Draw Outshines This Arsenal Man's very Impressive Performance

 By Danong

The plan was to build on Arsenal’s thrilling 3-0 victory over Real Madrid. A Premier League London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening offered a chance to maintain that momentum. Mikel Arteta’s side, however, faced a stern test against a resolute Brentford outfit.

Arsenal fielded a strong starting eleven, though Arteta made notable changes. Key players Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, and striker Mikel Merino were on the bench. Still the rotated team aimed to secure three points.  

Despite Arsenal’s intentions, Brentford proved difficult to break down. Thomas Partey opened the scoring in the sixty-first minute with a well-taken goal. The lead, however, was short-lived.  

Yoane Wissa equalised for Brentford, ensuring the spoils were shared. The one-all draw left Arsenal frustrated, unable to capitalise on their earlier dominance.  

Yet, amidst the disappointment, one player stood out. William Saliba delivered an exceptional performance at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. The Frenchman showcased his quality throughout the match.  

He recorded the most touches, with eighty in total. He completed sixty-eight of seventy-two passes, demonstrating his composure on the ball. His twelve final-third entries highlighted his ability to drive Arsenal forward.  

He also won nine possessions, the highest on the pitch. He equalled the most duels won, securing five, and completed three clearances. His two successful take-ons underlined his confidence.  

Most impressively, he created three chances—a first for him in a Premier League match. His progressive dribbling from central areas was key as Arsenal sought to unlock Brentford’s low-block defence.  

Brentford’s compact shape frustrated Arsenal’s attackers. Saliba’s ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas offered a different dimension and his composure helped Arsenal play through tight spaces.  

The Frenchman doesn't rely on others to shine. Unlike previous matches where Gabriel Magalhaes' presence aided him, Saliba was a force in his own right. His all-round game was a highlight.

Some had suggested resting him to keep him fresh for the match against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Arteta’s decision to start him, however, paid dividends.

He was given a 7.3 match rating by Sofascore (could have been better if he kept that cleansheet).

Arsenal’s draw may not have been the desired result, but Saliba’s performance offered plenty of positives. For fans, it was a reminder of the 24-year-old’s growing stature as one of Europe’s finest defenders.

Arteta’s Tactical Balancing Act: Dominating Brentford While Preparing for Real Madrid Showdown

 By Danong

Arsenal’s commanding 3-goal victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg has fans dreaming of European glory. However, with the weekend upon us, attention now turns to the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side face a London derby against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium. Trailing Liverpool by eleven points in the title race, Arsenal’s chances of lifting the Premier League trophy appear slim. Still, the team remains determined to keep pushing forward.

Fresh off their midweek triumph in Europe, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight matches, securing four wins and four draws. Their record in London derbies is equally impressive, with just one loss in their previous fifteen encounters.

Confidence is high among the Arsenal squad heading into Saturday’s match. A victory would further solidify their momentum as they prepare for the crucial second leg against Real Madrid next week.

Brentford, on their part, are struggling to find form. With only one win in their last five matches—alongside two draws and two losses—Thomas Frank’s side face an uphill battle. They have yet to defeat any of the Premier League’s top three teams this season.

Thomas Frank’s record against Arsenal is particularly concerning for Brentford fans. In seven games, the Brentford manager has not secured a victory over Arsenal, marking his longest winless streak against any English opponent.

Arsenal’s three-goal lead from the first leg provides a strong advantage heading into the return fixture in Madrid. However, with ninety minutes still to play, Arteta knows his team must stay sharp to secure a semi-final spot.

The question for the Arsenal technical bench is whether to field a full-strength side against Brentford or rotate key players. Resting certain stars could ensure they are fresh for the Champions League challenge ahead.

Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey, both critical to Arsenal’s plans, could benefit from a rest. Neither player should be risked against Brentford, preserving their fitness for the Santiago Bernabeu.

Gabriel Martinelli might also be given a break. A rested Martinelli, alongside Timber and Partey, could pose a significant threat to Real Madrid in the second leg.

Bukayo Saka, however, may feature as he continues to build match fitness.

Here’s Arsenal’s predicted starting line-up against Brentford:

David Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice
Saka, Merino, Trossard.

