The
Premier League is back, and promises to provide more excitement than it did the
last time around. Almost all of teams in the league have strengthened, while we
have been doing a lot of bloodletting. We’ve let 9 first-teamers leave, and a
host of kids from the second string. The
only addition to the squad so far is Yaya Sanogo. None of the Arsenal support
is enthused about this situation, which manifested itself in boos at the
Emirates Cup.
Boos.
At a friendly tournament. Not cool.
It’s
not all the fault of the support though. We were made to understand that
Arsenal were going to “compete for the best” in the summer, and our “exertions”
so far in the transfer market have yielded a rookie striker half-ready for the
trials of the Premier League.
However,
the first match of the season is upon us, and now is not the time to crib about
what-could-have-beens. Aston Villa have bought well and will more than give us
a game this evening. We’ve lost none of our core players from last season,
which is a good sign, so we conceivably have enough in the tank to take 3
points from today’s game.
I’m
writing this preview in a real hurry because I was too lazy to do it earlier in
the day—and my honesty wins me brownie points.
Aston
Villa will play with Benteke upfront flanked by fast wingers, and with three in
midfield. We can expect Aston Villa to sit back and let Arsenal have the ball
in the middle of the park. Villa will keep their shape while defending but the
midfield three will look to press tenaciously in the their own half and get the
ball to their wingers quickly on the counterattack. Arteta’s ability to keep
and distribute the ball under pressure and his astute positional sense will be sorely
missed. Hopefully Ramsey, who will be deputizing for him today, picked up a few
tips from him during the pre-season. Cazorla’s mesmerizing ball skills in the
final third could hurt Villa if their pressing is unorganized—despite this
being the opening game of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we get a 5
goal thriller today. From Arsenal’s perspective, the Mertecielny axis—as the
Gunners have come to call them—could be crucial in nullifying Villa’s attacking
intentions. Walcott could be in for a tough day if Villa stay organized at the
back. However, their left back Antonio Luna is new to English football, and his
duel with Walcott will be interesting. In a nutshell, here are the two duels
that could conceivably decide the game: Mertecielny vs. Benteke, Cazorla vs. Villa
midfield.
Have
fun wherever you’re watching the game. COYG!
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