He's got the eyebrows for it
Have you ever seen Alfred Molina and Iraola in the same room??
Great game, sort of match that gives Arteta an embolism.
Heh. Nice to watch when other teams are involved.
Have you ever seen Alfred Molina and Iraola in the same room??
Haha great shout
Have you ever seen Alfred Molina and Iraola in the same room??
Might give Gyokeres a chance if we did
Yes, mate
Been enjoyable
Night guys
Night.
Been enjoyable
Night guys
NN classy
Bournemouth are very exciting, great going forward. I wish we moved the ball as fast as they do.
Might give Gyokeres a chance if we did
Been enjoyable
Night guys
Bournemouth are very exciting, great going forward. I wish we moved the ball as fast as they do.
and even our "unattainable" fantasy striker that ended up at Liverpool isn't doing much better.
Yep, Considering the price of players these days Gyokeres is not really a considerably expensive risk.
Brilliant half of football
Jesus Christ that’s some crap defending
Good watch tbf. United more porous than karst.
FT. what a game. Well done Bournemouth
and even our "unattainable" fantasy striker that ended up at Liverpool isn't doing much better.
The Sulky Twiglet.
When you think that Sesko and Gyokeres were our targets it shows how poor the striker situation apart from Kane, Haaland and a couple of others is. The dearth in genuine top quality talent is quite sh...
and even our "unattainable" fantasy striker that ended up at Liverpool isn't doing much better.
Šeško has a weird running style...
When you think that Sesko and Gyokeres were our targets it shows how poor the striker situation apart from Kane, Haaland and a couple of others is. The dearth in genuine top quality talent is quite shocking
Quality from Cunha to set that up.
This is one of the “quickest “ halves of a game I’ve seen for a long while
Šeško has a weird running style...
Bambi on ice
Plenty of time for a Bournemouth winner.....or equaliser
Šeško has a weird running style...
What a wonderful way to fuck up Liverpool's title dreams that was. Avenged that Babel bullshit the season prior.
4-4 ...takes me back to our boy Arshavin. Was my favourite player for about 15 months...
Before he became a fat little Pushkin.
Looking a bit like an England Ashes score
Too soon.
Looking a bit like an England Ashes score
Red would be preferable.....after the Bournemouth winner.
4-4 ...takes me back to our boy Arshavin. Was my favourite player for about 15 months...
When Manure took the lead just before half time I was going to have an early night with the book I’m reading. Quite glad I didn’t
Great game, sort of match that gives Arteta an embolism.
When Manure took the lead just before half time I was going to have an early night with the book I’m reading. Quite glad I didn’t
Enough time for a Bournemouth winner.
Or a Bruno pen
Enough time for a Bournemouth winner.
Heh
Enough time for a Bournemouth winner.
Enough time for a Bournemouth equaliser.
Yup
And we think supporting Arsenal is a test from god....haha fuck me
Brent was right about that Swindon lot
This game is straight crack.
Bet the ref is a Norvernmonkey Manc
From Swindon.
Bet the ref is a Norvernmonkey Manc
Should never have been a free kick.
Sloppy defending from Bournemouth
Yeah also fortunate break for Yanited.
Enough time for a Bournemouth equaliser.
Heh
Sloppy defending from Bournemouth
Enough time for a Bournemouth equaliser.
Ratty can strike a ball
He's scum but would love him at #10
Yes, sublime technique.
Cunt.
Enough time for a Bournemouth winner.
Have to admit he's very good at those.
Annoying really
Didn't Arteta try and get Mbeumo but he was set on man utd? Must need his head felt as he clearly thinks it is 2010 joining them over us
And Heaven leaving us for them doesn’t make footballing sense. He would probably be starting at our place given the injuries we have
Have to admit he's very good at those.
Didn't Arteta try and get Mbeumo but he was set on man utd? Must need his head felt as he clearly thinks it is 2010 joining them over us
Neither keeper has looked all that comfortable
We’re not going for a striker this January. They can’t do anything that looks like they’re giving up on Gyko and Havertz will be fit before then
Semenyo is an anagram of Yo Semen
So Yemen
Semenyo is an anagram of Yo Semen
we just need to raid Bournemouth's best players in January
Should go in for Semenyo, lad is a unit. Swap for Gyok?
Would rather go for a striker. Julian Alvarez if available.
65m release clause apparently
He scores goals, built like a brick shithouse, fast as fuck too.
Should go in for Semenyo, lad is a unit. Swap for Gyok?
65m release clause apparently
And who turned their back in the wall
Rat face?
Now that was shit goalkeeping
And who turned their back in the wall
Should go in for Semenyo, lad is a unit. Swap for Gyok?
Now that was shit goalkeeping
Grobelaar was a decent keepr, this bloke is rubbish.
Oh no doubt, but he did deliberately throw a few games for the bet.
Bit of Grobbelaar, perhaps?
Grobelaar was a decent keepr, this bloke is rubbish.
Looking at the fixture list, I actually think we might go on a bit of a run.
Need to get a bit quicker and more decisive in attack and need to wrap all our remaining defenders in bubble wrap though.
