Arsenal 1-2 Man City: Vote for Player Ratings & MOTM!

In an impressive display, Stuart Atwell won the match for Man City, waving off a possible penalty when Ederson clipped Martin Ødegaard in the box, issuing a somewhat dodgy when when Bernardo Silva flopped after contact from Xhaka in the box, sent Gabriel off with two yellow cards inside of two minutes, and essentially earned himself MOTM honours in what was an otherwise scintillating match. Look, I expected to lose this match, but brilliant play saw us take the lead through a well-worked goal from Bukayo Saka, and we looked to be have the upper hand, maybe even flirting with controlling the outcome for long stretches. In the end, our performance says a lot more about us than the result, and I come away both incensed but also inspired. If we continue to play like this, we'll seize a Champions League spot, no question about it. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, though, let's give the lads what they deserver (I recommend perfect 10s all around, not that I want to sway you unduly).

Here's the poll. Have at it!

Norwich 0-5 Arsenal: Ratings & MOTM Poll Results

It's not often a player bags a brace and doesn't get MOTM the honors, but when a teammate was as instrumental to orchestrating the attack as Martin Ødegaard was, well, the logic is clear. After an indifferent start to the season, Ødegaard has unleashed his creative force—and may be just starting to scratch the surface. Between him growing into his skills, acclimating himself to his role, and learning his teammates' roles, preferences, and abilities, this guy could be something quite special. And to think we nabbed him for a paltry £30m. Anyway, he helped us run Norwich into the ground in a virtuoso performance, ruthlessly eviscerating the Canaries with key passes, long balls, and through balls. Those who find themselves saying "it's just Norwich" should remind themselves that these kinds of performances build confidence and chemistry. Are we going to beat Man City 5-0 now? No. Do we have a right to feel somewhat better about our chances? Yes. All in due time, though. For now, just savor this one. The postponement of the Wolves match gives us a little time to catch our collective breath.

Norwich 0-5 Arsenal: Vote for Player Ratings & MOTM!

Arsenal coasted to a comfortable victory at Carrow Road, scoring five goals or more for the third consecutive match, two through Saka and one each from Tierney, Lacazette, and Smith-Rowe. Martin Ødegaard gave three assists as he adds to his reputation for creativity; he went into this match having created more goal-scoring opportunities (19) than any other player anywhere. Yes, it's "just" Norwich, but we've frequently struggled against sides like this, and it's gratifying to say the least to see us batter yet another opponent. That's five in a row now, four in the Prem, and we even have an almost-respectable +9 goal difference. A fringe-benefit to this cakewalk is that we could save a bit of energy for our match against Wolves, whose match today was postponed. Well, let's enjoy this one a bit before looking ahead to that one.
Get to the poll by clicking here; a results graphic will be available tomorrow. COYG!