147 Comments

Arsenal and the early lunch

Posted by anicoll5 on January 12, 2019 in All Posts

Bulldog3.jpg
@LaboGoon at the head of an orderly queue 

Good day one and all.

Arsenal is travelling to the London Stadium this afternoon to take on West Ham United; after a mini break from Premier League action last weekend as the FA Cup took centerstage.

Ah… West Ham. That 3-1 win against them at the Ems in the reverse fixture started so many good things. Unai Emery’s first win as Arsenal coach. The first in the 22 game unbeaten run. Players previously jeered getting cheered as they seemingly were finally got coached. Gooners full of joy as they sing and danced, “yea, we got our Arsenal back, wooooo”.

But we know what they say about good things right…

Without getting into detail I’ll just say the last two days has been fun and we got our Arsenal twitter and blog-sphere back. Phew!

The Hammers is a bit of a conundrum. History tells they have won just once in the last 23 meetings (in all competitions) between these two teams, yet we never expect them to be pushovers. Which I think is an acknowledge of the quality they always had over the years, they just haven’t always play to their strengths. This is where Manuel Pellegrini is sage.

Following a slow start to the campaign the Hammers are showing reasonably fine form despite a lack of points to show for it. Their summer recruit Felipe Anderson has been one of their standout performers and Arnautovic can single handedly turn games for his team. Throw the experience of Samir Nasri in there and you got a trio that can have a real go at any team that appear to be defensively suspect, especially in front of their own fans.

The Gunners did well to get some confidence back by starting the year with back-to-back wins after a heavy defeat at Anfield, but we know we can’t stop now if we have serious designs on getting back a Champions League spot and the riches it brings, so we need to be leaving our hearts out there as we near the business end of the season. Unai had a few problems in recent weeks most notably defensive injuries, but has been handed a major boost as six players resumed full training and now for the first time this season he has a full compliment of defensive players, bar Rob Holding of course, to select from. Being without a PL away clean sheet all season and an away win in four games (2D 2L), hopefully the right corners will soon get turned.

I suspect Unai’s greatest section headache will be whether to start Ramsey, who has shown good form and confidence, and Özil who we will need battle read with matches against Chelsea, Mancity and Manutd on the horizon.

West Ham are playing good football and look easy on the eye, but they are not a soft touch so we will have to be on top of our game if we want to return to the Emirates with all the points.

This could be a very anxious game of football for both sets of fans as both teams won’t want today to be their first defeat of the new year. However, with both sides possessing players that pose an attacking threat, it would be a surprise to see either keeping a clean sheet and this game could keep up on the edge of seats till the final minutes.

All the makings of a lunchtime classic.

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147 comments on “Arsenal and the early lunch”

  1. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 10:39 am

    Morning Labo, Other than what was a shocking 0-0 last season ‘Ammers matches are usually rocket fuelled with loads of goals (at both ends) and mucho incident. Interestng to see what happens with so many, allegedly, fit players available and how Unai will shuffle his defensive pack.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. foreverheady's avatar foreverheady January 12, 2019 at 10:49 am

    Thanks Labo:just the job, and love the photo. Andy Nic and George back in the 60’s?

    Liked by 3 people

  3. labogoon's avatar labogoon January 12, 2019 at 10:53 am

    If we play a back 3 I’m licking my chops to see Sokratis, Koscielny and Mustafi in there. I think Kosc and his aging ankles will enjoy that, being the conductor.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. finsburyp's avatar finsburyp January 12, 2019 at 11:42 am

    Thanks Labo.

    Huge test for the rookie in CM today against in form opponents under a coach who will have them enjoying their footy. Ramsey and Torreira on the bench. I wish The Process had been as highly appreciated by our blogging idiots/liars when a entire CM of rookie teenagers were pulling off top four places every year!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 11:55 am

    Arsenal FC
    ‏Verified account @Arsenal
    17m17 minutes ago

    🔢 Our team once more: Leno, Sokratis, Koscielny, Mustafi, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Kolasinac, Iwobi, Aubameyang, Lacazette

    Welcome back, @6_LKOSCIELNY and @MustafiOfficial 👊

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Mandy Dodd's avatar Mandy Dodd January 12, 2019 at 11:56 am

