The day has come… The Arsenal are back! Our season gets underway as we travel to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle in their first competitive game under Steve Bruce. Newcastle are coming off a middle of the road season. They comfortably maintained their place in the Premier League with a 13th place finish. Notable departures include Ayoze Perez, Mohamed Diame, and of course Rafa Benitez. As far as arrivals, they spent big on two players, Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin and as previously mentioned, brought in Steve Bruce to take over for Benitez.
As far as our squad today, we will be without Tierney, Bellerin, Holding, and Mavropanos through injury as well asÖzil and Kolasinac due to ‘further security incidents’. Regarding Lacazette and Pepe, it seems very unlikely that they will start as the former will have to pass a late fitness test and the latter may need more time to adapt for a proper debut according to Unai. Here’s hoping that this is more about trying to keep Newcastle on their feet regarding how we are going to line up than neither of them actually starting. With that being said, I’m afraid that Unai is telling the truth and that our starting line up will be something similar to this:
Notes: Feel like he may start Luiz as he is Premier League ready but given that he signed 3 days ago also have some doubts. I also want to mention that I think this is the team he will go with, not the team I’d prefer.
The start of the season brings new expectations as well as new questions. Last season we dealt with Newcastle quite well winning 2-1 away (conceded in the 90+1 minute) and 2-0 at home. As far as what to expect from game, my guess will be that given their new manager, they will sit a little deeper and be more compact than in previous seasons. Think it’s going to be a tough match without the previously mentioned players and will be happy with any win. So with that said, I’m going to go with a 2-1 win. Goals from Aubameyang and… lets go with Mkhitaryan give us with the three points as we move on to Burnley.
COYG!!!
Liam (MikeM’s son)
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Thanks Liam, great work by Mike junior, or Chippy as I used to know him back in the day.
Think I’d prefer Willock alongside Xhaka for more compatibility and the wide attackers on opposite flanks, otherwise that starting XI pretty much hits the spot in terms of availability.
I’m going for 3-1 to the Gunners…
The bench will be interesting…
Fine post Liam ( a poster independent of all other influences)
Terrier and Willock for Xhaka and Ouzi. No Mikhi, Nelson and Pepe wide.
Bench to be used early on as soon as three points secured. 3-0. COYG.
great post Liam.
I expect Luiz to play, I expect us to win 3:0
COYG
i’m so damn excited
Here we are – a new season and it’s nice to be feeling positive and excited.
The club has had a very decent transfer window so far (and I expect a couple of exits before the European windows close).
Best wishes to all AA-ers for a new season and thanks for the pre-match.
Nice post Liam.
I think UE will go with
Leno…
Monreal…..Sokratis……Luiz……AMN
Xhaka (Capt) …..Willock
Nelson…..Ceballos……Miki
Auba
With the personnel available I would go with
Leno
Monreal……Sokratis…….Luiz……AMN
Torreira…….Willock
Saka……..Ceballos……Nelson
Auba
COYG
I wouldn’t be surprised if Torreira does not start as he has had a very short break because of international football commitments.
Hi Rocky, great to hear from you … a timely arrival .. particularly as the PM has been written by another supporter from North America.
There is much to be optimistic and excited about. We need a positive vibe running through the club all the way from the youngest academy player to the supporters sitting in row ZZ.
Hear Hear Rasp.
And we’re back!
What a summer. I’m expecting 3 points.
I suspect that one up is accurate Liam. There’s been a fair bit of negativity around chambers, mainly because of the arseblog bloke I’d guess. But for me this preseason Chambers has played with passion. We’ve had some excellent players that have relied on passion and determination over superior talent. Chambers and sokratis will be up for some physical play.
Up front I do feel Nelson will play and we may get to see Willock. That would be something for the Academy players to take note of and get some serious motivation. There are places available to their like.
COYG!!!!
