We won it with a header from a corner. Is that such a bad thing? Having got used to being dubbed the most attractive and best team to watch, with intricate build-up play, rapid movement and ingenious passing, it almost feels disappointing to rely on set pieces to win matches. And yet, winning is what counts, especially with the risk of any lost points will result in Man City disappearing over the horizon. And don’t forget there was nothing pretty about Haarland’s winning goal. Long but precise hoof from the keeper, then strength and technique to tuck the ball away. What was Gabriel’s goal? Perfectly judged corner, then strength and technique to head the ball into the net. Same difference. And three points!
What’s rewarding is that not only did we manage without players we were beginning to think were irreplaceable, but also that defence is a joy to watch. Not like a Bergkamp twist and turn or Henry stroking the ball into the net, but just watching Saliba and Gabriel is almost as pleasurable. With the reassurance that with Timber and others able to slot in, injuries in the centre of defence might not be as disastrous as we once thought – and expected the absence of Rice and Ødergaard to be.
This is a tough team, committed and fighting for each other. Yes, there were individual errors in midfield, but when has Trossard ever played centre mid? And in a combination that hasn’t been tried before. And how much work did the front three put in to keep a clean sheet? I’ll forgive them anything, the way they are playing as one.
And did you see, at the end, Mikel Arteta’s reaction? Klopp or Mourinho would have galloped off down the touchline to show how much they cared to the crowd. Arteta gathered his coaching/support team together and hugged them. This is a guy who builds teams and from that can only become trust and commitment. Sign him up for another ten years!
Richard Smith
16/11/24