Gunners Need More Bite Against Wolves

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

Hey folks what's rocking on this special weekend? It's football for us at anaijagunner as always and it promises to be another explosive weekend across the European Leagues with top-tier clashes on the cards. After last week's pulsating Arsenal Vs Liverpool at the Emirates and the Milan Derby at the San-Siro. This weekend serves an even tastier menu.

             The Manchester Derby in England, 

             The Dortmund Vs Bayern in Germany

             AC Milan Vs Juventus in Italy

             Monaco Vs PSG in Ligue Un

A cracking line-up of fixtures if you ask me, Monaco isn’t getting the goods from Henry which is quite a shame, football can be tough sometimes. I hope he gets to turn things around soon, wouldn’t want to see an Arsenal get the sack, that’s not cool. Anyway, I wish Henry all the best flipping Monaco’s form for the better.

Now, where were we? Yes, things Arsenal is where. The gunners made tedium work of Sporting Lisbon last Thursday in the Europa League. Granted Danny Welbeck had to go off after what looks like a not so good injury to him. You really have to feel sorry for the lad, not the most skillful of arsenal players but you can't fault his work ethic wherever he is asked to play and he has been asked to play in a number of different places. He has been chipping in goals for the team here and there, taking scaps of game time whenever and then just like that…..he picks up a nick. Bummer!! Get well soon Danny boy. He is also out of contract at the end of the season, I hope we haven’t like Santi Carzola, seen the last of him, I just hope not. The Gunners managed to see out a goalless draw from the match, nothing much to get excited about with Welbeck’s injury a spoiler. We top the group with 10 points in 4 games, Sporting sit second with 7 points, we are into the next round but need another 3 points to guarantee top spot going into the knock out stages. I want to believe the lads can manage that with a lil bit more focus in the next game.

Back to the premiership, the Arsenal would be playing host to wolves at the Emirates this Sunday. A win is critical, I dare say maybe its even a must, we need that winning momentum to keep going especially with Man United and Spurs coming up right after the November international break.  While on paper being on beaten in 14 games sounds good, not picking maximum points over wolves will mean, just one win in our last 4 games, that’s not a stat I would like. You see perspective is everything, I would gladly take 3W and 2L in say 5 games over 1W 4D just so I can claim I remain unbeaten, that’s 9points as against 7points, like I said, its all about perspective. A good old fashioned  2-0 win over a pulsating 5-3 which some would rightly argue happens to be more fun, but I say only more fun if you are a neutral okay? Anyway, I am sure you understand what I am trying to say…Loll

Newly promoted or not, Wolves have shown they are no pushovers, claiming some eye-catching scalps along the way to date. Yeah, some may argue that their last few games have tailed off a bit and I say I hope so but let’s prepare to give them a repeat of Liverpool performance, that should see off most teams including Man City. If you need any more indication as to how dangerous Wolves can then watch their last game versus Tottenham, almost coming from 3 goals down to snatch a point. ALMOST!! The gunners need to heed that warning shot and get ready for what could be a tough game.

Emery seems to understand the threat wolves is capable of posing and having played against Nuno Espirito Santo in the La Liga he is very much aware of their capabilities.

“They have discipline but also talented players, like at Wolves. I know that each match here is very difficult, and we need to prepare so that we can continue to get better to produce a big performance every day.”

          l like the end of that statement, big performances shouldn’t be in our locker just for BIG games so to speak, it should be on show from the team every single match day, even when the team doesn’t play well. They need to learn to grind out a result. A result here means a win, simple!! The injury gods still popping off at the back line with Lichsteiner joining Danny Welbeck and the others, I doubt Bellerin is fully fit, neither is Monreal. Can Kolasinac handle the Speed of Adama Traore if he starts for Wolves, knowing Xhaka plays on that left side as well. We would be needing another disciplined performance from him and Torreira in that midfield while Mikhi needs to dust off whatever cobwebs he has mulling around his head, Arsenal needs more from him, please. A disciplined clinical performance to grab all 3 points topped off with a clean sheet would go a long way in making a perfect weekend so COYG!! Before we go, a BIG shout out to all those who turned out for the Leicester procession in honor of the lives lost in that chopper crash. On a lighter note, I can’t forget to say holla to the gunners own Aubamayang who is the EPL player of the month of October.

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

       More of that for the Arsenal, please. I guess that’s it from us, don’t forget to share and subscribe to our blog post by hitting the button top right there, as well as follow us by liking anaijagunner on Facebook, just click the link here. Lastly, we would love to get your feedback, so give us your thoughts in the comment section, this would help us improve for your readership…do enjoy the game wherever you are. Ciaoooo

Magical 1-Point? & Sporting Lisbon Preview.

Can we please have a moment of silence? (Honouring the victims of the Leicester City chopper crash) …….…………. Wooohoooooooooooo, now that’s how you wanna celebrate Halloween, I hope you enjoyed yours cuz I sure had a Treat after the gunners tricked Liverpool on Sunday…..Jeeze!! one would think Arsenal just won the league with the way Gooners are buzzing all over the web space after the one all draw with Liverpool but I have to say what a finish from Lacazette.

Okay, come down to earth, nope Arsenal aren’t suddenly EPL title contenders guys so hold your horses, still a key take away from that game against Liverpool shows  that what we have now looked to be morphing nicely into the “Cannon” Arsenal has been known to be, the fire, the hunger the passion the energy, its all gradually inching back into the team, long long may it continue.  I would still say we need to temper our fan euphoria with a bit of caution (we aren’t even halfway through the season yet) even though there is seemingly a genuine basis for optimism. Just note it, there is still a lot of work ahead of these guys, especially at the back even though Mustafi/Holding had a blinder, word to Kolasinac and Bellerin as well for playing well through the rustiness/ pain respectively not forgetting Torreira-Xhaka axis, in short, everybody!! If Unai Emery says he was only 50% happy because he felt the gunners were worthy of all 3points, while Jurgen Klopp said a draw was a fair reflection of the game. That tells you a lot about the gunner’s performance. To put things into perspective for you, we talking the same Liverpool team that City in all their blazing glory was more than happy to settle for a point, now you catch my drift. It would only be sad if the boyz choose to revert to type instead of doing this 90-minute performance week in week out.

