Iwobi And Alexis Steer Holders Into The Last Sixteen
Jan 30th, 2016 by 'holic
As expected Arsene Wenger made wholesale changes for the visit of Burnley, nine in total, with only Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud surviving from the starting eleven against Chelsea last weekend. There was a debut for Mohamed Elneny and a welcome return alongside him for Francis Coquelin. Alexis made his first start since November.
Just ninety seconds in Burnley served notice of their ambition with Vokes heading down for Gray to volley narrowly high and wide. That prompted a similarly inaccurate response from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It was evident in the opening exchanges that Mohamed Elneny is likely to be used as a box to box midfielder, and he was keen to get forward at every opportunity.
Burnley survived a double scare when Olivier Giroud’s flick was cleared off the line and the follow-up shot from Alexis was narrowly wide of Heaton’s right-hand post. Next to try his luck was Elneny, making quite an impression on his debut, but Heaton was equal to the drive.
In the tenth minute Gray muscled his way past Koscielny and forced David Ospina into a fine save. The end to end nature of the contest will not have come as a surprise with both teams keen to progress at the first attempt today. Forward galloped Gibbs and from his smart cut-back Alexis was denied by desperate last-ditch defending. The ball broke to Calum Chambers who saw his effort blocked as well.
It was Chambers who made the breakthrough in the nineteenth minute with a superb stroke of the outside of his right boot, and what a team goal it was, created by some magical interplay between Alexis and Alex Iwobi. Ironically it was only Calum’s second goal as a professional, and the first came in last season’s home Premier League victory over today’s opponents. Calum likes Burnley!
Arsenal 1-0 Burnley (19 mins.)
The goal threatened to open the floodgates as the Gunners, prompted by the impressive Iwobi, launched wave after wave of attacks. Burnley defended stubbornly and found parity on a rare foray forward in numbers when Vokes got above Chambers and Gabriel and powered his header from Darikwa’s cross beyond the reach of Ospina.
Arsenal 1-1 Burnley (30 mins.)
Iwobi drove down the right side and picked out the Ox at the far post but the England international is not at the top of his game right now and he miscued wide of the target. Arsenal’s spell of dominance was at an end for the time being as once again spirited visitors traded attacks as the end to end nature of the game returned. It was an absorbing watch, for certain.
Freed by Elneny, the Ox had another long range effort saved by Heaton. Then Alexis, released by Koscielny, caused havoc in the box after a wonderful winding run. Burnley hung on grimly as the same player saw his drive deflected for a corner. There is no doubt the Championship club were the more grateful to hear the half-time whistle.
The loss of streams cost us the opening six minutes of the second-half, but they were recovered in time to show Iwobi and the Ox set up Alexis for a magnificent comeback strike.
Arsenal 2-1 Burnley (53 mins.)
With a minute two almost became three and only a desperate goal-line clearance kept Burnley in the contest. Giroud’s flick afforded an opportunity to Iwobi. The Gunners were in the ascendancy again. Elneny tried his luck again from outside the box just past the hour. Again Heaton was in the right place to deny him.
A generally sporting contest was highlighted by a 65th minute booking for Arfield after he dragged Alexis to the floor. It was the first card of a wonderfully entertaining match, credit to both sets of players. Elneny, seemingly desperate for a debut goal was set up again by Alexis and Gibbs, but he curled his effort into the Clock End.
As the clock ticked through 70 minutes Alex Iwobi was withdrawn to a standing ovation and a thunderous roar greeted the return of Tomas Rosicky. Mikel Arteta came on too for Coquelin. Both substituted players should have good memories of their contribution on the day. Heaton produced the save of the match to deny Alexis, whose free-kick looked destined for the top corner. The trio of available changes was completed when Theo Walcott came on for Alexis with thirteen minutes remaining.
The Ox, badly in need of a confidence-boosting goal, blasted over with seven minutes to go. One can sense most Gooners praying for him to rediscover his mojo. For whatever reason it isn’t happening for him at the moment.
Burnley’s best hope of snatching a replay came in the last minute. Barton sent Gray scampering through the inside-left channel but his shot was wide of the target. A minute later the same player managed to lay out both Koscielny and Gibbs within a second of each other in a sour end to an otherwise wonderful football match.
The four added minutes passed withย one last Elneny drive heading just wide of the target, and a scintillating breakout ending with Heaton denying Walcott in a one on one. The holders will be satisfied with reaching the last sixteen yet again. I’m sure there will be good words for Iwobi, Sanchez, and Elneny in the coming hours.
