The announcement of two signings, three goals and a 3-1 win at Watford, now that's better!
After defeat to Liverpool and a goalless draw at champions Leicester, fans were left wondering whether the season could already be slipping away even though the new campaign is only in its infancy.
It could still prove not to be our year, but at least this much improved result, and the looming double signing of defender Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, at least gives us Gunners fans some hope.
Mustafi and Koscielny could potentially be an exciting centre-back pairing, although I have been impressed with the start youngster Rob Holding has made to his Arsenal career so there could be a healthy competition for places, especially with captain Per Mertesacker still to come back. Although he is our captain, I'd be happier with him being more of an experienced head we can call on from the bench rather than a regular starter now. As for Perez, if I'm honest I don't know too much about him. It could be a stroke of genius or he could flop, nobody really knows, but I am excited to see what he has to offer.
If the new signings can integrate into the squad soon after they arrive, and star men Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil can build on their impressive displays against the Hornets, maybe there is reason to be optimistic at the Emirates. I still feel it is going to be a long old season but you never know!
If Arsenal are to have success this season then they will need to perform more like they did in the first half against Watford. The Gunners took just nine minutes to get on the scoresheet when they were awarded a penalty. Sanchez latched onto a fine lofted pass from Ozil before being clattered in the box by the arm of Nordin Amrabat. Santi Cazorla stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick and slotted it into the middle of the net.
Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure and almost extended their advantage through Theo Walcott, only for Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to deny the England man from close range.
At the other end Petr Cech also had to be alert in the Arsenal goal as he produced a superb reaction save to keep out a deflection off Kosicelny's boot to preserve the visitor's lead. It was then back to the turn of Gomes, who did well to save shots from Sanchez and Ozil.
But the Gunners weren't to be denied soon after as two goals before half-time put the visitors in firm control of the contest. Sanchez latched onto Walcott's cross before flicking the ball beyond Gomes from close range after 40 minutes following a good team move involving the duo and Hector Bellerin.
Two soon became three on the stroke of half-time. Gomes denied Walcott a minute before Ozil headed in Sanchez's cross to put the result beyond doubt.
Arsenal tried to add to their tally in the early stages of the second half, but Walcott sent a shot across the face of goal.
Substitute Roberto Pereyra pulled a goal back for the hosts after 57 minutes. With the ball ricocheting around in the box Etienne Capoue saw his shot blocked and Pereyra was on hand to score from the rebound.
In the end the win was rather routine for Arsenal, but there could've been a much nervier end to the game had Cech not come to the rescue with a great double save. Cech beat away Jose Holebas' powerful strike from outside the box before reacting quickly to block the follow up from Odion Ighalo. Ighalo later sent an overhead kick over the bar as Watford again tried, but failed, to find a way back into the game.
Arsenal could've added further gloss to the scoreline before the end, but Sanchez's effort was comfortably saved by Gomes.
The Gunners' dominant first half proved decisive and it is almost a shame that it is now time for an international break now that we finally have kick-started our season with a decent performance.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Watford fan Paul Caygill admitted his side were beaten by the better team, but believes they improved as the game went on.
"First half we weren't at the races and just couldn't cope with Arsenal," said Caygill. We were much better second half and Pereyra looks a great signing.
"Arsenal had Ozil pulling the strings in midfield, Xhaka looks like a great signing for them and they were very confident.
"I think we will be okay this season. We were always going to find it hard with the start we had, but with the starting 11 now we will be okay."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
At this stage of the season I had hoped to be on a higher points tally than we are despite the difficult start we were given, but at least we are finally up and running now. Four points from a possible nine is far from ideal, but it could've been worse.
It is a shame we don't get to build on the performance against Watford immediately, but we must make sure that after the international break is over we are fully ready for the visit of Southampton.
It will be interesting to see how the new signings get on, but I will reserve judgement on them until they have had at least a few games in an Arsenal shirt. I also hope this is the start of a great season for Sanchez as he is going to be key if we are to succeed this season.
