Tottenham - on the bus. We need a hero!
Arsenal has won the North London Derby! It has been nerve wracking, concerning, table-hitting, but victorious in the end! And the new fan favourite was born - Mr Lewis-Skelly himself.
Let’s get right into the game impressions:
Our number 6 is the king of Brazil!
Gabriel has bossed the North London Derby again! For the third time in the row! He was monumental in a massive game again. Only this season he scored two crucial goals against Spurs, a crucial goal at the Etihad, a crucial goal against Man United. That’s some unbelievable statistics. We're talking about the kind of stats that justify a £60m+ forward price tag that we are looking for? And his mouthwatering tackle in the 20th minute - absolutely sublime!
Now, I know some will disagree, but for me, Gabriel’s our most important defender. Stepping up in the big games, that’s the mark of a world-class player, isn't it? You can’t be perfect every week, but when the pressure’s on, and you deliver, that's special. But it’s not only that, it’s the energy and passion he brings onto the pitch to charge his teammates with.
I don’t want to take any flowers away from Myles Lewis-Skelly, but would his display be as impressive without Gabriel around? I am not convinced. That said, the youngster was just amazing. I was worried about his side in the beginning of the second half, when Spurs were running at our defence at full speed, but he got stronger as the game went on. He didn't let that dodgy blonde Spurs player get under his skin and riled up the crowd when getting off - what a player! And his physicality and ability to use the body at such a young age is beyond impressive! Can you remind me why we bought Calafiori? Right, he can play left centre-back too, I know.
Jurrien Timber was also not bad, he closed Son for most of the time, which is not an easy task. Surprisingly, though, our weakest link at the back was Saliba. He made a few mistakes, like he did against United. Maybe it’s time to give Kiwior a run-out against Villa and give Big Bill a rest? Just a thought.
Zero confidence in front of goal
Wow, what a second half! Honestly, we had so many opportunities to seal the deal and put the game to bed, but we just couldn't find that final touch. That chance Odegaard missed around the 80th minute? Unbelievable! I was stunned to see the ball just roll away without anyone, defender or keeper, getting a touch!
I finally understood Sterling's problem. Whether it's a shot, a pass, or that killer dribble to force a desperate foul, it's just not there. How has a multiple Premier League winner suddenly turned into a raw academy kid making his first tentative steps? People are saying he's lacking confidence? Come on, he's seen it all!
Havertz barely found himself in scoring positions this game. He was practically invisible in the first half, but he did come alive a bit in the second, winning the ball back through some determined pressing. However, he always seemed to be looking for someone else in the box to finish the job. Maybe that's his way of coping with the pressure? If he's got guys like the ever-reliable Bukayo around him to finish the chances, then it could work.
But yesterday, there was just no one to take responsibility and pass the final verdict to Spurs. This is something I actually wrote down in the 20th minute of the game
What would we do without big Gabi and Leo? Trossard reminded us what he can do after a good night's sleep. The shot that bounces from the ground in front of the keeper is hard to deal with and it’s great to finally see someone in the team being able to execute it.
But apart from that, Odegaard, Havertz, Sterling and even Martinelli were searching for someone else to take the responsibility. We need a player that can just infect everyone around with their confidence. How’s Ivan Toney doing? Is he available? I am serious.
Transfer rumours
Alex Isak is another player that is just sparking with confidence. But the price tag that is floating around in the media (around 150 mln) is not worth it. For 150 mln we can gamble on three prospective players and expect to get two that will actually strengthen us. Especially given that Isak is not necessarily the most consistent striker in terms of numbers and his availability.
There are a number of names floating around in the media. Today;s update is: Arsenal eyeing Gyokeres, with talk of triggering his £84 million release clause. The amount is quite large, but his goal stats this year is exactly what we need. 21 goals in Portuguese League, 5 in Champions League - that’s tasty.
Another name in the mix is Bryan Mbeumo. He’s good, but my worry is that Nwaneri is expected to return soon to the squad, so together with Sterling they can provide some cover for the right wing. However, if we stay with only Havertz for the whole rest of the season it won’t be healthy neither for the team, nor for the player. We will keep pushing him in the starting line-up and keep concentrating on our frustration if he doesn't deliver.
Maybe the plan is to rotate him with either Trossard or Martinelli, who could be more suited to the CF position with his all around movement and “head down” symptom. But then we need someone to fill in on the left. Can Mbeumo play in the center or on the left? I haven’t seen him do that recently for Brentford.
Cunha has surprisingly started his game on the bench after being disqualified, hence, rested for two games. Is there something to it? Why would a manager not start him, if they count on him? He also didn’t look motivated enough.
Those are the combined stats for our potential targets.
My only worry and ask is - please no Vlahovic! His conversion rate is worse than the one of Havertz. And this is consistent with the previous season. We will bring another player who misses chances. Gyokeres or Sesko or Cunha would be much better options.
Only half way there
The result against Spurs was massive, but we are not out of the woods yet. This result won’t mean much if we don’t take three points against Villa. And let's be honest, backing up a massive, emotional night like last night is always a tough ask.
The positive part is: Villa also had a tough game on Wednesday with their first choice eleven. And Emery made a single sub in the 82nd minute. Interesting tactic in a week this packed, but we'll take it. We're knackered ourselves, so a fresh Villa side is the last thing we need.
With Villa, it usually boils down to two headaches:
Opening up their defence. At the Emirates they are usually sitting pretty deep. And with annoying Martinez between the sticks it’s a hard quest to unlock them.
Stopping those long balls to Watkins (and probably Rogers) that can change a game in an instant. Our defenders usually deal with those passes alright, however, not very well with Ollie Watkins himself. I am a bit worried about Saliba - he hasn’t looked his sharpest recently. Could we slip in Kiwior to track these runs? Or is it a bigger risk?
Up front, Trossard and Martinelli have to start. I reckon it'd be interesting to throw Sterling in the mix with those two and give Havertz a breather. Maybe Sterling will finally find the sharpness with more game time.
And I absolutely do not want to see Merino. He doesn't give us the right tempo, especially against a quick side like Villa. He didn’t look impressive yesterday and Spurs are a good proxy for Villa’s style of play. So I would prefer Rice and Partey at least for the first 70 minutes. Or Rice and Jorginho if Partey can play only for a limited time.
All in all: Raya - Timber, Kiwior (Saliba), Gabriel, MLS (Zinchenko) - Partey (Jorginho), Rice, Odegaard - Sterling, Martinelli, Trossard. Let me know your approach for Villa in the comments.
COYG!