Following a successful trip to Sevilla, we return to league action on Saturday, playing hosts to Sheffield United. Although the records at 11v11.com show this will the 118th match between the two clubs, it might be argued that it is the 119th, but the FA Cup fith round game in the image above, on 13th February 1999 has been expunged from the record. Why was that, I hear our younger readers ask? Draw near, gentle readers, and I shall relate the tale at mercifully short length.
In the 76th minute of the non-game, with the score at 1-1, Sheffield United’s Lee Morris went down injured and their keeper booted the ball off to allow the trainer to come on. Play restarted with a throw-in and Ray Parlour attempted to give the ball back to the Blades only for Nwankwo Kanu, making his debut after signing from Internazionale and unaware of the prevailing etiquette in the Premier League at the time, to intercept the ball and pass it to Marc Overmars, who scored. Cue pandemonium. Hard as it might be to believe, the referee refused to disallow an Arsenal goal and the match ended 2-1. Arsene Wenger offered to replay the game and the FA, no doubt relieved that someone, anyone, was prepared to attempt to restore some sporting integrity to their flagship competition, accepted the offer. The replay followed 10 days later with Arsenal again running out 2-1 winners. I am indebted to the Guardian‘s contemporary report of the game. Those with access might care to read Amy Lawrence’s account of the incident on The Athletic site.
Sheffield United have a reasonably successful history. Invited to join the new Second Division of the Football League in 1892, they went on to finish top of the division thus becoming the first team ever to be promoted. Five years later, they topped the First Division. They remained in the First Division until the 1933-34 season, never matching their 1897-98 success but as a fairly solid middle to upper-middle of the table team who picked up four FA Cups. After five seasons in the Second Division, they finished second earning a promotion that had to be deferred for seven years owing to the suspension of football during the Second World War. There followed 30 years of see-sawing between first and second tiers of the football pyramid until five disasterous seasons that saw them relegated first to the Third and then, for one season only to the Fourth Division. After a couple of years in the Third Division, they won promotion to the Second only to be relegated again at the end of the 1987-88 season. back-to-back promotions saw the Blades return to the First Division for a couple of years before it was rebranded as the Premier League. Since then, they have yo-yoed between the top three tiers of English Football, with three years in the top tier, twenty in the second and six in the third. When they won League One in 2016-17 they became one of only five clubs to have been champions of each of the top four tiers.
The opposition
Our record against the Blades provides grounds for optimism
| Competition | Won | Drawn | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| League Division 1 | 36 | 19 | 33 |
| FA Cup | 7 | 3 | 7 |
| League Cup | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Premier League | 4 | 4 | 2 |
although our mediocre Premier League record should give pause for thought.
“What is the strongest city in the world of football?” runs the old joke. “Sheffield,” comes the answer, “because it can prop up two tables at the same time”. Indeed our opponents are not enjoying the greatest results this season and currently stand bottom of the table with a single point to their name; their average of a little less than one goal scored and three conceded per match gives them a goal difference of -17.
Talk on the forums I found veered between dispirited and downright dejected, with Blades fans seeming to recognise their team is playing poorly at presnt and spending their time in the traditional search for a scapegoat. Sadly I was unable to penetrate the fog of nicknames to identify any particular targets. Suffice it to say that Arsenal should have enough talent available to deal with whatever team Sheffield United put out.
The Arsenal
There are two competing schools of thought over Arsenal’s team. Many will argue vociferously that you shouldn’t change a winning team without good reason while others will say equally loudly that playing a team currently adrift at the bottom of the Premier League offers the ideal opportunity to rotate the squad and allow some of the fringe players some game time. Take the goalkeeper, for instance – should we play Raya in this game to give him the chance to rebuild his confidence after a couple of dubious performances, or is it time to reintegrate Ramsdale into the first team and allow the essential understanding among the defence to re-establish itself in a game where there may be less, rather than more, pressure? I am delighted that Mikel Arteta is the man who is paid to resolve this type of conundrum as I’m confident that his decision will be made on a better basis than mine would be. I anticipate his starting XI will be
Raya
White-Gabriel-Saliba-Tomiyasu
Zinchenko-Rice-Odegaard
Martinelli-Nketiah-Saka
If he’s feeling frisky, Arteta might start one or two from Kiwior, Nelson, Vieira, Smith Rowe or Trossard but I would expect to see them on the substitutes bench, coming on after around 60 minutes, or hopefully a little earlier in the second half if we have the match nicely wrapped up.
The Holics’ Pound
I am not a big betting fan. Maybe this is why I am so surprised to find odds of 1/7 on the winner of a two-horse race. Clearly a flutter on a win for Arsenal is not for you if you are looking to make your fortune. Specific results seem to offer better hopes of a decent return with 10/1 on offer for our old favourite 1-0 or 11/1 for 2-1. For those of a more optimistic turn of mind, 25/1 is available for 6-0 or 5-1, while pessimists might consider 19/2 against a draw of whatever score. Surely only the real doom mongers among us will be drawn to the impressive 22/1 against a Sheffield United win?
