The date of the North London Derby is here. It is one of the best derbies in Europe. But Red Side(Arsenal) of North London always comes on top in these derbies (usually). As usual, football lovers are excited. Every year newspapers and television channels present merged XI line-ups, former players discuss the implications, and everybody overemphasizes. And beyond all noise, there is something real, genuine interest.
Having been a fan of the game, I am engaged in football news, read stories, and listen to the previews of the games in podcasts. North London Derby—my favourite of the season—always snaps me to attention. Why? Partly due to a lack of experience having faced them in the past in past seasons (minus the last couple of seasons), and partly due to them, we have had some embarrassing victories by them against us.
Referee in North London Derby
”Now let’s start with the issues that concern referees. The man in the middle of this derby. Jarred Gillet has an interesting story as to how he became a referee. He recently spared a red card-able moment from Mosquera’s choke slam on Havertz. Still, 21 referees in the Premier League, and now it’s the same ref again—rather strange. It is as if Howard Webb is bending his neck slightly to give a cheeky salute to Arsenal. Let’s mention the Australian referee and his Aussie boss during the scum, with such relations causing, even if there was no bias, the eyebrows to arch.
Search more about Gillet; it does not paint a gloomy picture that most people would have thought about him. Seven games have been officiated by him at Arsenal. five of which went for the teams and two for the opponents. The Scum? 500 for the year 8 games 4-4.
Do you know the volatile-audacious goal conceded against Aston Villa in EL, which was later ruled offside? This decision was made by Gillet, despite the camera angles, which indicated that he had not seen all that was going on. One couldn’t hope that he would not repeat such strange calls on the following Sunday.
Arsenal Midfield Issues
Arsenal are already short of players in Midfield. With Injuries to Odegard and Mikel Moreno. And Red Card to Declan Rice against Brighton Before International Break. Arteta could play Academy Player Ethan Nwaneri or try a new midfield combination of Jorginhio and Partey.
From this perspective of view, Gillet (the referee for this game) has presided over Arsenal’s wins—almost all against minnows, including Wimbledon, Southampton, Fulham, and Brighton in cup competitions. But this Derby? That is a whole different ball game altogether.
Fasten your seat belt; this is going to be a roller-coaster ride! Regarding Arsenal, Arteta’s focus will be on who on earth he will be able to call upon to join the midfield this weekend. I imagine the club is going to run through drills today, tomorrow, and on Saturday. Setting up in a new formation, and as I pointed out yesterday, several issues are going to have to be taken into consideration. And neither is perfect, but that’s the whole point of having an understudy, and even if Fabio Vieira was fit and still in the club, I don’t think any of us would look at him and think he’ll be able to perform like he did the time he replaced.
Odegaard two seasons ago against Brentford in the beautiful 3-0 win we had. Well, therefore, I am slowly realizing that approaching something different can be fun and might be just that ‘Hail Mary’ that might make the difference.
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