during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on August 25, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
Good day and all.
Arsenal got their Premier League campaign underway with a winning start against Newcastle last Sunday. This afternoon we are going at it again… hosting Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners weren’t at their best up Upon Tyne eh; had a hairy moment or two but being the first game and all the Magpies just couldn’t find the back of the net. Likewise we could’ve scored one or two more but for unfamiliarity within a matchday XI, blended with youth and experience, and an initial touch in the attacking third not quite there yet.
My point is I don’t think we ought to read too much into the performance of a side missing quite a few expected to be the backbone of this seasons campaign, but rather take comforts of an away clean sheet and not showing the defensive underbelly so often derided for.
Burnley endured a run of poor results on the back of a European jaunt at the start of their PL campaign last season. However, this time they got off to a perfect start with an impressive 3-0 victory against Southampton at Turf Moor. A win they will take great confidence from building up to today, if one takes into account they scored 15 goals in a five game pre-season winning run prior to that. While they would like to maintain that momentum, Sean Dyche wouldn’t mistake them for Brazil 1970 as he is well aware that the Clarets doesn’t have a pretty head-to-head record against the Gunners.
Since bringing his side up to the PL he is yet to win a single point against us – in fact the last time Burnley beat Arsenal was over four decades ago. They also got a recurring trend of shipping goals at the Emirates; while conceding on average one goal/game at Turf Moor, they leak three on average at the Ems. One player that would be licking his chops for this fixture is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Since signing for the Gunners he has faced them three times, scoring a brace in each match.
With that in mind it’s unlikely that the Clarets will “have a go”, but rather opt to be well organised wanting to make things difficult for us with two banks of four, while patiently waiting to play it long or over the top whenever possible.
One of our drawbacks last term was that too often we allowed the opposition to play in our half, which in turn let them grow into games. This is something we need to minimise because the Clarets are a side that if you give them a bit, they can turn it into imposing bursts that will make you doubt yourselves. Ergo we should try put them on the backfoot from the onset and not leave things too late.
Unai Emery got himself a headache this week with Lacazette, David Luiz, Ceballos, Torreira, Pépé and even Özil and Kolasinac all reported to be available for selection, while there’s concerns over the fitness of Xhaka who suffers with back pains.
Whomever gets the nod, all eyes will be on our shimmering attack to see if give a good account of themselves ahead of tougher opponents in our next two league games.
Both sides will want to maintain their winning starts so this could be a tricky encounter, considering Arsenal will make quite a few changes and Burnley, well, Sean Dyche must be thinking “they have to crack some time”.
With the cheer that followed our transfer window starting to simmer down the Emirates faithful are anticipating a good campaign with better football compared to last season. So fingers crossed to Gunners give us all much to happy about.
@LaboGoon
Positively Arsenal 
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECG3KOVXoAE1CzO?format=jpg&name=small
Dan Critchlow
@afcDW
·
6m
FT: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
Arsenal should have scored more, especially in the second half, which they completely dominated. Still, they got the result and did well overall. Onto the next!
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there are lots of rumors that David Luiz will start v Burnley, the question is if this is the case who starts beside him, I would certainly go for Chambers for one very big reason, for me the one thing holding Chambers back is confidence, his AFC career has seen him have some fine games, but its also seen him dropped a few times, which seem to hit him hard, I think he was our best CB last week, and so to drop him will only feck up his confidence, cos if you can’t keep your place after being very good, then when can you. Chambers need to feel that as long as he plays well he keeps his place, regardless of who else is available.
If Chambers is to have a career at Arsenal then he really has to start tomorrow.
I think Xhaka will miss out tomorrow due to injury, with Torreira starting. I expect Pepe to start too.
we might see something like this
Leno
AMN, Chambers, David Luiz, Monreal
Torreira, Guendouzi
Pepe, Willock, Mkhitaryan
Aubameyang
subs, Martinez, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Ceballos, Ozil, Nelson, Lacazette,
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Will take a bit of time to bed things in, but players signed, plus players we have ,plus players who will come back from injury looks like an attacking setup to me, and these players will be wasted if it isn’t.
We know what Burnley will do, and we know what Mike Dean will let them, but hopefully our boys will have way too much for them.
