Fresh off success in the FA Cup and Community Shield, Arsenal make the short trip to Craven Cottage as they and Fulham get the 2020/21 Premier League season underway.
Good day one and all.
The 2019/20 season will be noted as a successful one for the Gunners thanks to our Wembley endeavours. Which really is for the best because our league run, winning just four games from our opening 13 games, was one to forget as we finished in 8th-place.
Mikel Arteta arrived midway through and had varying results, however, we picked up pace at the tail end and what a feeling it must have been to finish his maiden season with silverware. That said, there are still plenty of work to do to if we are to close in on the top-four places, let alone dream of a PL title challenge any time soon.
Be that as it may, we carried some of that positive energy into this new campaign with victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield, to again show that we are over that mental block when facing the “top sides”.
That is not exactly a genre Fulham fit into; who makes their return to the Premier League courtesy of their own Wembley glee; seeing off London rivals Brentford in the play-offs final.
Scott Parker guided the Cottagers straight back to the top-flight, however, with them not the lavish spenders they were last time, he will largely rely on the same group that won them promotion. A familiar name in their ranks is Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was the Championship’s top scorer with 26 goals. He will no doubt be tasked to carry them over the finishing line to safety.
Team news
The Gunners have been busy in the transfer window as welcome Willian and Gabriel Magalhães to the Emirates, joining William Saliba who returned after spending last season on loan at Saint-Etienne. With Saliba and Willian in line to make their competitive debuts, today’s match may be too soon for Gabriel who started training just recently.
Dani Ceballos is also back for another loan spell and is set to continue the solid partnership he has formed Granit Xhaka in midfield.
There has been no official communique regarding the future of Emi Martinez, but it’s reported that he has been withdrawn from the tomorrow’s squad.
As far is injuries are concerned, David Luiz hurt his neck in training and joins Skhodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari, Gabriel Martinelli and Calum Chambers in the treatment room.
Predictions
It’s always difficult to know how teams will fare in their opening game, but Fulham have lost each of their last five matches against Arsenal, with their last victory all the way back in January 2012.
So with the Gunners’ superior head-to-head record they should be expected to make a winning start to the new campaign. COYG!
— @LaboGoon
Positively Arsenal 
Will certainly be keeping an eye on Arsenal’s results this season! I like what Arteta has done so far, seems to have learnt a thing or two from Pep 😉
Getting Aubameyang to sign a new deal was huge – Do you think you could make a push for the top 4 this season?
LikeLiked by 2 people
So here we go again!
I’m banking on an inconsistent Manure to see us back into the Top 4 by next whenever we are due to end the season. Chelsea are spending like crazy and MU are trying to. Not a single ‘major’ pundit has Spurs down for a top 4 finish – how the supposedly mighty power shifters have fallen. In fairness, only Ian Wright sees AFC breaking into the CL places. But I can’t see Liverpool continuing with their extraordinary 2 year run of next to zero injuries. Citeh score stacks but are themselves inconsistent, drawing and losing with gay abandon.
So yes, I see Arsenal pulling a surprise this year.
The great benefit in winning the recent pair of trophies is the momentum we now have. Beating our biggest rivals really was huge, psychologically. A very decent transfer window (so far), the stage is set for one more big signing over the next month and with that will come the rocket fuel of confidence and self-belief.
We should kick things off nicely down by the river tomorrow and I think we’ll start as we mean to go on.
Of one thing we can already be sure.
Mikel Arteta IS the real deal. (As George said he would be, a few years ago).
Enjoy the game!
LikeLiked by 1 person
seems Martinez has dropped out of the squad with both Brighton and Aston Villa trying to sign him.
Macey played for the U23’s today so he is likely to be the sub keeper tomorrow. Otherwise Hein the most likely to step into the squad
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arteta “I think it’s going to take him (Saliba) some time to adapt to our way of playing but as well to get adapted to the language, the rhythm, the physicality of the country,. As well we have to bear in mind that he didn’t play much football last season“
LikeLiked by 1 person
Duncan Castles: According to our information Celtic rejected an offer of £15m from Arsenal for Edouard. Arsenal have made a second bid of £20m + adds one close to £2.5m and a payment structure to be pain in 4 years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doesn’t seem real we’re back tomorrow, early to boot, but here we are.
