It looked like a day more suitable for diving equipment and rubber ducks than playing the beautiful game. After the effort put in against Bayern on Tuesday it seemed rather unfortunate that Mother Nature should give Everton a weather advantage to go with many tired legs on our side. Even our Duracell bunnies seemed a little off the pace. But this Arsenal is a different animal to many we’ve seen before and fully deserved the 2-1 win.
With three changes to the side, we still looked sharper than the toffees and Mesut proved he has one of the finest football brains on show. Equally Petr Cech proved that he is truly in a class of his own with some outstanding keeping.
And what about Olly Giroud? Replacing Theo in the line up he also had a stunning game which deserved better reward than his one headed goal from the Wizard of Oz’s pin point cross. His shot that hit the bar in the second half deserved a goal.
Within a minute or so, Kos doubled our lead from Santi’s cross and bearing in mind their performance against ManU perhaps some of us started thinking back to the 7-0 hammering we gave them several years ago. This was not to be regrettably and from one Everton breakaway started by the Ox’s mistake, Barclay went through and scored via a massive deflection from the Archangel who in my mind should be credited with our 5th OG of the season as Petr had the ball well covered. In fairness, Barclay probably deserved to be credited with the goal, he played as well as he was allowed and Gabriel had such a good game that to sully it with a negative may be an unfair reflection. Certainly his late in the game tackle on Lukaku followed by such a happy flashing of his tombstone teeth was a joy.
A thought on the Ox…is he perhaps trying too hard? He’s a far better player than his performances suggest and neither his attacking nor defensive roles are in tune at the moment. He probably needs a good run to get his confidence back.
Despite going into a far more defensive mode in the second half, we still created several chances and apart from Olly’s hitting the bar, Oz was also unlucky with a shot that clipped the outside of the post. The defensive duties were ably carried out by all concerned, Le Coq unperturbed by a soft yellow card that Mason gave him early doors, maybe in retaliation for the second card that he hadn’t given him earlier in the season.
Barry getting a red card was unfortunately too late for us to take advantage.
So top of the league for the time being, a chance to rest many against Wednesday and maybe to see some new faces, and then the Swans. A definite need for a bit of payback there.
Positively Arsenal 
Thanks Ian – great stuff and you have all the action and I agree about the OX. I see he is getting some stick about Jagielka’s injury but I can’t see what he did wrong.
(Not sure where the original draft disappeared to but no doubt it will arrive later)
LikeLiked by 1 person
what I liked and disliked about the Everton game
L – Ozil’s wonderful performance, use of the ball, dancing feet, the lazy fucker
D – how softly we gave away the ball, Alexis and Ox most at fault
L – for the first time in a very long time we got on the end of corners
D – we failed to get some very good chances on target at these corners, Giroud and Gabriel(2) had great chances but missed the goal.
L – We played some outstanding football, great movement, slick passing, creating great chances, solid defending and some great saves by Cech
D – we made it hard on ourselves by giving away the ball in good positions, also their goal came from Ox making the wrong decision, which was then compounded by what I would call token tracking back by both he and Bellerin, they both had the chance to get goal side of Barkley around the half way line as he slowed up, but they both seemed to look at other expecting the other to go the extra yards, then when he got the ball they both sort of panicked and took up poor defensive positions, and not getting in a real challenge, a totally avoidable goal, right from the wrong decision by Ox to shoot, the token tracking back, and of course where was Coquelin and Cazorla, 2 up and only minutes of the half left, why had we over extended in attack.
L – Gabriel’s performance, very Keown like, his fist pump after his great tackle in the last minute showed his passion and desire for defending, so nice to see
D – Everton got scoring chances a bit too easy at times, Lukaku had a free header late on and Cech had to bring off a top quality save to stop us throwing away a 2 goal lead.
L – Mason sending off Barry, it always amazes me how much Barry gets away with game after game, he is the English Ramires
D – How Mason did not book more Everton players, for their constant fouling and diving.
