Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Szoboszlai’s Stunner & Gunner's Deadline Day Departures

     Sighhhh... that was a chess match. A very cagey affair for the most part, with both teams prioritizing a "don’t lose" mentality. Arsenal, however, leaned a bit more into this from the starting lineup. More on that later. This made it crystal clear that the game would be decided by fine margins, and boy did Szoboszlai deliver with that worldie of a free kick from 30-something yards. Some fans are talking about how Raya should’ve saved it. Really, guys? I get it—you can complain about the mistimed tackle in a dangerous area within the final 10 minutes of the game, but saying "Raya should have done better"? Maybe some folks need to watch it again and then again. The shot went in off the post, top corner. A free kick that probably doesn’t go in 7-8 times out of 10 if taken from the same spot under the exact same conditions by the same guy. Sometimes, you just have to tip your hat to the opposition when they produce moments of brilliance and say well done lad(s). That’s what big games are about.

Szoboszlai's 83rd Minute Stunner

    Both managers summed it up nicely. Arne Slot said, “It was such a tight game that if played 10 times, 8 times you’d get a draw, Liverpool win once, and Arsenal win once.”

Mikel Arteta echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “They did it for a period of 15-20 minutes in the second half, and then there were no margins left, so the game was going to be decided by an individual error, which didn’t happen, or a magic moment. Unfortunately, they delivered with Szoboszlai taking an incredible free kick that gave them the game.”

The 5 Things We Need to Talk About

Now, let’s address the not-so-great parts.

    Losing at Anfield for the first time in over three seasons is painful, but were we the architects of our own downfall? The answer is NO. There’s absolutely no shame in how we lost, but yeah, still gutted. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, and at the risk of jumping on the hindsight bandwagon, one question I have for Mikel Arteta is: why wait so long to bring on the attacking cavalry? It turned out to be a little too late. To be fair, the midfield trio of Merino, Rice, and Zubimendi did a good job of nullifying the KOP’s attacking threat for most of the game. Mosquera was solid at the heart of the defense alongside Gabriel. My only gripe with Arteta is that he didn’t make those changes sooner, especially as it became clear the Anfield crowd was starting to lift the Liverpool players. You could feel the tide turning just after the 60th minute. Not sure if it was the introduction of Curtis Jones for MacAllister that sparked it, but Liverpool was playing better, and Van Dijk was cutting through our midfield press with some long passes.

Eze showed us what we’d been missing during that short spell, and this isn’t meant to shade Martinelli. For all his industry—tracking back, defending, going forward—he didn’t do enough to make Szoboszlai (a makeshift right-back) uncomfortable that night. Gabby needs to shake the cobwebs off and get back to the 2022/23 Martinelli urgently.

Key Takeaways

LivArs Stats

    This isn't a title decider. Even with the loss at Anfield, we’ve improved our results against Manchester United and Liverpool compared to last season. This season, we’ve got 2 points from both (2 draws), and now we have 3 points from both (1 win, 1 loss). That said, Arteta needs to take the handbrake off a little more. Hey Mikel, you now have the tools! The team barely created much for Gyokeres, and I say that because Eze, Ødegaard, and Ethan were all on the bench, while Madueke was our only outlet. His battle with Kerkez was an interesting one, with the right-back often coming out on top. It’s clear that Noni is better on the right, and our right-hand side was more threatening. Again, we need the 2022/23 Martinelli back urgently. Liverpool may be fearsome going forward with Isak joining on deadline day, but their achilles' heel could be their defense, especially now that Guehi didn’t join. They created fewer chances, were mostly contained at home, and really didn't threaten us that much. They did win, which is what counts the most, but it has to be said, their defense can still be exposed. As for us, bad news with Saliba’s injury (injury gods, please be kind), but Mosquera is looking like a steal at less than £20 million and just 21 years old. If we can keep teams at bay like we have so far this season—just one goal conceded, 6 points from 9, with two of the toughest grounds out of the way—then Arsenal’s defense could very well be the key to winning trophies this season. The million-dollar question is, how do the gunners get the best of Victor Gyokeres, Arteta, over to you!

