Fine Margins, and 5 More Games

I've had a hectic week - so apologies for this being so late. So here's a quick recap of the United game, and some thoughts on the run in. But there'll be another piece from me on Monday; without fail!

As I’ve said before; fine margins. And against Manchester United they went Arsenal’s way. The Ronaldo disallowed goal that possibly wasn’t offside. Cedric's handball incident. The Bruno Fernandes penalty (hysterically funny! - but why didn’t Ronaldo pull rank?). Dalot hitting the bar; and then later the post via Ramsdale’s fingertips. And Xhaka’s goal could easily have been cancelled out for offside on Nketiah. 

Fine margins. Moments. But, for a change, this time they went Arsenal’s way. I'll take that, and it's about time! And if United and their fans felt hard done by... go on; ask me if I care!

Arteta went back to a back 4 for this game, and it's clear that he is going to mix and match between now and the end of the season. Holding dropped out - but of course that meant that he could bring him on when necessary (I don't know about you, but I recall thinking to myself with about 20 minutes to go at Chelsea: 'When's he going to bring Holding on?' - when he'd started the game...). Elneny and Nketiah quite rightly kept their places. 

It looked to me that Rangnick had finally stumbled across his best XI for the game, but United are disjointed - they look a complete mess, in fact - and it doesn't really matter who he selects. But as long as he selects Ronaldo, who is still brilliant, and whose very presence on the pitch made us nervous throughout, they will always have a chance. He is simply 'carrying' this United side.

An early goal settled the nerves. Varane and Telles made a meal of a Xhaka cross field ball to Saka, and the latter's shot was palmed away by De Gea to Nketiah - no wait; is that Nuno Tavares? - who prodded home from two yards. What our left back was doing there I do not know - and nor do I care. Regrettably, as the game progressed Nuno channelled his inner Eboue and regressed as his confidence waned. Quite how he lasted the full game, I do not know.

The game ebbed and flowed, but then came the 27th minute VAR farce that led to the second goal. Odegaard's clever reverse pass found Saka, who was brought down by Telles. As we screamed for a penalty the ball broke to Nketiah, who finished tidily. And VAR then took three minutes to a) rule the goal out for offside (really tight), but then b) rightfully give the penalty. Which, despite a fair amount of United shithousery (a special award to MacTominay here), Saka despatched into the opposite corner to the one on Wednesday evening; sending De Gea the wrong way in the process. Further redemption for Starboy.

Yet in a repeat of Wednesday Arsenal conceded almost immediately; Ronaldo first to react to Matic's cross as he darted between Gabriel and Tavares to half volley the ball left-footed into the roof of the net for his 100th Premier League goal. Is he really 37 years old? The guy had a terrible week on a personal level, so I wasn't going to begrudge him a landmark goal - provided it didn't cost us the points, that was.

Early in the second half came the United missed penalty. Daft handball from Tavares, but then Bruno Fernandes capped a truly awful performance by outdoing himself with his stupid tippy tappy run up and jump, and hitting the outside of the post. Oh how we laughed!

In the 70th minute Granit Xhaka settled the game. Whilst we appealed for another possible penalty - this time for handball - Elneny recycled the ball to the Swiss, who thundered home from 25 yards. A bit of redemption for him too. And that was that, really, as the final 20 minutes were seen out in relative comfort.

We later watched That Lot fail to manage a shot on target for the second game in a row - something that maybe doesn't matter to them, seeing as Own Goal is their third highest goal scorer this season - but they were lucky to escape with even a point from Brentford. This leaves Arsenal two points ahead with 5 games to go, including the massive NLD on May 12th.

Like the rest of us, I've done some calculations. If we win our two home games and avoid defeat in the three away games, then on the assumption that That Lot lose at Anfield they cannot catch us. That'd do. It's between them and us now, for sure, and both our next games are against sides with more pressing European matters to worry about. I think that Arsenal can go to West Ham - who have just one half-fit, first choice, cat torturing centre-back available - and win. That Lot face Leicester, who have a deeper, fitter squad than West Ham and Jamie Vardy coming back to fitness. I mean, just matching their result would do, but if they can drop two or three that would take the sting out of the NLD. 

