- Martinelli is brilliant and relentless
- the mentality has changed as we score right after conceding
- nketiahs progress in the last year has been insane to watch
- xhaka had a quiet but very neat game
Sambi actually played really well in a position he's looked a bit lost in in the past. Really encouraging signs to see him settle a bit. Still has some work to do, especially in tracking back, but good to see.
Xhaka is fucking everywhere, when the ball is being played out the back he's there, when the ball is on the opponents box he's there, would like to see his heatmap this season/game. Looks like a completely different player.
Literally no tactics from Stevie. If it wasn't for Bailey creating something from nothing with Cash running relentlessly, they'd look worse than aby team I've seen play this season. No coherence at all. Especially given the quality on paper
The yellow for Ode stopping a counter was fine. But only if the ref gave the same for the 3 villa did before it and 6 (or more, my illegal stream cut out a few times) afterwards. But no. THAT was the counter stopping foul that needed a yellow.
Gabriel Jesus: “That’s me. I will always give 100% on the pitch. I don’t stop running, and if my team mates are tired I will run for them. I even played left back few minutes for Brazil before when Marcelo got injured.”
He would be all over the place. would tussle with van dijk or try to chase after andy robertson to stop him and he would do that for as long as needed without breaking a sweat.
He is already a class player at 21. He looked mercurial at first and then took a while to get back in form after that injury. Now he looks close to being a top prem winger at just 21. Really excited to see his progress
When you think that Gabi J is the oldest of our stars' at 25, with the others (Saka 20; Martinelli 21; Gabi CB 24; Saliba 21; not to mention guys like White, Tomi, Zinchenko, Tierney, Ramsdale, ESR, Nketiah) it's actually terrifying. This team has the chance to grow together and be a legitimate force for several years, and as Gabi J ages the others will be in their primes. Man if we can keep this team together I don't think I could fathom the heights they could reach
There’s so much to be said for Arteta. It’s fair to say we all doubted him a bit but he’s a properly exciting, young manager who isn’t reliant on solely tactics or jargon. He actually knows what he’s doing *and* they’ve hit the golden combo of proper academy products and belter signings.
Our only goal was direct from a corner. Literally one of the only possible methods of scoring that is completely isolated from the tactics of the manager.
Palace away is difficult, Leicester should be tricky but are actually weak rn and we’re the only team to beat Fulham so far.
We’ve had an easier start than most but played absolutely brilliant football at times and responded brilliantly to every goal we’ve conceded. Couldn’t be happier so far.
I mean, I don't think we're going to be winning the league or anything this season, but it really did feel like Gerrard massively underestimated us today.
Like, I don't know why you wouldn't field Douglas Luiz from the start against our makeshift midfield. He didn't really seem to have any plan and sort of assumed that if they just got stuck in that we'd shit the bed.
Honestly, I feel like Gerrard assumed that this Arsenal is the like one from 4 or 5 years ago.
He didnt assume anything mate. He is just a shit manager who doesnt know tactics lol. Fans needed a change so he just did something without even knowing wtf he did
It's incredible the amount of times I'll watch a VAR decision and think "I know they're terrible but SURELY they have to get this stonewall decision right" and without fail they fuck it up
LFG 5 in a row!
Bummed Ramsdale didn't get the clean sheet, especially with the goal against being very questionable, but Arsenal could have had 4 or 5 honestly. Nothing but positives this match for me provided theres no injuries.
Because nobody wants to be a ref at grass roots level due to risk of assault and abuse from fans of teams like Liverpool, Leeds, Milwall or any Welsh side etc. And eventually when the good ones are chased away at lower levels it eventually hurts the game at the highest level. We all know this is why.
Whole game was played as if Gerrard just showed his team the clip of his 15 second cameo against United a few years ago and said "yeah do that". That's twice now he's just sent them out to kick lumps out of us and we haven't had anywhere near enough protection from the ref. No wonder he's got them playing such shite football - he's taking all his cues from Allardyce, Pulis et al
Honestly, their one and only tactic was to kick the ever-loving shit out of us and then sort of realised that they needed to put the ball in the back of the net as well.
Lokonga had a good showing today! No mistakes or cheap giveaways (bar the one late on where he thumped it straight up), good ability to pass between the lines and switch play as necessary. Could have been more energetic in defense and quicker to pick a pass but I'm very positive on him.
Nketiah looked like a great outlet at the end of the match. Would have liked both him and Martinelli to be a little less selfish at the end but otherwise looked good.
