Gunners Seek Redemption At The Lane
Mar 4th, 2016 by 'holic
I thought that might be a more apt introduction than an Arsene quote this weekend. With thanks to Charles I think the word redemption was written to describe what the eighteen with a cannon on their chest should seek to achieve at White Hart Lane. I have seen it described as the biggest North London derby of all time. Nonsense. Anyone who thinks that obviously wasn’t around in 1971 or 2004.
I have thought for a while that this match would be decisive in the Premier League campaign, but this week has shown that neither us nor the Middlesex marshmen can be sure of overhauling Leicester, and both of us can hear the thundering hooves behind us from Manchester and East London. For now it is more a battle to ensure the twenty-first consecutive anniversary of St Totteringham’s Day.
So wrapped up have we been with our own three defeats in a row woes that we have maybe overlooked Tottenham’s fairly comprehensive defeat at Upton Park, regardless of the 1-0 scoreline. Saturday lunchtime gives us the opportunity to wipe out our septimana horribilis.
The loss of Petr Cech is unfortunate, to say the least, but David Ospina justifiably replaced Wojciech Szczesny last season and is a solid deputy. More worrying is the loss of Laurent Koscielny and the continuing absence of Santi Cazorla. Arsene must be pondering if Calum Chambers might provide a fresh and enthusiastic partner for Per Mertesacker or Gabriel after Swansea somewhat embarrassed us in the week. Thank goodness we will have the best two full-backs in the country on display.
The midfield selection will be interesting too. I wonder if the magnitude of the fixture will keep Mohamed Elneny on the bench? Probably so, therefore no change to Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin starting behind Joel Campbell, Mesut Ozil, and Alexis. Although there is a choice to be made between Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck up top (sorry Theo, you just aren’t at the races right now).
Our opponents too looked to be running on empty on Wednesday. Be wary though of reports of ‘one of our own’ being tired and leggy. The North London derby will get his adrenaline flowing as well as our lads. Let’s acknowledge that he has scored in his two appearances against us.
Given what is at stake this is sure to be a feisty affair and I will risk saying we have, in Michael Oliver, one of the only two half-decent referees in the PGMOL appointed to this high octane fixture. It is not surprising that Arsene used the word discipline ahead of the match.
“We just want to continue to focus on the way we want to play and add a little bit extra in our commitment and discipline to turn things our way.”
The ‘holic pound
I’m on as bad a run as the team so without doubt for me to get a result I need them to do the same. The bookies prefer Tottenham or the draw with us very much the outsiders. Their reasoning based on both teams recent form is sound but this game is unpredictable. A draw or better is what I feel we need to be sure of finishing above them once again, and I am strongly drawn to the elevens to be had for a 1-2 away win. That would indeed provide redemption for all concerned.
Have a good one ‘holics.
196 Responses to “Gunners Seek Redemption At The Lane”
Good on you mate.
Just the preview we needed to read! I’m strangely optimistic on this one, even if the swampers play well these days. It’s time lady luck cast her eyes on us 😉
Back to basics says Arsene Wenger, so hopefully more fluency and accuracy on display, should be easier without the nervousness of the crowd (or with the swampers angst, even better).
Nice one, Guvna.
2-1 to the Arsenal has a good ring to it.
Redemption time!
COYRs
well played ‘h – the wailers’ll wait till just after this one – at the earliest – i reckon – UTA!
I should inform our visitors that the Y word isn’t welcome here. If you want to post your puerile nonsense change your name.
I gave my predictions earlier in the week. I’d never be happier to be more wrong especially when one of the great underachievers with their two titles EVER comes on here so arrogantly.
They’d be better off seeking a set of balls and a spine.
Good work, H. I don’t know how you keep your enthusiasm up.
Good news at last
We are through to the semi- finals of the Youth Cup after beating Liverpool 2-1 tonight at the Grove.
The estimable Jeorge Bird says we played extremely well.
I’m afraid lads that we are doomed. I appreciate the optimism but cant see myself. I cant believe we’ll only concede one.
The Pop Group – Y.
@9/gooner: It’s time to show some spine as a supporter too, kind of leading by example 😉
And a baby technological step from UEFA introducing goal line assistance for the CL final: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35726091
That’s a start, by 2100 they should have it all covered!
Stirring stuff! I’ll take 1-2 or even a scrappy 0-1 to the team in red.
Arsenal please win this game for me. I am pleading, whatever it takes I don’t care just don’t lose this game pleaseeeeeee. COYG?
Well played, guv’nor.
54 years on the clock and it must keep ticking. 😀
Could I also take this opportunity to say that this, indeed any of my, and many other bloggers, posts has not ripped off a journalist in any way. Some ‘idle cretins’ actually do a job five days a week and produce original blogs in the evenings and at weekends, Mike Walters.
Not everybody just reproduces what is said at pressers and invents fairy stories and gets paid for it, too well in many instances.
Good one, Holic,
a nice bit of positivity at the end of a horrible day.
Cheers, mate, and I’ll be overjoyed to see your 1-2 come home. ??
Funnily enough, I also wondered about the merits of playing Calum Chambers alongside Per. It’s a risk, but so is Gabriel on Wednesday’s showing. Would Nacho be better deployed as our emergency centre back again ? It would be a slap in the face for Gabriel but c’est la vie, mon ami.
Trouble is, that would mean Gibbs at left back and his defending worries me not a little.
Cheers Holic.
Well it’s been time immemorial since we have been such big underdogs when facing the Middlesex marsh men. Normally the boots been on the other foot but on quite a few occasions form has gone out of the window and those underdogs managed to up their game to unexpectedly get something out it. Well know it’s time for the Arse to show the same resolve and get a result for their supporters, for their loyal manager and not least their own pride.
Play for the badge boys!!
Gibbo at left back? Best not, eh Trev…
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war……
COYRs
This is no time to be playing the best left-back in the league out of position. We are already playing Ramsey out of his best position and that isn’t working out so well.
Fine preview, ‘Holic. Well deserving of landing the ‘Holic pound.
Exactly that bath 🙂
Oh Ned, any win will be greeted with utter glee, bollocks to the scoreline or the bet. 😉
Three points anyway would be just fine by me, too.
howdy ‘hol
howdy all
up to high doh , here
already
jangled nerves somewhat soothed
by
a nice gargle
.
.
.
.
?
Nice one ‘h!
Redemption indeed and some that may finally light-up the glorious run-in fire we’ve been waiting on for the last three EPL & CL matches.
1 – 3 to the Arse and definitely a “must not lose” by 2.45pm.
COYBG! Now stand up and be counted like real men against them lot for fecks sake! Up the Arse!
Great read Maestro with hint of positive notes no top!
We really need this one to click together I don’t give a monkeys how we do it as long as we achieve it! What better way to improve our moods and team spirit than to beat them on their home turf? I don’t think there is a better remedy out there!
It’s time to stand up and be counted, make us proud Arsenal!
COYG 🙂
DDC
Great minds think alike! 🙂
Holic – Nobody with the ability to think would ever believe that your good self has ripped off anybody, let alone those two.
You know that scene you sometimes see in martial arts films where the master plucks a fly out of the air with chopsticks? Well imagine the fly is a giant turd and the chopsticks are a laptop.
That’s tabloid journalism that is.
effin brilliant cynic
regarding ‘holic
.
.
proper gooduns both
accept no imitations
?
mucky shite screen image
in me mind now
.
genius
So playing Nacho ‘out of position’ (never mind he succeeded at CD remarkably well when called on previously) is a bigger risk than putting Gab or Cal up against Kane? Providing Gibbs is instructed to hold his position and not go galivanting upfield like he’s channeling Rivellino I reckon it’s an excellent option (which is why I suggested it in the last drinks). 😉
Oskar
What is the Y word? Did I miss something?
Oskar
Yes Oscar you missed something. Don’t start looking now. Youre
better off as is.
Catch up time, a victory by any margin and three points are a must if we are to be in the race. Hope the guys are awake by 12.45 pm and don’t want a repeat of Liverpool game a couple of seasons back. I hope the guys are up for the fight. Can’t wait.
oskar ?
i missed it too
.
insult
or
reclamation
.
care not a jot
.
dickheads either way
‘part from
the scottish
the english
the southern irish
and
a goodly portion of wales
.
i love everyone
.
.
france
.
moi non plus
Up early, can’t believe how nervous I am, it’s only football, right?
Well, we need to bloody turn up today. However takes the field needs to be fully briefed and prepared for the battle. This is definitely a must not lose match. Our recent form has been alarming to say the least but redemption can be achieved. No idea what the score will be but we just need to shut those trappy oiks up.
No idea what happened earlier but if you can find some two bob media report that starts with a bit of Bob Marley then I really will be surprised. Excellent stuff H.
Let battle commence.
MTS
I was up early myself, a bit nervous but little gooner has a got game at 11am so that shall put my mind elsewhere until the KO and knowing my self I will be a nervous reck come 12:45.
Steve T
Let the he battle being indeed!
COYBG!
It’s been a very difficult week but at least my friends genuinely sympathise with my frustrations at AFC. I have declined to join the ranting brigade on this forum and have tried to tell myself that Arsene, who I greatly admire, will instil some belief into our fragile side and we will come out of the darkness into the light this lunchtime.
It’s 55 years since I was last at WHL , at a time when we were again in the doldrums. For those of you brave enough to venture into darkest NL this lunch time take great care and come home safely, you will be our greatest asset so sing a song for me. Any result would be an achievement looking at our current form, can only hope for the best and that some one will provide the spark that could relight the fire that burned so brightly before Christmas. Lovely Hector, how about it !
COYRs
If Arsenal get an absolute thrumming today, the rest of the season is going to be drip-fed poison.
Can you imagine the atmosphere at home games?
If that thought hasn’t crossed our lot’s minds and motivated them to win today nothing will.
Holic is not a fan of Yogurt, Oskar
And no Nacho either
Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs; Elneny, Coquelin; Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck
Subs: Macey, Chambers, Monreal, Flamini, Campbell, Walcott, Giroud
I hope we win this match, put up a good fight and show up, and hope the winnings ways continue. We’ve lost enough matches already this season. I agree with Vinay from previous drinks. I always wanted the big man to leave on a high note he deserves after bringing so much to the club in particular and the game in general.
More often than not over the years, Wenger’s faith hasn’t been repaid by the players. Theo ‘Inconsistent and Anonymous” Walcot comes to mind among others. I’ve never been a fan of the little Theo (who admitted he was consistent in patches sometime back), never thought he deserved the 14 jersey. All he has in common with the legend are the first two letters and the jersey 14. In 10 long bloody years, a dog in a wheelchair would have done more than Theo. Like I said it’s how I feel, others are welcome to feel otherwise (didn’t much care for Adebayor or TGSTL).
Agree with Cynic @42. Hope they motivated enough to earn the millions of dollars they get every month. Here’s what I don’t get. Isn’t the fact that your bitterest rivals are ahead of you motivation enough? Or the fact that a team from bottom 20’s is top of the table? Or the passion of the fans who show up and cheer (most of us at least) not motivation enough, let alone the money they make? When the manager picks a team, it’s their responsibility to at least try and play a decent game instead of rolling over and surrendering like at OT.
So here’s to a lasting winning streak.
Still backing 2-0 to the good guys – but Gibbs, really?
Oh well.
UTA.
Nacho apparently has a calf strain. Otherwise it’s my starting 11 of choice for today.
Go get em Arsenal.
I think we will see the real Arsenal today.
Let slip those dogs of war!
Delia @41 you are spot on:
Darkness, light, spark, fire.
Just waiting to see it happen. COYG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nervous and expect a battering. 0-0 at half time would be a great start and 0-1 FT would be fantastic. No Monreal, thought he was one of our most consistent players. Hope the boys are up for it.
That team selection is a real “fuck you, I’m in charge” message to the fans.
COME ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!
Give everything you’ve got Arsenal.
If you do, the day can be ours.
And your names will live forever.
COYGs
Now or never boys, let’s go
Need to stop bloody giving the ball away. Our retention is shocking at the moment.
Nacho out with a calf strain so he ends up on the bench?? Don’t quite get that.
How are we looking just got home! Bloody traffic!
Scandalous attitude from Ramsey!
Two yards slower than them. Look second in every department at the moment Arthur.
If Ramsey is our best option on the right today, I’m a fucking Dutchman
Ramsey is shocking in his decision making and passing and control. We really should look at upgrading for next season he shouldn’t be starting for a top 4 club.
Thanks for the update Steve T
Hopefully we can pick this up!
Come on Arsenal!
What a save from Ospina!
Great save, I think we might need a few more of those today 🙁
Right, Lamela is booked. Get him sent off. Do whatever it takes.
Ramsey losses the ball doesn’t even chase back this attitude says it all.
Le Coq with one of the most ridiculous bookings you will see all season. What was he thinking??
Cynic spot on re the Ospina save. Top drawer.
Ramsey asleep on the ball again.
I’m not a great fan of Campbell, but if you want to win the game you pick him ahead of Ramsey.
(reverse jinx not working so far)
C’mon Aaron get on your game ffs
Wow get in
Ramsey!!!’
Ding dong, reverse jinx well in operation. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Finally a back heel that came off
Ramsey doing so bad and he fucking scores like Messi!
