A thing of beauty is a joy forever, we are told by somebody no less eloquent than the famous pre-Victorian Romantic poet John Keats.
No, I haven’t read the poem itself but that line has kind of stuck in my mind – and has rarely been better deployed than when considering Emi Buendia’s wonder strike against the Tykes. I doubt most City fans will forget it for a long while and that’s for sure.
In fact, I’ll push my luck a little by declaring that in my view that is quite possibly the most enjoyable game I have watched in some while.
Initially, I’ll return to Emi’s goal, a strike worthy of winning el Classico let alone an EFL Championship match.
Kenny McLean hit a wonderful raking ball over the top which Emi anticipated to perfection. As the ball dropped over his shoulder everybody’s favourite Che met it on the volley with spectacular technique to steer it past stunned Barnsley keeper Jack Walton.
I wish I’d been in my usual perch behind the Upper Barclay goal for that one – I’m right in line with where Emi shot from.
Moving away from that sublime piece of Argentinian brilliance [Daniel Farke said afterwards that Emi can literally *smell* passes like that splendid effort from the Mayor] there were many other things to be pleased about.
Tim Krul was back and in his usual commanding form as well. While he had very, very little to do in terms of shot-stopping the encouragement offered towards his defensive unit was a pleasure to hear, and although I picked up very little of what he actually said it is impossible not to recognise his voice in a BCD game!
I also noticed that when Krul was forced to kick the ball long he didn’t appear to give it his full welly. A sensible precaution considering his recent injury, of course.
There was the return of Ben Gibson too. Suddenly the restored triumvirate of Krul, Gibson and Grant Hanley seemed to add an air of defensive calm that, with greatest respect to both of them, wasn’t always present with Zimbo and Michael McGovern in situ.
Ollie Skipp was, erm, Ollie Skipp. Such consistency in such a young player is almost unprecedented and if we ignore a bit of dithering when an early cross would have been appreciated he didn’t put a foot wrong all game.
Skipp’s partner at the base of midfield, the aforementioned Mr McLean also looked as good as I’ve ever seen him and Lukas Rupp will find it hard to dislodge him from the starting line-up.
As for any rumoured moves to Rangers, I think we can forget all about them. Regrettably, for this Celtic fan, they’ve surely already sealed the SPL title so let them be content.
Credit to Barnsley who came to play football and did so when they could. They smashed the bar early doors and gave us one of those *oh no* moments when a driven cross from the left should have been converted by Michal Helik with what would have been the very last kick of the game. Not this time though and hearts out of mouths and back in chests, we could enjoy three very well-deserved points.
It was also pleasing to see Farke and his old friend and Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael having a lengthy on-pitch chat afterwards – there was nothing false about that. Maybe they managed a beer together later on, although in this day and age I doubt it.
Even iFollow behaved itself impeccably and the commentary from Chris Goreham and Jerry *they’re leaving so much room behind them with that high press that we’re bound to get something eventually* Goss was a joy to listen to.
And for the folks out there on social media with the pitchforks and torches ready for Todd Cantwell, please give it a rest. Sure he could have scored three but he showed some wonderful touches and I think we tend to forget how young he is!
Gary fully covered the issue of a possible Buendia transfer out yesterday so I’ll limit myself to saying that I think Emi will stay, at least in this window. The days of Chairman Chase and *Everything Must Go* have, erm, gone.
So, avaunt thee Satan. Or maybe in this case: avaunt thee Arsenal.
And if you want to give some of the lads a break against Coventry on Saturday Daniel, you have my blessing – especially as none of us would be allowed at Wembley this year even if by a miracle we made it to the final 
I don’t recall Keats writing an Ode to Emi Buendia but I’m sure if he was a City fan and around today he would if I asked him nicely.
I’m not too positive if the replica Errea shirt would clash with his frock coat and buckled shoes though – and he’d have to leave his sword at home on matchdays.
Oh hang on, I think that might have been Byron with the sword.
WOW Martin, I think you’ve really ‘hit the nail on the head’ with this article – outstanding!!
If a player in the PL had scored the goal that Emi scored on Saturday, ‘Big Ears’ and co would have been like kids on Xmas morning. Emi’s tracking back to help out in defence was exceptional at times as well.
It was exciting to see a team come to CR and attack us in the way that Barnsley did and whilst many will say that they could have got a draw, we’d a shot cleared off the line and if TC had had longer studs (or whatever his problem was in staying on his feet), he could have had a hat trick. I also saw that Vrancic also slipped when he shot at goal in the first half.
Barnsley may well have been ‘top of the form chart, but their 5 victories were against teams that will most likely be in the ‘relegation mixer’ come May (or whenever the season ends!!)
