The international break is over, thank god. Our first match back is a trip to the Etihad to face a Manchester City team that has struggled this season. They're currently 14th in the league with a win, draw, and loss from their first 3 matches. Recent history in this head-to-head has not been kind to Arsenal - our last league win at the Etihad was a 2-0 in January 2015, on goals from Santi and Giroud. Manuel Pellegrini was in charge of City, and James Milner started at left wing. It's been a while, but no time like the present, eh? Kickoff in this one is at 12:30 PM Eastern on network NBC. COYG
As long as we don't go and play as if they're the invincibles, we have a chance. Show them too much respect and we're done.
There is usually a bit of trepidation about going to play Pep and his mighty mites at their place. But that was a nice touch in your opening post to mention that they sit 14th while failing to mention that we site 4th. And I will always hold dearly this not-so-long-ago visit to their place, facing long odds... Sadly I'll have to miss this one live due to travel but... COYG!!!!
City are probably the toughest matchup for us given the way they control the midfield. Probably going to end up missing this one any way - need to get some time with the family outside of the house.
Partey has played against Real and Barca. He's played champions league football and international football. He must play in this match.
Looks like we'll probably be without Tierney tomorrow b/c of Covid isolation. But Citeh will also be without DeBruyne for an even longer amount of time. If one imagines that as a sort of trade, then seemingly we come out ahead in that deal. And also if Partey were to play in MF tomorrow that could even sweeten the deal.
I read the opposite about Tierney this morning. He didn't have close contact with the Covid+ player (Fraser?), and already had Covid, so Arsenal's pushing for an isolation exemption that they think they'll get. De Bruyne being out is fantastic news though.
Didn't think you would get immunity from it, especially since there are reports of people getting it twice.
There are like, 30 instances of reinfection out of 40 million confirmed cases, almost all in people with previously compromised immune systems. It's so statistically insignificant that it shouldn't be a policy consideration.
In our last 9 prem matches vs city they have scored at least twice on every occasion. Feels like that will change today.
No Partey today (at least to start) Looks like Auba is playing through the middle, though. 🚨 Three changes from Sheffield United...➡️ Holding, Xhaka, Pepe⬅️ David Luiz, Elneny, Nketiah#MCIARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 17, 2020
Need Holding to step it up today against Sterling. If the defense can keep it close I fancy the offense to nip 1 or maybe 2.
I’m perfectly ok with that (Could make a pretty nice 4-2-3-1 out of those players too) Feel slightly nervous for Gabriel & Holding for a few different reasons. Now about to go radio silence because today’s a travel day for me. Will watch later on replay. Enjoy!
Would rather the team have worn their traditional red instead of the deep blue, today. But I'll take a point instead.
11' 0-0 Ball mostly in Arsenal half so far but few real opportunities. Auba playing on left while Willian holds the center.