Arsene Tweaker? Gamble with system change pays off for Gunners

There was something decidedly different about the Arsenal side that steam-rollered Ludogorets on Wednesday night - something curious and yet vaguely irksome. There is no doubting that we were magnificent going forward, producing some truly spellbinding football at times – and with devastatingly accurate finishing to boot. On any number of levels, it was a … Continue reading Arsene Tweaker? Gamble with system change pays off for Gunners

Ludogorets double-header is a chance to get ahead for in-form Arsenal

The visit of Ludogorets to the Emirates tonight (Wednesday) - and the return leg that follows in a few weeks - presents an excellent opportunity to get some points on the board. In fact, getting the job done over the next fortnight will leave us on the cusp of qualification for the next round – … Continue reading Ludogorets double-header is a chance to get ahead for in-form Arsenal

Could do better: Three players with room to improve after Arsenal’s win over Swansea

There was plenty to be pleased with in Arsenal’s Premier League win over Swansea – not least the points picked up over the teams around us. But it wasn’t all plain sailing on Saturday and there were a few players who can look back on their performances with a critical eye. There’s no need to … Continue reading Could do better: Three players with room to improve after Arsenal’s win over Swansea

Charitable Arsenal to be applauded for making a game of it against Swansea

For a side playing as well as Arsenal, sometimes cruising to victory just isn’t enough. Sometimes, in the true spirit of competition, and with a selfless thought for the enjoyment of the neutral fan, you have to dangle the feint hope of victory in front of your opponent – giving them the opportunity to make … Continue reading Charitable Arsenal to be applauded for making a game of it against Swansea

Boss faces a midfield dilemma as Arsenal prepare for visit of Swansea

The return to the first team squad of French midfielder Francis Coquelin leaves Arsene Wenger with something of a selection dilemma as he weighs up who to start in the centre of midfield for the visit of Swansea. After Coquelin was sidelined with a minor knock to the knee, Arsene promoted Granit Xhaka from the … Continue reading Boss faces a midfield dilemma as Arsenal prepare for visit of Swansea

What can Arsenal expect from Bob Bradley as a new era dawns at Swansea?

Arsenal welcome Swansea City to the Emirates on Saturday, with the visitors set to begin afresh under the management of American import Bob Bradley. The 58-year-old arrives as something of an unknown quantity and the vast majority of football fans will get their first taste of Bradley when he goes in search of his maiden … Continue reading What can Arsenal expect from Bob Bradley as a new era dawns at Swansea?

Experience alone makes Per Mertesacker worthy of a new Arsenal deal

From a contractual point of view, next summer will be an important one for Arsenal, with plenty of deals expiring or entering their last 12 months. The closest scrutiny will be, of course, on the future of Arsene Wenger, who is out of contract and, potentially, looking to secure another extension. The contracts of Mesut … Continue reading Experience alone makes Per Mertesacker worthy of a new Arsenal deal

Stats shed some light on Arsenal’s improving start to Premier League campaign

A fifth consecutive Premier League win at Burnley saw Arsenal into the international break with spirits soaring and belief reinvigorated after a sluggish start – but how are they shaping up compared to the opening seven games of last season? As with this season, Arsenal opened their 2015 campaign with a moral-sapping defeat, as West … Continue reading Stats shed some light on Arsenal’s improving start to Premier League campaign

Has Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s England recall come at the wrong time?

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain says the decision to drop him from the England setup served as a “kick up the backside”. The young midfielder was briefly set aside during Sam Allardyce’s tenure as manager of the England side, missing out on the win over Slovakia in the opening qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup. And, … Continue reading Has Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s England recall come at the wrong time?

Why ‘Silent Shkodran’ was standout performer in bruising win at Burnley

While Laurent Koscielny and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain took most of the plaudits in the wake of Arsenal’s late win at Burnley, a closer look at the numbers revealed a hidden hero among the Gunners’ ranks. In a game that will largely be remembered for Arsenal’s efforts in attack, spare a thought for the excellent defensive … Continue reading Why ‘Silent Shkodran’ was standout performer in bruising win at Burnley