Ah – how lovely to watch a weekend of football without having to chew what remains of my nails. I’m not talking finger nails – they went years ago – I’m talking metal nails around the house. That’s what the anxiety of last season did!
Anyway – here we are again. With another OddKid looming in three months, I figured a slightly more structured approach to my weekly match posts might help when the sleep deprivation really kicks in.
What made me smile?
I’m writing this on Sunday night. What’s not to smile about? Let’s start with our own house first… A convincing win, with key players getting on the score sheet. A lot is made of new signings needing to give our forward line a boost – but if we have a fit and firing Odegaard, Saka and Havertz for the whole season I genuinely believe we are going to be an actual force to be reckoned with. It even inspired me to create my latest OddSketch, albeit a little quicker than I would have liked.
Sure, you could argue the opposition were newly-promoted…
But then came the games on Saturday – all the talk from Utd and Sp*rs fans for being back… and they were proved right. Utd and Sp*rs are indeed back! Many had Hull City down as the league whipping boys but Utd won’t stand for that.
It would have been the perfect weekend had Bournemouth and Newcastle kept onto their leads…
What pissed me off?
Mainly Manchester City winning their game. I was driving down to London during the game, as I left it was 1-0 to Bournemouth. I stopped at services and it was still 1-0 to Bournemouth in the 80th or something minute. I drove away having a spring in my acceleration.
Then I got to London to see Man City had won 2-1.
I was hoping that era of City’s inevitability had gone. Hopefully this is just a false start for them and their fall will come soon.
It was similar, but not as bad, for Liverpool. Boy I would have enjoyed them losing on the opening game week – but Newcastle had to go and spoil it for everyone.
What surprised me?
When we spoke about signing a world-class LW, I didn’t think Tzolis would be anything more than a player making up the numbers. But what a signing he may prove to be. Fantastic energy, and I look forward to seeing what more he brings in the coming games.
The question now becomes – if we DO bring another quality LW in, will that affect the great start Tzolis has made?
What worries me?
The treatment of Gabriel Martinelli. I know Ian Wright has been criticised in some quarters for speaking out about the respect – or lack of – for Martinelli, but I kind of get where Wrighty is coming from.
One thing that has been apparent in this new iteration of Arsenal is the camaraderie and togetherness of the players, the fans, and everyone else who is part of the club. Is it time for Martinelli to move on? I believe it is if we can find an upgrade – but can we not do it in a manner whereby he is forced out the club?
He’s still our boy.
What am I thinking now?
I’m feeling pretty confident after this first game week. Granted Chelski are yet to play, and in my predictions piece I’ve got them down as the team that will be closest to us at the end of the season.
But the other so called “big teams” have either been completely shit, or not very convincing.
All eyes will be on Arsenal to win the league this year. The first round of games has only made that more concrete – I just really hope we don’t give any rival a reason to pipe up as the season progresses.
We finished last season on a high, we begin this season on a high… I don’t want to see anything but for us to be champions come end of season.
Song at the whistle
A little feature I’ve shamelessly borrowed from the excellent Handbrake Off podcast — the song that best sums up how I’m feeling at the final whistle.
I was a big fan of wrestling when I was younger, so this week’s song is one Triple H used as his alternate entrance theme: King of Kings by Motörhead.
Simply put – I’m feeling Arsenal are sitting on the throne, and looking likely to remain there for now.
Til next week.
COYG!
