More Anfield Pain & NLD Preview #ARSTOT

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

Errrhmmm that went well, okay maybe not so well I admit. Our Anfield pain/misery continues as the Arsenal suffered yet another loss to Klopp's wards in their most recent league clash. I still wonder when we would be able to banish this recurrent whipping on our travels to the KOP, it’s just disheartening. That said, this time there were a few positives to pick off the loss. I won’t try to sugar coat anything, the gunners lost to a team that looks and plays better than them currently, however, the performance was much much improved when compared to our previous visits. Sure, it hurts to lose at Anfield again, but the game wasn’t over before the end of the first half, if anything the gunners made it harder for Liverpool such that it took two annoying moments from David Luiz to put the game past the gunners. A penalty and the usual Moh Salah curler into the far right, it was game over for Arsenal.

Let’s move on to aspects of the game that I felt were encouraging. I mentioned earlier that we made it more difficult for Liverpool to get cruising like they used to in recent times under Klopp. The gunners also fashioned a few half chances with Auba and Pepe going close. If Pepe had been more clinical, Arsenal probably would have gone into the half time interval a goal or two up, who knows how that would have affected the outcome of the game. Our game plan to exercise discipline by pressing high up wasn’t as effective as Liverpool’s high press but we held on till Matip’s goal just before the half time whistle. I would say, all things considered, we did very okay even though it came at the cost of our free passing game. Ceballos was given a taste of another side of the Premiership, he was pressed into hurried passes and generally marked out. He eventually got yanked off in the second half, I know he would survive. If you ask me, it’s always good to get your baptism of fire early and move on. In hindsight, maybe Toreira should have started, or with Willock or Guedouzi coming on as a sub. Anyway, that’s a debate for another day, just saying. 6 points from 3 games with one of two tough games chucked off, unto the next one!

It’s off to the North London Derby in today's late game as the Arsenal square of against the noisy neighbours down Seven sister’s road. Geez did I just say that, noisy neighbours? Sorry Tottenham supporters, you are guys are just as passionate as can be. The game promises to be explosive as you would expect from a derby match. Arsenal still smarting from their 3-1 humiliation at Anfield, and Tottenham, reeling with a bloody nose from a 0-1 shock defeat to Newcastle in their own backyard, who would have thunk that? It’s a derby like they say, form goes out the window when it comes to games like this. Last season, the Arsenal got one over Spurs with a 4-2 win at the Emirates. That was a joy to watch, beating Spur any time is always a pleasure, just as losing to them is a nasty PAIN! I wouldn’t talk much about tactics for the game, except that we have to be clinical in front of goal with little margin for error. One thing that I hope Emery is hammering into the mentality of the lads is ensuring we know how to play with positional discipline. The gunners scored lots of goals conceded at 51 goals against 73 we scored for 18/19 season. We also kept the least number of clean sheets in over 7 seasons and also our clean sheets didn’t hit double figures at just 8 clean sheets with only one away in a whole season….DAMNING! That is just not good enough for any team with dreams of competing for top four, talk much less of competing against Liverpool and Man City.  For today's match, I want the lads to take the game to spurs and hammer home our dominance not mindless possession but incisive passing, probing when on the ball and staying disciplined when off the ball,  stifling, pressing, harrying Spurs into forced errors that must be punished by the gunners scoring goals. My line up will be similar to last week’s at Anfield just Torreira starting ahead of Willock or Neilson. Lacazette, Özil, Mikhi, Martinelli are very decent attacking options that can come make a huge impact off the bench.

Arsenal has to keep the tempo going, getting another 3 -points n board is of great importance as we travel to Watford which we know can be tricky, one game at a time though. The race for top four has already begun, make no mistake about it, the earlier the lads knuckle down and sit up for every game, the soon Arsenal FC gets back into top for and Champions league football. That would be all folks, don’t forget to like us on Facebook here, and subscribe to our blog so you never miss a post. Here's a poser for you, can Arsenal stop Kane from Scoring? I guess another 90+ minutes will tell. Do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaoo

Time To Bury Anfield Anguish: #LivArs Preview

Whadup people, top of the day to you wherever you plugged in to us live and direct. Its still early days but after two games we were top of the league briefly eeeh, go Arsenal…loll.  It’s a BIG BIG one for us today, with the top two a huge 3 points to play for at Anfield, knowing how the Gunners last visit to Liverpool panned out, you can’t blame me for being scared already. Ok let’s pause on that, while we quickly talk about the last game vs Burnley.

