The Short Fuse
@theshortfuse.bsky.social
The official SBNation home of the 17-time Community Shield Champions Arsenal Football Club.
AND THE TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ARSENAL WOMEN!
Run by @aaronclerner.bsky.social
AND THE TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ARSENAL WOMEN!
Run by @aaronclerner.bsky.social
Don't think I made the observation at the time (for understandable reasons) but what an unlucky goal to concede to lose the match.
That ball bouncing in the box could have gone anywhere. It winds up sticking in the area and finding Villa players rather that than going literally anywhere else.
That ball bouncing in the box could have gone anywhere. It winds up sticking in the area and finding Villa players rather that than going literally anywhere else.
December 6, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Don't think I made the observation at the time (for understandable reasons) but what an unlucky goal to concede to lose the match.
That ball bouncing in the box could have gone anywhere. It winds up sticking in the area and finding Villa players rather that than going literally anywhere else.
That ball bouncing in the box could have gone anywhere. It winds up sticking in the area and finding Villa players rather that than going literally anywhere else.
A little bit of napkin math on Arsenal attackers over the last two seasons, not including this one, G+A per appearance:
1. Saka - 0.7
2. Havertz - 0.46
3. MØ - 0.42
4. Martinelli - 0.38
5. Trossard - 0.37
1. Saka - 0.7
2. Havertz - 0.46
3. MØ - 0.42
4. Martinelli - 0.38
5. Trossard - 0.37
December 6, 2025 at 7:51 PM
A little bit of napkin math on Arsenal attackers over the last two seasons, not including this one, G+A per appearance:
1. Saka - 0.7
2. Havertz - 0.46
3. MØ - 0.42
4. Martinelli - 0.38
5. Trossard - 0.37
1. Saka - 0.7
2. Havertz - 0.46
3. MØ - 0.42
4. Martinelli - 0.38
5. Trossard - 0.37
Yes, Arsenal really miss Kai Havertz. They really missed Kai Havertz last season when he missed 2+ months, too.
He's a really good and important player. His absence has kind of been overlooked b/c he's been out so long and Arsenal have been really good w/o him.
But they're even better with him!
He's a really good and important player. His absence has kind of been overlooked b/c he's been out so long and Arsenal have been really good w/o him.
But they're even better with him!
In all the chat about Gyok and Merino my main thought is god we miss Kai. No way he goes zero for five trying to hold up the ball today. He might have ended up covered in blood, but he would have kept the ball.
December 6, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Yes, Arsenal really miss Kai Havertz. They really missed Kai Havertz last season when he missed 2+ months, too.
He's a really good and important player. His absence has kind of been overlooked b/c he's been out so long and Arsenal have been really good w/o him.
But they're even better with him!
He's a really good and important player. His absence has kind of been overlooked b/c he's been out so long and Arsenal have been really good w/o him.
But they're even better with him!
One more Gyokeres mini-thread:
I'm hopeful that once he gets back into shape and finds his form that he'll be an effective player for Arsenal, although doubt has crept in on that front.
I'm hopeful that once he gets back into shape and finds his form that he'll be an effective player for Arsenal, although doubt has crept in on that front.
December 6, 2025 at 6:29 PM
One more Gyokeres mini-thread:
I'm hopeful that once he gets back into shape and finds his form that he'll be an effective player for Arsenal, although doubt has crept in on that front.
I'm hopeful that once he gets back into shape and finds his form that he'll be an effective player for Arsenal, although doubt has crept in on that front.
No shots from Gyokeres is stinky, stinky, stinky.
I really hope it is that he’s not fit / sharp because the alternative, that he’s not a fit or good enough, is rather worse.
I really hope it is that he’s not fit / sharp because the alternative, that he’s not a fit or good enough, is rather worse.
0 - Shots combined from the players in the striker position today from Arsenal.
December 6, 2025 at 6:05 PM
No shots from Gyokeres is stinky, stinky, stinky.
I really hope it is that he’s not fit / sharp because the alternative, that he’s not a fit or good enough, is rather worse.
I really hope it is that he’s not fit / sharp because the alternative, that he’s not a fit or good enough, is rather worse.
Yeah, this is pretty much THE thing that matters for Arsenal.
I'm going to need Gabriel and Saliba back asap, please
December 6, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Yeah, this is pretty much THE thing that matters for Arsenal.
Not much else to be done than put this Arsenal match in the rearview.
