THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND MARTINELLI!

For me, the fixture Arsenal v Liverpool is an almost romantic one. It goes back years to when I first discovered football and my Dad taking me to Highbury to experience what Nick Hornby describes so well of seeing the pitch for that first time. It was magical. I would hunger for all things Arsenal, be it through reading Shoot magazine every week or be lucky enough that Match of The Day would feature our game on a Saturday evening. Meanwhile, I was aware of this team called Liverpool who would just win everything! They were incredible, as a kid I just accepted that they were unstoppable. The league appeared to be won by them every season and many a Wednesday evening in May appeared to include me watching them win the European Cup. A tournament I could not even dream of Arsenal being in. When I saw Arsenal were due to play at Anfield I would brace myself for the inevitable defeat.

I remember holding my transistor radio to my ear in bed as I listened to Arsenal beat Liverpool in the 5th game of the FA Cup semi final in 1980. I was 11 years old and this was my first taste of tension that was almost unbearable, something I would soon learn is part and parcel of being a football fan. I danced to school the following morning in absolute disbelief - we had beaten the mighty Liverpool!

It would be 9 years later when the world would witness the greatest end to a season ever. The fact that it was against the Liverpool at fortress Anfield only intensifies this fact.

So yes any win against Spurs is of course fantastic, but when we play Liverpool it brings a new meaning. Last year apart from the league game at Anfield I felt we made real inroads against a world class Liverpool. A battling 0-0 at Anfield in the cup and a credible first half in the return league game. But we fell short as Liverpool's quality was just too much.

So we arrive to the present day. We are witnessing a young Arsenal team on a fantastic run, the fan base not only in unity after years of being fragmented, but who are at last making The Emirates really feel like home with its new Anthem, a new singing section and a feeling of connection with the players. I am sure any away fans who attend must be noticing how different the atmosphere is.

We waited for the game to kick off knowing this was a fixture that could convince the doubters that this Arsenal team really are the real deal.

THE GOOD:

I cheated here by using the word 'Good'. It should read 'Absolutely brilliant!!' And I am obviously describing the performance by Arsenal. They battled toe for toe with Liverpool. Liverpool looked good at 1-1 but the second half Arsenal took control and it was an absolute joy to see us play in such a commanding manner against what is a world class team that only recently played in the Champions League final. The courage of Saka was immense! I was even considering not watching the penalty as I was so tense. We all know this was such a huge moment and the joy on show in the ground when he slotted it away so convincingly was intense. The stadium was rocking. When the final whistle blew, I just found myself standing motionless taking in the sights before me, allowing myself a few moments trying to come to terms with the enormity of our win before I celebrated with all those around me! As I say this fixture has always been special!

THE BAD:

When Liverpool equalised we had to watch their scorer Darwin Nunez run towards the Arsenal crowd giving the 'crying' action as part of his celebration. Why? This never used to be a thing. It is like the holding the ear up to the fans celebration. Listen, I can totally understand this reaction if a player was receiving stick from the fans. But Nunez? Half the fans probably did not even know who he was, let alone target him for some attention. So why celebrate this way? It is something that is creeping into the game, just celebrate with your teammates and have some class! If you are receiving stick from the fans then no problem, fill your boots .... Henry did after all, and he has a statue to show for it!

MARTINELLI:

How do you single anyone out in this performance? Well it's almost impossible. Ben White was sensational, Tomiyasu had the game of his life as he carried out Arteta's tactical master stroke. But I really feel Martinelli is really starting to come of age now and deserves special mention. He is absolutely terrorising defenders and is a huge reason why Arsenal are flying. The fact that he appears to have Arsenal DNA in his blood is a real comfort as we brace ourselves for the obvious wave of attention he will be receiving. Klopp has made his feelings known about him for some time. With Martinelli in our team we have a chance against anyone, and backed up by the players around him we are in a seriously exciting position. During the game I scanned around the pitch and it is so clear there are no weak links, top players in every position all of whom are fighting for the team. How many times have we said over the years that it was like we are playing with 9 or 10 men on the pitch?

REF WATCH.

Arsenal rightly received praise from all corners for our performance, but it was a shame that Klopp received so much attention with his comments about the games flash points. I guess it was his way of diverting the attention from the bleak situation his team have found themselves in. I thought Michael Oliver had a great game .. and yes my tongue is firmly in my cheek. The 'hand ball' was right in front of me and my heart was in my mouth as we waited for the VAR check. It would have been harsh with the ball being kicked so close to Gabriels body, but with his arm up in the position it was could have lead to a different decision. As for our penalty, yes it was soft. However Klopp made a comment to say that Jesus was standing on both feet before he fell. Incredible comment to make when we have seen Salah fall over so many times when he has been lightly touched on the shoulder!! At least Jesus had his foot kicked which is more of a reason to be upended.

It was disappointing to see Saka received the treatment he did from Liverpool. A definite case of rotational fouling, and unfortunately I do not see Liverpool being the last team to adopt this tactic. Let's hope future referees give him more protection than Oliver did. Klopp was obviously quiet on this, as he was concerning the incident where Jesus was knocked in his face, an incident that had more of a suspicion of being a deliberate act.

There is no time to relax despite our lofty position. Leeds will be doing all they can to beat us, and the Leeds fans will be creating their usual hostile atmosphere to help their team achieve this. However if we score a goal or two hopefully their heads will drop, the crowd become restless and we will then be in a lovely position to sit back and see if Liverpool of all teams can do us a favour.

Thanks for reading, speak soon.

Rob

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