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

What do we think of Arsenal?

Arsenal washing out of the FA Cup Sunday was excruciating. A truly anemic affair which saw Gabriel Jesus stretchered off and a withering lack of finishing by our front line.

Despite our lofty position in the table, it’s hard to imagine we will catch Liverpool and somehow win the league. There’s also a steep hill to climb in League Cup competition and daunting tasks await in the Champions League.

The worst part is we’ve needed an out and out striker since last season and we’re no closer to filling that need. Enduring our lack of activity in the transfer market is beyond maddening.

Arteta is still the man for the job but many Gooners are losing patience with the obvious papering over the cracks. We need reinforcements and we need them now.

That said, I have no room for the abuse and vitriol coming in from supposed Arsenal supporters. I want Kai Havertz to go on a scoring tear as much as the next Gooner, but let’s keep things in perspective.

Tomorrow is the North London Derby and we need a win in the worst way. Anything less than 3 points would be a disaster. In the past, some truly disappointing seasons have been salvaged by beating our London rivals.

Call out sick, take a long lunch, or schedule a midday “meeting”. I’ll look forward to seeing you at Maggie’s.

Best,

Mark

FA Cup 3rd Round Sunday

Didn’t make it to the pub Tuesday for our League Cup tie against Newcastle, but by all accounts, a frustrating affair. One of the few Arsenal reports, I subscribe to, Layth’s Take, suggested we dominated play but were ultimately undone by our lack of firepower.

Would I love for us to buy an out and out striker before January ends? Absolutely. Do I expect we will? Probably not. But our support for Arsenal persists, as we gather at Maggie’s to shout at the TV set, regardless of who lines up for the Gunners.

Sunday brings us another Cup opportunity as Man Utd arrive at the Emirates for the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. This silverware is slightly more respected than the League Cup, but for me, silverware is silverware, and I’ll take any trophy Arsenal can get their mitts on.

I look forward to seeing you all Sunday at Maggie’s.

Best,

Mark

A trip to Brighton tomorrow

Quick post before tomorrow’s away match. Arsenal notched a 3-1 win over Brentford in the first of 9 January fixtures. We gave up an early silly goal but Jesus, Merino, and Martinelli eventually put things right.

Our youngsters, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly (on as a late sub) equated themselves admirably, with the former ending up man of the match. Havertz didn’t play due to illness so our roster looked a bit thin, particularly without Saka and Sterling.

Next up, a Brighton side that has on occasion, proven formidable, though the Gunners have had the better of them for the last 7 matches.

I’ll see you tomorrow at Maggie’s for the match.

Best,

Mark

New Year’s Arsenal

Arsenal gutted out a 1-0 win over Ipswich to end the year. The final half of the season kicks off with 9 matches in January, beginning with a trip to mid-table Brentford tomorrow. Gooners should note the upcoming North London Derby is a mid-week match, so plan your work schedule accordingly.

The Gunners have to manage without star winger, Bukayo Saka who underwent surgery following his injury at Crystal Palace. Raheem Sterling is also out with injury.

On the bright side, 19 year old, Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation at left back, playing with a poise beyond his years.

We still need Liverpool to drop points, which the in-form team shows no indication of doing. Not only that, second place is being held down by a surprising Nottingham Forrest, riding a 5-game win streak.

Have to say it’s been great fun watching matches with everyone this year. We’ve had a nice mix of first-timers, visitors, and veteran Gooners, and I’m really proud of the community we’ve built.

The first match of the year is a blissfully late kickoff, so ring in the new year and we look forward to seeing you at Maggie’s for the match. On a personal note, I’m battling a cold so my presence at the pub is a game day decision.

Wishing you all the best in the new year and here’s hoping Arsenal bring us some silverware.

Best,

Mark