It was the foreseeable result of a bunch of unfortunate circumstances coming to a head - tough schedule, injuries, and the fatigue that results.
And Arsenal still nearly managed a draw.
Gotta get healthy!
It was the foreseeable result of a bunch of unfortunate circumstances coming to a head - tough schedule, injuries, and the fatigue that results.
And Arsenal still nearly managed a draw.
Gotta get healthy!
December 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Not much else to be done than put this Arsenal match in the rearview.
It was the foreseeable result of a bunch of unfortunate circumstances coming to a head - tough schedule, injuries, and the fatigue that results.
And Arsenal still nearly managed a draw.
Gotta get healthy!
It was the foreseeable result of a bunch of unfortunate circumstances coming to a head - tough schedule, injuries, and the fatigue that results.
And Arsenal still nearly managed a draw.
Gotta get healthy!
Random thought:
Is Viktor Gyokeres in football shape? Has he been at all this season?
He sat out Sporting's preseason and got a curtailed one at Arsenal as a result. He looks heavy on the pitch - both heavy-legged and like he's carrying a bit too much bulk.
Is Viktor Gyokeres in football shape? Has he been at all this season?
He sat out Sporting's preseason and got a curtailed one at Arsenal as a result. He looks heavy on the pitch - both heavy-legged and like he's carrying a bit too much bulk.
December 6, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Random thought:
Is Viktor Gyokeres in football shape? Has he been at all this season?
He sat out Sporting's preseason and got a curtailed one at Arsenal as a result. He looks heavy on the pitch - both heavy-legged and like he's carrying a bit too much bulk.
Is Viktor Gyokeres in football shape? Has he been at all this season?
He sat out Sporting's preseason and got a curtailed one at Arsenal as a result. He looks heavy on the pitch - both heavy-legged and like he's carrying a bit too much bulk.
More thoughts RE: Declan Rice and rest -
This isn't the first time he has been played until he's clearly gassed. He's a physical freak who has more energy than most, but even he has his limits.
It's concerning that Arsenal and Arteta haven't recognized that and, outwardly, taken steps to avoid it.
This isn't the first time he has been played until he's clearly gassed. He's a physical freak who has more energy than most, but even he has his limits.
It's concerning that Arsenal and Arteta haven't recognized that and, outwardly, taken steps to avoid it.
December 6, 2025 at 4:51 PM
More thoughts RE: Declan Rice and rest -
This isn't the first time he has been played until he's clearly gassed. He's a physical freak who has more energy than most, but even he has his limits.
It's concerning that Arsenal and Arteta haven't recognized that and, outwardly, taken steps to avoid it.
This isn't the first time he has been played until he's clearly gassed. He's a physical freak who has more energy than most, but even he has his limits.
It's concerning that Arsenal and Arteta haven't recognized that and, outwardly, taken steps to avoid it.
The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get Declan Rice played as much (had to play as much?) as he did against Brentford.
That was the chance to steal 30-35 minutes of extra rest for him.
But I'd bet Arteta did not feel comfortable with Hincapie-Timber at CB in a 1-0 match.
That was the chance to steal 30-35 minutes of extra rest for him.
But I'd bet Arteta did not feel comfortable with Hincapie-Timber at CB in a 1-0 match.
December 6, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get Declan Rice played as much (had to play as much?) as he did against Brentford.
That was the chance to steal 30-35 minutes of extra rest for him.
But I'd bet Arteta did not feel comfortable with Hincapie-Timber at CB in a 1-0 match.
That was the chance to steal 30-35 minutes of extra rest for him.
But I'd bet Arteta did not feel comfortable with Hincapie-Timber at CB in a 1-0 match.
Another big reason for the loss:
The combo effect of all those injuries with a Tottenham, Bayern, Chelsea stretch of matches.
Arteta did rotate a bit against Brentford, probably as much as he felt comfortable doing. But there aren't many minutes to steal rest otherwise.
Tough stretch of matches.
The combo effect of all those injuries with a Tottenham, Bayern, Chelsea stretch of matches.
Arteta did rotate a bit against Brentford, probably as much as he felt comfortable doing. But there aren't many minutes to steal rest otherwise.
Tough stretch of matches.
Arsenal lost that game because they're missing THREE centerbacks.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
December 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Another big reason for the loss:
The combo effect of all those injuries with a Tottenham, Bayern, Chelsea stretch of matches.