L – We are top of the league
D – only a Man Utd win (not more than by 3 goals) keeps us top
oh and one final like – the Chelsea meltdown continues and finally the english media look like they are prepared to have a go at joe say
LikeLike
Thanks for this and for all the other write ups and comments this last week which has kept me in touch when I hadn’t thought I’d be within range of any signal at all. Hope to be home by Tuesday and to start watching and contributing again. But for now well done the boys: what a few weeks it’s been.
LikeLike
until the played Arsenal
Leicester were unbeaten
Watford were unbeaten at home
Bayern were unbeaten
Everton were unbeaten away
LikeLiked by 1 person
OptaJoe @OptaJoe 42m42 minutes ago
18 – No team has won a Premier League title having earned fewer than 18 points after 10 games of the season. Chelsea have 11. Adrift.
LikeLike
so what starting 11 are we expecting in the COC on Tuesday v Wednesday
maybe 3 debuts
Macey
Debuchy Chambers Gabriel Gibbs
Flamini Kamara
Oxlade-Chamberlain Iwobi Campbell
Walcott
LikeLike
tim sherwood sacked by Aston Villa, they will probably hire Brendan Rodgers now.
LikeLike
Bobby Madeley handing out a valuable learning opportunity to Coloccini there
LikeLiked by 1 person
#SherwoodSacked. Good riddance. I have absolutely no empathy for the man. He first came to my attention as a pundit for the infamous Irish tv network, Setanta, who in the middle of the last decade were going head-to-head with Sky, eventually going bust. From his comfy seat in the ivory tower of punditry, he and the Liverpool-red Steve McManaman would week-in, week-out dog Arsenal and Arsene Wenger for not spending, completely glossing over the fact we had a stadium to pay for plush, waxing on tactical issues way out of his grasp and simply giving comfort to the idiots in our fanbase, who like Piers Morgan are now hypocritically jumping onto Arsene bandwagon. Sherwood is among a minority of these wankers who eventually get a job in football management and found to be complete frauds. I wish more would try.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Nice simple write up, like the game. Yesterday was just about getting the result, not fancy runs, not fancy flicks and not fancy kicks – somehow that memo ended up in Mesut’s spam box. Attaboy Özil. Atta-team Arsenal and atta-boss Arsène Wenger.
I’m hoping to see Iwobi bags the winner against Wednesday on Tuesday as the 1st teams recuperate after their heavy schedule.
Thx Ian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who did this blog? gf60? Fine, fine effort. All the major points recognized.
LikeLike
He did Shotts
LikeLike
Remi Garde in talks to become the next Aston Villa manager.
LikeLike
A5 you should add a line at the end giving gf60 the credit he is due.
Excellent point by gf60:
“A thought on the Ox…is he perhaps trying too hard? He’s a far better player than his performances suggest and neither his attacking nor defensive roles are in tune at the moment. He probably needs a good run to get his confidence back.”
I was confess to almost losing it with the Ox while on Twitter yesterday. I was able to restrain myself with the help of Steww. Unlike the end-of-an-eraists and the various front-runners who only support the club, the manager and the players when the going is good, we positivistas and others need to wrap our arms around the shoulders of the Ox and encourage him. Let him know we know he has the talent and just needs to take advantage of the opportunities given by the boss to become a first name on the team sheet similar to Ramsey and, before him, that turncoat Van Persie when he was constantly on the treatment stable. Who is going to be the Ox’s Alabama Gooner?
LikeLike
Thanks for stepping in and providing us with the goods on this fine Sunday morning.
Really love Wengers comments on Ozil. I mentioned I had a feeling he was going to be well up for the Bayern game and after finally getting a chance to watch it I’m pleased he got his goal to go with his performance. If I were a betting man I’d have surely won some money on that as I just knew he was going to score. The way he quietly goes about his business without showing up his opponents or losing his head in more trying times is not something that is lost on me. I feel sorry for those unable to fully grasp his game. Like Wenger mentions it’s all about the team that’s what the Ozil haters like Bill over at ACLF fail to realize. When the team isn’t fully clicking like some of our obnoxious customers demand he is an easy scapegoat unfortunately. Those in the know realize that is just a trait of the weak minded of course
LikeLike
A couple of weeks ago I was given stick for whingeing about Ox flicking a foot at a shot and deflecting it past Ospina.
