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 had been a bit undecided about what could be the most effective outcome from an Arsenal perspective, however I used to be all on for a draw so either side dropped factors. Liverpool’s momentum is kind of one thing proper now, they usually had 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 type sooner or later. That feels inevitable, however they’ve given themselves fairly the cushion. Even when they draw a pair it gained’t eat an excessive amount of into their lead, and it additionally means we’ve acquired to be nigh on excellent ourselves having had our personal difficulties within the opening a part of the season.
That stated, we’ve solely performed 13 video games up to now this season, there are 25 to go and so much 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 probably can … by being humbled each week. I hope Mr E Haaland receives an enormous pie supply, you may guess the flavour.
Elsewhere, it’s fascinating to see issues not going nicely for Aston Villa and Unai Emery. They’ve gone eight video games with no win, I had a fast take 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 happening. 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 suppose there have been some hazard indicators.
They gained simply considered one of their final eight video games in all competitions final season, they usually’re on an identical run once more, regardless of having some excessive factors alongside the best way (beating Bayern Munich within the Champions League). I’m curious to see the way it goes, as a result of Emery has this observe report of beginning nicely along with his numerous golf equipment, earlier than the goodwill fades after which the inevitable occurs. I don’t suppose he’s near the sack or something proper now, however there’s one thing of a sample to his profession so it’s possibly one to regulate.
Anyway, for extra on the Premier League normally, you may be a part of us for our weekly round-up podcast ‘The 30’ over on Patreon later as we speak.
And as we stay up for our recreation in opposition to Man Utd this week, there might be some harm points to fret about. Midfield was gentle 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 positive, however at each ends you’d a lot favor the Brazilian for a recreation as large as this one.
The supervisor spoke a bit about a number of the ‘fringe’ gamers afterwards, and stated:
We had a difficulty with Gabi, we’ve a difficulty with Ricky as nicely, yesterday we misplaced Thomas and Mikel and Myles which was very dangerous information however what I’m actually pleased about is Jakub has to come back in, he does very well.
Alex the identical, Jorginho, I believed he was distinctive as we speak as nicely. That’s the extent, each three days we’re going to want all people at their greatest and it’s signal that the crew can do this.
Your mileage could differ on how nicely you suppose they did, however there’s no different message Arteta can ship publicly when discussing these guys. To be honest, I believed Jorginho was glorious and personally I favor the best way we play with him within the crew 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 Additional for you in a short time too. We’ve put out the decision for questions on BlueSky @gunnerblog.bsky.social and @arseblog.com with the hashtag #arsecastextra – or for those who’re an Arseblog Member on Patreon, go away your query within the #arsecast-extra-questions channel on our Discord server.
Pod must be out round midday. For now, have one.