The Eze Derby Ends 1–0 to the Arsenal
So the Eze Derby ends 1–0 to the Arsenal. Arsenal has completed that turnaround from teams that proved too difficult for them last season Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace. 12 points from 4 this season, compared to just 2 last time around. That’s a 10-point reversal. Even though we’ve dropped to 1 point from Liverpool and City ties, you still have to applaud the team for clawing those points back. It shows Mikel and the lads looked at last season’s dropped points and said, “Too many draws if you want to win a league.” So, well done, lads, let’s keep this going.
Tactical Chess at the Emirates
It wasn’t flashy, but as Mikel said, “the most valuable three points of the season.” I expected a tough game. Crystal Palace have been hard to beat, and Oliver Glasner set them up deep, a low block, sitting deep, hoping to hit us on the counter. The visitors had some anxiety-raising moments, but nothing to worry, Raya. So folks who are saying another set-piece goal by Arsenal, I mean, look at how teams set up against Arsenal when they come visiting. If you go back to watch their manner of play against Bournemouth last week, it was very open, end-to-end stuff. However, teams come to the Emirates and sit back, calling for Arsenal to go on the break and break them down. Besides Leeds, all teams have come to the Emirates and done so, just look at Pep and Man City. The set-piece situation is becoming so prevalent only because Arsenal attack and teams sit back under a lot of pressure, allowing the team to cough up a set-piece opportunity. We can't dictate how teams should play. If they choose to frustrate Arsenal with a low block, Arsenal has found another way to outmaneuver such ploys with the deadliness in set pieces. Could we do with a lot more goals from open play? Yes, absolutely, but the same applies to teams visiting; teams should come to the Emirates, let's play...Simple.
Anyway, my plenti shalaye aside, Arsenal was ponderous in the first half but played better come the second, Saka came close, Big Gabby crashed one off the post, Rice couldnt score with his follow up. The question is, we were the ones pushing, Palace was making it tough as any team would. Could we use more goals from open play? Absolutely. But when teams park the bus, you find another route. Arsenal have, and that’s growth. Another qetion I'd like to clarify is when exactly does a 'set piece' stop being in play? Eze disnt exactly score from a set piece did he? I am just asing for a fren😊
Eze’s Brilliance and Arsenal’s Balance
Like I said in my preview I backed Eze to haunt his former team and he did. He gave us that moment of magic in a tight game. Palace offered little, Mateta had nearly 0XG, and they managed just a single shot on goal. I honestly cant remember when Nketiah had that said shot, someone please help juggle my memory in the comments.Arsenal had 10 attempts, 3 on target, and pushed for the win.
Eze, to be fair, has been knocking near misses against West Ham, duel with Nick Pope against the Geordies, Liverpool, and now he’s delivered his 1st of many #EPL goals. His contributions are already tangible: 4 points from our 22-point tally are down to him. That’s 20% from one player, not bad at all.
As he settles into Mikel’s rhythm, Eze’s influence will only grow. The month of October’s been solid overall, but the injury list is creeping up — Rice nursing a knock, Saka and Martinelli unwell, Saliba subbed early, Gyökeres looking fatigued. With Ødegaard and Kai out until November, Mikel’s squad management will be crucial.
Eyes on the EFL Cup: Arsenal vs Brighton Preview
Next up the EFL Cup 4th Round, Arsenal vs Brighton at the Emirates. Brighton, despite being thrashed by United, are no mugs. With talents like Gomez, Mitoma, Baleba, and a resurgent Welbeck, they’ll test Arsenal’s depth. Their recruitment model remains unmatched — lose stars, replace smartly, and still profit. I wish we’d borrow a leaf from that scouting book! Expect rotation from Mikel, but hopefully without losing defensive solidity. Knowing that the seagulls have been in fine scoring form in this tournament makes it even more of a crunch tie. Diego Gomez has been their main man, with 5 goals in this tournament, the gunners would need to keep a close watch on him. Arteta understands the improtance of this cup as the gunners havent won it in a bit, not like we havent come close, a number of Semi's and Finals defeats have left us empty handed, last season anyone. He says its time and I agree with him
Arteta: "I think Fabian has added something slightly different. They're a very well-prepared team, very difficult to beat them, you've seen the results against the big teams as well. So we expect a really tough match. "It's a competition that we haven't won in many, many years, and it has to start tomorrow. We have to play a great game in order to be able to beat a very good Brighton side, we know that, we are prepared for that, and we have to show it on the pitch."
My lineup prediction: Ben White, MLS, Mosquera get minutes; Nørgård and Zubi in midfield with Ethan in the 10, Eze and Max on the flanks. As for striker — Gyökeres needs a rest, probalbly Trossard or even Merino leads the line if Martinelli remains a doubt. See how I'd line up below.
Solid month so far, Gunners — keep the energy
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