Southampton is a team we took just one point off last season so we will certainly need to be at the top of our game if we are to make sure we gain revenge and claim our second successive win of the new campaign.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 28 August 2016
Sunday, 21 August 2016
Gunners hold champions Foxes
A point away at the champions should feel better than this but there was a sense of frustration following Arsenal's goalless draw at Leicester.
Arsenal defended well for large parts of the game, with Laurent Koscielny and Rob Holding particularly impressing, but we really didn't create enough in attack with Kasper Schmeichel not having all that much to do in the Leicester goal.
If it wasn't for what looked like an incorrect call the referee we could have ended up with nothing from the game, so from that point of view a point isn't all that bad. But, when you consider, we lost our opening game to Liverpool, one point from the opening two matches isn't good. We always knew they were going to be two tough games, but one point isn't a good return and we need to improve quickly.
Seeing Mesut Ozil on the bench was frustrating, while Alexis Sanchez seemed a shadow of his former self in attack. The performances of Petr Cech and the back four were the main positives from the game as in attack we did little to impress.
The first half saw very few chances for both sides, with the only real talking point being a penalty shout for Leicester just before the break. Koscielny slid in to deny Danny Drinkwater and on first viewing I was nervous about the outcome. Referee Mark Clattenburg waved away the protests and replays show it was in fact an excellently timed challenge by Koscielny.
The referee had another big call to make within 10 minutes of the restart after Francis Coquelin tripped Riyad Mahrez just outside the box. With Coquelin already on a yellow card some sections of the crowd wanted him dismissed. It wasn't malicious or anything, but did look to be a foul. Fortunately Coquelin stayed on and Mahrez sent his free-kick just over the bar.
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin tried his luck from distance by his effort was well saved by Schmeichel, while at the other end Jamie Vardy raced through one-on-one only to shoot wide, with Koscielny appearing to do just about enough to put him off.
Ozil came off the bench and almost scored a late goal after latching onto Sanchez's through-ball, but his shot was kept out by Schmeichel.
With just three minutes of normal time remaining, the Gunners were given a big let off when Clattenburg failed to award Leicester a penalty. Bellerin appeared to foul Foxes' substitute Ahmed Musa in the box but nothing was given, much to the relief of the visiting supporters.
Leicester nearly overcame that setback to snatch an injury time winner but Cech produced a fine save to keep out Mahrez and ensure both sides took a share of the spoils.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Jack Kinsey believes it was a decent performance considering it is early in the season, although he did feel his side should have had a penalty.
"I think you could tell from the off that both teams really wanted it and went out all guns blazing by the pace the game was played," said Kinsey. "It is a good sign for Leicester fans because it shows we're still in that mind-set of going out with intent.
"Both teams lacked finesse and I believe the first penalty call was correct and the second was wrong!
"Not a bad game considering it's the start of the season. I look forward to the next few games."
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is still early days but, with one point from the opening two games, some people are already saying this is the same old from Arsenal and that Arsene Wenger's men won't challenge for the title.
We actually have a decent squad, but I feel we need to add another centre-back and a striker if we are to compete more seriously for Premier League honours. I was also surprised to see Joel Campbell depart on loan to Sporting Lisbon because whenever he plays he tends to impress and he had looked lively in pre-season and a decent options. We really must add to our squad now no excuses!
In reality it is far too early to write any side off yet, but we definitely need to bolster our attacking options if we are to make the most of the spells in games where we are on top.
Our last fixture of the month sees us travel to Watford. Without being disrespectful to the opposition this is a match I would fully expect us to win, but I'm taking nothing for granted and know we can take nothing for granted.
We need to step things up a gear if we are to show Watford and the rest of the Premier League that we mean business.
It may be early days, but we really do need one hell of a performance in the next game and we need the likes of Sanchez to recapture their best form.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Arsenal defended well for large parts of the game, with Laurent Koscielny and Rob Holding particularly impressing, but we really didn't create enough in attack with Kasper Schmeichel not having all that much to do in the Leicester goal.