Moving forward, the Gunners host Sporting Lisbon in the reverse game of the doubleheader for the Europa League group phase. Sitting atop the group, a win makes it 12 points in 4 games which more or less puts Arsenal into the knockout round. Sporting seems to have reverted to preseason upheaval after sacking their latest coach last week. Now whether that will give the team a reverse psychological boost against us is anybody’s guess, but like I mentioned earlier, a win more or less puts us into the knockout phase. I want to believe that’s being drummed into the heads of the lads, no slip-ups, no complacency, there is still work to be done. Emery is that kind of person, from what we can see so far.

The line up will likely be mixed up again, Cech likely in goal, Guendouzi is available now, maybe more game time for Maitiland Niles, Welbeck and Kolasinac I suppose…who knows. My preferred line-up will be something like:

         If the gunners can play with disciplined freedom as Mustafi put it after the Liverpool game, it would be a good base to build on. Getting the 3points against Lisbon won’t be easy, however, it is very important and very doable. Lets maintain the unbeaten run, with wins not draws, please. Maybe, just maybe we’ve got our Arsenal back. I guess that’s it from us at the blog, do enjoy the game wherever you are…...Ciaoooo

Carabao Cup Quaters & Liverpool Preview

Image Cred: Arsenal..com

 Hey people, what’s crackalacking over there ma footy people? How Y'all doing this lovely day/night? Its game time again and our darling Arsenal (i hope) is on parade this Saturday at the Emirates against the scousers from the red part of Mersey side, yeah …Liverpool. This post will be a quickie so, let’s start by quickly review the Blackpool game sharply.

          The gunners were never really in danger of losing control of the carabao cup game once they went ahead through Litchsteiner and Emile Smithe  Rowe but as with things Arsenal, most of the time that is, the gunners found a way to make what should have been a comfortable game a bit more difficult than it should. Allowing Blackpool, a goal back with that lovely header was one as well as the red card for Matteo Guendouzi being the significant other reason. I won't debate if the second yellow was a correct call but, when a player is already on Yellow card in a game, he/she is walking a tightrope, especially midfield players responsible for intercepting and breaking up oppositions play. Maybe Emery should have brought him off earlier, who knows but that’s what most coaches do, to play things safe in order to avoid a potential red card. Moving on, the important thing though is the Gunners bounced back to winning ways after the winning run punctuating draw at Selhurst park. No matter how you flip the cart, this restoration of regular schedule was key for the team’s confidence. The other thing I want to mention is Emile Smithe’s showing again, that guy is putting himself about making sure the coach remembers him. I sure hope he comes good, cuz there have been quite a number of good potential talents who look the real deal for a bit only to never make the cut. Lastly on the Blackpool game, nice to see Maitiland Niles back after the lengthy injury lay-off, expectedly match rusty but that’s by the way.  I look forward to seeing what Emery can bring out of this talented dude.

          On to Liverpool game, we play host to them on Saturday in a late kick-off for the day. It kind of feels strange playing on Saturday and you know why? Anyway, this is touted as the gunners first real test, like the previous nine games we have played were inconsequential, if the gunners had lost any of their last 7 league matches, they will be labeled as “soft” or lacking mental spine but win the games and they label them as having played no team of repute….no offence. Such is the double standard of the press these days, you damned if you do, you damned if you don’t, either way, you want to cut it, you will be damned, or are they right?

          The boyz will have to answer that question, if all the perceived progress we have been quietly getting excited about (we are not title contenders yet, I keep telling you) is all premature or there’s good reason to be, this game should help us find out. No excuses being put down before but you have to admit, Liverpool are favorites here, they playing well, scoring goals (one more than last season at this stage), so far conceded less (Van dyke/Gomez looking good), there seems to be a much better solidity about them even if their attacking trio is being said to be a little off their sweeping best and yet to click into full gear. Liverpool is one of the 3 EPL teams currently unbeaten in the league having won 7 games out of 9 thus far. All that being said, we know they are good, we know Arsenal are underdogs going into this match, we know Arsenal has had a wretched form against top six opposition going as far back as 2015, but all this doesn’t make them invisible, NO! I don’t think Liverpool has been tested bar City, which was a draw. This is where the gunners have to show their level of progression by keeping an all-around discipline, especially in the middle of the park while matching this with ruthlessness in front of goal. Özil needs to come to this to make it an Arsenal Party…BIG time, Lacazette, Auba, and Mikhi need to find their poachers boots. Liverpool will give us a look in but we must be ready to anticipate so as to take the chances when they come. They are still vulnerable at set pieces even with Alisson and Van dyke shoring up the defence. Our defence which so happens to be patchy at the moment with Bellerin out, Monreal a doubt. It definitely needs to be protected. Torreira must bring out the best in Xhaka  (not at left back please) or Ramsey, I repeat discipline is going to be key so no stupid high lines which would leave us open to Liverpool’s rapid-fire counter-attack, by now everybody knows that is suicide hence would be stupid to fall for it. Emery wants the team to rewrite a new chapter in the history against top teams and I couldn’t agree more:

“The result tomorrow is very important but first I want to show them, to show you and to show everybody our best mentality in the game. I know if we have a big performance individually and collectively - and also we need some luck- then I think we can win.”

Image Cred: The Uk Guardian

 He just sums up my thoughts more or less, I just hope the lads are tuned in to his station, so we get the win. The line-up is anybody’s guess right now with all the injuries at the back so let just wait and see.

       Aiite folks I guess that’s it from us, go on and cheer the gunners to this win, don’t forget to follow us on our Facebook page by clicking here, Subscribe to our blog or use the hashtag #anaijagunner and leave us your comment.  Before we go, we send our condolences to the families of those who died in the leicester city chopper crash, may the departed souls rest in peace. Do enjoy the game wherever you are……Ciaooo

Palace Draw & Blackpool Preview

Image Credit: Arsenal..com

Okay here we are, we all knew that the Arsenal’s winning train was going to come to a halt soon at some station soon. Later than sooner we all hoped but the gunners couldn’t make it the twelfth in a row. The tea leaves showed ominous signs, Arsenal on a purple patch, Palace yet to win or even score at the park, it was all too good to be true. Anyway, the gunners scrappy 2-2 draw at Palace wasn’t all that bad, granted we dropped two points we probably shouldn’t have but hey we don’t always get what we want now do we?

