As all the excitement and furore of the cup draw fades into yesterdays chip paper and the giddy delight of our unexpected routing of the Saints dissipates, so normal service is resumed this evening. Arsenal in the Premier League, at home, expected to win.
The fear of a come down after a big cup victory may be founded in superstition or there could be some statistical evidence to support it. Did we lose after Ludogorets? After Slavia Prague? I can’t recall and it really doesn’t apply here anyway, given the number of expected changes it might as well be two different teams under discussion.
The ease and style with which we demolished Southampton might put a small pressure on the first teamers who will line up tonight, maybe somewhere in the back of their minds they’ll want to show that they too can turn on the style. I doubt it though. These are the kind of projections that amateur writers like me invent for players having no idea what they think on any subject. It is far more likely that being the professionals they are and given the squad based nature of modern football they do not draw the lines as clearly between first and second string.
Take, as an illustration, the form of our Gallic heartthrob. A lot of people like to pretend they know, for a fact, that Giroud responded to the pressure of an in form and free scoring Alexis and that made him play better. Competition for places is the popular mantra. I can far more readily believe that the careful management by Arsène Wenger to ensure his talismanic centre forward was fully rested after a long summer of competitive sport saw him return refreshed, reinvigorated, and simply more able to produce his best.
All this, of course, is simply speculation. None of us know a thing about what goes on in the minds of the players. Not a thing. Their press comments are pure PR and other than that we have nothing to go on. It’s why I get so riled when people tell me that players didn’t think they had to try, or assumed they could just turn up, or didn’t want it badly enough. It seems to me there are games where they’ve given their all and lost or drawn in the end and they’ve been written off in the above terms. On another day precisely the same effort and approach brings a late, late winner and they’re praised for their determination. Two identical performances but people judge only on results and make up the reasons.
So don’t tell me they’ll have a point to prove to our second string nor that Watford will be a push over. None of us can see into another man’s heart, none know his innermost thoughts so it’s best to let these blokes get out there and hoof the ball about a bit and just cheer them on.
I see some speculation that Danny Welbeck will start again tonight. This would be a huge shock. Arsène has the kind of squad he’s always wanted and has no need to risk players returning from long injuries. He has shown nothing but patience as the recently recovered feel their way back to fitness and sharpness, and I would be amazed if Welbeck’s ‘huge offensive potential’ is on display this evening.
Of those who started on Sunday there are a couple you’d expect to see again tonight and three others who made a strong case for inclusion, namely Theo, Lucas and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It is ridiculous to try to rank one above the other, I’m aware of this, but it won’t stop me joining in the fun. Many people want to ignore Theo’s contribution and pretend he did nothing beyond the three touches which put the ball into the net. Likewise they want to elevate Alex’s performance in a more central role into a revelatory experience.
We all have our favourites and we all get excited by specific aspects of someone’s game, it’s human nature and there’s nothing wrong with that. My pick of the three is Lucas Perez. Pure prejudice on my part and in no way do I denigrate the others. I like the intelligence with which he plays the game and I particularly like players who bring out the best in those around them. It’s a gift Giroud has, Mesut has, and it’s one the greatest of them all had in a frightening abundance.
I could watch Lucas’ sublime pass to Danny Welbeck for his opening goal a thousand times and not tire of it. Players who make me gasp and smile are the ones I prize most of all. It’s why I like Aaron and Alex Iwobi, it’s why I loved Tomáš, and it’s why we all revere Dennis Bergkamp. Lucas Perez has the potential to enter such hallowed company. Will Arsène find space for him tonight? Somehow I still doubt it. I can’t see beyond Alexis, Giroud and Theo up front. Similarly it seems unlikely that the Aaron / Coquelin axis will be disrupted, no matter how good The Ox looked at the weekend. But then what do I know?
Make sure you get the dog walked early tonight as kick off is at 7:45. I’ve been down and pre-recorded my radio show so I’ll be here to share the excitement. If you’re at the match I trust you’ll be in good voice, if not I hope you find a good quality stream without the pain of the English commentary. That’s all from me, I’m off to check on my compost bin.
Positively Arsenal 
Excellent post,
I’m getting really frustrated by the conspiracy theorists, the latest Theo was on ‘the naughty step’ as he had the temerity to answer a question in what his 10 years experience at Arsenal was not the best performance. He was asked a question answered without putting anyone in it,as honestly as he could with the adrenalin flowing.
Giroud was left out because he got sent off against PSG to name but two.
There have been many more this season repeated by too many Arsenal fans, but they have no proof.
It was so much easier to follow the side ‘When we were boring’ , just had to put up with Boring,boring Arsenal, there seemed to be much more solidarity.
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Morning Stew, I think I am with you on Perez as the pick of those pressing for a first team berth but perhaps destined for a quieter night than he hoped for. Lovely touch as well as a stroker’s predatory instinct, he also looks the part. Vulpine.
