Arsenal's 1-Goal Mode: Can We Win The Title Scoring Once A Game? | Newcastle To Atletico || Fulham Preview

 

Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle & 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Winning Ugly, But Are We Winning Enough?

Let's start with Newcastle. We got past them. The Geordies made it a hard-fought 1-0 at the Emirates and honestly, it felt harder than it should have been. The goal came from Eze a beautiful smash from distance and you know what? He probably had an axe to grind after that duel with Nick Pope at St James' Park earlier this season. This time around he made absolutely sure to get one up on him. Tenth goal in Arsenal colours for Eberechi Eze. That is a proper return and we need more of it.

 #ArsVsFul [Image Credits: Arsenal.com]

Now, the goal itself came from a short corner routine which, if I am being completely honest, is not exactly my cup of tea. The fans were groaning and rightfully so too but as they say, third time is a charm, right? The short corner was taken, Kai sold them the dummy with a nicely weighted pass to Eze and he does the business. Nice start. Now Arsenal go on to smash the Barcodes with a blitzkrieg and put the title race to bed on goal difference, yeah? Naaah. It wasn't to be. Like, did the team miss the memo about it being down to GD in a potential shoot-out with City at the end of this thing??

We won. I will take it. But we need more. Much more.

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Now, Atletico Madrid. UCL Semi Final first leg at the Metropolitano. This was supposed to be different. A European night. Big stage. High stakes. The only problem is PSG vs Bayern served us something far too exciting the night before our game and it was a tough act to follow, honestly. Before I continue with our match review, let me just pay some respect to what PSG vs Bayern delivered. That was some wonderful end-to-end football. Attacking purists wouldn't want that game to end. Some poor defending scattered throughout? Yes. Know what? Who cares if you are a neutral. Whichever one of those two gets through to the final will take some serious beating. Proper European heavyweight clash.

Anyway, back to our game in Madrid. The Gunners got a 1-1 draw. Not the best result. Definitely doesn't serve up the same classical goal fest Bayern and PSG put on, but it was an interesting watch  a far cry from the borefest most had predicted, fans and pundits alike. I suppose in a way that is supposed to be a good thing, init? We took the lead in the first half via a penalty Gyokeres won and he smashed it home. Cold. Clinical. That is what we need from him in these big moments and he delivered. Atletico Madrid came out flying in the second half. I guess Simeone had given his players a proper kick up the backside at the interval because they came out fighting and pressing like their lives depended on it. Then Ben White stuck an arm out in the box. Voila. Penalty.

In fairness, I wouldn't really complain about the talking points of this game. I think both penalties were correct calls. Benny Blanco had his arm out and by the letter of the law, it means it is a pen. Eze's trip and fall in the box which had to go to VAR was rightfully waved off. I know, I know... I am supposed to have my team's back at all times, but I hate soft penalties. I think a penalty has to be a clear foul, not just a fancy touch in the box. But hey, we see those given every single week so I can understand why Arsenal fans and Mikel feel aggrieved. Still, that wasn't a pen. Move on.

The bigger picture? We are still in this tie. 1-1 going back to the Emirates for the second leg. Atletico are dangerous, disciplined and they will come to North London to defend and hit us on the break. We have to break them down at home and that brings me to the elephant in the room that nobody seems to want to address properly. Seems like suddenly, we cannot score more than one goal per game right now. And that is a serious problem.

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The Run-In: Squeaky Bum Time & The Goal Drought Nobody Wants To Talk About

Right. Deep breath. Let me lay it out plainly because if I don't say it, who will?

Arsenal are top of the Premier League on points and goal difference. But only just. Four games left. City have five. It is a straight shoot-out now to see who has the better goal difference at the end, assuming both teams win their remaining fixtures. This scenario has been aptly titled The Run-In and we have been here before, haven't we? The question is simple: Will Arsenal hold their nerve to stave off a City comeback after leading the league all season, or will they fold in April like they have done in the past? Here is the stat that is keeping me up at night. Our last two-goal game was against Everton. In March. March. It is now late April and we have not scored more than one goal in a single game since then. Last six games? One goal each. Newcastle? One goal. Atletico? One goal. Before that? One goal. One goal. One goal.

Kaaaiiii. How long can this keep us going? Yes, we are solid defensively. Yes, the back four and Raya have been brilliant. Yes, we are grinding out results and that is what champions do, blah blah blah. But you cannot continue to hope the luck of holding out in a title race where goal difference might decide everything. I say all that with the assumption that City win their game. They may be smashing teams. Haaland is feasting. We are... surviving.

I still believe. But belief without ruthless execution means absolutely nothing. The lads know what is at stake. Mikel knows what is at stake. It is time to stop talking and start finishing. Literally. Squeaky bum time does not even begin to cover it. #COYG

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Arsenal vs Fulham Preview: Can We Get A Statement Win?

The Gunners welcome Marco Silva's Fulham to the Emirates in a late Saturday evening kick-off. The Cottagers are chasing a European berth so they have something real to fight for. And of course, Arsenal are gunning for a first title in twenty-two years. The stakes could not be higher. A win for the Gunners to keep up the title charge is a must and that is stating things lightly.

Fulham have proven to be a hard nut to crack in the past. They are well-organised, disciplined and they will come to the Emirates with a plan to frustrate us and hit on the counter. Marco Silva is a smart manager and he will have studied our recent form — one goal per game, struggling to break down low blocks, relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained attacking dominance. He will set his team up to exploit exactly that. But here is the reality. The lads know they have bigger fish to fry on this one. A win is a must. A win by a couple of goals is what we actually need. Plus a clean sheet. Is that too much to ask? On paper, no. In practice, based on recent form? It feels like asking for the moon.

The title race looks to be  going down to the wire, hoping we dont falter of course, or City does (that would be nice). Goal difference might decide it. Every goal matters now. Every chance we create and do not finish could be the difference between lifting that trophy in May or watching City do it again. The margin for error is gone. Fulham away earlier this season, we won 0-1, a scrappy tap in by Trossard from a knockdown by Big Gabby I think . At the Emirates, in front of our own fans, with everything on the line, we have to do better than that. We have to send a message to City that we are not just hanging on by our fingernails. We are still here. We are still dangerous. And we are coming for that title.

I want to see Dowman start. I want to see Eze given the freedom to roam and create. I want to see Gyokeres being assisted with good chances for a pop at goal because right now we need goals more than we need balance. Fulham are not City. They are not Bayern. They are a good team fighting for Europe but they are beatable and we need to beat them emphatically. My team sheet would look like

We just have to go for it, Dowman is the wild card, playing in front of a very disciplined Rice & Zubi pivot. I know the right side looks weak with him Mosquera and Zubi up ahead, but Ben white sint exactly very durable so we need to manage his load. I doubt Saka is ready to start and I need something different from Madueke, hence Max. Anyway, thats it from us right here from #Anaijagunner HQ, do like , comment and subscribe. Enjoy the game wherever you are.....#COYG

Arsenal Lost The Big One. City Are Top. Newcastle Away Is Now A Final. | #COYG

 Gutted. That is the only word for it. Absolutely gutted.