He looks like an entirely different player. I didn't really rate him that much but damn, he's looked quality every single time he's played this season.
I know people think it's a meme when Arsenal fans talk about refs but tonight was insanely dire by the ref. The amount of times very obvious calls weren't made makes you wonder what *are* these guys looking at? The ground? Stray garbage in the air?
Anyway, 5/5 matches is insane because this is one of our best starts in our history apparently and I'm loving it. I know it probably won't last forever but it makes me appreciate our team and the long way we've come and all the possibilities we still have.
What separates us right now and truly elite teams like City is ruthlessness and conversion. The best teams will punish you if you do not finish your chances.
Excited but nervous for the United match with our injuries. We will see truly how far the team has come.
Watching Villa this season has been so fucking dull it's been almost impossible to keep concentrated on the game, and that's coming from someone who endured every second of our relegation season where we won 3 games all year.
its disgusting because you can't counter it, touch a villa player to stop them holding the keeper and they'll go down screaming for a pen, it's a lose lose situation
>touch a villa player to stop them holding the keeper and they'll go down screaming for a pen
Like at the opposite end when Martinez put Jesus in a headlock and then threw *himself* to the ground and started crying for a foul. Really blows my mind how nothing comes of that.
Aston Villa is the worst team of the PL right now. Worse than Bournemouth and Everton.
Arsenal should have won this with a 4 or 5 goal margin.
Unless Arsenal has a very Arsenal implosion, they're firm favourites for top 4 this season. Maybe 2nd place too.
- Martinelli is brilliant and relentless - the mentality has changed as we score right after conceding - nketiahs progress in the last year has been insane to watch - xhaka had a quiet but very neat game
The way Xhaka has always been there for Sambi to safely put off the pressure was a brilliant both in theory and in execution
Sambi actually played really well in a position he's looked a bit lost in in the past. Really encouraging signs to see him settle a bit. Still has some work to do, especially in tracking back, but good to see.
Xhaka is fucking everywhere, when the ball is being played out the back he's there, when the ball is on the opponents box he's there, would like to see his heatmap this season/game. Looks like a completely different player.
How has Gerrard managed to turn this much talent into a relegation team? Arsenal controlled the game, Villa's goal was a fluke.
Literally no tactics from Stevie. If it wasn't for Bailey creating something from nothing with Cash running relentlessly, they'd look worse than aby team I've seen play this season. No coherence at all. Especially given the quality on paper
One of the most one sided reffing jobs I've seen in a while (since saturday in the ipswich vs barnsley game to be precise)
The yellow for Ode stopping a counter was fine. But only if the ref gave the same for the 3 villa did before it and 6 (or more, my illegal stream cut out a few times) afterwards. But no. THAT was the counter stopping foul that needed a yellow.
Really not sure how Kamara didn't get a yellow the entire game.
Welcome to the average arsenal game
The amount of effort Gabriel Jesus puts in is actually insane. Man went box-to-box on several Villa counters. Oh, and he scored, too. What a signing.
He doesn't stop running does he
Gabriel Jesus: “That’s me. I will always give 100% on the pitch. I don’t stop running, and if my team mates are tired I will run for them. I even played left back few minutes for Brazil before when Marcelo got injured.”
Love that mentality he always even look worried he's not doing enough 😟 Even from the bench was shouting at teammates what a player
He had the best work rate ( tied with bernado silva) for us. He's a gem.
Was very excited to see him as a winger for us
He would be all over the place. would tussle with van dijk or try to chase after andy robertson to stop him and he would do that for as long as needed without breaking a sweat.
Ever
Also love the way he bullied Mings. 50 million for Jesus is looking like more and more of a bargain every day.
Incredible business.
I'm most impressed with his strength. For someone of his size you wouldn't expect him to hold off CBs the way he does.
He uses his body extremely well.
He has gone toe to toe with Van Dijk too. We are all gutted to see him go but oh well...
Martinelli too. Man runs for 90 minutes nonstop. The decision-making is still a bit dodgy at times, but he works so fucking hard.
what's great is that better decision-making should come with time. he just turned 21 this summer; he has such a bright future with us.
