Let's silence the critics who doubt the strength of the Arsenal squad

 By Danong

Tottenham vs. Arsenal is the highlight of Premier League match day 4. The two North London sides will face off this afternoon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Coming into this game, the Gunners will be trying to rebound from their disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton the last time out.

However, they'll face Tottenham Hotspur, who are also coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Leicester; they dominated the Foxes but couldn't capitalise on it.

Us gooners usually expect to win this North London derby but not going into it with our strongest team has given the critics room to question our squad strength.

Declan Rice will serve a one-game ban for the red card he received against Brighton and Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard will be out due to injuries. On paper, the trio represents the ideal midfield for Arsenal.

Is it advantage Spurs?

Spurs are also looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester and they could be with Mickey Van de Ven and new signing Dominic Solanke who look like returning. Ange Postecoglou could still field a formidable team, unlike Arteta.

However, the red and white team's focus is on winning the Premier League, and they must adopt a winning mindset.

Regardless of the circumstances, they can fight for the win, demonstrate progress and silence the critics who believe the injury crisis will expose a weak squad.

That said, most Gooners have tried to come up with their strongest Arsenal team to face Spurs (maybe you could share yours in the comments area); well, here's mine:

The Arsenal defence has once again been excellent, conceding only one goal in three games; I believe we can trust it as is it is.

Jurrien Timber has provided steadiness at left-back and considering Riccardo Calafiori's injury scare on international duty, it is not worth risking the Italian and losing him to injury.

So with Raya in goal, Arsenal's back four of White, Saliba, Gabriel, and Timber should remain unchanged.

In midfield, where there is an injury crisis I would look to leverage experience to build an efficient engine room.

In an injury crisis, you stick with your most experienced players, so Partey with Jorginho in a midfield pivot might just get the job done. The two must act wisely in order to neutralise any threat that Spurs' midfield poses.

Kai Havertz shone on international duty last week in a new role; at the European Championships in the summer, German manager Julians Nagelsman used him as a striker.

In the two Nations League games during the September international break, he played as a 10.

I believe Havertz will play as a 10 against Spurs, with Trossard as a false 9, Martinelli returning to the left wing, and Saka maintaining his excellent form on the right wing.

There is a case to start Jesus or Sterling up front expecially when taking into consideration Spurs high line and these two Arsenal players' pace.

But Trossard has played this role before for Arsenal and he should be trusted to start and do something he is good at: score. Jesus and Sterling could come off the bench if required.

Raya
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber
Jorginho, Partey, Havertz
Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

With this lineup I don't see any reason why Arsenal shouldn't outwit Spurs, secure NLD bragging rights and go 5 games unbeaten against Tottenham.

The perfect Arsenal game plan and an interesting twist in the formation to go 5 unbeaten in the NLD

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

The Gunners' next match is against their  local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal, who have gone unbeaten in four of the last five North London derbies, will look to make it five on Sunday.

This game will not be easy, but we are convinced that they will return to winning ways after drawing their last game before the international break versus Brighton.

Here is what they have to do:

1. Start quickly and take early chances

After the international break, games often start slowly with less momentum and no rhythm. Players can be sluggish. Yes, the momentum builds as the game progresses, but Arsenal should try not to be like that against Tottenham. 

They need a bright, quick start that will catch Spurs off guard and derail their game plan before they find their groove. 

We accused the Gunners of complacency in the first half against Brighton. That shouldn't be the case this Sunday.

2. Play Jorginho

We expect Mikel Merino (injury), Declan Rice (red card) and Martin Odegaard (injury) to miss the game. Even with these absentees, Mikel Arteta needs to find a way for his midfield to gel. 

There are various ways he may line up his midfield, but if you ask, we'd say he should start Jorginho in any formation he chooses (see below).

The Italian midfielder brings control and composure to Arsenal's midfield and his eye for a pass and ability to distribute the ball could be a secret weapon against Spurs. 

Having not gone on international duty, Jorginho would bring freshness into Arteta's midfield and might just produce one of those 5-star performances he pulled off last season.

3. Adopt the 4 2 2 2 formation

This sounds outlandish but was used by Arteta before (against Liverpool). It involves playing a pivot of two central midfielders (partey and Jorginho), two false number 9s or 10s ( Havertz and Trossard) and the two wide players (Saka and Martinelli). 

This is a very fluid system which allows for a strong midfield when not in possession and very offensive when on the ball.