Now it is apparently deemed OK to give the guy stick (and make him responsible for a goal) for a so-called mistake just outside the OPPOSITION pen.
Funny old game.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember, dk. He has had a rough go hasn’t he? It’s mind boggling how every little mistake of his finds its way under the microscope. He just needs to put his head down and power through it. It’s almost comical
LikeLike
How not to support a player struggling to establish himself?
http://tinyurl.com/ofpzpxu
LikeLike
Great write up, only missing one point. It is clear that mason had a huge affect on this game. Le Coq shouldn’t have been booked, Everton players had already made worse tackles. He ignored several deliberate obstructions all of which should have been bookings. The fowl by the corner flag late on was amazing for the lack of punishment. We should have had more free kicks and bookings in the first half would have put them under more pressure and probably effected their substitutions as well. As we tired in the second half the game would have been alot more comfortable especially if mason had not been punishing us evertime we tackled them and they fell to the floor.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What you must bear in mind Shotts is that the great unwashed need a target for their malicious loathing.
If it’s not Ox it is Aaron. If neither is available they have Olivier, and if business is slow they have Chambers, Ospina and the lamentably slow, no longer fit to wear the shirt Per Mertesacker.
Give it a couple of games and a couple more injuries and the pictures on the dartboard will be Arteta and Flamini.
LikeLike
As far as I am concerned the Ox should keep what he is doing, ignore the crap and I have no doubt whatsoever he will receive the accolades his contribution deserves.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Remi Garde serving his PL apprenticeship at villa might not be a bad thing. That way the handover between him and Arsene should be seemless.
LikeLike
Just finished watching the Manchester derby
Is it me or was that a really poor game, devoid of quality football from either side ?
LikeLiked by 5 people
all attacking player lose the ball..attacking inherently means taking risks. how can they blame him for trying to do his job.
and how people conveniently forget all the good things he did in the match. i just hope Ox continues to listen just to Arsene and his team and not anyone else. Arsene correctly points how these “pundits” make such irresponsible statements which potentially hinder/effect a young player’s confidence. It is atrocious really..telling him what he did wrong is one thing..being a professional athlete I am sure he can take that. but saying things like Ox must be sent out on a loan, he can never cut it..he is costing us points..he is a liability and that sort of vitriol is outright unethical and immoral.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Ed, I think your pretty much spot on with the side although I would like to see JC start up front with Iwobi wide and Beb Sheaf in the middle. That way we can take a strong bench for the just in case. Many have suggested Bennacer should be given ago but I think it’s a little to early for him.
A5, I haven’t seen the manc game but I’m happy to agree with you on the lack of quality.
LikeLike
Great write up, gf60. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I’ll confess to conflict in my head regarding whomever replaces Aaron on the right. I want them to do well, but not too well, because I don’t want Aaron to lose his place. Terrible, I know. But I have a soft spot for Ox. He reminds me of 2012 Aaron. Desperate to impress, hard on himself when things don’t come off. He’ll get there. That said, I don’t have the emotional energy to be his champion. I can only get that invested in one player at a time…my heart can’t take it.
LikeLike
I’m still stuck on Arshavin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Jurgen Klopp revival of Liverpool continues.
Games: 3
Win: 0
Lost: 0
Draw: 3
LikeLike
Andrew, didn’t watch the Mancs but the Guardian MbM guy linked to a picture of shit on a stick. And at 84 minutes, he had a headline saying SOMETHING HAPPENS!
So I don’t think it was just you.
LikeLike
Without Silva and Aguerro I have sympathy with Citeh’s lack of intelligence or flair, the home side were pretty woeful though throughout.
Looking at Bony until he was deservedly hooked – so that is what £35million buys you nowadays ( shakes head)
LikeLike
anicoll why would you have sympathy for city just cos silva and aguero were missing, after all they still had as you point out £35M Bony, not to mention over £100M pair Sterling and KDB, its no one else’s fault if they have wasted their money. When you look at the amount of money both city and utd have spent, its a disgrace how poor the quality of both of them is.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Why would I have sympathy for them Eddy ?
Because Silva is their best midfield player and far more creative than any other player they have in the squad. Best purchase they ever made.
