Time To Hammer Out Any Sarri Blues

Okay, so it’s been what, uhhmmm a week or almost a week since that heart-breaking game at the bridge. London …No, Stamford bridge didn’t fall down as we thought it might. Alonso wouldn’t allow it! instead, it was more heartache to pointless for Emery and the boiz. The most pulsating yet annoyingly bizarre game of the EPL season thus far was on display. If you were neutral, you would have had sumptuous attacking football served Unai-Sarri style. For us who are loyal fans of Arsenal or even Chelsea’s I may dare to say, Yes, you would have acknowledged the expansive footie on display but been appalled by the reckless abandon of defensive naivete that manages to surprise and excite all at the same time. That being said, here are my thoughts on the game.

Image Credits: Getty Images

1: Don’t Play The Highline Without The PRESSING!!.

Rule number one: Never play the highline if your team can’t aggressively press the opposition!! In case you missed the point, please read rule number one. Arsenal isn’t good at pressing without the ball, especially high up the pitch and this was painfully exposed by Chelsea at the bridge. The first and especially the second goal came as result of the gunners not bein able to press Chelsea into a turnover, with a simple ball over the high line releasing Morata for the second goal. Playing a highline is particularly dangerous if your players aren’t gingered to retrieve the ball immediately they lose it. Doing this against a speedy counter-attacking side I pure suicide so I hope we have learnt our lessons before meeting the likes of Tottenham and especially Liverpool. I repeat do not try this against Liverpool!!

2: Cech Continues to make his case

I don’t know about his twitter spat with the German troll of a club but, Cech seems to have seen the writing on the wall with Leno’s arrival. He out in another solid performance with some key saves at 2-0 nil down and after the gunners drew level. His distribution also seemed better as compared to the first game. He still needs to sort out his foot work on the ball when Arsenal try to play from the back. That like I noted in my last post will likely be his struggle as it’s a weakness, is Leno any better? Well Let’s see.

3: Ozil continues to Polarize the fanbase

The narrative of Ozil continued as he wasn’t able to conjure the magic at Stamford bridge. He did come close in the early minutes of the game when he tried to guide cushioned ball into the net and only missed by whiskers. Mickitaryan had to come out to defend his teammate, stating how much of a fantastic player he is and what an influence he is on and of the pitch. Most fans remain divided though, Ozil can do more…. score goals but that being said, he needs to step it up. He has the coveted #10 jersey now, he is the highest played Arsenal player, the world cup nightmare is over, he should know that by now. it’s time we saw his magic conjured up more consistently…….. God knows Arsenal needs it!

 4: Guendouzi remains the bright spot

Its really amazing how far this young lad has come. Only playing second-tier football as a teenager some few months back and now a starter for the gunners. You can understand why he has remained the constant shining spot in both defeats the gunners have suffered this season. Particularly he was very impressive against the far more experience Chelsea midfield of Barkley, Willian, and Jorginho. He was involved in ensuring the ball moved forward with his passes, long and short, completing over 90%, while winning 8 of 11 duels, 4 interceptions, 8 recoveries all ensuring that he covered a lot of ground in 11km. His reaction to Aubameyang’s awful miss was just epic. Love the guys already. It's still a long long season ahead with lots of games, I would want to temper expectations a little cuz its way too early to give him the pass mark just yet, but I must say so far, he is looking good at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. He could form an amazing partnership with Torreira. time will tell.

5: Hammer Time! A must Win

2 games down, 2 losses, no points. The gunners welcome the hammers from the millenium stadium. A west ham team whose form mirror’s the gunners own form as we type this post. I do like Pellegrini, he is a class coach but, there is nothing friendly about my expectations when they visit the Emirates come Saturday. Una and the boiz must chock up the 3 points with goals to spare. We are on a -3 deficit already and that’s not good at all. Whatever boots Auba and Lacazette wore against Chelsea must be changed for their scoring ones. The gunners can’t afford to drop any more points again, definitely not against Westham. No more mister nice guy, so its win Ugly if u must Emery, but just win!! That’s the simple minimum expected from the game. I would not want to go into details on how poor we were defensively against Chelsea, the gunners need to be better organized and Emery must figure out the system that brings out the best in his players. Over the next few transfer windows we shall be able to peek into his grand design for the gunners but for now, let's make lemonade out of life’s lemons. Our short preview for the game this is, if I may change anything from the last team, it would be Torreira starts ahead of Xhaka, sorry bruv but we need more steel in that middle. We could change it up when we are a few goals up by bringing on Ramsey (sign that contract son) and Xhaka, anyway that’s me shaa it's up to Emery. That’s it from us over here, remember to hit the subscribe button so you get our posts as the drop while you can also follow us on Facebook Here Do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaooo

Chelsea Preview: Unai Or Sarri Time?