All in all, a good day at the office.
77 Responses to “Iwobi And Alexis Steer Holders Into The Last Sixteen”
Cheers H! Job done and in the onion bag for the next round.
obi-wan iwobi looked delightful out there.
Joey Barton is a vile creature from the depths of hell.
onwards!
Very good game for Elneny.
Cheers H.
Job done in an entertaining match with a mish-mash of players.
Iwobi & Elneny look very promising and some good game time for Alexis & Le Coq after returning from injury.
Next round draw will be interesting as virtually all the top teams are still there.
Scruz, Liverpool is rough but “the depths of hell” is a tad harsh ๐
Survive and advance. And what a breath of fresh air is Alexis!
In other contests, Chuba Akpom does a hat trick for Hull.
depends on the neighborhood l’d guess, uply ;). and I think Barton probably *sought out* hell, for its waters…
He’s faster than most and he lives on……er, Swindon ๐
Many good words from me on a fine report and Iwobi’s best game so far for the men in red. Very impressive both.
Refreshing all around to see the team buoyed by the fresh legs of Elneny, Iwobi and Gibbs who also did quite well I thought. Calum’s goal was worthy of Garrincha himself, and the threat and goal of Alexis changed the complexion of the entire team. A marker for the start of the rest of the season. Come on Danny and come on Santi. We have a fuller team back but we need the help of everybody to drive us over the line.
and jack, bt? he’s becoming a bit diabyish, sadly.
By the time Jack gets back Scruz he will have had the chance to gain added maturity Scruz and might think to pass the ball to an open teammate rather than take on opposing players who hack his ankles into bits?
One too many Scruzes, sorry. Actually now that makes two too many. Additional apologies. ๐
I live with that same hope about jack, bt. fearful for him though.
Alexis showed why we have missed him; with him around over the last two months we would easily be leading the table by three points instead of trailing by three. A real treat to have his industry, skill and inventiveness, not to say goal scoring ability back.
Elneny is technically good, a very good mover and for someone who is so new to the English scene, he looked quite well adapted. He needs to bulk up a bit, though. A good addition to our squad.
Iwobi is a pleasure to watch, the way he strokes the ball around. With more match time he will really blossom into a very good player. He, however, needs to add his uncle’s shooting skills to make a real difference at the top level. Bieleck and Adelaide also look promising and Toral is making waves at Birmingham. With the return of Wilshere, Welbeck and Cazorla we will have a really strong and exciting squad next season. All we will need is a finisher/striker.
Rosciky received a great welcome but is still very rusty.
All in all a great day. Hope we do equally well against Southampton on Tuesday.
Your fine report is gratefully received by this respiratory cripple who missed the entire proceedings making his way to an Alpine retreat for a ‘cure’. I was seriously concerned that we would overdo the changes and would have attempted to gasp had I heard there were nine before learning the outcome. Glad to hear Elneny looks useful and Iwobi continues to impress.
Drinks on the bar for all. Hot toddy for me.
I am fully aware of respiratory cripple syndrome, young bath. The Spiriva Respimat is looking like a failed experiment. Glad I wasn’t there in the reported freezing cold this afternoon, but rather tucked up in the warm with coffee and toasted teacakes in the first-half, and good old Bass in the second. Sorry your travails continue but hope they ease day by day.
Good one H
With 9 changes,it is obvious that the Cup is not at the top of Arsene’s
to do list this season.
For once,we have bigger fish to fry.
The players know Tuesday’s game here against the Saints,is absolutely massive,hence the helter skelter nature of the game,no replays thankyou.
Big bonus is Alexis and Francis getting serious game time after injuries,and Iwobi continuing to impress when he plays.
Elneny got his first taste of footballing life at the top table,which will stand him in good stead,but i don’t expect him to be in the run on side in the league anytime soon,now Francis is back.
All in all a game where we could have scored 5 such was our domination,but we are into the hat for Sunday’s draw,and here’s to Shrewsbury at home when the numbers are drawn.!!
And on a side note,many congratulations to Anquelique Kerber for an absolutely fantastic performance in the Australian Open tennis final,in beating the behemoth that is Serena in 3 riveting sets.
Best Women’s Grand Slam final for many a long year.