Watford arrive on the back of some poor results from the beginning of December and Mazzarri under increasing pressure from the Vicarage Road Tea Party. The FA Cup exit at the Den turned up the protest volume a notch. I fancy a nervous opponent tonight and one who might be susceptible to the quick knock out.
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PG
I loved the vodcast and particularly, your forthright, hilarious, poignant contribution.
(I fought hard to not conclude ‘some otherly conspiracy’ stuff was happening when someone’s loud/random background noise appeared as you started to speak. Oh well).
I’m sorry that the whole bolux of Arsenal’s’ treatment can leave you upset/not liking the footy, and I can relate to that. (I loved hearing about the way you came to support Arsenal).
Shotta
Thanks for the 2-part ref articles. They really are superb.
Your last comment: ‘it’ll take a miracle for Ars to catch Chelsea’, – to my mind, is correct. The constant negativity towards anything Arsenal from plundits/press/tv, for over a decade, married with the sureness of failure expressed by them tells its own story.
Steww
Thanks for this and your last three previews. Boy, every one is a gem.
A5
Great reviews, thanks.
I sometimes despair when I see in your comments – assertions suggesting there’s little wrong with the Prem or refs (‘we win with Moss/Clatters the great/you’re all having a go at the reffing, etc.
Maybe I’m envious of all the people who happen not to see our opponents’ rotational fouling and the lack of punishment or even acknowledgment?
I certainly don’t want this seen as some slight on you. My footy viewing would be more agreeable if I couldn’t see the “patterns” of “thems” particularly since playing at the Ems.
A5, you’re a thoughtful writer and great supporter. Thank you.
PA-ers
You’ve kept me going with your comments and contributions.
COYG
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tanx for excellent piece of mind, that gives the intelligent reader some faith in sportswriting. Your analysis of what we in Holland call ‘scoreboardjournalism’ is so blatantly true, that I cannot wrap my mind around how others dont see the wisdom of it: winning makes the squad look like determined fighters, loosing makes them whining cowards, BS! The effort is often the same!
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Excellent Steww, yeah Lucas definetly has something special about him the pass with the outside of his boot was glorious and reminded me of Merson when he made you smile on a Saturday and not something to be laughed at.
The other cliche of course is ” have they got their minds on Saturday” and we certainly have to concentrate to get the three points against the wounded hornets. COYG.
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Classy article, Steww, — no need to say anything else.
It would be invidious to choose just one player as the MoTM for the S/Hampton game, especially with Theo and Danny scoring so well, and Oxo looking as impeccable as any great orchestrator, and the young tyros, The Jeff, and Niles strutting their stuff — but all that said, it has to be Lucas as MoTM for me too.
You delicately broached the subject of how some fans genuinely believe that they know the mindset of every single player at Arsenal, and coincidentally often believe they know what every other fan is really thinking and why, and — where they are going wrong. [lol]
That is harmless fandom, and no one should get upset by it, unless the opinion gets inextricably married with ‘fact’. Even then, if enough fans churn out their own versions of facts/opinions/cliches liberally dosed with footie verbs/adverbs/nouns then someone is going to be right – and they should have a crack at the Lottery, immediately.
For the sake of clarity – I know probably hundreds of fans, personally and thru blogs, so the above is not about any bloggers on here, but just a view I have arrived at from observation over a protracted number of years. [lol]
Now it is my turn to become a cliche hero: — the boys had better knuckle down tonight – Watford are a wounded tiger – any complacency will reap the whirlwind – if they try too hard they lose the plot – blah dee blah.
On a more serious note – for reasons that I do not understand, whenever we face a team playing poorly, or where we are expected to win comfortably, the Arsenal seem to lose their mojo, and the long faces the next morning, figuratively speaking, soon tell what transpired.
But …… Arsenal to win!! [lol]
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“These are the kind of projections that amateur writers like me invent for players having no idea what they think on any subject.”
This and the two paragraphs that follow represent the most outstanding writing on sport I have seen in some time. Kudos, Steww.
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Not sure Theo will play tonight.He will perhaps be saved for CFC.
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I suspect you might be right George, but when fit the boss likes him and Hector on that side. Probably Alex Iwobi, Alexis and Olivier then
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I would think so Stew.
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Let’s hope Watford’s half-hearted exertions vs Millwall on Sunday on a boggy pitch will be enough to slow them down tonight.I t wasn’t fair of the FA to give Arsenal a day’s advantage, but it happens rarely enough.
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My XI guess
Cech (Dave for Bayern)
Bellerin, Gabriel-Mustafi, Gibbs
Ramsey-Ox
Iwobi-Ozil-Lucas
Giroud
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Kaylen Hinds has signed a new contract at Arsenal and joined Stevenage on loan for the rest of the season
Chuba Akpom has joined Brighton and Hove Albion on loan for the rest of the season.
Gedion Zelalem has joined VVV Venlo on loan for the rest of the season, he has signed a new contract with Arsenal too before going on loan.
Stephy Mavadidi and Krystian Bielik are reported to be in talks over loan moves too, Charlton want both of them, and Blackburn also in for Bielik.