Errrrrrmmmm okay, that went well I guess maybe not so bad. No, I wasn’t talking about Omarosa and her former Boss, naaah I meant well……uhmm City didn't run Amok on us at the Emirates. Everybody please calm down and let’s not do a Tony cuz 6 weeks if you ask me isn’t even close to half the time needed to built a title challenging squad. The good news is, most fans know and are willing to tarry a bit, giving emery the trust to go on and make the necessary changes. Cech starting was a bit of a surprise, considering Leno and how he was brought to plug a supposed weakness in our leaky defence. Now besides that iffy moment that got him into a Twitter spat with Hamburg, he didn’t disappoint as he really wasn’t to blame for both goals, maybe some might argue about the first, however, replay shows he was blindsided by Socratis or so, he saw Sterling’s shot too little too late to do much about saving it, and as for the second goal, oh come ooonnnn.

Overall 3points lost aside, there were some positives for me in that match to make me say, let's see. Matteo Guendouzi for me especially was particularly lively in the midfield and unfazed by City’s much bigger stars. He demanded the ball, took the less safe path to forward play and generally got us ticking in midfield. Sure, he did lose the all occasionally in key positions, but I won’t blame him for anything, he has settled in well and I am impressed. The team trying to play from the back instead of going long, that experiment is going to take a bit to catch on and we may have to be more assured when doing so, especially with teams that do a high press. I think Cech might struggle a bit here, you could tell he was finding his feet so to speak. The Jury is still out on Socratis so let’s give him a free pass. Up front is where I feel we didn’t match City properly, we had a few half chances with Bellerin, Auba, and Lacazette and we squandered them, only Bellz made Ederson earn is keep. After the game, the coach was all positive in his assessment while acknowledging work to be done

“ The first game gives us more information about things to improve and also things to continue doing. It’s clear that the result was the first [objective] we wanted. But it was Manchester City’s day. We need to continue with our work to make the differences in the next match and in the future. For me, what was most important was the players know the positive things we did in this game and also the things we need to improve on and work more for”

I hope we get to see those marked improvements from the Gunners against Chelsea at the bridge. Arsenal needs to start racking the points cuz Chelsea while like us with a new coach already have 3 points in the bag, before the game against us, we don’t. we can’t afford to lose at the bridge. In fact, we need to find a way to win end of story!

Our away form at the bridge in the last five visits predate is without a win. Its been 2Ls and 3D with two clean sheets in the last two visits as the positive spin to that stat. Things aren’t looking good for us based on that, add to this the hammering the injury gods are already blitzing us with at left back position. Kolasinac and Maitiland Niles are out for months, with Knee and Fibula injuries. Monreal is a doubt having only just joind the team from the world cup break in less than a week. Someone made a joke about Danny Welbeck could do well as a left back…..LOL, it's so funny it's not even funny. The other option is Litchsteiner again at left back as he played against City. I think I would go with that, with a stern warning not to bomb forward like a wing back cuz of Willian on the prowl. How we intend to shut both him and Hazard especially down would be telling of how many points we may leave the bridge with. Harrying Jorginho and Kante in that middle will be key as they are the midfield metronomes responsible for serving these guys and Jorginho may be the weakest link in that chain since he is still settling in the league, this is where the gunners need, Xhaka and Torreira if he starts to make them uncomfy by stifling their time on the ball without the silly cynical tackles or passes though. Granit, I am looking at you, Yes you! Chelsea’s only injury worries will likely be Fabregas who may or may not be as consequential for Chelsea these days depending on which fan/coach you talking to.

In attack, Arsenal needs to be ruthless when the chance however clear or unclear they are. We can’t afford not to pepper their goal mouth with pressure and clinical finishing. I am sure Auba will start but not sure if he should with Lacazette. I kinda like him up top instead not on the wings, let's give Mikhi and Welbeck or even Ozil for that space for the first 50-60 minutes before changing things up. Welbz work rate may be needed to keep Willian and Moses at bay while helping Litchsteine who is will be playing outta position if we go with him over Monreal. All in all its going to be a good game with a fine historical balance between these two BIG London clubs. Head to head stats shows 195 meetings in all between them. Arsenal has 75W 58D L62. So you can see not much really separates the two sides even tho the gunners shade the dominance slightly. If we can play compactly, deny them space to operate in the middle and take our chances when they come, then we have a chance which is all easier said than done so will see how it goes.

If you enjoyed our write up, check out the hashtag on twitter #anaijagunner and Like/subscribe to our FB page here to get the latest post notification as it drops, hot n fressshh. In other news, David ospina has left for Napoli on loan, I'd say sell him we all know he ain't staying at Arsenal no more. Anyway, that’s it from us here, dont forget to leave us your comments and do enjoy the game wherever you are……Ciaoo

New Season, New Coach.....A NEW DAWN?

Football is back with a BANG so hey peoplez what da dilly yoooh? Back in the day when we used to hip hop hurraaaay. Anyway, NBN days at the top of the charts are long gone and so it seems to be looking for the gunners init, let’s be positive it’s a new season after all. Welcome everyone who loves the round leather game and mostly my goonerholics…...it’s been a loooooong while and rightfully so too. A lot has been happening in the arsenal space so let’s get right to it by doing a 2018/2019 season sneak peek.

