Arsenal needs to build off the big win over Man United

Okay, here we go. It’s FA Cup Third Round match day for The Arsenal Football Club!

Here are some quick thoughts about today’s match v Leeds United.

First off, this really is an important game for the Gunners. Following their big win against Manchester United 5 days ago our lads could build some momentum with a strong performance today. We know Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has announced he will play a weaker side, and I don’t blame him. Right now, Leeds are leading the Championship and are fighting hard to get back into the Premier League next season which means more to the club at this point in their history than winning an FA Cup. Leeds hasn’t been in the top division since the 2003-2004 season.

I have projected the Gunners starting XI today, however, I really Mikel Arteta plays an even stronger senior XI then I projected so they can continue to build on the progress we have seen them make in the past 3 games. Now, this could be a positive or a negative. The positive is they build continuity on the pitch, they implement and execute Arteta’s tactics, they play with spirit and desire, and they win the game. The negative could be building some false confidence playing against a much weaker side. To me, the positive outweighs the negative. I think one of Unai Emery’s biggest flaws was his unwillingness or inability to establish a strong and consistent starting XI. His mix and match of players on the pitch at times seemed to confuse the squad, leading to sloppy play, mistakes and unfamiliarity. It’s time to build a front group to get this club back on track and back to winning games.

I know I said this about December, but I’ll say it again about January. This will be a very important month for the Gunners and the outcome of the 2019-2020 campaign. And it doesn’t get any easier. Following the Leeds United game today, Arsenal’s January fixture list includes Crystal Palace away, Sheffield United at home, Chelsea away, and a possible FA Cup 4th Round game.

With the exceptions of Holding and Tierney, it looks like we are getting the squad healthy again. Not only will this make us better, it will also give Arteta a chance to build his strongest starting XI.

Bottom line, we need to win this game today and then keep building win the results one game at a time. They shouldn’t look down the road to upcoming games, just focus on being 1-0 after the next match. I know it’s probably naive of me to say, but my confidence is growing for this club. Please don’t let any of this be false hope.

Also, we are keeping an eye on the transfer market. There are just too many rumors out their to even know what to believe. But please, please…get us some defensive help in January!

COYG!

Cheers. Gunner1953