Ahead of a trip to the Emirates for Palace during a very busy period of fixtures, Arsenal fan Mark Harrison had a chat with TEB about the season so far for the Gunners and thoughts ahead of the game.
Q. How has the season been for Arsenal since we last met?
Well, it has been ‘more of the same’ for me really. Much is made of our ‘soft’ underbelly and quite frankly it has shown up once again. Complete capitulation when it mattered so all in all, very disappointed.
Q. What were your thoughts on your win at Selhurst Park back in August?
I thought we were a tad fortunate actually. Midfielder Francis Coquelin should have gone after half time and it would have been a different game. Glad to get out of South London with the win, as I recall Palace hit the post in the last minute, so yes, very happy with those three points!
Q. There has been so much talk once again on the position of Arsene Wenger at the club, so do you think it is time for a change?
I do not, although much of that is the loyalty I have to the man and what he has done for Arsenal. There is no doubt he is falling short now tactically, given the success of more forward thinking coaches like Slaven Bilic and I hate to say it, Mauricio Pochettino. I will stick with him though, I have that much respect for him.
Q. Many have said that this should have been Arsenal’s season, do you agree?
Yes I do. With Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all off the pace it was the perfect chance. Blown it and blown it huge.
Q. The signing of Petr Cech was hailed as the final piece of the jigsaw but has that just taken the eye off other positional needs at the club?
He has been a marvellous signing, and has given us that ‘extra nine points’ a keeper of that class provides. But yet again we are victims of Arsene placing too much trust in what he has got. And they fall short, always.
Q. Which Arsenal player has impressed you the most this season?
I would have to say Hector Bellerin. For one so young he is an awesome prospect that is quickly turning into a fantastic player. Super quick, talented and very committed.
Q. What are your thoughts on Palace this season?
I think Alan Pardew announced Palace had arrived a bit too soon. After three months he was talking about a top five finish and Europa League when I think he should have just kept it game to game. Look at Leicester City, never once have they shouted, even when privately they knew what they were doing was great. Palace hit a wall and could not shake themselves out of it. Thankfully you have now done so with the Norwich City win.
Q. Name a player from each side that you consider a threat to the opponents in this match.
For Arsenal it is Mezut Ozil. He just has everything, one of the best movers of the ball I have seen in forty years. As for Palace I would have to say Yannick Bolasie. Unpredictable, skilful and pace to burn. He can destroy anyone.
Q. Your prediction?
2-0 Arsenal. Sorry!
Q. And finally, perhaps you could recommend any Arsenal or football websites that you often go to that you think other fans may enjoy.
I am really not a great fan of some of the better known Arsenal social media accounts. They seem to be full of self perpetuating wannabes who are more interested in being on television than Arsenal.