If it wasn't for what looked like an incorrect call the referee we could have ended up with nothing from the game, so from that point of view a point isn't all that bad. But, when you consider, we lost our opening game to Liverpool, one point from the opening two matches isn't good. We always knew they were going to be two tough games, but one point isn't a good return and we need to improve quickly.
Seeing Mesut Ozil on the bench was frustrating, while Alexis Sanchez seemed a shadow of his former self in attack. The performances of Petr Cech and the back four were the main positives from the game as in attack we did little to impress.
The first half saw very few chances for both sides, with the only real talking point being a penalty shout for Leicester just before the break. Koscielny slid in to deny Danny Drinkwater and on first viewing I was nervous about the outcome. Referee Mark Clattenburg waved away the protests and replays show it was in fact an excellently timed challenge by Koscielny.
The referee had another big call to make within 10 minutes of the restart after Francis Coquelin tripped Riyad Mahrez just outside the box. With Coquelin already on a yellow card some sections of the crowd wanted him dismissed. It wasn't malicious or anything, but did look to be a foul. Fortunately Coquelin stayed on and Mahrez sent his free-kick just over the bar.
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin tried his luck from distance by his effort was well saved by Schmeichel, while at the other end Jamie Vardy raced through one-on-one only to shoot wide, with Koscielny appearing to do just about enough to put him off.
Ozil came off the bench and almost scored a late goal after latching onto Sanchez's through-ball, but his shot was kept out by Schmeichel.
With just three minutes of normal time remaining, the Gunners were given a big let off when Clattenburg failed to award Leicester a penalty. Bellerin appeared to foul Foxes' substitute Ahmed Musa in the box but nothing was given, much to the relief of the visiting supporters.
Leicester nearly overcame that setback to snatch an injury time winner but Cech produced a fine save to keep out Mahrez and ensure both sides took a share of the spoils.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Leicester fan Jack Kinsey believes it was a decent performance considering it is early in the season, although he did feel his side should have had a penalty.
"I think you could tell from the off that both teams really wanted it and went out all guns blazing by the pace the game was played," said Kinsey. "It is a good sign for Leicester fans because it shows we're still in that mind-set of going out with intent.
"Both teams lacked finesse and I believe the first penalty call was correct and the second was wrong!
"Not a bad game considering it's the start of the season. I look forward to the next few games."
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is still early days but, with one point from the opening two games, some people are already saying this is the same old from Arsenal and that Arsene Wenger's men won't challenge for the title.
We actually have a decent squad, but I feel we need to add another centre-back and a striker if we are to compete more seriously for Premier League honours. I was also surprised to see Joel Campbell depart on loan to Sporting Lisbon because whenever he plays he tends to impress and he had looked lively in pre-season and a decent options. We really must add to our squad now no excuses!
In reality it is far too early to write any side off yet, but we definitely need to bolster our attacking options if we are to make the most of the spells in games where we are on top.
Our last fixture of the month sees us travel to Watford. Without being disrespectful to the opposition this is a match I would fully expect us to win, but I'm taking nothing for granted and know we can take nothing for granted.
We need to step things up a gear if we are to show Watford and the rest of the Premier League that we mean business.
It may be early days, but we really do need one hell of a performance in the next game and we need the likes of Sanchez to recapture their best form.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Sunday, 14 August 2016
Class Coutinho frustrates Gunners
Philippe Coutinho orchestrated a Liverpool fightback and left Arsenal on the wrong end of a 4-3 home defeat on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
Theo Walcott saw his penalty save before moments later opening the scoring shortly after the half hour mark, but Coutinho's delightful free-kick on the stroke of half-time totally changed the complexion of the game.
Adam Lallana put Liverpool ahead within four minutes of the restart before Coutinho added his second of the afternoon. Liverpool new-boy Sadio Mane put the visitors in firm control before substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled a goal back for Arsene Wenger's men.
Calum Chambers headed home 15 minutes from time to ensure a nervy finish, but Liverpool held on and as early as game one Arsenal's title challenge has already suffered a big blow.
