Morning.
I didn’t watch the Liverpool win over Man Metropolis yesterday afternoon, however caught the Match of the Day highlights. I do know individuals have been a bit undecided about what is perhaps the most effective end result from an Arsenal perspective, however I used to be all on for a draw so each side dropped factors. Liverpool’s momentum is sort of one thing proper now, and so they have been by far the higher facet yesterday – leaving them 9 factors away from us in second place.
I’m nonetheless of the opinion that they’ll have a blip in kind in some unspecified time in the future. That feels inevitable, however they’ve given themselves fairly the cushion. Even when they draw a pair it received’t eat an excessive amount of into their lead, and it additionally means we’ve obtained to be nigh on excellent ourselves having had our personal difficulties within the opening a part of the season.
That mentioned, we’ve solely performed 13 video games thus far this season, there are 25 to go and rather a lot can occur in that point. Man Metropolis may even get well, however for now I’m having fun with their trials and tribulations. Seven video games with no win, six defeats, I assume they’re simply staying as humble as they presumably can … by being humbled each week. I hope Mr E Haaland receives an enormous pie supply, you possibly can guess the flavour.
Elsewhere, it’s fascinating to see issues not going effectively for Aston Villa and Unai Emery. They’ve gone eight video games with no win, I had a fast have a look at the feedback on their Reddit thingy, and it’s honest to say their followers are a mixture of involved and fairly vexed with what’s occurring. Fingers are beginning to be pointed at our former head coach, and whereas there’s no query he did an excellent job to get them to fourth final season, I do assume there have been some hazard indicators.
They received simply considered one of their final eight video games in all competitions final season, and so they’re on an identical run once more, regardless of having some excessive factors alongside the way in which (beating Bayern Munich within the Champions League). I’m curious to see the way it goes, as a result of Emery has this observe document of beginning effectively together with his varied golf equipment, earlier than the goodwill fades after which the inevitable occurs. I don’t assume he’s near the sack or something proper now, however there’s one thing of a sample to his profession so it’s perhaps one to keep watch over.
Anyway, for extra on the Premier League generally, you possibly can be a part of us for our weekly round-up podcast ‘The 30’ over on Patreon later immediately.
And as we sit up for our recreation towards Man Utd this week, there shall be some damage points to fret about. Midfield was mild on Saturday within the absence of each Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino, so we’ll have to attend and see if they’ve recovered in time for that one. Gabriel got here off at half-time, changed by Jakub Kiwior who did high-quality, however at each ends you’d a lot want the Brazilian for a recreation as large as this one.
The supervisor spoke a bit about a number of the ‘fringe’ gamers afterwards, and mentioned:
We had a problem with Gabi, we’ve got a problem with Ricky as effectively, yesterday we misplaced Thomas and Mikel and Myles which was very dangerous information however what I’m actually joyful about is Jakub has to return in, he does very well.
Alex the identical, Jorginho, I believed he was distinctive immediately as effectively. That’s the extent, each three days we’re going to wish everyone at their greatest and it’s a great signal that the staff can try this.
Your mileage might range on how effectively you assume they did, however there’s no different message Arteta can ship publicly when discussing these guys. To be honest, I believed Jorginho was wonderful and personally I want the way in which we play with him within the staff in comparison with different set-ups. Age is clearly not on his facet although, and I believe critical consideration is already going into how we form up our midfield for the longer-term future with each the Italian worldwide and Partey out of contract subsequent summer time.
I did have some ideas on Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, however they made me a bit unhappy so I’m not going to develop on them. So, I’ll go away it there for this morning. We may have an Arsecast Further for you in a short while too. We’ve put out the decision for questions on BlueSky @gunnerblog.bsky.social and @arseblog.com with the hashtag #arsecastextra – or if you happen to’re an Arseblog Member on Patreon, go away your query within the #arsecast-extra-questions channel on our Discord server.
Pod ought to be out round midday. For now, have a great one.