Arsenal went to the Etihad and did everything the doubters said we wouldn't. We didn't sit back. We didn't play scared. We took the game to City with an attacking setup that had Odegaard, Eze and Madueke all starting behind Kai Havertz, with Zubi and Rice holding in the double pivot. It was brave. It was attacking. It was everything this fanbase has been screaming for in recent weeks. And for long stretches of that game, it worked. We pressed high. We disrupted their rhythm. We didn't allow City to find their flow and dictate the tempo the way they love to. The early exchanges were tense, scrappy even, but we were in it. Then Cherki happened. Ọọmọọ that goal. A beautiful, infuriating piece of individual brilliance. Twinkle toes through the entire Arsenal defensive shape, selling Raya the wrong way and slotting it past him with the kind of composure that makes you want to throw your remote at the wall. So so frustrating.

#ArsVsNcu Courtesy Arsenal.com

But here is the thing and this is important Arsenal did not fold. We have folded before in these moments. Big stage, big occasion, concede first, heads drop, City run riot. That script has been written too many times. Not this time. The lads dug in, kept pressing, kept fighting and got the equalizer before the break. Havertz got right into Donnarumma's face, forced the error and we capitalized. All square going into the interval and honestly, we were looking good. Competitive. Maybe Dangerous even.

The second half is where it got complicated. City came out with slightly more urgency while we became less adventurous. You could feel the shift. Doku did his usual dizzy dazzying on the wings all flair, no end product as usual but Hincapie was doing a proper number on Semenyo down our left. Rodri started getting more time on the ball even as we tried to press, and the gaps were starting to show. Arsenal still staying in it despite the slight shift in momentum, Eze came so close, crashing one off Donnarumma's right post. Kai and Odegaard both had moments when Arsenal pounced on City turnovers but we couldn't quite find that final, decisive touch.

Arteta brought on Martinelli for Madueke who wasnt getting much change out of O'reily on their left side. Then it happened. Donnarumma launched a fast break, sent Doku away and Martinelli bless him was not positionally aware in his press. The ball came in from the left and Haaland did what Haaland does well, Score!! He  Held off Big Gabby, guiding the ball past Raya into his right. City 2-1 up and the Etihad absolutely bouncing. Arteta rang more changes. Trossard for Eze. Benny Blanco for Mosquera who did well against Doku to be honest, bar a couple hairy moments. Gyokeres for Zubimendi. We threw everything at it but couldn't find the equalizer. Havertz had that glorious chance from a Trossard cross late on and he knocked it over the bar. That one still hurts.

Here is the reality: we have complained loudly and publicly about Arsenal's drab, toothless performances over the last few weeks. This was not one of those games. The performance was there. The fight was there. The tactics were brave and we created chances. It was just the result that was lacking. And sadly, in a title race this tight, results are all that matter. #COYG

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The Momentum Shift

Right. Deep breath. Let's talk about where we are because the social media meltdown has been predictable and exhausting in equal measure. Arsenal have bottled it. Again. Blew a nine-point lead. Same old Arsenal. The narratives practically write themselves at this point, don't they? City won their game in hand midweek, a scrappy 1-0 against Burnley. It wasn't a smackdown but it was enough to get them over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table on goals scored, even though both teams are level on goal difference. So here we are. Top of the league for the better part of the season and now we are looking up at City with five games to play. That is on us. We allowed it to happen.

The image of Declan Rice teary-eyed in the dressing room after the City game, rallying the troops and insisting it is not done yet, has been doing the rounds. Some pundits are calling it posturing. Performative emotion. I am calling it leadership. That is a man who understands the stakes and refuses to give in, even when the entire world is writing the obituary for Arsenal's title challenge. I admire that. I am leaning into it because frankly, what is the alternative? Roll over and accept defeat with five games still to play? Absolutely not.

Is the title still in our hands? Technically, yes. Realistically? It is also in City's hands now and that is the painful truth we have to accept. Both teams control their own destiny. Win every game and you are champions. Simple as that. But the psychological advantage has shifted. City have momentum. They are at home in this pressure. They have been here before and won. Arsenal? We are still learning how to close. So what gives, Arsenal? Fight or flight? Because those are the only two options left. Rice was right to rally the troops. The lads have to pick themselves up and play the next five games like their lives depend on it because, in terms of legacy and history, they absolutely do. Gyokeres, Havertz, Odegaard, Big Gabby, Trossard all of them have to become goal getters over the next few weeks. No passengers. No excuses. No conservatism.

My expectation? We can do it. The quality is there. The talent is there. The question is whether Mikel will do the needful and let loose their creative nous and expression. This is not the time for control obsession and risk-averse football. This is a straight shootout now. Mano a mano. Yes, City have Haaland. But we have left ourselves no choice. It is time to find out who blinks first. Honestly, I still believe we can. But my belief without the gunners ruthless execution over the next five games on the field of play means absolutely nothing. It is on the pitch where this will be decided, not on social media or in the pundits' studios. The title is still there to be won. Let's go and take it. #COYG

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Newcastle Preview: Zer0 Room For Error. 

Enough with the whining. City are now favourites for the title, we get it. We welcome the barcodes to the Emirates. Arsenal can swing the momentum right back into our hands by beating Newcastle in tomorrow's late evening kick-off. And I am not just talking about a win. I am talking about a statement. A spanking. A performance that sends a message to City that we are not going anywhere quietly.

The Magpies are in wretched form. Key players out. Looking vulnerable and not even remotely up for it based on their recent showings. But that, right there, is where the danger lies for Arsenal. Dropping points where we absolutely should not. These are the games that define title races. City will beat the teams they are supposed to beat. If Arsenal do not do the same, it is over. Arsenal need to win by a three-goal margin to really crank up the pressure on City. I am not saying that lightly. A narrow 1-0 grind does not cut it right now(knowing our curent run of form). We need goals. We need dominance. We need to remind everyone City included that we can be ruthless when it matters.

I want to see the attacking team that started against City. Maybe Dowman ahead of Madueke if Mikel is feeling brave. That obsessive demand for control needs to take a back seat and bring the fire forward. Play with freedom. Play with aggression. Play like a team that has nothing to lose because honestly, at this point, we don't. If we play against the Geordies the way we played against City at the Etihad with that intensity, that press, that willingness to take the game to the opposition we will win comfortably. Newcastle are not City. They do not have some of their key players like Gordon, Joelinton, Schar and Livermento etc. They are vulnerable and we need to exploit that vulnerability without mercy.

This is it. This is the moment. Five games left and every single one is a final. Drop points tomorrow and the title race is effectively over. Win big and we are right back in it, momentum shifts and suddenly City are the ones looking over their shoulders again. Simple as that.  Let's finish this season the right way. With fight. With goals. With a trophy at the end of it. No time for talk in interviews, lets show it.

 That's it from us here at #Anaijagunner HQ, we have heard enough talk from our captain Odegard (good to have him back by the way) and Mikel, its time to put the money where our mouth is....Nuff said!. Like the post, share it, drop your predictions in the comments below. Enjoy the game wherever you are.....#COYG

Arsenal Into The UCL Semis, Title Race On A Knife's Edge & The Etihad Showdown

Arsenal are through to the Champions League Semi Finals. The EPL title race is on a knife's edge. And Man City await at the Etihad this Sunday. Pivotal doesn't begin to cover it. This is the post you need to read before the biggest game of our season.

Image Credit: Arsenal.com

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UCL Review: Arsenal 0–0 Sporting (Agg 1–0): Through On A Nil Nil. 

Now That's A Problem We Need To Talk About......Breathe. Just breathe. 

We're through. Back to back UEFA Champions League Semi Finals. Let that sit for a moment, because some of us have been waiting a very long time for this club to matter in Europe again. And yet... watching that second leg at the Emirates, I wasn't exactly leaping off the sofa. A nil nil. At home. Against a Sporting side we had already done the hard work against in Lisbon. We go through 1-0 on aggregate and honestly, it felt more like defusing a bomb than celebrating a victory.

