We’ve become accustomed in recent times to newly-promoted teams bringing a real intensity to the Premier League.
Instead of being simple relegation-fodder, a lot of sides experiencing their first tilt at the top have surprised with their aggression, their fight and their ability to pick up vital points – especially in their first 12 months or so following promotion.
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen three promoted sides who are so utterly without hope.
In Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United, we have the worst trio of sides since the naughties. In those days, coming up from the Championship was a gargantuan leap and sides would routinely be sent straight back from whence they come.
As time went on, these newly-promoted teams improved and the gulf narrowed, at least to the point where most could manage a season or two at the top. Some sides even extended their stay – just look at the likes of Brentford and Brighton.
This season’s crop, however, are something of a throwback to a time when teams were disastrously ill-prepared for promotion and became as close to three-point bankers as you’ve ever seen.
Sheffield United, the opening 20 minutes aside, were that woeful – as bad a side as we have had at the Emirates for a decade.
Typically, these promoted sides will make up for in defensive vigour what they lack in offensive ability. The Blades didn’t even have that consolation. They lacked even the most basic solidity required to stay competitive – if not for the entire game – than at least for a period long enough to give themselves a chance.
To that end, there really isn’t much to say about Saturday’s demolition job. Sheffield were appalling and, once we had found the breakthrough, Arsenal were in cruise control.
The only thing of note to enjoy was the hat-trick by Eddie Nketiah – which included two goals of real quality. The young England man is nothing if not hungry and, no matter the opposition, is always keen to make a mark. He did so with some tireless work up top that was rewarded with the matchball and a weekend he won’t soon forget. His first and third goals in particular were top drawer.
Those plaudits aside, all we can really say is that this was a nice, comfortable afternoon in the autumn sun. Our defence and goalkeeper were mercifully unbothered for most of the 90 minutes and life was so comfortable we were able to rotate quite significantly and give a lot of tired legs some rest.
When we reflect on this game, that may prove to be the biggest benefit of all – especially given the amount of football some of these guys have played.
In midweek, we travel to the London Stadium for the Carabao Cup and, frankly, I’d be more than happy to see a reserve team out there. Any opportunity we can take to rest ahead of a trip to Newcastle the following weekend should be seized upon.
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