                 Raya
White Saliba Gabriel Timber
         Partey Jorginho
Saka                      Martinelli
       Havertz Trossard


4. Exploit Tottenham's high line

Tottenham, like Brighton, plays with a defensive high line. Arteta could instruct his attackers to time their runs to catch the Spurs defence on the break. 

Jorginho's and even Thomas Partey's line-breaking passes, along with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka's pace, should hurt Tottenham's high line.

5. Push back the opposing full backs

Against our rivals you should have your fullbacks in position as they rely heavily on their fullbacks to create overlaps and underlaps in their game plan. 

If you eliminate the two, you may have just disoriented Ange Postecoglou's game plan.

Newcastle defeated Spurs 2-1 before the international break despite the fact that the North Londoners appeared to be the better team. 

The Magpies silenced fullbacks Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro which meant that Spurs struggled to capitalise on their dominance. Ben White and Jurrien Timber should be alert to counter the Spurs' fullback overlaps.

But above all the players that are selected to play will have to be disciplined, carry out the game plan and put in a performance that gives them the right to claim another famous win over our North London rivals.

Which we are very confident they will.

Arteta has already hinted who he'd turn to in case of a midfield crisis

 By Danong

Arsenal sought to extend their winning streak and maintain their position near the top of the league heading into their match against Brighton. However as we know things didn't go as planned.

Due to an injury, Mikel Merino missed the match and will of course miss Arsenal's next match, the North London Derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as will Declan Rice because of the red card he picked up.

Without the two, Arteta's midfield choices are rather slim.

Jorginho and Partey could play together but in my opinion are not considered athletic enough so Arteta shouldn't risk starting them as a pair against Tottenham.

So, who fills the Merino/Rice midfield void?

The Arsenal boss recently spoke of how Jurrien Timber could also be a midfield option; at the time those were just comments which were made even before the Villa game, but we may now have to witness that first hand.

"Yeah, he is. He can play in various positions," Arteta admitted when asked if Timber is in contention to play midfield. "His versatility is one of his biggest strengths."

The Dutchman has been decent as an inverted fullback in the last two games, but there's a sense that he's done well given how long he was away due to injury.

Versus Spurs Arteta's best bet is to play Timber in midfield and give Riccardo Calafiori his first start at left-back.

With Timber and Partey as pivots and Martin Odegaard as a 10, Arsenal could have a powerful midfield to dominate the London Derby.



 

 

 

The three options to replace Rice for the NLD

 By 1970s Gooner 

So now the dust has settled after the pathetic red card dished out last Saturday let's look at what realistic options Arteta has for replacing Rice for the LND.

1. Jorginho adds his organisation and passing ability

If Jorginho comes in, it poses the issue as to where he will play. He is obviously at his best in the base of midfield but then Partey has to move to the number 8 on the left where he hasn't played before. He may however surprise us.

Their roles may be switched with Partey at the pivot and Jorginho on the left. And this looks the simplest option.

Another way of accommodating both is to play with a double pivot in central midfield and try and get the width from the left by allowing the left back to go forward. Calafiori maybe more suitable than Timber here but Arteta may be reluctant to start him in such a game.

2. Zinchenko adds his creativeness

An interesting option is to bring Zinchenko into his 'natural' position in midfield on the left and keep Partey as the pivot.

Zinchenko will definitely thrive in this position as he will be able to use his wonderful left foot to make those penetrative passes he is so capable of. Something which does not come as easily for Rice.

However he will have to be as active when the team is without the ball, something which Rice excels in!

Zinchenco will have cover ofcourse from the left back, probably Timber.

But you can never find the perfect midfielder can you? 

Merino perhaps?


3. Havertz moves into midfield

This option involves the most disruption as Havertz moves into the left midfield position which he has played before for Arsenal and Gabriel Jesus plays the number 9 role. If he is fit of course...

I would give this a low probality of happening as it means loosing your top player in that position, who is currently performing at his best and scoring goals.

Replacing him will be a player who is returning from injury and is not that prolific anyway.

Trossard on the other hand can play as a false 9 and it is conceivable the Arteta may go for this. 

Trossard has played there for Brighton and Arsenal before but again it involves disruption having to move your best number 9 away from his natural position.

There are other options like:

Trossard playing as the left sided midfielder (and Havertz staying where he is). But he has played there before for Arsenal without much success imo.