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Ismael bennacer has joined Tours on loan for the rest of the season
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any word yet on which FA Cup ties have been picked for coverage in the next round. It was laughable to see a BBC football show host, yesterday, suggest that despite Man Utd game away to Blackburn not being one of the more exciting ties, that it was almost certain that it would be one of the games picked for coverage, and most likely by the BBC.
It seems its something like 55 FAC ties in a row utd’s game has been shown(regardless of opponents)
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Stephy Mavadidi has joined Charlton on loan for the rest of the season. they needed an attacker after selling Lookman to Everton earlier this month.
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Early Team News
Cech
Bellerin, Mustafi, Kos.Monreal
Coq Ramsey
Ozil
Iwobi.Giroud,Alexs
#fingerintheairITK
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watfordfc line-up v @Arsenal: Gomes (GK); Cathcart, Kaboul, Prödl, Britos; Behrami; Janmaat, Cleverley, Capoue, Niang; Deeney (c).
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Osman @OsmanZtheGooner 4h4 hours ago
Andros Townsend & Leandro Ulloa as the main transfer headlines in the closing stages of the window tells you how shit the window was.
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Is your internet working Eddy?
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COYG
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Eddy – tap 4 times if you can hear us!!
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I’m back on line, for some unknown reason I had to have the drivers installed again. Thankfully it only cost €15.
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I see the Sutton chairman says he wants to keep the cup tie v Arsenal at their 5000 capacity ground, to me its a bit of an odd decision, as they are unlikely to get even a draw, so surely their best course of action would be to play it at a ground like Selhurst Park which has a 25,000 capacity, even with a fee to Crystal Palace and the shared gate money, Sutton would make a real killing which would be important to their future.
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Arsenal FC @Arsenal 2m2 minutes ago
5️⃣️ goals in his last 6️⃣️ games for us
And @_OlivierGiroud_ leads the line again for #AFCvWFC
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report that Arsenal might be bringing in a Barcelona coach to head up our Academy
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/arsenal-eyeing-barcelona-coach-pep-segura-as-new-head-of-youth-development-a7555256.html
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Good luck to the Sutton chairman – it’s about the moment of history not just the cash. I recall Farnborough swapped venues to Highbury to cash in, which I’m sure they did, but have since disappeared without trace.
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Arsenal U18’s beat Southampton u18’s today 1-0, Malen the scorer
Arsenal U18 v Southampton: Crean; Osei-Tutu, Olowu, Pileas, T. Bola; Gilmour, J. Willock; Fortune, Coyle, Malen; Nketiah.
Subs: Barden, Ballard, Medley, Burton, Omole.
with Zelalem, Bennacer, Mavadidi, Hinds and Akpom all going out on loan, there will be a real chance for some of the u18’s to step up to the U23’s the rest of this season. Nketiah and Malen the two obvious choices.
It will be interesting to see if Bielik goes out on loan, cos if he does, it will leave the u23’s really short of tall powerful players, unless we are to play Holding in the team. Marc Bola and Josh DaSilva are about the only two youths left who are powerfully built, so our u23 side is really going to have a size disadvantage for rest of this season.
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anicol if memory serves, the rule was changed after that Farnborough game, so that clubs can not give up home advantage, but can move to nearest big ground.
Also on that Farnborough game, I do think they were told by the Police to move the game to a bigger ground, and there is some talk that the Met are advising Sutton to do the same, as they would not be able to cope if thousands of people without tickets turn up.
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Arsenal FC @Arsenal 9m9 minutes ago
A word from the boss before #AFCvWFC…
🗣 “The players are prepared and mentally focused to deal with the challenges we will face.”
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Up, if you’ll excuse me saying so, the Arsenal.
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Some pass from Monreal.
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any stream
arsenal losing
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back to letting in a second quickly after letting in one. 2-0 to watford
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Not the perfect start. Let’s hope Watford go into their shell and stop scoring.
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If we have a weakness it is sometimes passing to a man who is clearly behind the defender. The ball is never getting to him. I don’t like seeing that, I prefer when we’re more calm, pick our passes with greater discretion.
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Steve Bould out
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Ye gods
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Aaron has been so unlucky with injuries. He just never gets a long enough run of games.
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Perfect example. Sanchez pass to Iwobi then was never on. Man in front of him. Just as well pass to the keeper. Odd how we do this in some games.
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Did anyone notice Watford players “leaving something” on Ramsey every time he got the ball? Unpunished, of course.
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And again Mustafi to Ozil – just got away with it.
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I think Behrami has committed too many fouls to have gone unpunished. Don’t hate me I’m not suggesting it’s a conspiracy.
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It’s A Marriner at his 6 nil best.
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The word ‘missing’ springs to mind.
Missing passes.
Missing tackles.
Missing interceptions.
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WTF was that…..even in the context of some of our slow first half performances this season,that was bad.
Come on boys, you are better than this!
Steve Bould hairdryer, if permitted might not be a pleasant experience
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The really good news is that it is ‘only’ 2
A tactical f******** master-class from Mazzarri
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