  Squad Depth & Deadline Day Deals

    Let’s quickly touch on the deadline day deals. Yes, Liverpool closed the deal for Isak, but does that mean we hand them the league title now? I hope the mentality of the boys is a firm HELL NO! The squad depth is being tested, with Saliba picking up an injury to add to the tally of  Havertz, NØrgaard, Saka, and Jesus. For once, the international break may be a blessing in disguise—hopefully, the lads return injury-free and ready to go. Noni, MLS, Rice, and Eze all got England call-ups, while Ødegaard was named in Norway’s squad. Fingers crossed that Saliba doesn’t play during the break... touchwood.

Before we wrap things up, let’s talk about the transfer window. As expected, deadline day saw a lot of departures from the Emirates. Reiss Nelson went to Brentford on loan, having been courted earlier by Fulham and Crystal Palace. I wish we had gotten a straight sale instead of another loan. We need to take a leaf out of Stamford Bridge’s book on how to do this—Nicolas Jackson for over £70 million in total? Really??? Chelsea is having a good laugh to the banks. Zinchenko was also loaned to Nottingham Forest, while Lokonga and Vieira joined the Bundesliga, with Hamburg securing them on loan.

The only significant fee Arsenal made from player sales was for Kiwior at less than £25M total package. Honestly, not good enough for me. But credit where credit’s due: the incomings by Andrea Berta and his team have been nothing short of outstanding. It’s been a solid 7-8/10 transfer window, though I’m still disappointed by the lack of significant return on player sales. But hey, we’re not bean counters, are we? On that note, I'd say that's it from me and the crew at #anaijagunner. Don't forget to comment, like, use the hashtag #anaijagunner, and share the post just to support the channel. Until the next one.... ciao!

 

Hincapié to Arsenal Done, Eze to Start & Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview – Early Marker Laydown!

 Hincapié to Arsenal is done, Fabrizio "here we go", confirmed! Eze is settling in quite nicely after that remarkable unveiling at the Emirates last week, just before the Leeds game. 5-0 to the Arsenal, by the way! Viktor Gyökeres got off the mark after his trademark inside-left channel run, burying it at the near post. He then proceeded to smash home a penalty, won once again by Max Downman, who’s quickly making a habit of getting fouled with his direct, forceful runs. That was a very long sentence, wasn’t it?

So, let’s rephrase the 5 things:   

Eze Unveiling

It’s done, Gooners. Hincapié to Arsenal. "Here we go," confirmed. Eberechi Eze is settling in beautifully already. That unveiling at the Emirates Stadium before the Leeds game? Pure class from Arsenal. Applause, standing ovation, you could feel the excitement as Eze strutted onto the pitch wearing the number 10 shirt. Fans lapped it all in with adulation. The vibe was 10 out of 10. If you had any doubts, cue Tottenham copying Arsenal with their unveiling of Xavi Simons before their game against Bournemouth — a game Spurs lost  0-1, by the way. It’s a wonder how they escaped with such a low score, because the Cherries were absolutely dominant. Spurs only had their first shot on goal in the 69th minute. Wow, is it too early to say Spurs being SPURS are BACK?! Okay, okay, enough of the jabs, let’s get back on track. Then came the match itself. Arsenal 5, Leeds 0. Statement win, nope but same 3 points nonetheless.

Viktor Gyökeres opened his account with his classic move — drifting in from the inside-left channel and burying it at the near post. Cold finish. He completed his brace later, smashing home a penalty won (you guessed it) by Max Downman, who’s quickly turning his direct running into a reliable penalty trigger. It's becoming his thing. Timber got a brace for the first time in his career. Yes, Arsenal won, but Leeds were in it for a bit, especially in the first half. Raya made a good save from a header after a Leeds corner to keep things at nil-nil. We got the trademark set-piece FC goal — Ole ole! — and then killed it off just before halftime with a high-press turnover that Saka smashed into the net with his weaker right foot (ironically, nothing weak about that shot).

Bar that, it was a comfortable game for the Gunners. We barely had to get out of gear 3, let alone 5. What I didn’t like was that we’re still ponderous in possession at times, with Ødegaard guilty of delaying passes just a tad too much. Calafiori showed the lads how it’s done, with the Gyök-9 up top.