Would be great to see a fit firing and focussed Ozil
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Thanks Labo as always.
I know this sounds really pathetic, but in a basic, sort of simple way, wouldnt it be really great if we could trounce them 5-0 tomorrow, and we could all just feel ok. Theres so much strife, corruption and the rumour of war and division everywhere that a great game of football with some magic goals would be a real tonic. Something that looked effort less that wasnt, that wasnt about the AW years or last years oddball season, but something silky, a bit of eye candy, some tough, precise stand out defending. Some commanding, skilful midfield play that gets you out of your seat with excitement. And some deadly goal scoring. Something that shut up the superfans and the you tube stations just for a week or forever.
Like the songs says: “if you dont have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?”.
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Report – Smith Rowe shines as Arsenal U23s beat Brighton
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Premier League 2
Arsenal 2 (Tormey 58, Smith Rowe 62) Brighton & Hove Albion 1 (Longman 90)
By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood
smithrowe2
He was only promoted to the squad this summer, but Emile Smith Rowe carries all the hallmarks of a first-team player.
Tonight, in a hard-fought encounter at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, the 19-year-old produced an impressive display as he continued his return from injury and found the net in the 2-1 victory with a neat strike after a burst forward.
There remains uncertainty regarding what will happen to Smith Rowe in the next couple of weeks, with the youngster, who had an injury-ridden spell at RB Leipzig in the second half of last season, having been heavily linked with another loan move away.
On this evidence, it seems the best decision would be to keep him at Arsenal, for the first half of the season at least, with Smith Rowe, providing he stays fully fit, capable of providing the team with a extra dimension.
Nathan Tormey was also on the scoresheet against Brighton, with Steve Bould’s side continuing their 100 per cent start to the campaign, despite Ryan Longman’s late strike for the visitors.
Rob Holding started against Blackburn Rovers but wasn’t involved tonight, with Joseph Olowu replacing him. The other change saw Tyreece John-Jules come into the side at the expense of James Olayinka.
Tom Smith was named on the bench despite the goalkeeper being on loan at Salisbury.
Hillson
Swanson-Olowu-Clarke-Bola
Smith Rowe-Burton
Tormey-John Jules-Coyle
Balogun
Subs: McEneff (for Smith Rowe, 62), Cottrell (for Tormey, 84). Not used: T. Smith, Omole, Olayinka.
Folarin Balogun, who hit a hat-trick against Blackburn, was eager to get another goal, but he saw his early attempt saved by Thomas McGill.
A mistake from Zak Swanson then presented Brighton with an opportunity but they couldn’t capitalise.
At the other end Balogun had a penalty claim turned down with the striker later lashing an effort wide after being teed by John-Jules.
Swanson then had to make an important intervention at the other end to prevent Brighton from scoring, with a rather uneventful first half ending goalless.
Arsenal started the second half much more sharply and John-Jules shot over following a well-timed cross from Trae Coyle.
Smith Rowe then showed that his penchant for bursting forward remains very much intact, with the prospect drawing a foul from the opposition.
After much pressure, Arsenal finally took the lead in the 58th minute and it was Tormey who scored his first goal of the season with a composed finish after he was located by Balogun.
Soon afterwards it was 2-0 with Smith Rowe scoring a goal very much of his own making as he pushed forward again and finished well.
That proved to be Smith Rowe’s last action of the game as, after 62 minutes, he was withdrawn and replaced by Jordan McEneff.
Brighton threatened intermittently but Balogun missed a chance to score when John-Jules felt he should have passed the ball to him instead.
The game was far from over, with Brighton missing an inviting chance to score, and eventually Longman managed to score to ensure a frantic finish.
There was a further chance for Brighton in the closing stages, but Arsenal goalkeeper James Hillson refused to be beaten, with the young Gunners taking all three points for the second time this week.
Arsenal’s first half performance wasn’t of a particularly high standard, but they were far more effective after the restart, with Tormey, Coyle, John-Jules and Balogun linking up well, while Smith Rowe also made a significant contribution before being withdrawn.
McEneff also caught the eye with some slick passes after he entered the fray, while centre-back Joseph Olowu was resilient as he read the game well and showed that he is over his injury struggles. Captain Robbie Burton also deserves credit for his display.