Image Credit: Arsenal dot com

We hear Alishia Usmanov is getting so fed up with the UK visa office, seeing how Roman at the bridge has been treated, he is now willing to sell all his equity stake in Arsenal FC paving the way for Silent Stan to sole ownership that he has been chasing. Its believed that if the deal goes through, then the value of the club could rise to as high as 1.8B in GBP. Now, what that means for the club’s future ambition….is anybody’s guess but let's just say I am a glass half full kinda guy, touch wood. That being said the pitch side of things is looking set as the gunners welcome Unai Emery and other newbies to the premiership with a baptism of fire against City on Sunday. The manner in which city dispatched Sarri and his blue band from the bridge shows we better hope we are ready cuz they seem to hungry for even more success.

On the balance of everything. I would say my hope for the season is optimistic while remaining tampered. The good thing is we clearly had one of the best summers in a while even with the world cup. Arsenal got a manager replacement expeditiously following Wenger’s resignation step down after 22years at the helm. The speed with which we recruited to fill our known gaps was a welcome change and long may this continue. A lot of gunners weren’t really in the thick of things at the world cup which is both telling of how low we have dropped that arsenal players no longer first-team slots while on the flipside it can mean good cuz players are well rested over the break coming into the season fresh.

Looking at the league, the usual suspects from Manchester, City no doubt as favourites even Mourinho knows it. Spurs showed either blind faith or complacency in staying put but my interest is might piqued by what Liverpool has gone out and done in the market. I would say they are the team to watch this season if Keita should click alongside Fabinho……. let’s just say they will push City for the league. There might be another surprise team from the lower teams, hey I really can’t say who but as is things football, one never knows.

The Gunners did fairly well in transfers, maybe a bit short in the defence with Chambers going on load at the death but that’s what it is. Preseason friendlies and tourneys all done, now is the time to taste the pudding with a baptism of fire in Man City and Chelsea for the first two games. Scary init? Yeah it is but I like to remain a cautious glass half full kinda guy. Staying positive hurts nobody neither does caution……loll. Anyway here's my take: I would take a draw from City, a nice jab at one of the domestic cups or UEL for some shiny shiny and 4^th place. That would be a successful season by all counts. Unai Emery isn’t a miracle worker so let's just give him time, by that I mean 3 seasons to win the league before we pass judgement. Ramsey had better renew his contract or get sold. No time for Prima donnas on this new Arsenal Bus. Let’s just hope we kick-start this season on a high so as to build confidence and momentum from there on. That’s it from us here, welcome to the 2018/2019 season……Ciaooo

Au'revoir Wenger

OK so I couldn’t just quietly sneak in a write up after such a long-imposed hiatus and i hope i don't jinx our match tonight but you all know it had to take something special to make us break our silence over the white blog board. It's not every day you get to experience the good n bad oxymoronic emotions by virtue of Wenger pulling out a curveball with his agreement to step down as manager at the end of the season. No, it definitely isn’t! I will say this though, it is what it is, le’Proff has finally given you and I what a lot of the fans have clamoured, chanted and even I daresay protested for…#WengerOut. Now we got that, so what next? Whatever it is,it had better be good cuz Gazidis I am looking at you and don’t ask me for recommendations, that’s why you get paid the big bucks mate, init?

22 years at the helm, 3 EPL titles, 7 FA Cup & Community Shield wins and a Champions League final appearance (hopefully another with the Europa League) then add the number of young players who the Boss gave a chance to shine on-to bigger things, some could say maybe not stellar by Peps serial achievers’ standard but definitely not shabby for a non-English coach on a budget so to speak. Wenger has achieved some measure of success and won the respect of many people despite his many failings, he brought that continental feel and put on the global map, the English league. There’s Wengerball for the Cryuff purists of course, Sleek, possessive, attacking footy, so beautiful in the variety of team goals his style crafted…. i mean Kan-U believe it! Aaaah, the beauty of nostalgia. Some may argue against these statements but each one of us is entitled to his or her own opinion and that’s mine. As for far back as 1999 when I was trying to make up my mind on whom to give my support in Chelsea’s Blue or the Red Cannon, Kanu helped swing the vote the Highbury’s way and I have been sold ever since, Wenger cut such an influential figure back then, in fact, some even thought that he owned the club somewhat…..Arsenal of Arsene Wenger. You have to see how hard it is to imagine the Arsenal without Arsene at the dugout but that’s what we have now.

