Back On It

As hoped/anticipated/predicted, Arsenal got back on the winning bandwagon at Villa Park on Saturday. In a game very much of two halves, they totally dominated the first half (and should have been further ahead than 1-0) as Villa were far too passive, but Gerrard's tactical changes in the second half forced Arsenal back. And as Arsenal tired following their midweek exertions so they defended deeper and deeper, and by the end I doubt that was alone in feeling nervous.

Injury to Ramsdale - it apparently happened in the first half on Wednesday and must have impinged on his movement - and illness in the case of Martinelli meant changes to the starting XI, with Leno and ESR slotting in. Thankfully, these were places in the side where the backups are rather more than adequate. Leno slotted back in with little trouble, and whilst his kicking isn't of Ramsdale's standard (it got a little wayward the longer he went in the second half) it is clear to see that it has improved. ESR played well and could have had a goal (or three), but needs more minutes to get back to his best. Maybe he'll get some for England over the next week or so?

As we saw, Arsenal pushed Villa back from the start, and were well worth their goal when it came. Bukayo Saka's finish beat the unsighted Martinez as it passed through a number of legs following a free kick, as he once more shone brightly on the right. His knee slide celebration almost went badly wrong, though...

Some glorious one-touch football, judicious use of the switch from either left to right or right to left, alongside the domination that the colossus Partey produced in central midfield meant that they were in complete control, and 3-0 at half-time would not have flattered them.

The only major moment of concern was Tyrone Mings' reckless tackle on Saka, which must surely have been an Arsene Wenger 'dark orange' card (Saka was booed throughout from then on; clearly for having the temerity to put his ankle in the way of the fast-moving boot of the centre back). Many Villa fans are claiming, by the way, that it wasn't even a foul!

And if there's any further proof required about the way that Arsenal - and in particular - Granit Xhaka - are treated by referees try this:

Xhaka - one foul (and barely one at that); yellow card

Matty Cash - 4 fouls (each perhaps worthy of a caution); no card

Yet referee Madley booked the Swiss for 'persistent fouling'... he was barely adequate throughout, I thought, by the way.

For Villa, McGinn was comfortably their best performer, and they wouldn't like to lose him over the summer. Whilst Ollie Watkins - occasionally linked with the Gunners - was lively and caused some trouble, but is perhaps not quite of the required standard for a step up to what will hopefully be a Champions League team.

Of the Arsenal substitutions late on Rob Holding did his normal job well, slotting in to make it a back 5 for the last few minutes. However both Nketiah and particularly Pepe put in the type of pathetic, shameful shift that explains why they don't get any starts. The Ivorian may as well have been wearing claret and blue, as everything he did seemed to help the opposition. Disappointing; but Leno's save from Coutinho from Villa's sole shot on target in the 95th minute - free kick un-necessarily given away by Pepe on the edge of the area - sealed the win. Nice to see the love shown to Leno at that moment, btw.

Cue wild celebrations as another 'cup final' was won. And cue the arrival of the 'celebration police' - this time in the form of serial 'nasty piece of work' (and bird poo swallower) Ashley Young, who was on duty this week in the absence of Ruben Neves. And of Gabby Agbonlahor (I'm not one to talk, but he's certainly put on a few pounds since he retired), who effectively argued against himself when he implied that it's only OK for Villa to celebrate a goal/win. Get over it, ffs!

Unfortunately, Tottenham also won over the weekend; thus surely finishing West Ham off, I guess. A 10th own goal of the season in their favour set them on their way, and once more they have benefitted from the way the fixtures have fallen as they've recently beaten Leeds and Everton sides that were palpably out of form, and now a West Ham side fresh from an exhausting Europa League tie and with several players missing. 

It's looking increasingly like a two-horse (or donkey in the case of Tottenham) race for 4th spot, and it's looking likely to be tight. Looking at the worst case scenario - that we lose at The Toilet Bowl - I believe that a further 16 or 17 points from the remaining 9 matches will do it for Arsenal. Arsenal remain three points ahead, and with a game in hand; their fate is very much in their own hands.l

Arsenal will need to beat Manchester United (and perhaps West Ham) alongside the matches that we'd expect them to win. I don't expect anything from Stamford Bridge, but the key weekend may be the first in May, when Tottenham go to Liverpool. It's going to be 'squeaky bum time', I would think; but Arsenal currently have the advantage.

A quick word about Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang at this point. He's banging in goals left, right and centre for Barcelona. Which leaves me to wonder where this particular version of Aubameyang was for the greater part of the past two seasons in North London. I believe that the phrase Gary Neville employed (about Mesut Ozil, I think) is 'nicking a living'.

Anyway, on to another Interlull - I hate them. I'd imagine that Aaron Ramsdale will be forced to withdraw from the England squad, and if I were Arteta I'd find an excuse to do the same with Bukayo Saka. I expect Ben White to start at least one of the two England friendlies. Other players are flying out to join up with their countries, and with numbers so tight let's hope that they all come back safe and sound.

In the meantime, the tension builds as we come to the business end of the season. COYG!