    Interesting, no Ozil at all, and Ramsey on the bench. Thought that big pitch , or at least appears a big pitch, could help both. Both the strikers start, which could be good, as long as they get and create service.
    Still, now is not the time for gripes, and it presents a chance for others to shine.
    Good luck to them today, hope Iwobi continues his impressive form

    Liked by 1 person

  8. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 11:56 am

    very light in attacking options on the bench today, only Ramsey and Nketiah

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Mandy Dodd's avatar Mandy Dodd January 12, 2019 at 11:57 am

    Interesting, no Ozil at all, and Ramsey on the bench. Thought that big pitch , or at least appears a big pitch, could help both. Both the strikers start, which could be good, as long as they get and create service.
    Still, now is not the time for gripes, and it presents a chance for others to shine.
    Good luck to them today, hope Iwobi continues his impressive form

    Liked by 1 person

  10. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 11:57 am

    Jeorge Bird
    ‏ @jeorgebird
    29m29 minutes ago

    Arsenal U18 v Aston Villa: Okonkwo; Daley-Campbell, Spencer-Adams, McGuinness, Swanson; M. Smith, McEneff; Greenwood, Cottrell, Musah; Coyle.

    Subs: Mitchell, Alebiousu, Dennis, Martin, Lopez.

    Good to see McGuinness back ahead of Youth Cup. Interesting that Coyle is up front.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 12:13 pm

    You called the back 3 right Labo – and Laca and Auba to rip into them.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Press Association say #AFC confirmed to them that Özil is fit and available for selection. No setback or a new injury. Just a tactical decision.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Laca and Auba sharp in the opening

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Rosicky@Arsenal's avatar Rosicky@Arsenal January 12, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    I suspect a loss today. Not playing your best players against a formidable opponent managed by an attacking intelligent manager we are asking for trouble.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    At least you could say “I told you so” – there’s be an upside for you Ro.

    Good start so far – need to get on the board though

    Liked by 1 person

  16. markyb's avatar markyb January 12, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Looked a bad foul on Niles? Moss with the old play on with no real advantage and no action re the foul, us effectively with ten men after. Standard

    Liked by 2 people

  17. markyb's avatar markyb January 12, 2019 at 12:51 pm

    No replay of the foul either, again, standard.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    Looked a foul to me but it also like a dive by Xhaka Mark – lucky it’s not Tierney

    Liked by 1 person

  19. markyb's avatar markyb January 12, 2019 at 12:54 pm

    Double surprised no replay by Sky then

    Liked by 1 person

  20. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    Nasri irritatingly busy

    Liked by 1 person

  21. markyb's avatar markyb January 12, 2019 at 12:57 pm

    Always a sly dig from the Sky commentators. Loved Smith the Player, Hate Smith the Murdoch Mercenary

    Liked by 2 people

  22. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:00 pm

    Ammers back in it – more muscle needed and less tippy tappy

    Liked by 1 person

  23. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    Wtf is the matter with AMN – passing way off

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Mandy Dodd's avatar Mandy Dodd January 12, 2019 at 1:03 pm

    Nasri is causing problems, a man possessed with a few points to prove, hope he starts running out of energy soon
    We need to wake up a bit at the moment at least

    Liked by 1 person

  25. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Good hit from Matteo

    Liked by 1 person

  26. team spirit's avatar team spirit January 12, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Well Nasri And Cesc chose to walk away from AW and His project with them esp Cesc at the centre…so i wonder why he has to prove any point against us; he should save his energies for Man City.

    Hope the lads wake up

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Rosicky@Arsenal's avatar Rosicky@Arsenal January 12, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    A5.
    If you play with out a creative attacking Player you are inviting trouble.
    No Ozil
    No Mikki

    The two best in our squad IMO.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    Guendouzi with an arm or shoulder injury after falling under a Nasri challenge

    Liked by 1 person

  29. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    Inexplicable injury for Guendouzi

    Liked by 1 person

  30. pauln71's avatar pauln71 January 12, 2019 at 1:10 pm

    Morning/Afternoon folks!

    Liked by 2 people

  31. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    Give them enough corners and you know what ……

    Liked by 1 person

  32. pauln71's avatar pauln71 January 12, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    Looking awful so far.