As for the not-so-good news, Saka pulled a hammy, and Ødegaard left the pitch with a shoulder injury. Combined with Kai’s knee issue against ManU, and injuries to Norgard, Ben White, and Gabby Jesus, it’s not looking good. But their replacements? Exactly what the team has been crying for — solid floor-raisers. The Arsenal squad now has the right mix of needle movers and floor-raisers, which bodes well for a team seeking to challenge for trophies on all fronts. Let’s hope we keep this momentum going.

Now, onto Sunday’s big matchup at the Scousers. Let’s show respect to the defending champions. Arteta said, "They are champions for a reason. They deserve to be champions. They were the better team last year, the most consistent one, the one that found ways to win in many different ways. We want to be that team this year. We need to go to Anfield with that spirit and that conviction." While some might feel it’s too early in the season for these big matchups… we can agree to disagree that, pedigree-wise, ManU is still a big team, right? I’m really not fussy about when we play these teams. It’s the same 3 points, win or lose, now or later. As for me, I'd say we get these games over with rather than kicking the can down the road.

On injuries — I’d say there’s an inevitability to that. Saka’s obviously a miss for us, but I believe having a deep squad with close-quality players helps mitigate it. Liverpool isn’t without their own issues, especially at the back. Kerkez is looking shaky, Frimpong is out injured, Wirtz hasn’t quite caught up to speed, and Konaté is looking like he’d rather be concentrating on defending somewhere in the Spanish capital alongside a former teammate. Their midfield currently looks easy to play through, having conceded 2 goals in each of their last games.

It feels like, without McAllister and Gravenberch playing together, it’s a coin toss for both teams and their issues. Up front, Liverpool have shown to be clinical, with Etikité ticking well and scoring in his last 3 games. Here's hoping our very stingy defense can keep a clean sheet against Salah, Hugo, and Gakpo. I know it’s a tough ask, because you'd have to go all the way back to the 1924/25 season when we won our first three matches without conceding. That said, if there is a team that can shut out any other team with a masterclass in defensive display, it is Arsenal FC, no questions asked. Our midfield needs to tick well. I’m talking a disciplined performance from Declan Rice and Zubimendi, giving the creators the freedom to wreak havoc on Liverpool’s shaky defense. Not a rope-a-dope, end-to-end, pound-for-pound game like Liverpool vs Newcastle… Nah. Stay compact, pick your moments, and spring our front 3 with the right passes. Mikel Arteta has some decisions to make: Does he start Eze in the 10 role or stick with Nwaneri? Does he go with Martinelli for his speed and defensive abilities on Salah’s side, or use Eze there? Will Calafiori be picked over MLS at left-back? Does Max get a look-in at 70 minutes to have a crack at Kerkez? Interesting propositions, but Mikel knows.

As for their manager, Slot says: "In the beginning of the season, normally teams don't play their best game unless you keep the same squad completely and you add three, four, five, six or seven players, then you can maybe expect the team is growing even further. If you look at our situation, we have lost a few and we have added a few". 

Mo Salah has also been speaking on the title challenge, picking the Gunners as favorites. Salah’s an absolute legend, but I see him trying to deflect pressure from his team with these comments:

"Arsenal are the favorites because they have a team that has played together for five or six years, so they understand each other’s game."

I won’t quote the whole line, but he’s forgetting that Arsenal replaced a couple of outgoing players with about seven new signings. That’s a lot of change! Compare that to Liverpool, who’ve basically kept most of Klopp’s squad intact, aside from Trent and Diogo Jota (God rest his soul in peace). My team sheet would look as follows: yes, I am starting Dwonman over Noni Madueke, he is an unknown quantity against Kerkez. I know he is only 15, but he is a bet I am willing to take, the bench will still be quite stacked with: ( Trossard, MLS, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Keppa, Mosqera)

#LivArs Team Selection

It's going to be a tough game, Anfield has never been a walk in the park, still, I fancy us to do it this time (touch wood), let's hope the lads have the belief to win it and lay down a marker... #COYG. That's it from us, but before we go, who do you think will win the Liverpool vs Arsenal match? Like & share the post, let us know your predictions in the comments, and use the hashtag: #anaijagunner on X. Lastly, please don't forget to follow us on Facebook, see you in the review.....Ciao