Raya was called upon and answered. Saliba was immense, as he tends to be when the occasion demands it. The backline collectively held firm and did what it does frustrate, suffocate, absorb. Credit where it is due, defensively Arsenal remain elite. That is the bedrock Mikel has built and it is rock solid.

But going forward? Kaaaiiii. Ponderous barely covers it. Sideways, backwards, sideways again. Sporting weren't even particularly adventurous and yet we couldn't unlock them. The attack looked blunt, disconnected, predictable. That is a problem we've been papering over for weeks now and it has to be addressed before the Semis urgently because whoever comes out of the other half of the draw will not be anywhere near as patient as Sporting were on a Wednesday night in North London.

Now here is the real concern as we turn to Sunday. That draw mentality sitting back, protecting an aggregate lead, trying not to lose it works perfectly in a two-legged European tie. It absolutely cannot be the blueprint for the Etihad. That is exactly when the nerves creep in, the shape pulled, we get timid and suddenly someone drops a clanger under pressure. Raya misreads a cross. Gabriel switches off at a set piece. Rice gives away a soft penalty. We've seen it before. We have lived it before this season.

Against City, Arsenal have to seize the game by the scruff of the neck. The onus is entirely on us. Go there to win. Not to not lose. There is a difference and that difference is everything right now. #COYG

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The EPL Title Run-In: This Is Where Legends Are Made Or Found Out

Right. Let's not drift too long on the European euphoria, because there is a more pressing conversation to have. The league. And if you are being completely straight with yourself as a Gooner, the last five games across all competitions have been a genuine problem. One win in five. Say it out loud. One. Win. In. Five. For a team chasing a first Premier League title in over two decades, that run is simply not good enough. The Bournemouth loss still stings. That viral image of the ManCity fan and the bottle, his subsequent interviews on Sky, all the nay-sayers getting handed everything they wanted on a silver platter. You know the script by now, they've had it pre-written for three years running. Arsenal are bottling it. Again. Or are we now??  And right now we are handing them the pen to write it with.

I am not going to sit here and tell you everything is rosy. But I'm also not joining the doomsday choir. Here is what I will say: Arsenal are still top of the Premier League table with six games to play. We set the pace all season. We dictated the terms. The table doesn't lie and the title is still in our hands. But that window, that precious window, is closing fast if we do not respond on Sunday. The problem is not the shape. It is not the system. It is the synergy in the final third. It has gone missing. Whether that is fatigue from a relentless fixture schedule, the psychological weight of chasing history, or just one of those phases every title-winning team has to grind through, something has to click back into place. Rice and Zubimendi have to be at their absolute best no drifting, no sloppy turnovers in dangerous areas, no casual backpasses that gift the opposition a chance. The backline has to be disciplined and switched on from the opening whistle. And Raya? He knows. No miscues with them passes..... None.

Six games. Twenty-one points still available. The title is right there. But this squad has to look itself in the mirror this week, remind itself why it has been top of this league for the better part of this season, and go to Manchester ready to fight for every single second ball, every duel, every moment. That's what it comes down to now. Not tactics. Not formations. Fight. City appear to be gathering steam, but the form book shows 1W in 3, or 3W in 5. Obviously, still smarting from the UCL exit but they've got the Carabao Cup in the trophy cabinet and a full head of steam going into Sunday. They fancy this. Make no mistake about that. They are coming to their own ground believing this is the moment to rip the title race wide open. Haaland is Haaland, while Cherki is unpredictable. Their crowd will be electric. All of that is real. But so are we. And it's time to remind everyone of that.

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Manchester City vs Arsenal Preview: The Title Showdown

Now this right here...... This is the one!!

It all comes down to ManCity at the Etihad, five games to go, top of the league, one of those fixtures that defines seasons and legacies in equal measure. I'm not going to overcomplicate it because sometimes football just comes down to who wants it more. Right now both teams have something enormous to prove, but the difference is simple: we need this more than they do. They're chasing us. Everyone pundit expects us to fold and bottle it. We have to make sure they know it stays that way. For this game I would go with Kai Havertz leading the line ahead of Gyökeres. Hear me out. City's backline, when pressed early and pressed high, can be rattled by a mobile forward who drops into channels, connects with midfield and then bursts in behind. That is Kai. He wins headers from set pieces too, and aerial defending has been a quiet Achilles heel for City this season. Gyök gives us more in terms of pure striker finishing but Kai gives us connectivity especially with Eze operating as chief creator and that connection in the final third is exactly what has been missing. We need it back on Sunday of all Sundays. I want a very hungry Gyökeres coming off the bench to smash City completely.

Dowman has to start. Full stop. The boy is a proper chaos agent and City's fullbacks are not equipped to handle his directness over ninety minutes. He drags fouls, creates second balls, changes the tempo and lifts the crowd. He has to be on that pitch from the first whistle. Trossard or Martinelli alongside him buzzing, harassing, pressing City's backline into mistakes and never letting them settle.

Eze is the key. When he is on it, Arsenal look genuinely dangerous and unpredictable. When he is not, we look like a team that has lost its spark. This is his stage. This is his moment. Play like they are Spurs, Ebs. Play like absolutely nothing else matters.

Rice and Zubi in the engine room with one clear mandate: win the duels, win the second balls, control the tempo. Hassle Rodri early if he plays. Let him know from minute one that it is a fight. No sitting back, no inviting pressure, no trying not to lose. That mentality gets punished at the Etihad.

The back four picks itself Saliba, Gabriel, Pierro and Benny Blanco if he can go the full ninety. If not, Mosquera has to do a proper job and stay focused. I know Doku may not be the most clinical of finishers but he still causes panic in and around opposition boxes. Semenyo on the other wing is a more potent all round threat, Hincapie would have to be switched on. Either way, the defensive unit has been our strength all season. Keep it that way. City will try to beat our press then try to drag us out of position with passes before springing Haaland in behind. The offside trap has to be drilled, timed and held with conviction. No cheap gifts. No hospital balls in dangerous areas. And if there is no clean pass out from the back go long Raya. Seriously Mikel, just go long. We have conceded a few cheap goals lately. Trust the runners, shift the play, and go.

My call? Arsenal 2-1. Eze with the decisive moment. Kai with a goal. Or we score from a set piece and yes, it gets nervy and squeaky at the end because this is Arsenal and nothing is ever straightforward. But we hold. We fight. We take the three points and we take a giant step towards making this title race over.

This is our league to win. Not City's to take. And on Sunday we remind them and the whole of the Premier League of exactly that. Wherever you're watching from Lagos, London, Amsterdam, wherever turn up. Make the noise. The lads need us this weekend and we need them to deliver. My teamsheet would look something like this, a balanced attacking defensive side.

#MCIARS

That's it from us here at #Anaijagunner HQ. Like the post, share it, drop a comment below and let me know your prediction. Enjoy the game wherever you are.....#COYG 🔴⚪

Arsenal 1–2 Bournemouth: Gunners Stumble in Title Race as Sporting UCL Clash Looms

Arsenal 1–2 Bournemouth: Shocking Performance, Title Pressure Mounts & Sporting Must Respond

Kaaaiiii, I don’t even blame that Manchester City fan with the bottle. Ọọmọọ!! That was just shocking levels of low from Arsenal and to rub salt upon the injury, that viral image just summed it up. It basically says, what the nay-sayers like to say. What are you gonna do about it Arsenal? That’s the real question now.