As with all good things, the honeymoon excitement comes to an end, one comes back down to earth as things begin to get stale. The club was no different, the title-winning Arsenal team was replaced with the 4^th place scrapping team that sold its best players season after season. It was a heart wrenching to experience the proverbial seven years of famine after the 7years of plenty. Having used up all the luck the gods had given arsenal to achieve the Unprecedented title winning Unbeaten INVINCIBLES We went on a barren spell of no trophies, sold our top players, moved out of Highbury to an empty trophy cabinet at the Grove, lost scandalously 8-2 to ManU, lost a cup final to Birmingham, transfer bungles and misses…the ills go on. The recent FA cup wins that have been the hallmark of the Ashburton grove era couldn’t paper over the cracks of a club that seemed to have made a play for the step up but failed and has stagnated. If you add two consecutive seasons out of the champions league, notwithstanding our round of 16 bows out for 7 straight seasons regardless of the opposition. It was inevitably only a matter of time, just a question of when.

All these being said, I still feel that sad crunch in my gut, it does hurt to say goodbye to the Professor. Watching him being presented the special Gift by SAF, the hugs, handshakes with SAF & Mourinho one can only say it’s such a tribute from one of the EPL’s greatest managers that tells U the kind of respect Wenger commands & I must admit it’s been an overall joy grow up with him, yeah I know he may have lost the cutting-edge a bit, he may have been stubborn and too trusting of his players maybe even naïve but he was and still is CLASS that Mourinho can never be, no matter how many titles he wins. The players, the managers, the fans and even journos alike have poured out largely positive tributes to him, my take is…I am not gonna preview the make or mar game vs Athletico tonight, just WIN him the Europa league as a special send-off and bury those demons of Paris. Change is here Ivan, let's get on with it. Merci Wenger 22…..ciao

5 Star Ozil, World Cup Draws & Man United Preview

Image Credit: Twitterdotcom #WorldcupDraw

A five star performance second half blitz orchestrated by the much polarising German Ozil saw the gunners cruise to Victory. Cruise it seems by the score line but for a better part of the first half the gunners were anything but cruising. Wagner's boiz were still in the game till the gunners got their act together with the wizard of Oz waving the magic wand while Ramsey helped his orchestra. In the end the 5-0 scoreline to the Arsenal may not reflect the true nature of the game but a win is a win, a boost to the GD column, the clean sheet plus our "impeccable" form at the Emirates remains preserved. I will take it all, thank you.

In other news besides the continued revolution going on with our back-room staff, the 2018 world cup draws was held earlier today at the Kremlin with Putin in attendance, how glorious it must have been, too bad the US wouldn’t be part of the fiesta. Anyway, the qualifying countries now know who their group opponents are. For Nigeria, we are in the famous Group D, no surprises there, and we have been drawn with ooooh wait, Argentina agaiiinn. No surprises there too.

Group D

Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria.

A tricky group even if it's not the proverbial group of death. We must get at least a result from our first game against the Croats. Its going to be tough but we can do it. I am at least hoping we can. Its time to ask FIFA , hey guys what’s with your loving us with Argentina….like seriously.

Now moving on to the BIG one at the weekend. Arsenal welcome Man United to the Emirates this weekend. The game carries so much significance in different ways. Both Teams were hitherto perennial title challengers before the coming of Roman, both coaches have such bromance between them nothing much needs to be said, both teams don't currently have spectacular away form in the league.  Both teams boast a devastating Attack when the players click. Now with that being said, Mourinho clearly the better head to head record. The “only one” has won 8 of his last 17 meets with Wenger compared to Arsene's 2W. Only one has come in the league when he finally broke his Mourinho hoodoo last season. This time around the gunners are on a perfect home run that goes back 12 games without dropping a point at home. Can we maintain such impeccable run against the Mancs? We know Man United has not got a stellar away form this season with so many dropped points on the road, one can only wish they continue such generosity against us. Having said all of that, Mourinho remains a savvy tactician who is a formidable foe whether you agree or not. Despite my dislike for him, one still has some modicum of respect for his nous if not his offensive personal character. I would expect the gunners to play with at least the same level of intensity and diligence shown against Chelsea and most profitably recently Tottenham. Ramsey Alexis Xhaka Wellbz Iwobi/Ozil will be key in the initial pressing with Bellz and Kolasinac adding some extra push forward. Xhaka and Koscielny need to cut out those faffing wayward passes that we saw against Huddersfield or else... When the chances come, they must be taken by us. Losing Lacazette is a blow but so would manage United claim with the possible absence of Matic, he has made them more dynamic in the middle. The game will likely brain in the middle of the park, so we need to seize control by imposing the duo of Ramsey and Ozil on the game. We can then proceed to take it from there. It's a difficult game to call no doubt but one which if we maintain our discipline balanced with being clinical, we can win. That's a huge mighty IF!!!

