Momentum is such a crazy phenomenon; it can be both positive and negative, just ask Liverpool fans! I am writing this as Arsenal are flying high and have as much momentum as Max Verstappen in F1. It is all going swimmingly well but the end of momentum will come at some point, whether it is a negative or positive one. It is hard to predict when the swing will come and to know how to either avoid it or make it happen. Momentum is an untameable beast; only values, principles, discipline and humility have some control over it.
For me it is clear that the Premier League has become even stronger this season, and almost any team can spring a surprise. Look at high flying Sunderland or Brentford beating the Chavs and Pool yesterday, for example. Underestimate an opponent at your peril.
Luckily, nobody who follows football believes that Crystal Palace are an easy three points for Arsenal today. The boys will have to play at full strength and intensity to get over the line. With the 51 year old Glasner they have a very good manager who seems to make his team excel against top opponents. Yes they played and lost on Thursday but this fixture, in which they can see themselves as underdogs with something to prove, they will be up for it.
Palace are just six points behind us in the table and they will want their PL-momentum to swing back after a very strong start. In fact, over the last five PL games they gained as many points as we did, so let there be no doubt that this is a very tough encounter. This will of course be a very special game for Eze. He is still finding his feet in our team, but we can all see the quality that he possesses, and once he is settled in I think we will really benefit from his experience and maturity. I am sure most of the Palace fans will serenade him today, as not many will begrudge him the move to this Arsenal team.
The lineup has been announced, and there are no surprises (and there is of course a midweek game for the League Cup to use those who will be disappointed not to start today). Starts for Calafiori and Trossard, and the rest is as expected.
**Starting Lineup:**
Raya
Timber – Saliba- Gabriel – Calafiori
Rice – Zubimendi
Eze
Saka – Gyokeres – Trossard
**Bench:**
Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincappie, Martinelli, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly.
That is indeed some bench there!
Anyway, enjoy the game and here is hoping for three beautiful points to move us to new heights.
**By TotalArsenal.**