As expected Zaha was the main threat for Palace, hitting the post and dragging a couple shots off target. Palace pulled a page right out of Wengerball playbook with some sleek one-touch football Townsend really should have put the Eagles ahead at the end of the move. Their loss was Arsenals gain as he left his scoring boots back in the dressing room as Leno had already bought the dummy. The half ended with the Gunners a goal down via a penalty following Mustafi’s hack on Kouyate….again Ominous again (we have lost both games we went in down at half time). This wasn’t to be though; the gunners came back into it. Two quick fire goals from Xhaka and Auba the lucky one put the gunners in the driving seat. Arsenal couldn’t preserve the lead though, Xhaka made sure of that with his left leg sticking out leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot for a second time in favour of the eagles…. Bummer!! A point gained, or two points dropped, take your pick. Well, I’m a glass half full kinda guy.

Moving on to the next game, Arsenal host Blackpool at the Emirates on Wednesday in a Carabao cup 4^th round meeting.  All due respect to Blackpool, the gunners has no excuse if they fail to win. Bigger team, playing at home, bigger stars. Absolutely no excuse, the bar has been raised and its up to our boys to step up to the plat by doing the needful. A win against Blackpool also gets us back on the confidence momentum run. The gunners need to show crystal palace draw was just a blip. It’s not like it was a terribly bad result, it was just not the best of results simple. The best way for Arsenal to show that is to go on and win the 4^th round match. We all know the Carabao cup hasn’t got the lustre of the EPL trophy or even the rich history of the FA cup but its still a trophy and Emery wants to win it. For all of Arsene’s achievements (which were many despite…) he never won this domestic trophy, tried as he might. 2 finals and the gunners came up short on both occasions. This is a new era, I want to believe, so lets go out there and win it by giving it our best shot. A trophy and top 4 would be a decent start to Unai Emery’s reign as Arsenal Manager. #touchwood!

Team news has the usual suspect out, Monreal kolasinac, Koscielny, El-Neny, Mavrapanos, Maitiland Niles. Bellerin joined that list during the first half at Palace, a thigh strain they say. This makes the squad light in the middle of the park and at the back. Xhaka at left back isn’t working for me, decent but definitely not something the gunners would want to persist longer than necessary. Cech is back in goal, so the gunners would likely field a similar backline to the game at Palace. Midfield should see Mikhi, Rowe and probably Ramsey combine alongside Torreira to give Guendouzi a rest. The attack choses itself with all options available for Emery to pick from. Whatever combo the manager goes with, its imperative the gunners start the game fast out of the blocks else Blackpool may grow in confidence and make life more difficult than it should for Arsenal, that won't be nice at all. Anyway, those are our thoughts, let's know yours in the comment section and also our facebook page here….do enjoy the game wherever you are….ciaooo

Good Old "1Nil" Classic in Lisbon & Palace Preview

11 straight wins and the Emery’s Gooner train continues to chug on. Not time to get overly excited so hold your horses, keep your feet on the ground lets remain grounded in our expectations. This Arsenal team is doing fairly well in light of the progressive transition phase it is going through currently but credit to gunners and the coach for job done so far.

Image Credit: Arsenal..com

Sporting Lisbon was always going to the most difficult game for Arsenal in this group and coming from Portugal with all three points is definitely good, when its by the classic 0-1 to the Arsenal with Welbeck getting the solitory goal (his 5^th of the season), you love it even more. Cable subscriptions shenanigans ensured I didn’t get to watch the match live but extended highlights showed the game didn’t have the smooth style of play we have been experiencing from the gunners in recent weeks, more ebb than flow. The gunners did dominate the game, a whole lot if might add, more goal attempts, shots on target (Lisbon barely had any) and overall possession. Still overall play was more attritionary than sublime. All that being said, 3 points in the bag, a clean sheet, Top of the group, I will take that…Next stop please! The gunners still need start games switched on in full flow and Emery knows this.

          Next stop is a trip to Selhurst partk for a date with Crystal Palace. The eagles currently have their nickers in a twist sort of so maybe this is a good time to play them. Sitting in 15^th position on the EPL log, their general form is not good (PL9 W2 D1 L6) and with both wins coming on the road for the Eagle’s it may be safe to say their home form is abject. If I add the fact that they haven’t scored at Selhurst park this season, you might be tempted to say Roy Hodgson’s side are a walk over this Sunday, how I wish football was played on paper just like that. Yes the odds look stacked against palace getting anything out of this game but, the gunners in times past have been known to slip up at the least expected time so watch the potential banana skin here. All that said, I can feel that renewed hunger coming back to the Arsenal team, as epitomised by the demand from the manager. I expect them to approach the game with professionalism without taking their opponents for granted. The manager says.

 “my first goal is to improve our competitiveness. We are focussed on Sunday”  

If you ask me, I would say those two statements tell a lot about the way we need to approach the game. Let’s hope the boyz get the message and do the talking on the field of play, by nullifying the threat of Zaha and Townsend first and foremost as most of palaces attacking play goes through them.

Image Credit: TheUKguardian

Anyway, my thoughts be, Can we get the win to make it 12 straight, with a clean another sheet on board too? I guess another 90+ minutes will tell, that’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as they drop while you can also follow us on Facebook by Clicking Here. Special mention to Welbeck for doing the biz when called upon, 3^rd choice striker yet goal per minutes ratio is on the up, long may he stay fit to continue. Do enjoy the game wherever you are….Ciaooo

5 Star Gunners To 10/10 & Lisbon Preview

 Wow what else can one say but look out the window admire the horizon and feel the caress of the gentle sunshine its raining outside…..loll. Nope we aren’t title contenders so get off that crack you are smoking and head back down to reality, Yes we won 10/10 straight, are only 2 points off the table toppers Man City (which is quite telling) after 9 games but, I repeat we are not title contenders yet. Arsenal sure can-do things to you as a fan shaa, Joy or frustration or both, Painful pleasure weak and delicate strength, such is the paradox that is Arsenal football club. Okay enough of the reminisce, even though it no doubt feels good to be a gunner right now meeeiiiinnn!! I mean after back to back stellar performances with 8 goals scored, 2 conceded and most of all a double R display of footballing artistry, who won’t be? I know the sooner we get down to earth and continue with the hard work Emery is trying to instil, the better but lets just take a moment to savour the display against Leicester City.

