How about that. What a performance from the Arsenal. Every player contributed in their own way, from the technical quality and movement up top, tenacity and stability at the back; and Xhaka and Partey showing solidity in midfield. It was a team performance, with so many talking points that all breathe positivity.
This was a 9am kickoff for me in New Zealand. Right in the middle of a busy morning at work. So there I am watching the match on demand in between clients, 5 or 10 mins at a time, until I was able to catch the entire second half in my lunch break. I was tempted to watch the replay after work, but just couldn’t stomach it. I was too excited for this one. The life of an Arsenal fan on the opposite side of the planet…
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, but this season is hitting different. I know there’s a lot of you out there not happy with Arteta but I just have a good feeling. This side (Mikel Arteta included) is going places.
The win and performance justified Arteta’s decision to discipline Aubameyang. The team is with him, and fought hard today. They played in unison. Fight, spirit and passion were all personified by the lads out on the pitch.
I absolutely love seeing the guys surround the opposition and referee when a bad tackle goes onto their team mates. Don’t roll over. Stand up to the opposition; and make the referee make a decision. The best United teams, and our own invincibles were masters at the dark arts. Something that was sorely lacking in the match vs Everton when Tomi had his face stamped in.
Either Mikel Arteta or his leadership group obviously brought this up post Everton away, because today was a start contrast. We fought hard, and got in the face of the West Ham players. We won the game in the top 2 inches, and it gave us freedom to dominate.
I hope this remains a theme, because if it does we will win far more than we lose.
Before we get to the attacking play I think we need to talk about our defensive shape. This was a game that we didn’t dominate the whole match (and nor are we capable of yet). West Ham had their fair share of possession. However I just did not feel worried at all. Lacazette and Odegaard pressed well high up, and Xhaka and Partey were much better today at stepping on stopping the passes through the lines. Long balls were forced which we managed to consistently mop up and stay on the front foot for long periods.
When West Ham did manage to get controlled possession we looked solid, defended crosses superbly, and nipped at the heels of the West Ham midfielders. Emile Smith Rowe’s goal was brought off this – he wins the ball back, and powers down field showing his speed to receive from Saka, and how about that finish. Elite with his weaker foot.
The first goal wasn’t half bad either. Winning the ball back quickly after a turn over high up the pitch. The movement from Martinelli, the pass from Laca and an Henry-esque finish. I tell you what Gabi has been mighty impressive. Everything he does shows improvement; and also is different to every other player we have. His threat in behind is so important. Add to that the control he is added to his game, and he has turned the corner from the raw 18 year old to a mature and confident young star.
Early days with Martinelli but it’s enough to get excited.
Odegaard was good again. He brought control and link play. So too did Lacazette. Their combined pressing can not be overlooked, it really is improving quickly. The leadership that Odegaard brings at a young age, is awesome to see.
Saka was on fire again. He looked devastating every time he got the ball, and probably should have scored. I can’t wait till we see a little more movement from Tomi and Odegaard on that right side. For me Saka is too many times doubled or tripled on as their is no movement beyond him.
To be fair to the lad though, he takes on the 2 and more often than not runs right through them.
It was certainly interesting to see ESR’s movement when he came on. Interchanging nicely with our starboy; creating overloads and space for each other. It is great to see that not only are they playing well together, they have both put responsibility on themselves to score goals. They are actively shooting far more than last season, and it’s resulting in more goals.
Eddie Nketiah. It feels like he could well have a future at Arsenal. Let’s be honest. Lacazette and Aubameyang are likely on the way out. With Balogun needing a loan spell next season that leaves us either signing 2 or 3 new strikers or Eddie signing a new deal.
Nketiah needs game time. Which he will get in the next month. Auba going and Martinelli playing wide, means Eddie will get multiple start in the next 6 weeks. He has the skills to be up there for us. Movement, skill, link up play, speed and work rate. Let’s see how he goes, but I have fairly high hopes.
It was really refreshing to see Arsenal put a dominant performance in against a team who is playing well this season. West Ham were poor, but we made them poor. Pressing, mentality, movement and passing were top class.
Arteta got it right. Selection dilemmas will hit going forward with such competition for places across the attacking midfield trio. The busy schedule leading to Christmas will ensure rotation is easy though.
Another big game this weekend with Leeds fresh off of a massive defeat. It’s time for Arteta to send our boys out to through down a hard statement to the league. Let’s start the new year in the top four.
Kia Kaha.
