I was left to my own devices . . . There's no denying that it's been a rough few weeks. Three games. One goal. Perpetually double teamed wingers. A striker who won't move. Horrific refereeing. Grey clouds roll over the hills Bringing darkness from above And to top it all off, Manchester City are coming to town. City, who have won four of the last five titles and six of the last twelve. Who always go on their runs of winning ten games a row, not allowing any goals, and scoring 8 gazillion. And that was before they added the spawn of Alf Inge Haaland. Said spawn having scored a mere 9 gazillion this season, all by himself. And yet . . . But if you close your eyes Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all? And if you close your eyes Does it almost feel like you've been here before? Arsenal are playing a team from Manchester in the second half of the season, with Arsenal sitting in first, in a six pointer at the top of the table. It almost feels like we've been here before. It's been a long time since Arsenal played a league home game, in the second half of the season, of such importance. Can't remember it happening at the Emirates. How am I gonna be an optimist about this? How am I gonna be an optimist about this? Here's how: Arsenal don't need to win this game. A point is all we need to preserve a three point lead with a game in hand. Winning is gravy. Just. Don't. Lose. Location: Fortress Emirates (VAR clownshow not withstanding) Date: Wednesday, 15 February 2023 Time: 1930 GMT/1430 ET/0930 Luau time/ 6:30 AM Kangaroo time TV: Peacock (USA) / Optus Sport (for Kangaroos) / fuboTV (Canadia) / Amazon Prime Video (for bear)
GOAT matchday thread OP. We don’t need to win, but let’s do it anyway. May 60,000 (extremely dissatisfied with refereeing) gooners make this a cauldron.
A win would be fvcking unbelievable and amazing. But I’m totally down with a draw. What I’m not down with is Peacock. I’m really sick of how much they’ve put us on there… especially the BIG matchups. And this is the BIGGEST match of the entire EPL season so far. NBC you bite.
Looking forward to it, here in the islands. Tough game, but I think the Gunners prevail 1-0. Goal by Xhaka.
Win. ********ing win. Win and do it without a ********up from VAR/Officials. Just win. Please. Also ******** Lee Mason.
Agreed. Winning the premium league is all about thrashing the cannon fodder and not losing to the other contenders.
Team picks itself except left wing. Trossard came off the bench for the goal vs Brentford, does he get the start? I'd lean towards sticking with Martinelli, he's been less than his best recently against teams that sit in a low block, but he's had some of his best performances against clubs like City and Liverpool.
Barring new injuries I expect the same XI. Maybe with a thought towards bringing Trossard in earlier if Martinelli isn't having a great night. p.s. A little part of me would love to see some radical, surprising change of shape and tactics, just to throw Pep off his plan. But that's not what has gotten us to where we are this season. Plus Mikel would have to have some kind of Jekyll & Hyde transformation for that to happen. So I'm more than ready for stick not twist.
The Athletic has a very good write up on Martin O if anyone is interested in some pre-game fap content Regardless of whether Arsenal defeat Manchester City on Wednesday, or beat them to the league title, it’s clear that Arsenal are an excellent team, and stronger than the sum of their parts, courtesy of various partnerships across the pitch. The interesting thing about those partnerships, though, is that so many involve the same player. When you think of Arsenal’s combination play, Martin Odegaard pops up repeatedly. Whenever Arsenal’s captain collects the ball, invariably in his right-of-centre zone between the lines, he generally has the same five options for a dangerous pass. https://theathletic.com/4190105/2023/02/14/martin-odegaard-arsenal-evolution/
Just listened to Arteta’s presser. No new injuries, and Jesus is back on the grass using a ball! Ps. All of the usual suspects show up in today’s training photos, except for Saliba. Not sure if there’s anything to make from that. Hope not!
The concern for me is that Haaland might be out, and City have looked more dangerous as a team when he isn't in because it gives them more scoring avenues.
Need to avoid a loss, or the title race is probably over. Sure we would be second with a game in hand, but the momentum will really swing towards City, and they have been in this position so many times before where they get themselves on top of the table early in the second half of the season, and then go on a run and never look back. A win will undo some of the damage done by the dropped points over the last 2 games, but I'd take a draw.
Crazy to get injured in the last training session before the biggest game of the year Haaland starts as well apparently
OMG, THUD! Jorginho better earn his pay tonight! p.s. Anyone know if Peacock coverage starts 1:30pm or 2pm ET? Edit: Answered my own question: it's on now 1:30pm. Nervy is way too small a word to describe my feelings.
That's a criminally slow cental midfield with Jorginho and Xhaka, hopefully we play well tactically and aren't caught out in transition