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

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Review

I really don’t know where to start on this game. I missed most of it due to the kickoff time but watching the replay, we were absolutely shocking. Diabolical. Totally ponderous in our play. Raya having the most touches of our players summed us up. Arsenal forgot where the opponent’s goal was or maybe we forgot the objective of the game itself, score at the other end.

How else do you explain the team engaging Raya so much you’d think he was the point man?

That said, it would be disingenuous to focus only on how poor we were without giving credit to Andoni Iraola’s team. They were good value for their 3 points. Came into the game on an 11-match unbeaten run and played us very well. Pressed us in a coordinated manner and stayed compact at the back. When they had the ball, they used it better than we did. Not like Raya was under siege from countless chances, no. They just knew their plan and executed it faster than we could think.

Imagine a Bournemouth side without Semenyo and we still couldn’t adapt. That’s where I look at Mikel. Iraola has done a marvelous job at the Cherries. Took time, but now they’re punching above their weight. No surprise big teams are watching him. Meanwhile, Mikel’s team struggles even when we win, often nicking games late by a single goal. Their goal came from a deflection, fell kindly to Kroupi. That boy is one to watch. Already hitting numbers at 19, serious talent.

We got back into the game through a soft penalty. By the letter of the law, yes it’s handball. But context? Distance too short, hand not clearly unnatural. One of those where law says yes but football sense says maybe not. Anyway, Gyokeres stepped up and smashed it. 12 EPL goals, 18 in all comps, 20 GA. Not bad for someone they want to label a flop.

At 1-1, you’d expect Arsenal to kick on.

Naaah. We ddint, we tried to control but;

Still sloppy in midfield. Rice and Zubi couldn’t stamp authority. Raya constantly searching for options with no one showing. It was painful to watch. Eventually Bournemouth punished us. One sloppy moment, bang, Scott sends Raya the wrong way. 1-2.

Mikel threw on Max, Eze, Trossard,  nothing changed. And then to make matters worse, City go to Stamford Bridge and smash Chelsea 3-0, and their fans are celebrating their own loss just to stop Arsenal winning the league. Absolutely diabolical. That’s how far rivalry has taken people.

Meanwhile, we’ve now lost 3 in 4, out of two competitions, and suddenly a title we were coasting towards is slipping. 

Not again.

Mikel says he’s not paying attention to one fan trolling with a bottle. Fair enough publicly. But let’s be real, that image is in that dressing room, he is playing the video over and over again, searing it into the minds of the players, not for fear but for anger. Just like the Ivan Toney comments were. You use that. You weaponize that.

Now it’s about response. Not talk. Response.

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#UCL, Sporting Preview

Before we even get to the weekend, there’s a massive Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting. Arsenal lead by one goal on aggregate. On paper, we should go through. But football doesn’t care about paper. Sporting bounced back domestically. Arsenal took a step back. Momentum is different on both sides. But let’s be honest, anything other than Arsenal going through causes a full meltdown. From chasing a quadruple to crashing out of 3 competitions in 2 weeks? My word, I don’t even want to go there.

We need a performance.

Not just routine control for the sake of control. Not Raya holding the ball for 15 seconds because there’s no outlet. If there’s no option, go long. Mix it up. Be less predictable. Shoot from distance. Fight for second balls like your life depends on it. I want to see warriors on that pitch with players embracing pressure, not hiding from it.  getting forged by the fire into winners. That's the final step, and thats what i believe all gooners want to see in this game and at the weekend. I keep referring to the upcoming weekend game, not to downplay the importance of beating sporting, but to buttress how Mikel must get the lads to swing back the momentum our way before what's left of the season drifts beyond our grip. The team has been here before, and they must recognise what is at stake here, the nay sayers are pen ready to write that narrative that they have been pushing. So lads, go into this 2nd leg tie not underestimating sporting, NO.  We’ve seen what can happen. Liverpool knocked out 0-4 on aggregate. Atletico holding off Barca to progress, despite Barca being favourites initially. No game is safe. No tie is done, especially one thats at 1-0. Go into this game to beat them and remind yourselves how good you have been and can be. Get  the confidence boost as we go into the potential #EPL title decider at the weekend. For now though, lets write a new chapter in our history by not just qualifying for back to back #UCL Semi finals, but go all the way to win it. Yeah , still games to go, and beating sporting ensures we can look to making that happen. Obviously we have a few injury worries (that's no Arsenal breaking news) with Saka, Timber, Calafiori and Odegaard all said to be unavailable. Rice a doubt and Ben white needing a rest (3 games in a row). Lets see if we can field this team selection below:

UCL: #ArsSpo

I'd be leaving Gyökeres, Eze, Martinelli and Trossard on the bench to give Max a good shot at causing damage with his ability to take on players, he would also be starting for me versus ManCity. Arsenal need a disruptor and he currently is the only one with that ability outside Calafiori, Eze is more of a moments player. Ben White gets a rest as well as Zubi, who I am leaving out not to pile on but he has been running on empty for a bit now and I think the #EPL intensity is catching up. He would be back stronger, plus, Norgaard could do with some confidence boosting minutes. The front line, I know is tilted towards ballers not finishers(hope they take their chances though). The idea is to work up our confidence in our ability to actually play, because we can. The rest of the team picks itself and one hopes its more than enough to get the win over Sporting. On that note, thats it from us at #Anaijagunner hQ, enjoy the game wherever you are....#COYG

Sporting 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners Get the Job Done|| The #EPL Title Run-in: Bournemouth Preview

 Sporting 0–1 Arsenal: Gunners Get the Job Done in Lisbon

Arsenal went to Lisbon needing a response in the Champions League, and they got it, not pretty, not flash but effective. It wasn’t exciting, although it was dominant, but it was effective. After two straight losses across competitions, the Gunners needed a response and they got it. Attention now shifts back to the league with Bournemouth coming to the Emirates.

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#UCL  Review

Arsenal went to Lisbon to do a job on Sporting and they did. The Portuguese club hasn’t exactly had a good run against English opposition and that turned out to be true. Well, some reminded me they did knock the Gunners out in the Europa League semis on pens a couple of years back I think. Besides that, it’s been losses or draws at best against English opposition. In the early exchanges, the Portuguese club came out of the blocks with an aggression that seemed to knock us off our stride a little. There was that pass that sliced the defence and Suarez was in behind. He smashed one into the upright for a warning shot. Replays showed that Raya had his fingertips to the shot for a crucial save that kept the tie level pre interval.

Image Cred: Arsenal.com

The Gunners gradually eased into the game, wrestling control back. They effectively kept their opponents at bay for most of the half. On the Arsenal side, our possession dominance didn’t exactly mean we pummelled their goalie with shot after shot, which is the not so good part. Martin Odegaard, just back from injury was trying to pick pockets with his neat little passes but most were cut out if risky or played too safe to retain possession. The Odegaard conundrum continues, we miss him when he is unavailable due to injury and when he comes back, he plays to divide opinion. It’s just a head scratcher, his last stellar season was 2022/23, seems like an eternity right now. I fancy Odegaard to turn things around but he needs to stay fit first, the injuries aren’t helping.

The Gunners were happy to go into the interval at nil nil, the Portuguese weren’t.

