A home draw so early in the season is definitely not what the run for title against Man City needs. 10-man Arsenal was defending most of the seconds half the sacred point after an eye-opening decision from the referee.
But let’s start from the beginning. Early in the night Arsenal confirmed signing Raheem Sterling on loan together with earlier confirm Bournemouth keeper Neto. I think both signings are quire good additions to the team, considering the state where we were. I think Ramsdale was sold rather cheaply, but it’s probably better to cash-in on him now, then let him sit on the bench for another season. Neto is a proven premier league goalkeeper that has often over performed the expected goals conceded. Having 35-year old keeper as back-up is a good options:
- He will be motivated to win some cups late in the career
- He would be happy with number 2 role in the squad
- He doesn’t need minuted to develop his early career
Now, about Sterling. I was not happy about signing him on a permanent basis. It would cost a lot of money in fee and salary and contains a very high risk – one can never know if a man who has won several PL titles is motivated to push over the line for another club in his early-starting career. But, as a loan, with a limited financial obligation. He is definitely the one who can help us to fill in all over the forward line and he definitely has experience to turn the match around when called on. And I am definitely more excited seeing him on the bench rather than Nelson and Nketiah, whose ceiling in Arteta’s team we have all seen already.
It’s also weird that a loan sign has one of the coldest introduction videos that I’ve ever seen.
Back to the heated game
Arsenal have started the game quite actively. Especially electric was Saka, who time after time created chances near the Brighton’s goal. Apparently Bukayo was happy to hear the answer for his question yesterday. The activity ended in a deserved set up goal for Havertz, who have beautifully put the volley over Verbruggen. The future started to look very bright.. until the minute 49, where Rice was given second yellow card for a hardly noticeable challenge.
It is expected that referees could be given an instruction to be stricter in such cases. However:
- Joao Pedro kicked a ball much harder in the first half and didn’t receive a card for that
- Declan wasn’t obviously stopping annoying Veltman from playing the free kick, the defender threw the ball in Rice’s direction
- You have to give a warning to the player for the first small flick in case you don’t want to have every second game ending with 10 man on one of the sides
It’s also fair to say that Rice’s behaviour was quite odd for the player who was never sent off in a senior game. His first foul was also quite aggressive and if he would realise he’s on the fence, he could have not touched the ball.
After the sending off, Brighton has fully seized the initiative. Waves of attacks has ended up in an equaliser even before Arteta managed to do a sub. Many people point at Partey not tracking Pedro, however, it’s not something I am surprised to see. Partey has consistently showed a declining level of fitness, especially in the second half and he would never be able to track Brighton youngsters. I was more disappointed with our centre halves letting Mitoma cut the space between them for Minteh.
Calafiori went in for Trossard, who had a quiet game. I keep saying that starting Martinelli and finishing with Trossard gets the better from both of them. Martinelli appeared soon for Odegaard, and that move almost destroyed or attacking potential. Saka and Havertz tried singlehandedly put the second ball in Verbruggen’s net and both were very close, but every time lacked a couple of inches. I can say that it’s hard not to love Havertz – he might not be technically perfect, but how much ground he covers and with how much desire he works on the field amazes me every time.
The last 10 minutes were quite disappointing to me – Raya, White and a couple of other players (not the forwards) tried to waste time and bring the game to a 1:1 result. I don’t think it’s a mentality of the team that want to kick Man City from their pedestal. We are playing in our home stadium before own crows against Brighton, not Real Madrid. Red card is not a final sentence. I can guarantee 100% that would City be in this position, they will go in for all three points until the last minute. And I am pretty sure I can find example of great teams winning at home with only 10 men. I think there’s still a way to go for some of the players and Arteta himself to reach the mentality level when you are confident you can take a win at home, when you believe you are entitled to a victory in difficult circumstances.
Next we have an international break and Spurs away. COYG and let’s bring 3 point from the toilet bowl second time this year!