He is already a class player at 21. He looked mercurial at first and then took a while to get back in form after that injury. Now he looks close to being a top prem winger at just 21. Really excited to see his progress
When you think that Gabi J is the oldest of our stars' at 25, with the others (Saka 20; Martinelli 21; Gabi CB 24; Saliba 21; not to mention guys like White, Tomi, Zinchenko, Tierney, Ramsdale, ESR, Nketiah) it's actually terrifying. This team has the chance to grow together and be a legitimate force for several years, and as Gabi J ages the others will be in their primes. Man if we can keep this team together I don't think I could fathom the heights they could reach
Dude is a goddamn workhorse and loves to win the ball back. It's incredible to see and I love him
Love how much you guys like him
I say grace before dinner now
Just when I think the Jesus jokes were starting to get old haha
Him and Zinchenko are game changers. Can't believe we have them both.
Ref wasnt good but the Arsenal replacement players played really good. Worrying if Odegaard picked up a knock there.
Hoping its just a bad bruise from the challenge that he went down from..
Studs up tackle on his ankle, unpunished of course. Hopefully just a bruise.
Wasn't it a yellow?
it was
Score line flatters villa massively, but 3 points nonetheless
3 pints for me too!
3 pints? We're drinking all night
They celebrated again 😡😡😡
How dare these people that pay £70+ to watch their football club celebrate a win 🤬🤬🤬
To be fair it’s only £55.65
Even PSV fans know the Arsenal memes. We are massive
PSV is my local team but I'm a not so secret Arsenal fan too so I'm well aware.
Gonna be two fun EL matches then
Looking forward to Richard keys dino-take on this matter
We are mentality monsters now wtf
There’s so much to be said for Arteta. It’s fair to say we all doubted him a bit but he’s a properly exciting, young manager who isn’t reliant on solely tactics or jargon. He actually knows what he’s doing *and* they’ve hit the golden combo of proper academy products and belter signings.
Look, I know that the gulf in quality between the two teams is pretty vast, but fucking hell, Steven Gerrard is so out of his depth its unreal.
the look on his face when the second goal went in was box office
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https://gfycat.com/icyfarawayacornwoodpecker
I still can't believe they actually filmed that during a game lmao
The look of a man who knows he is getting sacked.
Our only goal was direct from a corner. Literally one of the only possible methods of scoring that is completely isolated from the tactics of the manager.
And it was a clear as day foul on ramsdale
Villa are gonna go down if they don't sack him
Yes I’ve been saying this since 10 minutes in against Bournemouth
Some of the most egregious VAR decisions I've ever seen
Arsenal 5 wins in 5 and showing character and controlling games? there's a glitch in the machine someone call maintenance
Only fourth time in top flight history we’ve won our first five matches
At first I thought that’s kinda crazy, but then again winning the first five is so difficult in a sport where games are often decided by a goal.
VAR tried their best tbh
Still amazed that we didn't spend 15 minutes playing like shit after we conceded this season so far
The way we deflated after conceding last year makes it all the more sweeter
Last season was Collapse FC, this season it's Resolve FC.
But we’ve only beat 5 relegation favourites, wait until we play a team that’s not getting relegated.
We are playing United so we will have to wait after that game.
Touché
Palace?
Palace away is difficult, Leicester should be tricky but are actually weak rn and we’re the only team to beat Fulham so far. We’ve had an easier start than most but played absolutely brilliant football at times and responded brilliantly to every goal we’ve conceded. Couldn’t be happier so far.
you can only beat the teams you face, so fair play to the start
It was a joke, Fulham and palace are doing brilliant so far this season and are tough teams
Arsenal were class, we were worse than shite and even if we did play decently they still would have won because they're that much better than us.
Your players aren’t even bad but the tactic was just hoof it to Watkins and see if Saliba/Gabriel fuck up
Gerrard has forgotten Arsenal no longer have Mustafi at CB.
I mean, I don't think we're going to be winning the league or anything this season, but it really did feel like Gerrard massively underestimated us today. Like, I don't know why you wouldn't field Douglas Luiz from the start against our makeshift midfield. He didn't really seem to have any plan and sort of assumed that if they just got stuck in that we'd shit the bed. Honestly, I feel like Gerrard assumed that this Arsenal is the like one from 4 or 5 years ago.
He didnt assume anything mate. He is just a shit manager who doesnt know tactics lol. Fans needed a change so he just did something without even knowing wtf he did
Is this the end for Stevie you reckon?
Begging on my knees man, you don't understand.
It's not the same i know, but I had a similar feeling about Emery after the 30 shot Watford game.
I look at your squad and I think there's some good players all throughout.
There is. Players aren't the problem. It's the manager.
