How we will miss Burnley and Sheffield United. Another three points though we had to work harder for them this time. After the injustice of Newcastle it was refreshing to get back to winning ways in advance of yet another meaningless, useless, tedious International break of two weeks. It’s really disruptive to the rhythm of this league and I can’t fathom why the FA put up with this – let alone the rest of Europe. Just as the season feels like it’s building some momentum we have to stop again. At least we’re free of this rubbish until March.
It does have the slight benefit that our injured players can hopefully recover their fitness. Not Partey. But more on that later.
Burnley are more talented than Sheffield but the game felt pretty similar. It took just one moment to prize them open care of Trossard bouncing off the post after the soaring Saka won a header in the box. There was a sense of inevitability about this. However, they managed to sneak one in. And one I could not blame Raya for. Though I’ll ponder on that and see if there’s an angle I’m missing.
Trossard was so good throughout the game. It took him a while to get going but once he did he was involved in all things creative. Without Odegaard to pull the strings we were dependent on him and the resurgent Zinny. All complemented but the perpetual motion of Martinelli. Saka was a little subdued. But then his support system of White and Odegaard were missing.
Are we the new Stoke? Or Bolton? The number of goals originating from corners is so unlike us. Maybe we’ll sign Rory Delap and start on the long-throws. Their goalie – who was so impressive in the U21 Euros this summer – was found wanting on both corners – especially the first one. Once Saliba soared to head our second goal I held my breath waiting for VAR to find some criminal office that would deprive us. A three minute gap in between their equalizer and us restoring the lead was extend of any angst in this game. I believe that was the first goal Saliba has scored since Palace at the start of last season.
Then Zinny rounded off a performance we’d not seen from him since last year with a graceful strike into the top corner. That secured the three points and allowed the substitutions to rain in. Of course, our boy Vieira found a way to pull off an Eddie tackle to get himself sent off the pitch just after coming on. At least that removes him for three games. That should give Have-that even more time to adjust. Aside from missing a header from the corner in the first half he still seemed subdued. We have to remain patient with him but the two of them don’t exactly inspire great confidence.
Of course Rice sets the benchmark quite high for new signings. He continues to excel and dominate this team. Without the rest of the midfield we are so fortunate to have him bind this team together. He must be the best midfield player in the EPL at this point. Which brings us back to the partyless Partey. He’s missing inaction now until next year. I think I could get fit in that time. He seems fated to spend at least half the season in the stands. When he’s actually healthy, he’s an absolute star. His style fits our team perfectly. And to have him alongside Rice improves the team tactically and technically. Today, against inferior opposition, Jorginho more than adequately filled in that role. But against teams not rooted to the floor of the table, we need someone with more pace and stamina.
And we are now so suspectable to further injuries. I’m fearful of even suggesting what might happen to us if Rice is suspended or injured. We have Mo on the bench and then the cupboard is bare. It would seem that we will have to dip into Kroenke’s pockets again come January. Because even if Partey is fit by then, he’ll be off to the ACN for the month of January. And then inevitably he’ll come back injured.
As improved as this squad is, it’s hard to find suitable backups for players like Odegaard, Saka and Partey. Of course, we have one in goal. But it seems poor Aaron is destined to never play for us again. Raya had nothing to do against Burnley. But at least Southgate, who still refuses to pick White, will stick by Aaron so maybe he’ll get minutes for England instead of us. Lucky I’m not bitter about Raya. Oh, any maybe he won’t be able to play in our next game against Brentford because of the loan agreement. So, finally, we can see Aaron play again – and then summarily dropped again.
Tomi was impressive at right back until he got roasted prior to their solitary goal. Once we went down to 10 men he got tested more. But having him fit and available is also key for us. He is one of our secret weapons. He can play anywhere. Well, apart from goalie. As Raya has that one locked down.
These are the games where ESR should have been playing. We miss him. I hope he does not end up like our Jack. Always hurt. Though with Jack that was because he played too many games when he was younger and, also, never received protection from the refs.
Now we have two weeks of nothing. I will miss this team. I enjoy watching them stroll around and control games. They continue to develop. We just need to protect our players until we can add to the squad. Poor young Saka looks like he could use some time away from useless Internationals. He is crucial to this team but seems like he running on fumes currently. He should be wrapped in cotton wool and protected rather than wasting his talents on England.
We are sufficiently close to City in the table. They are there though without KDB. We can’t afford any real injuries in our midfield now. Or up front. Without Jesus, Partey and Odegaard we are vulnerable. So let’s hope everyone returns from international duty unscathed. Martinelli is someone who also looks on the edge of re-injuring his hamstring. But I fear he’ll be playing for Brazil.
For the next ten days we should each be praying to our respect gods for them all to return healthy. Enjoy the break. I’m already bored by this disruption. Time to get into my time machine and jump forward to the Brentford game.
-LB7