Here we have it. At long last we are back with Premier League action, and what a weekend we have had so far. Plenty of action and goals. United got turned over by a very good Leicester side. Brighton dropping points, and Chelsea doing it tough (only 1 shot on target) at Brentford who are just quietly looking even better than Leeds did last season. How good is Tielemans by the way. I’m of the firm belief that he would be an absolute animal in there next to Thomas Partey. Discussion for another day perhaps.
The Arsenal welcome Patrick Viera back this weekend. What an ovation he will get, that I am absolutely sure. He brings with him a Palace side who are playing reasonable football this season. Fast, strong and certainly a threat. Arteta will be expecting his side to control the game well and keep the ball efficiently.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the key to this game will be how quickly and efficiently Arsenal can move the ball. We can debate the formation and personnel all we like. Arteta will be looking to Thomas Partey to show to feet consistently and be prepared to receive the ball under pressure. If Gabriel and Ben White can either quickly get him on the ball facing forward or bypass Partey into the higher midfielders and forwards then we will have big success. The quality is there, bravery needs to be shown under pressure.
Arsenal’s 2 Key Men
Takehiro Tomiyasu – If Tomi can nullify the threat of Wilfried Zaha then Arsenal will go a long towards a 4th Premier League clean sheet of the season. It’s something that has become hugely valued by the defensive unit. Celebrated as much as a goal or win. That mentality is huge. Something that even Arsene Wenger in his latter years and Unai Emery could not achieve. It’s the mentality of the old Arsenal. Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Martin Keown to name a few.
“Clean sheets are the aim for the team. I don’t think it’s just the back four & goalie that keep a clean sheet – it’s the whole team. It’s come into my game since I’ve been at Arsenal- the love of defending & keeping a clean sheet.”
Ben White
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the mid to low table sides have worked out that pressing us high and fast can cause problems. Brighton never allowed us to get controlled possession. There will of course be times the back four need to play past the press and not into Thomas Partey. If Aubameyang can get the ball to stick and bounce off to the likes of Odegaard, Saka and Emile Smith Rowe then we will get huge joy attacking a Crystal Palace defence that is not set.
If Arteta can combine the intricate passing play out from the back that we saw against Spurs, and add control, delicate link up play and threat in behind from our centre forward then Arsenal really will start to roll over teams. Sooner or later we will see an absolute blow out where we drop 4 or 5 goals and truly turn a side over.
I am hoping that we will see that this week. Six points on offer, and a chance at the top 4 if only momentarily. A glimpse at what the future could hold. I think I speak for all Arsenal fans when I say that even a glimpse would be like the start of a powerful addiction and a trip down memory lane. Oh how we would love to celebrate the top four once again.
Kia Kaha x
