my perspective is this, if someone would have told me pre season that by the time the World Cup comes round we'll be in the top 4, I'd take that, as it stands, we could actually be top of the table or in the top 2, regardless of yesterday's results (which in previous years is the sort of game that would have been a loss after a good run), Arteta still has the club on the right path, he's made the conscious decision to promote youth (as a young coach he realised they'll listen and buy into him more than established stars such as Auba) and it's working on the whole. It also seems to have been a great decision to have had Saliba on loan for 2 years. Forest next at home then Chelsea and Wolves away. Forest game will be good to get Jesus's firing again, Kind Regards.

Yep Danilo maybe coming in January

As well as Jesus had done he has got to be able hit a cow on the backside with a banjo. Heard talk of Vlahovic but that is probably newspaper talk

was watching on beinsports, found it hard to break them down in the first half, Forest pressed and closed down well, there was not much finesse in the last third, shame about Saka, he should have come off as soon as he felt the injury, lingered on for about another 10 minutes at least, also a shame Jesus didn't get his goal he's on a bit of a draught, good win nonetheless, looks like Arteta doesn't rate Tierney, would rather play Tommy there, who looks big enough to be a centre half, he's bigger and stronger than Gabriel. Acid test next at Chelsea. City have a comfortable 3 pointer at home to Fulham.

Another great result from the boys today. White, Saliba & Partey were great to name just three. Aubamayang looked pi$$ed off too. Happy days

Great win today, every chance of being top of the table on Xmas day

I must be going senile, didn't realise I'd already posted yesterday at 14:58 before coming back at 20:45


big shame for Martinelli if the leaked squad list is true, and ridiculous Richarlison gets in instead

Good win against a stodgy team.

I think people are finally starting to realise we can actually win the league this season.

Some tricky games after the break

West Ham at home - under a lot of pressure
Brighton away - look a hard team to beat under their new manager
Newcastle at home - they're the most impressive team I've seen this season apart from us, what a game that'll be.
Tottenham away - 3pt banker
Man United at home - we played well in that loss at OT, pretty sure we'll win this return game
Everton away - will probably have a new manager so will have to contend with new manager bounce.

Long way to go but should at the very least be back in the big time dining at the top table again in the Champions League, we used to take it for granted under Wenger, maybe because we were being b1tch slapped every year by the first half decent team, would love to see an Arteta having a crack at it.

Kind Regards.

Now this World Cup nonsense is finished we can concentrate on the real stuff...

Very difficult run of games on our return. Jesus a big miss. A couple of losses and the "Arteta out" mugs will be back in force, blaming the media as usual for supporting him.

Top at Xmas, looks like we'll be top in the New Year as well.

Can just see Granit lifting the Premier League trophy now. Would be the league's biggest ever redemption story as well

Still think Zinchenko is the key

been extremely impressed with him when he's been fit...always available, great first touch and range of passing..looks a level up from what he was at City where he was already pretty decent but struggling for extended runs in that side..he looks more a fit for central mf to me but the way they use him he seems to often take up positions inside anyway but looks very classy since his move despite missing quite a lot of playing time..

A couple of testing fixtures ahead. Brighton are a good team and Newcastle on a fantastic run.

Some praise due to Arteta and Edu. Quite the turnaround from three years ago. Nine of that starting 11 have now been moved on. Obviously, some mugs think you can fix a disfunctional club overnight by playing Aubamayang through the middle and hiring a superstar manager. But real progress takes patience, time and the right players to implement your ideas.

I would still be happy with Top 4 myself. The chasing pack are getting their acts together.

Certainly 2 signings away from being in with a chance to fight for it!

Now is not the time to green out for top 4 but press and roll the dice.

Goal scoring centre forward, central midfielder and solid right back imho

Young Danilo from Palmeiras in January I think is coming. Highly rated and young. I still think Douglas Luis on the cheap could also do a job with what is around him, great passing range, quick feet and holds well. The Shaktar boy has quick feet so suits the style but a goal scorer would not hurt but who is available. I would like to dee Martinelli down the middle but what do I know?

silly money being paid for average players these days

Grealish started the trend

If they're not in a position to quibble then they're stupid, they should take the money and run. It's well known the player wants to come he's been posting insta pics of him watching Arsenal games, maybe that doesn't help.

Aside from Man U, Brighton will be the highest placed side we’ve faced in the league away, so I’m expecting a tough game. They are a very good side.

Mudryk looks promising but is still very young. The fee already seems very high. Though I suppose you have to trust their judgement as the fee paid for Ben White raised a few eyebrows at the time and I think they’ve been vindicated.

I see Balogun is still banging in the goals over in France…..

Are they without the Argies and Welbeck today fo sho?

I got on above evens and also-1 thanks Blackbarn, good intel.

Yup,

Had my doubts about Arteta and still not sure of his early decisions. He certainly has a talented group of young players just like Gareth Southgate.

On the plus side he seems to know what he wants and that is the most important thing, which of course we are not privy to.

I think in the immortal words of Paul Merson he has given the players unbelievable belief.

Talk of too 4 must finish. When someone throws you a shot at the Title you have to take a swing. Arsenal must strengthen immediately with the right players even at a premium but if necessary find temporary solutions.

Time to Believe!

I see Balogun didn’t make the squad for the Reims game yesterday. Injured, or are they planning to recall him?

If Saliba/Saka get booked tonight they miss the Spurs game. If they get a second yellow it counts as a red, they get a match ban which is served against Oxford and they are deemed to remain on 4 PL bookings and free to play the Spurs game.