“North London Forever! Whatever the weather. These streets are our own” – “The Angel” Louis Dunsford
North London is red. Down goes the Spurs. It was exactly how I predicted, a 1-0 scoreline and scored from a corner this past Sunday. The Arsenal back 5 have been simply outstanding and stingy so far and certainly the bright spot of the season. GK David Raya has been exceptional in every game so far. In fact, the results so far this season would look quite different if not for his outstanding efforts keeping the ball out of the net.
During a Champions League Match yesterday in Italy, he pulled off a double save. First diving to his right and saving a penalty headed for the bottom corner and then quick as a flash sprang up like a cat and dove back across goal to swat the headed rebound effort away to safety. Arsenal finished the game 0-0. David Raya is keeping Arsenal in games.
Now, that was the good news. The bad news, well, it isn’t bad yet, but the stressful news is that Arsenal now goes to Manchester to take on the mighty City in The Etihad. A daunting challenge for any team, including this PL Title challenging bunch. This will be Arsenals third Away game in a week and played in Italy late on Thursday Night. City are looking to win their 5th Premier League in a row, and beating the Gunners on Sunday would give them a firm 5 point early lead in the Table.
The logical strategy is for Arsenal to go on the road, play 90 minutes of “defend your box” soccer, and leave there with a draw. But that is not what I am predicting. I think Arteta finds goals this game, and not just from set pieces. I think this team is going to attack and be the high flying free flowing Arsenal that they have shown us to be. It has been a slow start to the season scoring goals, but that changes Sunday. Somehow, some way, Arsenal will score 3 and win at the Etihad. This is a statement season for Arteta, and this is a statement game.
11:30 AM EST Sunday on USA.
COYG!
Find the Humor and keep on Movin’
Whit W.