If there was a single phrase to sum up this game, it’s simply: “Win Ugly”.
Over the years the hallmarks of a championship winning side is their ability to dominate games but also to win games where perhaps a side of lessor character would capitulate. Arsenal last night was in cruise control until some pow or refereeing and decision making brough them down to 10 men. The game turned on it’s head and the leaders on the pitch had to step up allowing Arsenal to win ugly!
But before we delve into the stats of a game that had it all, a penalty, a red card, lightning quick counterattacks and duels being battled for and won in the midfield. We must first talk about the highly inconsistent refereeing decisions that changed that game last night!
That Red Card…
Critics, pundits and analysts alike all shared the same sentiment last night. That red card was harsh and for a variety of reasons. Arguably both yellow cards Tomiyasu received were not his fault and not worthy of a yellow!
First the time wasting over the throw in. Yes it was time wasting. Yes it should have been punished. But Tomiyasu was innocent. The total time for the throw in was 26 seconds wasted. Of which Tomiyasu handled the ball for 8 seconds and even threw it out to a teammate before the ref blew his whistle. Initially Martinelli takes the ball, then Havertz who held it the longest. If anything under the new rules, a punishment is required YES. But is should have gone to Kai if anyone at all.
Now the foul. It takes the most minimal of contact from a hand, not a grab, not a throw not even a punch. Just a hand brushing against Ayew to get Tomi his 2nd yellow and off the game. This is absurd. Fine he stops a counter, yes it could be a foul but the punishment did not fit the offence. This is more evident when Ayew already on a yellow card had a more blatant and more aggressive foul on Saka right in front of the referee. Here once again a foul was given but not a yellow. A shocking decision that even commentary on the night noted “Ayew dares not look at the referee after that foul, he’s already on a yellow and could well have got another there”.
The refereeing in the Premier League is maddeningly inconsistent. The new rules add to further confusion on just how they should be enforced. Add to that this being the image of last night’s referee social media page and it adds to the frustrations.
The Starting XI
Before the teamsheet was revealed rumours of the Tomiyasu start was a plenty on X.com. Whilst some panicked not understanding the role we at ArtofAnalysis (@rikisomaroo) on X. Simply put it as a basic switch Tomi for Timber. The formation would remain the same, whilst Gabriel & Zinchenko still had to work on their fitness.
Mikel is experimenting still with the Pivot of Partey at RB and shifting in CM when in possession. This in turn allows Ben White who starts at CB to move to his now favoured RB role. To then cover this Declan Rice drops deeper into the pivot as either CDM or CB if Tomiyasu ventures forward on the overlap.
Whilst rumours remain on the transfer interest for Gabriel. It seems clear he is a key part of the plan for Mikel. Who whilst experimenting with a back 3 system while Gabi and Zinchenko get their full fitness back, both remain part of the squad. If you doubt this, just look at Pepe. If he is not bought into the team and the Ideology and tactical understanding that Mikel needs from you. You are not even on the team sheet, let alone the bench. You are sidelined to training alone if you even thinking about leaving this team. Clearly that is not the case for Gabriel.
The negatives:
We look tired. It is clear the first XI and the bench are not fully match fit. They are not running on 100% like they were at the back end of the season last year. However this is to be expected with the break over the summer and the new additions. It is clear Mikel understands this and is experimenting tactically. But boy does it feel good to have such a strong bench these days to change the game in our favour after such an event like a red card.
Tomiyasu red card. As detailed above, its unfair. But it has happened and a 2 yellows to a red situation is not one the team can appeal either. Hence we have gone from having 4 options at LB to only 2 in the space of 2 games. Mikel must either look for a short term option in a season long loan or its time to promote one of the youngsters into the squad to aid in the cover for the time being.
The Positives:
Kai Havertz. He doesn’t lose his duels! Many fans are critical of Mikel keeping Kai on for a full 90. Certainly this was the case when Martinelli was subbed following the red card incident. However what these fans don’t see is how Mikel is utilising Havertz. This man is not going to be a number 9. Nor is he a LCM out and out. His role is fluid to the games demands. But more importantly he is there to set tempo of the game and set the precedent for winning your duels. He enables Arsenal to retain possession when lost. He provides an outlet to get out from the back with his hight and ability to win the ball in the air. Kai simply put, is winning his duels and keeping Mikel happy with his £62m purchase.
William “Rolls Royce” Saliba. Arguably the POTM last night. My god did he show just how much faith Mikel has in him in this new CCB role. At times he is the only line of defence when Arsenal are pressing forward. Other times he is in the middle of the back three and picking beautiful accurate passes over the midfield to our wingers. His level of ability is absurd, and we are lucky to have him. Simply put, if you want to enjoy a game of football, watch Arsenal and watch Saliba. The decision making is second to non, the ability on the ball is impeccable. He is our defence. Much like last year proved, we cannot afford to lose him to injury this year.
Declan Rice. The only man to make £105 million (yes I’m including the add ons) look cheap. My god he has changed our game. He is the marquee signing … hopefully Tego from FilthyFellas doesn’t get too offended by me saying this. “That’s why I signed for Arsenal. I believe in the vision, I believe in the manager and I believe in this team with how young and how hungry we are.” – Rice in his post-match interview last night.
He was the fighting spirit for Arsenal and one of the leaders on the pitch who stepped up for us in the last 25 minutes when we went down to 10 men. Combine that with the intelligent subs of Jorghino and others to help control the tempo and the men on the pitch it was the best way to end a tough game.
Martin Ødegaard. Wow did he step up. Mikel stated in the post match interview on whether Martin Ødegaard is the new penalty taker: “I have no clue, it’s about leadership of players, and if they felt it was the right thing to do, for me I’m fine. They have to make those decisions on the pitch. I was surprised like everybody else, but he scored the goal which is the important thing and we won the game.” He really is showing his leadership capabilities and making Mikel and the fans proud. We are on the ascension with leaders like this in the squad. The end of last year we lacked character and the pressure got to us. This year the XI have grown up as men and the additions have certainly helped this too.
Conclusion
This game was hard. Very hard. I for one did not anticipate it to be as difficult as it was. Yes Selhurst Park away has always been tricky for Arsenal. Last year we were still able to get a definitive result. Last night seemed far more tricky. Arguably Arsenal being somewhat not 100% fit compounded with shoddy refereeing decisions made the game harder than it should be. However the resilience shown, and the character to push through the adversity Arsenal faced allowed them to simply win ugly. 3 points is all that matters. Development of the team and the tactical style will come. 3 points, got the win, we move.
Written by Reekesh Somaroo