It does feel as though there is something missing in this Arsenal team, especially after players of the calibre of Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Xavier Amaechi, for various reasons, are no longer in action at this level.
However, there are still some talented players for Bould to call upon, and Tormey is certainly getting his reward for his hard work in training.
Another player who has endured much misfortune with injuries, the winger appears to be very highly regarded by Bould and should receive plenty of further opportunities to impress this season.
Next up for Arsenal is another home game, this time against Everton, which will take place at Emirates Stadium next week.
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report that Daniel Ballard’s loan at Swindon has been cut short due to a knee injury that will see him out for 4 to 5 months
http://dailycannon.com/2019/08/daniel-ballard-suffers-knee-injury-returns-to-arsenal/
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Damn. Shite news about Ballard. Felt it was very important that loan/this season went excellently to boost his chances with us. Bollocks.
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Ed, agree with your Chambers reasoning.
It’s a tough call all round if the intention is to start Luiz at Anfield, which makes sense to me as he prob has best skillset of cb’s to try deal with their front three.
Think I’d keep partnership from last week though for this game. Chambers, as you say, would surely feel any positivity from pre-season and first game evaporate if dropped, and we certainly need him in mix and in good a nick as possible for time being.
I also generally like to see partnership which did well retain place unless outstanding (i.e someone who can make real difference to result on day. Say, a peak Kos returning from suspension or something) alternative available.
Last big reason for me is that it’s Burnley, with Dean, and VAR. No team likes an elbow more than them. Barnes is about as dirty as they come. Perfect recipe for a fired up Luiz to respond to aggression from them and be done for it- first time or by VAR- while theirs was missed or treated leniently.
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just seen a clip of the Arsenal band that will be playing in the stadium today, not sure what to make of it, a small group of supporters have got permission from the club to have drums and a few instruments in, think its section 26.
some are welcoming this move, others find it very cringy, but surely all the we care more than you lot will love it, after all one of their big gripes is the lack of atmosphere in the stadium
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Arsenal Academy
@ArsenalAcademy
·
25s
📝
Here’s how #AFCU18 line-up against Aston Villa in the Premier League south today…
XI: Hein; Alebiosu, Monlouis, Ogungbo, Lopez; Azeez, Cirjan, Cottrell; Dennis, Greenwood, Taylor-Hart
BENCH: Graczyk, Matthews, Butler, Sraha, Plange
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only a few minutes till team announced, but its being reported that Ozil is not in the squad today.
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Mark Mann-Bryans
@MarkyMBryans
·
19m
David Luiz to make his #AFC debut. Ceballos also in from the start.
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Team News – David Luiz makes his debut, Dani Ceballos starts and Lacazette returns from injury
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Leno
AMN, Sokratis, David Luiz, Monreal
Ceballos, Guendouzi
Nelson, Willock, Aubameyang
Lacazette
subs: Martinez, Chambers, Kolasinac, Torreira, Mkhitaryan, Martinelli, Pepe
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Harsh on Chambers hopefully won’t don’t the good form he’s been showing.
Auba right and Nelson left of Lacazette, ahead of a very inexperienced midfield – big ask it Cebellos today who’s only played a handful of 90 mins in recent times, of Luiz was fit to start why not Torreira.
Ozil was the key last season against this opponent. If Dyche knows his footballs then he’ll be looking for his midfield generals to win the day, but does he have the quality in his engine to see off the least experienced CM since Song Denilson and Fabregas were all kids? I hope not!
COYG.
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Monreal is captain today
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I like the look of the line up, although Callum has done nothing wrong. Last year I think burnley never got over their early european start, so this season I would imagine they will finish in the tophalf being very strong at home. Obviously it would be good if any away form they have starts in a couple of weeks time.
Patience and concentration at the back are the order of the day against weel organised sides as well as using the full width of the pitch and all forms of attack to break them down.
Great to see all the young lads still in the side, it certainly makes me feel more attached to the team in an increasing artificial world.
Another win today with plenty of entertainment for a first home game although this early I’ll certainley accept just the three points COYG.