2 Nil with goals from Cebaos and Auba.
Real test for willock and Nelson do use proud today boys
Excellent 10/11 for Liam on team selection .. only difference is Willock in for Ceballos
So Sky, what match are you covering first on Super Sunday? Arse supporters and Geordies couldnt give a flying f*** for Frank Lampard, Jose Moaninho or Manure!!
I had a feeling Willock would play. Come on boys! I’m sticking my kneck out here but I think Chambers and Sokratis are going to have a good game.
Wet pitch and drizzling; set pieces (defending and attacking) shall be crucial; being direct (over-elaborating on passes may lead to mistakes) and counter-attacking will be beneficial under these conditions.
What an impressive start fro Willock and two professional fouls on him should have brought bookings. But of course its Atkinson. And again for Micky.
Goal kicks
Opposition players outside the box please Mr Atkinson.
Willock and Ouzi showing up more senior players in terms of grabbing the game.
Chambers assured.
Want more from those on big money salaries or get some new blood on, Dick.
Mkhitaryan looks so low on confidence. He’s getting in some great areas but just cannot find a 5 yard pass. I’d like to see Ceballos and Pepe given a run in his and Nelson’s place as I think they will create far more. Hopefully we can get Lacazette on at some point too. Controlling the ball well but just lacking the creativity at the moment. First half of the whole season though so I’m sure it will click. Important thing is not to conceded a scrappy goal and make this a really difficult day.
We shouldn’t need sub to beat a side like Newcastle mkhitarian and Nelson needs to be more attacking and take the game to them
Fred,
We are playing the same players who managed 1 clean sheet away all last season in the PL and barely won a game. What makes you think we should be destroying Newcastle?
Nice one Auba 😁
Get in you beauty … even though I didn’t see it 🙂
It’s a good one Rasp ….. you’ll like it when you see it.
Now what have we learnt? Will we play with our heads and not over commit to attack? Toon will have to come on to us and so we can hit them on the break … but I don’t want to see 8 arsenal players in their half of the pitch.
How on earth have Newcastle not had four further bookings? Willock and Ouzi and Chambers all contenders for my MOM.
One more goal and we go above the totts … attack, attack, attack 😉
Ooooh Pepe incoming
Counter-attacking move, Maitland-Niles intercepted and nicked the ball from the Newcastle sub Willems, broke forward with pace and chipped it towards Aubameyang in the box, who then controlled and dinked it over the goalkeeper with his right foot.
Ceballos came on for Willock.
Can see 2 out of Martinelli, Pépé & Lacazette coming in next for both Nelson and Mkhitaryan (who are both also on a booking each).
Just as I wrote, Pépé came on for Nelson.
Leno really up for coming out and heading the ball away….. in a scary kind of way
I want updates on how Ceballos and Pepe are looking .. please …
Our last sub, Martinelli came on for Mkhitaryan.
Unnecessary booking for Xhaka sliding on Almiron.
Looks like we switched to a 4-3-3. Ceballos and Guendozi flanking Xhaka in midfield; Martinelli and Pépé on either side of Aubameyang.
3 points to the good guys
Any volunteers to write up any talking points and player ratings?
Three points … an away win …. and a clean sheet … be happy!!!
FGG when did I say we should destroy Newcastle I said we didn’t need subs we should do it with the team we have in the pitch
Chambers or Niles MOTM for me
Ceballos, Guendouzi and Xhaka locking down midfield; Martinelli and Pépé efficient with the ball at their feet (on a wet pitch).
That’s it, 1-0 win for us.
Brilliant from Ainsley to Auba.. great goal and love the flip 😍
Excellent result… away from home, a clean sheet…. superb 👌
Soooo looking forward to next week…
Lovely jubbly.
Splendid goal – great work from AMN and Auba.
Gwen was very good. Nelson and Willock can be well satisfied with their outings and we got to blood Ceballos, Pepe and Martinelli in the Rem while keeping a clean sheet.
Sok and Chambo solid too.
All in all a good day’s work.
Peaches
I can do a few words for tomorrow…
(If I can remember how to upload a Post)
Clean sheet, clean sheet, clean sheet!