Özil must have been possessed by the captain’s arm band, or how else do you explain his larger than life virtuoso display that literally blew away the foxes? We all know how talented he is or how good he can be, we just don’t see it often enough, which is such a shame in itself considering the audacity of his abilities. Its hard not to go on and keep talking about the last two games against Fulham which was good, while the Leicester city match was great, that’s besides the first 20-25 minutes of course. That said and all, lets look at the not so good. I’m sorry but I always have something to cavil about, this wont be different. Two things, I wonder why Arsenal can’t seem to keep clean sheets like the good old days, I mean its all nice to score a quiver full of goals but give me an old fashioned 2 nil to the gunners over a 3-1 or a 1 nil over a 2-1 to the Arsenal, I will gladly take the clean sheet scores ahead of the cricket score line. My other issue is the fact that it takes a bit to get the cannon ball loaded as once again seen against Leicester, Arsenal was all at sea for the most part of the first half. I am sure a better team would have punished our sloppy play more. Lets dial back the a few games past, against Everton, Watford and now Leicester, the turnovers in dangerous areas early in the games have been quite worrisome. I want to believe its something Emery sees (as he is BIG on detail video reviews). It is important the gunners cut this down to the barest minimum. We might get away with it against bottom fodder opposition but against the top teams, I need not say more. Hopefully the coach works that sloppiness out of the teams play. Before go to the preview, Hats of to Ramsey for the goal against Fulham, the build up was beautiful, the finish…sublime. Özil gets an extra special mention too for that performance against Leicester, Jeeeez do that more often Please. Torreira....just quietly awesome

Its back to Thursday night football with the gunners facing the first game of the double header against the team I believe on paper remains the true test in our group. We travel to the estadio Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon for third group game in the Europa league. It’s the game of the group as it pitches the group leaders against each other. You get the feeling that whichever team can dominate this double header tie, will likely top the group. Sporting lisbon may not be one of the European club heavyweights currently but they used to be and  are next in line behind Porto in Portugal, they have a rich history and cant be underestimated. Its even telling that how well they have turned the season around considering the kind of tumultuous summer they had with players being threatened sacked coaches and all that. This brings us to Emery’s comments ahead of the game, he thinks Sporting Lisbon is a very decent side and must not be underestimated but he reiterates his own hunger for more.

 “When you win this competition, you go to the champions league for the next year and for us at Arsenal, I am telling every player, the supporters and the club- it is very important because it is one title and also a way to go to champions league. We are here to play to win”

I sure hope the boyz get his message, one can only ask for a repeat of the recent second half performances the gunners have been putting in just start a little earlier. Team news has Monreal, Sokratis and the usual suspects of Kolasinac, Maitiland Niles, Koscielny all out with an injury of sorts. I would expect Cech may not make it too as he is only just back in full training. Holding and Mustafi to continue at center back, Litchsteiner may complete a back three or be part of a back four. In the middle, I would expect El Neny, Emile smith, Mikhi to join the fray while Welbeck should be back in the attack. Özil and the likes of Lacazette, Ramsey would likely start from the bench. Anyway, my thoughts be …..Can we get the win with a clean sheet on board too? I guess another 90+ minutes will tell, that’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as they drop while you can also follow us on Facebook Here. Do enjoy the game wherever you are….Ciaooo

Qarabag 3 Points & Fulham Preview

Image Credits: Arsenal.com

Ok so its being a few games since I “seentchya” on the Arsenal daily huh?  Yeah I know, like 2 matches ago abii, while the Emery wind of change is now 7 wins straight like a cannonball on a mission for the gunners. I like it, however, lets not get ahead of ourselves, we are doing ok, just okay okaaaay?? Arsenal are no means good yet even by our low standards of late. September was a very productive month for the gunners, 5W D0 L0 in all competitions 3W in the league, long may it continue so let nobody start talking or pressuring the manager about being on a winning streak of some sorts, we don’t need that distraction.

I managed to catch a stream of the game against Qarabag and I must say the score line of 0-3 to the Arsenal flattered us if I am to be honest. The Azerbaijanians gave a good account of themselves but wasted chances, it also helped that at 0-1 to the gunners Leno made I think two decent saves to ensure we went into the break ahead. Leno, seems to be making sure Cech will be looking over his shoulders for the #1 goalkeeping spot, but let’s see if this isn’t what we like to call ‘‘initial gragra’’ back home in Nigeria.

Qarabag gave a good account of themselves with some attempts on goal, just that final ball in the in the final third that let them down most of the time. The gunners I have to say showed unusual characteristic ruthlessness in from of goal, 3 of the 5 shots on target or so were goals. That’s something I would like to see more of. Another positive was Emile Rowe Smith’s continued upward trajectory, he did catch the eye during preseason and he has continued his form capping his fine display with a debut goal…Nice. Iwobi is also seeming like he is enjoying a new lease of life under Emery, he was again involved in the goals. All in all, not a bad day at the office but still lots of room for improvements as sterner tests await this Arsenal side. LWDLDL

The gunners take on Fulham this Sunday at craven cottage, so it’s a little bit of a London derby aye, well maybe not a huge as the north London derby or the other one against Chelsea but still a derby non the less. As is the case with any derby, you expect some fiery battle between the sides. Fulham have a not so good form going into this game is LWDLDL. Just a win in the last 6 games, not good. Arsenal on the other hand have LWWWWW so the gunners have confidence going to this game which is a good thing. In terms of head to head, the gunners have the advantage over the cottagers 37W 10D 8L through 55 meetings in all competitions. All that is in the past though, as this game has a potential banana skin written all over it. Seri, Sessegnon, Vieto, Schuurle and of course Mitrovic are threats to any defence on their day. Arsenal hasn’t exactly been very convincing defensively despite the recent wins. Mitrovic can cause us a lot of problems if the supply line isn’t snuffed out early, he currently leads the line with 5 league goals, for proper context, our top scorers are on 2 goals. It goes without saying that he seems to be enjoying a new lease of life at Fulham having helped them win promotion from the championship.

