Another step in the right direction by Peter Doherty
This is the type of game that champions win. Be below your best yet have enough resilience to endure, and then finally see your class come shining through. There will be lots of twists and turns in this title race but Arsenal’s capacity to grind their way through an under par first half and emerge with a 1-0 lead bodes well for the coming nine games.
After the Leeds game at Elland Road where we were very fortunate to come away with three points, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that Leeds have won three halves of football against us this season with no reward. That may just be the sign of champions.
I have decided to award half points from now on as it affords the opportunity to determine whether a player was better than the whole number, but not quite worthy of elevation to the next level.
Here are my ratings:
Ramsdale (7) Was called into action in the first seven seconds and had to make several stops throughout the game. His speed off the line to stop Aaronson was especially impressive.
White (8) Another excellent outing from the man who never watches football. He certainly watched the flight of Martinelli’s cross as he applied an excellent finish. Was strong in his defending particularly in the first half when we were under pressure.
Holding (7.5) The trepidation that followed the news that Saliba was injured was justified, but Holding has been superb since stepping into the Frenchman’s role. Showed great authority when stepping forward to claim some long balls from Leeds and demonstrated composure throughout.
Gabriel (7) Mr. Rock Solid has turned in another secure performance. Off all the developments that have occurred to this team this season his growth in stature and maturity is one that has received least recognition, yet has been as impactful as any others.
Zinchenko (6.5) The difficulty with marking Zinchenko is whether to rate him as a midfielder or a defender. There is no doubt that he rates higher as a midfielder because of his control and passing quality. As a defender his positioning needs improving.
Partey (6.5) Had one of his less influential games overall but is still an incredibly important part of the process. His capacity to control and distribute a ball in a single movement is a thing of beauty.
Xhaka (7.5) Xhaka has always done the less recognized ground work that creates the foundation for a successful team. In the past because of poor support around him this often left him exposed and resulted in penalties given away and red cards received. With the elevation of the quality in our midfield he has been able to demonstrate his other qualities whilst still doing the dirty work. Took his goal superbly.
Odegaard (6) Looked knackered off the back of two tough and unrewarding international outings. Couldn’t get to grips with the game in the first half at all, and came a little more into it in the second half culminating in his delicious cross for Xhaka. But even when his passing is off radar his pressing is always spot on.
Trossard (8.5) The feeling among Gooners when we missed out on Mudryk was that Trossard was a poor consolation prize, but what a revelation he has turned out to be. Huge footballing intelligence, clever movement and an innate sense of what his team mates intentions are. Very well worked assist for Jesus demonstrates that. However the most impressive aspect of this game was his work rate. When we weren’t firing in the first half he was constantly tracking back, and when we were firing in the second half he was constantly available for the ball.
Jesus (8) It was easy to forget exactly what he offered the team in his absence. Drive, determination and application in abundance laced with a huge degree of close control skill. Arteta has used the word ‘chaos’ when referring to Jesus for good reason as that is what he causes. Great to have him resurrected.
Martinelli (7.5) He is finishing the season on fire. The ball for White’s goal was sublime and he was torturing Ayling all afternoon with his movement and direct running. The defensive side of his game warrants his inclusion alone.
Do you agree with my ratings?
Peter
Half points being awarded is wise. Its the equivalent of being able to award marks out of twenty, instead of ten, and makes sense! Personally, I would not much disagree with the writere ratings, ,perhaps just a half point here or there but not worth worrying about.
Maybe though, an eight rather than seven, for our superb and consistently top class keeper.
I would only rate Ramsdale higher. 8 at the very least! If not for his stops in the earlier stages of the first half, the game could have turned out differently
A sound idea to use half marks EASIER TO DISTINGUISH ONE FROM ANOTHER NOW.
Irather agree, within an occasional half mark or so, with the articles ratings, other than an eight rather a seven for our consistently top class keeper.
Xhaka’s aerial and positioning abilities are good, but I didn’t expect him to score with a great header. Odegaard deserved more than 7 since he produced a great assist and was influential in midfield
Trossard produced an assist as well, but he couldn’t cut inside effectively from the right wing. Arteta had better remember his failed experiments with Willian and Nelson, before assigning Trossard on that side again
We could play a conventional RW at the beginning of a game if we have a pacey one, such as Adama Traore or Ismaila Sarr. Otherwise that type of winger would be more effective in the last thirty minutes of the games
My MOTM was Jesus because he forced Leeds to open up with his trickery and his second goal. Martinelli also made a brilliant work from the left wing, to produce an accurate pass for White
GAI, I think Trossard’s inclusion on the right was more or less forced on Arteta due to Saka not feeling too well pre match, as understand other players also were, which might explain a bit of a shabby first half.
Yeah, but Arteta could’ve used Vieira or Cozier-Duberry instead
Neither Odegaard nor Zinchenko were near their best, and defensively the latter was decidedly vulnerable particularly in the first half when we were exposed on a number of occasions.With a three goal lead I expected Arteta to give ESR and KT some much needed match practise rather to bring them on after 86mins ?
Thought Tierney had an injury!
