NFL
By: Ty Reeves
I know, I know. I’ve been missing for a while. But besides enjoying the holiday season, I have to say, I’ve been basking in the moment. Watching Arsenal climb up the table has truly been a beautiful sight. Now you’ll get the critiques that say it’s an easy schedule or it’s because of covid cancellations. All I know is the Gunners are sole holders of fourth place. That play has been good, the vibes are great around the club, we have a style of play. Everything is great, and as a Arsenal fan, it’s important to smell the roses while you can.
Finding Form
After losing to Manchester United and Everton at the beginning of the month, Arteta and company have gone on to win five straight matches in all competitions in the month of December. Scoring 19 goals while only conceding 2 in that stretch. The Gunners have hit their peak form at the most crucial part of the season, when the games start to stack up.
Yesterday’s performance against Norwich was immense. Arteta went into the game with no Aubameyang in the squad and starting right back Takehiro Tomiyasu out of the team after contracting Covid-19. Ben White was used as a right-back while Rob Holding was selected to start next to Gabriel in the heart of the defense. Everything that occurred throughout the 5-0 victory was a step in the right direction.
After Tuesday’s match against Wolves was canceled, Arsenal’s next match is scheduled to be played on new year’s day, facing off against league leaders Manchester City. It will once again be the master versus the apprentice as Pep Guardiola’s squad faces off against Arteta’s Gunners. Arteta’s track record against City since arriving at Arsenal is ugly. In the five competitions between the two sides Arsenal has only emerged victorious in one of those matches. That was in the 2020 FA Cup run when Aubameyang’s two goals lifted Arsenal past City on their way to winning the cup. Since then Arsenal has managed to only score one goal in the teams last four meetings, while City has scored 11 in that time frame.
Arsenal appear to be trending in the right direction, but City will be the test the Gunners need to pass if they hope to be taken seriously as a top four contender for this season.
No more Star Boy, It’s Stary Boy’s
Bukayo Saka over the last two years has made a name for himself not only in the Premier League but also on the international level. In 19 appearances this season, Saka has contributed 5 goals and 4 assists for Arsenal. He has proven himself to be one of the most up and coming young players in the world, but it’s not only him who is catching eyes from across the world at the Emirates.
Emile Smith-Rowe, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli have all played a massive role in Arsenal’s success this season. Smith-Rowe is Arsenal’s top contributor this season in the Premier League with 8 goals and 2 assists in 17 appearances this season. For Odegaard his start to the season was a little shaky. Everyone knows what he brings to the table defensively with his pressing, but his contribution as Arsenal’s number ten was lacking. However, over the last six games the Norwegian has switched on contributing 3 goals and 3 assists for Arteta.
Since moving into the starting lineup, Martinelli has also shown he has something to prove in this Arsenal team. Sitting a majority of this season behind Aubameyang, Martinelli has been a major contributor over the last three Premier League games scoring three goals in that span. It’s not only his ability to score but his willingness to take defenders on the dribble. His creativity with creating plays, and making runs in behind the defense that has caught fans eyes. These qualities show why he is a top talent in the league.
Where is Aubameyang?
It has been a rough season for Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang. His struggles have continued on the field, but have now translated off the field. In recent events Aubameyang was stripped of the captain’s band after returning late from holiday during the season. He has not been a part of the squad for the last three Premier League games and is now training by himself ahead of the AFCON tournament in the upcoming weeks. On paper Aubameyang’s contribution to the team hasn’t been terrible. In 15 appearances this season, the striker has scored seven goals. However, if you’ve watched his play this season, you’d say he should be sitting at double digit goals in the Premier League alone. We don’t know when he will return to the team but one thing we know is he won’t be leaving in January.
Mikel Arteta very clear on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang situation: "Pierre wasn’t selected. We’ll take it game by game. That was the decision", Arteta said. 🚫 #AFC
"The unity we have around the club and with our fans is very pleasing", Arsenal manager added. pic.twitter.com/uBpR2W5PtR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2021
January Transfer Window
There are a lot of rumours circulating the Arsenal camp this transfer window. Not as much as who is coming in, but rather who is going out. It’s reported that Pablo Mari is keen on a move back to Brazil while Sead Kolasinac has been linked with a move within the Premier League. The big move that has caught the attention of everyone’s eye is Ainsley Maitland-Niles possible loan to Roma. When Granit Xhaka got injured for Arsenal, It seemed as though he would battle with Sambi Lokonga for the spot next to Thomas Partey in the midfield. He got the opportunity to play and he didn’t perform badly at all. But since Xhaka’s return and contracting Covid-19, it seems as though a loan move is what’s best for both parties.
AS Roma are in advanced talks to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan with buy option from Arsenal, as confirmed by @DiMarzio. 🔴🤝 #ASRoma #AFC
Negotiations ongoing – talks opened few days ago as reported on last @podcastherewego episode on Thursday. 🇮🇹
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2021
For Arsenal the one position they will look to improve upon is a center forward. Alexandre Lacazette since taking the arm band has been a key component in Arteta’s Arsenal. But after being offered a one year contract extension, reports say he plans to turn the offer down and move elsewhere. Same goes for forward Eddie Nketiah. He has turned down a new contract offer looking for new opportunities within the Premier League. With both of those players linked to a possible exit there have been multiple names thrown around on who are possible replacements. Unfortunately for fans, it seems as though a move for a new striker won’t be made till the summer.
