Arsenal (2.51) 2 - 1 (1.11) Wolves
LACAZETTE AT THE DEATH!!!
Man, I can get used to this. Arsenal in another thriller, which saw us as victors over Wolves 2-1. There is something brewing here and I cannot for the life of me figure out why I still see clowns on Twitter talking this Arteta out nonsense. This team, Mikel, everyone has me believing and thinking about the future in a light that, to be honest, I am not sure I ever have realistically imagined. Yes, I am a fan and supporter and always will be, but we have endured some really dark days in the recent past and it was really hard to stay upbeat and positive at all times. But now? These boys got me dreaming.
I don't want to beat a dead horse... but officiating was terrible again, and not just for us, I thought Atkinson was terrible on the day for all involved. Involved in another PK shout a mere 20 seconds into the game was quickly turned away by the on-pitch ref and then very briefly checked by VAR. Wolves had a goal ruled off for offsides, which was clear to the naked eye, but don't worry I think they phoned top geometry mathematicians to make sure they had their angles and lines in the correct spots. Whatever, here nor there as it didn't change the outcome for us, but 1-0 in 20s is a whole different game than trailing 1-0 for the vast majority of one.
A rare mistake in the back allowed Hwang to nick a pass from Gabriel and a touch around Rambo allowed for him to slot the ball in and give Wolves an early lead only 10 mins in. To be perfectly transparent with you, I absolutely thought Ramsdale was gonna foul Hwang, give up a pen, and most likely a red card. So really I was ok with the goal from that comparison, but credit to the Wolves attacker. He saw Gabriel was in trouble and gambled on his press and was able to get on the end of it. Also, that is still a tough angle to score from so credit where credit is due. Bar this incident, I thought we kept Wolves pretty quiet. Hwang had another chance early in the second half, which Ramsdale got a piece on, but after that not too much was given up from a defense point of view. Since Coady clearly fouled Ben White (😉), on what would have seen the Wolves captain in a 1v1 situation with the keeper, we don't need to count it as a chance.
The game again I thought was largely entertaining. I sense a little rivalry brewing with Wolves and I am quite frankly good with that. They are an exciting team and these matches always seems to produce talking points both on and off the pitch. I thought the 3 points, in the end, were deserved for us and I think Wolves only have themselves to blame for it. Teams that have as much explosiveness as they do should always be looking to play on the front foot. Not defending a 1-0 and sitting back on it, regardless of how good your squad is defensively. There are matches few and far between that remain 1-0 in the prem. Even going down early I thought we could get something out of the match. We looked sharp and were creating plenty of chances and shots and it felt it was only a matter of time.
Mikel mentioned how impressed he has been with Pepe in training, talking about the likes of his happiness and energy he brings each day now and I could not be more happy he was able to come on and make an impact. A cheeky and saucy turn in the box allowed him to set up on his favorite left and get one past Wolves in the 82'. From there? Game on. On the scoresheet it may not go down as a Lacazette goal and Pepe assist, but it was their intricate play in the box that allowed us to snatch the winner late and blew the roof off of the Emirates. I have been critical of Laca recently, as I think his finishing has been rather disappointing, but very happy for him for him to play the part he did last night. In a game so so crucial to our league positioning, to get all three points in the fashion we did could be a catalyst for the remainder of the campaign. I know Mikel is big on a one day at a time mindset, so I am sure the boys are doing such. But me? I can't help but look a little further. The Champion's League anthem is starting to very slowly get louder in the background.
Briefly, a little more on Pepe, a report came out today that his partner gave birth to their child in the early hours of the night before the match and he let the boss know he wanted to be there and support the team. If that doesn't prove the mentality and environment we are building then I don't know what will. If you haven't jumped on board there is still time, but the train is about to leave the station.
Arsenal are off this weekend, but we are back next Sunday at Watford. Until then, come on you Gunners!
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