HT. 0-0. Not good overall, but we've had some strong moments where we should have scored. It's been quite a cagey, bitty affair with play being disrupted a lot and both teams being quite physical/aggressive with each other. I still feel like the combinations on the RHS and LHS aren't there. Which I get because there's quite a few new players who are trying to get used to each other, but it makes our dynamics clunky. We need more rhythm and quicker build-up from deep. There are spaces in the pockets for a player like Nwaneri to thrive, but this midfield suggests Arteta is prioritising security and stability over attacking verve. I hope he comes on in the second half. Improvements needed.
Noni was unlucky to hit the woodwork, but he should have squared it for Gyokeres who would have had a tap in.
Gyokeres off for Trossard. The Swede had a good game considering the circumstances. Was unlucky with a couple of chances, won some fouls, played well with his back to goal, ran the channels and tried to get the wingers into the game with his associative play.
Great ball over the top from Trossard who plays it into Martinelli on the half way line, as Bilbao's defence pushes up, and he runs through on goal to put us 1-0 up.
FT. 0-2. Excellent result in a hostile atmosphere against a very decent team. We weren't good first half, but second half was better. Although the real impact was the substitutions. Martinelli and Trossard were superb when they came on - that's what having a competitive squad filled with depth does for you. Last year, we had Raheem Sterling coming off the bench. This year, we have Martinelli and Trossard, and we had Nwaneri and Dowman as options too. We didn't give anything away defensively and were clinical in the second half. Also, another shoutout to Mosquera. How the hell did we get him for £13m? He is absolutely sensational. My MotM tonight. Flawless display.
Tough game and an important result. Martinelli and Trossard changed the game. Brilliant from Martinelli particularly. Mosquera was excellent - i think he should keep his place now Madueke is a good signing. Direct and always dangerous. Timber good also. The rest ok/solid. Another game where i have been disappointed with Gyokeres, though. Two great chances missed and lacked movement. He was ok, but that is not the expectation for him.
Good result. First half was mediocre, second half was decent. I actually thought Gyokeres was good today and was annoyed he got brought off just when the game was getting stretched. Happy for Martinelli - i'm hoping this motivates him to really push for a starting place. Mosquera was flawless again.
One of the things that always surprises me - though maybe it should not - is how little fans know about football. Maybe its the generation that grew up playing computer games instead being out actually playing the game with their mates and then in Sunday/Saturday leagues. The latest is the 'Martinelli's finish was rubbish' narrative... from those that have slated him and cant give him credit despite winning the game for us. One of the very hardest shots for a goalkeeper to save is a shot low and close when they have their feet already planted. Strikers are trained to finish this way. It's an alternative to the finish that goes for the corner. Both have merits and a striker needs to decide which to use in the instant. Close in with limited time, the low and close to the keeper finish is often the preferred option. This used to be basic knowledge for anyone playing football years ago.
Yep, the thing that annoys me at the moment is the talk from Neville/Talksport etc. regarding Arsenal..The whole 'bottled it' thing. This idea that we are or were lacking the mentality to win the League. In 2023/24 we missed out by two points, if City had lost the last game of the Season they would have to talk about our team in a completely different way. The truth is sometimes a bit of luck is all that separates Winners and also-rans.
Regarding the Martinelli finish, it was lucky, a better goalkeeper saves that. Some finishers try to nutmeg the keeper (keeper can't move his feet once they are planted to make a save) but I think its such a risky thing to do. I don't think thats what Martinelli tried, I think he was hurried into taking his shot by the pursuing defender and he snatched at the shot. But even with all that said, Martinelli made the run, controlled the ball, stayed ahead of the defender and scored the goal so its a great goal. I think we were awful in the first half, when I saw the starting lineup I was fuming but I said, if Zubimendi is pushed forward and Rice sits thats ok because at least we will have some creativity. The reality was, even though Zubi was further forwards our midfield trio was nearly useless. Merino is like an invisible midfielder, Zubi was not assured at all plus, Eze was a passenger the entire half. One of the worst decisions I have seen in football, playing Eze wide left. Mosquera was fantastic in defence, I agree with Jay, he shouldn't lose his place to Saliba, but I know he will, Gyokeres had a decent game, I don't think he should've been expected to score either of the 2 chances he had but I do think he could've done better with the header. Madueke does the hard bit superbly but as usual there is zero end product, there comes a point where it becomes flattering to deceive, he needs to get goals and assists otherwise he is a waste of time. All in all we got the win I expected us to get, hopefully Arteta stops this foolishness with Eze out wide, he needs to be in midfield.
A nutmeg is not the finish strikers routinely adopt at close range - it's low and close to the side of the keeper. It's a high percentage finish when close in due to limited reaction times and the inability for keepers to get down to the shot. A keepers best chance is saving with his feet/legs, but if timed correctly when the keepers feet are planted and its harder. Going for corners is another option, but both are valid finishes. Going for corners is a little more difficult the closer in you are , though. Less gap.