Eberechi Eze's Homecoming: Arsenal's Summer Stunner & Leeds Preview

     Football is back with a BANG, and what a way to make a comeback! It has been a while my people but I had to come out of my hiatus for this!! Eberechi Eze is coming home, and we are all still giddy from the sweet feelings of tingling emotions from doing one over tiny totts...LOll. I hate to rub it in on them spuds at seven sisters road, but how the heck did Arsenal Football Club just pull that off? Yeah, we all know Eze wanted Arsenal all day, it was never a debate, but my word, you still have to wonder how Daniel Levy waffed that up? To add the fact that all this has happened on the back of the botched deal for Morgan Gibbs White, Tottenham FC, I'm sorry lads, hold that L. How did you come second in a race you were the only one running? I mean, I'm still buzzing, but I also can't get how they snoozed on this.

    Anyway, back to things on the gunners, I do believe the official announcement of Eze as a bona fide gooner is imminent with the medical pretty much wrapped up at London Colney, hopefully everything goes smoothly. I know it would be too much of an ask to expect him to be in the squad for this weekend's game against Leeds United (more on the match in a bit), but I expect him to be ready to ball for us by the time we go away to Anfield, fingers crossed. Rumour has it, he would be getting his dream number, the Iconic number #10 jersey. I say iconic for the likes of who Dennis Bergkamp, David Rocastle, Kevin Campbell, and maybe for the young gunners in the comments, Mesut Özil, Jack Wilshere and ESR. Look at the names bar ESR, you have to say that's some decent company he would be hanging out with. I just can't wait to see Eze curl in those free kicks and outside-the-box long rangers. BOOM!! Okay, let's segway quickly to this weekend's action against Leeds.

    The gunners welcome Daniel Farke's boys from Elland Road to the Emirates in what has to be a winnable game for the team (no disrespect to Leeds). I expect the Gunners to play much better than they did away at Old Trafford last weekend, cuz that was a subpar performance to forget, albeit stolid from a defensive point of view. We were totally out of sorts from the midfield to the attack with misplaced passes, terrible ball control, and a lack of creative nous from our attackers, try as they might. Mbuemo and Cuhna had us pinned back for the most part, while I am sure Gyökeres would be fuming with himself when he watches the replays of his game, one to forget. In fairness to the lad, he had almost zero service on the afternoon as De Lit stuck to him like glue throughout the game. It would be most redundant to say we have to adjust our style of play to get the best out of Viktor Gyökeres, it's clear for all to see. The boiz did try to get him into the game but ManU was having nothing of it by pressing us quicker and smarter in the middle of the park, much to our surprise. Declan Rice was shockingly anonymous except for the corner kick he put in for the goal.

    Thats all history now, the first game at the Emirates, Arsenal have to show bite with not just a win, but an improved performance to keep the winning momentum going. It's going to be a long season with so many games to play. We need a robust squad (cough, cough to last season), so the Eze deal is so apt, I can't begin to overstate the importance of getting him, his quality on the ball, Prem proven, shots from outside the box, deadballs, just so many facets to like. I know I haven't mentioned Kai's injury, which some argue was the main reason we sprung Eze from the clutches of Spurs. One can only wish him a speedy recovery. The club hasn't issued a timeline for his return from the Knee injury he sustained last Sunday. It's unfortunate for him, we hope its not too serious cuz challenging on all fronts means there are loads of games to go around everyone, let's not kid ourselves, we need everyone. Other notable absentees from injury include Gabby Jesus, Norgard, and Ben Blanco. The teamsheet would look like:

#ARSLEE Team Selection

That would be my team for the evening kickoff game this Saturday at the Emirates. The bench remains quite stacked with Martinelli, Trossard, Merino, Nwaneri, Mosquera, Calafiori, Keppa, Maybe Max, so yeah, we look okayish. All in all, we have more than enough to get past Leeds without taking them for granted. The boiz should knuckledown, stay focused, get the win with another clean sheet hopefully and keep the winning momentum going. Lastly, before I sign off, massive props to Andrea Berta, this man has been cooking since he took over, get Saka and Saliba to renew, get the outgoings moving and I'd day we have had the very best summer window, since the Emirates era so far, 7.5 out of 10 for the window as it is. What do you all think? How would you rate the Arsenal transfer window so far? Let us know in the comments......Ciaooo