My predicted lineup will be as shown below

Subs: Ospina, Mertz, Iwobi, Welbeck, Wilshere, Walcott, Neny, Coq

Image Credit: The Uk Guardian Online

 Santa may not be here for Christmas or even the next one. Yeah, sad news for Santi Carzola who suffered another setback to his recovery, undergoing yet another operation making it the 9^th one since his injury last year, our hearts go out to him, wishing him speedy recovery. I guess that’s it from us, hopefully we get the 3-points clean sheet and no more injuries, do enjoy the game where ever you are….Ciaooo

Backroom Shake Ups & Huddersfield Preview

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

  Hi peoples, this will be a quick and short one, in naija we call it Shap shap (I don’t kno why some peeps spell it sharp sharp after all its pidgin naija style. Anyway lets move on to things football and Arsenal to be precise okay? The gunners travelled to to turf moor over the weekend and snatched 3 points at the dearth albeit controversially we must say. That was a scalping smash and grab we did to the Clarets. One must feel for Burnely, not just fo the goal but for the way/time t came. It was practically the last kick of the game that Alexis scored from the penalty spot despite the goalkeeper guessing the right way, it slipped in beneath his armpits. I love football but it can be cruel at times. Sean Dyche’s Boiz really had us against the ropes in the first 45minutes and Cech had to be at his agile best to help keep us in the game, it was one of those battles that as it wore on, you just knew wasn’t going to be easy and it definitely wasn’t. We came out better in the second half pinning them in for long stretches but couldn’t find the net, Ramsey should have done better when picked out by Lacazette but he couldn’t find the right finish. The game needed just a stroke of luck or genius and the latter came in the dying embers of stoppage time. Ramsey was clattered into and got a penalty awarded (a soft one at that) Alexis duly stepped up to slot home for a slim one nil win. The clarets were gutted again for a third time in a row against the gunners……coincidence?? I don’t know, I will just take the 3 points, a first time look into the top four and hopefully continue to build from there. Cech feels more optimistic, saying hopefully we have turned the corner and could challenge for the title, well hopefully. I look at City, with the way they seem to be on Cruise and I say we were never in the title race at all. That being said, a win is a win, add the extra gloss of a clean sheet, what’s not to like. A good team as they say has to find ways to win even when they aren’t at their best or the opposition is proving to be a tough nut, the gunners have done that again. They need to do it more consistently though, Cech was right to also put that condition in.

In other news, our back room staff shake up continues with another acquisition. Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Raul Sanllehi as head our new football relations replacing Dick Law. Raul was the former director of football at Barcelona, quite a coupe if you ask me. This is in line with the much needed change in the player recruitment department especially following the appointment of Sven Mislintat as chief scout last week if you recall. Lets see if they can bring their magic touch to the club as well as help change the status quo of Wenger being the all powerful and mighty one in those terms.

The gunners entertain Huddersfield in a midweek encounter, with Spurs in some kind of wobble after 1D 2L since the NLD it’s a great opportunity for the boiz to put some more distance between us and them, add the bonus of cementing our top four positions to it, you know there’s a lot to play for. While I know the league is faaaar away, we need to keep the momentum going by winning game by game. Huddersfield claimed a famous scalp when the beat Man United a few weeks ago, they currently sit 13^th on the EPL log, with a form of 2W 3L in the last 5 league games. There is no doubt the gunners are the favourites to win this…. on paper at least but if there is anything football has shown time and again, it’s that you don’t win games on paper but by getting down dirty to do the needful on the field of play. That’s where the boys have to get their heads in right direction by maintaining their focus, Man United is a distraction right now, Huddersfield is the task at hand stay grounded and not take Huddersfield for granted Man United can attest to that. The midfielders must pay attention to Mooy and Ince especially who were again impressive in their loss against Man City this past weekend.

I really hope we can maintain our “impeccable” home form by chucking another win be it by a slim 1 nil to the Arsenal, I will take that. Again Man United at the weekend is one I am sure the Boss and the players will have at the back of their mind but we have to beat what’s in front of us now before then. My predicted line up will have a few tweak’s with Ozil coming back into the fray and Iwobi on the bench.

Subs: Ospina, Giroud, Per, Walcott, Welbz, Neny, Coquelin, Iwobi 

Image Credit: The UK Guardian Online 

     There you go, please remember to follow us on our social media platforms by clicking the link here or you can subscribe to our blog posts so you never miss a post, its straight to your email. That's it from us, do enjoy the game wherever you are #COYG.......Ciaaoo 

Bloody North London & Köln Preview

Image Credits: Liveonscoredotcom

“Now that’s how you supposed to shoot, from now on that’s how you shoot. I want my next partner to shoot like that woooooo!!” A very apt quote from Mike Lowery aka Will Smith from the second instalment of the Bad Boy series. A very crazy crazy bunch of explosive cacophony of comedy mixed with flying bullets and high speed chases. For me that’s how you are supposed to play to beat the Spurs, from now on that’s how we play. See I totalIy want our next opponents to be played like that  wooooo!

When Wenger said the gunners had no fear in his quote:

“We have no fear, we are focused on nullifying their strengths and expressing ours. Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win the game.” He actually meant it.