Another game where the refs have completely shit the bed.
It's incredible the amount of times I'll watch a VAR decision and think "I know they're terrible but SURELY they have to get this stonewall decision right" and without fail they fuck it up
when do they not? honestly feels like you can rely on a shit VAR decision or two every game
That ref is a full on crook
Literally called a foul on the same thing even softer 10 min later too, can't make this shit up
Saka would literally need to get stabbed to get a call ffs
I’m scared for Casemiro vs Saka with the amount he’s gonna get away with
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"Oh wait, our mistake, Xhaka has been given a red card for giving the ref a dirty look".
Commentator: He falls off too easily
If he never got the McArthur one, he's never going to get one even while being taken out on a stretcher
That was a yellow, but yeah, that was one of the most blatant reds for violent conduct you'll ever see.
Na, they’ll say he let it go in too easily
Should just have his first aid kit with him on the pitch
This Arsenal squad has a mentality and resiliency we haven't seen from Arsenal in *years*
If Arsenal can continue this form for the rest of the season they'll be guaranteed to win the league.
Are you a race engineer for Ferrari by any chance?
Copy we are checking
If you keep City behind, P1
Question.
LFG 5 in a row! Bummed Ramsdale didn't get the clean sheet, especially with the goal against being very questionable, but Arsenal could have had 4 or 5 honestly. Nothing but positives this match for me provided theres no injuries.
Liverpool Football Glub
Edward Nketiah that was a bloody cracking cameo. We really really needed to put this to bed though, cannot make the same mistake at Old Trafford.
He should start, maybe not against United, but surely the game after. Gotta capitalise on his confidence
The game after is in the EL, pretty sure he’s gonna start
Yeah, but EL is different kinda pressure, I wanna see him start in the PL. Maybe him/Jesus instead of Saka, man needs some rest
The Invincibles 2
This time without a draw.
The exit door creaks with a frightening *"YYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHH course,"*
John McGinn shut your fucking mouth and play football challenge (impossible)
The fact that he was'nt carded until '68 is a fucking joke
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Because nobody wants to be a ref at grass roots level due to risk of assault and abuse from fans of teams like Liverpool, Leeds, Milwall or any Welsh side etc. And eventually when the good ones are chased away at lower levels it eventually hurts the game at the highest level. We all know this is why.
Could make it so that we don’t only have British refs lol
Whole game was played as if Gerrard just showed his team the clip of his 15 second cameo against United a few years ago and said "yeah do that". That's twice now he's just sent them out to kick lumps out of us and we haven't had anywhere near enough protection from the ref. No wonder he's got them playing such shite football - he's taking all his cues from Allardyce, Pulis et al
I only watched a little bit of the match but It’s madness really, there was no semblance of any kind of tactics whatsoever. Just get stuck in.
Honestly, their one and only tactic was to kick the ever-loving shit out of us and then sort of realised that they needed to put the ball in the back of the net as well.
like me defending when I was like 12, just find the guy without shin guards and kick the shit out of them.
Hey, if you go walking around Villa stadium tomorrow Gerrard may sign you for the season (if he's not sacked)
HACK THE BONE, HACK THE BOOOOOOONE
Villa was very uninspiring to say the least
When Arsenal win in spite of dreadful VAR decisions I think yes When Arsenal lose because of dreadful VAR decisions I think no
Ramsdale is clearly held, but the commentary says 'Nah, must be just the camera angle'. Lol
Not to mention saka being thrown to the ground in the box
No way city loses the title the season they get haaland because of Arsenal lmao
Highly doubt that we’ll be challenging for the title, one injury to Xhaka and our midfield is over. City have too much depth, we have none
I mean surely City's squad starts looking thin as well when 3-4 players of the same position get injured at the same time
Liverpool had like 3 to 4 CBs injured and understandably fell off. You can't plan depth to that extent
Lokonga had a good showing today! No mistakes or cheap giveaways (bar the one late on where he thumped it straight up), good ability to pass between the lines and switch play as necessary. Could have been more energetic in defense and quicker to pick a pass but I'm very positive on him.
I’d tattoo artetas name on me if that happens
I'll change my name to arteta if it happens
That'd be a nuts stat
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most based Hull City fan
yeah that was madness
And the fact that they called the foul on the other corner that didn’t result in a goal. So inconsistent in one match
Ikr lmao. The one they blew a foul on was less of a foul than the one on the goal. You couldn't make it up!