I think the Cup is right up there for Arsene, Clive, but he made a calculated judgement about what would be needed to beat Burnley today, and he got it right. Total rest for Campbell, Rambo, and Ozil. Added to that some match fitness for Coq, Elneny, and Alexis, and I think today goes down as a success. I agree I don’t see Elneny being a first eleven starter this season, but a good addition to the squad. Arsene has himself some difficult selection issues ahead, and he will be delighted at that. ๐
Who’s AnGelique Kerber ?
Can’t disagree with that summation H.
But i venture to suggest that after this past couple of months without Francis,Alexis/Santi,i think he has seen who can cope technically when the pressure is on,and who cannot.
I think we will find out when he names his starting eleven on Tuesday night.
A couple of noses will be out of joint.
SSY
She is German,and a left handed version of Steffi Graf.
Played like her as well.!!
Thank you,54, but I prefer Sabatini.
I admire AW’s nerve, 9 changes including a newbie and several coming back from injury. And then to bring on Mikel and take off Alexis with only a one-goal lead. You call it a wonderfully entertaing game, ‘holic, I was considering retiring to the back of the sofa.
Hallelujah it worked! Or that we survived anyway.
Elneny looked a real player. Apparently he had the most touches of anyone from either side with 96% accuracy. Plus several shots on goal with power, if not luck.
Iwobe looked busy, but he had a touch of the Gervinhos about his game, lacking penetration when it mattered. Ox continues to disappoint with at least three opportunities blasted over the top. Wonderful to see TR7, but clearly in need of the run and a couple more besides. Woeful attempt by Theo to put the match to bed. In similar positions in the past he has dinked the ball over the keeper, today he appeared to lack confidence instead trying to make it more certain … and failed.
Alexis motm, needless to say. Looked sharper than against the chavs and no doubt will make further improvement with every game. Barca beware!
Oskar
Ok, let’s see if what we think the team is on Tuesday will look different then from what we are thinking tonight?
I’m offering…
Cech,
Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal,
Coquelin, Ramsey,
Campbell, Ozil, Alexis,
Giroud.
Subs, Ospina, Chambers, Elneny, Flamini, Arteta, The Ox, Theo
Harsh on Iwobi…
Holic, I will go with your team minus Gabriel for Per.
I won’t be surprised if Arsene thinks another game on Tuesday is too soon for Le Coq.
Holic
That’s very close to the 11 I think we will see but Coquelin needs to recover well and he might put Iwobi on the bench instead of Ox. I think BFG will start. Interesting there is competition for the bench now
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Elneny alongside Coq with Rambo on the wing, or Theo back to his best position on the right, or even getting another go at CF against his old alma mater.
But then any XI AW picks nowadays seems to contain surprises.
Oskar
Interesting side for Tuesday ‘Holic.
Only 2 contentious areas will be:
1) Per or Gabriel at CB. I actually think he might retain Gabriel, as one of Southampton’s biggest threats will be quick counter attacks and early balls in the channel to Mane and Long. Gabriel might suit defending those better than the BFG. Also, might be ‘punishment’ for Per for his aberration last week, that his place in the side isn’t sacrosanct.
2) The wide attacking berth (not Alexis’, the other one!!) is a three-way shoot out between Joel, Theo and AOC. I fancy Joel may keep it as he was fully rested today, and he offers good balance with Hector down the right.
As for the bench, I doubt we need all 3 of Flamini, Arteta and Elneny. I could see both Arteta and Elneny not making the bench to accommodate Per and Gibbs. Harsh on Iwobi and Rosicky too, but that’s squad football. Will be interesting IF everyone stays fit and Welbeck returns soon (a plethora of wide attackers)….
Koscielny needs a time out.
Brief but effective.
A plethora indeed, Gregoire, but the fact they’re all contending for the same position suggests to me that none of them is really world class. Right now I’d swap any two of them for Riyad Mahrez or Lucas Moura, both of whom should be in our price range and not that difficult to acquire.
Oskar
drinking near-endless glenmorangie 10 from a 1.75 l bottle, eating haggis, and reading “to a mouse” at a burns supper after an Arsenal win…priceless…
Nobody seems to noticed that Ox gave an assist. Had it been it was Ozil the news would be over the place.
Also, a notable moment of the game that almost decided the outcome was Theo Walcott’s one-on-one miss, which Burnley attack afterward almost lead to an equalizer.
The best laid schemes oโ Mice anโ Men gang aft agley anโ leaโe us nought but grief anโ pain for promisโd joy, scruz. But on this occasion the schemes were spot on, sort of. Wha hae!
