please log in to view this image Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Saturday 28th October 2023 KO time: 15:00 BST Overall Record Wins: 51 Losses: 40 Draws: 27 Last six meetings Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield United Sheffield United 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup) Arsenal 1-1 Sheffield United Sheffield United 1-0 Arsenal Arsenal 6-0 Sheffield United (League Cup) please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Rice, Havertz and Smith-Rowe as a midfield 3 lacks dynamism, athleticism and defensive structure. Really not sure about that at all.
23 minutes gone and apart from the sharp opening 5 minutes, this really hasn’t been good enough. Passing is too slow and methodical, we’re getting caught out with sloppy passing, and Sheffield United - though they haven’t threatened our goal - are being able to move up the pitch with minimal fuss. Our counterpressing isn’t there. Need to find a way of breaking the lines through central areas or switching play to stretch them because that’s been the best way to open up this low block.
1-0. Nketiah. That’s a really good finish. Some good patient build-up, Rice chips in a low, disguised ball into Nketiah who controls it well and finishes it past Foderingham superbly. Nice, let’s kick on now.
HT. 1-0. We’ve been a lot better since scoring, but our actions in the final third are still not good enough. They’ve given us space and chances to kill them this half, and we keep letting them off the hook with wayward finishing, poorly timed cut-backs or weak crosses when entering their penalty box. For a team that is seriously struggling and have got a plethora of injuries across the board, we should be taking advantage of their troubles. This isn’t a convincing enough performance from us.
2-0. Early goal in the second half from Nketiah. Good delivery into a dangerous areafrom Saka, Foderingham drops the ball under pressure and Nketiah is there to snap up that loose ball into the top corner of the net. VAR checking the goal, though I’m not sure what for? There’s nothing wrong with the goal…yep, check complete.
Wow! What a goal from Eddie to complete the hat trick! That’s an exceptional shot from outside the box and what a goal!
4-0. Fabio Vieira from the spot. Vieira was the one who won the penalty, as Norwood catches him on his Achilles on the edge of the box. Don’t know how the referee misses it in real time as it was right in front of him. Not sure why the referee needed so long to look at the VAR review either, as it was pretty clear, but at least right decision was made in the end. Job done. Very good second half from us, to be fair.
10 minutes of additional time?! Where’s that come from? ah well, let’s try to get another if we’ve still got another 10 to go.
Trossard’s had a really good cameo since coming on. Extremely lively, skilful and added some chaos to our attack.
Havertz has also had a decent game. Not been amazing, but he’s shown more than what he usually does. Interchanged well with Saka and made some really smart passes. Unlucky to not have an assist today.
5-0! Tomiyasu! His first ever Arsenal goal! Can’t think of a more popular goal scorer. What a player. So happy for him. You can see the huge grin on his face. He deserves that.
FT. 5-0. A perfect afternoon. Rotated team, no injuries, good subs, clean sheet and a fantastic result and (eventually) performance in the end. Nketiah led the line superbly. His first ever Premier League hat trick and what a goal it was to seal it. Stunning 25-yard strike. Kiwior came in for Gabriel and you could barely tell the difference. White and Zinchenko did their jobs. Thought Rice was a bit sloppy in the first half, but was excellent in the second. Martinelli was a lot livelier than Saka, but Saka didn't have a bad game. Havertz was decent enough. ESR showed a lot of endeavour and promise, but still seems to lack a bit of sharpness. Needs more minutes to get the best out of him IMO. We should play him against West Ham in midweek. In any case, there was no individual bad performances and we were comfortable all day. Shame most of our games this season will never be that easy, but we should enjoy days like this when we can. On we roll
Good result. Thought Rice was exceptional again. Eddie scores some lovely goals. Thought ESR looked really good today.