After the interval the two sides tried without success to break the deadlock, Raya was called upon to make a few routine saves, and Mikel made his substitutions, bringing on Martinelli, Max and Havertz. That was the master stroke, Havertz stroked home a well controlled ball from a peach pass by Martinelli, 0-1 to the Arsenal. Raya was called on to make another save close to the dying minutes of the game to ensure we left Lisbon with all 3 points. It wasn’t pretty, neither was it bland, it was effective. Watching PSG carve Liverpool time after time again shows why playing sexy football isn’t exactly what it’s made out to be by these pundits. Pundits like Schmeichel making it seem Liverpool played smart being compact and defensive, yet turns around to hypocritically slam Arsenal for leaning into their defensive strength.

The Arsenal team has to find the balance between attack and defence if we are being objective and one hopes Mikel is able to get his team drop the shackles. We got back to basics, stemmed the tide of two straight losses across comps, and returned to winning ways. One hopes we can now push on for the final seven weeks of the season across both competitions.

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Now unto the #EPL

Arsenal's first #EPL game of April sees the Gunners  welcoming the Cherries from Bournemouth in an early lunch time kickoff at the Emirates on Saturday. I am really not a big fan of early midday kickoff, most are babana skins or close for us, hopefully this isn't. The reverse fixture ended in a 2-3 Arsenal win and one would hope this game would end with Arsenal repeating the win. Andoni Iraola has gotten a tune out of this team, making them able to go toe to toe with the best, one can’t underestimate the Cherries even without Semenyo. They do have a leaky defence if one is looking for an Achilles heel in the team, Iraola hasn’t been able to get that fixed. They are an attacking side first, with the ability to hurt any team. City dropped points at their ground after all.

The bouncing back to winning ways following the crushing cup defeats should be propellant for the boiz to go on and will the game to their own desired outcome, a win. One would hope the Gunners can get down to business from the whistle, Bournemouth like to score an early goal, taking advantage of teams who fail to settle into their stride on time. Rasping attackers like Kroupie, Tavernier, Evanilson can hurt you if you are not switched on. With only 7 more games to go, 5 wins to secure the league, the Gunners will have to start off the blocks ready. Staying compact and defensively disciplined to ensure we give no chances away. Good enough the starting backline appears to be intact following the #UCL outing. We also hear Eze and Hincapie may be back, honestly we could do with some luck regarding our injuries.

It’s squeeky bum time, most pundits want Arsenal to fold so that they can banter the gunners. 

Arteta:

 "We know the meaning of every match and the opportunity that we have, especially when we play at home. We need to maximise every result. It’s about each individual and how we turn up there. It’s actually impacting the game, the atmosphere and energy in the stadium. The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us. The players know it, our supporters know it. It's an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, and let's go all together for it because it has to be a big day."

The gunners will have to prove they deserve to win the league, there’s no other way to do this. An ugly 1-0 to the arsenal win or a pulsating 3-2 win all give 3 points. The rival fans can decide if they wanna watch us bore our way to the league title or just accept us as Champions elect. My team sheet would look like this, hoping Eze is able to start on the bench

#ARVBOU

Not too sure about our captain starting but I stuck him in, while Benny Blanco would be best served coming off the bench after two straight starts and playing almost 90 minutes in both games. Mosquera for all his solidity can also be a bit shaky yeah, but we are gonna have to preserve White, cuz no Timber.

Moving away from the games to some rumors, one hears the Arsenal hierarchy look to be open to selling two of our prized youngsters in MLS and Ethan. The duo have seen little game time during the course of this season, despite a valid argument against why that is. Mikel would be the one to look at here. He was the one who gave these lads a chance to show they could step up and step up they did, especially last season. This season has been a complete 360, as much as I liked the investment in the squad this past summer, one cant deny that, these two are able to contribute meaningfully to the team even with the thick squad. I would hope the rumours are just that, here say that turns out to be false. No smoke without fire though. My take, if MLS and Nnwaneri get sold in the summer, Arsenal would likely regret it. Before you point to the Meridas, Jay-Emmanuels, Owusu Abeyes, Zelalems, Jeff Renees, Miyachis and more recently, Eddies or Smith Rowes. I agree they haven't torn up trees since leaving but these two are different (Yes I am being sentimental). I hope they stay cuz they are bound for greatness, call it a gut feeling. Anyway, I guess thats the wrap from us here at #Anaijagunner HQ, dont forget to like the post, share and subscribe. Enjoy the game wherever you are.....#COYG

Sporting vs Arsenal Preview: UCL Quarter-Final, Gunners Look to Bounce Back After Cup Losses?

 Arsenal Reality Check : UCL Quarter-Final in Lisbon & Time to Respond.

A happy Easter Celebration to all our gooners celebrating the season. Its going to be a reflective one here.  Football is back from the boring international break and most would say thank God it is back, at least club football that is. For us Arsenal fans, it’s been even more harrowing with back-to-back losses in two competitions, kissing any Quad fantasies goodbye. I hate to be the one to say I told you so, so I won’t say that, but I did warn the fan base. Feet on the ground, don’t get sucked into the hype, stay focused and all that… easier said than done.

Reflections:

I remember back in 2006 when Arsenal played in its first UCL final, but the real lesson was in 2004 when the Invincibles should have been favourites to win it ahead of Jose Mouriho's all conquering Porto. All we needed to do was get past a Ranieri-led Chelsea in the last eight but...Wayne Bridge ended that dream. We then crashed out of the FA Cup following that exit even though Arsenal marched on to win the #EPL unbeaten. Is history repeating itself or is it rhyming? The daggers and taunts from rival fans plus the media are out again. Arsenal bottling it, they say. Are they? A season that looked like it was written in the stars is suddenly raising questions about our mettle. Rightfully or not, the criticism isn’t going anywhere until Arsenal wins a major trophy, #EPL, #UCL or even the #FA Cup.

#UCL Image Credit: Arsenal.com

With just the EPL & UCL to save the season, Mikel and the boys are staring down the barrel right now. After spending well in the summer, it would be a travesty to end the season without at least one of those trophies. I know some will still complain even if we win one, but I’d disregard the rage-bait narratives from the media chasing clicks and engagement. Obi Mikel, I see you. The players have to turn the pain of that defeat to City in the League Cup into fuel. The manner of those losses in the last two cup exits must be reflected on as lessons, not something to dwell on like weak minds would. If I were Arteta, I’d be showing them the tapes, telling them to relive that pain and then go out and respond in the next game, and the next, and the next.

That has to be the mission now.

I know this is a bit of a reflective piece, but it’s time for the boys to man up and show they’ve learnt from finishing second three times in a row.

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Champions League Preview: Sporting vs Arsenal

Enough of the sober reflection. There’s still plenty to play for in the #EPL & in the #UCL. Our next opponent Sporting pulled off a proper Houdini act against Bodo Glimt, overturning a 0–3 deficit from their first leg defeat in Norway. That alone tells you everything. This is not a team you take lightly.

Luis Suarez has stepped in after Victor Gyökeres left, and they look organised, dangerous and full of belief. It’s shaping up to be one of those proper European nights, almost like a grudge match. Yeah I know we spanked then 1-5 last season but .Arsenal will need to be wary of falling to yet another upset.

Now it’s Lisbon.

There isn’t much to overcomplicate here. The lads just need to get back to winning ways. That’s it. The losses to City and Southampton need to be parked, not forgotten, but parked. A strong performance and a win is the best response. Gyökeres returns to his old stomping ground, no hero’s welcome expected. This is business. A rested midfield pivot of Rice and Zubi should give us control. With Saka out, it’s Madueke or Max on the right. Martinelli hasn’t been at it recently, this is the time to rediscover that cup form. Questions remain over Ben White’s fitness for consistent minutes, but if Timber is out and Big Gabby isn’t fit, then we don’t really have a choice.