The gunners will have to ensure that Seri especially is denied space and time on the ball. Stifle him and Vieto, more than half the job is done, then make sure we show a ruthless streak by taking our chances when they come. Another clean sheet would be nice to continue to build that defensive solidity and calm reassurance, that means no silly mistakes from the defenders or sloppy passes from the midfielders ann the attackers. Torreira is a must start alongside Xhaka who didn’t play in midweek. Ramsey should be back in the team having stayed back to be with his missus who was due for delivery., Auba comes back in to lead the line and maybe a league start for Iwobi, who knows? My predicted line up is below, courtesy of the uk guardian  

Image Credits: UK Guardian

Can we get the win going into the next international break to keep the momentum going, with a clean sheet on board as a huge plus? I guess another 90+ minutes will tell, that’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as they drop while you can also follow us on Facebook Here. Do enjoy the game wherever you are….Ciaooo

Project British Core Fails & Watford Thoughts

Image Credits: Arsenaldotcom

Its paddy power time as the gunners made through to the next round of the Carabao Cup with another win against championship side Brentford. Two goals in the first half from Welbeck and a third from Lacazette in the second half saw off Brentford go down with a brave fight. Welbeck, while not everyone’s favorite cup of tea for a striker, seems to be taking his so far limited chances when they beckon. That’s his 4^th goal if I am not mistaken for the season and he is yet to start a premier league match, now that’s interesting. Injuries have blighted his career reversing any progress he seems to make. He isn’t the most clinical finisher a top club can depend on, a bit clumsy if I dare say but his industry can’t be questioned whenever he dons the colours of the club, let’s give him that. Now if only Emery can crank out another gear of improvement in finishing and fitness, maybe …..Just maybe we may have a B+ striker capable of double digits in the league for the team. Yeah maybe I said, who knows?

Arsenal got the win desired and with the usual gift of an odd goal to the opposition, our clean sheets struggle is one that’s irking me. Give me a good old 2 nil over a 3-1 score line and I will take it. Progress will be slow though, if I want to be fair to Emery especially after 20+ years of Wenger at the helm. Things won’t just change overnight, lets be clear.

Okay moving on to the current distraction, word from the Colney is that negotiations between the club and Ramsey are currently deadlocked at an impasse DO we cash in on Aaron in January or give in to his demands or let him walk for free? 3 choices, none so good, it’s squeaky bum time for the management. Ramsey being the last of that core guard we were so excited about a couple years ago, they were dubbed “The British Core”. Jack , Oxlade, Jenkinson and Ramsey. These guys have failed to excite or live up the hype….Project failed, simple. If Arsenal choose to sell, the gunners had better get a good replacement, and no it’s not Guendouzi. I am very much impressed with his progressive attitude on the ball, he is still far from finished article but his talent is there. What we need for a Ramsey replacement is a here and now “ready player one” type dude, nuff said!

Okay let’s move on to the EPL, it’s a date at the Emirates with Watford coming to town. The hornets are having a dream start to their premier league season so one should expect a cracking game. They have also proved an obstacle in the past knocking Arsenal out of the 2016 FA cup and also getting the better of us last season in that famous match that Troy Deeney said the gunners lacked Cajones or something like that. I am sure the gunners are pumped for this game with squad rotation in midweek giving most of the starting 11 a bit of rest ahead of the weekend. Deeney, Peyrera and Dacoure remain threats while Capoue has rediscovered himself at Vicarage road. It’s left for the gunners to continue with their recent improvements by showing up from the blast of the whistle. Playing a game of two halves as we have seen most of this season is dangerous, especially with a clinical opposition. The Everton game showed just that, we may not have the luxury of such sloppy play against Garcia’s wards who are way more clinical and physical in their approach to games, not forgetting being organized off the ball.

Arsenal will need to stay sharp and compact in the middle of the pack, recycle quickly and feed the attack with good chances for them to score, an early goal should calm nerves, I also noticed that when we played Everton after Lacazettes goal, the confidence increased and the gunners played with more calmly finesse. Left to me I would leave Xhaka out of the starting 11 for today, go with 3 at the back with two wing backs with Torreira Guendouzi and Ramsey then Özil Aubameyang up top. I know I know its benching an in form Lacazette who seems to be the more clinical striker but Auba is more fresh and rested since Lacazette played in midweek. Xhaka starts from the bench for me cuz of his tendency for switching off at times with sloppy passes and cynical fouls. He is best suited for a relaxed game where he has time on the ball to pick a pass from deep. My worry is just that Torreira and Guendouzi played in midweek with the manager wanting fresh legs in Xhaka. However, this is just me thinking aloud, I’m not the manager so my preferred line up and predicted line up are quite different. My Predicted line up is captured below courtesy the UK guardian online:

The UK Guradiandotcom

 Lastly I think Emery’s thoughts below sum thigs up quite nicely in a way we want:

“Each match gives us the opportunity to take more confidence. We are winning, I think the confidence is the best on our individual players and also on our collective work. But every match is one challenge to show and to give, to find our best moment and best performance. I think each player is thinking well, but also we need more.”

That wraps it up for today’s preview hoping the boys make it 7 wins in a row with another clean sheet, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our blog feeds on Facebook and up there while also leaving us your feedback, do enjoy the game wherever you are…….CIaooo

The BEST Award & Brentford Preview

Credits: Getty Images On The Independent 

And the winner is...Luka Modric!!! The Madrid play maker punctuates what has been a duopoly (since 2008) between two of the world most glamourous footballers in Messi & CR7. Take nothing away from him though, he totally deserved the accolade he got as ‘‘The Best’’ for the year 2017/18. Now Messi and Ronaldo still managed to be the topic of the night even though they didn’t win or weren’t present. Their absence was a court of controversy, with some footballing stalwarts stating their refusal to show up was disrespectful…. well, I may be inclined to agree. Here’s why, if they were to be the recipient of the award, they probably would have shown up. I am particularly surprised at Messi’s turn down, but hey who knows? The question I am inclined to ask is, will this be the end of the longest dominance of these awards by these two or do we still have one last hooraaa from either of Mes10 or CR7? Honorable mention to Marta who won the award for female category.

