The appetizer for today's feast was the inevitable pummeling of third tier Wimbledon by our second string in the League Cup. It wasn't hugely impressive, but the outcome was never in doubt. Martinelli and Nketiah were dangerous, and the latter got the third goal with a delicious backheel that had both placement and power. Partey was our only regular starter on the field at kickoff, a clear message that we were resting the regulars for the NLD (that's North London Derby to those unfamiliar with English football, in which North London's two Premier League teams--Arsenal and Tottenham--clash).
The Tottenham game was virtually over at the half, as the Spuds failed to mark our mids and were all over the place when we were on the attack. There were encouraging signs that the offense is starting to click. The Gunners beat the press all first half, moved the ball rapidly into dangerous areas, and finished when required. The second half was not as good. Spurs did not quit, and Arsenal ceded possession for long stretches. Kane could have had a couple goals, but missed, and a foul on him just inside our penalty area was not called. I'm sure that was because the referee had not pointed to the spot a minute or so before after Gabriel was barged to the ground from behind in their area. He figured he was not going to call them unless they were obvious. Tottenham's goal was nice too. The game was a good watch for the most part.
Aubameyang looks to be rounding into form again. Saka, Smith Rowe, and Odegaard behind him were superb. Xhaka and Partey bossed the midfield, though Xhaka left the game after being injured (accidentally) on the play where Spurs scored. The defenders were solid; I really like the new boy Tomiyasu. Ramsdale in goal was great, and made at least two great saves. The players were very supportive of each other throughout. This result means that we're now level with Spurs on points and in tenth place. Three games ago, they were in first and we were dead last.
I'm looking forward to my co-author's account of the Brighton-Palace derby tomorrow.
DC United is in decent shape to make the playoffs after a demolition of Cincinnati. They earned a four goal lead and then lost focus, allowing a couple consolation goals. With six of the last nine games at home, where they have a good record, it's reasonable to hope for a postseason, though probably a short one.
County finally lost, to Altrincham 1-0. I really thought they'd be more dominant in the National League (England's fifth tier).
After a slow start this season, Arsenal seems to be rounding into shape. The opposite seems true for the Totts.
ReplyDeletePalace was unable to hold on to a lead, surrendered a late goal, and and had to settle for a single point against Brighton.
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw the game. It was heart-rending for Palace supporters. Your keeper made a horrible error in sending his goal kick to the left side when they'd set up for him to kick it right. The Brighton player one-timed that kick into just the right spot, which was an amazing bit of work, and Maupay (I hate that guy) made no mistake in lobbing it over the keeper, who compounded his original error by coming off his line for some reason. Until then, it looked as though the Seagulls did not have a goal in them. Palace could have scored one or two more but misfired at critical moments.
DeleteI had not realized the animosity that exists between these two clubs. The Gunners didn't mix it up with Spurs that much in their derby.
The Palace fans behaved rather boorishly. I found their behavior embarrassing. Are they trying to compete with the infamous Liverpool fans, since they can't seem to compete with the Liverpool team?
ReplyDeleteThat was truly low class, and I think the league will have to take action. It was the derby, and a last-kick goal cost Palace two points, so I understand the frustration, But throwing stuff is not cool.
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