#SpoVsArs

The performance has to be disciplined and professional. Stay compact. Give Sporting nothing. Then take the chances when they come. Simple! On that note, we say that's it from us at #Anaijagunner HQ. it is time for a response from the lads and Mikel. Do Enjoy the game wherever you are....#COYG

EPL Collapse in Europe? || Arsenal Through to UCL Quarters || Wembley Final Showdown vs Man City

UCL Review: #ARSLEV

What the heck happened to the most exciting league in the world? The trashings sure weren’t exciting to watch. We touted the strength of the #EPL, flexing five teams finishing in the top eight of the UCL group stage, but come knockout rounds, it’s been general spanking for most English clubs. Barcelona decimated Newcastle in the second half. The Geordies were very much in it up to the interval but lost to uncharacteristically cheap giveaways. Spurs followed up their impressive draw at Anfield in the #EPL with a home win against Atletico Madrid, 3–2 on the night, but the damage had already been done in the first leg where they got smacked 5–2 away. They showed some spirit though, something fans at the London Stadium have been calling for since Thomas Frank was shown the exit.

#UCL Last 8

Chelsea on the other hand continued their winless run, or losing streak (take your pick) as they got routed at the Bridge by a rampant PSG, 0–3. It’s obvious the Parisians took that WCC loss personally and wanted to set the record straight. They spanked Chelsea 8–2 on aggregate. Still feeling the blues, they capped off a disastrous week with another 3–0 loss to Everton in the league in game week 31. With only one win in eight across all competitions, respecting the ball or not… Liam Rosenior’s team have ISSUES.

Moving from one shade of blue to another, the most unexpected score line was Manchester City’s loss to Madrid. I don’t think anyone expected or favoured Real to advance, but football has a way of making fools of fans and pundits alike. Real turned up, dialed up the class and used that savvy experience to dismantle Pep’s side. Some will say the job was done at the Bernabeu, others will point to Bernardo’s red card killing any comeback hopes, but either way, City fell short of expectations. Simple. 

As it stands, only Liverpool and Arsenal made it to the quarter-finals. After all that winter hype, there’s been no spring to life from English clubs. Whether it’s the schedule or the lack of a winter break, something needs looking at. 

Now to Arsenal. We won, and the performance was much better, as expected in the Champions League. Funny trend this, expansive in Europe, revert to type in the #EPL. I had to catch this one without the nerves of a live watch, but even then you could see the control. Arsenal started slow before taking charge and winning 2–0. Leverkusen’s keeper had a blinder in the first half, denying Trossard, Saka, Rice, White and Eze to keep things level until the 35th minute. Then Eze said enough is enough. The build-up was smooth, Trossard teeing him up, but the finish… proper cracker on the swivel. The celebration.....Majestic. That was Eze!

Second half, Arsenal doubled it. Rice with an exquisite finish into the far corner after a brilliant press. Zubi started it, Saka and White closed it down, forced the error, Rice picked it, drove and finished. Proper team goal. Raya had to stay alert late on with a smart save to secure the clean sheet, the 22nd in 49 games. He has to be right up there for Player of the Season. Outstanding.

Nice to see Ben White back as well, he just elevates Saka with those overlaps. Timber has been unreal, but Benny Blanco gives that extra forward thrust. Gyökeres didn’t score but held the ball well, linked play and continues to chip in, 16 goals across competitions… not bad for a man running in baggy jeans. 3–1 on aggregate won’t grab headlines, but the job got done. That’s what matters.!

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European Context

It sets up a quarter-final against Sporting, who did what City couldn’t, a proper comeback, smashing Bodø/Glimt 5–0 in Portugal. Credit to them, belief backed up by performance. And fair play to Bodø too, they’ve put Norwegian football on the map.

Zooming out again, the #EPL hasn’t exactly backed up its hype in Europe this round. From five teams flexing early to just two standing. That drop-off is telling. Whether it’s fatigue, scheduling or just football being football, the conversation will be had.

But Arsenal? Still standing. Still moving.

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Carabao Cup Final Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester City

Now we turn our attention to Sunday, the EFL final at Wembley. Arteta vs Pep, the apprentice going against the Master in Guadiola, the backdrop of losing two of the last three league titles to Pep, its all finely balanced. Its also an opportunity to hit bulls eye with the first domestic trophy win. Its tough one to call this cuz City has some jekyll/Mr Hyde typeness about the, you don't know which you gonna get. On their day, Haaland Cherki, Semeyo and co can wreck havoc if you allow them. On the flipside, they have this midfield that's so so, i dont know how to put it, easily bypassed and a backline that does give teams chances so hey. Arsenal on the other hand are not easy on the eye, we have been labeled all sorts of haram ball synno-names, all because we find a way to win, its absolutely unbelievable. The gunners can suffocate your play with that rock solid defence, and a compact midfield, maybe a slightly above average attack. The game is well poised for what may be like attack vs defence. 

Having said all that, if the fixture at the emirates is an indicator of the mind set of both teams going into this, we may see a flip in the pictures I have just painted above. In other words, this game is a hard one to call. Yeah, city has lost their last two FA cup finals at Wembley, Yes...Arteta has an impeccable record of wins at Wembley (as a player & coach). Yes.... Arsenal are on current form, the favorites, yes, Arsenal are the one under huge pressure to get this trophy, a second since Arteta won the FA cup win in 2020. So its Arsenals to lose or City's to win, or its Arsenals to win and City's to lose. I just hope the lads are up for it, mentally and emotionally first, then ready for the physical performance on the pitch. I know this is a bit of a ramble but at this point I just want the Arsenal to WIN! Some interesting selection headaches for both gaffers. The most contentious one is in the goal keeping department, Kepa or Raya in goal? Personally, I'd go with Kepa, even if Raya is the better goal keeper, its not een a contest right now. As much as winning is important, Kepa won us our way to the finals init? So why suddenly say to him indirectly that he isn't good enough by flipping Raya on him? I mean, I see the validity in want to play your supposed best team always. I get that....but, Kepa deserves the nod, it in my own humble opinion. The defence picks itself after that, Ben white should be able to play another 60 odd minutes. on that note, here is my team selection below:

#ARSMCI

Keeping some of our powder dry, Martinelli, Trossard Madueke and Jesus as attackers on the bench. I would like us to smash City, get those cobwebs out of our head. I don't know how to call this though, Pep would want to grab some silverware this season and If Arsenal does keep the foot on the gas in the #EPL, and City being out of the UCL, the available options for silverware are disappearing fast. Either way, while i am cautiously optimistic on winning this, I am wary of Peps ingenuity when he really wants to go for it. I wouldn't expect Arsenal to play within themselves, pragmatically, lets turn up the heat, get at their midfield which lacks runners, force turn overs from their left/right backs, basically stifle City's flow then score a couple set pieces, just to piss Obi-Mikel Off...LOL. Anyway on that cheeky note, we call it a day from #Anaijaguners team, do enjoy the game wherever you are....#COYG

Arsenal Leave It Late vs Everton: 9 Point Gap Opens || Leverkusen Next & Squeaky Bum Time

Arsenal got the job done at the Emirates, but it wasn’t straightforward. What looked like another frustrating night turned into late delirium, and with City dropping points, the gap opened up again. Attention now quickly shifts to Europe and a massive weekend ahead.

