Oh Mo – It’s The Alex And Danny Show!
Apr 9th, 2018 by 'holic
More than 24 hours after the event I cannot think of a new angle to the 3-2 win over Southampton. The manager made seven changes from the team that beat CSKA, thereby confirming where our priorities lie for the remainder of the season. What followed a shaky start was a spirited comeback, the nigh-on calamitous giving up of the lead, an unlikely match winner, and some late shenanigans.
One of those retained, Shkodran Mustafi, had the sort of day that he has on occasion. The visitors had started the contest on the front foot and were gifted the lead when the German world cup winner was caught asleep at the near post. Long nipped him to convert a hopeful cross from their right flank. Had the gamble on the squad eleven backfired?
Just before the half hour was up we were treated to another Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang moment. Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck combined to put the striker clear and he fashioned a delicate finish as the challenges arrived too late. That was his seventh contribution to a goal (6 scored plus an assist) in as many matches. From memory it was our first effort on target.
Seven minutes before the break two players who have taken their fair share of criticism this season linked up to good effect once more. Iwobi found Welbeck on the left and he weaved across the edge of the box before hitting a rasping drive that deflected into the net. 2-1 and the odd couple were the stars of the fightback.
We threatened to add to Southampton’s misery at the start of the second-half but McCarthy made very good saves from Granit Xhaka and Iwobi. We were flattering to deceive, however. Long was denied a second goal, quite correctly, by the raised flag of man assistant referee.
Jack Wilshere came on to replace Reiss Nelson who had a steady if unspectacular first Premier League start. That started more activity on the benches. Alexandre Lacazette was introduced to keep Aubamayang fresh. Mark Hughes sent on Austin for Yoshida, clearly in pursuit of an equaliser, and he duly delivered it with a simple tap-in from two yards after Cedric’s cross was allowed to pass through a forest of legs unhindered.
Hector Bellerin, one of the four survivors from CSKA trod gingerly off to be replaced by Rob Holding. It looked as though our best chance to retake the lead vanished when Welbeck managed to lift an effort at full stretch over a gaping target. Iwobi and Wilshere had combined to tee him up, but he would not be denied his moment of glory.
Iwobi’s twinkle toes created the opportunity to float a cross from the right wing to the far post and there was Welbeck to plant his header beyond the reach of McCarthy. Surely Southampton would be deflated. In the second of four minutes of added time the game exploded into life when Wilshere hauled Stephens back by the shirt as he attempted to drive through the midfield. Stephens hot-headed reaction (he had already been warned after a pushing match with Welbeck) earned him a red card, and Wilshire saw yellow for the original foul.
From Block 32 that looked like the end of the incident, and probably the match, then someone said “he’s just sent Elneny off too”. True enough, Mo was walking towards us and left the field to warm applause. I wonder if the reaction would have been the same had we seen what happened when he attempted to stop the Saints from attempting to take the free-kick over 10 yards from where the foul had been committed. You cannot shove an opponent in the throat area and particularly not when your team are defending a free-kick in added time with the slenderest of advantages. Elneny would surely have started the remaining Premier League fixtures but will now miss three games for no good reason.
The free-kick came to nought and we had secured consecutive win number six. That’s a good run to be in but my goodness me we owed a great deal to Iwobi and man of the match Welbeck. The post-mortem stretched to two pubs and a welcome chat with the visiting @GoonerMaui. Enjoy your time with Mum, Roger, and safe journey home at the end of the month.
Roll on Thursday!
70 Responses to “Oh Mo – It’s The Alex And Danny Show!”
Ponders that Elneny head/throat/chest shove and wonders where it really went.
Nice write up H. I agree totally re Welbeck and Iwobi. Both are heavily criticised but both probably had their best games for some considerable time.
The defence still scares the life out of me. I genuinely do not get how after so long that we are so disorganised at the back? At times it’s shambolic.
Onwards to Russia. It appears that we are loved out there at the moment so I can’t imagine any potential issues out there. Let’s hope we work out roughly how to defend by then.
Evening H
Good win on Sunday by a side with many changes,could have scored 6 with better finishing,and probably conceded 4 or more,but a win is a win,and gives us a serious chance of knocking off Chelsea for 5th spot.
It was a double celebration for Gooners over the w/end,well those that know their history that is.
How many in the Bar know which EPL record that we hold,was under serious threat as we reached the pointy end of the season. ??
