Last time we played City at Emirates, we lost 1-3. Man City took the lead with a Kevin De Bruyne strike, Saka labelled the score before half time but two goals from Grealish and Haaland made sure they took all three points from their competition. Statistically, we would have won the league even after the two losses against them but hey, if you want to dethrone a kingdom, you must beat them and instil that fear about the new rulers. I want us to win against the best assembled playing XI in history, with the best manager in the world. I want us to beat them and let them know the boys are in town.
Today is the day!
Right-o, there are some good news. Bukayo Saka is magically fit again and Thomas Partey is expected to be in the squad too. We are playing at home and we have been unbeaten in the league as of today. Although, it was a penalty shootout but we did beat City in the Community Shield couple of months ago and the players would have that in mind.
Mikel disagree that today’s game is a season-defining game for us. I feel the other way. A win today gives that extra boost among the boys that they can win against anyone. It’s basically a 6 pointer and a win today moves us 2 points ahead of City. Every point will add up eventually towards the end of the season and when the hangover subsides for Tottenham and Liverpool, the Arsenal v Man City fight will be decided by these points.
–
In the team news, everyone is available except Martinelli and Timber. News around Saka and Partey is that they will assessed before the game and will most likely make it. I would love to see a Partey midfield paired with either Rice or Vieira and a front 3 of Saka, Jesus and Trossard. I’m in a such a conundrum to play Saka that we might risk him again if he plays against City but the importance of the game is such that we need all the help we can. I’m gonna flip-flop on this till the teamsheet is out.
Pep Guardiola’s side is going to be ruthless. They are going to play without Stones and Rodri most likely but that doesn’t mean beating them is going to be any easier. Our defence should be prepared to nullify Haaland attack, and it’s a relief that KDB is not playing. They are a very good side even at their weakest. Alvarez, Silva, Haaland can win games on their individual brilliance.
It remains to be seen if Arteta goes on a attack like he did last season, or play a dull game at the back and wait for the moment of a counter. I don’t want to see Havertz starting today. I’m sorry but I have seen enough and there is no real output that Vieira or even ESR in that position can’t provide.
–
We have lost our last 12 league games against City, have scored only 5 while conceded 33. It needs to change and today’s the day. KDB, Rodri, Stones absence is a positive for us and I believe are going to pick a 2-1 win over our rivals.
Keeping it a short for today, I will see you during the game.
p.s.- there would be some changes in the layout of London is Red in coming days. The ad revenues are f*ck-all for a sports blog and I’m just trying to optimize it a bit. If you don’t like anything, give me a shout and I will fix that.
Tony
The spacing between paragraphs in the comment section is fixed now, should work as intended.
Morning all
Junior arrived back from his Bangkok break staying with his older sister, and meeting friends through his school network. So, the match strangely was oft interrupted with conversation away from football because junior had been looking at cars for me/us as well, and had much to say full of him being treated more adult and being received well by the car sales managers I’d briefly talked to.
.
We seemed to watch the game in stages – I think because unlike Ambarish and sincere kudus to you brother, we were non believers, especially when we saw the line up; we were waiting for the inevitable.
.
However, the inevitable didn’t come and we were giving good account of ourselves all over the park – probably because no one were carrying knocks playing in their preferred positions, and Saka got his well earnt rest. Maybe Arteta is going to realise we can win without Saka.
.
What Junior and I did see of the game was impressive in there way we executed Arteta’s tactics where for this game Mikel should take a bow along with his squad and coaches. It was an excellent win and just about deserved on paper by very fine margins. Saliba and Rice were galaticos in the true sense of the word, so expect RM to come knocking sooner or later.
.
I don’t want to mar the win by outlining any negatives only to say I’m really happy for you, Ambarish, as I know how much this win will mean to you. I’ll save my cynicism for another day.
.
So, we are level on points with Spuds at the top of the PL. Spuds will be commissioning a cup to celebrate to put in their empty trophy cabinets. Kane will be lisping fussing hell lasds from de fatherland.
.
The game in itself looked like a cup-final chess match type of game where it’s clear City have a problem without Rodri maiming opponents and KDB being the troglodyte, Halland’s, best creator because the great Viking didn’t get a sniff today being kept in Saliba’s back pocket.
.
We managed to take more in during the 2nd half in a game played much in the central areas of the pitch. 2 Arsenal shots on target and 4 off for us where we limited City to just one on target and two off all game. Raya looked suspect where Ramsdale must be feeling like Emi did.
.
In saying the above something is not right at City. Their play is stilted and there seems to be fractions between players’ styles of play where they really miss Mahrez and İlkay Gündoğan’s goals/assists and intricate play. Neither has been replaced adequately, which I assume is down to FFP and Pep not being able to throw serious money at those positions.
.
The $64,000 question is can we repeat that form throughout the rest of the season? The goal was fortuitous with Ake’s deflection, but also deserved where Marts made the difference with his vertical running.
.
KP
Sorry you missed it and I feel bad saying we only half watched the game through distractions from an excited junior and Mrs T. The half we watched properly was really good, though, if that’s any help. Hope mum’s B’day party went well. I guess our win helped assuage you for Cardiff’s draw with hatford and Haverfordwest’s loss.
.
TRVL
I saw your comments and then saw Hoopah had joined in and, sad though it may be, at 68 multitasking requires huge effort and concentration on the part of others trying to work out what the fuck I’m trying to do all at once. I give points for those who can work it out the best. 🙂
.
Marc
I bet your speechless! I would be. I’m on my second helping of humble pie after being scornful with Ambarish who I’m wondering if he had inside information. Dickhead always said he was ITK and then proceeded to get everything wrong for the last 4 years.
.
Ambarish
Did you invoke your Lord Sheva powers knowing king Pumpkin somehow was in the cat hotel for his wash, blow-dry and claw manicure or Ganesha, the mover of obstacles?
.
I don’t bother praying with Jesus playing for us and him having a direct hotline and all. I mean we got the divine intervention for our goal with Ake somehow managing to get into an abnormal position for the rebound all exorcist like.
.
So the next question’s answer is either going to make my cynicism worse or begin to cure this true supporting non-believer.
.
What happens next away to the Chavs?
.
Well we have a 2-week rest where hopefully the unwarranted international break doesn’t cause us any injury issues. Saka needs far more than 2-weeks and I’d send Saka off for a holiday to wherever he can completely heal best. We proven we didn’t miss Saka. Jesus is his natural chaos creator replacement.
.
We should never have sold Bolagun and got rid of Eddie instead. He’s too much of a petulant irrational to be a striker for us. West Ham or Fulham maybe and similar, but not a title chasing side. Bolagun after his disastrous start has been scoring & assisting for Monaco. Bolagun was always the better option for us, not so for challenging such a footballing sage: Arteta, and that’s all I’m going to say on that.
.
Next 6 games:
.
Chavs – away
Sevilla – away
Sheffield – home
West Ham – away
Newcastle – away
Sevilla – home
.
Three very tough for differing reasons PL away games where we need to improve upon yesterdays result with more creative play than yesterday and previously.
.
We’ve been here before, so many times before (last 2 seasons) being on a potential launch pad to where we can continue to lay down our PL winning credentials or go traditionally flat after such a momentous win like we deflate and never see that form again for months?
.
I have no idea which is going to come next and just hope for the best until we see our success repeating itself.
.
Anyone have thoughts?
Sorry Ambarish, thanks. The new site computer wise looks good and the print much better than LG. The phone look could the box be made wider at all. Seems to be writing in kind of 3/4 word lines.
New post