早晨 (Jóusàhn) Positivistas,
A most pleasant trip to Stratford last night I am sure we can all agree. The hosts, as has happened so often in the past 20 years, putting on a display that made the journey entirely worthwhile. How they manage it season after season I shall never know. New restaurant, same menu. To be fair our lads, confronted with such abundant generosity, did themselves proud.
Of our display I was particularly impressed that they we took command of midfield within seconds of the kick off, and never gave it up for the following 95 minutes. Even before the words “we’re missing Santi” ( banned sobbing face, banned sobbing face) could be posted on Twitter Le Coq and Granit were into gear, capturing the ball , pushing it forward for Theo, Ox and Ozil to twist their way toward the ‘Ammers goal.
On the odd occasion the ‘Ammers managed to get hold of the ball a swarm of yellow shirts was onto them, denying them time to look up or pick a pass, flicking the ball away before sweeping back towards Randolph’s goal, poor soul.
And having grasped the initiative in that opening few minutes I do not think that we ever let it go at any time in the evening. Two players who stood out in the first half were Ox and Monreal, both of whom have had a lot of criticism in recent weeks. They worked together as well as any full back/winger combination I can remember when attacking. If they did have a West Ham player against them on the wing to defend against I have no idea who he was because he never made any impression with or without the football.
The opening goal was as simple as it was inevitable. Ironically it was a recklessly misplaced pass out of defence from West Ham that Le Coq cut out that finally sank them. That it took 24 minutes to finally arrive was the result of some desperate defending and a weakness on our part to translate overwhelming control in the final third to a killer pass or clear shot on goal.
I sensed, and I am sure you did, that having got the first goal that the metaphorical floodgates would open and we would rattle in a few more by half time. As is the way of football however we did not translate our domination into that important second goal.
Half time slowed us down and afterward we had an occasional attach by the Ammers to deal. At just 1-0 there was that uncomfortable feeling that a silly error, a Payet free kick or even Mr Pawson might even the score unless we moved the scoreboard on.
I need not have worried and the best player on the pitch, probably the best player in the Premier League this past month, struck decisively on 70 minutes. Despite his size Sanchez used his strength to break tackles and make space in the West Ham box before steering the ball past Randolph. He brushed off two WH defenders like dust. It was exactly the same type of strength that Costa had used at the Etihad earlier in the day. I look forward to him applying the same physical rigour to Ottamendi, Stones and Kolarov in three weeks time.
Having scored the second there then followed the next three, each a peach in its own way. For the Ox he badly needed a goal, even a really good shot on target, and the goal he managed was both and perfect. Alexis’ final solo effort, with THAT STEPOVER brought the curtain down on our biggest win against the Ammers away from home in my life time, and perhaps ever. By that stage the London Stadium was more than half empty, the home supporters unable to bear the crushing humiliation.
Normally I am able to single out opposition players for praise, generous opponent that I am. It is difficult this week. Other than Randolph, and the ever so lonely Fletcher, they were collectively and individually rubbish. Fucking amateurs. At least the ball boys had the right idea.
So onwards to Basel and I anticipate a second string squad. I also expect a win. It is on Tuesday so we shall know soon enough.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Positively Arsenal 
Bravo Andrew and bravo Arsenal and all who sailed with her yesterday!
Lovely win, I especially enjoyed watching both Ox and Nacho ram the weasel Twitter criticism of each player over the last couple of weeks (and in-game) down the throats of the prats trying to paint a different, darker picture. I just wished the Coporal could have made an appearance. Maybe he’ll get a good early chance on Tuesday?
Happy Sunday all, let’s hope for dropped points and picked up cards galore this afternoon!
LikeLiked by 6 people
An absolute joy of a read Andy.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Usual excellent reportage by our AndyNic. What kept us in the game while we clung for nearly 70 minutes to our 1 nil lead was our resolute defending led by our imperious King Kozzer. No pointy-pointy, no shouty-shouty, just calm leadership by example. And among that back 4 special recognition to our stand-in right back, Gabriel, who never looked out of place.
LikeLiked by 6 people
I’m not smug, I’m not smug, I’m not smug….I am now after that piece Anicoll.
I actually got into a rage on several occasions during the game! Firstly, our wasteful performance in the first 20 minutes. We should have been 2 up at least…..
But, my most violent rant was with the ref. The infringement that let to to set piece and Ammers goal was another utterly ridiculous decision. My anger came because I expect them in our games. I have read articles in the past that claim Arsenal do actually suffer more unfair decisions than any other team.
Anyway, all is well that ends well….
I’m relaxed and enjoying this sunny Sunday morn….
