That was part of it but his decision making with the ball wasn't great at times. It was better in the 2nd half.
The Kai-Gyok combo looks promising. I may be wrong but it seemed like Gyokeres' entry into the game created more space for Kai, as he found the ball more and became more involved, than when Jesus was playing.
They seem to also have an understanding already. Kai has made more chances for Vik in about five minutes than the rest of the side have all season.
In real time I thought was a fortuitous pass after a challenge. In the replay, looked pretty clear to be a pass.
Tell you what . If season ended today Rice would be player of the season and top three for Ballon d’or
Heard someone say that slipping allowed him to get more power, and from the one replay I saw, that seemed astute.
There was only one song I didn’t recognize. Maybe that was it. You sure? I think I woulda recognized that. And why would we sing this… in February?
Is that who he was talking to near the center circle after FT? I couldn’t figure it out at the time but it was a warm embrace so I shoulda!
The camera angle was in close so that I couldn’t tell where they were in regards to the pitch. My impression was it was near the sideline, but I can’t say that with any confidence. Both were wearing black coats…and each had impeccably coiffed hair. Some relationships are so beautiful. I really hope Xhaka is a part of Mikel’s backroom staf someday at Arsenal Football Club. pic.twitter.com/0qRFyXcj2X— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) February 7, 2026
Jesus got a lot of stick for being offside at the end of 1T, both on this forum and in the stadium. I’m just watching the match for the “first time” and he was off by less than 1 yard, either because of being just that far over the halfway line or being just that far ahead of the defender. Fine margins in my book, especially with the speed of the game at this level.
Especially with the one at midfield that led to the penalty call, the problem is that there’s no reason to be playing on those fine margins. Jesus had infinite space to work in - he could’ve been onside by 3 yards and the quality of the attacking chance wouldn’t have been diminished. Just needed to be a little smarter.
Rice is an example of a player who can't look at goals and assists as main stats to determine value. He is now the one player I fear losing the most to injury, red cards or whatever. Norgaard isn't Zubi but I feel we can survive a couple games without Zubi, either Rice in the 5 or Norgaard (assuming Merino is healthy. It's night and day how much more better and diverse in attack we are with Kai.
I've been saying for a while, that Havertz has been excellent for Germany playing off a true 9 Then he can do all his hybrid stuff, without having to be an actual 8
If Gyok can put together something of a scoring streak in the next 13 rounds or so, he could just about deliver a passable output
This win also means we can't mathematically be relegated either, just in case anyone was worried about that scenario Raya equals last years clean sheets number (13) and theres still 13 games to play which is insane. For anyone who didn't see it, Zubi did Merino's goal celebration when he scored. What numbers are passable to you? 8g0a from 23 games in the league, last year no one got to double digits and I am confident that Gyokeres ends the season on 15 g/a (likely 13g/2a). 4g/1a from 6 games in the UCL. 1g/1a from 3 games in the EFL. And theres teams coming up I expect Gyokeres to score against. Brentford will be a challenge, Spurs he can score against, Chelsea who he has scored against this season, BHA away will be a challenge, then Everton and Wolves. Feel like he scores against Spurs, Chelsea and Wolves and probably gets one against a BHA or Brentford. It will depend on how much time he spends with Havertz on the pitch. Gyokeres' runs open space for Kai, and Kai finds Gyok in good positions.
20 goals in all comps for the season wouldn't be terrible. i think he really needs to hit 15 league goals to get pass grades, which is unlikely but not impossible from here