Glorious!

What a weekend! Arsenal demolished City 5-1 and a packed Maggie McGarry’s was absolutely rocking. The Gunners’ dominant performance included goals from both our Hale End teenagers and if you’re like me, you’ve watched the highlights more than a few times. But if you haven’t, you owe it to yourself, to revel in that feeling again. Highlights here.

By virtue of this incredible win, the Patrick Dunphy memorial dollar bill remains in our possession. I will say, Gino, one of SF Man City Blues’ leaders, was gracious in defeat.

Tomorrow, Arsenal head to Newcastle for the second leg of their League Cup tie and they do so with a 2-goal deficit. A big ask, but perhaps the boost from Sunday’s victory will carry them through.

Thank you to everyone who turned up last weekend. I won’t be able to get to Maggie’s tomorrow and will see you next for Leicester on February 15th.

COYG!

Best, Mark.

It’s the time of the season

How you feeling Gooners? Arsenal overcame an absurd red card for wunderkind Myles Lewis Skelly and beat Wolves, 0-1 last weekend. Wednesday, they beat Girona, finalizing a place in the Champions League round of 16. Our other boy wonder, Ethan Nwaneri had a stunning goal to put us ahead for good. Highlights from the midweek match here.

The icing on the week’s cake was the FA upholding Arsenal’s appeal on Lewis Skelly’s red card. Which means he’s available Sunday if we need him.

Which brings us to Sunday and Manchester City. Since the infamous “stay humble” draw in September, Citeh have struggled, but regained their footing more recently.

Sadly, last weekend’s gutsy win had a pretty tepid turnout. You just know Mick and a smattering of Man City fans will be up for this weekend, so heed this call! If you only leave the house once this week, come to Maggie’s Sunday for the match!

Keep Maggie’s red! COYG!

Best, Mark.

Wolves v Arsenal Tomorrow

The Arsenal roller coaster continued Wednesday as the Gunners faced Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League “league” phase of the competition. They all but assured their place in the knockout stage with a 3-0 victory, though Girona FC awaits in a week’s time.

The win helped ease some of frustration left over from last weekend’s match against Villa, where Arsenal gave up a 2 goal lead and could not manage a late winner. Havertz had a last minute goal ruled out for handball and we all left the pub with a bitter taste in our mouths.

We’re back at Maggie’s Saturday as Arsenal take on Wolverhampton. Wolves sit just above the relegation zone and adding to the match drama, the Gunners have been linked to their forward, Matheus Cunha.

Your guess is as good as mine as to which Arsenal we’ll get, but I look forward to watching with you at the pub.

Best,

Mark

Back to winning ways?

Arsenal delivered a 2-1 win in the North London Derby Wednesday and’ a much needed boost to Gooners’ spirits.

There were definitely some nerves about the pub early on. Arsenal were rampant for the first 20 minutes, with nary a goal to show for it. While Spurs managed to take a 1-0 lead, despite not having more than a sniff of goal.

5 minutes before the half, Arsenal equalized and 4 minutes later took a lead they would never relinquish, courtesy of a lovely goal by Leonandro Trossard. All the highlights are here.

Which brings us to Saturday. Arsenal sit 4 points behind Liverpool (who have a game in hand), and welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates. The Villians have something Arsenal lack, namely strikers. Last season, the two teams split the spoils but the Gunners defeat in April had a significant impact on title hopes.

Hopefully, the Gunners can build on their mid-week triumph and continue to close the gap on the league leaders.

Great seeing everyone who managed to get out of work for Wednesday’s match. Late kickoff tomorrow, so hope to see a lot more of you.

Best,

Mark