Well until Utd beat City on Saturday,consigning them to only their 2nd league defeat of the season,they were a serious chance of equaling our long held record in season 90/91,where we only lost 1 game all season which was away to Chelsea.
So a huge sigh of relief all round that that and our other records are preserved for at least another season.
Thanks for the report Guvnor.
Did you mean “full stretch” rather
than “full strength” in the description
of Danny’s wonder miss?
Couldn’t see anything that bad
that Mo had done at the time
but I’ll take you and Bath’s word
for it that he deserved to go as
I can’t find a decent replay to
watch.
Link offers proof that the referee was writing in his book at the time Elneny was pushed before he reacted and pushed back (in the upper chest, I believe.)
https://streamable.com/qpgzk
Not to argue unreasonably with those who saw the Elneny shove from a much closer vantage point than the distant TV screen I first saw it on, but in my opinion the shove was typical of offenses that at other times are deemed to be either no foul at all or a yellow card.
Sry fair report Holic. You saw exactly tye game I saw even to the point where someone pointed out to me that Elneny was sent off too.
I agree with you and Steve T about Welbeck and the much maligned Iwobi. He was excellent on Sunday. Steve is also right about the defence I’ve played in much lower level football where the defence was much better organised than Arsenal’s . The disorganisation would be comical if we didn’t care so much!
That is the reason why we will watch on Thursday from behind tte settee!
I can only imagine it was a combination of a shove by Elneny to the what appears to be the upper chest (it was definitely just a shove, and below the throat) plus the way he was delaying the free kick at a crucial point of the match. A yellow card for sure, but never red.
And way way less than Tadic’s assault on Nelson’s calf in just the second minute of the match, which may account for the lad’s relatively subdued performance. Was I the only one to spot it? It’s very clear on the TV coverage.
Oh, I’ve changed my mind again
after watching bt8’s link.
Not a sending off to me.
If we appeal we’ll lose as it’s an
opinion call.
I saw the Tadic foul Chris and thought a
yellow would have been fair at the time.
I think the ref was managing the game
– i.e. trying to avoid an early booking –
rather than judging on the merit of the
foul and that’s why Tadic got away with
one.
You have to look very carefully to spot the way Tadic stands on Nelson’s calf, Matt. At first glance it looks like just a clumsy tackle, but he actually comes studs down on the lad’s left leg before it slides off into the right. An old fox ‘stamping’ his authority on a youngster. I’ve seen red cards given for way less … Xhaka comes to mind. Definite red for mine.
Typical refereeing, if you’re right about Marriner trying to avoid an early booking. A foul is a foul … and no difference whether the first minute or the last – as Elneny’s was.
Difficult to read intent Chris as I saw the
replay at the time and still wasn’t entirely
sure. As you say red has been given for
less.
To be honest I thought the ref didn’t have a
bad game really. Personally I wouldn’t have
sent Stephens or Mo off as Mo was just
pushing in a situation where several players
were doing the same and Stephens was
ridiculously provoked. However, under the
current rules and given his interpretation
I think Marriner had little choice in his own
mind and I’m fairly sure the FA will support
him.
Actually, if Tadic’s intent was as you say then
I agree with you that his foul was worse than
both the reds.
Nice report Guvna. Very much how I saw it.
The early Tadic assault on Nelson was indeed far worse than either red awarded and should have seen the same card. Had he only seen yellow, Tadic should have seen another for a later studs up challenge (I can’t recall on whom) which was also ignored. Nasty bit of work, that fella.
Our defending still gives me the shivers.
A final observation from me about Mo’s contentious red card. Arseblog has this morning provided the link to the view shown on MoTD2 that clearly shows him pushing his hand into the face of some Saint. The same view the Lino would have had and the reason the Club won’t appeal and if the Club officials haven’t seen it and do appeal, the very legitimate reason the appeal will fail.
He, like me, was astonished at the red card until seeing that view of the incident which explains and in the context of what had just transpired, justifies the decision.
Doh!
The link: https://streamable.com/13618
That’s a fairly conclusive angle
Bath I must agree.
Don’t know how bad AMN’s injury
is but I suppose he and Joe Willock
could get some games in the PL now
that Elneny is out.
From that second angle it looks quite different to the first angle, which is the only one on the TV coverage. My mind is changed.
