They are all getting a little bit obsessed in Hertfordshire.
It must be hard being a Tottenham fan. Especially one a similar age as me (born in 1984). They have had to cope with decade after decade of being dominated by their nearest rivals.
A 6-year period aside where Tottenham finished ahead of Arsenal, the last 40 odd years has seen the boys in red and white dominate. And even during that 6-year period, Tottenham won nothing, whilst The Arsenal picked up 2 FA Cups.
Normal service has, of course, now returned. And that leave Spurs fans back in a position where they can only celebrate Arsenal’s failures. And it all leads to them being more obsessed about us than they are about their own team.
We saw their unhinged selves rise a couple of weeks ago when, despite losing at home in the North London Derby, some of their fans acted like it was a victory because they had more possession. Well done lads.
That obsession continued throughout the week beyond the game.
As Arsenal moved quickly on to the Champions League and then Manchester City away, Tottenham 2ere still stuck on “how arsenal could only beat us by fouling our keeper”. They were right in one way. We beat them.
Then last week even their official X account got involved.
Are they really trying to compare playing Carrier Bag at home with 10-men to Manchester City away?
Man City were unbeaten in the league at home last season. It is coming up to 2-years since they last lost at the Ethiad in the league – to Brentford in November 2022. They have suffered just 11 home league defeats since 2016. Yet Arsenal were expected to beat them whilst down to 10-men.
Meanwhile, Qarabag have won just 9 games away in the Europa League (excluding qualifying games). Those victories came against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, PAOK, Vorskla Poltava, F91 Dudelange, Kairat, Omonia, Olympiacos, BK Häcken and Braga. I only found out these clubs existed when writing this blog, the two Greek sides and Braga aside.
Qarabag lost 5-0 on aggregate to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League play-off game. the Croatian side sit bottom of the Champions League table having themselves lost 9-2 to Bayern Munich in the opening game. That highlights where Qarabag sit in the European pecking order.
Qarabag are nowhere near Man City’s level. That is obvious. So Spurs official account trying to compare their home win to our away draw is simply an obsession.
And the Cheshunt Ultra’s obsession peaked when Kai Havertz’s goal was given against Leicester City. Social media was quickly flooded with crying Spurs fans trying to compare Havertz fair goal with the one incorrectly ruled out by the officials in last seasons North London Derby.
The plonkers attempted to compare the two as they both took deflections off an opponent. But they ignored a key point – Havertz was in an onside position when Jurrien Timber played the ball towards him, whilst that Dutch FIFA centreback was in an offside position when James Maddison attempted his shot.
Tottenham fans are using the above picture in an attempt to show corruption in the league and favouritism towards Arsenal. But all the above shows is that the Leicester player clearly plays it towards Havertz.
Meanwhile, you go a few frames before the incident and you can clearly see Havertz was onside when Gabriel Jesus had his shot.
The fact Spurs fans think these two incidents are comparable really does show their obsession with us.
This obsession come from when you have been dominated for nearly 5 decades. It leads you to see the obvious incorrectly. To refuse to understand the rules and twist everything in an attempt to try and get a little bit of joy.
Whilst Arsenal march forward this week in the Champions League, Spurs will once more be playing Europa League football. They will continue to try and promote the two as equal, but like everything Tottenham do, it is inferior.
Match Officials: Referee: Sam Barrott. Assistants: Scott Ledger, Wade Smith. Fourth official: Dean Whitestone. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.
Premier League Emirates Stadium Saturday 28th September 2024 KO: 15:00 (UK)
We return again at the Emirates, as today we face Leicester in the Premier League. Arteta played a rotated squad on Wednesday night against Bolton involving many youngsters, so today he may also be looking to give players like Nwaneri some minutes against a weaker opposition.
Leicester have had a mediocre start to the season, with 3 draws and 2 defeats, however, they have some goal threat through Mavididi, who has scored two goals this season.
Raya has returned to the starting XI with some injury concerns, however, Ben White this time has been left out of the squad.
Vardy kicked us off in North London. We held most of the possession for the first few moments, and we got our first half chance, as Martinelli was almost put through however, Hermansen was there to sweep up.