Or even Sterling coming in as a 9 but this is unlikely as he hasn't played much football yet and certainly not as a number 9 (although he has played in this position for Liverpool and Man City in the past).

The referees must handle games with common sense

 By 1970s Gooner

The debate on the red card given to Rice is on-going. All the journalists try to keep neutral by characterising it as harsh and of course blaming Rice for getting himself sent off.

But really they ignore the most obvious of facts:

1.The Brighton player deliberately kicked Rice pretending he was aiming for the ball.

2. The ball was obviously not in a stationary position as it was rolling quite nicely away from Rice. So Rice with his back to the kicker and seeing the ball rolling could not be trying to delay the kick because there was no kick to be taken in his mind.

3. The referee must be of a low standard, in terms of handling the game, if he could not understand what was going on. If he had he would have given both players a talking to and waived play on.

4. As he waved play on for Pedro's attempt to delay a throw in.

You only need to use your common sense.

Arsenal vs Brighton: Team to win, Players to watch, and Arteta's strongest line-up

By Danong

Arsenal and Brighton open this weekend's PL action in the early kickoff on Saturday. The Seagulls, like the North Londoners, still have a perfect record this new PL campaign, so when the two sides clash, something has to give.

 

 Under new tactician Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton have beaten Everton 3-0 and thrashed Manchester United 2-1. They will be hoping to outmanoeuvre Arsenal, who have already defeated Wolves and Aston Villa with identical 2-0 victories in their first 2 games of the season.

 

According to some prediction sites, Arsenal, who've won the last two meetings (against Brighton) 3-0 and 2-0, are the favourites going into that clash. However, this fixture has consistently been tight, with most wins occurring in the second half. Of the 14 goals scored when the two clashed in the league, 11 came in the second half.

 

Speaking of goals, Arsenal, ever since the start of last season, have only failed to score twice at home (versus West Ham and Aston Villa). Therefore, you can confidently predict that the Gunners will score; in fact, many believe that star player Kai Havertz, who strangely failed to score or assist last weekend, will resume his goal-scoring ways.

In his last 9 PL games of last season, the German scored 8 goals and 7 assists; he then assisted and scored in this season's match day 1, hinting he'd carried that form to this season.

Bukayo Saka, along with Havertz, is an exciting player to watch in the game. The Englishman with a goal and two assists already this season has been off to a stellar start; he's looked sharp despite the Euros disappointments, losing to Spain with England in the European Championship Finals.

On the other hand, Brighton's Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro are players to watch out for. Welbeck, who's scored two in two games, could just be finding his stride and may get his first league goal against his former employer, Arsenal. 

Joao Pedro, aiming to enhance his impressive performance of scoring 20 goals across all categories last season, anticipates posing a threat to the Arsenal defence in the free role he has taken this new season.

 

Arsenal will need to be defensively solid and sustain their form against Brighton, who haven't been able to score past them in the last 2 games.

 

I anticipate that Mikel Arteta will field his strongest team, which couldn't be stronger than

 

Raya

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Partey, Rice, Odegaard

Saka, Havertz, Trossard

 

Why those 11? Since he's still acclimatising to the team, Riccardo Calafiori is unlikely to start, but he could be a bench option. Trossard replaces Gabriel Martinelli, who needs the perfect reminder to step up his game.

That said, what would you change in Arsenal's predicted lineup above for the clash with Brighton?

Some Gunners need to improve but others excelled

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

In a show of strength and a chance to rewrite the wrongs of last season, Arsenal picked up a much-needed win against Aston Villa. Last season two points denied Arsenal league glory.

The Arsenal players, well-fired and hungry to send Villa back to where they belong, stepped up and picked up an important 2-0 win. 

Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey etched their names on the scoresheet. There were some Gunners who shone. On the other hand there were others that didn't.

David Raya (10): He continued to prove why Arteta trusted him, snubbing the legendary Rambo. He made an excellent reflex save to deny Ollie Watkins his first goal of the season; the Englishman dived to nod in the rebound from an Amadou Onana shot that hit the crossbar. He also made a couple of other saves.

Both chances created by Villa were not a result of curving us open or of superior play. But if Raya had not saved Watkins header the result may have been different.

Ben White (7): He was solid as always and ready to do anything to force that win. He powered forward much more in the second half which helped Saka and Odegaard create havoc in that part of the pitch. His 'unintended' kick of the ball against McGinn's midriff was also entertaining.

