Good day one and all.
The Premier League clash of the weekend sees Liverpool host Arsenal at their Anfield Stadium in what could turn out being a cracker of a match.
Both teams come into this game on the back of two wins from their opening fixtures. Despite neither side looking in particular good nick, getting two from two is nothing to scoff at – the other 18 PL sides would take that in a heartbeat. The caveat however has always been that today’s game will be the yardstick.
Playing the European champions on their own patch would be a challenging task though, for any side – god knows we had our struggles there longer than we care to remember. Our last three visits alone saw us getting smashed by an aggregate score of 12-2. However, we did a bit of freshening up over the summer. So if we put on an encouraging performance and take points off of the Reds, our players and even the sceptics could feel hopeful that this particular *away match* may lead us to turning a corner – another heavy defeat, well, the rest of the season may be like déjà vu.
The Reds are currently on a 24 game unbeaten run at home in all competitions, that includes winning their last eight PL games on the bounce. They have scored 19 goals in their last six at Anfield (all competitions). So we may have to adopt an initial watchful approach to try negate their free-flowing attack play.
There are the lingering questions about our defense though. Can we defend deep, can we too be well-organized and tough to break down? Do we have the needed pragmatism to make Liverpool doubt themselves? This may be a cause for concern and deciding factor in whether to stick of twist.
Can Arsenal’s summer recruits rise to the occasion?
In recent trips up north in pursuit to go toe-to-toe with Jurgen Klopp’s side, we became unstuck by their gegenpressing. David Luiz, who was brought in specifically for his experience to tighten up our defense, will need to show that he can indeed provide the mettle needed for these fixtures. Both him and Sokratis can expect a busy evening, so they will have to hold their conjoint nerve to follow the game attentively, instead of rushing into things.
Dani Ceballos is a player I’m excited about. Okay, the hype around him is a bit extra and some use it to malign other players but that is not his doing. He’s still rough on the edges but did excel in his first start last weekend. He knows how to nick a ball in midfield and do have an eye for a pass. With more game time he’ll learn to release the ball a bit earlier, which would be something given the quality we have up top.
Our record signing Nicolas Pépé is here and is expected to make his first start. The glimpses we caught in his two cameos got our attention and it looks like we got ourselves a special un here. A front three of him, Lacazette and Aubameyang being served up for special days like these is what I’m here for. It’s long overdue that managers from the top-six clubs ahead of games against us think to themselves: “that Arsenal front three can cause us real problems”. You have to get the ball to them though. So hopefully Dani and Xhaka, who is back fit, can get on the ball comfortably to make those threaded passes to give our attacking threats enough space and service. I sure hope Unai Emery start those three together.
It’s been a while since the Anfield faithful saw their team lose at home – not since 23 April 2017. If we want to end their unbeaten run it will take a collective effort from back to front. We are in high spirits and I can’t see us going there to roll over.
Turn in a professional performance and leave it all out out there on the pitch… and we can all look forward to the rest of the season with renewed optimism.
@LaboGoon
Positively Arsenal 
From the bin
“James Russell commented on Liverpool Away , No Problem.
Liverpool fan: “here comes the pain” ”
James could be right
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Excellent again LG,
I think we start with Pepe on the bench as he still isn’t fully on other team mates wavelength.
Maybe we should play Xhaka, Torreira, Willock, Guendouzi and Ceballos all in midfield with Mezut, Auba and Laca up front and five at the back. I know the five-five-three system is unorthodox and highly illegal but I do think it will make us stronger and very stable.
Even a draw would be a bonus on recent years although history tells us we are a team pool don’t like playing in big games 1950, 1971, 1989. So to use the ghosts of the past to scare the bejesus out of them and come home with a win COYG.
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“I know the five-five-three system is unorthodox and highly illegal”
That’s the best line on this blog for years.
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Can’t be having a team without Ozil.
(banned smiley)
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We definitely cannot sit back and defend. Liverpool will score or dive and win a penalty (VAR is still in refs’ hands, and the will make it about contact)
We have the attack, we have some more technical ability in midfield, and if we can survive their press, we can expose their defensive frailties.