Match Thoughts & Bournemouth Preview

Image Cred: Amazingdotbet

We are back after what’s been two games since the gunners hosted Villa at the Emirates. A yo-yo game Arsenal narrowly won after going down to 10 men. First the positives, the gunners had a job to do and that was, get back to winning ways in the EPL after picking up just 2 points from the 3 consecutive league games against Liverpool Spurs and Watford in that order. The game against Watford is of serious annoyance at it was more of two points dropped but we are talking positives, right? 3points was a must, and we got all 3 however only just, especially when the lads had to do it with 10 men after Maitiland Niles got his marching orders for a second bookable offence. I must commend the desire by the gunners to keep plugging away at Villa in order to nick the win. Auba, as usual, came up with the goods at the dearth with that free-kick. God knows where Arsenal would have been on the league table without his goals. I know, that’s his job and he is doing it well, 7 goals in 7 games is good stat but the other parts of this team and Arsenal’s current position on the league table bring me to the not so positive.

 We had to come back against Villa twice before “stealing” the win. The defence is still a long way from assured while the pressing protection by the midfield is still without balance, now throw in Emery’s continued desire to have the team play from the back, the result is an Arsenal team that is just a few mistakes away from conceding a goal. If we aren’t conceding silly penalties, we are gifting opposition teams pops at goal in dangerous areas which isn’t pretty for a BIG club of Arsenal’s stature, one supposedly harbouring dreams of competing for the biggest trophies. The team has a mere +1 goal difference, with just one clean sheet in the 7 league games played so far.  That is reminiscent of the much-maligned latter Wenger era where the plan seemed to be, keep playing attacking footy so you can outscore your opponent. That wasn’t an effective game plan in the now more competitive EPL.

The game against Manchester United was only good about the point got as play was turgid at best. To be honest, play was lethargic ponderous and lacking in that fire quality we would expect from these sides especially from united. There were a few spells in the second half when the gunners sensed Man united was there for the taking and tried to force the issue but that was cut short by Mctominay’s goal just before the interval. These two teams have issues, maybe the gunners are slightly upward in their trajectory but defending has to improve, it just has to or else all the good work being done by our front line will continue to be undone by shambolic defending (Emery I am looking at you).  In Emery’s defence, one could argue that this same Arsenal team has kept straight clean sheets in other competitions (Europa League and League cup) without showing any hold back to their attacking side. The only difference has been the combination of personnel. Now I ask, does it mean it might have more to do with getting the balance right or what? Well, that’s for Emery to figure out not me.

Moving on then, just before we pause for another international lull, up next for the gunners is hosting Eddie Howie’s boys at the Emirates. This is set up as a must-win yet potentially laced with banana skin if the lads don’t come in with their game on. Arsenal has the momentum with Spurs and United seemingly out of sorts while Chelsea is kinda there in transition, the onus is on us to win this top four race, meaning games like this must be put to bed. Bournemouth is enjoying their 5^th straight season in the topflight and is in decent form. 2W 1D 2L in 5 games isn’t a bad forth their top half position on the league table. Calum Wilson is rumoured to be courted by some big clubs in Manchester and London due to his fine form. We also know they like to play open expansive football which on their day, can be scintillatingly good or could leave gaps behind for Arsenal. The gunners have to be up for it however they served as there are no easy games these days. Arsenal is also in some sort of good form as I alluded to earlier and I would particularly want us to try keeping a clean sheet in our quest for 3 points, the coach needs to get his midfield selection right. Torreira, Guendouzi, Özil/Ceballos works best for me, Xhaka can come on later but let’s start with a disciplined compact spine down the middle. Upfront I might be tempted to give Martinelli or Saka another starts alongside Auba. Pepe has to come up with the goods now that he has his first goal….no pressure. My lineup will look something like this below. 