 The gunners picked a derby to back him up by finally showing up to do the job of men displaying some BIG cajones. The performance was very disciplined, full of hearty commitment, just go ask Man of the match Mesut özil or close second Mustafi, and mostly utterly dominant from us. For all the talk about power shift in North London which in fairness may have some credence to such, the Arsenal of Old that we have all grown to love came to the party. The team pulled themselves together to teach Spurs a good lesson of football. Make no mistake, its just a match with the same 3points at stake but there was pride that needed to be salvaged as well. Everybody stood to be counted which was great. We all know the team is capable of doing this, one just needs to look back to the Chelsea and City games to realise they have it in them. The main difference here is we finished with a flourish by winning. Why the Team cant seem to bring this top performance out of their locker week in week out, is the only gripe I have about the NLD match, but that’s a discussion for another day. They had a must win match against our fircest derby rivals they went out and gave us a performance matched with 3 points and a clean sheet to booth. I will definitely take it, lets have more of those boizz.

Down to earth from the derby win high, its Spursday Thursday night football in the Europa League, and we travel to visit FC Koln. Arsenal sit top of the group with 10points while Koln bring up the rear just 3. Nothing but pride for them to play for, while we have to make sure we show maturity and avoid defeat. We have qualified for the next round of 32 so we know this is just a test drive more like. The coach has maintained using fringe players for this competition. We would be expecting a lot of changes as it were, Ospina may return in goal for Macey, Mertz will probably replace Kos to lead from the back and a flurry of other changes. The key thing is to help those on the fringes of the team get match playing time and maintain fitness for the likes of Jack, Mustafi and Welbeck if the coach uses them.

In other news, the gunners have poached BVB’s head scout Sven Mislintat. Quite a coup that is if ask me, for those wondering who he is, well he lead the team responsible for unearthing gems like Lewandoski, Kagawa, Dembele, Aubamayang and co. Hopefully he can help work his magic at the Colney as things have been a little stagnated in terms of spotting the next gen talent. Adding him to the guy we tapped from Leicester and the back room staff is gradually shaking up for some recalibration which we all know is long overdue. For transfers, we are looking to snap Goretzka up from Shalke 04 on a free, just like Sead Kolasinac he is out of contract by the end of the season and doesn’t wanna renew. We just might be getting another bargain of the season but lets see how that goes.

Aiite there you have it, lets hope the boyz can get the job done with win and a clean sheet to boot. Don’t forget to like us on our FB page and leave us your commnts/feedback. Do enjoy the game wherever you are…….Ciaoo

Bloody November & NLD Preview

Ok football is back with the international break over, Nigeria drew with Algeria then made news as we beat Argentina 4-2 mercilessly “Messi”lessly jaare…Oh well its still a win over one of them BIG teams in the world of football, with Iwobi scoring a brace on that night. What’s not to like? I will take it…Yaaayyyy! Good one boiz we know “Argentina is one of the highly ranked football association in Nigeria”….. LOLLLL!!.

Anyway back to Arsenal folks. Its always very difficult coming back home to roost after enduring a loss like that, I am talking the City game of course. You didn’t think we were going to forget about it despite the last weekend hiatus over the international break? Oooo you did? Wenger launched an attack on the refereeing decision as we paid with two goals for two errors. I hate to blame that as the reason for the gunners’ loss, but one can’t just gloss over those two incidents like they never happened. The gunners gave a performance worthy of commendation and one can only wish that we show such high levels in all games regardless of the opposition. For a neutral, it was a good match between two Big teams willing to have a go at each other. Man City may be the champions elect going by the way they have been brushing most opposition aside with ease but I am sure Pep will agree this match was much tougher than anticipated. Wenger did not mince words rapping the referee after the loss:

 "I feel they don’t work enough," Wenger said. “The referees don’t work enough because the level drops every season at the moment. Overall, it’s unacceptable what has happened. The physical level is very good,” Wenger added. “But the decisions… the third goal, at 2-1 we are in the game, he gives a clear offside goal and of course that kills the game for us. Last year we conceded two offside goals as well. Of course, they are a top team but on top of that it makes life difficult for you.”  

Petr Cech was a little less caustic taking the more diplomatic route in his assessment of the refs decisions:

“I can’t really comment on the penalty incident because I had the players running from a completely different angle to the referee. Suddenly I saw Sterling falling and the referee’s decision. At the moment, without seeing anything on the TV, I can’t really comment on that. The third goal, I was surprised when it went in because I thought Silva was far [in front] of everybody. But again, the referee has a better view than I did and you have to accept the decision. I think the referees have a difficult enough job. They need to make their decisions. If he got it right or wrong, I don’t know, but  obviously the third goal made a difference because it took away the opportunity for us to find the equaliser”
Anyway all in all City was the etter team, but then I feel we pushed them enough to eck out a result, one could look at the missed chances by Aguero and Sterlin especially but just maybe, an itsy bitsy maybe the gunners deserved a point.