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Therein lies the problem, Liverpool will dive and win a penalty, as will spurs after this game. Even VAR will reflect certain favourites.
But hoping we can put in a good performance
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Thanks Labo
Don’t think Ozil or Torrerira will be fit enough to be thrown into this contest from the start but hopefully we’ll see Xhaka alongside Dani and also the shiny new signing start.
Interestingly Klopp highlights the last big signing by the brief Arsene & Sven Handover/Transistion team who has become the fastest scoring footballer in the history of the club as his worry.
We can understand such words about the football from the football coach. Simple enough? putting the excessive hype around Dani from the idiotic click baiting PR consultants into the correct context – it is clickbait. (interestingly whilst praising the player in order to praise Montana they won’t even mention what the loan fee might be…)
Amidst the hype it’s been forgotten that as recently as 2016 Liverpool salvaged a late draw in the 3-3 at Anfield against the Gunners.
But of course it’s a new Liverpool team with only Firminio Henderson and Milner surviving from that day. And it’s a new Arsenal squad too, better then the squad on that day that had to rely upon Walcott and Campbell in 2016 (Alexis was out etc.)
Monreal (& Bellerin) the remaining Gunners from that fixture.
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lol I forgot Ozil is here too! amidst Raul and his gang of consultants still gunning for the playmaker.
In spite of the PR consultants obvious briefings i hope against hope that there is a new spirit between UE and MO (once he is fit), and that given that UE’s boss isn’t at war with Dani’s agent hopefully Montana will allow Unai to use this player No.8 unlike the old No.8. So: hoping for less awful football this season. Fingers crossed!
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Thanks Labo.
One thing we do know is that our manager can do pragmatism when he wants to.
He can also do foolish naievity, as somethings the great AW was wont to do too.
As much as I’d love to see the sexy cent 3 in full flow this evening, the Arsnel would need to prioritise a solid midfield first.
Our best midfield has to contain Özil, the rest of the team to the manager.
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Should be cracker, this one.
I expect Mkhi to start upfront with Laca & Auba.
Xhaka, Guendouzi & Ceballos in the middle and the same back 4 as in the last game.
Biggest requirement is self-confidence.
Yes they are strong but they’re definitely beatable.
Pépé, Mesut, Willock, Torreira, Chambers, Kolasinac & Damian on the bench.
COYG!!!!
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Should be a cracker..,
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..oh, on another matter, I say Arsenal should not just give up on Shkodran Mustafi just like that. A year long loan out could do his focus a world of good.
A thorough performance review next June should make a final decision easier and fairer given how much he’s given to the club.
“This is the Arsenal way, UE & Raoul, get with it!”
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Watching the wonderful second goal from last week again two highlights for me:
Auba adding strikes from outside the box to his range.
Leno holding the ball after Burnley were almost camped in their own box following a long good spell from the Gunners, pressure, shots and corners. Leno’s pause drew out the opponent from that posture towards a higher line & this created the space for Aubamayang’s goal, whilst a few home fans roared their disapproval. Like a Matador. Brave smart and skilful football from Leno. He’s also been a great signing alongside Auba. Nevermind the Montana hype.
Can’t wait to see the teamsheet!
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fins
UE and MO will never share a vision of what football is supposed to be. But the early signs of a rapprochement were there. Sadly, I think that is now lost. After the attack and death threats, Emery had no words of sympathy for either of them, and seemed to be annoyed, almost blaming them for not being available. Maybe it’s all fine, but paraphrasing an old saying, A chameleon never changes its spots. Till Raul is here, there will always be a player we’re told to hate. Nothing personal, just business.
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< the goal against Tottenham is my favourite Auba goal. He seems to be making these kind of goals, shots from distance a reasonably regular feature in his catalogue.
Will he be up for the contest against the former Dortmund coach?
COYG!
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“A chameleon never changes its spots”
The stronger and stable five five three formation.
It’s been a good day so far.
