I didn’t watch the Arsenal game on Saturday. It was the OddDaughter’s 7th birthday party at the same time so I was keeping an eye on the score as I tried to keep an eye on a bunch of kids causing chaos.
I drove into an underground car park when Leeds scored and Arsenal equalised so I was surprised to resurface and see the score tied at 1-1. When this happens I tend to look at who scored first. Naturally, I prefer Arsenal to have equalised than Leeds, as that suggests a change in momentum – and so it proved.
I’m feeling a bit meh to be honest. Maybe it’s a Monday morning thing. Maybe it’s that Arsenal weren’t 100% convincing… Or maybe it’s because the bad guys won this weekend.
More on that in a bit.
What made me smile?
I admit, all I’ve seen of the Arsenal game are the highlights on Match of the Day, so I don’t have the full context of the game. I heard how Arsenal weren’t at the races for the first hour – but it didn’t appear as bad on the highlights.
Obviously I would enjoy a 7-0 win more, but to come from behind and get a result is always a good sign of the character a team shows.
The second goal was beautiful. For all the talk of “haram ball” last season, it’s nice to show more free-flowing football. I particularly liked how Noni Madueke started celebrating as soon as the ball came to Bruno, and before it hit the back of the net.
What surprised me?
I was convinced Gyökeres would start after his displays for Sweden during the Nothings Nations League games. I get Havertz is our main striker, I agree with it as he brings so much outside of attacking too. But, Gyökeres surely would have been flying high in confidence so why wouldn’t we make the most of that and see what he could do?
The only thing I could think of is he was rested for the Lille game on Tuesday. So, perhaps it’s part of the plan – who am I to question the best manager in England right now?
I was surprised too by the lack of playing time for Eze. In Tzolis’ absence, I thought this would be the opportunity for Eze to prove himself a bit. Wasn’t the case. I guess if we look at partnerships on the pitch, maybe the Eze + Gyökeres partnership is something we’re going to see on Tuesday.
What worries me?
Eze worries me, but the season is long and I still believe he’ll produce the goods in some pretty important games.
What worries me more is Saka. I would have put my house on Saka scoring that one-on-one at the end of the game. Good job I’m not a betting man, Mrs OddFather wouldn’t be impressed to say the least!
Saka seems to be lacking that end product. He gets in the right positions most of the time. Maybe the issue is a drop in pace since his hamstring issues? Do we give him a break? Do we repurpose where we play him? I’d personally like to see a run of games with Saka down the middle – not sure where or how that fits in with the rest of the team though.
What pissed me off?
I’ve moved this section to cover something outside the Arsenal game, because the Arsenal game didn’t really piss me off.
Like many, I sat down to watch the drama of Liverpool vs City and came away feeling depressed, annoyed, and pissed off.
Maybe I’m being harsh – but I expected more from Liverpool fans in the stadium. I felt they put more effort in the Arteta never the bride sign than any of what I saw yesterday. My expectations were probably skewed – why couldn’t they fork out on a huge tifo with the word “CHEAT” spread across it?
Then the red card which I felt was soft. I’m reacting a bit emotionally to this, but I reckon there should be a bit more of an investigation on the referees in the Premier League. Almost all teams are victims of bad refereeing, but I feel City have been victims fewer times.
This resulted in a scoreline that would have been the worst possible outcome. Hammering Liverpool no doubt leaves City feeling like they’re rising up and fighting the system, making them feel even stronger. Their celebrations at the end of the game made me feel a bit sick.
And then I’m sure I saw a post on social media from the Premier League talking about how City have won 6 out of 6. What are the Premier League even doing? It’s honestly embarrassing.
What does it mean?
I know I missed the Arsenal game due to birthday commitments, but after the Liverpool vs City game I’m feeling a bit disenchanted with Premier League football. This 115 charges thing has taken far too long – and though the guilty verdict has finally arrived, it feels like we’re going to spend even more time dealing with appeals and everything that comes with them.
I’m not sure what will make it feel better – if the sanctions came in tomorrow would that change anything?
I don’t know. Just feels like a bit of a dark cloud over the league. The sooner this situation is resolved, the better for all concerned. Even if everyone involved with City is in complete denial.
Song at the whistle
Had Enough by The Who.
Not really about my feelings – or love – for Arsenal. Just the state of play of this Premier League in general right now. The longer this plays out, the more detached I – and perhaps others – will feel from the Premier League.