Yes, we are top of the league, have the highest number of goal attempts and shots on target, but there are only 5 teams below us in terms of goals scored to the number of goal attempts. We are also victims in the number of blocked shots, as ALL our opponents raise their game when they play us. In most of our games, DF has said that “we should have scored more!!” I’m sure everyone of a ‘yellow and green persuasion’ would agree 100%
Obviously, Emi’s agent is keen to sell his asset and get his share of many £Ms, but conversely, IF Emi stays and IF we get promoted and Emi can reproduce the skills that he is showing on a regular basis when we were in the PL, then how much more would the diminutive Argentinian be worth in the summer of 22??
As DF says Emi is enjoying playing football (as is TC) and IMO, I’m amazed at how the former has learnt to control his temperament.
The fact that DF was able to re-integrate both players into the squad and get them playing some of their best football will make him VERY much sought after as a Head Coach/Manager when he decides to leave NR1/Colney. Also, his ability to develop young players is unquestionable, as is his decision when they are capable of joining the first team squad and judging giving them time on the pitch.
All of this will not have gone unnoticed by owners of Champions’ League clubs with many £Bs to spend and they will certainly be looking to entice DF away. I’m 100% confident that DF will complete his current contract.
Morning Ed
Yes Emi was all-round exceptional on Saturday, not least with his tracking back.
On opportunities created alone we deserved the win and if certain culprits hadn’t spurned the simplest of these we would have been cruising but that’s not to say that Barnsley didn’t play their collective part too cos they did. I’d reckon they’ll finish in the top half although the top six might be a big ask for them.
As for Emi I’ll stick by my guess in that he’ll see out January with us despite all the crap that’s coming out from wishful thinking Gooners just now on social media.
I agree with you about DF & indeed SW too. The longer they stay the better for me.
Thanks as always.
I’d offer a sizeable wager that the Callum Styles ‘cross’ in the 94th minute was actually a skewed shot destined to go well wide until Helik managed his heart stopping touch beyond the far post – slim margins and all that!
Hi Gary
My phrase *driven cross* covered a multitude of interpretations.
I think yours is the correct one 🙂
Morning Martin,
Happy New Year!
Really enjoyed reading your piece on this rather damp morning.
I can’t think of anything of interest to add, all bases covered as usual!!
All I would say, I too think Emi will stay until the summer, or at least SW would broker a deal to allow him to do that. But, my point is that if Emi delivers final half of the season that matches the first half he would go into the summer transfer window as the hottest property in town (the top 6 will be watching) and if his agent is as smart as I hope he is he will be giving Emi that message loud and clear!!
Cheers
John
Hi John
I think the top six are watching already, unfortunately!
As far Emi’s agent, he or her will be the same as everybody else’s agent as in looking after the interests of their client and more particularly the interests of themselves.
HNY to you and yours likewise.
The ugly prize of Premier League football remains clearly on the horizon and the beautiful prize of Emi Buendia remains ours. I just hope that both these statements apply at the beginning of February.
Happy New Year, let’s hope it’s a good one with plenty to cheer.
Hi Don
My New Year was slightly spoiled by the Celtic result but, hey, you can’t have everything now can you?
Nice John Lennon paraphrase 🙂
HNY to you too.
I can’t think of anything to add to the reviews of Emi,s performance on Saturday, it’s all been said. It’s a joy to watch and like Martin I wish I had been there to see it from my seat in the upper Barclay. 10/10.
As for Todd his contribution on Saturday was excellent, had he taken any of his chances I think we would have had a 9/10.
Hi Andy
Yes that’s a great spot to be in the ground – D block for me, a few rows from the front lip of the stand. L 91 if you ever want to give me a shout 🙂
Mind you it won’t be this season and that’s for sure 🙁
Cheers
Very eloquently put Mr Penney.
I thought Saturday’s game was an excellent advert for football , and showed (once again!) that surely someone, somewhere, sometime soon is going to be on the end of rather more than a single goal deficit against us. least 3
As you so rightly say, Cantwell on any other day would probably have had at least 3, Sorenson brought a decent save from their keeper; Pukki also a couple, and even possibly Hanley with a header from a corner (if he could get his bearings sorted out).
Add in the returns of both Krul and Gibson which made us so much more solid at the back, and I think we’re in a decent place at this moment.
As for Emi, at the moment everything he does just adds more zeroes to a potential fee…..but surely he’ll not be tempted when he has every chance of shining on a regular basis in the Prem with NCFC next season??
O T B C
Hi John
I just think a few people are being a bit too critical of Todd Cantwell after what was a pretty good performance.