I've given up trying to predict results now - especially after the last 5 games... but let's have a go:

West Ham vs Arsenal - Away win

That Lot vs Leicester - grudging Home win

Liverpool vs That Lot - massive Home thrashing!

Arsenal vs Leeds - Home win

NLD - I have to say Draw, but of course I'm concerned

That Lot vs revitalised Burnley - grrrrr; Home win

Newcastle vs Arsenal - Draw

Norwich vs That Lot - it couldn't be much easier, could it? Away win

Arsenal vs Everton - Home win.

So let's hope for That Lot to drop some unexpected points. And as for the guy on Twitter who's predicted a set of results which could lead to a play-off for 4th place... I may have to kill you!!!

But I think we're just about favourites now. COYG!!!

Would You Adam & Eve It?

Fine margins. That's what I talked about in my last piece, and what hadn't been going in Arsenal's favour for much of the previous three matches did so last night. And just so typical of Arsenal to end a run of three defeats at Stamford Bridge.

For sure, Arsenal weren't as bad as those three successive defeats had indicated (the first half against Palace being the exception), but at Stamford Bridge many of those little pieces of good fortune manifested themselves into the breaks that the team needed to get them back on track. And those opportunities were firmly grasped in a superb affirmation of where this team just might be heading over the next few years.

So first to team news; and there was plenty of head shaking going on at the news of the return of Elneny, and the omission of Martinelli. Maybe it was a desperate roll of the dice by Arteta, but what he'd done was revert to what has worked before against this particular opposition - match them up formation-wise, stifle their midfield creativity, and be prepared to hit them hard on the break. Three centre halves for starters. Then for Maitland-Niles read Tavares; for Aubameyang read Nketiah (you can only work with what you've got). And bringing back the ever-dependable- if distinctly unexciting - Elneny was a masterstroke.

As anticipated, Chelsea made much of the early running. Arsenal looked a little unsure of what they were doing, as Holding took time to settle back in and Alonso pressed high. At the other end of the field, the triumvirate of Nketiah, Saka and ESR did look like they could cause a Chelsea defence missing both Rudiger and Thiago Silva problems. And so it proved as, having weathered an early storm, Arsenal took the lead following a horrendous error from Christensen. Nketiah, who had hounded him into the mistake, nonetheless had plenty to do, but took the opportunity superbly.

Unfortunately, it didn't take long before Chelsea levelled. A series of minor errors from several players led to Werner's shot deflecting off of Xhaka and wrong-footing Ramsdale (who might, perhaps, have done better). However, a terrific counter-attacking goal saw them back in front, as following cool and brave defending by Xhaka and clever link play with Odegaard, Saka tied Saar in knots and, via a clever pass from the Norwegian, ESR passed the ball into the net from fully 18 yards. Stunning.

But yet again the lead lasted less than 5 minutes as Azpu... Azpuli... whatever his name is - shall I just call him Dave? - swept in a low cross from Mount, with Nuno Tavares seemingly unaware of his presence behind his right shoulder. I'm fairly sure that White was fouled in the build-up; but it was Jon Moss in charge, so that was never coming back. Annoying.

So 2-2 at half time, and whist there was talk at that time of being happy with a draw I did sense that Chelsea were there for the taking. And so it proved, with Nketiah's second nicely taken, but accompanied by some good fortune as two ricochets fell his way inside the penalty area. Still, who honestly cares, eh? And the first substitute over to congratulate Eddie -  was Laca... The chance was created, by the way, by a pass pinged in to him by Tavares, who adds something of a Yaya Sanogo-type chaos factor in the opposing half. 

And this despite the hapless Christnesen having been replaced by Thiago Silva at half-time. Reece James was also surprisingly quiet, by the way; if he was intimidated by the attacking threat of Tavares then then would be quite something. As for the rest of the Chelsea side, Saar was poor, as was N'Golo Kante. Lukaku was just awful, and Tuchel's substitutions made little difference. Great to see Tuchel clearly losing his rag during his post-match interviews, by the way. Extra Brownie Points for Mikel Arteta there, I'd say.

