Good morning Positives,

I don’t think any of us were surprised by the result last night as we had been, and were again in Sofia, a better equipped football team than the Bulgarian champions. We acknowledged Ludogorets had some talent and, at home, would probably be a more difficult prospect to beat. However we expected to win, we expected to go through into the last 16, again.

Equally I doubt any of us expected to win in the way we did, fighting back after an opening fifteen minutes in which the hosts shocked us twice. I have checked the script and there was no reference whatsoever to falling behind by two goals, then having to clamber back into the game.

Of the game itself Arsene clearly decided that a decisive step toward qualification was required and started with the strongest 11 available, bar Cech. As matters turned out his caution was well placed as the opening few minutes of the contest was wide open, Sanchez spinning and cutting through the greenshirts, with the Bulgars again raiding fast and wide as they had in London. The first goal conceded was a cock up, from the strange decision by the referee to award a handball, to some static defending by Kosc and Mustafi, a scuffed clump by Cafu (or possibly an own goal by Jenks but we will ignore that) before bobbling past a flat footed Ospina. It was not a classic. Shit happens, but shit has consequences. Sparked by that gift the home side raced forward again, the irritating Cafu turned Kieran inside out, and bingo – 2-0. The second Ludogorets goal was rather good I thought.

Just for Eddy I have retrieved the offending picture from the DT site;

Were we unhorsed ? Did we panic – Was it Zagreb Part II ?

Not in the least. A commendable mental strength showed itself following the double setback. We immediately regained control of the ball, worked hard, tackled cleanly and pressed the home side back, creating space and chances around their penalty area. I sensed our lads had given themselves a collective slap and woken up properly. They stood a little taller and straighter. Two well taken goals from Xhaka and Olivier arrived as the result of our dominance. By half time we looked set for the victory and a further two or three goals.

And as I anticipated the second half of one way traffic and the game effectively over by the 70^th minute or thereabouts exactly the opposite happened. The men in green, who did not appear to have a clue about defending in the preceding three halves of football, came out in two banks of four and frustrated our attacking efforts. Larry laboured hard, but on scraps. We seemed suddenly tired, listless, out of ideas.

On the break they menaced us and after a first half in which our keeper had almost nothing to do, Ospina was called onto make two saves from Wanderson that on another night would have left us stuffed and 4-2 down. In contrast to the first half it was Borjan in the home goal who had his feet up. Not only did the Bulgars play far more organised and intelligent football in the second half, they also flung themselves on the turf squealing every time they were touched, although on a couple of occasions Granit’s ‘touches’ might well have been grounds for the yellow card that he eventually earned. By 80^th minute the game was at stalemate, with Ludogorets content to take a well earned point.

And then, out of the blue, a quick, long pass by Elneny, released Ozil. Our German drove straight toward the goal, scoped the ball over the advancing Borjan, left two defenders on their arse ( see above), and tapped in our winner, our saving moment, our vindication. IT IS WHAT WE DO!

That the game as decided by an exquisite goal from the most talented footballer on the pitch was appropriate.

What an odd referee, very good at times, but a unique view of what constitutes handball with decisions given against both sides on the slightest manual contact. I shall keep an eye on Mr Nijhuis.

On we go then, Europe settle for three weeks – Tottingham next and a very different challenge.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

A turnip in black.

“The referee’s incompetence has done the home side no favours here having simply provoked The Arsenal into administering a punitive thrashing”

Or so I wrote on Twitter at about the 1-3 point of yesterday’s trip to the North East.  It was probably one of my more sensible remarks on a day and in a match which could have ended very differently.  Certainly my first draft for this piece, efficiently started within minutes of the close of play, sorry, final whistle, threatened to be a very different piece to the one I’m writing this morning.

Carrying one of the original sets of rusting keys to George’s online sanctum doesn’t come without a degree of responsibility, oh no.  It’s not as easy as some of his star writers make it look.

As Steww’s occasional forays into the world of meta-blogging demonstrate, as one cogitates on precisely what to write, the pressure to ‘not let the blog down’ from the lofty standards set by our main writers never gets any less. Yes, Steww’s genius finds expression in a weekly (often bi-weekly) masterpiece that could – and should – be read by anyone, including those of us with a passing interest in football.  Andy Nic’s grasp on a sense of balance is actually bordering on frightening, despite the frequent provocations by circumstance to deliver otherwise. Shotta’s recent evidence-based forays into the world of footballing trends and statistics are, in the round, the online equivalent of one of the Seven Wonders of the Online World (at least 98.8% of the time).

