The final international break of the season is over and Arsenal can get back to the tasks at hand. Most Gooners have put the League Cup loss behind them and are raring to back the lads in three remaining competitions.
The break was not without a manufactured controversy around Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty. Zubemendi, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Eze: Rice, Saka, Madueke, Hincapié, and Trossard were all deemed unfit to play. Conveniently overlooked in most cases, the national teams’ medical staff made these decisions. Not only that, but both Zubimendi and Hincapié played until they were withdrawn.
Not all Arsenal players sat out the break. Viktor Gyökeres had himself quite a time, with a hat trick against Ukraine and a winner against Poland. Christian Nørgaard, Ben White, Calafiori, Havertz, Mosquera all featured for their countries and Myles Lewis-Skelly played for England’s Under-21 team with Max Dowman in for the U19 side.
Who will suit up for this weekend’s FA Cup Quarter Final against Southampton is anyone’s guess. I know a lot of Gooners don’t rate this competition, but in my book, silverware is silverware, and Arsenal should grab as many as possible.
Should be a beautiful day at the pub and the late kickoff at noon means no excuses for not showing up. If you need an all-ages venue, we recommend the East Bay Gooners.
See you all at the pub!
COYG!
Best, Mark
PS: Hope to see some familiar faces Friday night for Loryn’s show (poster below) in North Beach.
Bay Area Gooners 