A disappointing draw, but the points will come

After a brilliant first half of football, Arsenal lost their fizzle in the second half, had a couple of bad breaks, and ultimately ended with a 1-1 draw v Leicester City in the Emirates Stadium.

After 4 wins in a row, the Gunners came into the game with a lot of confidence and energy, and it showed. Okay, Eddie Nketiah made a huge error in the 75th minute that took us down to 10 men, and it sure looked like Jamie Vardy was offside on the equalizing goal, but I guess that’s football. Right? And yes, we had several great scoring opportunities that didn’t go in, but you have to give some credit to the Foxes for hanging tough and fighting back for an away draw. So now, our team needs to deal with the disappointment, get back to training, correct mistakes and move on. The schedule doesn’t get any easier.

That’s all I have to say about yesterday’s disappointing result, but I do have more to say about a few of our players.

First, I thought Hector Bellerin looked like the Hector Bellerin of old yesterday. He was bright, quick, alert and so fluid with his passing and crosses. Maybe the competition with Cedric Soares has lit a spark in the Spaniard. Whatever happened, I’m happy to see it.

Whoever scouted, and ultimately signed Kieren Tierney should be given a huge raise. This is the type of Arsenal player we need on our squad. There is no quit in this young man, and his undying determination to get the ball into the box is fantastic. As soon as our forwards realize the ball is heading into the box when KT has the ball, the better. He is a real keeper!

And speaking of keepers, what more can be said about Emiliano Martinez? He had four saves yesterday, but did give up a goal which looked almost impossible to stop. He has given up only three goals in the five Premier League matches he has played since Bernd Leno’s injury. Three of those matches were clean sheets. Great job, Emi!

Shkodran Mustafi is without a doubt the Arsenal Comeback Player of the Year. Like most Gooners, I was so down on this guy that I cringed every time he stepped foot on the pitch. However, since Mikel Arteta arrived on the scene, Mustafi has become a better player. Period. Just look at yesterday’s match. Mustafi was throwing his body around the pitch and doing everything he could to control Jamie Vardy and the other Leicester City forwards from getting possession. How many times did the trainers come rushing onto the pitch to give him medical attention? I mean he gave everything he had to win the match, even taking Vardy’s spikes to the side of the face. I don’t know what Arteta’s plans are for Mustafi next season, but I think we should all give him a huge pat on the back after all the kicks in the butt we gave him earlier in the season.

And finally, Dani Ceballos. What will happen to Dani when the season ends? It sure seems the boss likes him as a regular starter in our midfield. His play has been a little consistent at times, but yesterday he was the Ceballos we expect to see every match. Does he want to stay? Does Arsenal want him to stay? Stay tuned.

It seems Arteta has the squad on the right path, which is an upward trajectory. The points are starting to come, the results are getting better, the overall play has greatly improved, and I think there is a lot of hope for the future. There are still weaknesses that need to be rectified, and some players to sign and/or bring in, however, the basic core to build a better Arsenal team is beginning to take shape.

I’m hopeful, are you?

Cheers, stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953