Monday 6 Dec 2021 Goodison Park USA TV: NBCSN 3pm ET [Edit: Oops, sorry that I put it down as "Peacock" orginally] In the last 9 league matches we’re 5W 2D 2L, whereas Toffees are 1W 2D 6L. So on paper we should totally take these guys. But do you put stock in that? Two days ago, we choked on yet another “Big 6” team away, against a malfunctioning United who like us haven’t quite deserved that “membership” this season. I can only hope that both Arteta and his players learned some painful lessons at United, which they rectify at Everton. ESPECIALLY if we’re fortunate enough to go ahead by one goal, what to do and what not to do. After Everton we host Soton, so I also hope, for all of our sakes, that at minimum I make it to the following match when the mighty Hammers come to N8. All bets are off at that point.
My $0.02... sit PEA & Partey and consider ginving ESR a rest to start the game since he has been playing a ton. 4-2-3-1 ---------------- Laca ------------------ Martinelli - ESR/MO --- Saka ----------- AMN --- Sambi --------- Tierney - Gabi - White - Tomi Balogun on the bench and he gets in in the 2nd if things are going well.
Or 4-2-2-2... --------------- Laca ------------------- ------------------ Martinelli --------- ESR ----------------------------- Saka ----------- AMN --- Sambi --------- Tierney - Gabi - White - Tomi
Let's see if Saka is fit. Partey clearly isn't. Even though benching Auba is a good idea, it probably won't happen.
After other results this weekend Arsenal needs at least a point and, perhaps more importantly, they need to play like they're making progress again. I get it, there are roster spots/ positions with gaping holes. Bayern Munich/Citeh they are not. But they've had times where you could see the direction of the side in their play, moment with both confidence and poise. They need to stay within themselves and work to minimize gifting their opponents easy chances. So that and they can not only get points today but they can be better positioned for the next block of matches. Up the Gunners!
Game should be on NBCSN and Universo today, based on what I'm seeing in my listings. They better not be pulling back to back Peacock shifts on us!!!
WOW, Xhaka is back. And Auba is benched. 🚨 TEAM NEWS!🏴 Kieran Tierney comes in🇨🇭 Granit Xhaka starts!🇫🇷 Alex Lacazette leads the line#EVEARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 6, 2021
I'm never going to be dissuaded from believing that Xhaka is a lousy player and a consummate moron, but his fitness is truly remarkable.
Wow, indeed! Xhaka is a helluva surprise. His lover, er boss, must be overjoyed. I'm going to be focusing on the central play of Partey, Xhaka & Odegaard. If those guys play well, I think we might just take this one.
Tactically, if Xhaka drops into the left back role when Tierney bombs forward, leaving Partey all alone in the center of the midfield, I’m going to start pulling the hair I have left out.
I just heard that Toffees are going to leave their seats at 27' to protest a 27 year trophy drought. Interesting. And sounds like a good time for us to score a goal or two.
Didn't even notice that. ESR needs a rest, but I would have expected him on the bench if needed for 15 minutes. And I wonder if Leno is going to try to leave in January.
I don't really like us playing MNF, but with one exception... it gives me a chance to hear the wisdom and dulcet tones of Martin Tyler.
What's Arteta got against quick football. So slow in the build up and so indirect. We should be putting pressure on Everton like Pool did last week. Instead we have been so cautious we are absolutely giving up goals if this keeps up. We have pace on the wings yet all Xhaka and Partey have done is stats pad with sideways passing. Everton defence is so week and we are putting literally zero pressure on them and letting their midfield get into the game.