The gunners gave a much improved all-round performance against the clarets. Lacazette opened his goal account for the season with a particularly get it over the line, however, you can goal. Strength determination awareness and a little beat of luck, he squirmed it through the legs of Burnley keeper Pope. 1-0 to the Arsenal!! Well, it didn't stay so for the rest of the half as the gunners were caught napping following a swift counter, that was turned around by Burnley into another counter. Arsenal broke with some quick passing in the 42^nd minute with Guendouzi’s shot being saved by Pope’s legs, Burnley broke with pace and 4 passes after it was 1-1. That was typical arsenal, poor positioning by David Luiz and Socratis which allowed Barnes to drift into the pocket of space between them. Guendouzi tried to nick the ball but alas it was too late. Being pegged back is always disappointing but being pegged back just before half time is even more so. Arsenal tried to make amends with another goal just at the death of first half but VAR was there to rightfully rule it for offside on Monreal, close but no Cigar.

       The gunners began the second half with more urgency, Dani Ceballos running the show from midfield, he came close to scoring one or two times, the loanee from Madrid weaved, pirouetted, dribbled, passed and harried nonstop. It was his pinch that got Aubamayang off to score the winner for the gunners. After seeing his attempted pass deflected into a claret’s path, he immediately pounced back getting a nick of the ball which rolled into Auba’s path, the rest was Auba running into space cut inside slam bam thank you ma’am. Arsenal 2 Burnley 1. Ceballos rightfully was awarded man the match for his performance. Other debutants did well too. David Luiz (whom I am no fan of) did okay in defence, with his range of passing. Pepe showed flashes of brilliance, Unai Emery is taking it slow with him, but I will give him a start at Anfield though. His pace and trickery should hopefully be able to keep Liverpool’s full-backs at bay. The younguns, Nielson and Willock also did okayish, they do need the game time to attain their immense potential. I like Willock, cool calm and deceptively strong on the ball.

 Hey, it won’t be Arsenal Fc we talking about without some nervy moments, will it? Leno didn’t particularly have a stellar game as Burnley got a whiff of his frailty with balls in the air and they targeted him. He floundered a few times missing the ball completely, not good when you play against physical teams like Burnley still, we survived all they threw at him. Let's keep the positive perspective by saying while still early days yet its two wins, 6 points in 2 games, can we make it 3 wins in a row?

As much as my heart says yeah, it’s possible, my brain says winning at Liverpool is next to impossible. Liverpool is on a different level compared to Burnley and the magpies, so forgive me if I am such a pessimist. Far from it, I am only being unbiasedly honest in my assessment. The KOP is never an easy ground to go get a win at, we all know that, plus last season’s 5-1 thrashing may have scared the Arsenal players internally. See a lot of psychology comes into play here and the only way the gunners can go to Anfield and win is to forget last season (which isn’t easy), get their head in the game by watching them against Southhampton last week where Salah and the boiz had to win Ugly. I also believe, Adrian in goal gives us a chance, he is definitely no Becker that’s for sure. Our front line is one of the sharpest, it’s the midfield that is key, I hope Ceballos has another blinder today especially with his dynamic range of passing and work ethic. Throw in Lucas and Guendouzi or Willock for the midfield trio. The defence is the greatest worry, hence the midfield needs to be up top in terms of work rate. Liverpool has legs in their midfield, less creativity but loads of work rate, match them there and half the job is done, the other half involves taking our chances when they come, as they will definitely come.

Fine margins none the less, arsenal can spring an unexpected pleasant surprise today…. touch wood. That being said, our defence needs to sit positionally, I mean real discipline SIT, no going all-out gung-ho only to get caught on one of those blitz Liverpool counter attacks. All that being said, it's still anybody’s game so here’s my team sheet below:

        A Some caution so as to still have a lil som'n  on the bench in Lacazette Ozil, Granit, and Kolasinac. what do you think about the lineup? Do feel free to let us know in the comments below, we value your opinions here as however different they may be. Just as long as they are civil and non-insulting, please go ahead. thats about it from us here,  check us out on facebook link here, use the hashtag #anaijagunner and help spread the word by sharing this post. Enjoy the game wherever you are (hopefully with all 3points bagged...lol)..Ciao

