From Martin : Man United game
Hi Myles
Should have know better than to expect one side to take the Derby by scruff of neck and stake a claim, as it was fragmented and with neither team demonstrating enough guile and know-how.
Do not think it defined either team really, the Derby is too personal to draw any real conclusion on title chances.
Draw was about right and we move on from a forgettable game of football.
However, the Man United game might give better insight to Arsenal mentality as its a place where there is definitely a mental block, not least demonstrated by last season’s woeful performance there, but many more games in recent history to point to where Arsenal were beaten before the kick-off with fear of Man United, and many times based on the name opposed to team United put on the pitch.
Mourihno will try to use the game as a springboard, with his usual shenanigans.
Do think Mourinho games are more funny than effective now, like a stale act.
Whereas Ferguson played his games effectively with his deadpan expression and Scottish tones, Mourihno is now more Basil Fawlty.
But he will try and stoke the fires against Arsenal, make it personal and look for his team to mimic that attitude.
So will Arsenal go there and be the same Arsenal that has turned up there many times and wilted? Or will they show the mentality to not be phased and play solid and composed football and with a flourish at the sharp end?
Think this game is a better barometer to the mental state of Arsenal a,s though the team looks stronger all around, this side of team is still the factor that’s to be revealed.
Similarly, if Mourinho, after lighting the fires prior to this game gets an inert performance, you can see the writing on the wall for much of the team, or even the manager, as still feel he could walk as he not loved there, Man United fans sort of say they love him, but more by feel have to say that than with any conviction given most wanted him.
Another fascinating game, not really for quality of the game, but how each team approaches and manages the day.
Myles says:
I’m dreading this match already. But not for the reasons you mention.
Right now I prefer watching Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City.
Of those three, Chelsea have by far the best defence.
Conte and Klopp don’t know the Premier League as well as Wenger but could finish above him in May. 2
However it’s early November with only 11 games played, so let’s not make predictions yet.
Let’s just make a few observations as we go along.