Battle at the Emirates - Arsenal 1-1 Everton - Napoli Next

Napoli - won't be so pretty on Wednesday

 



I really must do better at blogging the same day as the match.  Now, I'm stuck writing a post-match for Everton and a pre for Napoli.  Ugh!

Onwards then.

I am of two minds about the result.  On one hand, I am happy we are five points clear at the top of the table and was pleased to see us improve our performance toward the last minutes of the first half.  I think we came out into the second half much the same way we ended the first.  And, we did draw against the best team we have played against yet.  And we did it while not being efficient or urgent a large portion of the match.  Martinez has taken the tenacity of past Moyes' teams and injected the technique and attacking football his Wigan teams were known for.  That is quite the combination.  The rest of the league now know to keep a wary eye on the Toffees.

Having said that, we lacked the technique that Martinez employed so well.  Our passing was off and it look as though, at times, some players (Jack for example), were walking about the pitch rather than jogging/running.  Our movement was sluggish.  While Everton employed  pressing, especially in the midfield, we held off and absorbed pressure.  If a counter-attack presented itself, the exigency of the situation seemed lost on all and the goal scoring opportunity disappeared.

Aaron Ramsey had one of his worst games this season, and I think it's due to being overtired.  He added to the poor passing, got dispossessed, and seemed to regress to the Rambo of season's past when it came to fancy-fying (new word) his passing.  With his legendary stamina possibly diminished, he probably just tried too hard.

Arsene addressed the issue by inserting Speed (Theo), Urgency (TR7), and Steel (Flamini) into the game all at the same time.  Most unusual for him, but effective.  They all made instant impacts.  Theo made his fashioning the assist for Ozil's 80th minute goal - but Tommy set the play in motion by giving Theo a cross- the- pitch- perfect-pass so he could head it beautifully to Ollie Mesut. 

Flamini - while offering his usual "let's kick ass and take names" attitude also got himself into position for two goals.  And missed both.  His first attempt dragged just wide, and he kicked nothin' but air on the second which was right in front of goal.  Flamini's greatest attribute is his energy/intensity.  But, the flip side to that is perhaps he is not the calmest in front of goal - especially when a win is on the line.  I do love the guy nonetheless.

Everton did not give up after Ozil's scoring, and Deulofeu equalized in less than two minutes.  Talk about the emotional roller coaster of football!  It was a great shot, in my estimation, and although Gibbsy maybe gave him a few inches too much room (he was less than a yard off him), one has to credit the Toffees for continuing to push for a result.  I guess after having written all this down, I think overall the result was fair.  Each of us got the point we deserved.

Onto Napoli - Arsene is going to have to continue resting weary legs.  I shouldn't be surprised to see Vermie, Theo, Flamini, and Rosicky, and even Monreal get a start.  What to do about the striker?  Does he rest Giroud for Manchester City and play Theo central?  Or does he ask Ollie to push through counting on the rest he will get between the City and Chelsea matches.  I personally can't decide.  Poldolski is back training with the team but is not in the squad traveling to Italy.  If he has no more setbacks, he could be in the squad next Saturday - and I'm sure he would  be looking rusty.

Quite the conundrum which is why I don't manage anything beyond Little League softball.  When it comes to big decisions like this, all I try and do is decide whether to wear my jersey under my work clothes - Super Girl style (don't act like you all haven't done that before).

That's all for now.  See you online for the 1:45 PM CST kickoff.  Have a good one Gooners.