Firstly to explain why this is over 24 hours later than normal. Yesterday was dominated by the mailout to subscribers of the final issue of The Gooner for the current season. Although we cannot sell this at matches, with fans banned from attending until next season, subscribers paid for six issues back in the spring of 2019, so we’ve fulfilled our obligation to them and they should receive it on their doormats tomorrow morning (Saturday). For those who would normally buy it at the stadium, you can have it posted to you if you buy from our online store – UK addresses click this link and overseas addresses click here. Or if you have a PayPal account you can simply send £6 (UK) or £7.50 (abroad) through our paypal.me link - https://www.paypal.me/goonerfanzine - but please remember to put you name and address in the ‘add note’ field.

The other thing to mention is that this marks the final edition of The Gooner with me as editor – I’ve done 180 issues in a spell that has lasted 20 years and frankly, it’s time for someone else to have a go and freshen things up. Layth Yousif, who has made the website a lot more active, will be taking over from me before next season begins. I’ll continue writing editorials on the matches Arsenal play until the end of this season (although as abroad at the time of the Man City semi-final and the Villa away game, it will be dependent on me being able to catch them), but by the time next season comes, my writing will be found in articles in the fanzine, where Layth has asked me to continue contributing.

So that’s enough about The Gooner anyway. Let’s reflect briefly on the events on Wednesday evening (albeit more briefly than normal, as I have a plane to catch!)

And what a strange match at the Emirates it was. Of course, there was the no crowds factor, but we’ve kind of got used to that. But that Arsenal managed to secure a victory, given the amount of dominance the visiting Liverpool team had, was testament to their defensive fortitude, not a sentence I thought I would be writing about a Gunners’ side for some considerable time.

Sure, the two goals Arsenal scored were gifts from Liverpool, who have evidently taken their eye off the ball a bit, with no further involvement in cup competitions, and the title secured. But it was the pressure by the forwards that forced the errors that led to the well taken goals from Lacazette and Nelson. Aside from one gilt-edged chance for sub Joe Willock, the rest of the story of this match was a case of attack v defence, as the visitors dominated both possession and territory. It was a backs to the wall job, just a little reminiscent of Copenhagen in 1994, and somehow, the Gunners managed to hold out.

Was it significant that Rob Holding was in defence? Maybe – it was simply good to see him given a run out, although what the player needs is a run of games. Of course, Mikel Arteta prefers his defenders to be more comfortable on the ball than Holding appears to be, although it does feel like he has less mistakes in him. It was also significant that the back three remained, regardless of the lack of available centre-backs, as Tierney came in for Kolasinac on the left side, Saka playing as the left wing-back.

Up front, there was little to talk about, but it was that kind of game. When the chances came, fortunately the attackers were clinical. At this stage, Arsenal desperately need points and the hopes of Europa League qualification were at least kept alive by this unlikely win. Financially, it matters, in spite of the unpopularity of the Thursday – Sunday cycle and the attendant low attendances for the European games. Additionally, the way that the big clubs are conspiring to almost guarantee entry into a revised Champions League, Arsenal’s UEFA co-efficient remains healthy with long runs in their secondary competition. That could be significant in three or four years’ time.

Arsenal need to follow through by ensuring six points from their next two matches, which should of course be possible, given the opposition. And then they wait and see what their direct rivals do in the race for a top seven spot. Yes, I did just write that as well. How times change. Of course, the FA Cup offers an alternative route, but I think it’s safe to say Mikel Arteta’s team are the rank outsiders in the betting for that one.

Still, football is full of surprises, as Wednesday evening demonstrated. I don’t see a repeat on Saturday evening in all honesty, but who knows…