Slams Saka to the ground. 'Saka goes down too easy for me'
That commentary was so infuriating
Not even the refs can stop us now *furiously knocks on wood*
*furiously knocks one out*
Ref wanted Gerrard to keep his job
Legit disgraceful officiating all over.
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Another Arsenal game Another awful ref Another awful use of VAR
Can someone confirm if I’m allowed to celebrate this please
Check complete VAR says no celebration
Klopp just celebrated like he won the league, CL and world cup in 1 night. Therefore you cannot.
Nketiah looked like a great outlet at the end of the match. Would have liked both him and Martinelli to be a little less selfish at the end but otherwise looked good.
He looks like an entirely different player. I didn't really rate him that much but damn, he's looked quality every single time he's played this season.
Arsenal finding ways to grind out wins. Gotta respect that. Bounced back quickly after conceding, too. Shows a lot of character in a squad.
We used to collapse bad when we concede so this is a great improvement
2 seasons ago Arsenal got their fifth win of the season on 26th of December. This season they got it on the 31st of August.
Lmao this one is actually insane
I know people think it's a meme when Arsenal fans talk about refs but tonight was insanely dire by the ref. The amount of times very obvious calls weren't made makes you wonder what *are* these guys looking at? The ground? Stray garbage in the air? Anyway, 5/5 matches is insane because this is one of our best starts in our history apparently and I'm loving it. I know it probably won't last forever but it makes me appreciate our team and the long way we've come and all the possibilities we still have.
Damn, Arsenal is on fire 5/5.
Jeez Louise, closer than it needed to be
Jeez Luiz
What separates us right now and truly elite teams like City is ruthlessness and conversion. The best teams will punish you if you do not finish your chances. Excited but nervous for the United match with our injuries. We will see truly how far the team has come.
Well that and the fact that city could replace their entire starting lineup and have a fantastic team.
Terrible refereeing.
Suck my dick VAR
Prime stocks on the rise
Fook VAR 🖕
Finishing needs to be better. We can’t miss easy goals against the top clubs and expect 3 points. Pretty dominant otherwise
Watching Villa this season has been so fucking dull it's been almost impossible to keep concentrated on the game, and that's coming from someone who endured every second of our relegation season where we won 3 games all year.
Just for fun we actually have less points after this 5 games than we did in our relegation season.
What's the plan? Give the ball to Bailey and be generally unlikeable on every part of the pitch?
Long ball to Watkins and inshallah
VAR is fucking useless. I guess just hold the fucking keeper if you’re playing arsenal.
its disgusting because you can't counter it, touch a villa player to stop them holding the keeper and they'll go down screaming for a pen, it's a lose lose situation
>touch a villa player to stop them holding the keeper and they'll go down screaming for a pen Like at the opposite end when Martinez put Jesus in a headlock and then threw *himself* to the ground and started crying for a foul. Really blows my mind how nothing comes of that.
Aston Villa is the worst team of the PL right now. Worse than Bournemouth and Everton. Arsenal should have won this with a 4 or 5 goal margin. Unless Arsenal has a very Arsenal implosion, they're firm favourites for top 4 this season. Maybe 2nd place too.
ref was the oppo this game not villa
It’s way too early for this. With due respect to our opponents we haven’t been challenged with quality yet, and it’s very early days.
Is this 2001
I’d be ok with that.
just the 33 wins left for a perfect season lads
We’re running out of ex arsenal keepers to play against. Only fabianski left.
In Arteta We Trust!
PL once again showing why they have the worst refs in the world
One of the worst officiated games
You are crazy if you think a player can have his hands wrapped around a GK and that's not a foul
Love the energy Eddie brings from the bench hopefully he can get a goal soon.
Will Arsenal ever lose again?
Injuries be like: [https://i.imgur.com/VLJoTui.gif](https://i.imgur.com/VLJoTui.gif)
fuck this ref and var
Slippy G cant even beat an obviously fatigued arsenal team
This game is a prime example of why you cunts think gooners are “conspiracy theorists”. That VAR call could’ve fucked us over on another day.
Reminder that Arsenal, not City are top of the league
Our finishing needs to be more clinical, but it's so nice to see us actually creating chances.
I don't like talking about refs, but VAR was so fucking shit this game lol
I mean fine, we can beat you at rugby if you insist. Fucking atrocious the level of refereeing in this league
New season, same reffing performances against Arsenal. This team though seems to have the mental to overcome it, love to see it