Manchester City draw
Well the team didn’t lose and managed to fight back twice to finish the game 2-2 against Manchester City in the Premier League. Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi getting the goals to ensure no further damage was inflicted on Arsenal. The team looks short on confidence and once again vulnerable in defence. Although Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka did little to offer protection to the back four.
The result still leaves Arsenal in 6th place and seven points adrift of Manchester City in fourth.
Protests and scuffles
Well this time it was an ‘Arsene Wenger out’ van! Yes, you read that right, a van. Who needs a plane when you can have a van instead. On top of that, despite a majority of the home crowd getting behind the team during the match, there was a small scuffle in the ground involving Arsenal supporters. Tensions seem to be high and getting worse. You almost feel the end of the season cannot come soon enough.
Wenger review
Manager Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal suffered from a ‘high level of anxiety’ but felt the team passed a mental test. Wenger did feel the team responded well in a united, strong way.
Injury update
Centre-back Laurent Koscielny was substituted at half-time with another injury. The French man has an achilles problem, with Arsene Wenger unsure when Koscielny will return.
Hale End Academy
After the re-opening of the newly refurbished Hale End Academy, Arsenal’s U16’s went on to win the Liam Brady Cup against Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus. The academy boasts four full-size pitches named after the original four stands at Highbury. The David Rocastle indoor sports hall has a new 4G pitch, and the main building has a gymnasium, analysts suite, classrooms, restaurant, changing rooms, medical space, offices and a recreational space. Let’s hope we start seeing some quality youngsters coming through the academy.
Neville rant
Sky pundit Gary Neville ripped into Laurent Koscielny for going off at half time and not reappearing despite being injured, Theo Walcott for trudging off the pitch after being substituted and Mesut Ozil for not going into a 50/50 challenge with the Manchester City goalkeeper. Add to that Neville ranting about Arsenal’s players lack of celebration when Theo Walcott hit the equalizer and it seems the ex-Manchester United player was on a mission to knock the club when they are down. Neville admitted the atmosphere was a little bit strange and a little bit edgy. Edgy and strange? Interesting punditry from Neville. Has he ever liked Arsenal?
David Rocastle
Saturday marked 16 years since the Arsenal midfielder sadly passed away. Rocastle was a true Arsenal legend and such an exciting player to watch. His sublime skill made him stand out and he was, and still is, a real fans favourite at the club. We miss you, Rocky.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
