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?
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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