Ecstasy and agony

Since Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City, it’s been tough sledding for Gooners. Just days later, the Gunners were soundly beaten by Newcastle, exiting the League Cup, with an aggregate score of 4-0 over two legs. Even worse, Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury that will keep him out for at least a month.

Mikel Arteta then shepherded the lads off to Dubai to refocus and rejuvenate their efforts in the home stretch of the season. During which, Kai Havertz suffers a hamstring injury, which looks to end his season.

We head to Leicester with our attacking options reduced to Trossard, Sterling, and Nwaneri, making our inactivity in the transfer window, looking like malpractice more every day.

A late Everton equalizer in yesterday’s Merseyside Derby means Liverpool are only 7 points ahead. Despite our lack of a proper striker, this sort of campaign is the stuff of legend. Here’s hoping our paper-thin Arsenal squad can rise to the challenge.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 4:30 am and Maggie’s will open for us. Rise to that challenge and you can be a Gooner legend too. We’ll even have name badges cementing your status.

I am excited for the match! Hoping I’m not the only one and that I’ll see you at Maggie’s. Come be a legend.

COYG!

Best, Mark.

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