Very interesting to see selection. Won’t be definitive, as who knows where individuals are with fitness, but nonetheless seems to be more on it- in terms of messages, encouragement, etc- than normal season opener, by dint of unusually high number of players in …delicate positions?
Of course, plenty of rumour stuff might be incorrect, but still, what would it mean for Ozil or Guendouzi to not make squad, or Joe or Reiss. If it’s still in balance with Ainsley, imagine he’ll surely start, meaning Tierney still left cb.
I had in mind cup final team minus Luiz (Saliba?) and Martinez, but then there’s Willian. Don’t see him being left out 1st game. Thought Saka looked v sharp other day though. Not long to wait for some answers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Luiz missing out is a pain by way. He’s been leader and marshal in the 3 man defence in the big games so there’ll be question we could’ve done without about how it goes without him. Big chance for Rob to step up maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Finger crossed for the new season.No pundit has predicted Arsenal in the top4.A shame for the club and the idiot fan base. Will the idiot fans now realize that parting way was Wenger was the biggest blunder in the club’s history.
I remeber that during Wengers tenure all pundits predicted a top4 finish for Wengers Arsenal even some predicted a top spot in 14/15 and 15/16.
As Bootome posted on Twitter
”##It’s really interesting to see Arsenal fans long for CL qualification.The entitled brats mocked Wenger for 20 consecutive entries’.’##
May we ask the idiot fans where is the Epl title and the CL title they promised us once they get rid of Wenger.
I would say the umpteenth time from blackburn George’s Twitter handle
PA Arsenal has been Vindicated
UA has been Vindicated
And to top it off
ARSENE WENGER has been Vindicated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not long till we see that first teamsheet!
Martinez gone and no longer a Gunner?
Losing not just Luiz but all the senior CBs will be a blow opposite the Fulham striker who is now an experienced player.
Big game for all the centre backs today.
Holding still recovering some speed after his injury, be interesting to see how high the CBs are at the start.
I said to Shotta I don’t Ozil to play much till after the window closes. That’s my hunch on that one.
Not expecting it to be easy to compete with all the plenaries others get but I am going to enjoy watching Arteta try to juggle everything thrown at him.
COYG.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pelanties!
–
Did Arteta ever play opposite Parker in midfield for the Arsenal? He must’ve have…?
COYG
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leaving out Ozil makes so little sense if hierarchy have taken him for his word and accepted his desire to stay. Hard to see it as anything other than a slap to him. Whatever positivity he had on eve of season dealt a heavy blow.
Don’t want to be negative before first kick off but it’s not a good note to start on. As Fins mentions above it looks like this will continue until window closes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gutted about the first name on the team sheet and it’s implications however the king is dead long live the king
The first game of the season is all about getting a win so I’m very excited and COYG.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ozil not making the squad was to be expected, I really think he will see no minutes till the window closes, they really want to try and push him to go. I can understand him being left out of the starting 11, he may not suit what Arteta wants, but to not have him in the subs so that formation and tactics can be changed if needs be is utter madness
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ozil, Guendouzi, Nelson, Saliba, Torreira, Cedric and the likely departing Martinez are the players left out of today’s match day 18
LikeLike
Elneny the surprise selection over Ceballos, with Gabriel and Willian making their EPL debuts for AFC
1 Leno
16 Holding
6 Gabriel Magalhães
3 Tierney
2 Bellerin
25 Mohamed Elneny
34 Xhaka
15 Maitland-Niles
12 Willian
9 Lacazette
14 Aubameyang (c)
Substitutes 33 Macey 31 Kolasinac 8 Ceballos 28 Willock 7 B. Saka 19 Pepe 30 Nketiah
LikeLiked by 1 person
8 minutes in, PEA ball in, Xhaka mishit, Willian with an effort that keeper blocks to Lacazette who slots to the empty net, 1-0 to the Arsenal
LikeLiked by 1 person
HT: Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Lacazette with goal, it was like the game, a scrappy affair. We’ve been the better team, but I would say the best way to describe our performance is workmanlike
LikeLiked by 1 person
Decent stuff. Wish we had 2nd as Fulham likely to improve 2nd half. Gabriel good after that early nervy moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Need that second goal. Expecting Eddie to be introduced as they tire a bit, he is a real nuisance to opposing defenders, and will be full of confidence following his England U21 exploits.