With the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all unavailable it was always going to be difficult for Arsenal, but the hosts looked like the side more in control of the game in the first half.
When Walcott saw his penalty saved by Simon Mignolet it already felt like it wasn't going to be our day, but when the forward latched onto Alex Iwobi's pass to open the scoring I wondered maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of a good afternoon. That wasn't the case.
Despite seeming more in control of the first half we couldn't hold on until half-time. Liverpool were awarded with what looked at first glance like a very soft free-kick. Either way, the way in which it was executed by Coutinho was sublime and it was a truly great goal to get Liverpool back into the game.
All Arsenal's hard work was then totally undone within 12 minutes of the restart as Liverpool raced into a 3-1 lead. It was a deserved lead though as the visitors really did step things up a gear in the second half. Once again Coutinho was involved as his flick released Georginio Wijnaldum, who crossed for Lallana to fire home. Two soon became three as Nathaniel Clyne set up Coutinho to score his second before Mane fired a shot into the top corner.
I couldn't believe how dramatically the game had changed. Although I always knew the game would be tough, I didn't expect it to unfold in quite the way it was happening.
Arsenal were given a glimmer of hope after 64 minutes when Oxlade-Chamberlain ran between two defenders before cutting inside and sending a shot beyond Mignolet. Even with a possible comeback now on, I still couldn't see beyond anything other than a Liverpool win.
Chambers headed in from Cazorla's free-kick and with the score now at 4-3 and 15 minutes still remaining I really should have been filled with more hope of at least snatching a draw. Instead, even then, I wasn't really feeling like it could be our day and so it proved to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Liverpool fan Darren Warburton was in positive mood after the match.
"Liverpool going into the game on the back of a good pre-season and the squad looking in good shape," said Warburton. "I was feeling quietly confident going into the game and after seeing a weakened Arsenal defence.
"The game started pretty slowly – with very little chances and both teams cancelling each other out.
"Arsenal were growing into the game and were taking advantage of Liverpool's weakness in Alberto Moreno. This was then rewarded with a rash tackle in the area and gave Theo Walcott the opportunity to open Arsenals account. Not looking overly confident and a poor penalty and let off for Liverpool. Arsenal then won the ball back and Moreno was so far out position and punished more poor defending.
"Thankfully some pure magic by the Brazilian Magician allowed Liverpool to equalise with a stunning free-kick on the stroke of half-time. This combined with a Klopp rollicking (likely) meant Liverpool came out a different beast – scoring some wonderful goals to go 4-1 up. Sadio Mane the pick of the bunch with a great individual goal.
"Some would say game over, as Liverpool were looking comfortable and Arsenal fans already calling for Wenger's head! Some would say this, but there is a reason this is the best league in the world.
"Arsenal scored a very quick reply and then with 15 minutes to go Chambers added a 3rd to make for a tense finish, but Liverpool held out.
Both teams have great attacking talent, but as the score line suggests both will probably fall short of the title due to defensive frailties.
"What a game and start to the Premier league – oh how we have missed you."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It is far too early to be able to make firm conclusions about Arsenal's title credentials, but it remains clear that we still need to buy another one or two experienced players of high quality. Whether or not we will is another matter. After opening weekend disappointment, we must make sure we travel to champions Leicester and get nothing other than three points, something we managed successfully last season. If we are to avoid it turning into yet another frustrating season we need to hit the ground running starting now and win our back-to-back away games against the Foxes and Watford. There are no excuses.
Many will say it is more of the same old story from Arsenal and in some ways it is hard to argue with it. Arsene Wenger and the players need to up their game and prove us all wrong and that the Liverpool defeat was merely a blip. Will they do this? Who knows, let's wait and see but we definitely need to see a better showing in the next game.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
Theo Walcott saw his penalty save before moments later opening the scoring shortly after the half hour mark, but Coutinho's delightful free-kick on the stroke of half-time totally changed the complexion of the game.
