A late kick off today against Bournemouth where we try to win and keep our unbeaten run going. I’m optimistic yet again, we have played some good football, Zinchenko and Jesus has upped the morale of the team and Saliba is defending for fun. In fact, Saliba has those attributes which we desired from White – he is calm, is better in a 1-to-1 defending and can move the ball forward. Apart from the own goal against Leicester, I don’t remember him making any mistakes in his first two games.
Bournemouth is a tough team to beat at their home, we must not take them lightly. They have not lost their last 11 home games and haven’t conceded a single goal in last 3 of them. For us, if we managed to win this game, it would be the first time since 2004-05 since we have won first three games of a season.
Team News
We have our whole squad available to play except Reiss Nelson. Cedric, Vieira and ESR played for U23 and trained with the team which guarantees their availability. However, I doubt we are going to change our winning XI. We should, most likely, go with the same team with a back 4 of White, Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko. Partey and Xhaka will cover the midfield with Saka on LW, Ode in the middle and Martinelli on the right. Gabriel Jesus will lead the line.
Eddie, ESR and Tomi might get some game time coming from the bench in later stage of the match. We might even see some of Vieira, though a conundrum for Mikel to fit him in this team with a regular starter in each position.
Game Plan
It would be interesting to see if Mikel sticks to his 83rd minute substitutes. Premier League teams are allowed 5 subs this season and could be a good way to give game times to Vieira and ESR. Unlike many of you, I am more inclined to a fixed playing XI, however I don’t mind to see more of Eddie specially when we are winning by half time. ESR is perfectly capable to play Odegaard’s role and this is one place where I wanted to see a change but I don’t think we will drop our captain any time soon. I’m not complaining though, as long as we are making progress and earning those 3 points, I am fine.
Another interesting part of our game is the improvement at left side of the pitch. Zinchenko is total baller, his attacking game is in line with Martinelli and they are creating problems for oppositions. For sure, Zin is making it difficult for Arteta since Tierney is back to full fitness. We all love to see such problems though. Martinelli has scored 2 in 2 and I won’t be surprised if he does his 3rd today. He is our next Alexis Sanchez!
On the right, Saka hasn’t looked to be his best but he is still way better than Sancho (lol). Teams have been doubling down on him, which is why our game at the left side has improved. We have more space there, and teams does less to cover. At some point, things will change and we will see more of the end product from him.
Only complaint I have, is with Odegaard. He needs to be more brave, trust himself and shoooot. He tried passing it to others when he could have taken his shot on the goal and no one has any doubt about his shooting skills. Learn from Partey, bruh!
Wrapping Up
I’m expecting a 2-0 win today, with Jesus scoring one of those. We need to maintain our winning streak, and continue our title challenge. Too optimistic from me, eh?
Right, let me know your predictions and expectations of the game. Hope you have a nice evening and we go on top of the table – a place where we belong!
Hoopah
It’s beer o’clock in Hertfordshire!
It’s beer o’clock
😂😂
You conspired to align the game and your crate
Fucking beautiful, Jesus.
Jesus looking to nail the Brazilian teams CF position and he’s doing it.
Is it me or does Ben White look more than uncomfortable at RB?
Hoopah
Strangely it’s beer o’clock here an awful lot of the time.
Hoopah
You are in Goa? I was there 2 weeks back man on a vacation. I will make sure to see you next time I’m around
Jaysus…. Hallelujah
Vow
Ball in the net.
Cummon the Arsenal
G. Jesus realy drove forward. Energy Plus
We turn the screw and this could be an embarrassing score line for Bournemouth.
I tell you all, Odegaard reads LiR and took my suggestion of ‘shooot’ seriously 😅
I had a feeling Ode would get one today. Its important they font give the cherries a sniff from now on.
Good 1-1 won by Saliba. That could have been a goal.
Can’t stop feeling it was criminal not to have used Saliba last year. At his level, he was even good for the squad the year before
Substitution coming early from Bournemouth.
We really outclassing those guys
White crosses becoming somewhat pointless like Tierney. But don’t blame White. Nobody seems to have an inkling to be there, unless Xhaka is designated. Wrong choice, has to be someone faster and a poacher by instinct
Half time.
What is your forecast for next 45 minutes Ambarish?
You seem to be getting things right today
Looks like we are calming down now, but Jesus is hungry for one for himself. Would love one from him and Martinelli.
White will be replaced eventually by Tomi. He doesn’t look comfortable at RB and Saliba is not letting go of his CB partnership with Gabriel.
There is a gulf in quality between the two sides but if they score a freak goal… I’d like a third early strike in the second and see some changes.
I’m hoping Ode has gained some shooting confidence from that first half. He clearly has the technique to take those quickfire chances.
Yeah
With that much difference in squad quality we should get 2 more, or at least 1