Ozil is a conundrum, I miss him, he would be useful in such a game, but can only conclude some aspect behind the scenes, or perhaps as simple as Arteta / Edu doubting his application if not his talent means we might not see him in the shirt again, which, for me, will be a real shame. An amazing player
LikeLiked by 1 person
And there it is. Welcome Gabriel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gabriel Magalhães heads home a Willian corner from six yards out to make it 2-0 to the Arsenal, a debut goal for our boy from Brazil
LikeLiked by 1 person
Auba!!!!! Just brilliant, this is getting even better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
U18 result – Arsenal 4-2 Southampton
Plange, an own goal, Flores and Edwards with our goals, the assists were Bandieria for the first and Hutchinson for the third and fourth goals
LikeLiked by 1 person
how the fuck has fulham’s Hector not been given a second yellow yet
LikeLike
Pepe on for Willian, who had a fine game for us, two or three assists and had a freekick hit the base of the post too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ceballos on for Xhaka who took a knock on his ankle a few minutes ago
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nketiah on for Lacazette
LikeLiked by 1 person
FT: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal
Lacazette, Gabriel and Aubameyang with our goals. Dominated the game, played better once we got two up, very solid in defense and we are top of the league
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really good start. Phenomenal work rate right until the final whistle. They are playing for the manager and playing for each other. Thought Elneny had a really tidy game.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tougher games await but a very good start to the season, a happy start for our new Brazilians
Arteta should be pleased enough with that
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree on Elneny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Think our new set piece coach won that For us…well, with one of the goals, anyway
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very positive start to season. Had my fingers crossed most of last year that real Hector would emerge again and sure looks like he has to me. Looks strong, healthy, sharp, fast, confident. Great news (so long as we don’t sell him!)
Pretty sure the clubs after him are aware of his trajectory, understand that players shouldn’t be judged fully first year back after doing knee.
Loan with option to buy is crafty way to try get him for price which reflects last year’s Hector, as well as giving them a year to ensure he is indeed well and truly over it and back to best, or better. Cheeky of them in my opinion and we’d be mugs to allow it. Though of course I want him to stay full stop.
LikeLike
What I like about Elneny, always liked, is that you know he is not going to be spectacular, neither is he going to be rubbish and upset the equilibrium. He is neat, tidy and happy to be the support-act. Whilst others are either hot or cold. And hot means having one or two explosive moments in the game.
LikeLike
The Eddie flare up and angry look in close up’s suggested Dani didn’t like not starting, but would be surprised if Elneny isn’t in again next time. Excellent again.
Looks a player who has totally rebuilt confidence during loan. A definite plus in regards to him, and maybe all others, that there’s no risk of that confidence being eroded by groans over any misplaced passes etc.
Thought Xhaka looking pretty much imperious, again, before injury. Let’s all sane supporters hope nothing to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xhaka really is something special, unless you are a biased agenda driven pundit, that or a complete moron
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elneny is everything some seem to think Guendouzi is
Arteta full of praise for Elneny after the game and also said he has changed his mind on Holding and that he will get game time here so no need to leave to get games
LikeLiked by 2 people
Emi Martinez had a medical at Aston Villa today, transfer fee is said to be close to £20M
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arteta says Aubameyang contract extension should be announced in next few days
LikeLiked by 1 person
Medley and Coyle start for Gillingham today, as does John-Jules for Doncaster, and Osei-tutu for Cardiff
LikeLiked by 2 people
Matt Smith has scored today for Swindon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Report – Flores amongst scorers as Arsenal U18s beat Southampton on opening day
by jeorge bird
U18 Premier League
Arsenal 4 (Plange 19, Finnigan 25 (o.g.), Flores 36, Edwards 90) Southampton 2 (Babic 81 (pen), J. Smith 90)
Arsenal’s exciting U18 side commenced their season with a 4-2 victory at home to Southampton today.