You make a good point about Hanley’s orientation when attacking a set-piece. He gets up so well but very often misdirects the effort. It’s open to opinion but I thought one of our best CBs when it came to corners was John Newsome, with Malky a close second.
Cheers
Steve Bruce for me……and it only needed that one rather special late goal against you know who!!!
Yeah we’ll never beat that one. Ever.
Another good summing up, Martin, and a good game to watch, with Barnsley coming here to try to win it, unlike the others who come not to lose.
I hope Farke does rest some against Coventry, Tim Krul in particular, as it looks as though he needs that other couple of weeks to get his thigh completely healed. I’d probably keep Gibson in, to give him a bit more game time, but partner him with Zimmerman to keep him match fit, while letting Hanley have a deserved break. It would be a good game to get a look at how some of the others recovering from injury are getting on.
The Mayor is giving all the credit for that marvellous goal to Buendia, but he deserves recognition for his vision and delivery. I’ve watched that goal several times now, and he clearly looks up and sees Emi starting his run, then drops it in exactly the right place. I think their (very good) keeper thought Emi would try to control it first, but that strike really caught him out.
The lad Styles playing on their left looked a decent player, and gave Aarons quite a few problems. One to keep an eye on?
Hi JIm
You’re quite right about the Coventry line-up. I’d add in a rest for Emi, Todd and particularly Ollie Skipp myself – even a 20-y-o needs a break!
I agree with you about the quality of Mayor McLean’s pass but my abiding memory of that goal will remain the way Emi looked up to see exactly where the ball would drop.
Styles was largely responsible for Emi putting so much into his defensive shift. He certainly wouldn’t be a bad option for us if that’s what you’re hinting at!
Cheers
A smart article on a smart performance, Martin. Plenty of reasons to be cheerful this morning!
Yes Chris – and for once there’s a full fortnight for us to revel in it 🙂
Hi Martin
A cold sharp frosty day up here in the North.
As for poetry I go for Alfred Lord Tennyson with
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Just like city going forward with out much care what is fired at them confident in what they can do and achieve.
Woodward their strike said in an interview that city are a good team but went route 1 to get goal, I think that was the only long pass in the game but if route 1 get the points then so be it.
I am on full agreement that we need to keep all 3 of our young players and like your self would prefer other destinations for them than Arse-nal may be Spurs and do a deal for Skipp to be loaned back next season.
Next up Mark Robins and his Blue Birds 🐦 of Coventry so is it a chance for some players returning from injury to get some playing time or will it be a hope to maybe go further in the cup 🥤 to be honest it is a great competition but like many clubs it is the cup of no hope as it is one that the top clubs want so they qualify for European football.
Let’s no all the mobiles are on silent till end of January for out goings and hope we can get a back up for Krul as we may have seen the very last of McGovern with jis contract up at the end of the season.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy
Woodward may think it was uncharacteristic of us to play a long ball forward, but hey, that’s what caught them out! Being unpredictable is what often wins you games. I would dispute that it was actually route 1, though. The Mayor was in their half, it wasn’t just a long punt forward from a goalkeeper or centre half, he looked up, saw Emi’s run, and dropped it into the right area. Definitely not route 1.
No way that was route one – it was exquisite as in a lovely ball over the top met by a superb finish. Barnsley played such a high line they were asking for something like that and luckily we had the quality to supply it.
I agree but opinions vary I can remember when Graham Taylor took Watford from the 4th to the old 1st Division and called it Mathematical Football as in least passes to get from one end to the other and win a game. Not to much of it these days
Anyone remember John Beck at Cambridge where they used to overwater the corner areas to hold the donkey drops up?
I bet Dion does!
Morning Alex
The only Tennyson I know is the Ladie of Shallot which inspired a [to these eyes] brilliant and very atmospheric painting by John William Waterhouse. I bought a very large print of it from the Tate in the late 1970s and it’s been pride of place in the front room of at least four houses over the years. It’s currently in Mundesley.
Cauley Woodrow is a decent player but he’s off the mark to suggest that we went route one for the goal – we didn’t.
As for Michael McGovern I fear you are right but if the last 10 or so games prove to be his swansong it wasn’t a bad one all things considered.
Cheers mate
Tennyson poem on the valiant 600
Light Brigade chase is one of my favourites with his misquoted 3 lines in the second verse
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
As in
Theirs are not to reason Why
Theirs is just to do or die
The only classical poets I’ve ever enjoyed reading were Geoffrey Chaucer [at school in the original early English helped by a terrific teacher] and then Wilfred Owen in later life.
Strangely neither Chaucer nor Owen were ever considered *proper poets* by many intellectual snobs.
Joe Strummer was a poet – God knows what the snobs would make of him but he was just fine by me.