2019/20 Season Begins & Burnley Preview

Hey hey hey mi amigos, we are back like Tiger Woods on Augusta’s course with a bang. Yes sir ! The 2019/20 EPL season is here and your beloved anaijagunner team is here to serve you like its hot. You know, I like the fact that the summer transfer window is closed in England, yes sir I do. Allows us to focus on the business at hand, Harry Kane agrees (he is scoring in August you see). Anyway, by Arsenal standards, we did have a good if not great transfer window, in my own opinion. We had to do an Arsenal by doing Luiz and selling Iwobi on deadline day(rolling eyes), oh well I guess you can't have it all, can you? It was still a good window for us, I repeat, good not great. The back still needs shoring up, while the jury is still out on Ceballos Martinelli and Pepe. I hope and pray they come good.

The team decided to hold up any posts until after the first game, because I was scared, don’t ask why. There’s no denying it so I humbly admit. You see, the gunners have only won one opening game in their last 4, losing the other 3 now add the fact that we have been on a wretched away form for two seasons in a row. Such stats don’t exactly fill a fan with confidence going into the new season even with the relatively good transfer window.

ManU did give Chelsea the blues with a 4-0 thumping at old Trafford while Liverpool & City picked up where they left off last season. Yeah yeah, those are nice ways to get out of the blocks, still, I would take 3 points and a clean sheet from an away game while I equal last seasons tall for an away win with a clean sheet….Just one. You see, the gunners are on course to improve their away record this season.

This Saturday, Arsenal welcome Burnley in an Early kickoff game. The Clarets would be hoping to make it 2wins in 2, buoyed by their opening day win over Southampton. The Arsenal, on the other hand, was far from stellar in the narrow win at saint James’s park. It makes for quite an interesting matchup. Knowing that the gunners have had more joy over Burnley in recent times, Sean Dyche’s lads may approach the game a little more conservatively in order to avoid a hiding. I am just #saying, who knows if I am wrong. I just hope Arsenal gets all 3 points with another clean sheet, that will boost the team’s morale while also stacking the wins enroute our clash against Liverpool in a few weeks. I won’t do an in-depth breakdown of the threat Burnley poses, especially aerially. Barnes seems to be in fine form with the supporting cast of Barnes, Woods, and Gudmundson for the Clarets. The gunners carry a threat or two in Aubamayang who seems to love banging them in against Burnley, dude has scored a brace in the last 3 matches against them, more of that please if you ask me. His supporting cast of Lacazette (who is fit to start), Willock and Neilson should be good enough firepower to blitz through whatever the Clarets have in defence. Let hope I am right, touch wood. I also expect some of the new boiz to start from the bench save for David Luiz. My starting team sheet should look something like this:

The bench looks strong especially as the gunners had a relatively good transfer window, besides dropping a huge clanger in allowing Ramsey go for nothing but, it is what it is, let's hope the team can kick on to bigger things. Notice I didn’t mention Koscielny, oh I just did, that says a lot. Good riddance!

On a final note, Lukaku got Inter instead of Juve, Dybala didn’t go nowhere. Which Striker did ManU buy? I still wonder how Arsenals plans to do it with that defence. Has Tottenham really strengthened enough to get over the line with Ndombele and Sessegnon? Chelsea Chelsea….hnmmm, can't see Lamps getting thru the Season with the status quo he has. City's EPL crown to lose or Liverpool's to win?? Oooh, I guess the soon to unfold drama in time will tell. So go get your jerseys, Strap ya boots, as I welcome y"all to EPL 2019/20 season

Gunners Need More Bite Against Wolves

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

Hey folks what's rocking on this special weekend? It's football for us at anaijagunner as always and it promises to be another explosive weekend across the European Leagues with top-tier clashes on the cards. After last week's pulsating Arsenal Vs Liverpool at the Emirates and the Milan Derby at the San-Siro. This weekend serves an even tastier menu.

             The Manchester Derby in England, 

             The Dortmund Vs Bayern in Germany

             AC Milan Vs Juventus in Italy

             Monaco Vs PSG in Ligue Un

A cracking line-up of fixtures if you ask me, Monaco isn’t getting the goods from Henry which is quite a shame, football can be tough sometimes. I hope he gets to turn things around soon, wouldn’t want to see an Arsenal get the sack, that’s not cool. Anyway, I wish Henry all the best flipping Monaco’s form for the better.