Everton Review

10-point gap beckons, touch wood. Okay we made it 10, then City drew at Westham to make it 9 points. Thanks Maverapanos, Arsene Wenger you sly de***l. You Saw into the future. ...loll. 

Ok, unto the match. Arsenal started the game asking the questions, forcing the issue. Calafiori had some pops and in between his attempts Madueke stung the palms of Pickford in Everton’s goal. It was clear the lads knew they had a job to do and got on with it.

Gradually, the Toffees weathered the early flurry of Arsenal threats and grew into the game. Calafiori would then be the man to keep us in it with an unbelievable block from a Dwight McNeil shot. How he contorted himself instinctively was beyond me. Then McNeil again came back for another bite with a curling shot that beat Raya before crashing into the top of the upright. Moyes and Ndiaye had their hands over their heads in amazement. 

Arsenal had the larger spells of possession but being Everton, they punched back at us dangerously, dragging us to the ropes with some smart play. It was always going to be a long night. And so it turned out to be. Everton gave little change. They were grafting for each other, putting in an insane work rate. Each time we tried to pick the lock or break away, they were quick to shut it down with a block or clearance. Eze played Havertz through on goal and he went to ground hoping for a pen, but the ref wasn’t having it. It was Dewsbury-Hall who again tested Raya with a smart effort around the half-hour mark. Saka was trying his best, but Mykolenko made sure he got little joy down the right. To be fair, Saka worked the Everton backline more in this game, but Everton were just stoic throughout.

That sequence just before half-time summed it up. Saka shot blocked, then Madueke, then Eze. Everything blocked. Saliba tried to play line-breaking passes but it just never came off. The half ended all square. Second half, Arsenal came out with a bit more urgency. For all the work, Eze looked like the man on a mission, taking shots at goal, most blocked or narrowly off target. He was on it, trying to make something happen. That curler from the Rice pirouette pass was the highlight. Pickford for once was in no man’s land, scrambling across goal. But still, the game was flickering into a stalemate. The coaches on both sides were tense. Even Moyes got booked for giving the fourth official an earful. Arteta almost ripped off his pants with another questionable call  by the Ref against Eze. Its a miracle he ddnt get a yellow, while Moyes got booked. That was interesting. Anyway, with lest than half an hour to go, 

Time to roll the dice.

Arteta brought on Dowman for Zubi, Gyökeres for Havertz, and Martinelli for Madueke. Much as I didn’t like the Havertz sub at first, I understood it. Big week ahead and he’s just back from injury.

The key sub was Dowman.

The boy came on and turned on the orchestra. Started waving that wand, weaving past players on the wing. It was his cross that led to the chaos in the Everton box that created Gyökeres’ chance.

In less than 16 minutes, he had more dribbles, created chances, drew fouls. The boy literally dragged the team to lay a hand on the league title.

And then that moment.

I’m sure many of us Gooners have watched those last few minutes over and over again just to relive it. From the first clearance header by Gyökeres, to Martinelli’s cushioned header, to Dowman racing into the history books as the youngest EPL goal scorer.

Delirium!!

But… calm.

In 2002, a youg 17 year old in Wayne Rooney announces his arrival to the #EPL with a scorcher against David sSeaman in Arsenal's goal, 24 years later, Arsenal have repaid the favour.

David Moyes was effusive in his praise for how we dug in to get the win

''The block for Dweight Mcneil from Calafiori was unbelievable. it tells a little bit about where Arsenal are, you know they are fighting for it. Defending their goal with their lives, Probably in the end maybe I think Raya probably made more saves then Pickford. But, the block from calafiori was amazing''

That attitude is the difference. I am daring to make that claim, with a caveat, Liverpool bottled their league title charge after 30 games with that famous Gerrard slip in 2013/14 Vs Chelsea. It was the 36th League game and the Reds lost the game 0-2 at Anfield, allowing Manuel Pellegrini's Man City to win it. So yeah, if that can happen 36 games in, we have to say calm down everyone. FOCUS!

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#EPL Title Context

Now that we’re back down to earth, let’s look at the bigger picture.

The nine-point gap is there. City have a game in hand against Palace which could bring it down. Then there’s still the head-to-heads. Nothing is done yet.

Across Europe, English clubs haven’t exactly done justice to the “best league in the world” narrative. Most struggled. Some lost heavily. It hasn’t been convincing.

But Arsenal right now are finding ways.

Grinding. Bending games.

That’s been the difference.

City’s  has a crunch game versus Madrid. Its hard to see them coming back from that 5-2 smashing they got at the Bernabeu but its Peps Mancity at -3 goal difference, so there is a very slim chance. They are going to have to call on the legions of their heroes past though, to have any shot at overturning the deficit. The subplot is how it affects Peps preparation for the cup final at the weekend and his chase for the #EPL title. If they go out of the champions league, they may use that as fire in the belly to go all out for the league cup or they may be so crest fallen and they lose the will to fight.  Madrid expect to travel with some of their stars returning from Injury, like Mbappe. I doubt he starts though, if anything, Arbeloa is likey to go with the same team that did city in on their home turf. Whatever is to happen, its up to the citizens to decide their own fate, i think I see a team that's lost its will to fight, I may be wrong. The look on Haaland, the constant moaning by Silva and Rodri about referees and Donaruma suddenly making some basic errors. Am I complaining?..Naah!

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Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs Leverkusen

Now attention turns to Leverkusen. They come into this off a 1–1 draw with Bayern, even with two red cards in that game. That tells you everything about how difficult they are to break down. If Bayern couldn’t open them up properly, Arsenal know exactly what’s coming. This is a balanced tie. The path to the quarter-finals is right there, but Leverkusen stand in the way. Arsenal are favourites, but that means nothing if we don’t show up.

If we approach it like we did in Germany, we might not get another second chance. If we play with at the minimum, the kind of urgency we showed against Everton, we should have enough. This is the business end now. Legs tired, minds heavy, margins tight. Find a way. Bend the game to our will. That’s what has separated Arsenal this season from the rest.

Big week ahead. Leverkusen at home, then City at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. That one could be massive psychologically. First trophy on the line. Mikel has a strong Wembley record, three out of three. Let’s see if it becomes four out of four, touch wood. Selection-wise, players are looking knackered. Zubi could barely move at the end. Rice needs a breather. Saka can’t keep going non-stop. Time to trust the squad. Nørgaard, MLS, fresh legs. We need to be smart. We’ve started the week well, now go finish it. See my predicted eleven to start versus Leverkusen below.

#ARSLEV

Like I alluded to, Mikel needs to give Zubi a rest, I also feel Ben white gives us more attacking pep than Mosquera, since we are at home, we have to try to put the game to bed as early as possible, so we can take players off for the weekend. Having the unpredictable wild card of Dowman is a nice luxury but make no mistake Arsenal will need a rampaging Saka vs Man City in the Carabao Cup final this weekend. He played better versus Everton, although still way off peak Bukayo. The main thing is, next couple of games require smart rotation. It would be interesting to see how Mikel is able to balance the one game at a time approach while also having eyes on the fixture list. Squeaky bum time!! That's it from us here at #Anaijagunner hQ, like, sub, comment and enjoy the game wherever you are....#COYG

Leverkusen 1–1 Arsenal: Late Penalty Saves Gunners Blushes in Germany || Everton #EPL Preview

Bayern 1–1 Arsenal: Penalty Escape 

Arsenal left Germany with a 1–1 draw after a night that was very far from convincing but ultimately keeps the tie alive heading back to the Emirates. The Gunners struggled to find rhythm for large spells at the BayArena and needed a late  soft penalty to escape with something to take back to North London. With the return leg still to come and Everton next up in the league, the result sits somewhere between relief and frustration.