And whilst Chelsea spent most of the final half hour in Arsenal's half, they barely looked like creating much. This despite the utterly ineffective Lukaku being replaced by Havertz straight after Arsenal's third. Indeed, Arsenal's threat on the break was certainly not diminished when Nketiah went off (he'd run himself to a standstill) with Martinelli taking over his role. And so into injury time, when 'Dave' dragged Saka to the floor by the penalty spot, leaving Moss no choice but to award a penalty. And what a joy it was to see the boy, who'd been vilified all evening by Chelsea's special brand of 'fans' for missing the final penalty in the final of last year's Euros, send Mendy the wrong way. Redemption.

So those were the bare facts. But what else can we take from the game. Well, quite a lot, actually:

• As I mentioned, this team selection felt like something of a last roll of the dice for Arteta. But perhaps he's found a template for the more difficult of the final few games now? West Ham away. That Lot away. Newcastle away. A back 5, solidity in midfield, and pace and trickery up front

• One thing's for sure - Nketiah's not coming out of the side for the foreseeable future. Laca's not putting away either of those chances. And he could have had a hat-trick in the first half alone. He said he wanted minutes, and he justified it with that performance. It remains to be seen if he'll be at Arsenal next season - and he's still got a massive job to do in the next month - but there looks like there may be a role for both him and the returning Balogun behind a marquee new signing next season - especially if European football is on the agenda

• I am a little concerned with the form of Aaron Ramsdale. He may well have been playing above himself when he first came into the side, but there have been signs of nervousness and some poor decision-making recently. Let's hope he sorts his head out in that regard. Nonetheless, he still scores 10/10 for general shithousery!

• Defensively, Arteta has to make some decisions now. Tomiyasu looks like he'll be back imminently; perhaps even for Saturday. Does he come back in? If so, does Tavares keep his spot or does he flip Cedric over there? Does he stick to three centre-halves for the rest of the season, or does he go on a game-by-game basis? I can't imagine that he'll need three for all the games, and it does mean losing a player higher up the field

• In midfield, Xhaka was absolutely immense against Chelsea. Non-stop talking and manoeuvering of his team-mates, and played really well too. He is much-maligned, and can be relied on for 98% of the time. The question is do those other 2% justify moving him on. I think that he'd like to stay; and there's certainly a role for him next year if he wants it. Although I'm sure that Arteta is looking to bring in a starting midfielder...

• As for the player to slot in alongside him between now and May 22nd... well, perhaps it's Sambi for home games and Elneny for away games. That's a distinct possibility

• Odegaard re-found his mojo last night. Long may that continue. The combinations he helps knit together with the Hale End boys are a joy to behold

• And as for Starboy, what else can be said. He's the best player in the side, and I love him. He had Alonso on a string all night, and could develop into an absolute world star. A big - and long - new contract is required, and we should be looking to build a team around what is clearly a generational talent. And lest we forget the monkey he shook off his back with that penalty. Bless you, Little Chilli x

A couple of final points on the game before I wrap up. Firstly, I'm not sure how Mason Mount stayed on the pitch. Three fouls that were very high on the ITWGX Index, but just the one begrudging booking from Moss. Still, we're used to that sort of thing now.

And secondly, a word for the Arsenal away support, who were once more magnificent. I really wish I'd been there last night. The support was for both players and Manager was unwaveringand, and the banter was utterly superb. My favourite chant was undoubtedly: 'There's nobody here. Just like the old days - there's nobody here.' (this being the first game, I believe, for which Chelsea had been unable to put tickets on general sale since sanctions kicked in against their oligarch ex-owner... superb). Plus the standard: 'Shit club, no history.' which is a big favourite of mine. The players definitely take something from the unstinting support of the travelling fans. 

And so to Manchester United on Saturday. And make no mistake, they are in complete disarray. A mighty club in huge decline, and following the thrashing they took at Anfield on Tuesday Arsenal need to rub salt into those wounds. The main threat, as always, with be Cristiano Ronaldo (should he play; and if he does, I hope that our fans behave themselves - much as we dislike the player, we all have sympathy for the man after the week that he's had).

Then, later on Saturday, That Lot go to Cristian Eriksen-inspired Brentford. Let's hope that he shows them what they're missing and helps The Bees take three vital points. 

It's really hotting up now! COYG!!!

Disappointment - and over-reaction

Defeat at Southampton on Saturday means zero points out of the last 9 available. A total loss of momentum; at completely the wrong time! And with the quality of opposition about to go up the signs aren’t currently looking good for a Top 4 finish. 

