https://twitter.com/zak_afc/status/1635020837958078464?s=20

Shearer looking at the possibility of White blocking Leno for our first goal. I think White is blocking Leno but I don't think it is a foul, he doesn't hold Leno, he stands his ground and he doesn't have to get out of the GK's way so the GK can come for the ball.

Other than the City game, Liverpool away and Newcastle away scare me the most. I'm more worried about Liverpool even though they are lower in the table than the Toon. Just my view, others may disagree, but I think Liverpool are more capable of an outright win at Anfield than Newcastle is at St. James Park.

So, I am hoping Liverpool stays in bad form. As we can see they can channel that inner title form for one game. I'm only looking at the title. I don't care who ends up 2-4, as long as we win the title. We have already played Man Utd and Tottenham twice so they can hash it out however they want with Newcastle and Liverpool.

The 1st half was magical even if Fulham were not at the races. That left footed crossfield pass from Saliba was breathtaking.

One of the very many things that work well with Trossard is his ability with both feet. That is really problematic for defenders and he doesn’t have to cut back for his stronger foot.

Yesterday’s assists were a perfect right footed corner followed by two superb left foot passes.

Hi AG,

The three away games at City, Liverpool and Newcastle and the home one against Chelsea are why I do not yet believe we will win the PL. In normal circumstances draws at Liverpool and Newcastle would be decent results but this may not be enough if we lose at City and fail to get 3 points against Chelsea.

I am hoping that City drop a few points before those games but I am not expecting them to.

The pressure on the last few games will be immense.

What was the likelihood of us even getting a draw at Liverpool in '89, if not a win?

So what team does Arteta go with for Sporting on Thursday? It is a short turn around for the Sunday game at home to Palace but I think he has to rotate. Saka desperately needs a rest. Are Smith-Rowe and Jesus fit enough to start?

It is difficult to even pick some who definitely have to start. I'd say Tierney, Tomiyasu, Vieira should start and we need one of Saliba/Gabriel to start probably.

Turner, Tierney, Gabriel, Holding, Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Xhaka, Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Jesus, Nelson

Is that too much disruption?

The last small genuinely two footed player we had....Cazorla!

So what team does Arteta go with for Sporting on Thursday? It is a short turn around for the Sunday game at home to Palace but I think he has to rotate. Saka desperately needs a rest. Are Smith-Rowe and Jesus fit enough to start?

It is difficult to even pick some who definitely have to start. I'd say Tierney, Tomiyasu, Vieira should start and we need one of Saliba/Gabriel to start probably.

Turner, Tierney, Gabriel, Holding, Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Xhaka, Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Jesus, Nelson

Is that too much disruption?

As long as we don't lose we are okay, doubt we'll see 2 goals out of Sporting. They have to attack. They have to win the game.

Although we have not been the soak up the pressure countering team this season, and I'm not saying that, I will say we will have space up front. Martinelli centrally maybe? He has the pace and engine to go one and one with their last man.

Holding and whomever needs the most rest out of Saliba or Gabriel. Smith Rowe for sure. Reiss Nelson for sure. Jesus but no more than a half. Last 30 minutes. I don't know if he has the wind for most of a match. Nketiah still hurt? Xhaka has played a lot of games. He's an iron man but still.

I love Xhaka's re-incarnation in this present player. I really do. However, I feel we have players who can play his present, more advanced role better. Better passer, dribbler and shooter. I could offer one or two players but won't as I think it would be a bit obvious. He does offer one intangible that no one else can fulfill in that role and that is grit and steel and perhaps that's why Arteta likes him there if he also sees someone technically better and more suited.

Any comparisons with Leicester's title winning season are quite far of the mark.
1) Leicester were 5000/1 outsiders who just escaped relegation the season before - we were much shorter odds
2) You only needed 72 points to win the title in Leicester's season - it really was the perfect storm of big 6 under performance

72 points would have got you 5th and 4th in the 2 preceding seasons, and 6th and 5th in the 2 seasons after

Bet he ends up leaving.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21698065 ... -transfer/

Tactically there probably aren’t many better right now in our current system. He plays as an advanced 8 but his natural instinct probably allows more control compared to someone like Emile Smith Rowe or Vieira playing that role. Those guys might give us more incision but we might lose some control.

It has always seemed likely to me. His solitary appearance seemed like a desperate throw of the dice to influence him favourably rather than based on any other logic.

Yes I think that’s it. Putting a 15 year old school kid in the first team just seemed crazy

Surely moving to Chelsea for him would be absolute madness given what has happened to Hutchinson.

The club must have a bad feeling on the advice his parents and agents are providing him.

Given the mess Chelsea are in and the amount of players they have and the managerial round about it is the last club any talented youngster should go to. Unless of course it's about the ching ching.

I haven't personally heard Edu speak much. I assume most of you probably hear him on TV from time to time but even when he was a player, I don't recall hearing him interviewed much if at all that I heard personally.

Did you do the annual Thames boat trip thing to Fulham DHD ?

Never done that, looks a right larf

City 2-0 up already. That’s good we need their attention on the champions league

Apologies - haven’t been around for a while - travelling! Not seen a replay.

No TG - didn’t do the boat.

In truth, I haven’t been to Fulham for a few years. It’s always quite a special away day. Non-threatening and civilised opposition at a historic ground in one of the most affluent areas in the world. The (above ground) tube ride into Putney Bridge is the polar opposite of the train ride into Villa a couple of weeks ago. In terms of levelling up, it just ain’t going to happen - ever.

Away supporters pub was massive and comfortable with no queues, plenty of space and very relaxed. Wall to wall TVs. Shots on demand. Tempting to drop anchor.

The walk to the ground is truly relaxed and stress-free, going through a Church graveyard, a well keep park and a Thames-side promenade. Best arrival route in the business.

Ground now has a grand new stand which isn’t fully open, but it’s a tight and quintessentially English ground. Away stand is a sort of permanent temporary stand with bouncy walkways and uneven steps. Bit odd but doesn’t feel out of place. Sight lines aren’t great. It was as always a ‘stander’ - involving but becoming less of an attraction to old forkers like me.

One thing came back to me, and you can see it from the photo I posted - I did many years low down behind the goal at the Clock End. I’d forgotten what a *%^@ view it is but at least you had replays. We were Row 6 on Sunday - Row 8 at Highbury. No live feed in the ground and no replays. And all made far worse by the black kit - you just couldn’t see our players at the other end. Three first half goals at the far end - or so I’m informed. In fairness, I was witness to the ball of the game - if not the season - by Saliba sweeping it out to our left to open up the whole field for Xhaka. Genius.

Despite the lack of visibility and sparse visual involvement, the overriding sense of the game was a complete lack of jeopardy. It was too easy. Pinch-yerself easy. They were never in it. No threat. We mullered them. Start to finish. Makes you wonder if we may actually be an excellent - exceptional - team who can dismiss close rivals with ease.

Back along the beautiful walk, couple of celebratories at ‘tpub and off to a fine dinner. Smiling all the way.

How much better does it get?