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Auba and Pepe will score in a 2-1 win. We’ll have 4 shots on goal. Liverpool will have 12, including a monster miss from Salah. We’ll have an xGD of -3.1
People will say Emery is a genius.
We’ll be top of the league in week 3.
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I do think Ceballos and Xhaka will start. If Özil is not fit enough yet to play a full 90 and need to be eased back in, the question is; would he be of better service to the team in the first 45 minutes rather than the second? I know my answer.
If we have Guendouzi along with Ceballos and Xhaka as a central 3, and the wingbacks play within themselves, there should be little reason for us not to cope with Liverpool in midfield. It would free up an attacking front three to not drop back so deep and remain on the shoulders of Pool’s defense – who I think have easier games than most because their front 3 do a good job keeping opposition on the backfoot.
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How Arsenal can win this match? Any lessons from last year? Last night I rewatched the tape of LIVvARS last December, by which time our 22 game unbeaten run had come to a grinding halt and the flaws of the team was fully exposed. Quick points:
• Was a 4-2-3-1 set up comprising from left to right Leno, Kolasinac, Sokratis, Mustafi, Lichsteiner, Xhaka, Torreira, Iwobi Ramsey, Maitland Niles and Aubameyang
• The back four was poor and disorganized allowing Firmino to slash through the middle to score 2 goals to put them up 2-1 and give them the momentum.
• Arsenal was able to trouble Liverpool with attacking play down the left flank in particular via Iwobi who was great at linking up with Ramsey and Xhaka; his cross across the face of the goal set up AMN to score.
• Ramsey was the primary attacking threat operating as a #10 hustling from box to box.
• Long balls over the top to Aubameyang were not effective.
• Bringing on the experienced Koscielny in the 2nd half to replace Mustafi improved the defending.
• Xhaka was pivotal in CM in receiving and distributing the ball pre-empting Torreira, then flavor of the month.
With younger, less experienced players but fabulous transfers can we build on the positives and overcome the negatives?
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Shard already explored the role of the coach at Uncensored Arsenal.
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Arsenal Academy
@ArsenalAcademy
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2h
📝
Here’s how #AFCU18 line-up against @WestHam
at Little Heath this morning…
XI: Graczyk; Alebiosu, Monlouis, Sraha, Ogungbo; Azeez, Cirjan, Matthews; Dennis, Greenwood, Butler-Oyedeji
SUBS: Mitchell, Kirk, Plange, Taylor-Hart, Jeffcott
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reports in Span that Real Sociedad have agreed a deal with Arsenal for Nacho Monreal and that today’s game is his last for AFC
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The U18’s drew 1-1 with WHU, Luke Plange coming on to get the leveling goal for us, seems west ham were allowed to be a bit overly physical, 3 arsenal players off with injuries, with some concerns that Greenwood’s might be a bad one.
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Eddie at 1:17pm – Don Raul and Emery once again showing their “ruthless” side. However, I wonder why the news wanting Monreal to leave too wasn’t mentioned alongside that of Mustafi and Elneny.
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reports in Span that Real Sociedad have agreed a deal with Arsenal for Nacho Monreal and that today’s game is his last for AFC.
I hope this is fkin this is wrong.I know hes getting older (crime of the century, or last, the Who have a lot to answer for!) but still (imo) a valuable member of the squad. But I suppose it will be Sead and the new kid.The clock ticks on Nacho, but it clicks on the Raul and co, and on Emery himself. Microscope attention today on the organisation. Lets see how really good we arent?
Feel pessimistic, but hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Soz, have to protect the old emotions if we get slaughtered today…
Cheers to Labo. COYG!
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Emery: Reiss Nelson struggled more than we wanted that match [against Burnley]
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It really boils my piss the way these junior Refs seem to let oppo teams kick the youngsters. It’s almost like they want to get promoted. See also harsh reds and soft yellows. Arseholes
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Dan Critchlow
@afcDW
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1h
Arsenal u16s won 3-1 against West Ham today. Khayon Edwards and Malcolm Ebiowei both scored for the second game in a row.
