My how things have changed.
On Sky Sports, pundit Paul Merson said, “If that Arsenal XI stays fit, they can challenge for the top four. If Arsenal keep those players fit and they play every week, they would have a chance of getting in the top four and cause problems. They have no Europe this season, so will have time to recover and work on the team. But this is Arsenal though and has been since they last won the league in 2004, since then they have never really looked like winning the league. The game on Sunday was their bread and butter, but if they win away at Brighton on Saturday, then I will sit up. But if we talk next week and they have lost at the Amex, I would not be shocked. And that is the problem, they need to get a run of games together.”
Ok, so this was probably a backhanded compliment, but these days, we’ll take what ever we can get from the English press.
What we witnessed in the first half of Sunday’s match was nothing short of pure perfection. Everything the lads did resulted in a positive outcome. I agree with Mr. Merson, they need to get a run of games together. Currently, Arsenal is on a four game win streak, but three of those wins were in the Premier League. A win on Saturday at Amex Stadium in Brighton would make it five in-a-row, and put the club into a very nice frame going into yet another international break.
On another front, the rumor mill has spewed this. Could Alexis Sanchez return to Arsenal in January from Inter Milan? Would Arsenal be interested in bringing back a player who left in a huff for Manchester United 3 1/2 years ago? Sanchez played 166 matches for Arsenal, and scored 80 goals. Since leaving north London, the Chilean has struggled for form and for playing time at both United and Inter Milan.
Finally, hats off to Granit Xhaka for playing a terrific match on Sunday before going down with injury. It looks like damage to his right knee will keep him sidelined for possibly six to eight week. Xhaka was just retuning from illness and a 3-game red card suspension before the injury.
I hope you are having a terrific Tuesday!
Is anyone watching the Champions League today? Probably not me.
Cheers.
Gunner1953
According to The Mail, Arsenal, is in advanced talks to sign Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi at the end of this season for a reported $61.2-million (USD).
Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to full training with the first team after recovering from a knee injury. 
Martin Odegaard, “We need to be sharper in the key moments to make sure we get the results we’ve worked for. We have to keep going and keep improving. There is no choice for us now.”
I have been a staunch Arsensl supporter for over 50 years. My club got badly savaged by both the Media and fans from other clubs after three shocking defeats at the hands of Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City. But seriously, is it so bad? Chelsea and Manchester City were unwinnable games and Brentford recently drew with Liverpool 3~3. Wake up Gooners, we are going to play Champions League next season!