UCL Review: #ARSLEV
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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.!
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.
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:
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
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