HP man meself, but your ‘morangie is also a bonny dram.
Oskar
Early days, but I like the look of Elneny already. Calm in possession, crisp passing, reads the game well, thunder of a shot. Never stopps running, just like Ramsey, but the timing of the runs and basic positioning intelligence much better then the Welshman. At least that was my impression from yesterday’s match, would like to see him against PL team.
As for Iwobi, there is no doubt that we have some player in him. His style of running with the ball and directness of play reminds me of Welbeck’s and that is a compliment. His finishing and passing is much better though and what I like is that he passes with both, pace and accuracy.
Hopefully we will see more of him this year.
One thing I thought that was really noticeable was the palpable nervousness in defence with Ospina in goal. Just doesn’t happen with Cech, who should play every game. You notice it more live, as he starts to come for the ball, then dithers and back pedals time and again.
But a good day and many positives. I thought Iwobi was outstanding.
Let’s not start elevating Elneny and Iwobi into hallowed territory just yet on the back of admittedly promising performances, but only against championship Burnley at home in the FA Cup.
I think Elneny is mainly going to get run outs in the FA Cup and will be warming the bench for PL games; he’ll only get a significant run if Coquelin, Ramsey (and Cazorla, when he returns) get injured again. I think he’s primarily been bought for the medium-term when we see a lot of our CMs depart at the end of the season: Arteta, Flamini, Rosicky.
As for Iwobi, completely agree with everyone. Skillful, smooth runner, the ball is his friend (unlike a certain Theo), but Lurky’s asserton, “his finishing and passing is much better” (than Welbeck) is jumping the gun a bit. For all Welbeck’s faults, he’s an established top-flight player (over 50 goals at club level, 15 for England already), so let’s not put added pressure on Iwobi just yet. Maybe he’ll be another Welbeck: physical specimen, prodigious work rate, good team player, but erratic finisher? Anyway, we’ll see how much Wenger rates Iwobi when everyone’s fit again and it’s a real battle just to get in the matchday squad. I think Iwobi’s time will come next season when he (and quite possibly, Toral) might get more substantial runs in the first-team squad, perhaps when Rosicky and A.N.other (Theo/Ox/Campbell?) have been moved on.
It was a strange old day at the Grove. Not the warmest. The initial atmosphere was more testimonial than FA Cup tie. I’m a big fan of rotating and resting players. I’m not a massive fan of so many changes. That said the vast majority of the starters were established internationals and should be able to cope relatively easily.
The number of changes left us a bit disjointed at times. Ospina looked exactly what he was. A decent keeper lacking matches. I thought that Gibbs had an excellent game but that Chambers looked a bit shaky at times. Iwobi was full of energy and looks an interesting prospect. His decision making at times is poor but that will improve with more games and experience.
Game time of the likes of Le Coq and Sanchez was a big plus. Elneny looked decent if unspectacular on debut. It will be interesting to see how he develops. It was refreshing to see someone from midfield prepared to have a shot from outside of the box though. Long may that last.
All in all a good day at the office. Tommy R got a wonderful reception as he warmed up in front of us. He genuinely seemed moved by the crowd reaction.
On to Tuesdsy and a far tougher task. I have no idea what the side will be but I do hope that Rambo is not pushed out wide. We will just have to wait and see I guess?
Bass and tea cakes? An interesting combination. Glass raised to H and Bath in their fitness battles.
Ale, proper ale on the bar for all.
Oskar, gang aft agley indeed, but such a fine offering is nothing if not accepted ๐ glenfarclas would hae stood me in fine stead, but the wee sleeket mistress of the housie had other ideas.
Really got to agree with Steve T above. As Tommy started to warm up along the touchline, the huge rendition of “Super, Super Tom, Super, Super Tom, Super Super Tom, Super Tom Rosicky” that came from the North Bank was terrific and clearly moved the player. It kept going for at least four or five repeats and must have made him feel ten feet tall. It got repeated again when he came on.
We’re a funny old lot. It was a bit quiet yesterday, the goals being admired rather than roared in. Probably a bit of a throw back to 2 points out of nine, we’re all a bit nervous how we’ve stuttered since City. Even the end of the game was muted, mainly (at least in the North Bank) because we were watching Kos with real concern as he received attention after getting kicked when managing to choke off Burnley’s final counter (thanks Theo for not ending the game with a bang but a whimper). He limped off and I wouldn’t be surprised if he misses Tuesday.