Leicester then showed their effectiveness in the final third, as some good play allowed Buonanotte to get a shot off, however his shot was weak and was blocked by Calafiori. A few minutes later, Martinelli went down after a strong challenge from Oliver Skipp but he was able to get back on his feet. From the freekick, which we played short, Martinelli’s deflected cross went out for a corner. Rice whipped the ball in, as his ball was headed away by Kristiansen. We were able to recycle the ball in the Leicester half however, the kept their solid shape and nothing came of it.
We began to increase the tempo was Saka crossed into Havertz who was free, but Faes got back to clear. Our first shot on target then came, as Saka cut inside and fired a shot straight at Hermansen. The ball then came to Saka who played the ball to Martinelli who blazed over. Finally, we broke the deadlock as some good play from Timber and Saka allowed Martinelli to finish neatly on the turn.
Minutes later , Vardy was given a yellow by the referee. Again, we kept the intensity high as we won a corner which was then cleared by Leicester. We then won a free kick which was hit low and hard by Rice. The ball fell to Calafiori whose effort was straight at Hermansen.
Straight after, we won the ball back as Rice set up Martinelli whose effort was brilliantly stopped by Hermansen. As we kept the Foxes contained in their half, Ndidi was shown a yellow card for a foul. Our wide players were causing problems for Leicester as Martinelli crossed in but the ball was cleared.
We then created a chance as Trossard made his way to the by-line and chipped the ball into Havertz whose header just went wide of the post. Our shots kept on flying at Hermansen however, he stood strong in the Leicester net. We still pushed on however, we couldn’t find the breakthrough as two minutes were added. On the brink of half-time, we grabbed our second as Martinelli rolled the ball across to Trossard who slotted home. The referee then blew the half-time whistle.
Half time views:
A good performance especially from our attack to put us 2 up. However, I still think that we could be more clinical infront of goal, even though Hermansen has been performing very well.
For me, no changes need to made and Arteta will be pleased with his players. Hopefully we can keep composed and break Leicester down to finish the game off.
We kicked the second half off and a few moments in, Leicester were awarded a free kick and Saliba was booked. Buonanotte stepped up and swung the ball into James Justin whose glancing header fired into the back of the net. Another two bookings were then given out in a matter of minutes as Calafiori and then Skipp were both shown yellows.
We were then able to get our most dangerous asset, a corner. Saka crossed the ball in and again Gabriel headed on target however, Hermansen smacked it away brilliantly to Timber whose rebound was off target. Again, we attacked as Saka fired another effort by the near post which was saved by Hermansen with his feet.
Again Timber and Saka played a nice combination as Bukayo shot into the side netting. Chance after chance as we hit the post after a loose ball fell to Trossard whose poked effort hit the upright. Leicester made a rare passage of play as Buonanotte smashed his effort just wide.
Out of nowhere, Ndidi whipped a ball towards the back of the box where again, was Justin whose amazing volleyed effort rattled against the post and went in.
Leicester stayed persistent as Buonanotte had another effort saved by Raya. A few minutes later, we managed to grab a corner which was headed down by Calafiori to Trossard whose effort deflected out for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared by Ndidi. We continued to push on as Saka’s blocked shot fell to Havertz whose shot looked to be going in, but was hooked away amazingly by Hermansen.
Buonanotte was then booked for asking for Calafiori to receive a second yellow. Another attempt from far out by Rice was then easily held by Hermansen. Arteta then made his first substitution as Martinelli was replaced by Sterling. Hermansen then made another save however, he then played a loose ball to Winks who loses out to Rice. Rice then played the ball to Trossard whose shot was beaten away by the relieved Hermansen.
Ethan Nwaneri was then given his chance as he replaced Partey. Leicester had begun to time waste and see the game out for a draw. They then made a substitution of their own with Buonanotte being replaced by Jordan Ayew. Nwaneri had his first action of the game as he forced another stop from Hermansen.
Again, we had a corner as Calafioris header which was swung in by Saka, was tipped over the bar by Hermansen. Leicester then made a double substitution as Skipp was replaced by El Khannouss and Mavididi was replaced by Decordova-Reid. 7 minutes were then added as we pushed on. Minutes later, we were able to get a corner, which was swung in and met at the back post by Trossard who side footed the ball into the box as it ricocheted off of Ndidi and into the net.