Now, where were we? Yes, things Arsenal is where. The gunners made tedium work of Sporting Lisbon last Thursday in the Europa League. Granted Danny Welbeck had to go off after what looks like a not so good injury to him. You really have to feel sorry for the lad, not the most skillful of arsenal players but you can't fault his work ethic wherever he is asked to play and he has been asked to play in a number of different places. He has been chipping in goals for the team here and there, taking scaps of game time whenever and then just like that…..he picks up a nick. Bummer!! Get well soon Danny boy. He is also out of contract at the end of the season, I hope we haven’t like Santi Carzola, seen the last of him, I just hope not. The Gunners managed to see out a goalless draw from the match, nothing much to get excited about with Welbeck’s injury a spoiler. We top the group with 10 points in 4 games, Sporting sit second with 7 points, we are into the next round but need another 3 points to guarantee top spot going into the knock out stages. I want to believe the lads can manage that with a lil bit more focus in the next game.

Back to the premiership, the Arsenal would be playing host to wolves at the Emirates this Sunday. A win is critical, I dare say maybe its even a must, we need that winning momentum to keep going especially with Man United and Spurs coming up right after the November international break.  While on paper being on beaten in 14 games sounds good, not picking maximum points over wolves will mean, just one win in our last 4 games, that’s not a stat I would like. You see perspective is everything, I would gladly take 3W and 2L in say 5 games over 1W 4D just so I can claim I remain unbeaten, that’s 9points as against 7points, like I said, its all about perspective. A good old fashioned  2-0 win over a pulsating 5-3 which some would rightly argue happens to be more fun, but I say only more fun if you are a neutral okay? Anyway, I am sure you understand what I am trying to say…Loll

Newly promoted or not, Wolves have shown they are no pushovers, claiming some eye-catching scalps along the way to date. Yeah, some may argue that their last few games have tailed off a bit and I say I hope so but let’s prepare to give them a repeat of Liverpool performance, that should see off most teams including Man City. If you need any more indication as to how dangerous Wolves can then watch their last game versus Tottenham, almost coming from 3 goals down to snatch a point. ALMOST!! The gunners need to heed that warning shot and get ready for what could be a tough game.

Emery seems to understand the threat wolves is capable of posing and having played against Nuno Espirito Santo in the La Liga he is very much aware of their capabilities.

“They have discipline but also talented players, like at Wolves. I know that each match here is very difficult, and we need to prepare so that we can continue to get better to produce a big performance every day.”

          l like the end of that statement, big performances shouldn’t be in our locker just for BIG games so to speak, it should be on show from the team every single match day, even when the team doesn’t play well. They need to learn to grind out a result. A result here means a win, simple!! The injury gods still popping off at the back line with Lichsteiner joining Danny Welbeck and the others, I doubt Bellerin is fully fit, neither is Monreal. Can Kolasinac handle the Speed of Adama Traore if he starts for Wolves, knowing Xhaka plays on that left side as well. We would be needing another disciplined performance from him and Torreira in that midfield while Mikhi needs to dust off whatever cobwebs he has mulling around his head, Arsenal needs more from him, please. A disciplined clinical performance to grab all 3 points topped off with a clean sheet would go a long way in making a perfect weekend so COYG!! Before we go, a BIG shout out to all those who turned out for the Leicester procession in honor of the lives lost in that chopper crash. On a lighter note, I can’t forget to say holla to the gunners own Aubamayang who is the EPL player of the month of October.

Image Credit: Arsenaldotcom

       More of that for the Arsenal, please. I guess that’s it from us, don’t forget to share and subscribe to our blog post by hitting the button top right there, as well as follow us by liking anaijagunner on Facebook, just click the link here. Lastly, we would love to get your feedback, so give us your thoughts in the comment section, this would help us improve for your readership…do enjoy the game wherever you are. Ciaoooo

Magical 1-Point? & Sporting Lisbon Preview.

Can we please have a moment of silence? (Honouring the victims of the Leicester City chopper crash) …….…………. Wooohoooooooooooo, now that’s how you wanna celebrate Halloween, I hope you enjoyed yours cuz I sure had a Treat after the gunners tricked Liverpool on Sunday…..Jeeze!! one would think Arsenal just won the league with the way Gooners are buzzing all over the web space after the one all draw with Liverpool but I have to say what a finish from Lacazette.