Gotta love how Jack ushers Elneny away, telling him (presumably) to go quietly, don’t make it worse. Yeah right, Jack.
Night all. Or morning, whatever it is where you are!
*Sees Elneny’s left hand to the face of the Southampton player in Bath’s link.*
*Ceases, desists, and offers single malts all around.*
?
Slàinte mhàth, bt8.
Back at you, bt8. ?
Mel’s red card has been rescinded. The panel cannot have seen the same footage or else the ref’s report was bollocks.
Link: https://www.arsenal.com/news/fa-statement-mohamed-elneny
That’s cost me £50 and yet the link from Arseblog is conclusive proof he should have been sent off! I’m pleased we’ve got him back but it dies t reassure me about the quality of decision making at the FA!
*doesn’t know quite what to say in case it turns out to be rescinded 5 minutes later by the FA.*
But the part about the referee not having seen the lead-up to the incident still holds, as seen in the earlier link that I posted, because he was writing in his book until the very moment before he looked up to see the Elneny shove. Mitigating circumstances may have been the argument.
My computer tells me the weather in Moscow has been unseasonably warm for this time of year. Watch out for the daisies, guys. 🙂
Mkhitaryan out for league season but might be back for the Final if we make it.
THe 90/91 record of one defeat was set BPL (Before Premier League) so will stand forever, as the old First Division no longer exists. 🙂
Liverpool down by a goal within a minute of start. City have a chance if they score the next goal too.
Oh, OX… now just a £35m shaving cream salesman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWjlBKq0EMI
I say again: Salah is pure gold, bam
Roma 3:0 vs Barca, forza forza
Humbly Roma just did what we cannot do for ages
Clive@3: We claimed another record on Sunday. First club to win 150 Premier League games at two stadiums.
TTG@7: I share your concerns about the defence. We have the capacity to lose 3-0 to anyone. Thursday won’t be a walk in the Park Berezovaya Roshcha.
Chris@8: You were not. I referred to in the previous drinks, too. And it wasn’t the only early clattering Reiss-Nelson got. I think you are spot on that it was an ‘old fox’ stamp.
As for the FA rescinding Elneny’s red card, while I am delighted he isn’t facing a three game ban, that is no way to run a railroad. Just makes the FA look like a bunch of buffoons.
…or even bigger bunch of buffoons than they already are.
Liverpool, Man City. Whatever. But that is quite a result for Roma.
Though no more than CSKA has to do!
Anyone know that name of that chap who currently manages Roma FC?
I have no idea who he is, but now he is ‘the’ must have for us.
(forget Jardim, Tuchel, Roberto Martinez and Owen Coyle)
FACT (IMO)
Simply amazing result in Rome.
Got to be honest, only keeping half an eye on the football tonight. Mainly watching Zuckerberg getting a grilling by the Senate Committee. Admittedly I am a politics nerd but this is important stuff guys.
A good day for American owned football teams – Both Liverpool & Roma are owned by the Yankees.
PN@39: Eusebio Di Francesco.
Before you get too carried away Di Francesco has lost more of the 191 Serie A games he has managed than he has won (73 v 70 with 48 draws), though he is doing better with Roma this season, his first managing them, P31 W18 D6 L7.
Liverpool deserved it over the two legs but if that goal had stood just before half time!? Very poor effort with five refs! Citeh are a bit superficial at present and they have a poor defence. Not even convinced about the keeper.
Football never ceases to surprise one. Before the games were played Citeh and Barca would have been big favourites . Also nice that we might have Fulham back in the Premier League. That is a nice place to watch football
Especially for Clive
We went through on penalties to the final of the Premier Youth International League. 2-2 during tye match after we surrendered a 2-0 lead.
Well done lads. The semi- final of the Youth Cup second leg is next Monday . 2-2 after the first leg
You beat me to it TTG
Beaten some good sides,Porto/Bayern Munich and now Villareal,to reach the final.
Quite how much this will take out of the side before Friday’s vital league game at home to Swansea is anyone’s guess.
Also the Ladies have their FA Cup semi final against Everton on Sunday.
So still plenty to play for at a ll levels of the playing ranks.
And i really hope our lot took note of the Roma result.
Barca thought they had done the job in the first leg and were complacent in Rome,and paid the biggest price.
So let’s make sure we give it the full Monty in Moscow.
