Tuesday 23 April 2024

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

Who would have thought it possible for Arsenal to score five against Chelsea, while keeping a clean sheet? Clearly not the individuals that critised Raya at the start of the season and those who said the Gunners needed a striker.

In fact, I still maintain that Arsenal could do with an Ivan Toney upfront, but they've got both Trossard and Havertz, who are clinical finishers and are on fire, so maybe not.

Even with Ben White chipping in with a brace, it was a score line that didn't flatter the hosts, while doing wonders for their already impressive goal difference.

Arsenal now need at least one more miracle: Man City to slip up. Maybe then, the title will be theirs.

Saturday 20 April 2024

Wolves 0-2 Arsenal

A cheeky Odegaard goal and a slightly flukey goal from Trossard were enough to take Arsenal back to the summit of the Premier League, albeit temporarily.

By the end of the game, the Gunners were pushing hard offensively to add to their already impressive goal difference, but Sa was a match for most of what was fired at him.

Aside from Arsenal's efforts at the end, the match was mostly a hard-fought victory.

You can't fought the Gunners' industriousness, but this wasn't vintage Arsenal, so hopefully they're saving their best for the two local derbies coming up against Chelsea and Spurs.

For now, Arsenal can enjoy a win after two successive defeats, but must now wait for Man City to slip, as otherwise the title is out of reach.

Sunday 31 March 2024

Man City 0-0 Arsenal

In the end, it was a great result for Liverpool, who now remain two points clear at the top of the table, but Arsenal deserve a lot of credit for shutting City out.

Arsenal had the better chances, Trossard hitting the target in the second half, but City had the most possession.

It was a dogged performance and Arsenal will rue the fact that Saka sustained an injury, which is not surprising as he looked half-fit by his standards.

It seems like the squad is getting stretched now, as even Martinelli looks held together with sellotape.

Still, no one can fault Arsenal's determination to not be second best two seasons running.

Man City 0-0 Arsenal (half time)

With City's dominance, it seemed only a matter of time before they broke the deadlock, but all they had was Ake's scuffed header to brag about.

At the other end, Gabriel Jesus couldn't quite hit the target, after being presented with a couple of opportunities.

Aside from that, Havertz slid in to try to convert from close range, but was only successful in hurting the keeper.

Arsenal have been well-disciplined so far, but a harsher referee would have issued some yellow cards by now, so the Gunners need to step carefully.

Saturday 17 February 2024

Burnley 0-5 Arsenal

Another clean sheet and another away romp. Who would have thought it possible? Not me?

After an emphatic first half, Arsenal followed it up with further goals from Saka, Trossard, and Havertz. 

Saka's was a near post effort that maybe 'old' Trafford could have got closer to.

Trossard added to his false nine credentials with a decent strike of his own, while Havertz made a mockery of Burnley's defence by bypassing three opponents to score.

Arteta rang the changes thereafter, making some smart moves, resting Saka, for example.

What made this so impressive was the resolve to keep a clean sheet. Even the substitutes were just as keep to stop the opposition scoring. You've got to love the team spirit! No matter what happens this season, Arsenal have improved in terms of quality.