William Saliba (9): He is who he thinks he is—one of the best defenders currently in the league. He pocketed Ollie Watkins, who was a thorn in Arsenal's flesh last season. Had a great game and came out strong in the end.

Gabriel (5.5): He was at fault for the Watkins chance in the first half when he dithered on the ball which allowed Bailey the chance to overpower him. Overall Gabriel did not look confident enough especially in the first half misplacing some of his passes.

Jurrien Timber (7): He performed well in his first start in a competitive match for Arsenal since picking up an ACL injury at the start of last season. Bailey didn't have a free run against the Dutchman, like he did against Oleksandr Zinchenko last season. 

Timber was very good, justifying Arteta starting him and likely to continue starting in the first eleven (unless the physios decide that he needs resting). What a back five Arsenal have now...

Thomas Partey (6): He put up a decent performance but there were occasions where he lost the ball. The freedom Rodgers had to slalom through the middle on a few occasions casts a doubt if Partey can play the 6 role effectively. He came up with a goal though!

Declan Rice (5): Playing as an 8 wasn’t at his best. In fact he hasn't been at his best so far in the first two games of the season. He wasn't influential and he looked very tired. Maybe he is still tired from the Euros.

Martin Odegaard (6): He wasn't at his best and once again (like he does at Villa Park) missed a fantastic goal-scoring opportunity to make it 3-0. He was decent but could have done better.

Bukayo Saka (8): He had a fine first-half strike saved by Emi Martinez. Villa doubled up on him every chance they got, but he still found more space in the second half. In fact, he was responsible for creating both goals.

Kai Havertz (5): He wasn't as influential as we've known him to be. Hoever it was his action that got the ball onto Trossard's path. The defender tried to stop him and ended up directing the ball to Trossard, who scored.

Gabriel Martinelli (5): He was outstanding defensively and tracked back to help Timber. But he struggled offensively showing a lack of confidence to take his marker head on and drive past him. He was opting to cut back onside and pass the ball back or square. This is not our Martinelli and we hope he finds top form soon!

Leandro Trossard (7): He was introduced in the second half and breathed life into the left wing and the whole team by scoring with his first touch. He's on fire! He should definitely start the next game ahead of Martinelli. 


Ricardo Calafiori and Reiss Nelson (N/A): They looked quiet sharp but came on when the job was taken care of.

Villa vs Arsenal: four important team selection changes compared to last season's line ups

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal finished last season with five wins in a row and begun this campaign like they never left in a dominating home win against Wolves.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, eager to go for the kill, fielded his strongest line-up, which (especially in the first half) proved too much for Gary O'Neill's side.

The next game is against Aston Villa this weekend at Villa Park and one may wonder if it is wrong for Arteta to tinker with that victorious lineup.

But we would urge Arteta not to stick with the same team selection.

Zinchenko had an okay game against the Wolves but there were signs that he was again struggling defensively.

If the Ukrainian international were to start against Villa, he'd be up against the explosive Leon Bailey who "cooked" him twice last season. 

The Jamaican superstar would be salivating at the idea of once again going 1v1 with the Arsenal fullback.

After replacing the former Manchester City star, Timber excelled against the Wolves, showcasing his defensive confidence and ball progression skills.

His presence will make the team more defensively sound and help to nullify Bailey's pace and trickery.

So aside from Timber making his first start this season, we would urge Arteta not to make any alterations to the lineup that began against the Wanderers.

But what is equally important is that this would also mean that compared to last season's team selection, which was the same for both the home and away defeats, Arteta will make three more important changes in the line up:

Partey will come in for Havertz in midfield who will move to the number 9 position. He will replace Jesus who will be on the bench. Also Martinelli will replace Trossard.

These are important changes. Strengthening the midfield, adding more pace on the right wing and more importantly posing a significant goal threat may prove decisive. 

Raya

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Partey, Rice, Odegaard

Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

One thing Arsenal need to do this season is to finally squash Villa. 

A comfortable away victory over the Unai Emery-led team would undoubtedly signal Arsenal's considerable strength and impressive development over the last few years under Arteta.

Some were magnificent but others were bang average: Player ratings vs Wolves

By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Beating Wolves 2-0 (goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka) on Saturday afternoon continued Arsenal's winning streak from last season.

Overall the team looked a little bit off their top best which gave Wolves the chance to have the ball more than you would expect. As a result they were in the game and had their chances until Saka's goal.