Come onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!
FUCKING YES
Rambo!!!
Two minutes that took.
If we win this game, I take all the credit. Thank you.
what a goal from Ramsey! wow! hope this continues.
Yes!
Reverse jinx worked, Cynic. More powers to you!
Well I’ll be buggered.
Get in.
Take that Messi!
RAMSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
GET IN!
Why Steve T @81, is it your birthday? 😉
Stop playing with your fucking hair FFS. At least wait until you get inside so you don’t look an utter jessie.
*grumble moan*
Decent last ten to fifteen minutes let’s hope it continues.
Half way there.
Carry on, Arsenal.
Belief is everything.
Cynic. If we win this it will feel like it is.
I think we should bring on Ozil for the second half.
Still thinking 2-0.
UTA.
If I was Giroud, I’d be worried about that Welbeck chap…
😀
On the rocks for long periods and then …Boom!
More of that in the 2nd half please.
😀
Welbeck gives us speed up top, OG is more static player let’s keep it up it’s not over yet.
Come on Arsenal!
Danny gives us something different…come on Arsenal…keep the faith
Travis Bickle is gonna get a 2nd yellow
Having got a foot in this game lets give it everything for the full 90mins.
Ospina kept us in it and Rambo has made amends for some of his sloppy first half play. Danny doing very well, could do with some help from Alexis.
COYRs
I knew it!
Why why why
You stupid fucking idiot.
WTF was he thinking!
Coq has killed us, the stupid bugger.
He was going absolutely nowhere
That’s a stupid challenge if you HAVEN’T been booked.
Fucking brainless. Totally fucking brainless.
2 yellows for Le Coq. 2 unnecessary and totally stupid yellows.
OOOOOOOSSSSPINA!
What a save
Right in the bollocks
Was that close! 35 mins of torture.
no goal …..
Poor defending that.
Another big match, another moment of stupidity.
Oh well still 1-0 and lady luck on our side so far!
Shit, shit!!!!
Shit shit shiot
And so it begins..
we were in control…..and then….
fuckity fuck fuck fuck
there
should have got to that. how many players missed that ball
Gmae over!
Floodgates
Here we fucking go.
Still, the red card is a nice excuse to have for losing.
oh boy
Hail the whipping boys of arsenal!! We are shit!!!
mertesacker was lost on that one. what was he doing ffs??
Alexis. Just keep your Gob shut.
Lamella should have been booked as well!
Fuck it. Got far better things to do with my weekend than watch a bunch of total coqs.
We can still do this. Hit them when they are cocky.
Why the hell did Per did not clear the ball. We committed hara kiri today, when in total control, and that too against these cunts.
Deli Ali was offside ah he was involved in play!
GET IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEXXXXXXXXIIIIIS!
Alexis u beauty
Yessss!!
Sanchez you beauty!!!!
ALEXISSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is that fucking yellow!
Not a yellow bullshit
Well played Danny. Great shift.
We had it right there
Well played boys, you did us proud today.
Well played 100% effort is what I want to see and this exactly what we got!
Well done Arsenal….could have almost snatched it too. Not sure a draw helps us…but keeps a flicker of hope burning.
Better performance in a hostile ground. We hate Tottenham ,we hate Tottenham!!
That could have been a lot worse, great effort to get a point.
Well played guys could have won it at the end. Don’t know if Leicester and Spurs still have to play this season?
A good, hard earned point, could/should have been three but still better than nothing. Good show by the team, good to see them scoring with 10 men. Petit on the panel saying their player should have seen red as well, which seems to be the verdict. Hope this gives the impetus needed for the team to rally around and go the distance. Ospina made some crucial saves although he tends to spill quite a few (tempted to call him Ospillna). Overall, decent performance.
The boys made me proud today except for Coquelin . The ref was so one eyed in not dismissing Dier and even one man down we looked just as likely to win. I doubted but did like the team he picked and I thought there were some heroes out there- Ospina , BFG, Elneny, Ramsey and Welbeck were brilliant as was Gibbs
As gedo says above. It could have been a lot worse.
I will take a point but we don’t half make it hard on ourselves. Le Coq should be fined 2 weeks wages just simply for being so bloody stupid. We will never know what might have happened.
Ospina not in Cech class but looked solid and had a decent game.
Poor for both of their goals. Gabriel worries me. He needs to massively up his game.
A point is a point. If we are not going to win the title then we will all be supporting Leicester.