As play restarted, we kept on going as Saka managed to beat Kristiansen however, his cross was deflected out for a corner. We then made a substitution with Trossard being replaced by Jesus aswell as Leicester making a double change with Ndidi coming off for Edouard and Okoli coming off for Fatawu.
We then made another breakthrough as Jesus’s shot was spilled by Hermansen as a Leicester player poked the ball against Havertz abd went in. The goal was originally called offside by the officials , however after a VAR check it was awarded. As Leicester looked down and out, the referee then blew the full time whistle.
Full time views:
A very nervy and thrilling game today as we stay unbeaten. Leicester battled hard in the second half and did brilliantly to keep it level until the last moments.
I think that our character helped us get the win as we never gave up and again capitalised on a corner. We had an xG of 4.09 whilst Leicester only had an xG of 0.27 showing how difficult it was to get past Hermansen.
Anyways, onwards and upwards as we look to play our first Champions League game at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Match Officials:Â Referee: Josh Smith Assistants: Sam Lewis and Alex James Fourth official: Ben Toner Carabao Cup
Emirates Stadium Wednesday 25th September 2024 KO: 19:45 (UK)
Tonight, we look to take on League 1 opposition Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. After a great, hard working performance on Sunday, Arteta will be looking to rotate most of the squad and may look to give some of the youngsters game time.
One major talking point for tonight’s fixture, is the goalkeeper situation with Raya an injury concern and Neto cup-tied aswell as the injured Tommy Setford, 16- year old Jack Porter will have to step up to the plate. Porter had only played one game in the U-21 squad and it will be a nerve-wrecking but great experience for the youngster.
Hopefully, we can get a good cup run which we haven’t had for the past couple of years but nevertheless, our main focus is the Champions League and Premier League.
It’s always great to see the youth players playing in the first team. Arteta speaks highly of the academy and hopefully, some more can show their quality tonight.
Bolton kicked us off and for the first couple of minutes, we held possession across the backline as Bolton kept a solid shape. Sterling managed to find himself by the byline, however some good defending from the Bolton defender won a goal kick for the away side.
The first chance came from Bolton as a sloppy pass from Calafiori allowed the ball through to McAtee who back heeled the ball to Arfiekd who fired over from close range. As we retained possession, a couple of fouls were given away from the Bolton players as we were able to grab a corner. However, it came to nothing.
Gabriel Jesus then had his effort blocked as Saka headed the ball onto him. Bolton then were able to get a corner of their own which was played out and in as there were a few shouts for a penalty however, the referee waved any complaints away.
We then got the breakthrough goal as a ball across the edge of the area made it’s way to Declan Rice who took a nice touch away from the Bolton defender and whipped his effort into the bottom right corner. Bolton were here to play a physical game it seemed as a few challenges were going in from both sides.
Bolton then won a free kick on the edge of the area as Kiwior barged the Bolton attacker. The ball was whipped in however, was cleared well. Not many attempts on goal from either side as Bolton were happy to let us keep the ball. Some nice skills from Saka allowed him to get away from the defender and slip the ball through to Jesus whose cut back was cut out by a Bolton defender .
Quick play out from the back transitioned the ball out to Saka who played it into Nwaneri who switched the ball to Declan Rice. Rice then played the ball out to Sterling who crossed in to Jesus who tried an overhead kick which was deflected out for a corner which came to nothing. Again, we attacked as an intricate ball played from Jorginho to Saka, was well-weighted as Saka crossed into Jesus who flicked the ball just over the bar.
Some nice passages of play from Bolton allowed themselves to the work the ball down the left-hand side as they won a corner. The ball was swung in and partially cleared by Porter as the ball rebounded back out to a Bolton player who volleyed it back in to McAtee who volleyed over. Calafiori was then booked after appearing to pull back a Bolton player.
Bolton played the ball quickly and the cross was blocked out for a corner. Again, the ball was swung in and cleared by an Arsenal head. A nice ball through to McAtee who finished past Porter, however, the referee blew for offside. A nice ball through to Sterling in behind who whipped the ball across the box into Nwaneri who tapped home, to grab his first professional goal.