But the sheer warmth and family welcome for a player who has never managed to reach his potential due to injuries but whom we all love (picking Danny Rose’s pocket vs Spurs didn’t hurt of course) was, for me, a real Arsenal moment. Sentimental? Yes. Heart-warming? Bloody right.
Iwobi = Kanu !
Hope Elneny gets more games.. got the enthusiasm of Alexis and looks as if he could play almost anywhere..!
Up The Arse!
๐
Nice one ‘h! Well summed up and I guess the slightly tempered atmosphere was because we were expected to get past a Championship side albeit a flying Burnley side. However.
Iwobi always impresses and looks like becoming a worldy in the making – he reminds me of a fit Diaby when on-song. Alexis already is; great to have him back with a goal! Looked hungry and up for the second half of the season! Great to see Le Coq back too and Elneny with his potential in the first outing – i see him being employed either as a holding DM like Le Coq or a Box-to-Box CM like Aaron depending on the need.
Last but not least as Steve T & Countryman100 have said, what a delight it was to see the little Czech Maestro back on the glorious Ashburton Grove turf. A pleasure always and no one deserves a league winner’s medal more for his dedication to the club than him even with all the career-stalling injuries. A double wouldn’t be too bad for him either!
In the onion bag again for the last 16 of “our FA Cup”! Up the Arse! COYBG!
My team for Tuesday against the Saints is as follows:
Cech,
Bellerin, Mertesaker, Koscielny, Monreal,
Coquelin, Ramsey,
Feo, Ozil, Alexis,
Giroud.
Subs, Ospina, Chambers, Elneny, Gabriel, Gibbs, The Ox, Campbell
Campbell over Theo for me (just seen the miss on MOTD – confidence utterly shot) and, as I say above, don’t be surprised if Kos doesn’t make it.
Both goals with benefit of TV replays though – truly we are spoiled by this team.
Like all of you I work hard, travel too much and look forward to retirement (‘holic and I are of the same vintage). Arsenal give me my escape, my entertainment and my passion (sorry love!). I’m loving this side, and loving my football.
Based on form ,Theo doesn’t get into this team over Campbell. However, Theo can still be an important player for the rest of the season as we need all on board.
I really like what I’ve seen of Iwobi thus far. He’s very composed and has a very neat and tidy touch. Seems like a very intelligent and technical player. He is efficient in possession as he rarely makes a bad pass and his passes are nicely weighted. Arsene seems to rate him highly too, as he has played him in the middle of the park in Ozil’s position. That shows a lot of confidence in such a young lad from the Boss. Obviously, he will need to continue improving and developing, but he has been good thus far.
Rumours have it that Super Tom is out for 6 weeks with a thigh injury. That’s sad news if true.
I’ve just seen the very sad news that Super Tom Rosicky managed to sustain a thigh injury in the twenty minutes he was on yesterday and is now out for six weeks. It’s very sad news for the club but heartbreaking for a super player whose body has let him down so often. I suspect we may not see him start in the first team again. If that is the case hopefully the club might give him a testimonial to enable us to say goodbye to him. One of my favourite players.
Sad news indeed, TTG.
I love Super Tom’s drive and positivity and I cheered as loudly as anyone when he appeared yesterday – even from the West Stand !
This, sadly, has to be the end of the road I guess, if he is out for another six weeks.
You have to wonder what might have been over the last years had we seen near constant fit and healthy versions of Rosicky, Wilshere and Diaby, and fewer interruptions to the careers of Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott.
Good luck, Tomas. Here’s hoping we see you a time or two before the season ends.
* didn’t even mention van Persie in the list above – ‘cos he doesn’t belong in the same comment as Tomas*
Elneny is good but has disadvantage on stamina and speed.Iwobi!! wow!! I love this lads touch. 90+% pass accuracy.
Horrible news TTG. Really, really depressing. Not much else to say really.
Sad news on Tom. Lovely player. Always brought a bit of a buzz to our game. Get fit soon fella.
Hull.
Sad news about the Czech Maestro. Let’s win the EPL for him boys! Up the Arse!
Another home game. Guess it’s good, although many people like the chance of an away game, given that there is x3 the normal PL tickets available (FA Cup rules – has to be 15% of capacity).
Can Chuba play against us? (he’s on loan).
