THE HIGH PERFORMANCE DERBY
The last time Arsenal played at St James’ Park was six months ago, Martin Ødegaard leading a 2-0 win that cut Manchester City’s Premier League lead to a single point, the title race back on. Or was it? Mikel Arteta’s side promptly lost to Brighton and Nottingham Forest, tying the sky-blue ribbons to a trophy they had kept one hand on since the Human Rights World Cup break. Oh, Arsenal! Mind, the Gunners have not suffered much of a hangover. They still haven’t lost in the league since that day at the City Ground, winning seven of their 10 games despite not yet hitting that fast, fluid, near-unplayable attacking fifth gear they found last season. Perhaps that’s because Ange Postecoglou popped in and asked to borrow it, and he’s such a nice bloke that you just can’t say no.
