Sunday, 7 October 2018

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


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