The Eagles enter an interesting week with what is basically a double header against title chasing Arsenal, home and away.
Ahead of the two games, we had a chat with friend of TEB, Arsenes Glasses, to find out about the Gunners season so far, thoughts on both match ups and much more.
TEB – Are you happy with the summer transfer business by Arsenal? Were there any areas not strengthened that should have been?
AG – Happy generally, Calafiori is an especially good signing, although the nagging question is still do we need a natural centre forward. That seems to be weighing heavily right now too, we’ve lost our prowess in terms of scoring – so maybe in January!
TEB – Compared to the last two seasons, where does this one rank in terms of Arsenal’s overall start and do you still believe the club are in the title race?
AG – Points wise it’s not far off, but it feels very different. We have been potent scorers for the last two seasons, but that seems to have abated. Saka normally has dual markers and teams are keen to shut down Odegaard of course. Title wise we are still in there, although running out of road already, we need a solid 5/6 game winning streak to put us back in it firmly.
TEB – Are you happy with Mikel Arteta in charge and is he still the man to take Arsenal forward?
AG – Yes, still very happy with Arteta. He is building a marvellous set of players, the future is bright and has changed the place. I’m not one of these fans who demand we win the title every year, there’s no divine right, and it’s more difficult now than ever.
TEB – Your opinions of the much debated VAR?
AG – I won’t swear on here! I think it’s a hindrance in many ways, referees are now even less likely to make a decision as they know it’s going “upstairs.” Moreover, the match day experience has been diluted. It has now not a case of celebrating a goal, the in stadium wait for the officials to check and triple check every goal is excruciating for fans, and STILL they make errors galore. So no, not for me.
TEB – It’s been well documented this season that Arsenal have become even more reliant on Bakayo Saka and goals from open play have been an issue over the last few games. What can we expect from Arsenal going into these two fixtures?
AG – There is an over reliance on Saka, he’s done shoulders far too much but as the main attacker he’s always going to be a focus. He’s resilient, he’s reliable and his statistics are superb. We’d be lost without him. I think he’ll play in both games, the Carabao Cup is a live chance for a trophy so I think you can expect a strong line up on Wednesday. The league game is now critical, we are in a must win situation already so could be an advantage for Palace. Desperation is never a good look!
TEB – The last time Arsenal won a trophy was back in 2019/20, lifting the FA Cup over Chelsea. Is a trophy crucial this season?
AG – I’d say it’s “important”, not crucial. More to keep the best players happy and to show there’s an end result to the progression, especially after coming so close to the league on the last two occasions. In reality, finishing two points off the title can hardly be construed as a bad season but the football world we live in is a brutal one.
TEB – If you could sign one current player from Palace, who would it be?
AG – I like Ebere Eze, I think we need a robust creator who can score goals too. Really like him.
TEB – Favourite away day in the Premier League?
AG – Fulham. Friendliest ground in the league, on a nice day the pubs around the ground are lovely, walk through the park to the stadium. Top day out.
TEB – Predictions for the league cup game this Wednesday including final score?
AG – Final score 2-2, Arsenal to win on penalties.
TEB – Predictions for the league game on Saturday including final score?
AG – 2-1 to Arsenal (sorry!)
