Good morning from Islington, today we face Brentford at home.
After two consecutive defeats, and with Manchester City on Wednesday, we need to get back to normal this afternoon. The fact that we’re playing before City face Aston Villa tomorrow allows us to put a bit of pressure on if we get all three points, but make no mistake, we’re going to have to work hard and be very close to our best to get there. . .
Although we beat Brentford quite comfortably in the first game of this season, I think it’s fair to say they were below par on the day. It’s not that we weren’t good, we were, but a team that has beaten Man United, beaten Man City and Liverpool, and drawn with the Sp*rs and Chelsea was nowhere near their level. They are unbeaten in the Premier League since October (World Cup break notwithstanding), so we should expect them to be tough to take down today.
From our perspective, the loss against Everton will have hurt, no doubt, and the reaction is something that Mikel Arteta addressed in his press conference, saying:
Really positive. We sat together, discussed the game and what happened. The rival did his part and Everton must be congratulated for what he did that day. It is true that there were things that we did not like in other matches and that is why you miss football matches. There is always an opportunity to recover, show the character we have and how much we want what we are fighting for.
At home, with a 3:00 p.m. kickoff, in front of a raucous home crowd, that would be a pretty good way to get back on track. It will also be interesting to see if he makes any changes to this one. On the one hand, there must be a temptation to pick the strongest possible team to build confidence and win; on the other hand, the imminent prospect of City leaving and the need to develop the competitiveness of this team must also be a consideration.
As I wrote earlier in the week, we need to become a 12/13+ player team, and the ability to make safe switches, rather than rotate/rest, will be important. For example, Ben White (who I love) hasn’t been at his best in the last two games, so do you give Takehiro Tomiyasu a start at right back? Perhaps bring in Kieran Tierney at left back to keep him involved and give Brentford something different to think about on the left? Starter Leandro Trossard would remind Gabriel Martinelli that he has competition at that position after a couple of games in which he, too, struggled to find the best form for himself.
Which isn’t a criticism of any of those players, but we can’t pick the same team for every game. It becomes predictable. Nor is it taking anything for granted against very good rivals, just making the most of our squad. So, I’m curious to see what the coach does a little bit further down the line and if we see this team respond. We have done it before this season, so there should be confidence that we can do it again.
Arteta says:
The team’s reaction has been magnificent this week and tomorrow we’re going to put on a great performance in front of our fans to try and win the game.
Hopefully.
Right, I’m in dire need of some coffee that isn’t hotel room coffee, and possibly some breakfast as well. Seeing some of you before/after the game I hope. There’s a preview podcast here if you have time this morning too.
Come on reds!