Sterling again found himself on the byline and some good defending won us a corner, however, the referee controversially gave a goal kick for Bolton. As we continued to apply more pressure, Rice played the ball to Sterling whose curling effort was equally matched by the Bolton keeper.
Another ball through the Bolton backline made its way to Jesus who shrugged off the defender but fired wide. 3 minutes were then added. Sterling then went down appearing to hold his groin, however he was able to continue. Our last opportunity of the half came through a corner, as Rice’s ball was swung in and flicked on by Kiwior however, it went over everyone and the referee blew the half-time whistle.
Half time views:
A strong and well-managed first half from the senior and youth players. Two good goals from Rice and Nwaneri puts us on the front foot going into the second half.
The first 20 minutes were scrappy from both sides however, after that period we began to show our attacking prowess and comfort ability on the ball.
No changes are specifically needed for a tactical sense however, maybe taking off Saka would lift any risks. Hopefully we can keep this intensity going in the second half.
No changes were made by Arteta and we kicked off the second half. Our first chance came as Nichols overlapped Saka who played the ball through to Nichols who chipped the ball into the box and the ball was headed out for a corner. The corner was swung in by Rice and beat out by the keeper as we then were able to recycle the ball and maintain possession.
As we looked for a breakthrough, Saka played the ball to Rice whose cross was easily claimed. However, a loose ball was pounced on by Declan Rice who played the ball through to Nwaneri whose effort snuck under the keeper and into the net for Arsenal’s third and his second of the night.
Saka then took on Williams at left-back and fired a deflected effort into the side netting winning us a corner. The corner was swung in a cleared by Bolton who broke away as Collins went through on goal, went past Porter and tucked away.
A nice run from Calafiori with the ball, as he played the ball across to Nwaneri who then worked the ball out to Saka whose effort was fired into the side netting. Lewis Skelly then went down requiring medical attention however, he got back on his feet.
A few moments later, Lewis-Skelly then went down again as Arteta brought on two subs with Lewis-Skelly being replaced by Gabriel and Rice being replaced by Havertz. We then go our 4th goal of the night as some good trickery from Saka as he sat down the Bolton defender and fired the ball at the keeper as the ball rebounded out to Sterling who poked home to get his first goal in Arsenal colours.
Another shot, this time from Calafiori who hit over with his weaker foot. We then made another two subs with Saka being replaced by Martinelli and Calafiori being replaced by Maldini Kacurri. Bolton also made a sub of their own with George Johnston replacing Chris Forino. Jesus then chipped a ball into the box which was met by Kiwior however, he couldn’t direct his header.
A moment later, another great ball over the Bolton defence from Jorginho was met by Sterling who tried to play the ball across to Havertz however, his misplaced touch was tapped over the bar by the keeper.
We played a short corner, which was then clipped in by Jorginho wining us another corner. The ball was swung in and punched away to Jorginho who brought down and played the ball off to Jesus whose quick feet allowed him to glide past the Bolton players. He then played the ball off to Sterling who fired an effort at the keeper who parried the ball out to Havertz who reacted quickest and poked home past the goalkeeper to put us 5 up.
Bolton then made two subs as McAtee and Collins were replaced by Adeboyejo and Charles. We then made another sub as Sterling , who played very well , was replaced by youngster Ismeal Kabia. A nice bit of play from Kiwior as he backheeled the ball back to Martinelli whose ball into Havertz was slightly taken with a heavy touch causing a scramble in the box as Bolton were able to clear.
A few moments later, Jesus swung a ball in which was headed behind for an Arsenal corner. The ball was crossed in and again cleared by Santos who had played quite well in the Bolton defence. As both teams looked to settle for the score line 4 minutes were added as Bolton looked to create one last chance leaving them exposed as we won the ball back through Martinelli who won a corner.
Nothing came from it, and Bolton had a goal kick. As the rain began to pour down, Bolton had their last chance with a corner. Jack Porter claimed the ball and the referee blew the final whistle.
Full time views:
A very complete performance, with alot of the youth team players stepping up. No player had a bad game and we were able to control the majority of the game apart from the Bolton goal.
For me, there were many standout performances such as Sterling and Saka. However, I would give the MOTM to Nwaneri , not just for his goals but for his all round performance.
Hopefully, we can build on this as we look to face Leicester again at home on Saturday.
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 