Trossard was good but not “Man-Of-The-Match Good”
He had an assist – Martinelli had an assist
He tracked back – Martinelli always & did track back too
I might give the Man-Of-The-Match to Jesus, cos like you said: watching him again, he reminds us that we’ve forgotten what he brings/add to the team.
His first goal is what made this match easy for us.
AGREED GRANDAD. Both are having to play only mini minutes here and there, which helps no one much at all. It seems to be done just to say they have “played,” rather than because they were needed.
MA is in a dilemma as we have a superb 15/16 players but not much else worth having and he DOES need to rest key players but dare not, as he thinks!
Tierney OUGHT to be a regular and would be almost anywhere else.
Who would Tierney replace? Zinchenko?
Not a chance.
AGREED GRANDAD! ESR and KT are hardly used but need to be. We have a great but shallow squad of around only 15/16 who are worth keeping at our level. And we need to use them ALL but MA is reluctant, understandably,but DOES need to rest key players.
It boils down to us needing another 5/6 top class players around the team for quality depth and to get such mediocre players as Holding, Elneny, Soares and the other makeweights and deadwood, out the door for good.
I don’t agree with you, jon fox. Calling Holding a mediocore play is not quite fair. IMO Holding has done well in the games he has played this season. As far as I remember, when Holding during the last couple of seasons had less good games, then it was due to the fact that he was playing in a weaker defence than today. Holding did’nt have the same support from strong teammates. IMO Holding is a player we absolutely should keep. He is too good to let go. He knows the team an can go directly in and do a good job. I disagree with you that we do need 5/6 top class player around the team for quality depth. What IMO is more important is the fact that players coming in are able to adapt quickly to our system and if 6 new players are coming in I doubt we can retain our fluid playing system, where every player know each other very well, and know what to do in every situation. Too many new faces are not always desirable and can easily just cause unrest in the squad. A strong teamwork only strenghtened in a few 2-3 vital positions is IMO more preferable.
So you disagree then. Fine, it IS allowed! Especially on a forum specificalfy for fans opinions Forget Holding for now though as he is not first choice and imo wont remain long. What I find incredible is your opinion that we do NOT need 5 or 6 top quality players. We stillhave far too many in our squad or at least on our books even if on loan, who are plainly NOT the quality we need.
We need to get them gone and replace with far better Contrary to some Gooners who DENY we have been lucky with injuries this season, we will not get away with such a small squad of REAL quality, next season, in the CL.
You ask for 5 or 6 top quality players. We don´t buy top quality players to sit on the bench, so it will mean many new faces in the starting 11 which I do not prefer.
You say top 5/6 CLASS players in your first post.
Thank you for pointing that EXTREMELY important part out. Yes, some players like Tavares and Maitland-Niles should leave, but a team is not made up of eleven players only. – and incremental change is better.
jon, I too disagree on your assessmemt of Holding as a “mediocre player”. He has not let Arsenal or Arteta down when called upon. Very decisive in the air.
Holding is not mediocre. He is a valuable leader and backup central defender who gets unfairly maligned for ONE red card [watch that game again and you will see that he was left at sea by Cedric Soares at times].
He provides squad depth and experience and more importantly – Arteta sees him in training [we don’t] and has determined that he is the best player at this time to fill in for Saliba.
Holding is arguably the best backup central defender in the Premier League right now, and we are lucky to have him.
Are you still calling Holding mediocre despite his recent display in the absence of our main defender? Come jon! Holding is better than many defenders in the premier league right now. Since he came in for Saliba he’s yet to put his foot wrong.
Fair ratings and the halfs help. Could give ode a 7 . Arteta afforded Saka a huge breather, boy needed that ! 9 finals left. How close are we!
Odegaard was man marked, especially in the first half, and it worked out well for Leads. Good thing is right know even when one of our outstanding players is taken special care of, others come in like Jesus, Martinelli and White did. What a time to be an AFC supporter.
My rating
Gabriel M 8
Ramsdale 8
Jesus 9
OT: One cannot underestimate what a huge signing Jorgihno was. In games like this we are afforded the opportunity to give Partey a rest when in such control.
This could be the difference between an injury and losing the title to pushing on and claiming it.
It’s a fair rating in my opinion, is Tossard really a Belgian the kid work rate is amazing his understanding of the game is simply outstanding, the kid plays with what I call the Brazilian mentality
Tossard to a great deal why we are winning these games with such a large margin, with our front lines fit, it is going to pose a headache as to who starts ahead of him at Anfield
As pearce pointed out (in hopeful tones) arsenal have a habit of poor form after international breaks, so the first half an hours disorganised play was to be expected. In fairness to leeds they played well in that period, and it was down to ramsdale to keep us in it. A good counter, followed by a silly swing of a leg at jesus turned the game on its head. After that, another good move early in the second half and it was game over. Overall, considering past poor form after international breaks, the second half was relatively comfortable. Having said all that, we’ll have to do much better at liverpool because salah and co will punish us for any lapses, and half an hour of sloppy play will end with another thumping at their hands. Let’s hope not. Its tiring having to wear a disguise every time liverpool cream us at anfield! (I live on merseyside).