Okay, come down to earth, nope Arsenal aren’t suddenly EPL title contenders guys so hold your horses, still a key take away from that game against Liverpool shows  that what we have now looked to be morphing nicely into the “Cannon” Arsenal has been known to be, the fire, the hunger the passion the energy, its all gradually inching back into the team, long long may it continue.  I would still say we need to temper our fan euphoria with a bit of caution (we aren’t even halfway through the season yet) even though there is seemingly a genuine basis for optimism. Just note it, there is still a lot of work ahead of these guys, especially at the back even though Mustafi/Holding had a blinder, word to Kolasinac and Bellerin as well for playing well through the rustiness/ pain respectively not forgetting Torreira-Xhaka axis, in short, everybody!! If Unai Emery says he was only 50% happy because he felt the gunners were worthy of all 3points, while Jurgen Klopp said a draw was a fair reflection of the game. That tells you a lot about the gunner’s performance. To put things into perspective for you, we talking the same Liverpool team that City in all their blazing glory was more than happy to settle for a point, now you catch my drift. It would only be sad if the boyz choose to revert to type instead of doing this 90-minute performance week in week out.

Moving forward, the Gunners host Sporting Lisbon in the reverse game of the doubleheader for the Europa League group phase. Sitting atop the group, a win makes it 12 points in 4 games which more or less puts Arsenal into the knockout round. Sporting seems to have reverted to preseason upheaval after sacking their latest coach last week. Now whether that will give the team a reverse psychological boost against us is anybody’s guess, but like I mentioned earlier, a win more or less puts us into the knockout phase. I want to believe that’s being drummed into the heads of the lads, no slip-ups, no complacency, there is still work to be done. Emery is that kind of person, from what we can see so far.

The line up will likely be mixed up again, Cech likely in goal, Guendouzi is available now, maybe more game time for Maitiland Niles, Welbeck and Kolasinac I suppose…who knows. My preferred line-up will be something like:

         If the gunners can play with disciplined freedom as Mustafi put it after the Liverpool game, it would be a good base to build on. Getting the 3points against Lisbon won’t be easy, however, it is very important and very doable. Lets maintain the unbeaten run, with wins not draws, please. Maybe, just maybe we’ve got our Arsenal back. I guess that’s it from us at the blog, do enjoy the game wherever you are…...Ciaoooo

Carabao Cup Quaters & Liverpool Preview

Image Cred: Arsenal..com

 Hey people, what’s crackalacking over there ma footy people? How Y'all doing this lovely day/night? Its game time again and our darling Arsenal (i hope) is on parade this Saturday at the Emirates against the scousers from the red part of Mersey side, yeah …Liverpool. This post will be a quickie so, let’s start by quickly review the Blackpool game sharply.

          The gunners were never really in danger of losing control of the carabao cup game once they went ahead through Litchsteiner and Emile Smithe  Rowe but as with things Arsenal, most of the time that is, the gunners found a way to make what should have been a comfortable game a bit more difficult than it should. Allowing Blackpool, a goal back with that lovely header was one as well as the red card for Matteo Guendouzi being the significant other reason. I won't debate if the second yellow was a correct call but, when a player is already on Yellow card in a game, he/she is walking a tightrope, especially midfield players responsible for intercepting and breaking up oppositions play. Maybe Emery should have brought him off earlier, who knows but that’s what most coaches do, to play things safe in order to avoid a potential red card. Moving on, the important thing though is the Gunners bounced back to winning ways after the winning run punctuating draw at Selhurst park. No matter how you flip the cart, this restoration of regular schedule was key for the team’s confidence. The other thing I want to mention is Emile Smithe’s showing again, that guy is putting himself about making sure the coach remembers him. I sure hope he comes good, cuz there have been quite a number of good potential talents who look the real deal for a bit only to never make the cut. Lastly on the Blackpool game, nice to see Maitiland Niles back after the lengthy injury lay-off, expectedly match rusty but that’s by the way.  I look forward to seeing what Emery can bring out of this talented dude.