So there you have it. I hope those going to the match have an experience to savour that lives long in the memory – I wish I were going with you.
COYG
‘Tis a great review, as always, but that team selection, position wise, looks a bit half cock.
Thank you Pangloss for an excellent preview of tomorrow’s game. I remember well that game at Highbury. Would any manager be man enough to offer a replay like Arsene Wenger in our modern world? I very much doubt it.
Arteta’s press conference this morning told us that both Jesus and Partey are ruled out with muscle injuries. I doubt Zinchenko will play in midfield, rather I expect Jorghino to start there. I would play Trossard rather than Eddie, perhaps with him on the left and Gabi at false 9. But who knows?
I shall be breaking bread with a number of ‘holic’s before the game at our spiritual home on Stroud Green Road. My companion on the North Bank will be Bathgooner, as my lad is off for a lads weekend with his mates in Leeds.
COYG!
It’s terrific to see new previewers on the site especially when they produce as comprehensive and informative a preview as this. I was surprised that our record against the Blades isn’t more weighted in our favour . I can remember a Tony Currie inspired side narrowly turning us over many years ago but we have generally beaten them in games I’ve seen over the years .
I’d take slight issue with the side suggested in that I don’t think Arteta sees Zinchenko as a starting midfielder and if he plays it will be in the inverted left back role although I’d prefer Tomi to start . I think we will see Havertz as left 8 ( I’d prefer Smith Rowe ) but he might start Vieira and I think we might see Eddie, Trossard or Havertz at number 9. I’d like to see what Havertz can do there . So team selection will be interesting.
There is a Goonerholics meet up for lunch at Bath’s expense ( that is right isn’t it?😀) beforehand and I hope we see an entertaining and comfortable victory .
Good work Pangloss
Sterling stuff, Pangloss ! although I can’t agree with your midfield – but what do I know ? No more than anyone else.
I would give Odegaard a chance to recover from his thwacking by Kovacic and play Trossard, ESR and Nelson as starters in a side that should be capable of seeing off Sheffield United. That would mean resting Saka too as he has also been “quiet “ / injured of late.
TTG – i also saw a game vs Sheffield United where I am sure both Currie and Rice were in the same pitch.
Nicely done, Pangloss. Always good to see a table with hard numbers.
Like others, I doubt Arteta will start Zinchenko in midfield, although he plays there for Ukraine (and for us for most of a match).
We may have the opportunity to see Auston Trusty, formerly fleetingly of this parish, make his Emirates debut, albeit in opposition colours.
There is chatter that a bad defeat could mean the sack for Paul Heckingbottom, so I shall be on GHF Predictathon TinTak watch. Only one ‘holic nominated him to be the first PL manager to be sacked, so we could have a winner.
Was there ever a managerial name more suited to a Yorkshire club than Paul Heckingbottom?
C100 @6 – ‘appen as reckon as like as maybe.
Great preview, Pangloss. I learned a lot. As if often said in here, every day’s a school day.
I learned from the Athletic’s Arsenal podcast (well worth a listen if you have a subscription) that Sheff U are down to 2 fit centre halves, one of whom is Trusty. I would play Eddie at CF and an unchanged side from Tuesday. We can rest players on Wednesday for what is now our least important fixture of the season.
Looking forward to meeting the great and the good of the blog pre match and chewing the football cud. Then North London forever, followed by a minutes silence for the great Bobby Charlton.
COYRRR’s
Cheers, Pangloss and well done on the preview! If there’s goals out there to be had then Eddie could use the confidence that scoring one or two could bring. If Heckingbottom’s on a knife’s edge then let’s boot him firmly out the door so some other club can be the victim of their new manager’s bounce!
Fact-filled and insightful preview Pangloss! Thank you.
In your formation Ødegaard and Saka are on the left and not their usual right in front of White. Is that intentional?
I don’t think Eddie deserves to start. I would rather have Trossard as #9, exchanging positions with Martinelli.
Zinchenko would be an excellent left sided 8, but I don’t think we will ever see him there for Arsenal. Kai, ESR or Vieira would likely be Mikel’s choice.
Maybe Martin needs a breather. Since Kovacic’s ankle cruncher and then the international duties he hasn’t been the same. An opportunity for Vieira and/or ESR?
Maybe we will all be surprised and Ramsdale will be back in goal…
Come on Arsenal!
Good stuff, Pangloss. Nice preview.
Can’t agree with your selection though.
I think you are correct that Raya will start as he is clearly now MA8’s first choice keeper despite the ricks.
Three of your back four are undroppable. However as we are going to be on the front foot against the bottom club, I expect Zinchenko to be at ‘LB’ for 70 minutes before Tomi comes on as a ‘finisher’. Personally I would choose Tomi over Zinnie every time, if he is fit.
I would rest Ødegaard and play the markedly less impressive, but probably adequate for this game, Vieira though I don’t expect that MA8 will do so. In that case I would hope that Ødegaard gets a rest after 60 minutes with the game in the bag. Given that we will be on the front foot, I expect either Havertz, Trossard or ESR to be the left ‘8’ as Declan will be expected to patrol the territory in front of our hard centres on his own. I would choose Trossard and expect him to interchange with Havertz at ‘9’.
