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.

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal (half time)

Arsenal started where they left off against West Ham with an early goal against Burnley, who look like rugby versions of the Hammers with their burly physiques and industrial tackling. 

In fact, an industrial tackle led to the first goal, as Trossard was fouled in the penalty area. At first glance, it looked a clear penalty, so the referee gave it. On a second viewing, it was quite as crystal clear, as there didn't seem to be that much contact. However, Trossard had to hurdle what looked like a reckless challenge, so a penalty award was probably justified.

Saka, who had been a bit quiet by his standard, stepped up. After his customary shuffle, he despatched his shot low and hard to the keeper's left. The keeper was close, but the pace of the ball took it past him into the net.

The first goal was carved out down the left, after Martinelli cut the ball back for Odegaard to strike a low shot from the edge of the box.

Apart from occasional forays down Arsenal's right, the Gunners' lead looked relatively safe.

Sunday 11 February 2024

West Ham 0-6 Arsenal

The biggest away win for Arsenal for sixty years has made people realise how refreshed the team is after the break in Dubai.

Second half goals from Saka and Rice were the icing or Ricing on the cake!

West Ham rarely threatened in the second half. The fight had gone out of them with home fans leaving in droves at half time, too early to see the curse of the ex, courtesy of Rice from range.

It was pleasing to see Arsenal so determined to keep a clean sheet and Raya deserved it for his overall sharpness.

Suddenly, Arsenal fans might start dreaming of the title again, but given the number of injuries, the Gunners are still outsiders.

West Ham 0-4 Arsenal (half time)

Going 4 up doesn't necessarily result in victory, as Gunners fans know.

In the Wenger days, Arsenal managed to surrender a 4-goal lead at Newcastle.

However, many would say that this Arsenal team has more defensive solidity than some of the Wenger team's of yesteryear.

Despite the score line suggesting a blitzkrieg approach, the Hammers were undone by two corners and a penalty before Trossard's late goal in open play.

For the penalty, VAR took an age to confirm that it was a foul and a yellow card for the keeper, as the officials behind the scenes tried their best to deny Arsenal. For once, the couldn't manipulate the pictures enough to make their point, so the penalty stood. Saka earned it and despatched it, under pressure, as it was Arsenal's second.

The first and third were headers from corners, converted by Saliba and Gabriel respectively.

Before that, Alvarez was lucky to only see yellow for an x-rated challenge on Saka, but overall, before the set-piece goals, it was hard to see how Arsenal were going to dominate proceedings.

The Gunners' bench looks sparse, so they will need to keep the full complement on the pitch, as perhaps the only tried and tested substitute is Nketiah.

Although they deserve credit for their purple patch in front of goal, Arsenal need to remember that it's not over yet!

Sunday 4 February 2024

Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool

A game marked by defensive errors is one where Arsenal came out on top.

To beat the league leaders by two is always impressive, and Arsenal just about deserved this.

Yes, the Gunners were the better team and Trossard was the impact substitute again.

Martinelli provided the other goal after a defensive mix-up.

Liverpool's lead at the top has been cut to two points and hope springs eternal.