It was a really frustrating day - one of those that we get from time to time. 78% possession, 23 attempts on goal, but nothing to show to show for it. In the second half, Arsenal were literally (well, not literally, but you know what I mean) camped in the opposition half. 

However, a combination of a lack of quality and composure, along with several excellent saves from goalkeeper Forster, meant that the equaliser never came; this after Bednarek had hammered in a volley late in the first half after Arsenal lost concentration following a corner. That was on one of the rare occasions that Southampton made any inroads whatsoever into Arsenal’s half throughout the entire game. This is a script we’ve read many times before over the years, of course.

No need to go into too much detail - we all know what happened - but it is of course well worth discussing why it went wrong - and if anything can be done about rectifying it with Chelsea and Manchester United to come this week.

With Laca missing from the match day squad - he is ill, we are given to understand; although whether that’s 'ill' ill, ‘Ozil-style ill’, or perhaps Covid we don't know - Eddie Nketiah got a start. Which changes the focus of the attack, as he is an entirely type of striker to Laca. Interestingly, Arteta started Saka on the left and Martinelli on the right; which could have been either one of his ‘they’ll never have thought I’d do this’ moments, or perhaps more likely to offer some defensive cover to the returning Nuno Tavares.

Putting Tavares back in the team seemed the most sensible thing for Arteta to do in the circumstances - a relatively ‘easy’ opponent before the trials and tribulations to follow - and the young man did well enough. There were none of the glaring errors that had been evident in previous performances, at least. However, he’ll be up against Kai Havertz on Wednesday…

As for Eddie… we’ll, we all know that he’s not the answer, but he at least has a penalty box presence. What he doesn't have, of course, is any sort of track record of scoring at Premier League level - if he did, he'd be in the side more regularly - and thus it proved that despite two or three decent opportunities no goals were forthcoming from that quarter. Or any other... Saka missed one very good chance, as did ESR and Odegaard, and despite the stat that says 23 attempts there weren't enough big chances in the figures. The requisite quality, and the ability to boss an oppnenet, have largely departed with Partey's injury.

We knew that the squad would be stretched with any injuries. That was the chance that Arteta and Edu took. And unfortunately we've lost some absolutely key players at precisely the wrong time. Tierney for the season. Partey likely the same. Who knows if Tomiyasu will be back any time soon? But the 'spring clean' had to be done at some point, did it not? And I think that we can all admit to ourselves that our expectations had been raised beyond any expectations during the winning run; so if Arsenal do fall short... well, as I always say: its the hope that kills you.

But for all that we're not leaking goals (at the moment). The problem is up front. Lack of quality, and also of quantity. I'm not going to keep bashing on about Aubameyang - it had gone stale (in a repeat of what happened with him at Dortmund) and it was best for all parties that he moved on. He'd been AWOL since around November in any case. The fact that Arteta and Edu couldn't/wouldn't find a loan signing from anywhere to help plug that gap is the real issue here. Personally, I'd have happily looked at somebody like Iheanacho.

There is too much on the shoulders of our star youngsters. We cannot expect them to produce every week. So surely - surely? - they could have found somebody to help take the pressure off? But they took the risk, and a lack of goals is the very obvious result of that decision. Two goals - one deflected - from the last 63 attempts on goal...

So perhaps the gamble with the squad has failed. Or maybe not - there will be twists and turns all the way until the end of the season. When Arsenal were winning tight games in February and March, it was often down to fine margins. And frankly - the horrendous performance at Palace excepted - it's been down to fine margins in the recent defeats too. Defensive howlers. A goal disallowed on mere guesswork. The width of the crossbar.

I don't think we have to worry about either Wolves or West Ham now. United are really not very good. And That Lot managed to fail to register a single shot on target whilst losing to Brighton on Saturday. So mathematically it's still on; and that's how we must continue to look at it.

What I can't deal with is the sudden reappearance of the #ArtetaOut brigade! It's like they've been waiting in the wings, keeping their powder dry, and are now gleefully resurfacing. What good does it do to behave like that? Support the Manager, and support the team, until the bitter end. Post mortems, if required, can take place from May 23rd onwards.