I’m not rating Martinelli until he beats, batters, roasts and buries Trent six feet under at Anfield. And I will not have it any other way.
In that case, you are an unfair and unrealistic fan!
WHAT?? In English please!!
I don’t understand why, at 3-0, he brought on Saka? Why not give the boy a rest and give ESR or Vieira or Nelson some more time? Seems an entirely unnecessary risk to take with our best player. Otherwise, it was a convincing scoreline but the amount of chances Leeds created was concerning and I was less than impressed with Zinchenko turning his back on the shot that deflected off him and went in. You have to stand square on and let it hit you.
That isn’t a realistic option, and never has been. I didnt turn quick enough on one occasion and caught a half volley partly on the top of my thigh – and the three piece suite took the rest. Apparently you could hear my scream three pitches away… Add into that, these days if the ball even brushes a hair on a players arm the ref is waving theatrically at the spot. Thus defeating the original aim of handball, punishing deliberate handling, while stopping forwards just blasting it at defenders hoping to strike an arm when they’ve run out of options.
MARGE, I do hope the “three piece suite” is still in serviceable order!
On handball, or to give its proper name , “ballhand” it has become a ridiculous farce I will be soon writing an article all about ballhand having taken over from handball, as it is still called, albeit so often incorrectly.
Football law makers are stupid and out of touch with fooball and human anatomy, (meaning arms and hands) reality.
I went on to be blessed with three children, so I think so! At the time though, when rational thought returned, I did think that would be out of the question. I once broke my wrist playing on a frozen pitch, and that was less painful!
The problem is that every law introduced in modern times has one eye on the armchair audience, and both players and officials views are ignored. Thus they make for ‘controversy’ and controversy keeps pundits in their jobs, sells satellite boxes and pays that ‘extra million’ in players wages. Thus we see laws that are increasingly subjective; offside, tackling, and of course handball. You cannot have subjective laws. You need objective laws handled with common sense. Anything subjective means there will be mistakes, and, you will never be able to rule them out. VAR or no VAR. I look forward to reading your piece on the issue.
👍Marge, “rational thought” falls by the wayside when big money is involved and “common sense” is not that common. As jon states the original intention behind hand ball has been lost.
Exactly. However, if you watch refs in the 1960s – 1970s common sense was abundant, with even the pundits admitting they usually got it right. It’s also refreshing to see, bar liverpool who pioneered it in english football, players not surrounding the ref every time a decision is given they don’t like. Indeed any lip was treated with a bollocking followed by a card. Of either colour. Refs back then though, were not subject to being pulled apart on a weekly basis by pundits looking to justify their worthless existence by creating ‘controversy’. They were also backed consistently by the FA, something consistently absent in the modern, big money, game. It’s not common sense that’s gone, is the introduction of ambiguity in the games laws, and lack of support for those expected to police them.
My condolences to your gentleman’s trouser trio. I watched the Newcastle vs Man Utd game today and saw Lisandro Martinez put hits hands behind his back and just stand there face-on and take the ball straight in the chest from near pointblank range. So, it is very possible, I think it just comes down to the individual’s mindset. Zinchenko turning as he did actually made it more likely to hit his arm as he had them behind his back.
That’s because you don’t always have the opportunity to turn! As for more chance of hitting your arm if you turn, as long as, as he did, your arms are tucked behind your back, the ref has less opportunity to give a penalty. Hence why you see players doing it whenever they can. It’s all very well saying a player should man up – until you’ve been caught full on yourself.
I played right-backs at Sunday League and in goal for 5-a-side. I basically made a very rubbish amateur football career of being hit in the face and knackers.
Trust Leandro Trossard. Trust the Process.
[Holding (7.5) The trepidation that followed the news that Saliba was injured was justified…]
Not justified at all. Same way fans expect Arsenal to score within five minutes of any game. No team can maintain the same level for ninety minutes – that is why it is a game.
Rob Holding may not be at the level of Magalhaes or Saliba – but he is a damn good central defender, and I am confident he can do a job at Anfield if Saliba is not back.
Also, Odegaard played much better than you are giving him credit for. Ditto Zinchenko.
The ratings are by far accurate. For me, the MOTM was Ramsdale apart from Jesus. His saves in the first half before we scored were crucial and he is always present to help the team out. Also, I am happy Holding is doing the job in Saliba’s absence. Hope he continues this way next week when we play Lierpool and handles their forwards.
People do have short memories dont they? While holding isnt down there with the senderos’s of this world, he has never been a regular c/h choice. Now this ‘could’ be because he has bad BO, he ‘might’ be an unfortunate with tourette’s, or, maybe, just maybe, it’s because he simply isnt good enough for managers to play him – unless they have no other choice? He’s done ‘okay’ in Salibas and others absence, but anyone who doesnt have the memory of a goldfish with a head injury, has seen him cost arsenal dear far too many times. If he plays against liverpool he needs to either give the performance of his life, or the gods need to be smiling on us. Either way offering a silent prayer may be in order… Of course if we do manage to get any sort of result, I reserve the right to be a total hypocrite and praise him to the skies.. 😉