And our season starts with a disappointing, but not all that surprising, defeat at Brentford. Our defense unit was tested early on and irremediably, we conceded a goal in the first 25 minutes of the game – courtesy of poor decision-making. We then tried to push harder and create chances especially through Tierney, Pepe, ESR and even Xhaka but to no avail. In the second half, the team continued to struggle with Brentford’s long balls and hussle and finally conceded a second goal – some say that Leno should have been awarded a free-kick and others say that top GKs would not even have been in that situation, it is hard to tell. In any case, with 15 minutes to play, we were 2-0 down and were not really causing Brentford any real trouble…

So we were indeed missing Saka, Auba and Laca at the start so that could explain a bit of our lack of offensive threat but what about our defense? It was bullied from minute one and Ben White was struggling the whole game while Mari was not really better…Ben White did well in a back 3 set-up with 2 big players next to him – yesterday, it seems that he was looking like a lost boy. Leno continues to be his usual self – a decent GK, nothing more. Lockonga looked promising for his first game but he still has a lot to learn and improve on. AS for Xhaka, our captain for the night, he tried as always.

So all and all, we can’t say that the team is looking more drilled or confident or improved as the same defensive frailties could be seen and the same lack of cutting edge in front of goal was also visible but for the latter, I am ready to give some leniency since we were missing 3 key players. For the defensive side, I am a lot more critical.

How shall we sort our defensive weaknesses?

• Finally get a better GK?
• Revert to a back 3 with Holding, White, Gabriel and set up in a 343 or 352?
• Splurdge on a real midfield enforcer?
• Get a new coach?

Anyways – a familiar outing and outcome yesterday against a physical team that had a simple game plan: long balls, go for the second balls and press the central defenders…

There is a bit of time to sort the team out still and apparently, the club is now open to sell Aubameyang to raise cash. Let us see…

At last…the Euro is over, the break is over and football season is back!

Arsenal starts its season with a tricky trip to the newly promoted team of Brentford – shall we consider this fixture as yet another London derby? The last time we played Brentford in the league was in 1947 and we won 1-0. Brentford is not a kind side to visit for Arsenal as we have 1 in 6 games (the first one basically) since 1947 in all competitions…But Arsenal usually does well in its opening game when played away – we haven’t lost such a game since since 2000 at Sunderland

In any case, Brentford is a well drilled side with a brave coach and quality players such as Ivan Toney who bagged 30 goals last year in the Championship. With the excitements of being promoted and having the fans back, Brentford is going to be dangerous. If we look at our pre-season form, our transfer window so far and our missing players, things are not looking too bright for the game today…I would say that the positives are that (i) Laca and Auba are looking rather sharp, (ii) Tierney, Pepe and ESR looking to take the game on; and (iii) White and Lockonga seem to be OK to start today.

Here is my predicted line-up:

Leno – Bellerin, White, Mari, Tierney – Lockonga, El Neny – Pepe, ESR, Auba – Laca

Here would have been my preferred line-up:

Leno – Chambers, White, Mari, Tierney – Willock, El Neny, ESR – Pepe, Laca, Auba

Our main issues remain the same as last year so far with defensive laps on Bellerin side and also a lack of penetration from midfield into the opposition box.

My prediction: 1-1. Toney and Auba to score.

COYG!

 

The North London Derby has come early this year. I know most are not excited seeing these preseason games but I,for one, am extremely excited about this game. I think this game will determine how we start the premier League season.

The reason I think it would be devasating because after listening to some commentators, they were generally scared for us to play Brentford. One even going as far as to say he prefers to play the promoted sides after they have lost a few games and their confidence shattered. This is how far we have fallen our supporter was scared to play a newly promoted side.

Only being able to see first half of Tottenham game vs Chelsea they looked mediocre. So I was really shocked to see, when I reached home that the score was 2-2. We can’t allow this to happen, once we get a foot hold of a game we need to kill it off.

Both sides will be playing some variation of a 433 so they might cancel each other out. The winner would be basically down to who wants it more and is clinical infront of goal (YES am looking at you Aubameyang). Arsenal does have the added advantage because ‘Mr Bong to score against Arsenal’ will be missing the game.

With Partey out I expect a midfield of Xhaka and Elneny. I know most fans would like Aubameyang to be dropped and replaced with Eddie, knowing Arteta we he will go for his usual side and if he makes any changes, he might play Eddie over Laca.

Would love to see a midfield with Willock but this is feeling like EMI 2.0 where I’m calling for Arteta to give him a chance but instead of listening to me he lets him go on loan or worse still, he sells him and Newcastle finish in CL position with Willock winning golden boot.

Here’s my lineup …..

Leno

Chambers…White…Mari …Tierney

Xhaka Elneny

Pepe ESR Auba

Lacazette

Fred