We do it to ourselves, and that’s what truly hurts. The unexpected loss at Bournemouth last weekend is still hurting. I have written on BK many a time that having to play an away game after an interlull – the second time this season – conjures a real risk of losing points. The players come back at different times jetlagged and possibly with injuries from those international games, and Arteta has little time to get back into the groove with the players; if and when the team then also has to travel, it becomes even harder to prepare properly.
Saliba made the sort of mistake the three years older Big Gab made at the same age as the Frenchman is now. We forget how young Saliba still is (23), and I also wonder whether fatigue played a role in his costly decision to commit a foul that led to him receiving a red card. It is all behind us now, though, and the team have a great chance to put a marker down today. Beat Pool and all the critics will be silenced, the boys will be full of confidence and we will be ready for the difficult away games to come at Newcastle and Chelsea. On that note, is it not simply ridiculous that within the first third of the season, Arsenal have to play away Spuds, Blue Mancs, Villa, Magpies and Chavs?! If we get through this period without too much damage and close to Pool and Citeh, I think we are in a great position to fight for the title during the remaining two-thirds of the season.
This is for me the bigger picture of the season so far: we need a win today and some good results away before the next horrible interlull commences, and after that Arsenal will be able to fire from all cylinders and go on a run, especially if the Ode is back in contention then.
The lineup for today is hard to predict. I have a feeling that Bukayo will be back, and boy do we need him today. With Ben White probably partnering Big Gab in central defence, whoever plays right full back will need Bukayo’s support in defence. We also need Saka in attack of course.
The big battle will be in the middle. Gravenberch has been very effective in Pool’s midfield, and Partey and the until now underperforming Rice will have their work cut out today to stop him linking midfield with attack. We need you today, Declan! I expect Havertz and the Belgian insomniac to play through the middle in attack/midfield and Martinelli and hopefully Saka on the wings. Here is hoping that we can play at least one of Calafiori and Timber on the flanks. If Partey is chosen for the right full back position, I would imagine Merino will partner Declan in midfield, or maybe Jorginho gets the nod… Well let’s wait and see what it will look like. The boys know what is needed today: a big fight for three points whilst keeping all players on the pitch.
Come on You Fabulous Rip Roaring Gunners!
