This season really has been a roller coaster. Arsenal started catastrophically, then resurrected themselves from the bottom of the pit. Only to fall backwards against our big rivals. But now it’s Arsenal vs West Ham. Here we go!
Just when it looked like the lads were struggling again we pull out the best performance of the season. First half goals. Sustained pressure. No backing down.
The most fantastic part of this is that our young team is learning. Plenty to work on still of course. But we are taking these lessons and turning them into gold.
The fact that Arteta has managed to get the players to really turn up the pressure is exactly what the fans have been asking for. Arsenal need a 12th man. The lads are young. They need confidence. In any way we can get it. From the fans. Taking decisions from the referee. Scrappy goals and wonder goals.
There are so many moments from the Southampton game that breed confidence for the players. It was the first game this season that we were able to control the game after scoring and sustain attacking pressure. We passed the ball quickly and the players movement was top class.
The players have now proved to themselves they can do it. Confidence.
So when Arsenal come out against West Ham come Wednesday night they will feel confident that they can pass out from the back under pressure. Move the ball forward; and keep bombarding attack after attack.
It’s what the fans can and should now expect to see. There will still be ups and downs. But Arteta has given the players confidence.
The big question for the West Ham match is whether Emile Smith Rowe makes a return. He was our biggest asset for the start of the season. However Gabi Martinelli, Odegaard and Saka all put in excellent performances against Southampton. It is unlikely that Arteta will drop either and I’m not sure I would either.
Reading through the above and I’m realising I sound really confident. Deep down I am. The performance are coming together. West Ham will be tougher. Good on the ball, organised and in Declan Rice they have a player coming into his own.
Arsenal can do it. Get on the ball earlier, move the ball fast, ensure good quality rotation into spaces and do it all with technical quality and assurance and the Arsenal will end up in a good spot. Add an improved high press and this could be a massive result for us.
The funny thing with football is it divides fans. Particularly when it comes to Arsenal. The amount of shit that get’s thrown around is unbelievable. Let’s see how long it takes for the fan base to get behind Arteta and this Arsenal. The lads need us. They need confidence. It is what will take them from boys to men.
So let’s give them the best possible environment to flourish. Just like we give our own kids. Let’s do it for the Arsenal boys; because Arsenal means family; and family looks out for each other.
So lets flood the lads with encouragement.
Let’s have their backs.
Let’s jump West Ham and take a step up the ladder. I can’t wait for this one. It’s going to be a belter.
Kia Kaha.