Now let's quickly get to back to things Arsenal.  The Everton game was more tetchy/nervy than it should have been, against the ropes we were in the first half but we played poorly to get a win. 3 points and finallt a clean sheet....whats not to like, more work to do obviously. 

The Carabao cup comes to the fore this Wednesday as the gunners welcome Brentford to the Emirates. Emery says the competition is very important as it gives players chances for minutes and gain confidence with more game time. This is a trophy we never won under Wenger and I haven’t seen the gunners win since becoming a gunner! Its by no means coveted like the league or as sentimentally glamorous like the FA cup but…a trophy is a trophy and any silverware is a always welcome.  

Brentford wouldn’t be a pushover, similar to us they currently sit 7^th on the championship log with 4W 3D 2 L from 9 games this season. I remember we also played them during the pre-season exchanges, did  the gunners learn anything between then and now? I expect the squad players to take note of all these as drilled into them by the coach. Emery has whole sale changes to make to the team for this match, let’s hope he is able to drill them in to focus, while they also push themselves to give their absolute best individually and collectively. I expect experienced players like Elneny Welbeck and Litchsteiner to guide the younger lads. I would particularly be interested in seeing Emile Rowe Smith, hearing a lot of goo things about him….is he the real deal or the new Jeff, or Zelalem? Let’s see how it goes, one thing is for sure though…. we can’t afford to do a Man United who crashed out of the competition to Lampard’s derby county on Tuesday via penalties. Something is wrong at Old-Trafford, that’s what’s being whispered (Pogba, Alexis, The Mouhriho 3^rd Season syndrome) time will tell.

Whatever team we put out, lets hope they can get the job done. My predicted line-up will look like this:

Lastly before we go, in the true spirit of sportsmanship we wanna celebrate Golf legend Tiger woods for getting himself back into golfing contention by his recent 2018 PGA Tour win, what a comeback!! It’s a reminder that you and I that  we only fail when we choose not to get back up! That’s it from us…...do enjoy the game wherever you are.  

4Th Straight Win For Top 4 & Everton Preview

Hey guys, what’s crackalacking over there, we good over here so no worries. As the EU and UK cant seem to make middle ground on the looming Brexit I sure hope our loved ones and the common folks on both sides don’t get the short end of the bargain cuz that’s usually happens when two elephants wrestle, the ground they say bears the brunt of it.

On the other side of the Atlantic, besides yet another shooting, someone in thinks the best way to dig Kavanaugh out of this mess is by questioning the credibility of the accuser of …..i just dey laff, #Meetoo go soon join make Mr President dey play with November.  Anyway, thank God for sports….especially footy, the one panacea the world can always turn to in this divisive times.

 To things Arsenal then, the gunners kicked off their Europa league campaign with as expected, a 4-2 win over Ukrainian club Vorskla. That makes it 4 straight wins in all competitions for the gunners and while some may argue these past oppositions might be only B- at best, a win in any competitive game is always welcome as that’s what’s expected by the fans. The confidence boost it gives the morale of the team and momentum it builds are added bonuses which can’t be underestimated. I am also glad Auba repaid the faith in him the manager to start him ahead of Lacazette, ditto Welbeck. Özil displaying a rare poacher’s instinct is another good one We needed to rotate, we did, and the squad players did the job, end of story. Now having said all these we can’t look at the positives alone and forget some hairy talking points. We can’t seem to buy a clean sheet to save our Arsenal lives even if its offered free of charge, I mean how hard can it bee to stay switched on for 90+ minutes? Its so annoying, it just beats me like habaaaa common guys!! Does it mean the gunners cant win the good old fashioned 1 nil to the Arsenal way?

Okay enuff rant there, on to the premiere league action this Sunday, the gunners entertain the toffees from the blue side of Mersey and I expect a much tougher game. I hope I am wrong though. Everton have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but some abysmal defending has let them down in games they probably should have taken all three points, I don’t know, just thinking. Marco Silva has a pleasant memory of winning at the emirates before, the boiz should remember this and make him realise that is well and truly past. His work at Hull city and Watford were quite commendable even if he ended up leaving both clubs under a cloud f less than ideal circumstances. I have a positive feeling he might have found a good place to build something in Everton. That sounds lie wishful thinking but that’s my honest opinion. 

Anyway, to Arsenal, while winning two consecutive games away from home is a welcome change this season, it should be matched by an impregnable home form at the emirates. I talked about keeping the momentum going earlier.  This would boost our quest for a top four finish hopefully. To achieve this, we need to defend better first and foremost, keeping it tight at the back with cautiously timed bombing forward from our wing backs (gat ma scopes on U Hector). The center of the field needs to be crisp in their passing, if the Emery insists on playing Xhaka, I would prefer him beside Torreira or further forward with Guendouzi and Torreira behind him. That means sacrificing one of Özil, Auba or Ramsey. Auba and Özil played in midweek the coach might be thinking, also Ramsey has racked up quite a number of goals against Everton. Call me superstitious but these little things have a way of impacting events on the field big time. I am glad Emery is wary of a potentially dangerous Everton smarting from their loss to West ham last week seemingly down and out with so many injuries/suspensions he isn’t getting carried away as to it being an easy picking for us.

“They didn’t win that important match [against West Ham] but maybe this is why they can be more dangerous to us because they come here and need to show their supporters that they are better than the last match. They lost against West Ham and they want to show us, to show their supporters, that they can win here.”

 The onus is on the gunners to play with hunger and fiery passion like they wanna win a trophy or something, winning the 50/50s, aggressively attacking the high balls into the box and pressing them into mistakes from the front while we take most of our chances created. If we do these successfully we should have what it takes to beat the Toffees come Sunday. Our goal difference (GD) column could also do with some incremental boost in numbers too. My predicted line up will look something like that below (culled from Arsenal Page on the UK Guardian)

Can we get the win with a clean sheet on board too? I guess another 90+ minutes will tell. So that’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as they drop while you can also follow us on Facebook Here. Dont forget to help spread the word, do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaooo

Back to Back Away Wins and Europa League Time.

