We’re back baby.
Arsenal returned to the Champions League with a joyful victory over PSV, here’s just some of the thoughts that ran through my head.
1. Ok, I’m getting nervous for Ramsdale
Let’s start with the keeper chosen to start. I have to say, I was convinced Ramsdale would start today, but it’s looking like Raya is the preferred choice as of now. I feel bad for Ramsdale – I really, really like him, and he hasn’t done much, if anything, wrong. I’m thinking Raya will continue against Sp*rs. But it’s still early days, the season is long, and anything can happen in the months that will follow.
2. We were very comfortable
Yes, I know, when you win 4-0 it doesn’t take a genius to say it was comfortable. However, PSV did have a fair few shots and appeared in and around our box regularly. It’s a testament to the team that PSV didn’t seem like much of a threat. Perhaps it was Raya’s calming presence in goal – he seemed solid.
3. Partey really isn’t missed
A year ago, us Arsenal fans would be nervous if Partey was out for a few weeks. I genuinely forgot about him the last couple of games. Rice has slotted in perfectly; you couldn’t have asked him to do a better job. The tracking back to win the ball, being in the right position at the right time – Partey is going to struggle to get back into the starting lineup. Which nicely brings me to my next point…
4. Finally, we have depth
Even without Partey in the squad, we were able to bring on Tomiyasu, Nelson, Vieira, Smith-Rowe and Jorginho. Talk about strength in depth! We’ve been crying out for depth for several seasons, and this season more than any other it will prove to be very useful whilst fighting on two major fronts (and the domestic cups). I was particularly happy to see Smith-Rowe come on, he’s been too good a player for us to remain on the bench for every game – and no doubt he will prove his quality again the more he plays.
5. What a way to return to the Champions League
I wish I was there at the Emirates for this one. And I was so close to getting a ticket. I had a ticket in my basket a couple of days ago – got the all clear from Mrs. Oddfather to travel down to London for the game. Only to get hit by an error on the Arsenal website resulting in losing the ticket. Gutted. I don’t have the best memories of Champions League games at the Emirates. The last one I attended we lost 2-0 against Barcelona, and I remember one game in a very, VERY cold November against a smaller club that finished 0-0 despite us controlling the game. That said, my first live Arsenal experience was a Champions League win at the old Wembley stadium. But yeah, a fantastic return and the atmosphere seemed amazing.
Song at the whistle
Guess who’s back? Back again?
COYG!
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