Layth's Take: Three Positives from Arsenal vs Liverpool
A challenging spell on the road now awaits Arsenal after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool; reaction to United sacking Erik ten Hag
Hello,
Happy Monday,
Or it really would have been if we’d beaten Liverpool on Sunday.
Plenty of positives to take from the game, not least given the fact Arsenal ended the match without their two first choice centre-backs, an 18-year-old at left-back, a midfielder at right-back and a 17-year-old in attack.
The espirit de corps was superb, against such an excellent side who, with Manchester City and ourselves, form the three title challengers.
I think that should be wholeheartedly applauded.
The back four that finished Sunday’s game. CREDIT:
…..
2 - In praise of Bukayo Saka
It was great to have Saka back, with a knowing nod to boss Mikel Arteta' winning the pre-match mind games trophy, with our 23-year-old and Jurrien Timber making comebacks.
Saka’s goal - to make it 50 Premier Leagues strikes, all for The Arsenal - was superb, as the Emirates erupted, as it powered into the net. A glorious moment, making him the seventh youngest player to reach that mark in the Premier League.
Starboy Saka
…..
3 - Magic Mike
While we’re on the subject of magic moments, how good was it to see Mikel Merino’s superb piece of skill, in taming the ball majestically in the first half.
I absolutely love flashes of pure skill, allied with what Arsene Wenger would have called ‘efficiency’. Meaning there’s no point being flash for the sake of it, make your skill count.
For such a big physique the 28-year-old Merino has a surprisingly deft touch and excellent technique. And, of course, it was great to see him nod home Declan Rice’s free-kick to put us 2-1 up. Not to mention his unbridled joy during his celebrations.
Which is another thing I love. Player going absolutely mental when they score.
I don’t want ‘cool’ goal celebrations, or pre-planned stuff, I want ‘live in the moment’, crazy, unhinged, passion and joy. A leap or two works for me as well. Merino ticked all those boxes with his celebrations.
I can’t wait to see more.
Mikel Merino tames the ball with a special moment of skill on Sunday
……
United sack Erik ten Hag
I’m surprised it took so long. United have been absolutely abject under his leadership.
I’ve attended his post match press conferences and he must be the only Dutch person whose English skills are really poor.
I can only imagine just how bad his communication skills were on the training pitch at Carrington. He was also a very hard bloke to like.
Some managers have a special charisma, he was steadfastly anti-charisma.
Nothing wrong with that per se, but imagine playing for him. What a misery that must have been, with all his incoherent barkings. No wonder Marcus Rashford always looked so unhappy.
What always struck me was that he always seemed to be shocked at bad results.
It was almost disingenuous the way he palmed off losses, as if he were a mere bystander in a maelstrom that was far beyond his control.
Ajax crumbling agains that lot from N17 in the last four of the Champions League back in 2019 makes perfect sense now.
I know a few old school United fans and they couldn’t stand him, even if he did bring them two trophies, not least because there never seemed to be a consistent style of play, nor a long-term plan, or project.
The only surprise is that they didn’t sack him a week before Arsenal host United in early December. Mind you, I’m sure there will be a ‘special’ Emirates welcome for Ruud van Nistelrooy, if he’s still there by then.
……..
WEEKLY LIST:
A busy few days ahead.
Monday:
Today will mostly be taken up with writing my feature on Steve Evans after I covered Rotherham vs Stevenage on Saturday. Watch this space for that piece.
Tuesday:
Tomorrow afternoon will mostly be taken up with Mikel Arteta’ pre-Preston presser (that’s easy for you to say) before I head to cover Brentford vs Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Wednesday:
A long drive to Southport to check into my hotel before heading down the road to Preston. The reason I’m staying in Southport is because I refuse to pay nearly £200 to stay in Preston. Have you been there? They should be paying people £200 to stay there, not charging them £200 for a travel tavern…
I might even have a perambulation on Southport beach before the game, if I have the time…
……..
Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Gunners took an early lead through Buyako Saka before Virgil Van Dijk equalised from an 18th minute corner.
That was before Mikel Merino’s first Gunners restored the hosts’ lead - prior to Mo Salah earned a point for Arnie Slot's side at the Emirates on Sunday.
Find out who impressed with our Player Ratings
GK: David Raya - 7/10 - Some excellent saves and blocks but was let down by his backline for Van Dijk's header.
RB: Thomas Partey - 8/10 - Absolutely outstanding at right-back, the midfielder was colossus in the backline
CB: Ben White - 8/10 - Another excellent performance by someone not operating in his usual position
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes - 7.5/10 - Engaged in an absorbing duel with Nunez and showed leadership qualities to marshal the defence in Saliba's absence. Worryingly had to exit midway through the second half with a knock
LB: Jurrien Timber - 8/10 - Outstanding until forced off late on. Imagine hoe good the former Ajax star will be when he finally regains his rhythm and his match fitness isn't derailed by knocks relating to his absence from playing for a year
CM: Declan Rice - 8/10 - Delivered a neat set-piece to Merino who put Arsenal 2-1 up before the interval. Incredible energy levels given he has been playing non-stop for nearly two years
CM: Mikel Merino - 7.5/10 - Perfectly-timed run perfectly to heaed home Arsenal's second. Surprisingly skillful yet extremely combative
RW: Bukayo Saka - 8/10 - Thankfully fit again as Mikel Arteta won the pre-match injury mind games with Liverpool. Best player on the park to fire home his 50th Premier League goal.
AM: Leandro Trossard - 6/10 - Not as influential as he would have liked
LW: Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10 - Always lively but struggles to impose his talent at times
ST: Kai Havertz - 5/10 - Underwhelming despite working his socks off
Substitutes
SUB: Jakub Kiwior (54' for Gabriel) - 7/10 -
SUB: Myles Lewis-Skelly (76' for Timber) - 7/10
SUB: Gabriel Jesus (85' for Saka) - 7/10
SUB: Ethan Nwaneri (85' for Martinelli) - 7/10
Subs not used:
Neto (GK),
Josh Nichols,
Oleksandr Zinchenko,
Jorginho,
Raheem Sterling.
……