Arteta did rotate a bit against Brentford, probably as much as he felt comfortable doing. But there aren't many minutes to steal rest otherwise.
Tough stretch of matches.
The combo effect of all those injuries with a Tottenham, Bayern, Chelsea stretch of matches.
Arteta did rotate a bit against Brentford, probably as much as he felt comfortable doing. But there aren't many minutes to steal rest otherwise.
Tough stretch of matches.
Another annoying trickle down effect of the CB injuries:
I don’t think Declan Rice plays until he has to come off with a problem against Brentford if he doesn’t have to play in front of Hincapie-Timber on a 1-0 lead.
(Also, maybe he comes off of Arsenal score more than one goal earlier)
I don’t think Declan Rice plays until he has to come off with a problem against Brentford if he doesn’t have to play in front of Hincapie-Timber on a 1-0 lead.
(Also, maybe he comes off of Arsenal score more than one goal earlier)
December 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Another annoying trickle down effect of the CB injuries:
I don’t think Declan Rice plays until he has to come off with a problem against Brentford if he doesn’t have to play in front of Hincapie-Timber on a 1-0 lead.
(Also, maybe he comes off of Arsenal score more than one goal earlier)
I don’t think Declan Rice plays until he has to come off with a problem against Brentford if he doesn’t have to play in front of Hincapie-Timber on a 1-0 lead.
(Also, maybe he comes off of Arsenal score more than one goal earlier)
If the conclusion is Gyokeres isn’t really ready to come back because of fitness, don’t put him out there to be ineffective!
I’ve never understood Mikel Arteta’s refusal to give Gabriel Martinelli time leading the line.
Hell, Ethan Nwaneri couldn’t have been worse up top than Gyok was today!
I’ve never understood Mikel Arteta’s refusal to give Gabriel Martinelli time leading the line.
Hell, Ethan Nwaneri couldn’t have been worse up top than Gyok was today!
December 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
If the conclusion is Gyokeres isn’t really ready to come back because of fitness, don’t put him out there to be ineffective!
I’ve never understood Mikel Arteta’s refusal to give Gabriel Martinelli time leading the line.
Hell, Ethan Nwaneri couldn’t have been worse up top than Gyok was today!
I’ve never understood Mikel Arteta’s refusal to give Gabriel Martinelli time leading the line.
Hell, Ethan Nwaneri couldn’t have been worse up top than Gyok was today!
So when do we have to have the Gyokeres conversation…
Thought Odegaard was really good though today.
Shame he didn't have a striker for 90 minutes.
Shame he didn't have a striker for 90 minutes.
December 6, 2025 at 4:03 PM
So when do we have to have the Gyokeres conversation…
Looking back over the match:
Quite annoyed that Bukayo Saka wasn't given a foul on the play where Arsenal eventually had a goal called back for him being offside.
Perhaps he doesn't stray offside if he's not fighting through a clear grab and foul.
Quite annoyed that Bukayo Saka wasn't given a foul on the play where Arsenal eventually had a goal called back for him being offside.
Perhaps he doesn't stray offside if he's not fighting through a clear grab and foul.
December 6, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Looking back over the match:
Quite annoyed that Bukayo Saka wasn't given a foul on the play where Arsenal eventually had a goal called back for him being offside.
Perhaps he doesn't stray offside if he's not fighting through a clear grab and foul.
Quite annoyed that Bukayo Saka wasn't given a foul on the play where Arsenal eventually had a goal called back for him being offside.
Perhaps he doesn't stray offside if he's not fighting through a clear grab and foul.
It would be cool if Arsenal could be on the other side of a team "hitting the wall" for a change.
I suppose it would be tougher to notice because Arsenal would likely eviscerate those teams, anyway.
But man, it FEELS like Arsenal don't catch many breaks with catching good teams on off days.
I suppose it would be tougher to notice because Arsenal would likely eviscerate those teams, anyway.
But man, it FEELS like Arsenal don't catch many breaks with catching good teams on off days.
There’s fit enough to make a bench, fit enough to meaningfully sub, fit enough to play multiple 90s in short succession, and fit enough to be at your best while doing so. Just because it’s explainable, doesn’t mean it isn’t brutal. They hit a wall.
December 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
It would be cool if Arsenal could be on the other side of a team "hitting the wall" for a change.
I suppose it would be tougher to notice because Arsenal would likely eviscerate those teams, anyway.
But man, it FEELS like Arsenal don't catch many breaks with catching good teams on off days.
