Another week another 2-0 win!! This one was a tougher battle, but we got the job done.
David Raya once again produced a moment of magic to keep his clean sheet. Last week he denied Strand Larsen equalising, this week it was Ollie Watkins he stopped. It was a vital moment in the game, although Watkins will also look at a first half tap in he put wide. Raya made a couple of other good stops, and was pretty much faultless all game.
The second big moment was the introduction of Leo Trossard. He was on the pitch about a minute before he took advantage of a loose ball in the box and expertly passed the ball into the bottom corner.
Trossard was involved again 10 minutes later, breaking the Villa backline, and putting a cross that eventually found Saka. Saka kept his cool and laid it back to Partey. Partey found the bottom corner, although our ex 'keeper Emi Martinez had a shocker to help us.
It wasn't a brilliant performance. For much of the first 65 minutes we struggled and Villa had those 2 massive chances plus a bit more. Saliba was also required to make a stunning recovery tackle to stop Villa getting a breakaway goal. Havertz struggled, Partey looked off the pace, Gabriel had some moments, Rice still looks off the pace after a busy summer and Martinelli looks lost.
On the plus side, along with Raya and Trossard, Saliba was excellent. Saka played a huge part in both goals and also created our best effort in the first half for himself. Gabriels pass for the second goal and the chance Ode wasted for 3 were great defence splitting passes. Timber got a good run out and Calafiori made his debut. And White also played and Nelson got on.
Another tricky game next week, Brighton and Hove Albion at home in the 1230 TNT match. Has Trossard done enough to start? Will Arteta rotate left backs again? Will Jesus be fit?
Before then we have the Champions League draw on Thursday (5pm) and the transfer window shuts on Friday, with a lot of work to do seemingly.
Fantastic win!!!
posted on 24/8/24
comment by T-BAD (U11806)
posted 19 minutes ago
I feel like we look more likely to unlock defences with Partey playing but we also have a couple of moments a game where he looks really vulnerable when the opposition get around him.
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Yep agree with you and Gillespie Road above.
Partey is vulnerable but he adds something that Rice and Jorgy dont!
posted on 24/8/24
https://youtu.be/5LVTICvU5Bs?si=AjGXypwO15Ujf82p
Here is the action
Great win at difficult place
posted on 25/8/24
Partey is finished physically. Those injuries have destroyed him. Jorginho is also good on the ball but even worse physically. We definitely won’t compete in Europe with a poor state of no 6 options but it may just be enough for the title.
posted on 25/8/24
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 59 minutes ago
Partey is finished physically. Those injuries have destroyed him. Jorginho is also good on the ball but even worse physically. We definitely won’t compete in Europe with a poor state of no 6 options but it may just be enough for the title.
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Assumption would be the big game lineup is Rice in DM, Merino in CM and Ode in CAM
posted on 25/8/24
Chris 👍
And hopefully Merino (whom we’ve apparently been linked to this summer) can strike up a good partnership with Martinelli, which will help him rediscover his form, and make our left hand side more potent!
If we can do that, Ode and Saka should benefit hugely.
Regards the squad, hopefully Jesus’ injury really amplifies the need for another attacking option being brought in before Friday.
Even then I’d still probably keep Nelson. At least until January.
posted on 25/8/24
This was an intense game and a massive win in our favour this time. It wasnt nice and comfortable but we grind it out and individual class shows again.
Yeah Partey separates opinions. I havent seen him playing badly after all. He had good moments but also when his power is gone weak moments. Yesterday he had a very difficult opponent against him in Rodgers which looked like a quality player,
Jesus indeed is a concern and a liability and is missing out for too many games. Same as Tomiyasu.
Yeah think as well we need a striker/wide player especially on Saka`s side to support him.
Game yesterday showed we have a lot to improve. Some of our players looked tired. Three points despite is a very good result so nothing to complain about.
posted on 26/8/24
Partey played quite well, I don't know what you were watching, he struggled to handle Rogers but then so did everybody in our side.
Rice looks physically knackered, I think he needs a break.
posted on 26/8/24
It was his job to "handle Rogers". Look at the Saliba last ditch tackle and see Partey 😂😂 He is so washed, and his goal doesn't change that. Chashing shadows at a jogging pace and losing possession so.much isn't the sign of a good DM
posted on 26/8/24
But he scored, DJ. Which is why he would’ve made Garth Crooks’ team of the week. And if it’s good enough for Garth…
posted on 26/8/24
Garth is dead. Did he make Deeneys XI?