likewise, Liverpool. So, while we compete in the Champions League we’ll have tougher competition in the PL.

So say good bye to TOTL for this year. And start to relish the excellent season we’ve had – up until today. It’s the upward trajectory that counts. And whether we can learn lessons from performances like todays. We remain a young team with great potential. But as Brighton showed, this is true of others as well. We have to learn to take the opportunities as they present themselves. We have to develop a kill instinct. We missed that in our drawn games and that’s what cost us the league. But, just maybe, we weren’t quite ready. The table does not lie.

Two more games left. So, let’s enjoy them. Let’s play free of tension and fear. We have nothing to play for now apart from the joy of the game. And the fans now can show their appreciation for the unexpected season we’ve had.

-LB7

Not quite TOTL but brilliant nonetheless. I did not see this coming. I figured obliterating Chelsea would be it for this season. Instead, we witnessed a total performance in one of the most difficult venues. Returning to the scene of our disaster of last year my only requirement for success today was a demonstration of backbone. I had not expectation of winning this game. We got so much more.  

Though the first ten minutes were a little hairy, we rode our luck and stuck in there. And then, in a way we never did last year, regained our composure. We played some excellent football while under continuous physical pressure. They hit the post within 2 minutes and then had a penalty decision reversed by VAR. Imagine that. VAR coming to our rescue.

It must be noted that Chris Kavanagh was pretty shit the entire game. Even handy shit I suppose. I can’t believe he waited so long to give a yellow to them. And, of course, he was directly in the line of sight when he erroneously awarded that penalty kick.

Once we saw out that period, we began to assert ourselves and play our game. We had a number of opportunities. Each stemming from vertical passes from Zinny or Xhaka into Odegaard to then feed Martinelli and Saka. Neither could finish. But, it definitely pegged Newcastle back. For all their physicality this they lacked the balance and poise that we had in spades.

Like the last game, Arteta picked the right personnel and then made the right changes at the right time. Kiwior had to start instead of Holding. That, in a nutshell, defined this defense. From leaking goals since we lost Big Willy we are now holding (no pun intended) to 1 goal or, today, a clean sheet. He not just provides stability, calmness and speed. But he enables Gabriel to play with confidence. He improves everyone around him. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of our Rob. Aside from the improvement in our collective hairline.

It makes you wonder what the outcome would have been if we had brought him in against West Ham or Southampton. Kiwior has been key to our last two matches. Everything starts and ends with our defense. And yet again Ramsdale was immense.  Today there were at least two game changing saves he made. When you consider that the lump up the other end was beaten by a 25 yard Odegaard shot and that the lump can’t pass the ball, it’s mind-blowing that Southgate – in addition to ignoring White in favour of McGuire – would consider the lump that is Pope might be a better goalie than Ramsdale.

It was also noticeable that Ramsdale used good judgement today with his distribution. Early in the game when we were under pressure and their crazy northern crowd were baying for blood, he played it long – none of that dodgy playing out from the back. As we started to control the game and the heat was off, he then passed it out from the back. And as the game came down to the last 10 minutes he again played it long.

Odegaard has been immense these last two games. It’s not such an achievement against a pathetic Chelsea team (though it’s not clear they are a team) at home. But away, in the cauldron of St. James Park, he lead from the front. He was exceptional today. Not just the game changing first goal but his work rate, passing and positioning. He has elevated his game and, most importantly, grown into his leadership role. I was always a little skeptical of his leadership but not today.

Alongside him we saw Jorginho put in another dominant, controlled and vital performance. We looked so much safer with him there rather than Partey. Arteta got that selection right again. Even when Partey came on he was invisible. Jorginho was anything but. It’s not often I’m wrong. I was wrong about not buying Amazon when they went public. I was wrong about having children – let alone four morons. And, I admit, I was wrong about Jorginho. He has helped saved our season. I was adamantly against signing him. But, I was wrong. There, I said it.

As much as I loved Partey, I’m happy to see him on the bench with Vieira now. And alongside Jorginho and Odergaard we had the impressive Xhaka. He was brilliant today. Exemplified by his last ditch tackle deep into our own box in the second half. Xhaka was both creative and defensive today. This was a game where, in the last he’d have been booked or sent off. Thankfully his pal Schar helped him keep his temper in check. But the three of them in midfield kept Bruno largely in check.

And up front Jesus continued to work tirelessly. He might not have had a shot on target but he enables our defending to start from the front. Even in the few minutes when Eddie came on it was noticeable that without the pressing Newcastle were able to compress the game into our last third without any real outlet. Jesus exudes energy and commitment.

Saka was again somewhat subdued but not as much as of late. Aside from his one breakaway he was able to relieve pressure. As was Martinelli. Here was another good switch by Arteta to start him. His ability to carry the ball up field was vital. And, aside from his first half miss, he was able to create that all important second goal. This gave us some breathing space. I’m just grateful that this second goal did not happen until the 70^th minute. I’d have been very nervous to have gone in at half-time two nil up.