It is what it is. When Arsenal are winning, he looks like a great coach. When they're not, well... as I say, fine margins. I'll criticise him almost as much as the next man, but I'll also never fail to support whoever is managing and playing for my football team. What good does it do to go overboard? What is done, is done. And enough with the Emery revisionism, please!

So onwards and upwards, please. It ain't over till it's over. #COYG!

It's How You Bounce Back...

Arsenal went to Palace in the week and got badly beaten up. They struggled back to their feet, somewhat battered, on Saturday, only to get knocked straight back down again by a Brighton side that has been woefully out of form (one goal in their previous 7 matches, and none from 31 attempts the previous week). It was painful to witness... as we all suspected it would be when we saw the team. And is of great concern going forward, as the fixtures are about to get considerably more difficult. With That Lot winning again over the weekend, matters are barely in Arsenal's hands any more.

Of all the solutions to the left-back problem, the one I least fancied was the one that put Granit Xhaka at left back. As I wrote in my last piece, it changes the whole balance of the team. It was ill thought out, and on top of that badly executed. The entire balance of the team was out of kilter.

As if it wasn't bad enough to have lost Thomas Partey, taking Xhaka out of the engine room left Sambi Lokonga, who has barely kicked a ball in anger in three months, on his own against a rugged and battle-hardened Brighton trio. Odegaard and Smith Rowe were asked to play too far ahead of him to give him the support he needed. It was a recipe for disaster, and Brighton dominated the opening stages of the game. It wasn't until Xhaka switched with Sambi (not the answer) or started to rotate into midfield - leaving Arsenal's left flank exposed - that we saw anything like parity in there. It sometimes looks difficult enough for a player as accomplished as Partey to take on the lone role, and it's simply far too much for Sambi at this stage in his development.

Not that Arsenal didn't have chances in this period - they have the better players, after all - but the general momentum of the game was the other way as Bissouma and his mates smothered Sambi completely. And here's the thing; losing Partey from central midfield is bad enough; but to then take his partner out of there too was really asking for trouble. Arteta got this one badly wrong, and we paid for it.

But the manager's post-game reaction was doubly disappointing. He said: 'We made it really difficult for ourselves. We were sloppy. We had no purpose to attack. We were imprecise and we didn't want to play forward.' I'm sorry, Mikel, but that's entirely down to you. Don't put it on the players.

When Brighton finally took the lead in the 28th minute, it was down as much to Arsenal errors (brought about by the poor initial shape of the side) as to good play by the away team. A long punt into the area that Xhaka should have been occupying - he was somewhere up on the left wing, in an area that ought to have been occupied by Smith Rowe - and Mwepu had the freedom of The Emirates. He pulled the ball back into yards of empty space on the edge of the area for Trossard to sweep the ball home. There was nobody within 10 yards of him. Basic - and horrendous.

There was plenty of controversy in the game, as once more things didn't go right in the important moments. Leaving aside the litany of yellow card offences committed by Bissouma, Caciedo, Cuccurella and Veltmann (all high on the ITWGX Index) that went unpunished (Saka had a card flashed at him for something much less worthy) - referee Coote is the least effective, and most indecisive, of a bad bunch of referees as I've seen this season - there was the disallowed Martinelli goal on the stroke of half time. 

We're all under the impression that this season, when it's that close, that the benefit of the doubt goes to the attacking side; and if it takes that long to disallow it (and with guesswork!), then surely it's not 'clear and obvious' in any case. 

Perhaps the Brazilian was offside. It's impossible to tell, frankly, because the camera angle that would have showed precisely where the back foot of the defender was didn't exist. You'd need x-ray vision to be sure! It was guesswork to disallow a goal that has been allowed to stand by the on field officials, and it took all of 3 minutes and 46 seconds for the VAR to do so. No defender had complained either. But it's Arsenal, so... 

I must own up, however, to my part in it. From my seat 50+ yards away on the half-way line and obviously nowhere in line, I did say to the people around me 'I think that might be offside'. As soon as it went in. Yes, it was all down to me, I'm afraid...