And Aguerro is probably the most natural finisher in the PL – deadly on occasions as we have learned to our cost several times.
Will that do?
LikeLike
BBC Sport @BBCSport 6h6 hours ago
#MUFC v #MCFC is only the 2nd PL game this season to have no shots on target in the 1st half(other is #MUFC v #LFC)
LikeLike
Szczesny has helped Roma to top of Seria A, where AC Milan gave a debut today to a 16 year old keeper, they won 2-1
LikeLike
Hillsboro tomorrow
I’m exhausted even thinking about it
LikeLike
The starting 11 tomorrow will be very interesting. But we can be sure the Flamster will be there. Such a shame he didn’t get some angle on that header on Saturday – it would have brought the house down.
LikeLike
Referee tomorrow is Graham Scott, who has only refereed one PL game, otherwise Championship, League 1 and C1C. Last time he reffed a Wednesday game, they got 4 yellows.
LikeLike
Some advice for the embattled supremo at the Bridge;
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great stuff GF60.
After watching our closest rivals ( bar West Ham!) play rubbish football yesterday, I’m more optimistic than ever for Arsenal’s title challenge this season.
Early days – the lads need to go at it slow and steady.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have done well so far but we are still carrying around 5 injuries per match. Jack, Danny & TR7 we could do with back before the Christmas programme although I know that’s not going to happen. I think were on the edge at the moment a couple more injuries and we could struggle in some games. Full strength we a match for anyone.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Early team news is that Per is back, and with Ospina out, Wenger says Cech will certainly play.
LikeLike
Arsenal fined £60K and agent fined £30K, over Chambers transfer
http://www.thefa.com/news/governance/2015/oct/arsenal-and-alan-middleton-fined-over-calum-chambers-transfer
LikeLike
13 YOUNGSTERS TRAIN WITH ARSENAL FIRST-TEAM AHEAD OF SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY GAME
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger called upon 13 youngsters for today’s first-team training session at London Colney ahead of tomorrow’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
Some senior players were involved, with Petr Cech set to start at Hillsborough, and Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers, Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Flamini, Per Mertesacker and Joel Campbell all training today.
However, there was a very youthful presence to today’s proceedings, with Alex Iwobi, Donyell Malen, Ben Sheaf, Marcus Agyei-Tabi, Ismael Bennacer, Reiss Nelson, Joshua Dasilva, Savvas Mourgos, Matt Macey, Glen Kamara, Marc Bola, Julio Pleguezuelo and Krystian Bielik all training with the squad.
David Ospina, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky are all currently out injured.
Possible team:
Cech
Debuchy-Mertesacker-Chambers-Gibbs
Kamara-Flamini
Campbell-Sheaf-Iwobi
Walcott
Posted in Uncategorized on October 26, 2015 by Jeorge Bird. Leave a comment
LikeLike
It was amazing how motd made such a play of the lukaku near miss but didn’t even show flamsters header.
Ed, if Sheaf does start tomorrow remember I called it. Consider ones trumpet well and truly blown, however if its nearer your side I won’t mention it.
BSF, BSF, BSF,
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mourinho charged with misconduct in relation to language/behaviour towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area, just two weeks after Jose Mourinho was given a suspended one-match stadium ban and fined 50k by the FA. One would think Jose is trying to force Roman to sack him and give him a massive pay off.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mirror Football @MirrorFootball 2h2 hours ago
Jose Mourinho facing FIVE game touchline ban as FA charge piles pressure on Chelsea boss http://mirr.im/1GEelux
LikeLike
there are reports that Jose in his latest confrontation with the officials actually made reference to Arsene Wenger, and then swore at them. The guy is obsessed by AW, and it has put him over the edge. You just got to love it, who is the voyeur now jose.
LikeLike
Ed, I so hope that’s true
LikeLike
disappointed that Arsenal was charged in Chamber’s deal.
anybody knows what?
LikeLike
its seems that when Southampton agreed to sell Chamber to AFC, they were asked who his agent was and AFC then contacted the agent, but never checked that the guy was fully licensed and it turns out he was not, and so AFC get fined for using him in the deal.
LikeLike