It wasn’t a fun watch.
But what I did like about tonight was that we at least displayed the key aspects of our identity, without the ball.
My biggest frustration in 2026 stems from the team not performing in the areas we absolutely excel in: defending aggressively as a unit.
Zubimendi and Hincapie really really good performances
The former in particular needed that.
SEMI FINALS HERE WE COMEEEEE
Rewatched the game back yesterday and have so many thoughts.
Firstly, want to give a big shoutout to big Gabi. Two decisive moments: The first was his pass to Rice to get us going in the build up to Kai’s winner, before subsequently making a huge block to deny what looked like a certain goal.
David Raya
Best GK I’ve ever seen at The Arsena
Goodness me proper stinky watch. Felt like a carbon copy of Porto (A) in 23/24. Non existent tempo, struggles against their block which leads to toothless possession.
But that’s a huge moment from Kai. Top notch composure and an unbelievable delivery from Martinelli. Massive that.
FA Cup Quarter Final, CL Quarter Final and top of the league with seven games to go.
This is where we want to be lads.
So much to play for. So much motivation. Business end of the season. Let’s get it!
✍️ 4000 words on the lessons learnt from the Carabao Cup Final
Etihad is soon upon us, which motivated me to write a longer read on how we can raise our level. I'm confident we will!
Enjoy!!
rohanjivanafc.substack.com/p/4000-words...
Topics discussed:
The issues with the high press, lacking a consistent idea on the ball, key absentees, our frontline and wingers not supporting the midfield pivot, how we can learn from Rodri/Bernardo Silva and much more
🔴
I hope you enjoy the read.
If you would like these posts delivered to your email, then just hit subscribe. 😃
rohanjivanafc.substack.com/subscribe?si...
✍️ 4000 words on the lessons learnt from the Carabao Cup Final
Etihad is soon upon us, which motivated me to write a longer read on how we can raise our level. I'm confident we will!
Enjoy!!
rohanjivanafc.substack.com/p/4000-words...
4000 words on the Carabao Cup Final. Lessons to learn from ahead of the Etihad, which is soon upon us.
Out tomorrow!
Subscribe below to receive it in your mailbox 👇🏾
rohanjivanafc.substack.com/subscribe?si...
Right, I’m back locked in for the season.
Cheeky online international break detox was needed.
Business end of the season soon come, starting on Saturday.
Kai from the start
Gyokeres coming off the bench against tired legs
Thats what I’d do on Sunday
Here’s a Jivan stat for you:
Arteta could be the first manager to do the domestic double (league + one of the cups) over Pep Guardiola in a season.
In fact, he could be the first to beat him to the league AND beat him head to head along the way to winning a cup.
✍️ Arsenal have always been at their best under Mikel Arteta when the line is led by a false nine.
And whilst the second half brought the memories, Havertz's performance deserves a mention.
Enjoy!!
substack.com/@rohanjivana...
Also worth noting that he was great with loose balls too after Everton went long. Many times he got there first, with quick flicks to set Rice free; brilliant and it comes on the back off a solid display in his last PL display against Brighton.
I’ve wanted him to take more responsibility by dropping deep/ facilitating; this is on him more than Mikel. Get on the ball and dictate because you have the quality. The ball to feed Kai in the first half and slide rule pass for Martinelli…🤌🏾
Eze was superb btw.
It’s so tough to gauge how well someone plays when seated in lower tier.
But the rewatch confirmed to me that he was smooth between the lines, always looking to force the issue. And his passing from deep was class...
This is far from insignificant too when considering the threat Everton posed from pretty much every dead ball situation.
Shoutout to Gyokeres
You’ve got to be at the right place at the right time. That’s a huge moment.
And the header in the dying embers at the front post to defend the Everton corner. I’ve been saying all season that he’s been superb in this regard…
We mustn’t forget that in the build up to Gyokeres’ goal, it was he who set us going: Wonderful ball over the top to Mosquera, who was free as Ndiaye jumped to Saliba.
These are the margins; these are the details that make the difference. One pass accelerated momentum.
Massive shoutout to big Gabi btw.
He was incredible last night. His transition defending whenever Beto or Barry pinned themselves on him was top and some of the passes through the lines were brilliant…
Kai Havertz was very good.
The way he drops in, creating dilemmas for the CBs, how he spins in behind, ability to draw fouls and brings players within close proximity into the game are game changing qualities. The collective level rises and this isn’t surprise as we’ve seen what Kai offers up top.
✍️ Arsenal have always been at their best under Mikel Arteta when the line is led by a false nine.
And whilst the second half brought the memories, Havertz's performance deserves a mention.
Enjoy!!
substack.com/@rohanjivana...
Yes sir
I WITNESSED HISTORY LAST NIGHT
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Eze, Rice, Saka, Havertz and Trossard
What I would go with this evening
It won’t solve everything, but I can assure you that a portion of our problems will be fixed with Kai Havertz @ 9. It’s not revisionism, it’s facts based on previous sample.
Not at RCM, at 9.
With our current squad, we need one of Merino or Havertz available, at least.
Said before where the moment I knew Arteta was serious about Max Dowman was when he brought him on against Liverpool at Anfield.
Late in the game, we need a goal against the champions and he rolls the dice with Max.
Remember, this was at a time where most had Liverpool favourites for the league.
