It's Back On!

Yes, it's back on! I mean, I don't actually know what 'it' is, but anyway, 'it' is clearly back on...

At last; a first goal, and first win of the season, and some idea of how this season's Arsenal are going to line up. With debuts/returns for Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, AMN alongside Lokonga in midfield, plus a late cameo from Partey, we started to get some sort of feel of how this squad may start to work.

Of those named above, Ramsdale had little to do - his most exciting piece of work was a little trick in his own 6-yard box that gave us momentary palpitations - but looks considerably more confident with the ball at his feet than Leno; Tomiyasu had a debut full of promise (and almost scored with an opportunistic and spectacular volley) - solid in defence and marauding forward at every opportunity; White and Gabriel - whilst sure to be faced with bigger challenges than Pukki - did nothing wrong; AMN had his moments, but is just a bit too casual for my liking and may have blown his chance, because Lokonga looked considerably more accomplished than him; and Partey is back.

But it was more about getting the win, no matter how, and looking for a platform from which to build.

What was great to both see and sense around the ground was a feeling of optimism at the new line-up, and to hear the backing that the team got as they launched themselves at full throttle the moment the game started. And whilst an early goal would have been extremely helpful, and the volume consequently dropped as the first half wore on, there was no sense of dissent in the stands. Of course, there was nervousness - when the team has performed so far below expectations so far there were sure to be. But we couldn't have hand-picked a better opponent than Norwich to help kick-start our season, and there was always a sense that the goal would eventually come.

30 attempts on goal indicates how dominant Arsenal were, yet only 6 were on target and there was still an element of profligacy on show. Aubameyang pinched his goal - I was expecting it to be ruled out for offside (especially with our friend Mike Dean on VAR duties) - but snatched at several other chances.

Pepe often looks dangerous (he got the assist for the goal - via both goalposts!), but hugging the touchline doesn't necessarily suit his style of play, and he too often loses possession as soon as he gains it. A mercurial footballer, but often frustrating. Saka had his moments, but is still not up to full speed, and Odegaard did lots of tidy stuff on the ball - plus a couple of back-flicks that didn't quite pay off (of higher quality than the ones I attempt, which have my team-mates regularly moaning at me in our regular Tuesday night game).

Odegaard seemed in charge of the 'press' - which was back on Saturday - but often didn't get the full support of his colleagues - and I'm still not quite sure what Arteta is trying to do in midfield, as despite Lokonga's continual efforts to get the ball forward as quickly as possible I still felt a disconnect between him (and AMN), and those in front of them. 

For me, the introduction of Partey and Smith Rowe made a massive difference to the continuity of the team; the Ghanaian for his all-round passing ability, to add to his undoubted athleticism, and ESR for his willingness to drive towards the opposition with the ball at his feet. He is a dribbler, where Odegaard is a passer. I sense that perhaps Arteta is looking to play Partey in front of the back four, with both Number 8s - or 10s - ahead of him. That can work against inferior opposition, but it's asking a hell of a lot of Partey against equal or better teams; and especially if he sticks with a back 4.

There will certainly be tougher tasks than Norwich - starting with the aerial, physical challenge at Burnley next weekend and followed by That Lot the week after - but with full weeks off (the only upside of not being in Europe this season) there should be time to work on shape both in and out of possession. 

But we do now have a glimpse of what we can expect to see as the season progresses; and I for one am more confident than I was about the amount of improvement we may see. And for those moaning that we 'only won 1-0 against Norwich', please bear in mind that this is the first time these players have played together in a competitive match.

And with Premier League fixtures over the next few weeks against Burnley, That Lot, Brighton, Palace, Villa, Leicester and Watford before the next Interlull (which is followed by a visit to Anfield!), this ought to be an opportunity to make some progress up the table. Everyone knows it - owners, management, players and fans - and if things haven't gone too well then it may be the end for the manager. I hope not, as I remain invested in him succeeding, but we're only successive defeats away from the next crisis; and the next crisis may be his last. If Arsenal have 20 points by then, we'll be happy, and he'll be safe. But if we're well short of 20 then the bell may be tolling for him. But exponential progress will hopefully carry Arsenal into the top half by mid-November. Fingers crossed!

Just quickly - I get accused by a number of supporters of That Lot of being somewhat obsessed with them; it's not the case, but I do obviously like to take the p*ss whenever I can (for example, in 50 days we will reach the 5000th day since they won their solitary trophy this century - good to know). And this seems a good opportunity. Because it was wonderful to hear - and join in raucously with - the Vieira song on Saturday. After all, as Crystal Palace's new manager, Paddy had very much brightened our Saturday lunchtime.

And on that happy note, I'll be back next week. COYG!