On the other hand Arteta may decide to make a lot more changes so as to rest key stars.

Raya
White Saliba Kiwior Tierney
Odegaard Jorghino Zinchenko
Nawneri Trossard Sterling

In this way Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Saka, Merino and Martinelli are all rested. 

Has Kiwior played himself in the starting eleven against Real Madrid?

 By Danong

Tonight, Arsenal and Real Madrid meet at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. 

While this fixture is undoubtedly challenging, Arsenal must find a way to secure victory or at keast keep the tie level for the return leg. As things stand, their chances of European glory are far brighter than their prospects in the league. 

The Gunners will need to deliver their absolute best performance, and for most Gooners, the ideal line-up without Gabriel Magalhães seemed evident provided Jurrien Timber and Ben White were fit.  

Prior to Jakub Kiwior’s standout performance on Saturday, many fans had already settled on this line-up for the highly-anticipated clash with Real Madrid:

Raya
Timber, Saliba, White, Lewis-Skelly  
Rice, Partey, Ødegaard
Saka, Merino, Martinelli

Some have shown a preference for Trossard to start instead of Merino having scored against Everton last Saturday. But Arteta will likely keep Merino in the line-up.

Understandably however, Arsenal’s backline is the focus of every discussion. When asked about replacing Gabriel during Monday’s media briefing, Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped, simply stating: “Yes, we’ve decided.”

A backline consisting of Timber, Saliba, White and Lewis-Skelly might hold up well against Real Madrid. But White has only recently came back from a long absence due to surgery and his appearances may need to be managed.

On the other hand Kiwior was rock-solid alongside William Saliba last weekend. His incisive forward passes behind the Everton defense were particularly noteworthy. With stats like these:

- Passing Accuracy: 58/62 (92%)  
- Long Balls: 4  
- Clearances: 3  

Kiwior was arguably deserving of a Man of the Match accolade. 

In my opinion, Kiwior should start ahead of White at center-back. Even if the chance is taken and White plays as the right-sided centre back, it forces Saliba—our best defender—to play out of position.

On top of that, Arsenal are already fielding a player out of position in attack (likely Mikel Merino). Let’s not disrupt the balance further. 

Sure, not everyone fancies Kiwior against Mbappé, but this is a team game. If the rest of the squad steps up, they can cover any vulnerabilities. 

No one is giving us a chance (except the Opta computer) and we are at our best when our backs are up against the wall.

The Emirates awaits an electrifying encounter and make no mistake the Gunners will rise to the occasion.

Preserve for Real Madrid or Go Full Throttle Against Everton?

 By Danong

Saturday's Premier League early kick-off sees Arsenal take on Everton at Goodison Park in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.  

Since their unexpected 1-0 loss to West Ham, the Gunners have gone unbeaten in four games (two wins and two draws), finding resurgence in the PL Run In.

Everton, meanwhile, come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool. However, prior to that loss, they managed a solid six-game unbeaten streak (one win and five draws). They have been in some sort of resurgence under David Moyes.

Head-to-Head:

Arsenal have enjoyed a positive run against Everton lately, going unbeaten in their last four meetings (three wins and a draw).

Team News

- Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.  
- Mikel Arteta has hinted that Bukayo Saka may see more minutes on the pitch, as the young winger continues to seek match fitness.  
- Ben White and Jurrien Timber may be available for selection, according to the Arsenal boss

For Everton, both Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil are back in contention for starting spots after returning from injury.  

Should Arsenal go all out against Everton or conserve their energy for the crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid?  

With Liverpool facing tricky fixtures (Chelsea, Brighton and Arsenal) that could impact their title race, a win on Saturday is non-negotiable for the Gunners.

- Jurrien Timber should remain fresh for the Real Madrid clash but could make a substitute appearance against Everton.

- Thomas Partey’s fitness is critical, and he must be saved for the Real Madrid fixture.

- Mikel Merino’s resurgence as Arsenal’s stand-in number nine continues to be a hopeful sign.  

Predicted Arsenal Line-up vs Everton

Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly  
Jorginho, Rice, Ødegaard  
Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli