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 70th 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