TTG: City’s recent performances are starting to mimic their performance at the tail end of last season. There seems to be a pattern there with Pep’s sides, as some of his Bayern teams also lost some momentum in their CL campaigns. Maybe that high press system starts to wear players down.
And I agree with you completely on Fulham and Craven Cottage being a fine place to watch a match. Went there last year with my son for their match vs. Huddersfield, who they tonked 5-0. They lost in their playoffs, and Huddersfield gained promotion despite having a negative goal differential in their championship season.
me, I’m a theatre geek, esp Greek … Shoot the messenger, thoughtty towers, sophocleese – I’m silly sure, certain.
50 quid says … it might be quite good fun with a beer or two when we whup that lot later UTA!
@49, meant ‘nerd’ , soz – it don’t rhyme wiv ‘geek’ , tho … unless you spell it ‘neek’ tho, which is something a serious person wouldn’t do. Do.
Penalties abounding and the
FA doing us favours – what a
time to be a gooner !
Them young gooners don’t
know they’re born……
Let’s hope the FA panel doesn’t see that second angle and rescind the rescission. I wouldn’t put it past them.
Sorry Ned, I missed your Nelson comment in the last drinks. I’m just glad the lad didn’t suffer worse than a few stud marks.
And you’re right again about us capable of losing 3-0 to anyone. If Barca can do it……
Seems the U23s will get Porto B
or Newcastle U 23a in the final.
We beat Porto B already but from
a quick look at our line-up that
say I’m not sure we can field as
strong an XI now.
I saw that Nelson seems keen on
signing a new contract so hopefully
fears of head turning can be eased
damn
I should have said
“it seems Nelson has turned a
blind eye to disarming offers
from abroad”
By the way I saw Ronnie Wood
in the Emma Hamilton pub once.
As topical as a skin disease
treatment option that.
OM@55,
““it seems Nelson has turned a
blind eye to disarming offers
from abroad””
Good stuff, sir.
The Guvna himself would be proud to produce such a pearl of fine prose.
Pfft, Matt, Ronnie Wood wasn’t even in the band when they played several gigs at my club c1961 – for a fee of £10 a gig I might add, ie £2 each.
Where is the Emma Hamilton pub btw?
Bloody hell, an almighty clap of thunder has just went off right outside my window, frightening the life out of Mad Max (and me). 🙁
If it’s the Wimbledon EH, it closed in 2010, Chris.
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/8309463.Last_orders_for_Wimbledon_pub/
Where was your club, Chris?
Blimey Bath, top class sleuthing
that !
It was the one in Wimbledon but
it was the 80s and the afore-
mentioned gent wasn’t doing
anything for a mere tenner by
then.
24 Bridge Street, Leatherhead, bath. Like the Emma Hamilton it’s no longer there. In fact it was originally a WW2 Nissen Hutt built for American troops based in the area and the building gave way to a block of flats sometime between when I left England in 1967 and when I was in Leatherhead in 1993. It was a restaurant when we took it over, The Chuck Wagon (still an American connection) but we dropped the food after a few months and renamed it The Bluesette Club.
There was a 2-page article about it published in the Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser, November 2, 2017, with the insulting title Seedy club that spawned top 1960s music talent. Seedy?? Unfortunately that wasn’t the only inaccuracy in the article which is littered with someone’s faded memories. I keep meaning to write to correct them, but haven’t got around to it yet.
Interestingly one glaring error in the piece is saying Ronnie Wood played there and The Stones didn’t. It was the other way round ffs.
Hilarious. I thought I’d do a bit of Googling and found this … https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/bluesette-club-fascinating-history-leatherheads-14186353 … and found the old club had a Heritage Trail commemorative blue plaque installed earlier this year!!!!
Needless to say the linked article is also riddled with errors, as is the plaque itself. Now I really will have to write!
Excellent. You will have to write!
And on that note I’ll bid you good night, I’m off to watch TV in bed.
‘holic … just noticed I’ve been using an old email address. This post has the new one, if it matters.
Clive
I booked my ticket for the semi of the Youth Cup and was delighted to see the price given as £0.00! Looking forward to it. I’m going to do a piece on it.
Juventus have pulled two goals back at Real Madrid (3-2), another upset in the making?
Sevilla could go through with 1:0; imagine a QF with LFC, Roma, Juve and Sevilla. ?
Unlikely Real not to score at least one
A semi of course ?
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