LikeLiked by 6 people
A very decisive performance with moments of brilliance. The nature of the opponents performance should not detract.
Have to feel for the WOB, their perfect day….until Alexis and co set to work
LikeLiked by 3 people
The old fart’s thoughts
Now this was a good cure for the misery bestowed on Wednasday. Not without its frustrations and worries admittedly; the first ten minutes could have seen us 3 up had crosses gone to an Arsenal player instead of an Irons defender. To be honest, Irons was a somewhat unfortunate nickname, paper clips was probably more relevant on the day. Nacho and the Ox were having a ball down the left but try as they may, the end product was missing.
Indeed our first goal only came after 20 odd minutes and was a result of Le Coq charging down a weak clearance into Alexis’ path. He left the defence for dead before unselfishly crossing to Oz who had a tap in.
This surely would open the floodgates but despite each of our players being a step above the opposition, another goal was not to be so we arrived at half time a solitary goal up. Strangely the match stats at that point showed possession, passing and shots taken very equal for both sides yet Petr only had one save to make. It was doubtful that anyone watching saw any danger from WH but with these gooners you never quite know.
It was no surprise when Alexis, who seemed to have had a Duracell installed, put us further ahead and yet again to take us to 3-0. What an amazing player he is. With solid support from every one, he still looked as though he had the energy of any two players combined.
Carrol came on for Wham and within seconds had reduced this lead when he headed home a rebound off the bar and reminded us all that he might not be fit, but can score. Before any Carrol fears could emerge though, the Ox scored a fine goal from the edge of the area. This was well deserved, he’d played very well. And finally Alexis got his third and the match ball with possibly our best goal of the day, splitting their defence and with a step over at top speed had the keeper commit himself before chipping the ball home.
Bar Le Coq getting a very silly yellow card, no real complaints can be raised other than our inability to find space in the area when a break is on. Maybe it’s as well, we could have had double figures otherwise.
Special kudos to Gabriel who as well as taking some heavy knocks performed very well at right back.
Now for some Swiss chocolate; many of the side who didn’t turn up on Wednesday doubtless will be given another chance. Could be interesting. Keep the faith.
LikeLiked by 2 people
well played A5,
What are we going to do with a player like Alexis, probably the most wasteful player on the day but also the most brilliant. How can a player who can be so selfish all over the pitch be so selfless around the box.
Just as I didnt think we were that bad against southampton I didnt think we were that good against the irons, as Arsene says the media only want to report extremes the truth is somewhere near the middle.
The Ox and Nacho were indeed very good both going forward and defensively. Xhaks and Le Coq kept the midfield strong and Theo worked hard down the right. I thought although the back four were caught out on occassions on the whole they were excellent including our new right back who was beaten up allthe way through the game.
Again this was a game we came through despite the lack of protection from the ref who seemed to forget tackle from behind going through a player is a booking and allowed several of these before finally booking Le coq for kicking the ball away, an absolute terrible performance.
On an ex-player perspective it was nice to see Harvard on the bench and when Collins went off he might have been a better option to keep the three at the back but in the end its onwards and upwards to Tuesday and the finish of the CL group.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Loads to enjoy in that one. Sanchez sensational. Ox. Xhaka. Monreal. Gabriel. Kos.Ozil Mustafi…
Particularly enjoyed and appreciated the contributions of Gabriel and Coquelin myself. There’s something mighty nice about knowing your right back is so aerially dominant. Then his ferocity, speed and very decent ability on the ball. It’s working. Also the curious phenomenon of someone looking like they could be out for months but then, seemingly, hopefully, being ok. I thought only the reverse existed.
Coq. Ooh la la. Brilliant performance. The sharpness, industry and tenacity, and quick feet, technical ability and decisiveness. He’s someone who makes good decisions very quickly in the thick of the action.
I didn’t see how far he kicked the ball away. Foolish to do that, but perhaps he was lulled into a false sense of security when Payet did it in front of the ref earlier, in the minute after he had put in a foul that should have been carded. No, Francis, that is no guide, nor the fact kicking the ball away is usually not carded in the prem. The guide is they want to give you a yellow first time they possibly can.
Apparently he is now out for Stoke game. Very interesting choice, then, between Elneny and Ramsey for that game. I’d go Elneny. Ramsey’s the better player, but Elneny seems safer, better choice alongside Xhaka at this time. Aaron might find that one hard to take.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Nice one Andy.
I’d add one thing… Alan shearer remains a complete cock – as far as punditry goes.
LikeLiked by 5 people
By the way, did Sanchez’s third remind anyone of a goal from our past?