First....the tweet.

RT @bayer04_en: WE SCORED FROM A CORNER!!!!!!! - X

I had to laugh at the irony of the satire from the Leverkusen social media team. Fair play to them. Good banter all around and it’s nice to see the football world can still dish out light-hearted jokes without everyone going to war over it. 

Unto the game proper.

That wasn’t the best of performances at all. Arsenal went to the BayArena knowing we had a job to do and we almost left there empty handed. In the end the Gunners were bailed out by what many would call a soft penalty on Madueke. Arsenal started reasonably well, taking the game to Leverkusen from the off. We had a couple of early sniffs, Martinelli smashing one against the upright and another promising moment around the nineteenth and twenty-fourth minutes. But beyond that early spell the performance became very slow and ponderous in fits.

I want to believe Mikel will rip into a couple of players after that showing. Bukayo Saka in particular was not at the races at all. His form this season has quite a few of us raising eyebrows even allowing for the injuries he has had to manage. Eze wasn’t incisive enough either, while Martinelli simply didn’t run at his defender nearly enough. Too much hugging of the ball and not enough direct running at defenders.

This was the type of game that needed Martin Ødegaard’s probing dictation. Our captain can be annoyingly slow at times but he knits things together in a way Eze cannot quite replicate. That said they are different types of creators. Eze is the one who cuts you where it hurts without you even seeing it coming, while Martin is the one who does you in by a thousand cuts.

Now all that said Leverkusen deserve credit as well. They kept Arsenal at bay by refusing to come flying out all guns blazing. Christian Fofanii of Cameroon gave our defenders something to think about all night, particularly in his duels with Saliba. They sat in a disciplined shape and did not give us the spaces between the lines that Arsenal normally exploit through those little triangles of passing.

Our midfield dynamism also looked blunted. Rice is not looking his sharpest right now and Zubimendi looks far from it as well. Mikel may need to give those two a breather somehow and that probably means more playing time for Nørgaard. Mikel rightly substituted Saka for Noni Madueke, who had been in my predicted starting line-up. He immediately showed why. He tried to take on the left-back and eventually won the foul that led to the penalty. I call it a soft penalty because in another game with another referee it might easily have been waved away. I understand the arguments from those who thought it shouldn’t have been given because the angles weren’t crystal clear. But there was contact and the referee pointed to the spot.

The referee had a strange game overall. He didn’t show a second yellow for the shoulder barge on Gyökeres which many felt deserved it. At the same time I can understand the discretion given how early in the match it happened, . Referees often hesitate to reduce a game to ten men inside five minutes. That said, I really dont understand his cards for Havertz and Zubi though and as much as I didn’t like the irony of that same player later scoring instead of being off the pitch, I also prefer the eleven versus eleven contest he allowed. On the whole though, when you step back and look at the bigger picture, Arsenal fans can still take a little comfort from the result. A draw at the BayArena isn’t ideal but it’s far from the end of the world either. We take the tie back to the Emirates where you would expect Arsenal to finish the job. We’re entering squeaky bum time now and Mikel needs to make sure the players stay switched on.

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#EPL In The Mud?

Looking at the broader landscape, the performances of English clubs in Europe this week didn’t exactly help the narrative that the Premier League is the best league in the world. Across the first round of knockout matches most of them struggled badly. Aston Villa were the only English side to win, taking their match away at Lille. Arsenal, Newcastle and Palace managed draws while others lost, most notably Manchester City and Chelsea who both lost by three goal margins.

City’s defeat to Real Madrid was the most surprising result. Many people expected Manchester City to tear Madrid apart, especially with the Spanish side missing players like Mbappé, Rodrygo and Bellingham. Real Madrid haven’t been particularly impressive this season even by their own sometimes relaxed standards but they turned up with a workmanlike attitude and the result showed it. Trent once said the Champions League is simply different and teams raise their levels for it. That might explain what we saw. Don’t be surprised if Madrid turn around and drop points in La Liga against Elche this weekend. As for Manchester City, it’s hard to see Pep Guardiola’s side turning that tie around in the return leg. But this competition has produced some unbelievable comebacks over the years so I won’t completely rule it out yet.

Chelsea against PSG looks finished though. PSG took things personally and Chelsea unfortunately played right into their hands. At 2–2 they should have shut the game down. Even when their goalkeeper gifted PSG a 3–2 lead they still kept pushing forward in a naive way and PSG punished them through Kvaratskhelia, who by the way is some player.  

Looking at it all together it seems likely that only two or three English teams might progress to the quarter-finals. Sure, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle still have work to do because nothing is ever won on paper.

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Everton Preview

Back to the league now and Arsenal have an opportunity to create a little more daylight between themselves and Manchester City this weekend when David Moyes brings Everton to the Emirates. A win puts the gunners 10 points clear of ManCity, albeit with two games less played. The Gunners haven’t exactly been tearing down trees recently but they have been grinding out victories. Everton’s away form is surprisingly strong as well, fourth best in the league, so Arsenal could easily find themselves in another scrap for the three points. I’m not expecting a scintillating game but football has a funny way of surprising you. Everton under Moyes are a difficult team to break down. They sit deep, stay organised and rely on a hardworking midfield. Arsenal cannot afford to approach this match casually. This might actually be the type of game for players like Eze, Noni and Dowman. Players capable of creating a little chaos in structured defensive setups. Martinelli may find it tougher against a side that will likely sit deep and try to counter through players like Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye. Winning the midfield battle will be key. Rice and Zubimendi must stay disciplined and squeeze Everton into mistakes while Eze demands the ball and looks for those gaps for our runners on the wings.

Gyökeres could also be useful as a physical presence against defenders like Keane and Tarkowski. Arsenal may need someone willing to be a battering ram when the game gets scrappy. Set pieces may not be the best route either. Everton actually defend corners very well according to the numbers. But if one drops our way we’ll take it. And if certain pundits or podcasters Like Mikel Obi or Schmeichel decide they still don’t recognise Arsenal goals then that’s their business. As long as the scoreboard says Arsenal won and the Premier League table confirms it, they can keep their opinions. On the podcasting note, watchout for our 'youtube shortcast'. 

Thierry Henry said it best. 'You don’t have to like how Arsenal play. But you will have to respect it.'

Nuff said.

At this stage of the season with eight games remaining all fans really care about is one thing. Find the will to win. Its become more and more mentally psychological than physical now. The players must understand this and tune out all the noise, however difficult it may be. My team sheet would wring in a couple changes to be more attacking as shown below.

#ARSEVE

Like I alluded to, Mikel needs to give Zubi a rest, his passing range has also dipped and he is looking less energetic, Rice too, but he has a more robust engine to keep going, even while running on fumes. That isn't to say he is not in danger of injury, he definitely is. Arteta still needs to learn how to trust his squad depth. I'd be tempted to do something like playing Max and Noni only. give Saka a day off. He was totally off it in midweek, Arsenal need him back in beast mode vs Man City in the Carabao Cup final next weekend but knowing Mikel, he wont try something that unpredictable. The main thing is,  next couple of games require smart rotation. It would be interesting to see how Mikel is able to balance the one game at a time approach while also having eyes on the fixture list. Squeaky bum time!! That's it from us here at #Anaijagunner hQ, like, sub, comment and enjoy the game wherever you are....#COYG