Poorly Drawn Month: November 2021 (Patreon)

Exclusively for you guys on Patreon, we do a recap of each month, big stories, key moments, matches, incidents and more – with words from me, and fantastic artwork from Poorly Drawn Arsenal @cantdrawarsenal.

November 2021.

Having gone through September and October unbeaten, November sees Arsenal take on Watford at the Emirates, in what is Mikel Arteta’s 100th game in charge.

The mood is certainly different and more positive than those fraught, opening weeks of the season, which is probably why Josh Kroenke pops up to do an interview with Sky Sports.

One the one hand, it’s good to hear from the ownership, especially as Stan Kroenke is embroiled in rows with NFL owners and the entire city of St Louis (he later agrees to a $750m settlement which will make our chances of signing Erling Haaland a bit more tricky next summer).

On the other hand though, not everything Josh says stands up to complete scrutiny.

He also makes it clear that the club was not for sale, despite ongoing interest from Spotify founder Daniel Ek.

Arsenal 1-0 Watford

The game against Watford helps Arsenal continue their unbeaten run. Although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sees a penalty saved, a second half strike from Emile Smith Rowe is enough to secure a 1-0 win.

There’s some controversy though, with Watford unhappy Arsenal don't throw the ball back after they put it out when one of their players pretended to be injured. However, given Danny Rose is allowed to career his way around the pitch without even a booking, it all evens out in the end.

There then follows an Interlull, but it’s not quite as interminable as some. Smith Rowe gets a call-up to the England squad and scores, a reward for his fine form, Aaron Ramsdale also makes his England debut, while there’s a lot of focus on a new movie featuring former manager Arsene Wenger and the Invincible season.

Viv to the rescue

Before the men return to action, the Arsenal Women have their perfect start to the WSL disrupted, by Sp*rs of all people. It looks like Jonas Eidevall’s side are heading for defeat, but in injury time, Vivianne Miedama rises highest to crash home a fantastic headed equaliser.

Ha, and indeed, ha.

Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal

Arsenal’s first game back after the Interull is a daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. In the first half, the Gunners do quite well, trailing only by a single goal at the break thanks to more heroics from Aaron Ramsdale.

The second half is a different story though, as Liverpool score three more times to put an end to the unbeaten run in a convincing way. The main event isn’t the football though, it’s a sideline confrontation between Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp which sees both managers booked.

It’s a chastening day for the young team, and a first defeat in 10 games. It’s now about how they can respond to a setback.

Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Ahead of the home game against Newcastle, Mikel Arteta says all of his squad players have to be ready to contribute, and he continues with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares despite both having a difficult time at Anfield.

The young Portuguese left-back is on a mission to make up for that, seemingly determined to score with a number of first half attempts, none of which trouble the keeper unduly.

He contributes in a different way though, providing a lovely assist for Bukayo Saka’s classy opener.

The second goal comes from substitute Gabriel Martinelli. He makes a run, tells Takerhiro Tomiyasu where to play the pass, and volleys it home on the run. 

It’s a thing of beauty, it almost belongs in a gallery.

GIF LINK FOR THOSE ON MOBILE 

November ends with success off the pitch. It might not even be Christmas yet but the first trophy of the year has been landed.

Arseblog wins Fan Media of the Year at the Football Supporters Association awards for the second successive year, with James and Andrew there in person to represent the site and pick up the award.

From all of us here at Arseblog, thank you for your help and your votes, and let’s hope that there might be another trophy between now and May (for the team, of course).

Here's to a successful December.

❤️