Coach Ken Gillard was able to select from a host of players and he elected for Hubert Graczyk in goal, with the back four comprised of Levi Laing, Zach Awe, Alex Kirk and Mazeed Ogungbo. Charlie Patino partnered Mauro Bandeira at the base of midfield, while ahead of them Marcelo Flores, Omari Hutchinson and Kido Taylor-Hart supported striker Luke Plange.
Khayon Edwards, Taylor Foran, Billy Vigar and Jack Henry-Francis, who all trained with the first-team this week, were on the bench along with goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Jason Sraha weren’t involved, presumably due to injury, while the likes of Luigi Gaspar, James Sweet, Charles Sagoe Junior, Henry Jeffcott, Zane Monlouis, Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Remy Mitchell also weren’t in the squad, emphasing just how many players Arsenal have at this level.
—
Arsenal took the lead in the 19th minute, with Plange finding the net after he was teed up by Bandeira.
It was 3-0 before the break, with Ryan Finnigan scoring an own goal and Flores then scoring, with the highly-rated Hutchinson assisting him.
Southampton threatened to stage a dramatic comeback late on as Goran Babic scored a penalty in the 81st minute before Jayden Smith netted in the second minute of stoppage time.
Arsenal would score again, however, with Edwards getting what is likely to be the first of many goals at this level, when he scored in the closing stages.
Arsenal: Graczyk; Laing, Awe, Kirk, Ogungbo; Patino, Bandeira; Flores, Hutchinson, Taylor-Hart; Plange. Subs: Edwards (for Taylor-Hart, 71), Foran (for Awe, 72), Vigar (for Plange, 78). Not used: Ejeheri, Henry-Francis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
West Ham 1 Arsenal Women 9. Roord 3 Miedema 2 Little Mead Williamson Foord. Roord’s second hat trick in as many matches.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Promising debuts for Gabriel and Willian, the risk he had to take with our new Brazilian defender, and his demands to the players this season.
All of that and more were on the agenda when Mikel Arteta sat down for his post-match ‘virtual’ press conference at Craven Cottage.
Here’s a full transcript:
on Gabriel and Willian…
Yeah, they were both really good. Obviously for Willian it’s a little bit different because he knows the league, the country and he’s very settled here, so I knew his performances would happen straight away. With Gabriel it was a big challenge for him to come in today having not played any football for the last six months and he had a terrific performance.
on whether he would have preferred to give Gabriel a few weeks before making his debut…
Ideally I wanted to give him some time because he’s only trained a few days with the team and physically he hasn’t played a competitive match in six months, so obviously there was a risk of injury as well, but credit to him because he performed really well physically, he felt good and he was a handful today.
on Ceballos and Nketiah clashing in the warm-up…
I haven’t seen anything. I was inside.
on whether the signing of Willian will motivate Pepe…
Well, it’s not for Nico, I think it’s for the players that were today on the bench and as well the ones that we had to leave at home. If they raise their levels then the performances of the team and club are going to improve and this is what I demand from them. I’m really happy with all the boys and the way they’re training, but selection is getting more complicated and with this new rule of just having only 18 players in the squad makes it very difficult.
on a perfect opening-day result and performance…
Yes I don’t think it gets much better than that. I think it’s really good for the players, for their confidence, for their belief, and to settle in the group quickly. It’s always a challenge when you bring in new players but the way they played today and the commitment they showed with the boys, it was terrific.
Copyright 2020 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to http://www.arsenal.com as the source.
LikeLiked by 1 person
seems Arsenal have bid £12M for Brentford goalie David Raya
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have already exceeded last season’s points total from away matches against newly promoted sides.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the same way that Ozil invented that new way of drinking the ball Auba seems to have discovered a different way of curling it into the corner. I cant quite work out what he does but I dont think I’ve ever seen anyone shoot like he does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Straight out the Henry shots book and since he graced the PL many players have lent to the left and curled with the right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Salah and Vardy in their first games prob have as many pens as we will get all season! Welcome back to the Premier League
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just another 9 defeats on the trot and Jose will be sacked again
LikeLike