Arsenal were considerably improved in the second half, as Arteta went to a back three and put Xhaka back where he is best. A couple of driving runs from the freed up Lokonga showed what he is capable of. Yet Arsenal failed to impose any real pressure on Brighton, with most attempts on goal failing to trouble Sanchez. ESR, Odegaard and particularly Lacazette were largely totally ineffective - again - and it feels like Arsenal have now been 'sussed out', and that Arteta once more has to come up with something different or new. Which is of course going to be difficult in the absence of two of his key players.

Brighton's second goal was quite lovely, as they toyed with the right hand side of Arsenal's defence before Mwepu found space on the edge of the area to fire an unstoppable half volley past Ramsdale (who I don't recall making a single save in the game, by the way) into the bottom corner. And at that point it felt like there was no way back.

Some people have said to me that the atmosphere was somewhat flat before and during the game. That, I feel, was initially down to trepidation and then to the team totally failing to inspire the crowd; there's only so much that we can do, and from the moment the second goal went in it was largely moans, groans and gallows humour. Until very late on, that is.

Late chances - a free kick from Odegaard and the follow-up from sub Nketiah both hit the bar. And then a speculative long range 89th minute effort from the Norwegian took a massive deflection and lobbed over Sanchez to give Arsenal some hope of snatching an unlikely point. But that barely looked possible, despite late headers from Nketiah and Gabriel going close. The sight of them taking a short corner late into injury time summed up the flawed thought processes and lack of urgency as they lost ground they can ill afford to lose.

So what can the manager do? It's clear that he has no faith in Tavares, and he is therefore only an option as a wing-back. But he simply has to put Xhaka back alongside Lokonga until such time as Partey can return. The solution may have to be Saka at left back or left wing back - or the fairly imminent return of Tomiyasu may mean that he can then flip Cedric to left back. Not ideal... but Xhaka at left back is dead in the water.

Further forward, Lacazette was once more utterly ineffective. Seeing him pop up in midfield or on either wing - anywhere but where he is supposed to be - is frustrating beyond belief. So perhaps it's now time to pop Martinelli (who I frankly prefer off the left) or Nketiah up there. We know that the latter isn't the long-term answer, but he poses a different threat (if that's the word) to Laca, and got into more threatening positions and had more efforts on target in 20 minutes than the Frenchman has had in the past 4 matches combined. What was working a month ago is simply no longer doing so.

Next, it's Southampton away. An absolute MUST WIN. And they're coming off an embarrassing 6-0 home thrashing by Chelsea. Either we'll see a reaction, or they'll stay 'on the beach'. Let's hope it's the latter - but they are known for their pressing, and that won't suit Arsenal. 

The mood of optimism has dissipated, but all is not lost. Let's stay behind the team... but we need something from them to help us do so; and they/we need help from the manager too. We all knew that stripping the squad back to such low numbers was a massive risk, and I suppose that we'd got away with it - up until Palace. What would we give for Calum Chambers to still be at the club? And that's ridiculous!

Anyway... I'm still shouting COYG! Please do the same!

Splatrick Vieira

Oh deary me! Wasn't that just shocking?

It took me quite a while to get to sleep last night. As we all saw, nothing went right - from the team news right through to the final whistle. And I’m going to spend some time going through my ‘hot takes’ from the evening:

Firstly, injuries and squad depth. And this was always going to be something that might have come back to haunt Edu and Arteta from the end of January right through to May 22nd. Of course, compared to other sides Arsenal do not have too heavy a workload, but the squad is on the very fringes of acceptable size so almost any injury makes a difference.

We've today had the news that Kieran Tierney is out for the season (thanks go to Scotland Manager Steve Clarke, who played him from the start in both of his team's Interlull friendlies), and that that has serious implications for the entire team. Arteta can go one of 4 ways, and none of them feel quite right. 

He can persevere with Tavares, but that looks the least likely of the scenarios. The guy looks shot of confidence… and perhaps of ability at this level too. On the other hand - and here’s something that bears discussion regarding Lokonga and Nketiah also - he’s barely been given a minute of First Team football over the past few weeks, so what do you really expect? Arteta has a few days to work with the boy now, and if he does play he ought to get our full support.

The Manager could also switch Cedric to left back - but that’s dependent on what’s really going on with Tomiyasu (out for another fortnight, so if he does it may mean a switch to right back for White; it'll make a huge difference when he does finally return). Or he can play Xhaka there; but that changes the whole balance of the team.