Anelka at Blackburn. Blew me away at the time. ‘What the hell is this guy?!’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWTNSsqG2uk
Goal is from 1 minute but treat yourself to the restive the video for a bit, or two, of Bergkamp magic. Good times
LikeLiked by 4 people
No wonder Shearer and Sutton hate us with a passion.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Could Arsene consider the trendy 3 CB option now, Gabi, Kos and Mustafi; with two wing backs?
Nacho has so little to do yesterday he kept turning up in the Hammers box during our attacks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ah Rich, what Anelka could have been if he had been advised correctly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
did someone say stand in right back Gabriel, should that not have been stand out right back Gabriel
LikeLiked by 2 people
biggest away win ever over west ham, and yet the malcontents are still attacking our players, walcott the big target this week, with Ramsey still getting flack too. its unreal.
LikeLike
Bellerin has his work cut out now to win his place back
LikeLike
Ben Dinnery @BenDinnery 2h2 hours ago
Giroud will be available #UCL after re-joining the group. Also told, Sanogo is training despite an ongoing ‘confidential’ calf problem.
LikeLike
Eduardo
Yep. Didn’t have him for long but he was very good in that time. Not a bad career afterwards but could have been so much better.
Think I heard his transfer paid for a training ground (?) for us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Anicoll,
Not that it is any surprise, but may I say how much I enjoyed your post match review which has been written with a nonchalance and skill that would be the envy of professional journalists, and with an erudite style, fitting a fan, which captures the flavour of the game in such a way that someone, like myself, who did not see the game live can really visualise its nuances. Thank you, sir.
Look – can I tell you a secret, just between ourselves – I have, for a number of years, subscribed to the view that the performance is all.
I am a fan, that is a given, but unlike many others, it seems, for me the entertainment quotient was more important to me than anything else. I want to see smooth sophisticated, jaw dropping skill, and cohesive, slick, mesmerising team moves with players who are all on the same wavelength.
However, I have been converted, by time and events, into becoming a believer in the end result being the the major consideration in my expectations and wishes. I still love glorious football, I love the breathtaking wonder of other human beings able to serve up delicious, magical football skills beyond my comprehension, but ……. now I want my team, my beloved Gunners to win – because winning consistently leads to trophies, and I am sorry if it offends other worthy supporters, but football has become a soulless money driven, results orientated results based enterprise.
Why mention that now? Because I gloried in that demolition of West Ham yesterday, it made the saliva course through my mouth and made me beg for more — games where we turn chances into goals so brilliantly are addictive, and I want more, please! (lol)
LikeLiked by 6 people
Splendid. Thank you
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the comments and some cracking comments today.
Jenks in Basel must happen but what a good effort from Gabriel last night, bruised all of ver but a solid performance. Both will surely enjoy a Swiss outing. Looking through the PA comments it is clear our Brazilian is MotM.
And Henry, perversely, the older I get, the more football I see, the less I care about the result. I know, I know.
And as I tap that out Cook equalises for the 🍒
LikeLiked by 3 people
Fair player that Ake !
LikeLiked by 2 people
I admire your standpoint on entertainment, anicoll, but Ake’s winning goal assist for the Cherries has given me a great thrill to see ‘Pool lose, and boosts my perspicacity regarding ‘results’! (lol)
LikeLiked by 4 people
Welcome cock-up on the south coast from Liverpool, extraordinary result leaves us in second place and 3 vital points dropped by the scousers.
Had that been Arsenal half the fanbase would be throwing their towels in the ring. Liverpool’s defence does look dodgy, too dodgy to win the thing I think.
LikeLiked by 4 people
After such a capital repast a joyous outcome from the contest on the south coast…..next I’ve been warned to expect a visit from my ManShitty supporting neighbour. I’ll offer tea and biscuits with good humour…….
LikeLiked by 1 person
amazing having been so crap all season and having the worst month in the history of the premier league were somehow second in the league and only three points off the top, the irony.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Was listening to Talkshite briefly earlier and that Faux Arsenal Fan John Cross was pretty much handing the title to Chelsea. No mention of the caning we handed them though.
