Good game all around. Some good chances for Brighton but that’s okay given the heavy rotation. Once the team settled in, it was relatively comfortable in the end. MLS and EN are a joy. Wouldn’t mind seeing EN more. 7 just stat padding 😉 and Timber turning into rich mahogany my word… #arsenal ❤️

We zig they zag. It’s a continuing effort to try and undermine Arsenal’s ascendency ever since Arteta arrived. Began with saying he won the FA cup with Unai’s team. Efforts to cope with Arsenal being at the top after a long time away from it.

Certainly believe that things can be related/function of one another. Not arguing that. I’m thinking that Arsenal are imparting that sense of hopelessness on their opponents and it’s impacting their psyche. Great teams do that.

Just think teams are taking more and more notice of what they are facing or will have to face. In years past, despite a good defensive record, opposition still thought Arsenal were gettable and thus really tried to take the game to them more often.

I am. If palace had scored on the counter in the first 10 mins like city, then I think they would have sat in even further. In the opening mins they didn’t even press in their own half. Happy to hope for an Arsenal mistake more than making one of their own. Perhaps I’m looking at it wrong.

Inevitable that good teams will get opportunities to counter, totally agree with that. I’m thinking that teams, more than ever (I.e., City) are setting up only for that. Also, towards the end of the game, you saw them lobbing in crosses, shooting from 30 yards out.. more desperation than confidence.

Palace scored 3 on villa, 2 on ‘pool, 3 on Bournemouth but mustered one shot on target here. It’s reminiscent of facing great teams of years past when you hear in interviews, about facing the centurions, invincibles, etc., where teams have a sense of hopelessness. Becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

#arsecastextra @arseblog.com goodly morning-curious about your thoughts regarding the mental impact this team has on opponents? Seems as though there is a sense of dread and inevitability about facing this Arsenal side. Good teams have barely been able to get a sniff but it shows in how they set up.