We start episode four with the big top of the table clash with Liverpool. Currently my Arsenal team sit one point clear at the top. The starting lineup I have selected is as follows. Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (RB), Tolisso (CM), Goretzka (CM), Ozil (CAM), Balde (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST). Below are the highlights.
A much improved performance overall in this game, but 3-0 still seems to be the most dangerous scoreline for me. I raced to a 3-0 lead with some superb goals, the third especially. Then, in a horrendous two minutes I concede a pair of goals and find myself back at a familiar 3-2. Thankfully from there the boys were able to settle down and score another brilliant counter attacking move to see the game out 4-2. Following the match I was given the October team of the month which reads almost as well as last months. This time getting five players instead of six. Below is the TOTM.
Next up is the away tie with Malmo in the Europa League. As with all the previous EL games I’m going to SIM this. The lineup I have went with is; Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Fosu-Mensah (CB), Mustafi (CB), Bellerin (RB), Tielemans (CM), Goretzka (CM), Asensio (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Kluivert (RW), Aubameyang (ST). This resulted in a 4-1 win, which leaves me top of the group on 10pts. Real Sociedad are in second with 7pts, Vitesse are on 4pts and Malmo languish at the bottom with a single point.
Three days on from the Europa League away tie we are back home at the Emirates for a big time league fixture against Chelsea. This fixture is big in terms of stature, but as far as this season goes Chelsea are sitting all the way back in 10th place, having won 4, drawn 2 and lost 3. They sit 11pts behind me going into this match. Regardless of form, I’m going with a strong lineup. Alisson (GK), Kolasinac (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (RB), Tolisso (CM), Xhaka (CM), Ozil (CAM), Balde (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST). Hopefully I can avoid my arse collapsing and shipping two rapid fire goals this time. Courtois is the goalkeeper I hate playing against most in this whole game, he has the game of his life anytime I’m involved. Thankfully it’s Eduardo between the sticks today. Highlights below.
What a game! My team were completely blown away in the first 54 minutes and found myself 3-0 down. Alonso was double up with Hazard on the left wing and causing absolute havoc in my defence. My cause wasn’t helped by an incorrect offside decision when Poulsen was straight through on goal at 2-0. But then, much like teams have done to me recently, the 3-0 scoreline awoke something inside the team and they instantly rallied, scoring twice in as many minutes. The equaliser came after another great move and then I fortunately couldn’t find a winner. Those Chelsea tactics in the first half really threw me. They basically played a six man defence without the ball and had the four furthest forward pressing the ball. Then when they regained possession they lumped the ball forward from the back and the six deeper lying players rushed forward to join the attack. In essence they played without a midfield. Also that draw has allowed Everton to leap frog me in the league table.
For the last match in this part I’m at home to Huddersfield. It’s just after the international break and many of the players are fatigued. This is the lineup I have went with; Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Bellerin (RB), Tolisso (CM), Tielemans (CM), Asensio (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST). Below are the highlights.
ANOTHER 3-2 win. This is my fifth 3-2 win so far this season. The team are playing well and scoring a lot of good goals, Tielemans rocket for the second being the pick of the bunch this time, but I’m conceding needlessly and at times, like in the Chelsea game, it’s cost me. Hector Bellerin is also a big concern. He’s been a liability all season and I’m going to look into moving him on in the January window. Asensio has done alright, but I’m still leaning towards making a move for Sane. Anyway coming out of this game I am still a point behind Everton, who again won 1-0, this time at home to Leicester. In 11 games they have only scored 16 goals, conceding just 5. Right at the turn of the year I have a stretch where I’m at home to Spurs, away to Everton, at home to Man Utd and then away to Man City all in the space of 13 days. That’s going to be fun.
Anyway that will wrap up this episode. I’ll be back soon with the fifth installment. Until then comment, follow the blog and hit me up on Twitter @VizualDze.
VdZe