LikeLike
So happy with beaumouth for helping us for revenging our first game loss… same scoreline too. LOL . Cos our very own Wilshere is right there, so we can perch on the victory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
well well well, that was some surprising Sunday, I check the liverpool score about 25 minutes in and they are 2-0 up, and by all accounts strolling to a massive win, I go for a walk and when I got back decide to check the result, oh boy, that 0-2 went, 1-2, 1-3, 2-3, to the amazing 4-3, or to put it another way klopp’s team, certainly klopp’s team, not klopp’s team, oh yes it is klopp’s team, might not be klopp’s team, certainly not klopp’s team, fucking brendan rodgers team
now one surprise like that was going to make it a good Sunday but imagine checkingt he man utd score with time almost up and seeing them 1-0 up v everton, a team they nearly always beat, thinking that is that then, only to check out arsenal.com and notice the table showing utd 10pts behind us, I did a double take, and yes it was true, utd had let in another late goal – and since then finding out that it was from a penalty given away by the very sub tactical genius jose had sent on to kill the game, made it all the sweeter.
by the way 3 games into the season utd held a 5pt lead over afc, and the malcontents were all full of how great jose was and how wenger had been left behind by these new modern tactical managers, these winners with ambition, well 11 games on and that -5pts is a +10pts, a whole whopping 15pt turn around in just 11 games.
but regardless of those facts, utd are seen by the experts as being more in the title race than arsenal are, the title race at the moment according to the journos and pundits and of course our very own uber bloggers and super fans, goes something like this
chelsea clear favourites, man city major challengers, liverpool will be there or there abouts, spurs are the coming team, man utd will be there by the end, arsenal will be lucky to get sixth. Go figure.
LikeLiked by 6 people
JB™ @gunnerpunner 36m36 minutes ago
How far are we from another Mourinho interview where he goes on a 10-minute rant in response to being asked how he is?
LikeLike
Adam Nathan @adamdnathan 3h3 hours ago
My thoughts and prayers are with the media on this most difficult of days
LikeLiked by 2 people
Squawka Football @Squawka 1h1 hour ago
Jose Mourinho has now taken just 36 points from his last 30 games in the Premier League:
DLWLLWDLWLLLWDLLWWWLLWDDLDWDDD
LikeLiked by 1 person
ffsLucas @ffsArsenaI 57m57 minutes ago
It has how been 435 days since Mourinho beat a team in the top half of the league table.
LikeLiked by 3 people
LOL.. Loving the JM tweets… I am sure I have not been subtle about the fact I cant stand Jose M… too pompous, full of himself, overrated!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Mourinhos recent results….Shocking ……
Utd have some excellent and very expensive players, including the four signings Jose asked for last summer. but look at them
Yet, how many would have Jose replace Wenger tomorrow if they could. Perhaps the same people who wanted Bilic to replace Wenger
LikeLiked by 3 people
that journo Duncan Castles really has some mental problems, his devotion to Jose knows no bounds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor game at Goodson between two modestly equipped sides, I cannot see either troubling the neighbours for the Europa League place
LikeLike
While I hate Maureen as much as the next man I can’t help but think that like Van gaal he will stumble to bagging a trophy, manure have been so shit the last couple of seasons yet could get two trophies on the trot unbelievable
LikeLiked by 3 people
And as they shuffle him out the door he’ll be whining about winning ‘cups’ aob
If Jose had not spent every day since he was sacked by Chelsea in trying to force VdG out of the manager’s job at TP you might feel a bit sorry for him ?
Naw
LikeLiked by 4 people
ah good old english pundits, the same stock solutions to how to stop arsenal or its star players, this time rio ferdinand has advised the leagues defenders on how to top Alexis,
“smash the life out of him”
we have seen how this solution has been in operation for years, we seen what happened to Diaby, Eduardo and Ramsey, we seen JAR kicked from pillar to post all the way back to Spain, we’ve seen refs comply with this and even make excuses for it – “arsenal are naive”, – and of course when one of our players pays the ultimate price of it, all kinds of excuses are trotted out, my personal favorite – “he is not that kind of player”, and “he loves his mum”. I’ll give rio credit for saying it straight out – “smash the life out of him”, at least he did not do the mealy mouthed – “get in their faces”.
Should we be at all surprised at Rio’s solution, after all he was part of a team that went out of their way to “smash the life out of” many an arsenal player, and one of his former team mates not so long ago advocated that one of our players (Rosicky), deserved to be on the end of a two footed lung because he had the ability to do a great bit of skill (the no look pass), and not one word of condemnation was uttered from any football journo, or pundit. This great solution to how to stop Arsenal and its players, is so far ingrained in so many people involved in the English game, that they see nothing wrong with the idea at all. 66 never again.
LikeLike
my take on what little of the jose presser, – last minute or so – is that he is laying the ground work for abandoning any sort of expansive attacking play from utd, and will go to ultra defensive, counter attacking football, a real results is all that matters approach. exactly what he craves.
