Once more, apologies for the lateness of this post. I’m still recuperating from an operation, and I’ve not really been up to doing everyday tasks up till today, when I’ve finally started to feel much better.
Anyway, I particular enjoyed coming up with the title of this piece; an homage to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall”. Seagulls are, of course, seaside vermin who love nothing more than swooping on the food of unsuspecting holidaymakers. And Brighton, for three successive seasons, have come and plundered all three points from visits to Emirates Stadium.
But that particular rot was well and truly stopped on Sunday, as a determined Arsenal side absolutely dominated a team who, you must be aware, have the highest percentage possession stats in the entire Premier League. Higher even than Manchester City; so that’s pretty impressive.
The plan was beautifully put together, and beautifully executed. The homework was worthy of an A+. Arsenal’s front 5 pressed Brighton high from the off, secure in the knowledge that they had the security of Declan Rice and their two magnificent centre backs behind them. They achieved turnover after turnover as they kept Brighton in a vice-like grip; the only thing missing was goals as Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli and Jesus all squandered first half opportunities to put Arsenal ahead. Not just ahead, but out of sight; and any frustration was down to the half time score not reflecting Arsenal’s superiority as the teams went in at 0-0.
Just a small point on refereeing here. Octogenarian James Milner was having all sorts of trouble trying to deal with Bukayo Saka, who ran past him on several occasions in the first half - including onto, if I may digress, a wonderful ‘outside of the foot’ through ball from birthday boy Odegaard that led to Martinelli’s chance - and finally resorted to what I guess old-fashioned fans would call a ‘reducer’; no interest in the ball - just the man.
It was by no means his first foul. But referee Robinson chose not to book him. Two minutes later White pulled back Mitoma - a clear foul but his first foul of the game. Yellow card. And on the back of a foul by Mitoma, which was worthy of a booking, the crowd had to ‘persuade’ the referee to show the card; but he compensated for that with a booking for Mikel Arteta; just because he’s Mikel Arteta! Grrrrr… they HAVE got it in for us, you know.
On to the second half, and for all of Arsenal’s continuing dominance in open play the opening goal came from a well-worked corner routine. Brighton’s defenders were pinned in the 6-yard box and Gabriel Jesus, holding his by now customary far post position, had a simple nod in as the ball broke off the head of a defender. Well worked, and a well-deserved lead.
It was natural that at some point we’d see something of Brighton as an attacking force, and they did come more into the game as Arsenal somewhat naturally eased off, and the possession percentage started to edge back towards parity. And it was still just 1-0, so there was a concern that Arsenal - still making chances themselves - might pay the price at some point. And with under 10 minutes to go it was ‘hearts in mouths’ time and the clock ticked on, and as we hoped that Arsenal would not - in an all too familiar scenario - be made to pay for their profligacy, as the visitors carved their only meaningful chance of the game. Down their left, White was outpaced and Saliba a step slow covering, and Gross was in on goal; but turned it wide... Phew!
And just a couple of minutes later an excellent team goal as Odegaard’s reverse ball freed Nketiah, he spotted Havertz moving through on Dunk’s blind side and slid the ball in for the German to tidily notch his fourth goal in 7 games. Waka waka, and that was that.
And so Arsenal are back on top, as Liverpool fell 7 goals short of their victory score of last season over Manchester United. That, combined with City’s late concession the previous day, made it a fine weekend results-wise for Arsenal.
Roberto De Zerbi was particularly complimentary about an Arsenal side who had stopped his team from scoring for the first time in 32 PL matches. And I have a sense that he’s right. If fatigue doesn’t bite, Arsenal can go all the way now.
Additionally, Liverpool looked poor - sluggish even - in their 0-0 draw. And they additionally had a midweek quarter final to play in between that and Saturday’s ‘showdown’ at Anfield - which was good news and hopefully will add to any mid-season tiredness. However, they couldn’t have wished for an easier and more confidence-inducing game than against an inept and pitiful West Ham United. After the game, however, Klopp was starting to look to gee their supporters up for Saturday; he must be worried.
As he should be. As the saying goes: ‘You’re only as good as your last Premier League outing’. And so with Arsenal continuing to dominate opponents - including in unfortunate defeat at both Newcastle and Villa - they know that they’re in for quite the battle. We’ve a terrible recent record there. Let’s change that on Saturday. COYG!
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