Sh*t gets Real

Arsenal drew against United, completely unable to break down the low block and wasteful in the final third. A few days later, the Gunners drew again against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League second leg. However on the strength of their 7-1 win in the first leg, they won the right to play Real Madrid in the Quarter Finals.

Despite Liverpool as Premier League Champions looking like a foregone conclusion, Arsenal still have 10 matches left in the season and need to get back to their winning ways to ensure another top 4 finish.

Seeing Martinelli back in the fray was encouraging and Sterling was actually surprising in his efforts. Hopefully this Sunday, we can put Chelsea to the sword. .

Look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday! COYG!

Best, Mark.

Old familiar places

Wow. Arsenal made skipping work Tuesday totally worthwhile and put 7 past PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League match up. You can relive the highlights here.

Now if they can bring some of that energy (and goal scoring) to Old Trafford Sunday. We’ve not had a great league record there and we owe United revenge for knocking us out of the FA Cup earlier this year.

Both sides are beset by injuries though United is currently floundering in 14th while Arsenal are in second. I don’t get why some fans don’t appreciate our place in the table, given how dramatically shorthanded we’ve been.

Attendance at Maggie’s has dipped a bit in recent weeks, but it’s a luxurious 9:30 am start Sunday, and I expect a good turnout. It’s also a perfect opportunity for you to pick up our new Bay Area Gooners t-shirt, while supplies last. Our amazing designer, Holly Hickman, knocked it out of the park again, with this one.

Screenshot

I look forward to seeing you this weekend! COYG!

Best, Mark.

Arsenal’s March towards?

March is here and looking unlikely that Arsenal will hoist the Premier League trophy this season. Particularly following the loss to West Ham and subsequent toothless draw at Nottingham Forest. Our injuries and lack of an out and out striker seemingly doomed us to be also-rans again.

But we’re still in the thick of the Champions League, with the first of our two leg match up against PSV Einhoven tomorrow. If we can get past the Dutch side, perhaps we’ll get Martinelli and Saka back to help fill the offensive void.

Whatever happens, Maggie’s will show matches for us, and I hope to see you there! Starting tomorrow!

COYG!

Best, Mark.

Strange but true

Did anyone have midfielder Mikel Merino coming off the bench to score not one but two winners, on their bingo card? The elation for Gooners at Maggie’s for the 4:30 am match, was equal parts relief and surprise.

What a strange season for Arsenal. Some might say a trainwreck, given our preponderance of injuries. But there is much to celebrate, beyond sitting in second place right now. Young guns, Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis Skelly have been reason enough for hope. This Arseblog column, on finding the joy in Arsenal, is brilliant and worth a read.

We face West Ham Saturday knowing that Liverpool dropped points in a draw at Aston Villa Wednesday and Arsenal can narrow the gap to 5 points. The Scousers no longer have a game in hand and face Man City on Sunday. I think for once, we’ll be hoping (Maggie’s owner) Mick’s team gets a result.

Late breaking news: Arsenal draw PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16.

We will have the new design Bay Area Gooner t-shirts available Saturday. Get yours while supplies last.

Buying a t-shirt means you can proclaim your allegiance and support our efforts to produce more cool BAG swag. See you all at the pub!

COYG!

Best, Mark.