Arsenal’s ‘Finishers’ Step Up Again
Mikel Arteta used the word “finishers” when talking up the importance of Arsenal’s substitutes following their Champions League win over Athletic Club on Tuesday. They came through again five days later in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, helping the Gunners out of a tricky spot.
There did not seem to be much on when Eberechi Eze picked up the ball in his own half during the third of seven minutes of stoppage time after a largely listless Arsenal display. However, his perfectly weighted ball over the top found fellow “finisher” Martinelli, who did the rest.
The pass and looping finish that followed were rare moments of individual quality in an Arsenal performance that lacked attacking inspiration. For Martinelli, fresh from his goal and assist from the bench in midweek, it was further proof of his impact.
More broadly, though, it again reflected the increased depth available to Arteta. While it was clear the Arsenal boss got his starting line-up wrong, he is right in thinking matches can be changed from the bench—even if this time it was only enough for a draw.
Martinelli, in particular, will hope his latest contribution is enough to win him a place in the starting line-up against Newcastle next weekend. Alongside Eze, he provided another reminder that Arsenal have the quality and tools to turn games with their substitutes.
Nick Wright
Did Pep ‘Park the Bus’?
Pep Guardiola smiled when asked if he had “parked the bus” during his post-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium. “One time in 10 years isn’t bad,” joked the Manchester City boss.
City recorded just 32.8% possession in their draw with Arsenal—the lowest share of the ball by a Guardiola team in any league game throughout his 601-game top-flight career.
Guardiola attributed this not to a deliberate defensive tactic but to Arsenal’s quality. There may be some truth to that, especially considering the second-lowest possession percentage of his managerial career also came against Arsenal two years ago.
He also highlighted the context of a gruelling week for his players. Arsenal had two more days’ rest than City, who had faced Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, following their Manchester derby win the previous Sunday.
There was an acceptance, too, that his new-look team is still finding its way. Changes in personnel over recent months require certain adjustments in their style. Erling Haaland’s goal reflected an increased emphasis on direct attacks, but the lack of possession was something different altogether.
Nick Wright
Newcastle’s Away-Goal Drought Continues
A combined expected goals total of just 0.69 summed up what was a dull affair between Newcastle and Bournemouth. The goalless draw was far from exciting but is not unfamiliar territory for Newcastle away from St James’ Park this season.
The Magpies have now failed to score in their last four away games, extending a winless run on the road to six matches.
Eddie Howe fielded a heavily changed Newcastle side, making seven alterations from the team that had been beaten by Barcelona. One of those changes included their club-record signing, Nick Woltemade. Despite some impressive moments on the ball, Woltemade failed to register a single shot, which will be a concern for Howe.
Having lost one of the league’s leading goalscorers in Alexander Isak, Newcastle now face a troubling goalscoring problem. This issue adds to the narrative about the impact of Isak’s departure.
The good news for Newcastle is they will have time to address their toothless away goalscoring run, as their next away match is against Brighton after the upcoming international break.
William Bitibiri
Sunderland’s ‘Captain Fantastic’ Xhaka Delivers Again
Few expected Granit Xhaka’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to newly-promoted Sunderland in the summer, but the decision has already been justified for both club and player.
The 32-year-old has played every minute of Sunderland’s first Premier League campaign since the 2016/17 season, helping Regis Le Bris’ side to eight points from their opening five games.
Xhaka is not only a calming presence in front of a defence with limited top-flight experience but also provides valuable attacking support. He assisted Wilson Isidor in the 2-1 win over Brentford last month and repeated the feat in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, cleverly cushioning a header to set up Isidor to score and earn a point.
In his post-match press conference, Le Bris revealed that Xhaka had addressed the squad following Reinildo’s needless red card, underlining his leadership qualities as captain.
William Bitibiri