The Sack of Thomas Frank & Sean Dyche
This is going to be quick! I know it’s been a bit, but we have to start off with the sack of Silver card member Thomas Frank, who got the boot. I’m sure y’all know I like him as a bloke, despite him being a former Spurs coach. But, let’s be real, he had it coming. Tiny Totts are closer to relegation than the top half of the EPL table, with no win in their last 5 league games. Losing at home to Newcastle, who themselves are not having the best of seasons, was probably the last straw. When you’re relying on Manchester United to snatch a last-minute draw that denies West Ham all 3 points—points that could’ve sucked you into the relegation fight you know it’s dire. It was definitely coming.
Sean Dyche wasn’t spared either. Marinakis got tired of waiting. I’d love to be a party pooper and say "serves Marinakis right," but I actually kinda like Forest. They had a good manager in Nuno, who knew what he was doing. But the owner had to show who was in charge by firing him, upsetting a stable setup... too bad. Anyway, let’s get back to things at Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Loss to Man United & Recent Performances
We couldn’t hold our nerve against Man United, falling to a Cunha curler that led to our only loss this season at the Emirates. That game left us with 2 points from 3 matches, after failing to capitalize on City’s slips in their equivalent fixtures. Arteta still hadn’t beaten Carrick in 4 attempts (if I’m not mistaken). Arsenal started the game well, pressing United really high, eventually taking the lead. But a mistake by Zubimendi (who’s been sensational this season, by the way) gifted Mbuemo the equalizer, and from there, United took control.
Dorgu put them ahead with another cracker from distance, although the ball clearly touched his hand before he rifled it past Raya. No excuse for losing our heads, though. Arsenal equalized from Merino (who’s out for the season, by the way), and you thought, "Okay, let’s go on and get the win," but it wasn’t meant to be. We got sloppy on the right flank. Rice couldn’t clear the ball, and Cunha bent one around Big Gabby and beyond Raya. United got the deserved win—no excuses. There are arguments for a penalty against Maguire, but it wasn’t clear and obvious for VAR.
Credit to Man United. They played better, but did they deserve the win? Not so sure. The boos from the fans were unsavory though. Really? Have we become Spurs? But we move.
Recent Wins & FA Cup Focus
Since the United loss, the Gunners have bounced back with 3 wins and 1 draw. They dispatched Kairat in the Champions League, even though the scoreline doesn’t fully reflect Arsenal’s total dominance. Next, Arsenal traveled to Elland Road to face Leeds United, smashing Daniel Farke’s lads 4-0. Make no mistake, it wasn’t all straightforward, but the team handled the business professionally, with no fuss or drama, just doing the damn job. Then came Sunderland, who visited the Emirates off the back of some impressive results. They gave a good account of themselves, but Arsenal got the job done. Regis Lebris’ boys pressured Arsenal into tight spaces in the first half, closing down passing lanes and looking dangerous on the counter. It was a tight half, until Zubi’s goal. But let’s give Trossard a shoutout for that pass, crisp, well-weighted. Zubi allowed the ball to move across him before drilling it home. This opened up Sunderland, who now had to come at us more. In the second half, Arsenal put the game beyond their reach.
Next, Arsenal traveled to Brentford for a midweek clash at Gtex Stadium. With City having won, the gap was cut to 3 points. Arsenal needed to respond but couldn’t, drawing 1-1. It wasn’t the most appealing game, but it had its frenetic moments. In the dying embers, Martinelli should’ve done better, and Odegaard too. But in fairness to Brentford, we never created clear-cut chances that called Kelleher into action, so a draw was probably fair. The gap is now down to 4 points, and there’s no room for errors, especially with a trip to City still on the horizon.
I hear Arsenal fans saying, “Here we go again,” but I’d say, “Get a grip and calm down.” Tense environments serve no one. Let’s back the team fully. City may smell blood, but we’re a better team, and we need to show our mettle on the pitch. No one’s handing it to us, so let’s get locked in for the remaining 12 games—one at a time. Let’s keep the quadruple talk off the shelf for now. Focus on what manners, show City you are here and you have an #EPL title to win.
FA Cup: Time for Heavy Rotation
The FA Cup game comes around this weekend as the Gunners face Wigan in the 5th round. The fact is, if we can’t beat a Wigan side that just parted ways with their coach due to poor performances, we don’t deserve to be in the FA Cup, simple as that. I’d go for heavy rotation in the squad. With Kai Havertz suffering a relapse from injury and Merino out for the rest of the season, I’d be careful with players like Zubi, Timber, and Rice. MLS needs more game time, and Norgaard and Eze really need to step up to show they’re all-in. Thank God Captain O and Saka are back, hopefully they weren’t rushed. Let’s go there, get the win. That's it from us at #Anaijagunner hQ, enjoy the game wherever you are.....COYG!
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