The league has gone. The machine from the north is not going to drop the five points we need to be TOTL. But today was important to demonstrate that this team has grit and a vertebrate. To be able to go to St. James Park and play the way we did sends a message about the mental state of this team and it’s potential. And reminds us of the inherent quality of this team. To be able for us to rediscover our form and rhythm from earlier in the season (i.e. pre Liverpool) was equally important.

We are now assured of being the second best team in England. No-one would have expected that at the start of the season. Do you remember how we started the prior season? The over-reaction to Ben White against Brentford? And then, look at him today? This team has reestablished itself, found it’s mojo and changed the momentum (again) in the club. It bodes well for next year.

Of course, there are still issues to resolve. But if Kiwior is yet another example of our new regime for recruiting than I remain ambitiously optimistic. We do though have to figure out our own Trent Arnold problem. As important as Zinny is to our creativity, today, he was torched defensively. Most of their opportunities came down his side. They exploited all the space he vacated when he moved forward. This is the TA issue that Liverpool have. As all teams try to copy City, other teams are now figuring out ways to respond. There were times today when, literally, Zinny was on his arse. It was reassuring to see Tierney finally come off the bench to help provide some much needed defensive stability. And we even we went on to score a second with him on the pitch.

Today, unlike against City, our key plays stepped up and excelled. They did us proud. It’s hard to choose who was the most impressive. The list is pretty long – Kiwior, Gabriel, Xhaka, Jorginho, Odegaard or Ramsdale.  I think it’s a toss up between Kiwior, Ramsdale and Odegaard but I’d just about give it to Odergaard.

Next up are the ever improving Brighton. This will, hopefully, be our last testing game of the season. At least we’ve got them at home. And though, with second place sealed, there’s nothing on the line for us, it will again be important to assert ourselves against them, out play them and scout which of their players were want to purchase in the summer. Aside from monitoring Caceido, I like their little Nip on the wing. Though with Trossard, maybe we don’t need him.

Lastly, it’s illuminating how we went up to feisty Newcastle and came away with three points and a clean sheet. Whereas, a certain other bunch of wankers let in six goals. Nice contrast.

So, Not Quite TOTL but an excellent performance today. We clearly demonstrated the growth in this team since last year. The progress we’ve made. And the possibilities for this team. This is a team to be proud of; to revel in; and to enjoy the beauty of our football. Enjoy it. It only happen once every ten years – but it can last for ten years.

-LB7

TOTL again. Farewell April and welcome May. Finally, we find our way to win. If only we could play Chelsea every week (or Sp*rs). This was more like it. Back to winning ways. Back to our style and back to rhythm.

This was all down to the changes Arteta made. Something had to change. So, he (finally) jettisoned Partey but also, more interesting, brought in Kiwior for Holding. Wow, what a difference that made. Though, to be fair even a one legged donkey could have marked Aubameyang in the first half. And, justifiably, Trossard got to start.

And, as the game started, we started to find our way against an unstructured, dispirited Chelsea team. Here’s a game I’d like to watch, Chelsea v Sp*rs. Surely, in the history of football, this would be the only game where both sides would each find a way to lose.

I know I should wallow in the glory of our victory but it’s just so hard not to laugh at the abject fiasco that is Chelsea (or Sp*rs). How fitting that they have F. Lampard as their manager. He surely is the antidote to Pep. He is the anti-Pep. Devoid of ideas, tactics or management skills. How inspired it was for him to pick our ex-Captain.

Back to us though. Kiwior excelled tonight even against a completely limp Chelsea attack. Actually, I don’t know that’s the correct term. It was more like a Chelsea sideways, slightly forward excursion. In the first half there was just one chance for them when Chilwell outmuscled Saka only for Ramsdale to make his usual save. For his first start, when the pressure was on, Kiwior looked assured, in control and can actually pass the ball. It makes you wonder what might have happened if we’d have picked him again West Ham or Southapmton not to mention City. Maybe we’ve found someone reasonable way to substitute for our Big Willy.

Jorginho, against his old crew, controlled the midfield in a way we’ve not seen Partey do for a while now. Alongside him Xhaka rediscovered his energy and frequently drove into the box. He was instrumental in our goals. We also witnessed the awakening of Odegaard. Two exceptionally well taken goals and an overall performance worthy of a captain.

Saka, again, seemed subdued. Maybe that’s what happens when 15 players mark him. Most of our creativity happened down our left. Though there were occasions where he and White carved Chelsea open.

Jesus floated around the entire pitch only rarely turning up in a center-forward position. Trossard and he interchanged frequently. And Jesus finally picked up a poachers goal as well. I should also mention Zinny, who, given the space, time and freedom of the park by a generous Chelsea, was able to dictate and control the tempo of the game along with Jorghino.