Or finally he can switch to a back three - Holding alongside White and Gabriel - and play with wing backs. But that’ll surely put Saka at left wing back; and whilst Starboy can do that, it’s not where he’s going to be most effective. But with three central defenders behind him he would have a certain license to roam, and I think that this is how I'd prefer to see him go.

Compound any of those scenarios with the injury to Thomas Partey. If that’s also serious, it puts pressure on Lokonga to come in from the cold - and also references where Xhaka plays. But a central midfield of Sambi and Elneny is not going to cut it, is it?

Up top, I now wonder if we’ve seen the end of the useful life of Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has scored one goal from open play since November - which is pathetic - but if he’s now also failing to hold the ball up and bring others into play (I know that comparisons to Harry Kane are daft, but you know… chalk and cheese) then Arteta might as well try something different. I man, what has he got to lose? The alternatives are Nketiah and Martinelli; but we know that the former blows hot and cold, and that the latter is currently more effective off the flanks. The wildcard is the mercurial (I've chosen that word carefully) Pepe.

So all in all there’s a lot for the Manager to consider before Saturday’s Must Win game with Brighton.

Secondly, the performance. And nobody - with the possible exception of the substitutes - came out of the game with any credit at all. In the face of the sort of pressure that the side has been able to cope with quite well throughout the successful run since the New Year, from back to front they lacked both confidence and poise.

The central defensive pairing set the tone; harried and hurried from the start. Cedric had Zaha (a player I'd love to see in an Arsenal shirt) to deal with. And Tavares didn’t put a foot right all evening. 

Ahead of them, Partey had a nightmare. Where the player we’ve been lauding for the past couple of months has disappeared to, goodness knows. He literally couldn't pass me a bag of sweets on that showing. And now with a possible thigh injury on top…

Xhaka was Xhaka, and he of course does his job wherever he is asked to play, but he's not going to drive a team under severe pressure onwards, and left back is not his position. Odegaard had his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, neither Saka or ESR were particularly effective, and Lacazette had a night that deserves to haunt his dreams for weeks to come.

As for Palace… well, they were superb. At perhaps the absolute apex of their ability. That ground is one of the most difficult to go to, with their amazing fans so close to the pitch and so vocal in support of their team. So if you start badly - as Arsenal did - you’re always going to be on the back foot. And whilst Arsenal improved in the second half - and with a little good fortune could have scored a couple of goals (ESR and Odegaard both missing more than reasonable chances) and had a penalty (Kouyate on Saka, anyone? If that’s Salah it gets given), they got precisely what they deserved in the end. And Arteta didn’t hide from that afterwards.

But much kudos to Patrick Vieira for setting his side out how he did. Palace are a completely different side to the one that was managed by Roy Hodgson last season. On the other hand, those saying we have the wrong ex-Arsenal midfielder as Manager are out of order. Despite the performance and result last night, it is clear that Arsenal remain on the right road. Let’s hope that this was a mere pothole.  

We all knew that there were going to be bumps in the road, and that a team essentially so young and inexperienced was always likely to have nights like this, so we really have to hope that this was a one-off. With That Lot seemingly hitting form (although whether one should be getting carried away with big wins over Leeds, Everton and Newcastle is a matter of opinion), it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. 

But Arsenal still remain in control of their fate - just! They must win the obviously winnable games, and hope to pick up the necessary points elsewhere. And the significance of the game at The Toilet Bowl grows by the day - avoiding defeat will be absolutely crucial!

Clearly, Arteta and Edu decided to take the chance that the limited squad with which they left themselves would come through relatively unscathed. So last night could later be seen as a Red Flag game - the night it all unravelled. In which case Captain Hindsight (aka Piers Morgan) will be having a field day. 

The issue is that compared to successive eighth place finishes, fifth or sixth might have been regarded as improvement at the beginning of the season. But we’ve had our sights raised, so anything less than fourth will be now seen as failure - and especially if we lose out to That Lot! But for the moment nothing can be gained from doing anything apart from getting behind the team - and ‘the process’ - between now and the end of the season.

So I’m going to remain firmly behind this side. Starting against Brighton on Saturday. I’ll be there supporting whoever turns out in a red shirt at the top of my voice.

Arsenal till I die. COYG!