Like Trev, I would also like to see Saka rested but again do not expect MA8 to agree – I would play Nelson in his place (even though he has had more success on the left). If either Trossard or ESR play the left ‘8’, Havertz would lead the line for me. If Havertz is left ‘8’ then Trossard or Eddie will lead the line – the former has been impressive in his brief cameos, the latter has not. Martinelli is of course undroppable.
As to lunch TTG @3, dream on sucker! However, I have arranged a separate table for you. At Nando’s down the road.
COYG
Thanks Pangloss, a fine preview. Last season I would have confidently predicted an unchanged or virtually unchanged XI for this one but this season MA does seem to be using his squad more. To be honest I don’t really mind who plays as we should win and also we can rest players in the midweek game anyway. 4-0 with goals for Havertz, Eddie, Ode and ESR would make me happy.
Cheers Pangloss. Top review and super research.
Trev @ 4. Currie and Rice on the same pitch? Was your nan in attendance too?
Let’s put those blades to the sword…
Thought the lounge might be full of England rugby fans but weirdly the whole of the Eurostar terminal is eerily quiet. Sure I’m a touch early but can’t remember the last times there were so few people. Probably a good thing as passport machines were extremely slow.
Have a good trip over, Ollie.
Cheers CER. Well it’s not starting so well as we are already being delayed by we don’t know how much.
Been a while since I last had Eurostar woes…
30 min just announced.
Best of luck. Hope you manage to beat the rain, Ollie……
Sheffield Utd have done much better against us over the years than I had imagined or remembered, great summary. Hopefully we’ll see another home win appear in the PL column for the Arsenal today. I’m confident that we will but I’m not confident that I can predict the starting team. I like Trossard as a sub rather than a starter and would probably go with Havertz at CF. I’d rest Saka for Nelson and start ESR, but I don’t think MA8 will.
Enjoy the game.
You and Esso have a great day Ollie.
Just departed so it’s on!
Cheers C100. Catch you soon hopefully. Wolves sorted , still on the lookout for Burnley.
Thanks Pangloss
I don’t care who plays as long as we win 3-0.
UTA.
‘
Yes, have a great day all – Esso and Ollie !
And, Ollie – I do the puns, ok ! 🤣. My Nan ….
Wasn’t Stéphane Masala in that team?
Kiwor and ESR start. Gabriel and Ødegaard to the bench.
Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko
Smith Rowe, Rice, Havertz
Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Bench: Ramsdale, Gabriel, Ødegaard, Tomiyasu, Trossard, Jorginho, Fábio Vieira, Nelson, Elneny
Should be enough to win this one fairly comfortably. You do wonder how bad Raya has to get for Ramsdale to get a recall …
Stephane’s twin brother Garam sent off in a case of mistaken identity?
MA using his squad more. CoYGs!
Slow start…Havertz and Eddie pretty much invisible.
Eddie! He needed that one
1-0!
Hopefully we can be a little smoother now. Nice finish from Eddie off a ball in from Rice.
I think Trusty could of done a bit better to be honest.
Bosnian @30. I’m hoping that’s a guarantee for Havertz to join Eddie on the scoresheet in the second half. 🤣
Fingers crossed, BT8!
Eddie Eddie!! 2-0
Eddie Eddie Eddie!
Hahaha 3-0 🎉🎉🎉 his first premier league hat trick
Well played Eddie
Absolute belter as well, and an assist for ESR.
Good day, maybe not for poor feckingbottom though
4-0 and lots of good things happening – welcome back Mo among them
Even Tomi on the scoresheet now 😀
Pleased for Tomi, Vieira and of course Eddie. Looked a very happy bunch at the end and we got to rest Ode and Gabriel as well (at least I think they were rested)
Lots of Happy Holics at the ground too, nice win for you to enjoy gentlemen 👍
It will have been a jolly old day in North London for the usual suspects and thrir accomplices 😆
Great win! With 50% of power I would say. Eddie fantastic in the second half. Just irritated by Spuds being above us…but not for long I hope!
Once we got ahead, it was pretty plain sailing. On the strength of that performance, Sheffield will not be staying up.
Three ‘strikers’ goals for Eddie, which will be good for his confidence. Rice was mightily impressive yet again. ESR did OK for his first league start this season. Some useful minutes for some others. Good to see Mo back after such a long injury layoff. Congrats to Tomi on his first Arsenal goal. You could see how happy the rest of the team was for him.
I thought Auston Trusty looked halfway decent on a difficult afternoon. He will develop into a fine PL CB, if not necessarily an elite one, so I don’t think that he will be ‘one that got away’.
Job done. Very well indeed. On to Wet Spam.
Thanks for the ticket, C100.
De nada Bath. Glad you enjoyed row 9 of the North Bank Lower. I called Tomi’s goal before they took the corner!
>>>>>>>