So going at half-time at 3-0 was still a little nerve wracking given our recent history. And of course, the most wonderful Sunday game where Liverpool went in 3-0 up. As good we were, you just knew that even Chelsea just could not be that appalling and pretty vacant in the second half. Sure enough with Havitz on, they started to nearly resemble a football team. However, we still created numerous chances that we failed to capitalize on. But our smoothness, pace, interchanging and speed were all there – unlike on Sunday.

And then we let them back in the game. Zinny switched off and they sneaked one in. At which point the substitutes started to come on. Zinny was replaced by a more defensive Tierney and Saka was given a rest for Nelson. It’s interesting that Eddie is now behind him in the pecking order. And thankfully Vieira is behind everyone.

Gabriel struggled to stay on the pitch. Whether it was a dodgy hamstring or endless kicks he received he managed to last through 85 minutes. Alongside Kiwior, he was back to being his solid best. That’s what happens when you have another footballer alongside you. By the time Holding came on the game had gotten quite scrappy. They had a few chances but we somehow managed to block them out. It was not an entirely inspiring second half performance but maybe we should just put that down to game management.

Don’t underestimate the importance of Kiwior. In the previous painful 4 games it’s been our defense that lost us the game. We have proven we can score. But without Saliba we can’t defend. But today we managed to limit them to a solitary goal. Our previous 4 game shave leaked 2 goal or more. Not today. Of course, this was also due to Aubameyang and the ineptitude of Chelsea.

A word or two on Rob Jones to referee. Though not as poor as Paul Tierney – who thankfully allowed Jota to stay on the pitch after trying to decapitate Skipp – which seems quite reasonable actually. I mean, with the bulging eyes and receding hairline, Skipp should really be working as a gnome in the fair ground. Anyway, Jones refused to give our any yellow cards as Chelsea clattered into us. And generally refused to protect our players. Today though we did not need VAR to Rob us. We, via Xhaka, Trossard and Odegaard calmed our nerves and restored us, if only temporarily, to our perch at the TOTL.

It was noticeable that even when Partey came on for Jorghino, he was behind the pace of the game, still gave the ball away and committed careless fouls outside of our box – as he did against City. I can’t see how he can start against Newcastle. I know they are a real team as opposed to the jigsaw pieces that are Chelsea, and that. Jorghino is blessed with Xhaka-like pace, but it just seems like Partey is spent. He needs to be hooked up to a Tesla supercharger for a couple of weeks.

What a relief then to finally win a match after the disaster of the last three games. I don’t think we’re entirely out of our funk yet. But there are signs. With Kiwior instead of Holding and Jorginho instead of Partey, maybe we can put in a more spirited performance against Newcastle than we did last year.

Of course, you can’t compare the tactical genius of Lampard to Eddie Howe. So, this will be a far more challenging match. Not one I expect is to win but certainly one I don’t want us to lose. I worry that we can be overrun and, with their northern, working-class, heathen crowd baying for blood (ours not theirs) the atmosphere will be electric. It will require a calmness we’re rarely demonstrated. I fear we will get out-pressed and make unnecessary mistakes.

For example, it was just a little alarming to see Ramsdale trying to make the same flawed pass in the first half that caused us to give up that goal at Southampton. This time Chelsea, inevitably, were unable to figure out with the ball at their feet they could attack our goal. But against Newcastle we won’t be able to repeat that mistake. And it makes you wonder – just a little – about Ramsdale and his ability to learn from his experiences.

So, we head up north, invigorated by the flaccid Chelsea. They really are a wonderful sight to behold. At this rate Bournemouth will finish ahead of them in the league. How amazing is that. It’s interesting that the Chelsea fan (because there surely is just one at this point) are not yet screaming and demonstrating against their new demented and delusional owner. How can they keep so quiet when he is to clearly retarded. He is the archetypal, sterotype of an American owner. Boehley is to ownership that Ted Lasso is to football management – minus the charm.

I’d pay to see a football debate between Boehly and Levy. Two idiots running their respective teams into the ground. How wonderful to watch. As I’ve said before, I’m looking forward to Levy appointing Lampard as their new manager.

Today was the day I regained my enthusiasm and enjoyment. Now let’s hope we can retain our poise and style for Sunday. Like any sensible Arsenal fan (not that I’m sensible) I have no expectations for the league. City will continue to grind out wins. That’s what happens when you can buy up every player and there is no consequence for abusing the financial fair play rules (not that I’m bitter). I just want to see us compete and I want to see us return to our style of play and, most importantly, maintain it for 90 minutes and not just for the first half. Maybe we can lobby FIFA or EUFA to only play a single 45 minute halves from now on. Until then, we have to find some consistency throughout the 90 minutes.

In the meantime, I will continue to wallow in the beauty of our goals today and the Jota goal on Sunday. Now that, truly, was a thing of beauty. You can’t make this stuff up.

Last word – remember – we’re still TOTL

– LB7