And precisely what should we be writing about, reading, debating, this grey English morning?

Well, my fevered half-draft of a review, started around 2pm Saturday, had the provisional title of:

“Arsenal v Atkinson: A Referee Of Two Halves”.  With a photo of a turnip or some other vegetable of disparaging symbolism.

Frightfully clever of course (said the voice in my head, at least) – but it also tells you exactly where, despite a handsome away win, my focus lay in the immediate aftermath of a game Arsenal were expected to win, and win at a canter.

But what of ‘the lessons’ of the game – what, if anything did we learn from it (despite the confirmation of our worst fears as to the inconsistent state of our referees).  Do we, here on PA want to make Atkinson our main focus?

No of course we do not.  But will we?  Yes, of course we will – if only little bit.

As one of the Twitterati poignantly posted mid-game:

“My love for the game is diminishing weekly because of the refs. They are shocking to the point it’s no longer a talking point @FA. #corrupt” (@Bandoguk).

My Twitter friend was referring to Atkinson’s waving away of Sanchez’s appeal for a nailed on penalty having been hauled down mere seconds before Cech ‘felled’ a Sunderland player who had somehow strayed into our own box – and done so with the lightest of touches.  In truth, both were surely penalties. But not only did Atkinson spot Cech’s micro-brush (or “coming together” as some refs might have otherwise judged), but he saw fit to book Petr for the least dangerous tackle of the day.  Before then going on to fail to book a Sunderland player for high-kicking Coq almost out cold on the edge of the home penalty area.

So that’s one rule for one half of the pitch, another for the other.  Or so it felt.

But was Atkinson really that bad?  Well, thanks to the result, his worst efforts will be quickly forgotten and in truth he probably didn’t plummet to Moss-like levels of incompetent inconsistency which resulted in this weekend’s Jilted John’s demotion to the lower leagues.

But the main point – or ‘lesson’ from this is that at pretty much any moment over the last ten years, Atkinson’s best efforts could easily have resulted in a shock draw or even a shocking win for a club that has, not to be too unkind, always been several levels below Arsenal FC during this same period.

And yesterday, as Andy Nic tweeted at the time:

“Let’s hope we learn the lesson – I dislike relying on referees.”

So, as already agreed, this post-match meander will not be ‘all about the ref’.  Honestly.

Well, okay then, what of the actual lesson that is still sitting, waiting patiently in the wings, to be taken from this frankly somewhat tame encounter?

For me it was the Official Baptism of Arsenal’s attacking Plan B.  You, know, that other ‘option’ we should be able to turn to during a game when all else has failed for 70 minutes and we simply can not get a goal for love or anything else that may be on offer. That we are riding so high in the league is not entirely down to playing Sanchez ‘down the middle’.

Things like a miserly defence and a dominant midfield has a role or two to play.  But the option of having Alexis move politely to the side as the Bearded Wonder was introduced to take just two touches to draw level with Vardy’s season’s Premier League goal tally is of immense significance.  Yes, that’s right, two goals from two touches from yet another of Arsene’s acquisitions that have, according to some of the lesser denizens amongst us, and in common with Koscielny and Le Coq, supposedly not been fit to wear the shirt at one time or another.

Yes, it was ‘only Sunderland’.  But that same Sunderland – away from home – which, with more than a hint of help from certain unnamed friends in black, have stolen the odd point or three on a seasonal basis over the last ten years. So, welcome to the team, Plan B.

As an Arsenal fan, in this modern Emirates era, there are two times of the year we all dread.  One is October and the other, February.  These are the two months of the year when injuries have ‘traditionally’ kicked in to derail our otherwise stately progress to the top.  It’s not just injuries of course, but the time required for the rehabilitation of the mended but not-yet-up-to-speed stars who simply can not switch ‘it’ on or off like the machines we all wish they were.

But wait!

We stand on the brink of November with apparently only Danny Welbeck, out of our biggest stars with a serious injury awaiting a (December?) comeback. This means we go into the next period with an almost complete squad (Santi will surely be back before Daniel’s Yuletide return), ready to rotate and with options galore for a manager more used to juggling than planning with a cold eye, and a full team list to select from.

