Lens was shredded for four goals in the first half hour, and Arsenal cruised to victory over the club that beat them 2-1 earlier in group play. There were some really nice goals, too. This win means that we can rotate extensively in the sixth group game, since we're finishing top no matter what. With a crowded December schedule and several key injuries, that's big. Also big is the confidence boost that those goals give their scorers. Havertz must now feel he's in a groove. Odegaard and Jesus might feel they're back from their injuries. Saka and Martinelli continue their fine form, and Jorginho got his first Arsenal goal. I didn't read anything about new injuries (despite Lens's rough play) either. It's all good news.
From the highlights I saw, Man U was very unlucky to be held to a draw at Galatasaray. Only some awful goalkeeping from Onana allowed the Turks to get a point. They're now bottom of their group, but if they win at home against Bayern in two weeks, they may squeak through. Bayern has nothing to play for in the group (and looked it today), and United almost beat them in Munich, so it could happen. They'd also need a draw in the other game. Long odds, but not impossible. A loss would mean they were out of Europe entirely.
Notts County is still in the hunt for promotion, though it's way too early to speculate about their chances now. They're clearly one of the better teams in League 2.
Well, back to the Gunners. Sitting top of their ECL group and top of the EPL, they ought to be feeling pretty good about themselves. Their defense is among the best in the world. The attack is underperforming compared to last year, but as Arteta pointed out, Arsenal isn't sneaking up on anyone this year after the way they challenged for the title last year. Almost every opponent sets a low block and hopes to poach a goal off a counter or a mistake. Most clubs would be delighted with 0-0 against us even at home. So scoring is hard work, especially without a dominant center forward. But so far so good. I don't know what might happen in the January transfer window. Money could be tight. We have great depth in defense (including the keeper) even with Timber out for the season, but the midfield might be a trifle thin if another injury strikes. (Vieira is out for a couple months after surgery, Partey is always injured.) Our wingers are world class. But center forward is light against the top teams. Jesus is excellent, but he's small; Nketieh is inconsistent; Trossard is not really a CF. We never really replaced Giroud. But who's going to part with a proven goalscorer in January? I actually like our chances even without buying a big name (like Osimhen) who will probably be snapped up by Chelsea anyway.
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