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Arsenal in the new third kit for today’s game
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Team
Leno
Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, Monreal
Xhaka, Guendouzi
Pepe, Willock, Ceballos
Aubameyang
subs: Martinez, Chambers, Kolasinac, Torreira, Mkhitaryan, Nelson, Lacazette
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COYG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Common Arsenal… maintain the nice away team victory theme that has been set fo the day!
2 nil to the Arsenal
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Thought I’d pop in and say hello, nice to see you’re all still here and enjoying your football.
I missed a season and a half entirely, but kind of caught up with some of the last one.
When my health and life went down the proverbial, I kind of bailed on you guys and I’m sorry to have done so. What is emerging from the shadows is a different person and many of my past passions are either alien to me or just inaccessible. With the conflict, anger and arguments around football, I cannot engage, but I can catch up with matches occasionally on the club’s website.
I have to say the entire thing is very odd. I feel like I’ve woken from a coma. Wrong people on the touchline, strangers on the pitch. Individual excellence against a backdrop of turgid tactics and tedious team play.
This of course is just what I see, and is doubtless filtered through the prejudice of an Arsene Wenger enthusiast, and an elderly gentleman resistant to change. I can’t watch matches live, I become restless and invariably find myself learning a song, or wandering into the garage to pick up tools and turn them idly in my hands. My attention drifts these days. But as half watched background I can cope.
I must say some of the new faces look like very exciting as footballers, and it’s great to see academy players still coming through to the first team. I don’t know if they’ll ever reach the dizzy heights of an Arsene Wenger team but there is the makings of a George Graham smash and grab outfit. Well, at one end of the pitch there is anyway.
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Great to see you back Stew! Keep on keepin on! Hope you stay on the forum.
Cheers, and glad to know youre ok.
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20 minutes of us being penned back on edge of our area and trying to play on the break
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Stewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
You have been missed… Am so so happy to just read from you. wow! Glad to read that you are getting better. it was better you bailed put to build back your health and strength
If this is is you saying hello then it can only bode well for future posts…
Also like you seeing things from the AW filter and cant help but feel something is lacking but hey we have to give them their chance as it is the start of a new season with its attendant new hopes and all that
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var checking a red card
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no red card, TV did not show the incident
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Pepe one on one with the keeper and his shot was akin to a back pass
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Hope we can hang in on this one…
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LFC lead, 5 minutes before half time, a free header six yards out at a corner, Guendouzi needed to be stronger there, he was just brushed aside
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Well, shame we let that one in, but still in it. COYG!
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HT: Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
Matip with their goal,
we’ve had one really good chance, but Pepe shot was way too weak.
We have been pinned back, well that is a lie, we have actually conceded the midfield area and are sitting deep and trying to catch them on the break. Its like a non league team tactic v a BPL team.
Our two fullbacks are nearly standing on the CB’s toes they are tucked in so far, it means LFC have the freedom of Anfield to build play and put in crosses.
Tactics and performance has to chance in the second half if we are to get anything out of this game. LFC had us really wobbling in the few minutes of the half after they scored.
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Ed, do you think we have some hope in this one though?
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Mills it will take either a big slice of luck, or an out of nowhere bit of top skill, as our tactics are not actually set up to create chances, we have conceded the midfield, not even trying to compete in that area, Xhaka, Willock, Guendouzi and Ceballos have all been positioned around edge of our area. Emery is a coward.
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One thing with Liverpool is that their fans are the 12th man(person), wish we could get that level of noise going at home.
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Henderson, Fabiano and Wijnaldum are the midfield 3 we are afraid to go toe to toe with. Or are we that afraid of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold overlapping.
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Sokratis for me has been lucky VAR has not done him for pulling and dragging in the area so far.
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Ed, just wondering if he might tweek things a bit for the 2nd? I agree about losing the midfield, hope we do something about that. Not sure we can get up if they get a second.
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we are hoping pepe and pea can do a bit of magic and get us a goal, now both have come close, but for me any tactic that relies on an individual bit of magic to get you a goal, is fatally flawed
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