Adam Lallana put Liverpool ahead within four minutes of the restart before Coutinho added his second of the afternoon. Liverpool new-boy Sadio Mane put the visitors in firm control before substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled a goal back for Arsene Wenger's men.
Calum Chambers headed home 15 minutes from time to ensure a nervy finish, but Liverpool held on and as early as game one Arsenal's title challenge has already suffered a big blow.
With the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all unavailable it was always going to be difficult for Arsenal, but the hosts looked like the side more in control of the game in the first half.
When Walcott saw his penalty saved by Simon Mignolet it already felt like it wasn't going to be our day, but when the forward latched onto Alex Iwobi's pass to open the scoring I wondered maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of a good afternoon. That wasn't the case.
Despite seeming more in control of the first half we couldn't hold on until half-time. Liverpool were awarded with what looked at first glance like a very soft free-kick. Either way, the way in which it was executed by Coutinho was sublime and it was a truly great goal to get Liverpool back into the game.
All Arsenal's hard work was then totally undone within 12 minutes of the restart as Liverpool raced into a 3-1 lead. It was a deserved lead though as the visitors really did step things up a gear in the second half. Once again Coutinho was involved as his flick released Georginio Wijnaldum, who crossed for Lallana to fire home. Two soon became three as Nathaniel Clyne set up Coutinho to score his second before Mane fired a shot into the top corner.
I couldn't believe how dramatically the game had changed. Although I always knew the game would be tough, I didn't expect it to unfold in quite the way it was happening.
Arsenal were given a glimmer of hope after 64 minutes when Oxlade-Chamberlain ran between two defenders before cutting inside and sending a shot beyond Mignolet. Even with a possible comeback now on, I still couldn't see beyond anything other than a Liverpool win.
Chambers headed in from Cazorla's free-kick and with the score now at 4-3 and 15 minutes still remaining I really should have been filled with more hope of at least snatching a draw. Instead, even then, I wasn't really feeling like it could be our day and so it proved to be.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Liverpool fan Darren Warburton was in positive mood after the match.
"Liverpool going into the game on the back of a good pre-season and the squad looking in good shape," said Warburton. "I was feeling quietly confident going into the game and after seeing a weakened Arsenal defence.
"The game started pretty slowly – with very little chances and both teams cancelling each other out.
"Arsenal were growing into the game and were taking advantage of Liverpool's weakness in Alberto Moreno. This was then rewarded with a rash tackle in the area and gave Theo Walcott the opportunity to open Arsenals account. Not looking overly confident and a poor penalty and let off for Liverpool. Arsenal then won the ball back and Moreno was so far out position and punished more poor defending.
"Thankfully some pure magic by the Brazilian Magician allowed Liverpool to equalise with a stunning free-kick on the stroke of half-time. This combined with a Klopp rollicking (likely) meant Liverpool came out a different beast – scoring some wonderful goals to go 4-1 up. Sadio Mane the pick of the bunch with a great individual goal.
"Some would say game over, as Liverpool were looking comfortable and Arsenal fans already calling for Wenger's head! Some would say this, but there is a reason this is the best league in the world.
"Arsenal scored a very quick reply and then with 15 minutes to go Chambers added a 3rd to make for a tense finish, but Liverpool held out.
Both teams have great attacking talent, but as the score line suggests both will probably fall short of the title due to defensive frailties.
"What a game and start to the Premier league – oh how we have missed you."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It is far too early to be able to make firm conclusions about Arsenal's title credentials, but it remains clear that we still need to buy another one or two experienced players of high quality. Whether or not we will is another matter. After opening weekend disappointment, we must make sure we travel to champions Leicester and get nothing other than three points, something we managed successfully last season. If we are to avoid it turning into yet another frustrating season we need to hit the ground running starting now and win our back-to-back away games against the Foxes and Watford. There are no excuses.
Many will say it is more of the same old story from Arsenal and in some ways it is hard to argue with it. Arsene Wenger and the players need to up their game and prove us all wrong and that the Liverpool defeat was merely a blip. Will they do this? Who knows, let's wait and see but we definitely need to see a better showing in the next game.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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