Let's hope the team is back to full fitness for what looks like a very difficult game at Villa next week.

Against the Wanderers, most Gunners showed up, but who really stood out? Here are our Arsenal player ratings:

● David Raya: The European champion was brilliant. In the 35th minute, he made an incredible save to deny Larsen, and he continued to make outstanding saves and playing the ball out of the back to keep things going.  8

● Ben White: The Englishman played primarily as the third centre back and did not win any duels of note until the closing five minutes of the game. Did not influence the game in the forward positions as much as he is capable of doing. 6.

● Oleksandr Zinchenko: The Ukrainian international didn't step up and appeared to be a weak link misplacing passes even in a game where he wasn't put under any sort of pressure when on the ball. You can imagine what a liability he will prove to be when the opponents target him.  He performed poorly and failed to justify being given the nod to start at left back. 5

 ● Thomas Partey: The Ghana international excelled defensively and created chances like a No. 10. He faded away early in the second half and looked unsure of himself giving the ball away which could have created risky situations for our goal. He needs to cut this out of his game. 7

● Martin Odegaard: The Norwegian drives Arsenal's creative play. However, he did not display the ruthlessness that he should have in his duels. He seems a notch below his very top best. 7

● Declan Rice: The Englishman made some effective short passes in the final third. He served as an excellent link between the attack and midfield but he was clearly not match-fit. He needs to improve fast. 6

● Bukayo Saka: Like Rice, he didn't look match-fit as well. Even so the cross for Havertz's goal was magnificent. His goal was also magnificent. Could have scored more but he wielded influence throughout the game.  9

● Kai Havertz: The German international, while leading the attack, demonstrated excellent pressing skills and scored with a wonderful header from a Saka assist. Later, he returned the favour to Saka, providing an assist for his goal. Arteta has turned him into quite a star. 8.5

● William Saliba: The Frenchman was colossal throughout the game. But he also made a mistake and gifted Cunha an excellent opportunity to score. Fortunately for him, the Wolves striker squandered it. 6

● Gabriel: The Brazilian defender didn't have to do much defensively but what he did he did well. 7

● Gabriel Martinelli: The Brazilian international was lively but he was lacking that final correct pass or shot. He was however quite involved in the game but kept making selfish decisions which he needs to eradicate from his game. 6

●Jurrien Timber: The Dutchman's introduction restored sense at left-back and was solid, with moments of brilliance. He should be in contention with Calafiori to start next game. 7

● Leandro Trossard: The Belgian international didn't have much to do and didn't influence the game. He would have probably made the correct decisions had he started the game in place of Martinelli though. 5

●Gabriel Jesus: Other than his excellent ball carrying and receiving a yellow card, the Brazilian striker did not contribute significantly. 5

Calafiori debut, Trossard starts? Is this the strongest line-up Arteta fields for the Arsenal versus Wolves league opener?

By Danong

The Premier League is finally back after a protracted wait. Our Gunners, who host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, will be trying to build on where they left off last season.

Given that the Gunners have won all of their last three Premier League home games against Wolves, there is cause to assume that this continue. Still Mikel Arteta would have to field the strongest team he can in order to maximise the chances to achieve it.

I certainly expect David Raya to start on goal.

Ben White at right-back, William Saliba and Gabriel at central defence, and the new boy, Ricardo Calafiori if fit, can take over at left-back to make the Arsenal back 4. Otherwise Zinchenko will get the nod.

Had Mikel Merino joined, he would have been in contention to start in midfield, but he hasn't. So I expect Thomas Partey to start as a 6, while Declan Rice plays as the LCM and Martin Odegaard as the RCM. This is a really strong midfield.

I anticipate Gabriel Martinelli to be on the left with Trossard ready to come on when needed. Bukayo Saka on the right, and Kai Havertz to spearhead the offensive, forming a formidable attacking trio.
The line up:

Raya
White-Saliba-Gabriel-Zinchenko/ Calafiori
Partey-Rice-Odegaard
Saka-Havertz-Martinelli

On paper and if Calafiori starts Arteta could field the strongest Arsenal line-up we might ever see this season.

This is a team capable of putting up a dominant display for a big win against the Wolves to kick off the 2024–25 campaign in style.

Last season, laxity in the first half of the campaign cost the Gunners the title. This time round, with redemption in mind, after missing out on the league title by 2 points on the last day of last season, getting off to a bright start is key.