ARS 3-0 LIlle and NFO 0-1 ARS: Catching up.

 I've been traveling and was not able to see these games.  But having seen highlights and reports, I have to say I'm wondering where the goals are going to come from.  We aren't "easy to play against" like some earlier versions of Arsenal, but we are eminently possible to defend against.  There's no point criticizing the players or the manager; this is the squad Arteta built and it's immensely talented at everything but putting the ball in the opponent's net.  Maybe it'll click soon and we'll be free-scoring, both in open play and on set pieces.  I can only hope.  

Meanwhile, we're doing quite well except for the Brighton loss.  Bayern tomorrow, and I can watch that one.  I have to say that Paramount's Golazo Show is fabulous if your team isn't playing then.  There were a bunch of goals, most of them lovely, today.  A great watch.  

ARS 2-1 LEE: Deep Depth

 The late great manager of the Orioles, Earl Weaver, got so bored with questions about how deep his squad was that he just said he had "deep depth" and laughed.  Arsenal's depth told in this game for sure.  The scoreless first half was almost sterile, particularly for the Arsenal attack.  We looked better after the break, but Leeds drew first blood on a very nice "hustle" goal.  (Madueke's lack of hustle getting back to mark Justin played a part.)  Mikel readied three subs, but just before he could make them, Calafiori bounced a shot past Trafford to equalize.  Then, not long after Guimaraes came on for MLS, he slotted a fine shot into the left corner after a slick move that culminated in a backheel flick to the open Bruno G in front of goal.  His second game-winning goal in our six League games (Sunderland was the other).  It never looked as though Leeds was going to get back into it.  They played well, but had expended so much energy that our subs overran them.  Subs at Leeds are not usually starting for a reason.  We looked very comfortable after the winner.

On the Havertz vs Gyokeres controversy, look at the goalscorers today:  a left back and a defensive midfielder.  I'd give Gyok more minutes based on his Sweden performances, but I have no expectations that either will be scoring prolifically.  If they get 25-30 between them in the league, that is fantastic.  We usually spread the scoring around.  Someone needs to do what Martinelli and Trossard did with end product.

BHA 3-0 ARS: It Could Have Been Worse

 Honestly, Brighton was just better.  They pressed effectively, they moved the ball around quickly, and their two first half goals were fantastic strikes from distance that kissed the post on the way in.  They defended well when we were attacking, too.  That's our best eleven out there.  The only criticism I'll make is that we usually have more help from midfield in those shot situations; the shooters had too much time and space.  That takes nothing away from the perfect strikes, though.  The beat-down was complete when a Brighton man (Chema) rose uncontested to nod in from a corner--of course the ball clipped the post on the way in.

From the first minute to the last, there was never a spell of possession we had that I thought we were going to score from.  The best chance was very late when Gyok sprang Havertz into a one-on-one with the keeper, and Kai hit it straight at him when he should have scored.  Brighton had chances almost as good that they didn't cash in on, too.  The scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.  We did not look like champions.  I hope we can absorb some lessons from this for the stretch after the international break.

Goodbye, Sam

 My co-author, who reported on Crystal Palace, passed away just twelve days before the Eagles lifted their first European trophy.  I will miss him.

IPS 2-4 ARS (League Cup): Perfect Day for the Gunners

 We rested important players, gave valuable experience to young guys (at the end, there were five teenagers out there for us), and cruised due to insane efficiency.  There were no off-target shots.  Six were blocked, six were on target, and four of those went in.  Dowman got two goals, the first of which was sublime.  Merino banged one in off the post from range.  Madueke finished beautifully for our second.  Ipswich got their goals after the game was decided, and one of them was scored by former gunner Akpom.  Arteta will use the footage to show how our young guys can improve.  Great day for the club.

It was not a great day for Viktor Gyokeres, who I thought was poor.  He did not appear to be trying to get on the end of anything.  I was disappointed with Eze too, but he was more involved.  

SUN 0-2 ARS: A Test of Character, Passed

 This was a hard watch.  The Black Cats matched us physically.  Their big boys were formidable.  Brobbey's holdup play was excellent, and former Gunner youth prospect Dan Ballard was a force at both ends.  Xhaka was strong in midfield, as you'd expect.  Sunderland's game plan was working, so credit to their manager as well as their players.  We had more of the ball, as you'd expect, and a few more chances, but over the course of the game I'd have to admit that had we had to settle for a draw it would not have been a gross injustice.  But the penalty call on Konsa was bullshit.  Ballard grabbed him and pulled him over on top of him as he purposely went to ground.  Fortunately, Raya made a fantastic save to keep it scoreless, and two minutes later Guimaraes fired a perfect strike from 22 yards that went in off the underside of the crossbar.  The home crowd was silenced by this wonderful goal by the former Newcastle man.  Credit to the opponents, though, they made us sweat until the very end, bringing more heroics out of Raya right up until Saka was pulled and tripped for a PK and the final two goal margin at the end of added time.

So, six games played, six games won.  The Coventry game was comfortable, as was the Shield win in the end, but everything else was plenty tough.  We could do with some better finishing, that's for sure.  Our defending is top class.

Positives include Timber's return to the squad, seemingly in great form.  White had to limp off at the half and that's a worry.  Konsa was once again solid.

NAP 0-1 ARS: Missed Chances, But Three Points

 After 75 minutes of sterile domination, our captain banged one in from 22 yards to win what should have been a much more comfortable contest.  Check out the stats:

We had an xG over 4 but chance after chance was blazed over the bar.  For instance, Saka missed when you'd have expected him to bury it.  Well, all's well that ends well.  Gyokeres started and played a good game, the ball sticking with him when it had to.  Eze was out left and he played his part.  But Odegaard ran the show expertly.  Konsa was imperious, putting in a performance worthy of Saliba.  I wonder if Ben White, Rice, Saka, and Odegaard are being overused again.  But this game wasn't really testing; it was actually a bit ponderous.  Everyone should have enough in the tank to deal with Sunderland this weekend.