Moving on, it tiny Totts paying the reds of London a visit at the emirates. Yeah, in case you don’t know, it’s the NORTH LONDON DERBY! Couldn’t have said any bolder. Spurs have been on an ascension for the past 3 years now, in fact since Poch became their coach. They have gradually gelled into a formidable unit. One has to look at their draw at the Bernabeu and the subsequent home demolition of the Los Blancos two weeks later in the champions league and you know they are not to be trifled with. Now on top of that, we are the owners of Spursday this season plus Wenger hasn’t beaten Pochetino since he became manager at whitehart lane. The signs are suddenly not looking too swell for the gunners. Then there is the Kane factor, you know like Drogba is for Chelsea Rooney for Man United/Everton so is he for Spurs when they meet Arsenal, these guys seem to have an annoying knack for scoring against the gunners. It’s like going into a game 0-1 down even before the ref’s whistle. Although he is just returning from injury so i hope not this time. In terms of the form book which goes out the window on any derby day like this one, Spurs also shade it a bit 5W 1L in 6 matches as against the gunners 4W 2L in 6 matches. Its going to be a cracker I tell you.

The midfield battle will be very key, Ramsey is beginning to show more nous in his role as a box to box player, coupled with Coquelins tackling and Xhaka’s passing range(not the silly ones), we can match any team as we saw against the Mancs and Chelsea earlier in the season.  In attack, both teams have game changing match winners so it down to who wants it more. The gunners cant afford anymore dropped points at this point. The fabled November form or not, we cannot afford to drop points. Hopefully we can maintain our hitherto 100% home form but still impeccable in the league. A win is what we need, a draw would be meeeeh but a loss, Cheiii! Lets not even entertain such a terrible outcome please. Team selection is a bit of a headache with some key players coming back like Mustafi and Welbeck although Giroud is out with a knock while on international duty. The energy in the middle of the park has to be right so playing Ozil is a bit of as gamble but I will start him, We also must watch closely their counter attack. Here is my predicted line up will be as below:

Subs: Macey, Ospina, Walcott, Iwobi, Jack, Welbeck, Mertesacker, El-Neny

 

Image Powered By: The Uk Guardiandotcom

Aiite there you have it, lets hope the boyz can get the job done with 3-points and a clean sheet to boot (think BIG they say). Don’t forget to like us on our FB page here and leave us your comments/feedback. Do enjoy the game wherever you are…….Ciaoo

Gunners in 32 Round & Man City Preview

Image Creds: Arsenaldotcom

Hey folks, a really quick post this shall be okay. Let me ask, did someone really delete the “Whitehouse” twitter account, in preparation for the Japan visit….like really? Does that person wanna be declared a terrorist? Heheheheheheheee! To football, super Sunday fest is nigh and when U look at us and them, one has to ask if we stand a chance against the citizens over the course of 90 minutes? I mean look at them players and the way they have been beasting everyone thus far, quite scary huh. Before we delve into the whole Sunday match up at Man City, lets reeewiiind.

Redstar came to the emirates last Thursday and nicked a point away, tainting the gunners perfect “impeccable” home form Wenger had touted earlier. The serbs came hoping to get a result, any result would do and they did. This puts them in good stead to go through to the next round with the gunners. The game wasn’t exactly lit with excitement in fact it took the latter stages  of the first half before both Keepers had to pull double saves to keep the score line at nil nil. Boakye can look back at his glorious miss when he was put through one on one with Macey, beyond those, the first half was just there. The gunners came into the second half more purposeful and bossed possession for a long spells but the serbs remained unyielding in defence and when Jack thought he had scored after a nice move  saw him chip Borjan for what should have been a goal only for Le’tallec to acrobatically clear off the line. Oouuchhhh! Then Boakye spurned another one on one chance yet again. Nil-nil it ended. Arsenal qualify for the next round of 32.

Now back to the super Sunday league clash against the citizen from the blue half of Manchester, I can say I am looking forward to the match cuz I am not a neutral in this. It’s hard to look past City as the clear favorites in this match up, yet the gunners can’t afford to lose in this. A loss means a 12-point gap opens us after 10 games which is totally not good, a win would be most welcome hehehehehehe, but the gunners must not lose. It would be nice to maintain the seeming momentum we have gathered going ito the next international break so let’s hope the boiz are up for a scrap. The pundits are already passing the title to City after just 10 games and one can argue that they do have a point. Peps side has won 9 of 10 league matches and are conceding less, Bravo has been rightly replaced in goal and the defence looks more balanced if not rock solid, the midfield and attack is where they blow everyone else away so the gunners have to be canny and ruthless, picking our moments and taking chances when they come. Everton who ironically are in a serious mess of a mire are the only ones to have taken points from City this season, here’s hoping the gunners can make it an encore with a smash and grab to nick all 3-points. I like to dream BIG, it’s scary…..LOL.

On a more level keel, I remember how City started the last campaign with 10 straight wins only for the wheels to come off at some point and we all know how that story ended. Anyway they seem to have found their rhythm with KDB Sterling, Silva and Aguero running amok. The gunners can see this as an opportunity to right some wrongs too, Sanchez Ramsey and Lacazette can hurt any team on their day. Elneny/ Xhaka axis has to be super disciplined in midfield while a hungry Ozil, Giroud will come from the bench when legs of the opposition are tired. In all, I would look at the stats which say Arsenal has lost only one in past nine games against city in all competitions, that can become one in last ten if we are able to keep the three above mentioned players super quiet, especially De Bruyne, that guy is ....

