News that Spanish full back Hector Bellerin is facing a month on the sidelines through injury presents something of a problem for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ahead of this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford. In little more than 12 months, Bellerin has gone from promising youngster to one of the first names on the team … Continue reading Bellerin blow leaves full-back conundrum for Arsenal ahead of trip to Old Trafford
Reports emerging from the Chilean national squad suggest that Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez has suffered a ‘low grade’ muscular injury and could be forced to sit out his country’s two upcoming World Cup qualifiers. At this stage, there is no telling exactly what ‘low grade’ means in terms of how long the Copa America winner … Continue reading How will the manager fill the Alexis-shaped hole in Arsenal’s attack?
There was plenty about Arsenal’s lacklustre draw with Tottenham to be disappointed with – from the fear-induced constipation in attack, to the sudden outbreak of defensive ineptitude. For me, though, the most disappointing thing about the whole match day experience was the attitude of a reasonably significant section of fans. Frankly, it stunk. There is … Continue reading Emirates atmosphere as dry as prunes in the sun for tepid North London Derby
I’ve always found that the week leading up to the North London derby drains you of a small part of your soul, torturing you with a combination of angst and uncertainty. There will always be those fans who are convinced that their team will win, however improbable that may be, just as there are those … Continue reading Opportunity knocks for Arsenal as out-of-sorts Tottenham side prepare for Emirates visit
THE MATCH Despite the eventual scoreline, Ludogorets showed enough in the first match at the Emirates to suggest that they were very capable in attack. Things may not have run well for them in London but it was clear that they moved the ball quickly, thrived on the counter, and had some powerful ball carriers … Continue reading Complacency, Giroud up top, and the mesmerism of Mesut
It’s no secret that November has traditionally been something of a dry month for Arsenal, in relative terms at least. Fixture pile-ups and tricky trips to Premier League rivals have made for a series of forgettable runs for the Gunners in recent years, before things start to pick up again in time for Christmas. Arsenal’s … Continue reading Why victory is the only way for Arsenal to stop November curse becoming self-fulfilling prophecy
As well as confirming Olivier Giroud’s messianic status at Arsenal, yesterday’s win at Sunderland showed that patience and hard work for players on the periphery of the first team squad really does pay off. Despite being usurped as first choice left back in recent years, Kieran Gibbs has stayed quiet, kept his own counsel and, … Continue reading Sunderland win shows patience pays off for those willing to work at Arsenal
The League Cup win over Reading was about a routine a victory as you are ever likely to see at the Emirates. Even with the chance to claim a real scalp, Reading never really seemed keen to put much on the line in pursuit of victory – not until the last five minutes or so, … Continue reading Routine Reading win felt like an opportunity missed for Arsenal’s young stars
The distinct flavour of last season hung over the Emirates yesterday as Arsenal toiled to a draw against Middlesbrough. That acrid taste of frustration that stuck in many a craw in 2015/16 was back like a frankfurter that won’t stop repeating on you as the Gunners produced a sluggish display that really lacked the gusto … Continue reading Why Arsenal’s draw with Boro was like the foul repetition of a post-frankfurter burp
There have been numerous occasions over the years in which injuries at key times in the season have turned out to be hugely damaging – with some even proving to be turning points. I think first and foremost of the season-defining Premier League clash at Birmingham City in 2008 in which Eduardo suffered an horrific … Continue reading Are Arsenal finally getting to grips with the injury curse?
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