Scoring four away from home is, for sure, some kind of statement. That we have for the most part ploughed through the opening 3 months like a knife through butter, and with some style, suggest the period November-February will be far less perilous than at any time  over the last 10 years.  That we ended up winning at a ‘canter-plus’, without truly breaking sweat or with any morale-sapping points dropped, is of huge significance.

And those, my friends, are the real lessons I’d take from yesterday’s victory.

Good morning Positives,

All up early and ready for the kick off ? That’s the ticket.

A good opportunity for us to sit astride the top of the PL this afternoon following our visit to the Stadium of the Damned Light. Let us examine the opportunities, and the pitfalls, together.

The home side are in a terrible state. Just two points in nine games, five defeats in the last six PL games, bereft of confidence, already five points behind 17^th place Boro and notional safety. Moyes’ stated virtually from the opening day of the season that they are in a relegation “battle”. I think the Scotsman is wrong. From the games I have seen involving Sunlun there is no “battle” in them. In their heads the players seem to have given up already. Checking the record books just one club with two points after nine games has escaped relegation (in case your interested Saints in 98/98 whose 9^th PL game and 2^nd point came at Highbury). Ten games and two points and no club has ever recovered to stay up. Yes these are bleak, bleak days for the Mackems, on the footballing abyss.

And yet who knows what just one win for Sunderland, one dramatic fighting performance, in front of the Wearside faithful might do ? The only thing Moyes can do is send his boys out to try to find that spark of resistance, that scintilla of pride, and to get some sort of result – any bloody result for them would do in fact. Could Whatmore be this week’s Barrow or Traore !? There will be a full house at the stadium. I anticipate we shall see a desperation in our opponents that will need to be controlled, extinguished and replied to with our brand of incisive, fast and direct Wengerball.

Of our lads I know we await Arsene’s call on the starting line up and whether Giroud will get back in to start or remain on his seat. He has a good record against Sunlun but my feeling is that the Frenchman won’t start and we will stick with Alexis up front. I see also that having rotated the team successfully for the Reading game two injuries have cropped up, Theo and Nacho, who enjoyed a rest in midweek. Whether either will feature I am not sure as Arsene ended a bit vague yesterday, with both restrictions slight. “Late tests” all round apparently. I would be pleased to see the Ox start after a good performance on Wednesday if Theo remains crocked. On a much more positive note, sit down Alabama, Aaron is back and almost certainly will get some action today. I have missed his quality in the final third and if Santi remains side-lined we will rely on the Welshman’s class to open up spaces in and around the box.

I see we have Mr Atkinson with the whistle today. From byword to refereeing controversy and poor calls, three seasons ago, to one of the best officials on the roster. Because the stakes are very high for the Black Cats I fancy he will be busy today.

As you may gather embark on our trip to the North East with some optimism it will be a productive afternoon. Let us therefore settle down to enjoy the game from 12.30 UK time. I shall be giving the fools on Sky hell. For those of you out and about the game is broadcast on Radio 5 Live.

(In case you think that you have missed a day young Stew is organising a very special birthday today and has been excused duties by The Leader. Remember though, the clocks go back an hour tonight).

Good morning to you all aboard the Positive Arsenal bus,

We stride serenely on to the quarter finals of the League Cup having disposed of Reading last night and tonight’s games take on that much more interest to spot out next opponents.

I admit that looking at the team sheet I was a little nervous. As well all knew from his announcement the day before there would be young players brought in, Jeff, AMN and that Carl would almost certain be back. Six Arsenal players under 20 I am told by those who know. Even those older players, Gabby, Perez, Elneny, Emmy, Alex Iwobi and Rob Holding had played no more than a handful of games between them. ( I guess 50 starts (?) between the six of them) The Ox was the only really experienced man in a red shirt. What I did not expect was that on the bench we would go with what another selection of youth players, barring Olivier. This was Cup football with no safety net, one slip from the high wire and the chances were the plunge would be fatal.

I recognise my foolishness now. Arsene knows these players and works with them every day. He trusted his players and on the night and they performed well, not brilliantly, not perfectly, but professionally and took their chance to show him, and us, what they can do.

Stand out for us I thought was the Ox who was the most influential player on the pitch. I use influential because if you score the two goals that win your team the game clearly your contribution has to be recognised. I mean it also in the sense that most of our attacking impetus came through him and was directed by him. He put the occasional foot wrong, misplaced a pass and/or blazed shot high and wide, but where in previous games that setback would have distracted him for the next ten minutes last night he just got on with his job. He seemed to me a lot more confident and understood how important he was, as senior man.