 Lets hope so. City will have a lot of early possession and we have to be smart, compact n well drilled in discipline, pressing them from their back line which is still suspect to me, knowing also City would want to play from there. Ramsey Alexis and Lacazette will have to press high up to try and create turn overs or win back the ball. I guess that’s our two cents from here, I do hope i am right ooo. Now don’t forget the comments please, the likes on Facebook @ https://web.facebook.com/anaijagunner/, or follow the hash tag #anaijagunner on twitter. Lastly, Remember Remember the 5^th of November, do enjoy the game wherever you are….....Ciaoo

Close but Still 100% @Emirates & Red Star Belgrade Preview

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

Whatsup ma people out there? May the peace and love be upon all souls, especially to the families of the victims who have died in various terrorist attacks in the north east and around the globe. It’s just sad to see such cowardice in bombing innocent people all in the name of religion when some obvious political statement making targets are available. I didn’t mention names though, No I did NOT. Now speaking of politics, have you heard the recent blame game by you know who? Well i suppose the green card beneficiaries were also responsible for the Las Vegas killing spree or the Colorado shootings, or the confederate riots, all in which lives were lost, maybe I don’t know much about national security I guess? At this rate, America will make itself toxic to those trying to bring in venture capital and i am sure China will be glad. I see President Xi Jinping smiling at the White House’s folley, so easy!!

            To football, made in the Arsenal Jaare. We got a slim win last the weekend over the Swans at the emirates, thanks to goals from Kolasinac and Ramsey. I wont wanna Jinx Ramsey but is this going to be another purple patch season for him? Wenger seems to be giving him more freedom these days, the balance is still delicate though and it requires a lot of discipline from the deployed personnel, Ramsey in front of Elneny /Xhaka axis instead of Ramsey on the wings….Just a thought though. Now back to the Swansea game, it was one of two halves from the gunners. Abject and nervous in possession with no end product in the first half, purposeful and more diligent incision in the second half. The gunners needed to respond after going into the break a goal down. The good thing is Wenger spoke into their heads and they did.  The not so good thing is, we seem to want to play Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde most of the time, only showing up late when things go sour?  Ayew’s miss had to be the moment of turn, with lots of credit to Petr Cech for keeping his team in the with that block. These are the minutely fine margins that sometimes go on to decide games. I wouldn’t want to complain too much after getting the much needed 3 points especially knowing you have City and Spurs next in the league respectively, you don’t wanna drop any points going into these games. We also maintained our 100% home record for this season which is great, a form Wenger describes as “impeccable”. For how long will that form hold? Your guess is as good as mine, the gunners need to be more clinical in front of goal for that form to hold out very very long….nuff said

Next stop is the Europa league with the second game in the double header against Red Star Belgrade coming up at the emirates. We all don’t like Thursday night footie but like I said, we made our bed with Wenger, so we might as well lie in it. The Serbians were a tough nut to crack at home with Giroud’s goal the separator of both sides in the last game. Arsenal have the opportunity to qualify for the knock out stage if they can pull off a win tonight. Now that will be nice, winning four games in a row in Europe is no mean feat even if its in the Europa league where the teams aren’t exactly top tier. Arsenal have also never won the Serbians in past meetings before this season so winning two games against them in a row would be a nice twist to the broken jinx.

True to type, Arsene will be doing quite some rotation, with one eye on the super Sunday clash against City. On that wenger was noted saying:

"I must say I am pleased with the quality of our performances in every single competition," said Wenger. It's very difficult to make a change. They all want competition, they all deserve competition because of their quality.

"If you look at the number of minutes played by all of these players since the start of the season, many of them are in very competitive shape and that should be an advantage for the rest of the season."

There you go, expect to see the likes of Walcott Giroud Sanchez and just maybe Nketiah spearheading the attack while Jack, Nielson, Elneny, Niles and Ramsey may be the orchestra in midfield. In the defence we may be a bit short for rotation, with Kolasinac a doubt while Koscielny is playing through pain with his achilles tendon so I guess it Mertz Holding and Monreal again there backed by Cech in goal. It’s a bit unbalanced but Wenger will definitely not bring out the big guns with us sitting pretty at the top of the group plus Man City away a few days from now. The subs will probably have a sprinkling of A list players but more young guns. If the team can maintain focus and collectively defend we might be able to do a double over them into the Knockout round. Red star isn’t without threats of their own as the showed how dangerous they can be onn the counter in the last game so the gunners would have to keep a keen eye on the likes of Boakye, Savic  and Radonjic. Whoever we put out there has to play for the 3 points or at least a draw. Aiite people that’s it from us, do enjoy the game wherever you maybe…..Ciaoooo