Hats off to Ospina he kept us in a game all along! 😀
Not sure how to feel about this. 100% effort but some really brainless passages of play. Ramsey for example lacked vision, turned circles all day, couldn’t pass or control the ball to save our season but he scored an absolutely wonderful goal and put in a proper shift. Coq’s card’s were the very definition of stupid and Gabriel/Mertesacker cost us the first and second goals respectively.
Dier should have been sent off.. with that tug on Giroud…
How about some balance refereeing for a change?
Holding off the best spuds side in a long while, on 10 men.. and Alexis despite him not on top form.. what a player!
Put in a good shift.. cannot complain too much.. except Coq.. he should know better!
Oooooossssspina! Long time since we had two top goalies.. Looking forward to Burnley now!
Leicester celebrating most though.
Please don’t start criticising Oliver. Bar the mistake with Dier I thought he was excellent today.
Afternoon all from the other end of 7 sisters rd, a good game and a fair result I thought. Plenty if twists and turns left.
Cheers Dave. Agreed.
@ Dave
You were unlucky and then we were unlucky… funny game this football.
Fair result in the end. (But Dier should have gone!! )
🙂
Possibly !!
Anyone knows if Leicester and Spurs still play each other this season?
Top man Dave. That was a game that either side could have one.
Also Steve T is right about the ref. That was the only mistake he made in a frenetic Derby atmosphere. If we can use this game to turn our season around we still have hope
SAG @151, Leicester and spuds have played each other twice already.
Just got home and calming down a bit, 2 decent sides, great atmosphere. Mr Wenger went for it with his subs I thought, fair play. I know I’m on the outside looking in but cannot get the vitriol directed at him by some supporters. As for Spurs, we are right up there, not sure if the old ticker can stand it.
Top man Dave! Fair result all round with your lads even with Coquelin’s brainless sending-off. Muppet!
On the otherhand, Elneny, Gibbs and Welbeck were excellent.
As Steve T says, Ref Oliver was good aside from wrongly chickening-out and twisting on the Dier second yellow, and also missing the Lamella sideline push on Alexis where Alexis got a yellow. Note how Pochettini swiftly subbed Lamella off as soon ad he saw the push?!
Overall, a performance of men who finally stood up to be counted! Loved seeing some visibly angry passion and shouting from both Alexis and Gabriel in a “must not lose” match! Now to go on that winning run to the end of the season. Come on Watford and Villa; do us a favour!
Up the Arse’
Ospina did very well too but Cech would’ve probably saved both Tottenham goals! 😎
Where’s Holic’s report? The fastest blogger in the west is slowing down in his old age.
It’s good to see the real Arsenal fighting spirit on show. An old fashioned 10 men gutsy fight back. When we had to dig deep we did and could have won it.
Do you think that’s what Arsene was looking for by starting Feo recently?
We look so much tighter with Coquenny in the middle and Aaron on the right.
Meanwhile that was the worst performance I have seen from our best referee this season. Total lack of consistency. Completely bottled the second yellow for Dier. Shocking.
That doesn’t excuse Coquelin sliding in front of that diver Kane who ‘bought’ the yellow for him. Stupid boy. We need to find a new Gilberto to mentor him.
Good stuff. Now push on.
Disappointing that Alexis ran off down the tunnel instead of applauding the travelling fans. When they travel to the shit hole and have to brave violence from the slum-dwellers to get there, it’s the least he could have done.
Le Coq had probably the shortest odds on being sent off, but if that’s to happen at least make it for a couple of well placed professional fouls, ffs.
Hammers are on fire… they’ll be going for a european spot for sure.
Our goal difference is..worrying to say the least… means we’ll just have to get more points!!!!
bath, it’s a good thing he bottled the Dier thing because he then was consistent by not sending off Bellerin
Thought Oliver was ok apart from that leniency, but then I’ve been at a game this afternoon where a ref ignored two footed challenges but sent someone off for “making a back” for the striker, so my view may be tainted by that ineptitude. 🙂
BB
Hammers were lucky to say the least Lukaku missed a pen and one on one situation when Everton was 2-0 up. They also payed 11 vs 10 for 60 minutes.
Not taking anything from them they are playing really well. 😉
Fair point Cynic. I noticed that. However the late Bellerin foul was minor in comparison to Dier halting a break by prolonged shirt pulling. *removes red spectacles*
Love some muppet to drop in now, crying cos we did n’t lose and Wenger aint been sacked yet.
