Arsenal started the new year with a 4-1 win over Fulham in the London Derby at the Emirates. Xhaka, Lacazette, Ramsey and Aubameyang were the goal scorers for the Gunners.

It’s been about a month since we had a post here. In that period, Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 22 with 1-0 wins over Huddersfield and Qarabag. The Gunners lost the 22 match unbeaten run at Southampton (3-2), crashed out of the League Cup to Spurs (2-0), defeated Burnley 3-1, drew 1-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion before losing to Firmino and Friends.

2018 ended with a 5-1 bashing at Anfield and the Gunners needed to start 2019 on a winning note. The records were on Arsenal’s side – the five previous new year home matches for Arsenal were victorious and Claudio Ranieri is yet to defeat an Arsenal side.

Alex Iwobi was the best player on the pitch in a poor first half for the Gunners. The Nigerian international created a good number of chances – one was converted by Xhaka for the opener while Aubameyang narrowly missed a header to make it 2-0. The Young Nigerian have not had the best of seasons so far but Emery has trusted him in the last 4 league games and he has repaid the manager with 2 assists and a goal in those 4 games.

Lacazette had to score and it was pleasing to see him score Arsenal’s second, assisted by Kolasinac. Kamara pulled Fulham back after they stole the ball from Torreria in the middle of the pitch. Ranieri brought in Seri and Kamara. The goal from the latter made the game nervy for the Gunners. Ramsey and Aubameyang made sure there was no hope of coming back for Fulham. Emery even had the luxury of bringing on Bukayo Saka for his Premier League debut.

The win today brings us within 2pts to the Champions League spot and 6pts away from Manchester United who are on a revival with the exit of Mourinho and the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Aubameyang now have 14 league goals – joint top with Harry Kane.

It is a new year but there are unfinished businesses. The defence is in shambles, squad depleted by injury, Ozil’s “tactical” absence, Ramsey’s departure, limited January budget and many more.

The FA Cup is next. We travel to Blackpool. Will Emery play a full squad? Will Ozil be fit? Will we see more of Bukayo Saka? Will Eddie start? Will Mavropanos feature? January 5th is not far away.

We wish you the best of the new year.

AmosCP

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