The Bees had a great game plan and it almost worked. They soaked up pressure (though truth to tell it wasn't intense) and looked for countering opportunities. They also pressed Ramsdale every chance they got and he nearly gifted them a goal in the first half. But the breakthrough came in the 89th minute via a superb Saka cross and ruthless header from Havertz. We had to clear the ball off the line twice. The Gunners were far from their best but it was good enough to leapfrog Liverpool and City, who drew against each other in the early game, into first place. It's Lens up next mid-week then Wolves on Saturday.
This was Arteta's 200th game in charge of Arsenal, and has the best record in the first 200 games of any Arsenal manager. Just the one FA Cup so far, but not too shabby.
CP continues to play poorly on both sides of the field, losing to Luton 2-1, their 4th loss in their last five matches. Their defense is alarmingly porous. This is the easy part of their schedule, and they should be fattening up on points instead of zeroing out.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it is a minor blessing that I have been able to see so little of the live action of their matches on the tube.
From what I saw in the highlights, Palace was snakebitten in that game. Eze went down injured, a goal for them was disallowed, and they hit the post at least once. But sure, giving up two goals to Luton is not great.
DeleteArsenal is deservedly at the top of the table and looking good.
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