Home against Hull – cup draw being kind to us again. Looking for a hat-trick of wins against the Tigers in this competition. Apart from complacency, nothing to be concerned about – just concentrate on the next few league games now.
Terribly sad news about Super Tom’s latest injury. Here’s hoping he can get a game or two in before the end of his last season with us.
Countryman: usually a player who is loaned out to another FA club cannot play against the parent club, but AW has always maintained that there is nothing wrong with that, so who knows? Since Chuba had a hat trick yesterday, would be cautious about lifting the rule.
Truly unfortunate about TR7. Will this setback mean he’ll be unable to compete for Czech Republic this summer?
At home against our beaten finalists from two season’s ago. I’ll take that! COYBG!
Ned, a question for your monks: how often have two teams met three years running in the FA Cup?
Bayonne, the rules changed a few years ago so you can not allow players on loan to play against their parent club anymore.
How many appearances are necessary at minimum to get the PL winner’s medal? TR7 would probably miss out on that if we win the league. That would be so unfortunate for him. We really could have done with his sparkling cameos and a few typically key performances in the title run. A rare combination of quality, loyalty, class and intelligence.
Arsene should not allow an exception for Chuba or Isaac , not for selfish reason but to protect their growth in loan set-ups. For instance if Chuba missed a sitter against us in this day and age of quick opinions and negativity his credibility will be negatively impacted. He still needs at least one more year of loan — this time in PL hopefully — before he joins us.
Faustus, ten appearances minimum. And being subbed on is enough, there is no number of minutes you need for it to count as an appearance.
Dr F, it’s 10 appearances for a winner’s even as a sub. The club can also get a medal for anyone (including the kit-man) they want but they’ll have to pay for it from their own pocket.
I’m going to ask them to get me one too after over 11 years of loyalty to the EPL cause! ๐
Thanks Lars & Dan, he is going to miss out then. If we win.
Clichy got a medal for the invincible season. Lots of sub appearances.
Lars
I don’t know the full answer but we met Chelsea in 2001( 3-1) , 2002 ( Final 2-0) , 2003 ( 3-1 away replay after 2-2 at home and 2004 (2-1). For those who feel Chelsea have the Indian sign over us remember that!
Those were the days TTG. Chav fans believed we had the Indian sign over them for over a decade.
Back in the day, pre Roman’s empire, everyone had the Indian sign over them Bath. They had the occasional useful player, Jimmy Greaves and Roy Bentley come to mind, and Gianfranco Zola in more recent times, but they were known as the Pensioners cos they played like them.
Oskar
TR7 very bad news. All Arsenal fans know he deserves the best.
Hull home not so bad. Keep the cup run alive!!
TR7 very bad news. All Arsenal fans know he deserves the best.
BUPA. None of this AVIVA shite for our Tom.
Getting really really excited here. 13 hours left in the transfer window and I’m just waiting for the announcement. I’m 100% convinced that Ivan and the gang have deals in the pipeline. All that money say doing nothing? All those injuries I read about on an hourly basis? Surely it’s just tactics and the announcement of those major deals is just around the corner????????
it was one of the beautiful contest with great fight and team spirit hoping that wenger would give more game time to elneny than flamini concerning his debut aura and all round displays
Steve T
AW risks sanction for tapping up Messi:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsene-wenger-jokes-arsenal-would-7285650
Only a 1% chance of it happening though it would appear if you believe the boss’s numbers. ๐
Has anyone heard anything of the two young Nigerian players from world U17s we were meant to be signing ?
Guardiola to mancity… confirmed finally.
Messi to City this summer then?
Win for the morale mattered the most from this game. To get back to winning habits is crucial and what better way than have Alexis scoring and we winning by that goal. Good games for sanchez, chambers, iwobi and gibbs. Elneny looks eager but time shall tell if he slots in the first team.
Saints at home and this is when it gets interesting. 2 must win games lined up this week, saints home and then bournemouth away. The points dropped in the last 3 games will make these 2 must wins and that is where the true test will come. The Arsenal and boss and the team and everyone should know, this is it, 15 games, play as if your lives depend on it.
Sorry, thought Per was suspended. He will definitely be back.
debuchy off to bordeaux on loan…he’s had a rough go here, with injuries and all, but if he’d just shut his mouth and gotten on with it he might have challenged hector rather than lost out to him.
so that means hector/calum are the right backs for our title run-in.
It so happens, scruz, that Hector is one of few of the starting eleven who has not suffered a major injury this season.
Knock on wood.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>