Four Takeaways from Old Trafford after Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Manchester United

Declan Rice shines at Old Trafford; Arsenal Women suffer FA Cup knock-out

Good morning,

I would say, Happy Monday, but it’s more of a meh Monday, after Sunday’s result at Old Trafford.

I’m writing this from my regular cheap hotel room here in Manchester (nearer the Etihad than the Stratford End) as I’ve finally stopping thinking it’s a good idea to drive long distances and back in a day for Arsenal away games.

I was going to meet old Arsenal pals out carousing in the city centre after Sunday’s match, but, as much as I love them all, I really didn’t feel like having a beer or ten and dissecting yet another trip to a struggling Manchester United side, and not putting them to the sword.

The thing is, I really, really want to thrash United, just once, just to see how it feels.

And we never do, Not even when we used to win the league (21 years and counting). The day we eventually do that I’ll do a three day bender. Until then…

So, I had my usual chips and gravy from the chippie on the corner, near to Lou Macari’s place, and walked to my car, safe in its usual spot in a car park near Old Trafford cricket ground.

(Incidentally, on the walk to the Goonermobile, I overhead one young lad say to his mates, “So, there’s a cricket ground called Old Trafford as well…?” Come on son, where have you been, it’s one of the greatest cricket grounds in the world, not to mention being the scene of some great matches, with great players over the years. I first went to an Ashes game there back in 1997, the late, great Shane Warne and all, and it’s been fascinating to see the changes off the pitch, there over the years.)

I then drove the short distance from Salford to North Manchester, penned a few pieces and flopped into bed, knackered after a long, but memorable week on the road in The Netherlands, as well as my early start to Manchester, and waited for Motd2 to start. The next thing I knew it was 7am.

It was that kind of day.

Four Takeways from Old Trafford

1 - Declan Rice/We Got Him Half Price

What were your highlights of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United?

For me, it was Declan Rice’s goal. And Declan Rice’s last-gasp tackle on Rasmus Hojlund. It was instructive to note that the talented midfielder celebrated his goal-saving tackle more than he did his goal, which it has to also be noted, was superb, as Arsenal’s England star attempted to haul his team back into the match, and keep them there.

It was no surprise that team man Rice, when asked which of the two pleased him more, admitted: “Probably the tackle, just because of the state of the game.

Rice added: “It defines the small margins in football for me because it could have been a penalty and probably a red card for me if I didn’t react as quickly as I did.

“I made the tackle, and we go to the other end and nearly score. These are the margins in football, but for me, those tackles are equally as important as scoring goals. That was a big one today so I liked that.”

Declan Rice we salute you.

2 - Arsenal need a striker. Part 412

Yes, Mikel Merino works hard on and off the ball. Yes, he can shield the ball, and play with his back to goal relatively well, and yes, he is a team player, who never complains about the unusual position he has been thrust into.

But, he, as we all know, he is not a centre-forward. Not a striker that will instinctively run into space, or behind the lines, or peel off the shoulder of the last man.

And, as such, as Arsenal’s appointed striker, is simply not the man to keep Mikel Arteta’s side clinging to Liverpool’s coattails.

It seems like such a shame to essentially write off the rest of this season - certainly in terms of the Premier League - not, I repeat not, in the hunt for the Champions League. And all for the lack of a striker.

3 - Arsenal’s travelling supporters are magnificent

Yet, again, the away boys and girls did the club proud on their travels this season. From my vantage point, all you could hear was Gooners singing loud and proud.

In a stadium that holds 73,000, the travelling Gunners were all you could hear as they willed their team through unstinting support.

Don’t listen to those grotesque internet caricatures, nor those craven idiots on social media, listen to the glorious Declan Rice on just how good the club’s travelling fans really are.

“There’s a social media perception, then you when come to the stadium, and actually hear the real fans, and what they think, it’s two different things.”

Please remember that next time you come across a self-entitled teenage troll who doesn’t even know his Arsenal from his elbow, scream Arteta Out on social media.

4 - Buy a fanzine

One of life’s simple pleasures - for me at any rate - is to buy a fanzine of the club I am visiting. You find out what genuine fans are thinking, far more than anywhere else.

It’s just such a shame people who don’t buy fanzines are completely and utterly unaware of that fact. As is anyone who broadcasts the game. Preferring to showcase inarticulate, ill-informed, angry, aggressive, cretins. As if they speak for the majority of fans.

Of course, these days, when it’s difficult to find anyone who actually reads print, let alone buys it, it’s hard to find clubs that still produce a printed fanzine.

So, it’s always a joy to catch up with Barney, editor of the brilliant Red News before United vs Arsenal. It was nice to see him in his natural habitat, flogging his fanzines outside Old Trafford, before the Glazer Out protests. It was great to have a quick chat, and we wished each other well.

Because that’s what the fanzine movement is about. Supporting your team. And meeting good people along the way.

Buy a fanzine, and make the world a little more pleasant.

Try it. You might enjoy a change from your constant doom scrolling.

…….

Arsenal Women suffer FA Cup knockout

While I was at Old Trafford, I tried to keep up with Arsenal Women’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool at Meadow Park.

As an aside, can I humbly say that The Gooner’s critically acclaimed AWFC coverage is fast becoming a matchday staple for fans - something I am so proud about.

Kudos on Sunday has to go to Suzy Lycett for her brilliant pictures from Boreham Wood, despite challenging conditions - particularly sunny days make it virtually impossible for photographers to shoot - all of which means her ever-excellent photographs are even more special. And to Isobel Gilligan for her match coverage on our Twitter account @GoonerFanzine and our website onlinegooner.com

See our Gooner Fanzine Facebook page here and the Gooner Fanzine’s Instagram here for Suzy’ pics, and onlinegooner.com for Izzy’s Player Ratings on an afternoon that wasn’t to be for Renee Slegers side.

Can I also say a massive thank you to Jamie Spangher and Beth McCowen for their hard work flogging the Gooner before the game at Meadow Park.