    I don’t understand how you can grab and pull in the middle of the park and it’s no foul but if you breathe on some players in the pen area and it’s a penalty.

    Liked by 3 people

  33. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    HT: West Ham 0-0 Arsenal

    now that was some boring shit, its another one of those games where it will be damn easy for Emery to get a vast improvement from the team in the second half, as anything at all would be an improvement on that fare. There is no sign of what we are actually trying to do, there is no spark, nothing happening out wide, only work in midfield, its the sort of stuff you’d expect to see from a lower half team. How the fuck Ramsey can’t get in that is beyond me, and how Ozil can’t even get in the 18 is amazing. You’d think with both of those unneeded in our starting team that we must have some fantastic creative players, well there is little sign of them today.

    Come on Emery the second half tactical genius. Pity that little soundbite is base on shit first halves.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Jeorge Bird
    ‏ @jeorgebird
    3m3 minutes ago

    Arsenal U18s are leading 2-0 v Villa. Greenwood and Cottrell scored. Swanson missed a penalty.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Rosicky@Arsenal's avatar Rosicky@Arsenal January 12, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Ed

    Welcome to the new Arsenal.

    Did we ever played such boring match under Wenger ?

    I dont remember one.

    Liked by 2 people

  36. Dave's avatar Dave January 12, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Cheers to Labo. Weird picture of Fromage and Johnson and their pet mum Margret Thatcher.

    Unai needs to get that hairdryer out! Shame Mesut wasnt included today.

    COYG!

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Mandy Dodd's avatar Mandy Dodd January 12, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Hopefully, an improvement in the second half. And whatever happens in this game, at least we didn’t concede in the 46th minute, which is nice.

    Liked by 1 person

  38. pauln71's avatar pauln71 January 12, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    I have been thinking the same thing Eduardo, what on earth are we trying to do?!?!

    Liked by 2 people

  39. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    You must have missed a few I watched then Ro – this fixture last season being one.

    Decent opening from us, lack of quality in final third and we did not take the lead. Guendouzi good and Iwobi looking to pick the killer pass.

    Liked by 1 person

  40. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    I’d say – looking at it so far – what we are trying to do is play football and score an opening goal. Why – what do you think we should be trying to “do” ?

    Liked by 1 person

  41. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    rosicky we certainly had many as bad under wenger, but at least you could see what they were trying to do, at the moment the team seem lost, not actually sure what the tactics are, what we are trying to do. Last year when we put in a performance like that many would say that the players had stopped listening to Wenger, that they were bored of him, so what is the reason now. I worry a little that the players are losing trust in UE, that they feel Ramsey/Ozil should be in the team, it was something I seen happen during my own playing days(although at no where need BPL level), but human nature is the same, be it at the top, or at the bottom of sport, if players think the selection or tactics are not right, or they don’t buy into it, then it just won’t work.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. pauln71's avatar pauln71 January 12, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    On a positive note, my wife saw the away Jersey, liked it and suggested we buy one for each of us…quite nice.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. pauln71's avatar pauln71 January 12, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    No surprise there

    Liked by 1 person

  44. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    Oh look – West Ham have scored a goal

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Rosicky@Arsenal's avatar Rosicky@Arsenal January 12, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    A5

    I still cant get over why everyone refer to our last year performance that was once in 22 years of Wenger which was the poorest year of the Arsenal’s under Wenger.

    Didn’t we lost only once to West Ham during Wenger’s 22 years career?

    I am not good at records however.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. eduardo792's avatar eduardo792 January 12, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    now that was shit defending, xhaka with an awful header out and Rice fires home from inside the area

    Liked by 1 person

  47. Dave's avatar Dave January 12, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    Bugger. Bugger the Ammers.

    Liked by 1 person

  48. Mandy Dodd's avatar Mandy Dodd January 12, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    Perhaps a cunning plan by UE to force the club on that Suarez chap from Barca

    Liked by 2 people

  49. anicoll5's avatar anicoll5 January 12, 2019 at 1:44 pm

    Like Granit as I do he was had a bit of a shocker today. He can expect to sit down shortly.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Dave's avatar Dave January 12, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    Time for a change?

    Liked by 1 person

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