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Lacazetteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 1-0 to the Arsenal, he was lying on the ground when he got his shot away, through the keepers legs
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our U18’s are 3-0 up away to aston villa, Ben Cottrell with 2, and Miguel Azeez with the third just before half time
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Good opening 15 mins for Luiz too.
If the CMs aren’t allowed to ping it around through the middle at least David can loft or clip on over for Auba into the channels! IBSF.
Ooooh nearly a second goal following a scrappy set piece but a combination of the offside flag and amazing reactions from Leno see off this moment of danger.
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Willock looks at home as a No.8.
Would really make my season to see two academy players playing in CM in the PL, I’d like to see him in there alongside AMN.
Burnley looking dangerous from set pieces by so far Leno up to their challenge – though he had one scary missed punch. That’s what their plan is then. Big game for Leno.
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How long will Bruce last
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A flattish three through the centre but unlike at Home to Huddersfield last season two of the players selected today can contribute to the attacking third
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Mike Dean being Mike Dean, what a knobhead
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grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
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Shame really, not sure we deserved that. However its happened.
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Half Time: Arsenal 1-1 Burnley, Lacazette had given us the lead but the old sucker punch just before half time, and its 1-1, ashley barnes, dominated this game and failed to press home our advantage.
just had a goal ruled out for offside, monreal offside in the build up so Nelson’s fine finish ruled out.
we’ve played some fine football but not been sharp enough up front to make the most of all the possession we’ve had.
Mike Dean being Mike Dean is not helping
Ceballos looks a really good player.
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the same fault we’ve had for a few season’s now, lack of concentration just before half time sees us let in a soft goal once more in a game we should really be out of sight in
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Guendouzi a bit of a passenger that half, described by the commentator as a holding midfielder, but well, the goal sums up his defensive nous – not blaming him but if you watch him off the ball very often he’s out of position when defending, or moves to the wrong position not allowing his teammates to pass and move when in position.
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we’ve had something like 66% possession and had less shots than Burnley, 8 to their 10, both sides have had 4 on target.
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seems Edu’s son played for our U16’s today.
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Pepe is on for Nelson.
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the U18’s are now 5-1 up, after villa scored Matthews and a Greenwood penalty has us 4 goals up
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Aston Villa U18’s 1-5 Arsenal U18’s
Cottrell x2
Azeez
Matthews
Greenwood(p)
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how about that!
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Aubameyanggggggggggggggggggggggg 2-1 to the Arsenal
Ceballos wins a tackle and the ball falls to PEA, he cuts in to edge of the area and fires into the bottom corner
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Kolasinac on for Lacazette, about 20 minutes left
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That didn’t look off to me with Kola
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82 minutes Torreira on for Ceballos, I must say there was a real touch of Santi Cazorla about our Spaniard’s performance today
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dirty Burnley.
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is there any good reason why mike dean is refusing to book burnley players
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Thank you Sven and Stan (& the gaffer that signed both top strikers!)
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4 minutes of stoppage time to be played
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That will do nicely. A few things brewing with the team, we shall see. Dirty Burnley as usual. Why wasnt Barnes off?
Big test next though.
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FT: Arsenal 2-1 Burnley
Lacazette and Aubameyang with our goals, we really should have had at least a couple more.
The sooner Burnley are relegated the better, just another version of fat sams bolton or blackburn, awful team with awful manager and awful players.
Pepe with some great moments, but still rusty, my man of the match was Dani Ceballos, oozed class.
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More nervy than it needed to be but good to see Burnley leave with exactly what such a team of scumbags deserved, nothing. Clearly did their homework on Mike Dean.
Ceballos looks a player, can we keep him please?
Our curse of the clogger lives on but fortunately, Barnes effort was not enough
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oh yeah and we are top of the league
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Dean, Atkinson.
Incompetence? Only if you’re kidding yourself.
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Eds to be fair to Biggus Sammus he knew what to do with Jay Jay Okocha and Djourkaeff (‘scuse the spelling!).
Douche I mean Dyche and also Emery?
Birds without a feather.
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Cebellos playing like some kind of lesser Rambo at home against Burnley, playing well, will see Billy The Big Blagger reading copiously from Raul’s hymn book over the next week. Just don’t mention him returning to Madrid and The Jeff moving to Lyon!!! Or who their respective agents are.
Blessed are the meek.
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