In this #chelseafc match review by #UncensoredArsenal, Blackburn George is convinced this was one of the worst performances by the Gooners for the season while Shotta is impressed by Arsenal’s fightback from 2-goals down. George is concerned that inconsistency by Arsenal will harm their chances of winning the league. Both concur that Declan Rice was the Man-Of-The Match contrary to conventional opinion in favour of Bukayo Saka. Finally they offered thoughts about the goalkeeping situation and the likelihood of David Raya remaining as #1.

If ever there was a game that proves “the eye test” doesn’t work, this was it. What I thought I had been watching was nothing like the reality when I saw the stats of how some of our prayers had actually had tremendous games. Watching I felt it was a poor game, but now on reflection, I believe it was a performance to be really proud of. Anyway, here is the podcast, let me know in the comments what you think.

In this MatchDay-7 @uncensoredarsenal9715 podcast Shotta and Blackburn George note that Arsenal strolled to an easy victory over Bournemouth demonstrating they have developed into a better quality team than they were 2-3 years ago. The Gooners were superior in all statistical categories. Personifying the qualitative improvement at Arsenal over the past 18 months has been the performances of hybrid left-back/floating midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko who is highlighted in the podcast.

Hi all.

In this Arsenal-Tottenham match review by @UncensoredArsenal, both Shotta and Blackburn George agree that a draw was a fair result in a match where both teams had major slices of luck that could have tipped the balance in either direction. The podcast concluded that Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s MOTM mainly because of his contribution to the goals scored.

Blackburn George

Hi Everyone.

In this podcast we look at how we did against an Everton team that did everything to make the game a horrible watch. Fortunately it gave them exactly what the deserved, sweet F. all. It was a hard watch but that was no fault of Arsenal, who tried to make their superior football count, which thankfully, it ultimately did.

Nothing can dampen the elation of Shotta and Blackburn George after Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat of Manchester United on Sunday. While the duo were concerned about the cautious approach by the Gunners for most of the game, the dramatic manner in which Arsenal scored the winning goals was cause for much celebration. They concur with Declan Rice, arguably the Man Of The Match, who noted that even at this stage of the season Arsenal could ill afford to fall five (5) pts behind behind Manchester City who are already setting a blistering pace. Mention was made of the return of Gabriel Magalhães in central defense and Zinchenko as an inverted full-back, which made Arsenal a more balanced team than in previous games. There was however continuing concern with the performance of Kai Havertz who seems shot of confidence. Shotta is @shotta_gooner on Twitter and blogs at http://www.uncensoredarsenal.com Blackburn George is @arseblagger on Twitter.

Shotta and Blackburn George express. their disappointment at the points dropped at home by Arsenal in their draw with Fulham. The duo explore what is lacking in the team’s performance highlighting an unsettled defense with Partey playing an unusual right-back role and Gabriel, last year’s top defender, not being used. George was particularly concerned that Haavertz is not living up to expectations and how his big price tag might weigh on Arteta’s team selection going forward. But there were some bright spots especially the brilliant job by Nketiah and Fabio Vieira with the latter our Man of the Match (MOTM)

Hello again.

After what looks like a very good window we are off and running with a valuable 3 points in the bag.

In many ways we dominated the game and for all but the last 15 minutes we looked in complete control. However, we ended the game stumbling over the line with a lower xG than them. Although we dominated possession I felt it was all a bit slow and safe. I think all the players had a reasonable game with no one being outstanding and nobody having a bad game, although I didn’t think Partey made any impact in the inverted right back position.

The result is welcome but in all honesty, I was hoping for a much better performance.

The bad news is the injury to Timber , who has been massively impressive in preseason and as I write this there is no news on how serious it is.

So here is the podcast with a more detailed discussion about the game.

Blackburn George.

In this podcast we look back and forward, hoping to make sense of a strange season and odd expectations for next season.

Pedantic George.

On a sunny afternoon we blew away an insipid Wolves team, ending the season with a little flourish. This was a thoroughly enjoyable, not to mention heartwarming final day, and I don’t think we need to be cynical about it.

The football was stunning from the first to the last minute. And while we were deadly in the first half-hour, there was much to enjoy in the remainder of the match when we fluffed some expertly worked openings. 

The quality of our play suggested the progress made over the last two years or so isn’t in danger of evaporating. Naturally this performance, with all pressure removed, could lend credence to the idea that our failings have been psychological. 

Well fine, the sharp end of next season is a long way away. And if we go into 23-24 touted as also-rans because of how it ended this year, well maybe that’s all the better. Now isn’t the time to go into too much detail on what has gone wrong. 

But I can’t get over how much better #5 looked all of a sudden, drifting around in his new half-back role. His passing was crisp, he won the ball back imperiously, and he made all the right calls when he was squeezed. He was pivotal in the build-up to the first two goals, both scored by Xhaka, in what many believe is his send-off.

#5 wasn’t the only one who appeared rejuvenated. Ramsdale picked out players through the lines once more, Jesus was electric on the ball and bothersome when breathing down defenders’ necks, and Trossard rediscovered his final pass. 

Meanwhile Saka looked sharper than he’s been for weeks. As a consequence he was fouled all over the pitch and had to go off, but not before making his mark. 

Jesus showed up on the right for the first goal, and, once again, his accomplished wing work must make him a candidate to stand in for Saka occasionally. Xhaka showed up in boundless space to head home.

For the second, Saka, looking suddenly unburdened, twisted the defender inside and out, sparking pandemonium that gave Xhaka the opening to make it two. This was a couple of opportunistic goals, from a player who has transformed his game in the service of the team. When it comes to professionalism, and the fidelity to execute the manager’s gameplan on the pitch, we won’t find another like him. 

The third arrived before the half-hour and was a finely crafted move involving Partey and Odegaard, before Trossard nudged an inviting ball into Saka’s path. Saka cut inside the defender and curled it beyond Sá. It came in a match with zero stakes, but this was a goal as beautiful as any we’ve scored this season. 

As a group we pressed ferociously, and taking a moment to look at it, we played in a kind of compact 4-4-2 off the ball, with Odegaard pushing highest alongside Jesus out of possession. 

Trossard’s vision came to the fore again when he picked out Jesus at the back post, although the defender gave hours to ponder his options. Still, the whole situation was only made possible by an exquisite pass from Jorginho. 

The fifth goal was easily the scrappiest, and the biggest sign that Wolves were already on holiday. They failed to deal with a set piece, and Kiwior dug out a shot with his weaker foot that skewed out of the keeper’s grip. 

So yes, we turned it on when it no longer mattered, against a lacklustre and maybe demotivated opponent. But I’m taking heart from the idea that we can turn it on at all. You can only beat what’s in front of you, even if they weren’t really here. 

As a parting gift, the team produced a one-game encapsulation of all of the best things about our season. And if that does turn out to be Xhaka’s last match for Arsenal, then it could hardly have gone better.

Birdkamp.