Hey goonerholics and footy fans alike, hows the weather on your side of the planet? Full of smiles like mine I guess….loll. OK lets do a quickie right away (pun intended…. winks) Things seem to be changing at Arsenal, Ivan is off to spin the Italians some spaghetti in toma sauce at Milan, while we made it 3 wins in a row and a consecutive win away for the first time in the premier league In the gunners 20 tries me thinks. Emery is already that good mate, jokes apart, that’s a telling stat for Arsenal and Arsene’s last season at the helm but its okay, we have to start rebuilding from somewhere.

So much for the good, the bad is that we were so poor for long stretches of the first half against Newcastle, it’s a miracle Arsenal managed to go into the 2^nd half with no deficit. No thanks to Newcastle whom for all their industry in ensuring they high pressed the gunners they just lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Had there had been more cutting edge in their approach around the Arsenal box, I don’t think we would be talking about another 3 points for the gunners. Another sorry sight is the lack of clean sheets so far after five games, I don’t know if its too early to be concerned but I am asking wont there to be games the gunners need to win by a lone goal? If there are, it means the team still has a lot to do. The play improved significantly in the second half with arsenal showing a bit more urgency in the ball movement around the Newcastle box. The pressure paid off with two quick goals, Özil’s was a marker for his 200^th arsenal appearance, not a bad day at the office for the much-maligned creator general. It’s a tussle between him and Ramsey for the coveted central midfield position as both don’t like to play wide, for now Emery seems to favour Ramsey in the centre with Özil hugging the right flanks. That’s a matter for another day, the win came with the blemish of another goal conceded, yet to keep a clean sheet this season….so soo sooo not good. That being said, a win is a win, 3 points in the bag to make it 3 wins in a row, nothing spectacular still lots of work to do to get the Emery philosophy through, but we would take it.

Now lets quickly talk about the Europa League. I know we dont like to talk about the less glamorous european club competition but i ask people would you mind winning the trophy? Well, i dont.  The Gunners kick of their campaign with a visit from Ukrainian club FC Vorskla. Not much is known about them which means they aren’t a powerhouse outta Ukraine and that could also be a potential Banana skin waiting for Arsenal if they go into the game all cocky. Footy gods have a way of punishing the favorites, look at Man City against Lyon and you get my drift. Emery has a good track record in this competition with 3 consecutive wins, that’s being matched recently only by Zidane in the champions league. The key players for Vorskla are left wingers Rebenok and Kobakhidze. A lot of play is channelled through those two. Team selection poses Bernd Leno to start as well as Litchsteiner, I am sure Emery will rotate some more players in but those two are penned down which is good. Lets see Leno in competitive action. The gunners will need to put the game to rest quickly by being clinical up front, will Auba get a central striker role? That’s to be seen. Whatever team starts I hope they crack off ith a win plus a clean sheet to boot.

       I guess that’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as the drop while you can also follow us on Facebook Here,  do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaooo

Time To Hammer Out Any Sarri Blues

Okay, so it’s been what, uhhmmm a week or almost a week since that heart-breaking game at the bridge. London …No, Stamford bridge didn’t fall down as we thought it might. Alonso wouldn’t allow it! instead, it was more heartache to pointless for Emery and the boiz. The most pulsating yet annoyingly bizarre game of the EPL season thus far was on display. If you were neutral, you would have had sumptuous attacking football served Unai-Sarri style. For us who are loyal fans of Arsenal or even Chelsea’s I may dare to say, Yes, you would have acknowledged the expansive footie on display but been appalled by the reckless abandon of defensive naivete that manages to surprise and excite all at the same time. That being said, here are my thoughts on the game.

Image Credits: Getty Images

1: Don’t Play The Highline Without The PRESSING!!.

Rule number one: Never play the highline if your team can’t aggressively press the opposition!! In case you missed the point, please read rule number one. Arsenal isn’t good at pressing without the ball, especially high up the pitch and this was painfully exposed by Chelsea at the bridge. The first and especially the second goal came as result of the gunners not bein able to press Chelsea into a turnover, with a simple ball over the high line releasing Morata for the second goal. Playing a highline is particularly dangerous if your players aren’t gingered to retrieve the ball immediately they lose it. Doing this against a speedy counter-attacking side I pure suicide so I hope we have learnt our lessons before meeting the likes of Tottenham and especially Liverpool. I repeat do not try this against Liverpool!!

2: Cech Continues to make his case

I don’t know about his twitter spat with the German troll of a club but, Cech seems to have seen the writing on the wall with Leno’s arrival. He out in another solid performance with some key saves at 2-0 nil down and after the gunners drew level. His distribution also seemed better as compared to the first game. He still needs to sort out his foot work on the ball when Arsenal try to play from the back. That like I noted in my last post will likely be his struggle as it’s a weakness, is Leno any better? Well Let’s see.

3: Ozil continues to Polarize the fanbase

The narrative of Ozil continued as he wasn’t able to conjure the magic at Stamford bridge. He did come close in the early minutes of the game when he tried to guide cushioned ball into the net and only missed by whiskers. Mickitaryan had to come out to defend his teammate, stating how much of a fantastic player he is and what an influence he is on and of the pitch. Most fans remain divided though, Ozil can do more…. score goals but that being said, he needs to step it up. He has the coveted #10 jersey now, he is the highest played Arsenal player, the world cup nightmare is over, he should know that by now. it’s time we saw his magic conjured up more consistently…….. God knows Arsenal needs it!

 4: Guendouzi remains the bright spot

Its really amazing how far this young lad has come. Only playing second-tier football as a teenager some few months back and now a starter for the gunners. You can understand why he has remained the constant shining spot in both defeats the gunners have suffered this season. Particularly he was very impressive against the far more experience Chelsea midfield of Barkley, Willian, and Jorginho. He was involved in ensuring the ball moved forward with his passes, long and short, completing over 90%, while winning 8 of 11 duels, 4 interceptions, 8 recoveries all ensuring that he covered a lot of ground in 11km. His reaction to Aubameyang’s awful miss was just epic. Love the guys already. It's still a long long season ahead with lots of games, I would want to temper expectations a little cuz its way too early to give him the pass mark just yet, but I must say so far, he is looking good at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. He could form an amazing partnership with Torreira. time will tell.

