Everybody hurts

I’ve made no secret of my complete and utter contempt for international matches (particularly friendlies) played during the Premiership season. Which makes recent injuries to key Arsenal players even more enraging.

Saka limped off the pitch during England v Greece with a hamstring issue and Martinelli picked up a calf injury while on duty for Brazil. Add these two to Arsenal’s already daunting list of injured players which include Havertz, Ødegaard, Partey, Timber, White, Zinchenko and Tomiyasu, and it’s anyone’s guess what our starting 11 will look like this weekend.

But whoever takes the pitch Saturday has the full support of our group at Maggie’s.

And as the personality and character of this team continues to evolve, I’m loving watching the lads with all of you at the pub. Hope to see you Saturday! COYG!

Best,

Mark

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Opposing goals

Arsenal dispatched PSG in Champions League action on Tuesday with some aplomb. I particularly enjoyed Barney Ronay’s take on it in the Guardian.

Saturday brings us the return of Aaron Ramsdale and Southampton to the Emirates. Rambo was a likeable, capable fellow, but Arteta’s decision to replace him with Raya looks like genius now, as the Spaniard is arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premiership.

At first glance, the Saints don’t look like much of a threat, having not won a match yet this season. But the Gunners can’t afford to take anyone for granted and no doubt our former keeper will have a point to prove.

Looking forward to being back at Maggie’s this weekend and seeing you all.

COYG!

Best,

Mark

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Red October

No time to dwell on Arsenal’s scrappy win against Leicester. Beginning with tomorrow’s Champions League match against Paris Saint Germain, you have 5 opportunities to watch Arsenal with us at Maggie McGarry’s (21+).

We had a decent enough crowd Saturday, but I was a little surprised it wasn’t more crowded. We’re lucky to have a pub that opens for us consistently, regardless of start time, so hope to see more of you soon.

I won’t make it to tomorrow’s match but will see you Saturday for Southampton!

COYG!

Best,

Mark

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Do you believe in magic?

Or at least the dark arts?

Having City equalize in the dying moments of extra extra time felt a little deflating, but after reflecting on it, one must acknowledge the yeoman’s effort it took for a 10-man side to hold off the reigning champions for a full half.

And the way their players and fans exploded in elation, you could just tell they knew it had been a narrow escape, that 11 on 11, the story has a very different ending. But best not to dwell on “what-ifs”.

Then the post-match whining from City players combined with the thinly-veiled slander about Arsenal’s supposed dependence on the “dark arts”. Any other club would have been widely lauded for their resolute defending. Here’s hoping we can exact some revenge when they come to the Emirates.

Next up Leicester. Historically, we’ve done well against the Foxes, but they are not to be overlooked. Particularly since we have no idea which of our walking wounded will be available or who even will be in goal.

Great crowd last weekend! We retain the Patrick Dunphy Memorial framed dollar bill because of the draw.

Hope to see you all back at the pub tomorrow! COYG!

Best,

Mark

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Maggie’s Derby Sunday

I always hesitate calling these matches against Manchester City a “Maggie McGarry’s Derby” because it gives it gives equal standing to their shoddy little supporters group at the pub.

But as anyone who’s been to Maggie’s knows, it’s an Arsenal pub, and City fans are largely tolerated because one of the owners is a long-time supporter. Seems they only manage to turn up in numbers when they are playing Arsenal, but that’s all the more reason for us to assert our dominance.

The framed dollar bill named for our late, legendary Gooner bartender, Patrick Dunphy, is at stake, so get yourself to Maggie’s

Hope you all can make it! COYG!

Best,

Mark

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