Well here we go again. After an entertaining evening, we switch back to the main event; league match versus the current champions.
Allison obviously, with Araujo, Jacquet, VVD and Kerkez.
Midfield is more of a conundrum…
Wirtz will start, MacAllister will start…then its decision time. I would honestly go with Nyoni, he was class again tonight. That said, Gravenberch will most likely get the nod.
Up ftont, Barcola, Isak and Gakpo.
Rio from the bench to torture White for the last twenty minutes.
A performance like the first half vs Brighton would frighten Arsenal. Relentless movement and high pressing will make them very nervous.
Our players need to keep the heads, not fall for their histrionics.
It’s great to watch our progress under Iraola, hopefully another milestone performance on Sunday.
Referee Andy Madley
Assistant Referee Nick Hopton
Assistant Referee Tim Wood
Fourth Official Tom Bramall
VAR (Video Assistant Referee) Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR James Bell
Madley the grinning one and Attwell the names I recognise.
I’m not aware of Madley’s and Atwell’s record while refereeing our games, or big errors from them, maybe that’s a good sign, or I’m getting old? Surely someone will know.
At least, we avoid the likes of Oliver, Tierney, Hooper or Kavanagh this time.
Yes. I have enjoyed out forward play in recent games but we have really not been clinical. If we start to take chances and make better decisions (looking at you Gakpo) then someone gets spanked. If we get ahead and people push onto us they get spanked more.
Arteta won the league with a shithouse approach. Similar to what we saw from the likes of Mourinho at Chelsea, or Simeone at Atletico. Defensively very solid, try to shithouse some set pieces, score a goal or two then just shut up shop.
It’s imperative that we get the first goal in this, because it’ll force them to come out looking for an equalizer, opening up more space. I’d start Rio and Bradley on the wings in this one and have them constantly bombing down to the touchline, terrorizing their fullbacks. Then you have Isak and Wirtz in the middle for the cutbacks/crosses. Arsenal are no mugs, but they don’t look like the force they were last season, and just lately have been unconvincing. We’ve got some great momentum behind us, winning games a number of different ways against a number of styles. The away win at Brentford was a fantastic result for us, as was the win over Brighton, but winning this would really lay a marker down and show that we’ve got a squad that can compete for top honours this season.
Win this and I reckon we win the next two heading into the break. Just hope the bastard internationals don’t sap our momentum like they always do.
Can’t wait for this. It will be a real test, and a great chance to see our progress under Iraola. If we win we might even start to think we can go on to fight for that title.
The midfield is the biggest decision, as the rest sort of picks itself at this point. Will Nyoni continue? I hope he does, as he is the only midfielder we have who looks like he is minding the shop, first and foremost. But I suspect it will be Grav - bigger name, big salary. It should not be decided that way though. Let’s see.
Should be a cracker. 2-1 to the mighty reds. Isak and Barcola for us. Gabriel for them.