5: Hammer Time! A must Win

2 games down, 2 losses, no points. The gunners welcome the hammers from the millenium stadium. A west ham team whose form mirror’s the gunners own form as we type this post. I do like Pellegrini, he is a class coach but, there is nothing friendly about my expectations when they visit the Emirates come Saturday. Una and the boiz must chock up the 3 points with goals to spare. We are on a -3 deficit already and that’s not good at all. Whatever boots Auba and Lacazette wore against Chelsea must be changed for their scoring ones. The gunners can’t afford to drop any more points again, definitely not against Westham. No more mister nice guy, so its win Ugly if u must Emery, but just win!! That’s the simple minimum expected from the game. I would not want to go into details on how poor we were defensively against Chelsea, the gunners need to be better organized and Emery must figure out the system that brings out the best in his players. Over the next few transfer windows we shall be able to peek into his grand design for the gunners but for now, let's make lemonade out of life’s lemons. Our short preview for the game this is, if I may change anything from the last team, it would be Torreira starts ahead of Xhaka, sorry bruv but we need more steel in that middle. We could change it up when we are a few goals up by bringing on Ramsey (sign that contract son) and Xhaka, anyway that’s me shaa it's up to Emery. That’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as the drop while you can also follow us on Facebook Here Do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaooo

Chelsea Preview: Unai Or Sarri Time?

Errrrrrmmmm okay, that went well I guess maybe not so bad. No, I wasn’t talking about Omarosa and her former Boss, naaah I meant well……uhmm City didn't run Amok on us at the Emirates. Everybody please calm down and let’s not do a Tony cuz 6 weeks if you ask me isn’t even close to half the time needed to built a title challenging squad. The good news is, most fans know and are willing to tarry a bit, giving emery the trust to go on and make the necessary changes. Cech starting was a bit of a surprise, considering Leno and how he was brought to plug a supposed weakness in our leaky defence. Now besides that iffy moment that got him into a Twitter spat with Hamburg, he didn’t disappoint as he really wasn’t to blame for both goals, maybe some might argue about the first, however, replay shows he was blindsided by Socratis or so, he saw Sterling’s shot too little too late to do much about saving it, and as for the second goal, oh come ooonnnn.

Overall 3points lost aside, there were some positives for me in that match to make me say, let's see. Matteo Guendouzi for me especially was particularly lively in the midfield and unfazed by City’s much bigger stars. He demanded the ball, took the less safe path to forward play and generally got us ticking in midfield. Sure, he did lose the all occasionally in key positions, but I won’t blame him for anything, he has settled in well and I am impressed. The team trying to play from the back instead of going long, that experiment is going to take a bit to catch on and we may have to be more assured when doing so, especially with teams that do a high press. I think Cech might struggle a bit here, you could tell he was finding his feet so to speak. The Jury is still out on Socratis so let’s give him a free pass. Up front is where I feel we didn’t match City properly, we had a few half chances with Bellerin, Auba, and Lacazette and we squandered them, only Bellz made Ederson earn is keep. After the game, the coach was all positive in his assessment while acknowledging work to be done

“ The first game gives us more information about things to improve and also things to continue doing. It’s clear that the result was the first [objective] we wanted. But it was Manchester City’s day. We need to continue with our work to make the differences in the next match and in the future. For me, what was most important was the players know the positive things we did in this game and also the things we need to improve on and work more for”

I hope we get to see those marked improvements from the Gunners against Chelsea at the bridge. Arsenal needs to start racking the points cuz Chelsea while like us with a new coach already have 3 points in the bag, before the game against us, we don’t. we can’t afford to lose at the bridge. In fact, we need to find a way to win end of story!

Our away form at the bridge in the last five visits predate is without a win. Its been 2Ls and 3D with two clean sheets in the last two visits as the positive spin to that stat. Things aren’t looking good for us based on that, add to this the hammering the injury gods are already blitzing us with at left back position. Kolasinac and Maitiland Niles are out for months, with Knee and Fibula injuries. Monreal is a doubt having only just joind the team from the world cup break in less than a week. Someone made a joke about Danny Welbeck could do well as a left back…..LOL, it's so funny it's not even funny. The other option is Litchsteiner again at left back as he played against City. I think I would go with that, with a stern warning not to bomb forward like a wing back cuz of Willian on the prowl. How we intend to shut both him and Hazard especially down would be telling of how many points we may leave the bridge with. Harrying Jorginho and Kante in that middle will be key as they are the midfield metronomes responsible for serving these guys and Jorginho may be the weakest link in that chain since he is still settling in the league, this is where the gunners need, Xhaka and Torreira if he starts to make them uncomfy by stifling their time on the ball without the silly cynical tackles or passes though. Granit, I am looking at you, Yes you! Chelsea’s only injury worries will likely be Fabregas who may or may not be as consequential for Chelsea these days depending on which fan/coach you talking to.

In attack, Arsenal needs to be ruthless when the chance however clear or unclear they are. We can’t afford not to pepper their goal mouth with pressure and clinical finishing. I am sure Auba will start but not sure if he should with Lacazette. I kinda like him up top instead not on the wings, let's give Mikhi and Welbeck or even Ozil for that space for the first 50-60 minutes before changing things up. Welbz work rate may be needed to keep Willian and Moses at bay while helping Litchsteine who is will be playing outta position if we go with him over Monreal. All in all its going to be a good game with a fine historical balance between these two BIG London clubs. Head to head stats shows 195 meetings in all between them. Arsenal has 75W 58D L62. So you can see not much really separates the two sides even tho the gunners shade the dominance slightly. If we can play compactly, deny them space to operate in the middle and take our chances when they come, then we have a chance which is all easier said than done so will see how it goes.

If you enjoyed our write up, check out the hashtag on twitter #anaijagunner and Like/subscribe to our FB page here to get the latest post notification as it drops, hot n fressshh. In other news, David ospina has left for Napoli on loan, I'd say sell him we all know he ain't staying at Arsenal no more. Anyway, that’s it from us here, dont forget to leave us your comments and do enjoy the game wherever you are……Ciaoo