          On to Liverpool game, we play host to them on Saturday in a late kick-off for the day. It kind of feels strange playing on Saturday and you know why? Anyway, this is touted as the gunners first real test, like the previous nine games we have played were inconsequential, if the gunners had lost any of their last 7 league matches, they will be labeled as “soft” or lacking mental spine but win the games and they label them as having played no team of repute….no offence. Such is the double standard of the press these days, you damned if you do, you damned if you don’t, either way, you want to cut it, you will be damned, or are they right?

          The boyz will have to answer that question, if all the perceived progress we have been quietly getting excited about (we are not title contenders yet, I keep telling you) is all premature or there’s good reason to be, this game should help us find out. No excuses being put down before but you have to admit, Liverpool are favorites here, they playing well, scoring goals (one more than last season at this stage), so far conceded less (Van dyke/Gomez looking good), there seems to be a much better solidity about them even if their attacking trio is being said to be a little off their sweeping best and yet to click into full gear. Liverpool is one of the 3 EPL teams currently unbeaten in the league having won 7 games out of 9 thus far. All that being said, we know they are good, we know Arsenal are underdogs going into this match, we know Arsenal has had a wretched form against top six opposition going as far back as 2015, but all this doesn’t make them invisible, NO! I don’t think Liverpool has been tested bar City, which was a draw. This is where the gunners have to show their level of progression by keeping an all-around discipline, especially in the middle of the park while matching this with ruthlessness in front of goal. Özil needs to come to this to make it an Arsenal Party…BIG time, Lacazette, Auba, and Mikhi need to find their poachers boots. Liverpool will give us a look in but we must be ready to anticipate so as to take the chances when they come. They are still vulnerable at set pieces even with Alisson and Van dyke shoring up the defence. Our defence which so happens to be patchy at the moment with Bellerin out, Monreal a doubt. It definitely needs to be protected. Torreira must bring out the best in Xhaka  (not at left back please) or Ramsey, I repeat discipline is going to be key so no stupid high lines which would leave us open to Liverpool’s rapid-fire counter-attack, by now everybody knows that is suicide hence would be stupid to fall for it. Emery wants the team to rewrite a new chapter in the history against top teams and I couldn’t agree more:

“The result tomorrow is very important but first I want to show them, to show you and to show everybody our best mentality in the game. I know if we have a big performance individually and collectively - and also we need some luck- then I think we can win.”

Image Cred: The Uk Guardian

 He just sums up my thoughts more or less, I just hope the lads are tuned in to his station, so we get the win. The line-up is anybody’s guess right now with all the injuries at the back so let just wait and see.

       Aiite folks I guess that’s it from us, go on and cheer the gunners to this win, don’t forget to follow us on our Facebook page by clicking here, Subscribe to our blog or use the hashtag #anaijagunner and leave us your comment.  Before we go, we send our condolences to the families of those who died in the leicester city chopper crash, may the departed souls rest in peace. Do enjoy the game wherever you are……Ciaooo

Palace Draw & Blackpool Preview

Image Credit: Arsenal..com

Okay here we are, we all knew that the Arsenal’s winning train was going to come to a halt soon at some station soon. Later than sooner we all hoped but the gunners couldn’t make it the twelfth in a row. The tea leaves showed ominous signs, Arsenal on a purple patch, Palace yet to win or even score at the park, it was all too good to be true. Anyway, the gunners scrappy 2-2 draw at Palace wasn’t all that bad, granted we dropped two points we probably shouldn’t have but hey we don’t always get what we want now do we?

As expected Zaha was the main threat for Palace, hitting the post and dragging a couple shots off target. Palace pulled a page right out of Wengerball playbook with some sleek one-touch football Townsend really should have put the Eagles ahead at the end of the move. Their loss was Arsenals gain as he left his scoring boots back in the dressing room as Leno had already bought the dummy. The half ended with the Gunners a goal down via a penalty following Mustafi’s hack on Kouyate….again Ominous again (we have lost both games we went in down at half time). This wasn’t to be though; the gunners came back into it. Two quick fire goals from Xhaka and Auba the lucky one put the gunners in the driving seat. Arsenal couldn’t preserve the lead though, Xhaka made sure of that with his left leg sticking out leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot for a second time in favour of the eagles…. Bummer!! A point gained, or two points dropped, take your pick. Well, I’m a glass half full kinda guy.