I know Özil isn’t getting much love at the moment but he is still a top-quality player. While we may debate his seeming lack of work ethic, this game is tailor-made for his magic want if you ask me. Emery has to find a way to get the fire back up his butt, imagine him playing Pepe/Martinelli in……….now you get my point. Anyway, that’s it from us over here, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog, like us on facebook by clicking this red link and of course share. Whatever you do, do enjoy the game wherever you are…..Ciaooo

Arsenal's Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde & Villa Preview

Its been a so so three weeks or so since our last post and well, we have seen quite a number of different shades to the Arsenal, from the good to the not so good if I may put it nicely. The thing with the gunners is, you just never know what you might get, tough as brick or soft as jelly, scintillating or abject in performance, you just never know.

The game against Spurs just before the international break was pulsating and full full of energy, the gunners showed guts even if the glory of 3-points never came, we applauded the performance, pumped our fists for the fight shown to come back from two goals down. Its what you want from a team surely aint it? Maybe we expect too much from Emery and his lads or maybe we are just not there yet or never will. I don’t know, but the same team turned in a rotten second half crap show against Watford that saw the gunners do the reverse, get pegged back from a two-goal cushion. How on earth are they expected to be taken seriously...seriously? It was hugely disappointing to leave Vicarage road with a point. I know there are no easy games in the EPL these days, still, that’s 2 very massive points dropped, let’s just leave it at that!

          Now fast forward a few days after the Watford fiasco, the gunners, inspired by a Bukayo Saka virtuoso performance do the biz at away in the Europa League @Frankfurt. Sometimes I just wonder with this team. Kudos to the team for the job done even those Frankfurt had their moments which if they had taken, maybe just maybe Arsenal would not have had the easy ride the 3-0 scoreline belies. Call me a cynic but I am being realistic. The positives from the game I would say, Bukayo might be getting more game time along with Neilson and Wilock who by the way I highly rate especially after another solid performance in Germany. Pepe needs to start delivering the goods and I mean goals. He had another assist in for Saka’s goal but he was there in flashes. Lets give him time.

To the EPL, the gunners welcome newly promoted Aston Villa to the Emirates in what must be a response game, I mean look at Man City ripping Watford (yeah the same Watford) a new one in the game earlier today after Pep’s lads were shocked last week by the Canaries. I know I said there are no easy games in the Premier League but come on, would anyone had seen that loss coming? I think not. If after 5 games we currently are on 8 points with 0 goal difference, things aren’t looking good. The points need to start getting on board now if we are to win the top four race this season, forget about competing for the league.  This time, with all due respect to Aston Villa, the gunners must put in a ruthless shift, again like Man City transferred aggression onto Watford. Arsenal has to play good defence with no silly penalties given away (3 in 3games), that needs to end. We stay tight in the middle with Torreira Ceballos and Willock, Xchaka should rest. Ozil behind Auba and Pepe to finish the chances. I need a BIG+ response and care less how they get it. I need to see the boys show they want the 3 points and a clean sheet at home, the injury to Lacazette makes us light upfront coupled with the loan of Mickhi (Emery what were you thinking). Trying to lighten the wage bill when you don’t even have enough proven quality? I don’t get Arsenal FC sometimes. Auba good enough is a stealth finisher, give him the goods, he will give you the goals. My fear is, if he gets injured which he rarely does, what happens? The options are very much lacking. Anyway, I won’t want to get talking about the negatives, lets focus on the positives and move on. This game is a must win, we, Spurs lost earlier in the day, while Chelsea take on Liverpool at the bridge, it a chance for the gunners to start thinking ahead by getting the points on, one game at a time. I admitted it earlier that there are no easy games, but these are the boys need to get serious by giving a face-saving response to last week’s horrendous capitulation, the fans don’t want to know how……Just get it done please. All that said I hope we get the win with a clean sheet, that defence needs to shut Villa out and I repeat no silly penalties conceded, David Luiz I am looking at you. My team selection would be like this:

The bench doesn’t look too strong with just Granit, Neilson and Saka as the closest to an attacking option we have but, that’s what it is. I suggest the gunners start the match with the same intensity they showed against Totts anything less may not cut the mustard, 3-points full stop. That’s it from us for today, do like our facebook page (Link Here) or subscribe to our blog via the subscribe button so you get all our posts as they drop. Do enjoy the game wherever you are………Ciaooo

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