WE ARE THE ARSENAL
WE ARE THE BEST
WE ARE THE ARSENAL
SO FUCK ALL THE REST
Esso, it’s just been said on the arses that this result will get AW another contract! 🙁
One for all of you early 70’s school disco fiends
CBA – I’M LOOKING AT YOU!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dANdPhs3Ilo
Love ya Dude!
Bath – I don’t do the arses – and give a fuck! Whatever happens, happens. I’m just along for the beers and the ride, and in the days before the running around. But them days are gone, so I’ll stick with the beers and a ride (Bob fucking Hope!).
Good luck, mate.
@ATG
Well.. they beat the spuds recently! Bilic really doing a good job there. They’re on a fine run at the moment.
Do hope that by the time we play them away they will lose some of their momentum.
It is going to be interesting from here on in.
😀
Good fight back Arsenal.
Noe keep it up and go on that unbeaten run we need.
So, ‘holics
Having watched the match, the in-game circumstances suggest that we nicked them off two points, and therefore was a positive result. In my opinion however there’s no hiding from the fact that this started as a must win for us – 3 points for Leicester today puts them 8 in front with 9 games to go.
Reading the reactions here I feel I want to add some spice to it:
Exactly what are we hoping for this afternoon?
A Leicester win, or can we afford to root against them? 😉
Draw a great result, all things considered. They expected to put us away today, and they couldn’t hold on, even with a man advantage and a one goal lead.
Leicester game not even a question: we cheer for Watford. We are bang in this thing if we can find a bit of form, and there’s still a good long way to go. Even if we don’t find form, City will catch the spuds.
COYG
Good to see you Esso.
And the rest of you, obviously. 🙂
I’ll write today up after the Leicester match so it is in context.
N7
Too right Watford all the way I ain’t loosing hopes yet!
Still reaaling from Coq’s stupid stupid red card and the ref failing to send Dier join him in the dressing room.
How much better our shape was when reverting to 3 midfielders like in the good old winning days last fall? Rambo was back to his marauding self but we never looked porous. And what a goal for a derby!
Thanks guys,
I needed an injection of optimism.
God knows, it’s the first time I have been short of it, ever since our struggles began back in 2005.
Support Leicester..? Not while we’re still in it!
C’mon Ighalo!
We are still very much in it!
Last couple of times City won the title they surmounted a point gap like ours now, or maybe even more (I think they were 8 off Pool at the similar stage in the season before last).
All the top four will have some very difficult matches going forward and we are as capable of putting together a run as anyone.
Have a little faith, babies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu2ug–bFPI
Elnenny was impressive, and didn’t let the occasion get better of him in his debut start-up.
The moment Rambo was taken off the responsibility to recycle and control possession he becomes a much more effective player. In PL especially should stick to playing Coquelin-Elnenny as the dual pivote until Santi returns. Theo and Joel (or even Danny, who after today should rotate with Giroud) to deputize for Rambo on the right wing and brought in when we need more firepower. We look a much more balanced and composed team playing this way.
Coquelin had a rush of blood and should be criticized, but to be fair he walks the balance between the requisite aggressiveness and composure quite well and rarely sees a red, direct or double-yellow.
Gibbo was surprisingly matured today. As for Gabriel he reminds me a bit of the very early days of Koscielny where you can see the qualities but the decision making especially the final clearance was off. He has all the ingredients, and with a few more matches under his belt and improvement in language etc. he will become more reliable.
This is the welcome from our classy neighbours:
https://mobile.twitter.com/arsenaltsn/status/706164316156903424
All fine points @DocFaust!
Now come on Watford!
Liking the look of elniny.
Another find there by AW it seems.
Foxes one up
Leicester up 1-0.
rats
Bath
That clip is shocking
Apparently standard for our visits there.
Vermin.
Foxes have just run out of steam
Come on Watford pull one back at least
Foxes are an injury away from losing form…..
Not that I’d wish it on them. Just saying it.
Watching the replay.
Ospina. Hes so inconsistent. Need st petyr back asap.
And the BFG. Love em. But looks like his brain is not online sometimes.
A man down spurs were all over arsenal. The red card – ugh. If le coq stays on, then i say woulda been a different result.
Really solid 2d half effort by the gunners.
Maybe alexis statements in the meedja and a strong focused performance is what the doctor ordered. And maybe lady luck shines on us. Wishful thinking, yes, but it aint over yet.
Leicester will not last they will stumble against sterner opposition they flat towards the end and Watford failed to take advantage of this.
‘In all aspects we deserved to win’ said Pocchetino after the match. Talk of being deluded. We were better than them except for some 10 mins after we went a man down. Wish we had played like this against Manure and Swansea.
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