Of the returners I was pleased to see Carl Jenkinson look so fit and that he managed 90 minutes with no obvious drop of energy is much to his credit. I have no idea where Matt Debuchy might be but I presume that the Corporal will be back up for Hector, and pressing the Spaniard, over the next few weeks. Giroud’s 25 minutes showed he is fit and firing. I suspect Sunlun may find the Frenchman breathing down their necks on Saturday lunchtime.

Of the youngsters AMN I thought did well and looked as though he is next to step up to the PL/CL. We are not short in central midfield but we have a lot of football to play in the next few weeks. Jeff I thought looked less assured and he looks to me like the next candidate for a loan to allow him to get some football experience against experienced opposition under his elegant belt.

The only weakness last night was the final pass around the box and the finishing. The final pass will improve when Perez has more experience of playing with Iwobi and the Ox ( and the rest of the AFC midfield) , and vice versa. Finishing needs working on and Alex Iwobi will no doubt be reflecting on this today.

Of our opponents ? The fans enjoyed their evening, their players tried to keep the ball on the ground and play football. They were better than Chelsea.

Onwards and upwards to the Stadium of Light mes amis.

( in case you are wondering  our friend at the top is a Berkshire Old Spot)

Good morning Positives,

An interesting afternoon at the Ems I am sure you will agree, and once my pulse had slowed to a respectable rate courtesy of Mr Dean’s final whistle, supplemented a bout of traditional self medication using the traditional method, a game to look back on as genuinely entertaining.I shall take the point.

Needless to say I set myself up for a bumpy afternoon quoting the OneBoro website on Friday concerning the best expectation of the visitors was a good “do-ing”, as their correspondent so succinctly put it. Fool that I am, listening to football bloggers. I was not the only one though. The bookmakers had Boro at 12/1 before kick-off yesterday. In fact the Tees-side club were by no means done. While I guess Karanka and his boys went home thoroughly satisfied on another day, with a keeper facing them less sharp than Cech, it could have been their famous victory. Another clean sheet, four so far, and if he keeps up his average it will be another set of Golden Gloves come May.

Of the game itself ? In spite of the result I thought we played well as a team. As you all saw we faced a well organised side who defended deep and denied Sanchez any space to do his work in the final third all afternoon. Every time we got into the final third we faced a wall of nine blue shirts, a bank of five behind a bank of four, as well as Valdes all day. With our Chilean tiger mostly leashed, and only one scramble and one late burst that got him in on goal, we relied on the players behind him to come through, in both senses. The players behind Alexis I think stepped up, tried to create, tried to take on the Boro defenders and make space and time when very little was available. Iwobi, Theo and Ozil can all take credit for their contribution. My only criticism of them was they perhaps could have tried to get more into the box themselves as targets. I felt that when Perez and the Ox came on we shifted the gear up a notch and for the first time had numbers in the box and the MFC back line wobbled.

The base of our midfield Le Coq and Elneny worked hard and again I did not see much wrong there. We missed the eye of Santi but I would not put down our lack of a goal to his absence, it would be too simple. We did not solve the Middlesbrough puzzle.

Of the visitors  ? Adama Traore was a name that rang a bell although even the Arsenal website had no picture of him. I remember him coming on for the final five minutes in our game at Villa last season, by which point we were home and hosed, and him running past Nacho twice. I remember (honest) puzzling why they had not put the youngster on earlier as he looked deadly. So it proved yesterday, with the boy beating Kosc and Bellerin for speed – THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN! (the only man to beat Hector for speed once was Neymar as far as I know). Bizarrely, until his start yesterday Traore had played only twice, from the bench, for Boro since his arrival in August. A great display of strong, very fast attacking football. And just 20 – I hear the rustling of football agents in the undergrowth!

Teams are accused of “parking the bus”. It is a term of abuse apparently, invented by that Portuguese clown. Accordingly I am not sure what the term means. Boro are not Barca or Bayern. I could see that if they turned up at the Ems, played one man up, held on and celebrated with their fans a 0-0 draw they could be accused of failing to play the football they were capable of, and spoiling a potentially entertaining spectacle. However I don’t really see a team in the position that our visitors are in the PL, with the players they have, rolling up at the Emirates, doing other than they did yesterday.

So as the ashes of one PL game smoulder and gently fades away we have but a short break before Tuesday and Reading. In the meantime enjoy your day of rest and the fresh air of a mild Autumn day.