Image courtesy foogue.com Arsenal FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion Emirates Stadium, London May 5, 2019, 11:30 Am EST NBCSN "What I've always liked about Brighton is its impersonality. Since the 18th Century people have come, used the place, and gone home again." - Lynne Truss Thanks to the fact the Gunners' last match was brought to us by the letter "W" you lot are stuck with me for another match thread. Huzzah! Our lads in red play their last home match of the season still chasing top 4 and, more importantly, still chasing a hint of imperious form. The extra-time goal on Thursday provided a flattering scoreline against Valencia but doubts remain about the side's ability to stand up when needed or truly challenged. Arsenal should win and comfortably so, but while Brighton are not a deeply talented opponent they are a side fighting to avoid the drop and, given Arsenal's recent form, they'll know Arsenal can be rattled. Brighton haven't won in the league since upsetting Palace on March 9. Their long dip in form has left them lingering within reach of a foundering Cardiff side as the last sides whose fate remains undecided. This dip has come largely from an offense gone AWOL - In this 8 game mire Brighton have scored just 1 goal against 13 surrendered! They've scored only 30 goals all season, 11 of which have come from Glen Murray. Pundits debate if it's a case of a recently promoted side simply being found out or some other issue but the bottom line is the 'Gulls appear rather devoid of strategy after clearing out of their back third. As expected Manager Chris Hughton is a prime target for those seeing the need for change even if the team stays up. For Arsenal it's a relatively clear task - Win their last two in the league for a shot at top 4 and hope Chelsea slip along the way. Winning Sunday would be not only critical in confidence but vital ahead of one last dreaded road trip to close out the Premier League season at Burnley. Arsenal have shown better form at home excepting the Palace match, but with a crunch of fixtures ahead and several players still out injured how aggressive can Arsenal afford to play? Presumably they'll ride the Auba-Laca pairing the rest of the way in hopes players can worry about recovering after the season and a possible trophy. In theory Ozil should be available, even. Convention says start a strong lineup, look to close the game early, and then pull a couple critical players ahead of the midweek trip to Spain. Perhaps for one last time this season Arsenal beats a weaker opponent the way they should. Red tops blue 3-0.
Brighton may suck, befitting a team in 17th place, but they're organized well enough that I think 3-0 is a bit optimistic. I'll be happy with 3pts, any way we can get em. But if we do get the cushion you imagine, then maybe he could throw Cech on there for the final 10-15 mins as his swan song at the Grove. Otherwise, certain players have to rest, e.g. Koscielny. And maybe rest one of Laca/Auba. Probably limit Torreira's minutes too. If we're gonna win Europa we need to keep all those players fit until May 29! p.s. The cluful dudes who designed that video game put Ozil's shirt on Laca.
My first choice graphic came from some site in presumably some Slavic language and I couldn't get it to load. Didn't feel like tempting Putin's army over the matter, so you're stuck with Alex Ozil.
Daughter: "So, I'm actually done with classes. Just 2 exams next week." Me: "Cool" D: "Oh, and they need us out of the dorms by the week's end." Me: "Oh." D: "Yeah, soooo..." Me: D: "I can't fit all my stuff in my car. Can you come get the big stuff tomorrow?" Me: *sigh* This family moment has been brought you by SiriusXM FC!
I can relate. But what about getting the stuff today? Or after our game tomorrow? Priorities priorities.
Gainesville to Augusta = 6 hr round trip, and it's raining hard today. Plan is to arrive in Augusta in time for lunch at someplace with TVs and watch that way, then be home in time to watch Atlanta tomorrow night. And my kids wonder why I struggle to squeeze in time to exercize.
Yeah. On a macro level I didn't want Cardiff or Warnock relegated. But on a micro level, considering our opponents tomorrow, I wanted their fates sealed today. So far results going our way again... COYG!!!
Arsenal 19 Leno 12 Lichtsteiner 20 Mustafi 5 Papastathopoulos 18 Monreal 11 Torreira 34 Xhaka 7 Mkhitaryan 10 Özil 9 Lacazette 14 Aubameyang Substitutes 1 Cech 4 Elneny 6 Koscielny 17 Iwobi 29 Guendouzi 31 Kolasinac 49 Nketiah Back 4 with both Mustafi & Lichsteiner? A bit of a gamble. But with Thursday's Europa semi in mind, it's good to see Kos get a little more rest, and nice to see he's sticking with Cech for that.
Sokratis booked for simulation. Now he has to use is tiny brain a bit more and NOT get ejected/suspended. Someone better have a word with him.
TBF Sokratis has plenty of grit. He just needs to use his head and keep his cool. He's a keeper IMO... as our 2nd or 3rd choice CB going forward.
Unfortunately for us Matt Ryan is on his game. Saves a sure fast-break goal by Auba. Keep it up boys!
Earlier today there was a good example of the "big" team going 1-0 up and then not being able to kill the game with a 2nd goal, and then paying dearly for it. PLEASE let's not follow that example, OK lads?
Mkhi & Xhaka combine to throw this game away. PK awarded to Brighton. And they score. 1-1. Are we surprised?