Moving on to the next game, Arsenal host Blackpool at the Emirates on Wednesday in a Carabao cup 4^th round meeting.  All due respect to Blackpool, the gunners has no excuse if they fail to win. Bigger team, playing at home, bigger stars. Absolutely no excuse, the bar has been raised and its up to our boys to step up to the plat by doing the needful. A win against Blackpool also gets us back on the confidence momentum run. The gunners need to show crystal palace draw was just a blip. It’s not like it was a terribly bad result, it was just not the best of results simple. The best way for Arsenal to show that is to go on and win the 4^th round match. We all know the Carabao cup hasn’t got the lustre of the EPL trophy or even the rich history of the FA cup but its still a trophy and Emery wants to win it. For all of Arsene’s achievements (which were many despite…) he never won this domestic trophy, tried as he might. 2 finals and the gunners came up short on both occasions. This is a new era, I want to believe, so lets go out there and win it by giving it our best shot. A trophy and top 4 would be a decent start to Unai Emery’s reign as Arsenal Manager. #touchwood!

Team news has the usual suspect out, Monreal kolasinac, Koscielny, El-Neny, Mavrapanos, Maitiland Niles. Bellerin joined that list during the first half at Palace, a thigh strain they say. This makes the squad light in the middle of the park and at the back. Xhaka at left back isn’t working for me, decent but definitely not something the gunners would want to persist longer than necessary. Cech is back in goal, so the gunners would likely field a similar backline to the game at Palace. Midfield should see Mikhi, Rowe and probably Ramsey combine alongside Torreira to give Guendouzi a rest. The attack choses itself with all options available for Emery to pick from. Whatever combo the manager goes with, its imperative the gunners start the game fast out of the blocks else Blackpool may grow in confidence and make life more difficult than it should for Arsenal, that won't be nice at all. Anyway, those are our thoughts, let's know yours in the comment section and also our facebook page here….do enjoy the game wherever you are….ciaooo

Good Old "1Nil" Classic in Lisbon & Palace Preview

11 straight wins and the Emery’s Gooner train continues to chug on. Not time to get overly excited so hold your horses, keep your feet on the ground lets remain grounded in our expectations. This Arsenal team is doing fairly well in light of the progressive transition phase it is going through currently but credit to gunners and the coach for job done so far.

Image Credit: Arsenal..com

Sporting Lisbon was always going to the most difficult game for Arsenal in this group and coming from Portugal with all three points is definitely good, when its by the classic 0-1 to the Arsenal with Welbeck getting the solitory goal (his 5^th of the season), you love it even more. Cable subscriptions shenanigans ensured I didn’t get to watch the match live but extended highlights showed the game didn’t have the smooth style of play we have been experiencing from the gunners in recent weeks, more ebb than flow. The gunners did dominate the game, a whole lot if might add, more goal attempts, shots on target (Lisbon barely had any) and overall possession. Still overall play was more attritionary than sublime. All that being said, 3 points in the bag, a clean sheet, Top of the group, I will take that…Next stop please! The gunners still need start games switched on in full flow and Emery knows this.

          Next stop is a trip to Selhurst partk for a date with Crystal Palace. The eagles currently have their nickers in a twist sort of so maybe this is a good time to play them. Sitting in 15^th position on the EPL log, their general form is not good (PL9 W2 D1 L6) and with both wins coming on the road for the Eagle’s it may be safe to say their home form is abject. If I add the fact that they haven’t scored at Selhurst park this season, you might be tempted to say Roy Hodgson’s side are a walk over this Sunday, how I wish football was played on paper just like that. Yes the odds look stacked against palace getting anything out of this game but, the gunners in times past have been known to slip up at the least expected time so watch the potential banana skin here. All that said, I can feel that renewed hunger coming back to the Arsenal team, as epitomised by the demand from the manager. I expect them to approach the game with professionalism without taking their opponents for granted. The manager says.

 “my first goal is to improve our competitiveness. We are focussed on Sunday”  

If you ask me, I would say those two statements tell a lot about the way we need to approach the game. Let’s hope the boyz get the message and do the talking on the field of play, by nullifying the threat of Zaha and Townsend first and foremost as most of palaces attacking play goes through them.

