ARS 3-0 FUL: Finally, a Complete Performance

 As in the Newcastle game, we got an early goal.  But whereas we could not put the Magpies to the sword, we put two more past the Cottagers in the first half to make the game safe (and add to the goal difference).  We had additional chances too, but offsides and lucky blocks kept us from scoring more.  Hey, I'd have taken 3-0 before the game started.  Calafiori started and was very good.  MLS started in midfield and was fine.  Eze was great in the first half but faded in the second.  Saka started and was magnificent, assisting on the first goal and scoring the second.  Gyokeres scored twice and assisted Saka on his goal, bringing his goal scoring tally in all competitions to 21.  Madueke came in for Saka for the second half and was lively.  Zubimendi was on the bench until minute 64.  Trossard played the whole game, which suggests he won't be starting Tuesday.  We got some Max Dowman in the second half and he supplied some danger from midfield, coming in for Eze.

Arteta's team selection was spot on, and his tactics very effective.  Calafiori was obviously told to get forward and had the ball in the net (chalked off for offside) once.  Saka was the key, breaking the game open with his brilliant cross to assist Gyok (see photo for goal) and fantastic finish when Gyok found him beautifully.  Trossard had the assist on Gyok's second (Arsenal's third), an excellent header.

The squad should be confident and sharp for our game with Atletico.  It better be, because they're very tough in cup competitions.

OL 3-1 ARS Women (4-3 aggregate): Lyon Just Too Good

 The Gunners gave a good account of themselves, but both individually and as a team, we were outplayed today to lose our semifinal with a very impressive Lyon.  We dodged a bullet when Lyon's first goal, off a corner (they looked like scoring on every one), was chalked off for an offside (wrongly in my opinion).  We looked to have dodged another bullet when von Domsselar saved a Renard penalty, but she'd come off her line before the save.  It was retaken and the tie was all square.  Then, off a corner, a back post shot beat our keeper (she should have done better) and we were behind in the tie.  In the second half, Arsenal looked more dangerous.  We hit the woodwork twice, and the ball beat their keeper (an OG I think) off a dangerous cross, and we were all square again.  But one last superb play from Lyon won it for them, as their scorer was (after a ridiculously long delay) been adjudged to have been onside, despite the on-field offside call.  It was very close.

I think the better team went to the final, but I'm obviously disappointed.  VAR got most of the calls right in the end, but it took forever.  The Gunners should feel good about their effort, I think.