LikeLike
we are in December, so its that time of year again, January transfer window is only around the corner, and our uber bloggers and super fans are going all out on what we have to spend, and who we have to spend it on.
my take on the upcoming window,
if we make a big name, big money signing, it will likely be Julian Draxler, he is extremely unhappy at wolfsburg, he has fell out with their fans, he wanted out in the summer, and only yesterday repeated his desire to leave. He has said Arsenal have tried to sign him several times over recent years, including last summer, and that he would be keen to come here. with Alexis now our main striker, Draxler might be seen as a good choice to add competition for the wide left position.
of course the uber bloggers say we need to sign a new Cazorla, loads of them out there if you care to look, or should that be overspend, pay enough and we too could have a dabbing non productive world record signing.
we might see another Gabriel or Elneny type signing, a lesser known player who actually adds to the squad.
An interesting little rumor doing the rounds is that Arsenal are in serious talks to try and sign Exeter City’s 16 year old CB/DM Nathan Ampadu, he became Exeter City’s youngest ever first team player this year, Chelsea appear to be our biggest rivals for the lad, but his dad, Kwame, is Arsenal U18 manager. A report from liverpool claims that lfc have pulled out of a move for the lad cos Arsenal have already agreed a deal, and that it will be completed in January.
LikeLike
Squawka Football @Squawka 4h4 hours ago
Man Utd won more Premier League games (3) during August than they have in September, October, November and December combined so far (2).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jamie Dalton @JamieDalton82 6h6 hours ago
Man Utd are 10 points off 2nd and 10 points off 2nd bottom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
AFC GLEN @AFC_GLEN 5h5 hours ago
Never trust a person who can’t look at you when your having a conversation… Mourhino is that man.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well well well,
What a Sunday,
What a weekend.
And as George tweeted, we have the complete c@ntfest that will be man Utd vs Spurs next Sunday to look forward to. Tom Daley will need to referee that one.
LikeLiked by 3 people
nice to see match of the day 2 condemn dele alli for his cheating yesterday, now what was their exact phrase
“alli will be happy he got what he wanted”
strong words there from the motd2 panel, bet that shocked him to the bone and we wont be seeing him diving again.
LikeLike
if arsenal beat stoke then the possible outcomes of the man utd v spur game are
man u win – arsenal 7pts clear of spurs and 10pts clear of utd
spurs win – arsenal 4pts clear of spurs and 13pts clear of utd
draw – arsenal 6pts clear of spurs and 12pts clear of utd
so basically if Arsenal win then we are in a real win win situation in regards the manu/sprus game. we can be happy no matter what.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oliver Holt @OllieHolt22 59m59 minutes ago
Only just seeing that Rojo challenge at Goodison. One of the most obvious straight reds you’ll see. Bizarre he got yellow
jose is right there is clearly a refs agenda against utd
LikeLike
I feel a bit late to the party, but thanks Andy for this great write-up, and thanks too to all the commentators. I particularly liked Ed’s Klopp’s declension. My experience of the West Ham game was interesting. Due to the vagaries of my son’s sporting calendar I had to take him to a cricket practice on Saturday evening, which meant I ended up killing time in the back bar of a country pub, trying to do some work but also following the game every five minutes or so on Twitter. The early goal did little to calm those on my time-line and frustrations were running high. I was quite anxious too, and mightily relieved when Alexis scored the second, at which point I finished my second Virgin Mary (I am nothing if not seasonal) and headed back to the car. And then, oh frabjous day, the radio told me we were 4-1 up which I didn’t quite believe until the game rolled on and the glorious hat-trick finished things quite satisfactorily and I arrived at the sports hall five minutes before the practice ended which gave me time to check Twitter and marvel at how quiet it had gone since the goals rained in.
I have been quite frustrated by Alexis since he joined us, and haven’t really liked him, it being an unfortunate part of my psyche that I tend to dislike players who everyone else raves about. Chief among my complaints have been his habit of getting in others’ way, and the infrequency with which he seemed to make decisive and match-winning contributions. “If he is that good”, my twisted self would say, “how come he never scores a goal out of nothing to change a game”. Well, I have seen that second goal (his first) and also noted his brilliant assist for Ozil’s opener) and am now choosing to remember other memorable and decisive moments – and would like to publicly apologise for what i have hitherto kept secret. I am now a fan.
But don’t think I haven’t enjoyed the fact that we only slipped into overdrive once Aaron entered the fray, and that the Ox was magnificent too and that Gabriel is starting to show what a fine addition he is to the team.
And well played Herr Klopp for refusing to blame his players and pointing out that sometimes these things happen, and thank you, thank you Mr Baines for making a pretty good weekend almost perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person