Image Credit: TheUKguardian

Anyway, my thoughts be, Can we get the win to make it 12 straight, with a clean another sheet on board too? 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 by Clicking Here. Special mention to Welbeck for doing the biz when called upon, 3^rd choice striker yet goal per minutes ratio is on the up, long may he stay fit to continue. Do enjoy the game wherever you are….Ciaooo

5 Star Gunners To 10/10 & Lisbon Preview

 Wow what else can one say but look out the window admire the horizon and feel the caress of the gentle sunshine its raining outside…..loll. Nope we aren’t title contenders so get off that crack you are smoking and head back down to reality, Yes we won 10/10 straight, are only 2 points off the table toppers Man City (which is quite telling) after 9 games but, I repeat we are not title contenders yet. Arsenal sure can-do things to you as a fan shaa, Joy or frustration or both, Painful pleasure weak and delicate strength, such is the paradox that is Arsenal football club. Okay enough of the reminisce, even though it no doubt feels good to be a gunner right now meeeiiiinnn!! I mean after back to back stellar performances with 8 goals scored, 2 conceded and most of all a double R display of footballing artistry, who won’t be? I know the sooner we get down to earth and continue with the hard work Emery is trying to instil, the better but lets just take a moment to savour the display against Leicester City.

Özil must have been possessed by the captain’s arm band, or how else do you explain his larger than life virtuoso display that literally blew away the foxes? We all know how talented he is or how good he can be, we just don’t see it often enough, which is such a shame in itself considering the audacity of his abilities. Its hard not to go on and keep talking about the last two games against Fulham which was good, while the Leicester city match was great, that’s besides the first 20-25 minutes of course. That said and all, lets look at the not so good. I’m sorry but I always have something to cavil about, this wont be different. Two things, I wonder why Arsenal can’t seem to keep clean sheets like the good old days, I mean its all nice to score a quiver full of goals but give me an old fashioned 2 nil to the gunners over a 3-1 or a 1 nil over a 2-1 to the Arsenal, I will gladly take the clean sheet scores ahead of the cricket score line. My other issue is the fact that it takes a bit to get the cannon ball loaded as once again seen against Leicester, Arsenal was all at sea for the most part of the first half. I am sure a better team would have punished our sloppy play more. Lets dial back the a few games past, against Everton, Watford and now Leicester, the turnovers in dangerous areas early in the games have been quite worrisome. I want to believe its something Emery sees (as he is BIG on detail video reviews). It is important the gunners cut this down to the barest minimum. We might get away with it against bottom fodder opposition but against the top teams, I need not say more. Hopefully the coach works that sloppiness out of the teams play. Before go to the preview, Hats of to Ramsey for the goal against Fulham, the build up was beautiful, the finish…sublime. Özil gets an extra special mention too for that performance against Leicester, Jeeeez do that more often Please. Torreira....just quietly awesome

Its back to Thursday night football with the gunners facing the first game of the double header against the team I believe on paper remains the true test in our group. We travel to the estadio Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon for third group game in the Europa league. It’s the game of the group as it pitches the group leaders against each other. You get the feeling that whichever team can dominate this double header tie, will likely top the group. Sporting lisbon may not be one of the European club heavyweights currently but they used to be and  are next in line behind Porto in Portugal, they have a rich history and cant be underestimated. Its even telling that how well they have turned the season around considering the kind of tumultuous summer they had with players being threatened sacked coaches and all that. This brings us to Emery’s comments ahead of the game, he thinks Sporting Lisbon is a very decent side and must not be underestimated but he reiterates his own hunger for more.

 “When you win this competition, you go to the champions league for the next year and for us at Arsenal, I am telling every player, the supporters and the club- it is very important because it is one title and also a way to go to champions league. We are here to play to win”

I sure hope the boyz get his message, one can only ask for a repeat of the recent second half performances the gunners have been putting in just start a little earlier. Team news has Monreal, Sokratis and the usual suspects of Kolasinac, Maitiland Niles, Koscielny all out with an injury of sorts. I would expect Cech may not make it too as he is only just back in full training. Holding and Mustafi to continue at center back, Litchsteiner may complete a back three or be part of a back four. In the middle, I would expect El Neny, Emile smith, Mikhi to join the fray while Welbeck should be back in the attack. Özil and the likes of Lacazette, Ramsey would likely start from the bench. Anyway, my thoughts be …..Can we get the win with a clean sheet on board too? 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

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