I suppose it would be tougher to notice because Arsenal would likely eviscerate those teams, anyway.
But man, it FEELS like Arsenal don't catch many breaks with catching good teams on off days.
More often than not, Arsenal take a point from Villa Park today. Very annoying to be living in the less likely world.
December 6, 2025 at 3:12 PM
More often than not, Arsenal take a point from Villa Park today. Very annoying to be living in the less likely world.
Two things are true:
1. Gyokeres has been put in a tough situation through no fault of his own. When he was fit, the attack was unsettled by injuries.
Then as attackers start to get fit, he gets thrown out of sync by an injury.
2. Arsenal need more from Gyokeres and he needs to be doing more.
1. Gyokeres has been put in a tough situation through no fault of his own. When he was fit, the attack was unsettled by injuries.
Then as attackers start to get fit, he gets thrown out of sync by an injury.
2. Arsenal need more from Gyokeres and he needs to be doing more.
Viktor Gyokeres was basically anonymous. That's...not what you're looking for from your big-money striker signing.
December 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Two things are true:
1. Gyokeres has been put in a tough situation through no fault of his own. When he was fit, the attack was unsettled by injuries.
Then as attackers start to get fit, he gets thrown out of sync by an injury.
2. Arsenal need more from Gyokeres and he needs to be doing more.
1. Gyokeres has been put in a tough situation through no fault of his own. When he was fit, the attack was unsettled by injuries.
Then as attackers start to get fit, he gets thrown out of sync by an injury.
2. Arsenal need more from Gyokeres and he needs to be doing more.
Think Mikel Arteta needed to bring on Christian Nørgaard for Declan Rice sometime from the 85th minute on, for the energy alone.
December 6, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Think Mikel Arteta needed to bring on Christian Nørgaard for Declan Rice sometime from the 85th minute on, for the energy alone.
If you rewind a bit further, the winner comes because Noni Madueke shoots from a ridiculous angle with his weaker foot.
The shot had virtually no chance. Arsenal would have been much better served to keep possession. He could also played it back across the box. Anything other than hand it to Villa.
The shot had virtually no chance. Arsenal would have been much better served to keep possession. He could also played it back across the box. Anything other than hand it to Villa.
That goal starts with Piero Hincapie, unfortunately.
He swept up incredibly well and then overran the ball out for a throw.
He swept up incredibly well and then overran the ball out for a throw.
December 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM
If you rewind a bit further, the winner comes because Noni Madueke shoots from a ridiculous angle with his weaker foot.
The shot had virtually no chance. Arsenal would have been much better served to keep possession. He could also played it back across the box. Anything other than hand it to Villa.
The shot had virtually no chance. Arsenal would have been much better served to keep possession. He could also played it back across the box. Anything other than hand it to Villa.
Viktor Gyokeres was basically anonymous. That's...not what you're looking for from your big-money striker signing.
December 6, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Viktor Gyokeres was basically anonymous. That's...not what you're looking for from your big-money striker signing.
That was a schedule loss.
December 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
That was a schedule loss.
It cascades down the lineup. With even just Mosquera fit, Jurrien Timber starts at right back.
Perhaps a fresh Ben White comes on for him with 20 minutes to go and is able to do something to prevent a goal that comes from...the right side of the defense.
Perhaps a fresh Ben White comes on for him with 20 minutes to go and is able to do something to prevent a goal that comes from...the right side of the defense.
Arsenal lost that game because they're missing THREE centerbacks.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
December 6, 2025 at 2:29 PM
It cascades down the lineup. With even just Mosquera fit, Jurrien Timber starts at right back.
Perhaps a fresh Ben White comes on for him with 20 minutes to go and is able to do something to prevent a goal that comes from...the right side of the defense.
Perhaps a fresh Ben White comes on for him with 20 minutes to go and is able to do something to prevent a goal that comes from...the right side of the defense.
Arsenal lost that game because they're missing THREE centerbacks.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
December 6, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Arsenal lost that game because they're missing THREE centerbacks.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
Don't think either goal happens with Gabriel and Saliba on the pitch.
That goal starts with Piero Hincapie, unfortunately.
He swept up incredibly well and then overran the ball out for a throw.
He swept up incredibly well and then overran the ball out for a throw.
December 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
That goal starts with Piero Hincapie, unfortunately.
He swept up incredibly well and then overran the ball out for a throw.
He swept up incredibly well and then overran the ball out for a throw.