Away win!
3 Points.
Emery can keep his job for one more week.
AMN with great read and superb pass, Auba with a nice touch.
Emery started the kids. WOW! so, happy for Willock and Nelson.
Did not feel nervous about the back 4, only one real moment at the end of the game. Wonder Why?
Another week of practice, healing for those out injured. Things are looking up.
Let’s be clear about this game: the Arsenal had pressure on them as everyone that should be winning won.
0-0 bore draw between the Mancs & Chavs?! Yeah wishful thinking, I know!!
Thanks Rocky … offer gratefully accepted …
Thank you Rocky, looking forward to it.
Aubameyang received the official MotM for this game.
You get special Man of the Match shampoo now?
Wow.
Rocky if you’re logged into wordpress you should have access to upload your post into drafts. Let me know if you have any problems, you can always email the text to arsenalnuts@live.co.uk
Clear evidence of Ainsley’s forte.
A clean sheet… An assist for AMN and a goal for Auba. Encouraging for Willock, AMN and RN and a bright start for Leno and Auba. Chambers looked decent while Guendouzi would really need to simplify his game. Disappointing Mkhy… Was nice to see Ceballos, Pepe and Martinelli get a taste of the EPL. Xhaka still looking rash at times.
Wow a Rocky post.
Looking forward to that.
LB 🙂
I’m already looking forward to yours next weekend 😉
Lampard out 😂
Chambers up for it you know. He’s having one of them slots I effing love it.
Martinelli 18
Nelson 19
Willock 19
Geundouzi 20
Maitland-Niles 21
Ceballos 23
Chambers 24
Pepe 24
What a great result and how refreshing to see an Arsenal team full of young talent and also English talent (AMN, Chambers, Willock, Nelson). I wonder how long it’s been since we fielded 4 English players in a PL starting line up? My guess is it would’ve been a side that included the likes of Walcott, Wilshere, Ox and Jenkinson.
I was impressed with the way the team controlled the majority of the game today. Emery talks a lot about control and I think we saw some signs of that, with our full backs sitting back a bit more and our CM players showing discipline. The clean sheet was important today and will give the team confidence. Newcastle will be one of the poorer front lines we face this year, but being able to win to nil without any of our new players means that the manager can trust the existing players which should allow more time for the new guys to settle in.
Chambers and AMN were the stand out performers for me. With AMN just pipping the MOTM .
COYG
I’m just watching motd to see our game … and they’re showing bloody manure first 😡
Ridiculously biased coverage on motd … we had 68% possession and toon had 68% of the highlights
Rasp
If Toon got 68% of the highlights then MoTD must have showed every attacking moment they had in the entire game.
Truth is we didn’t create that many chances but we were superior throughout in all departments.
Hi Rocky, to be fair, the guests did praise Arsenal appropriately in the analysis … maybe the director should consult them first before deciding which clips to play.
Rasp
The Sky highlights of half an hour was much more balanced, although I agree if you select “chances” only, MOD was not unreasonable for a few mins selection.
My offered talking points before our official match report.
Surprised at the thought that Ouzi needs to been given a different focus, I think was the phrase!! I thought he was excellent yesterday. Held a much more controlled central position, lost the ball only once to my memory, and with that more disciplined positional approach , outshone X in everything he did.
Chambers’ confidence seemed to “quieten” Sokratis and help with his concentration.
Interested Mickhi given almost all the game, perhaps to improve his confidence. Unfortunately, apart from his pass to Aubang for his first half shot, did little right. Impressed however, that he didn’t “disappear”.
Loved, absolutely, Willock’s drive, determination on losing the ball illegally, to Albiron, and confidence and creatve skill going forward. Earned his chance for regular selection.
Going to avoid negative comment, except for the idiot in black…..twat!!
Morning LBG, all good points … hold any more, I shall be publishing the match report in 20 mins 🙂
Morning all …
… New post ….
Don’t forget the horrendous shot mkhitaryan had affected it was lad on a plate for him to score by Nelson