I actually said the same thing after the post-Villa panic. I still think we can (and should) but I'd be lying if I said the Wolves match didn't soften my confidence wee bit.
Cherries keeper is not great
Bit of Grobbelaar, perhaps?
Very positive Pppontus, whereas I can quite easily see us totally messing these games up, which is customary in December.
I’m nothing if not eternally positive…
Cherries keeper is not great
Looking at the fixture list, I actually think we might go on a bit of a run.
Need to get a bit quicker and more decisive in attack and need to wrap all our remaining defenders in bubble wrap though.
Very positive Pppontus, whereas I can quite easily see us totally messing these games up, which is customary in December.
Looking at the fixture list, I actually think we might go on a bit of a run.
Need to get a bit quicker and more decisive in attack and need to wrap all our remaining defenders in bubble wrap though.
We'd fuckin better mate
Arse
Well in Grumpy Git.
Semenyo. 1-1
Cala is the best left back we have and one of, if not the best, in the league. But MLS should have started, and then everyone else in the backline could have played their natural positions with White on the bench.
The manager got that one wrong.
Wow, We really coasted in the league last season. The Everton game is so important now.
Also I wonder in hindsight Arteta will have done things differently with respect to White - started MLS and re...
MLS to me has looked ropey every time he's featured. Whereas Calafiori gets has gotten his balance of attacking and defensive positions absolutely spot on all season. MLS has just shown a propensity to be unsure of his position and get caught out. There's a bit of lack of trust there in the big games IMO.
Here they are with last season's results....
⚖️ Everton (A)
⚖️ Brighton (H)
⚖️ Aston Villa (H)
❌ Bournemouth (A)
⚖️ Liverpool (H)
⚖️ Nottingham Forest (A)
Potentially a +13 point swing from wha...
Wow, We really coasted in the league last season. The Everton game is so important now.
Also I wonder in hindsight Arteta will have done things differently with respect to White - started MLS and rested White.
Looking at the fixture list, I actually think we might go on a bit of a run.
Need to get a bit quicker and more decisive in attack and need to wrap all our remaining defenders in bubble wrap though.
Here they are with last season's results....
⚖️ Everton (A)
⚖️ Brighton (H)
⚖️ Aston Villa (H)
❌ Bournemouth (A)
⚖️ Liverpool (H)
⚖️ Nottingham Forest (A)
Potentially a +13 point swing from what we got from these fixtures last season.
Looking at the fixture list, I actually think we might go on a bit of a run.
Need to get a bit quicker and more decisive in attack and need to wrap all our remaining defenders in bubble wrap though.
Doku seems like he's gonna be out for a little bit
It's a good thing Saliba is back or our phenomonal depth in the back line will have been broken. As it is, we'll be precariously treading the breaking point for at least a month.
I feel like we haven't actually ever received a timetable on Big Gab
Great blog. It's excellent everyday, but this one was particularly needed today.
Dan Burn has a broken rib and a punctured lung from the weekend derby. Mustn't laugh.
Was that the one where the commentators were wetting themselves over the quality of the cross? Indeed Vik wasn't quite there but at the same time if I recall he wasn't all that far away either, slidi...
Yes. Although, to be honest, the only replay I watched since was the Jesus "ghost" header. It was a miracle after all.
Anyhow, lets hope it's not too late for some sticky toffee pudding on Saturday. Help yourself Vik ;p
Reported on DailyAFC: "Ben White underwent a scan yesterday, and is set to be sidelined for approximately four or five weeks with a hamstring injury."
And on it goes...
It's a good thing Saliba is back or our phenomonal depth in the back line will have been broken. As it is, we'll be precariously treading the breaking point for at least a month.
Well in grumpy
Well noyed Blogs( half annoyed?)
Well I saw something different on Saturday personally - it was down the other end but Saka fizzed a daisy cutter right through the area and someo...
Was that the one where the commentators were wetting themselves over the quality of the cross? Indeed Vik wasn't quite there but at the same time if I recall he wasn't all that far away either, sliding in maybe half a yard shy... but half a yard is still half a yard.
Can't be good. Looked like a textbook hamstring pull sprinting back.
Reported on DailyAFC: "Ben White underwent a scan yesterday, and is set to be sidelined for approximately four or five weeks with a hamstring injury."
And on it goes...
Well in grumpy
Well noyed Blogs( half annoyed?)
Well I saw something different on Saturday personally - it was down the other end but Saka fizzed a daisy cutter right through the area and someone wasn't there to tap it in. Despite some classic Ode-guarding we played alot better when he came on. Until we didn't. Oh...just got a flashback to when RP7 rolled the ball across the six yard box for "Foxy".
I think he was trying to guide the header into the far side, got it wrong. Bad miss.
The return of 50p head
I can count on one hand the number of chances he has had to get a shot off since he scored 2 against Leeds. It's not like he is muffing chances, he just doesn't get ANY service. He has been found on h...
I agree. He's shown glimpses of his ability to hold off the defender back to goal and then swivel for a shot. Almost score against Wolves with it. Again he doesn't have the luxury of dropping deep to get touches and find rhythm because that's not the type of player he is and we knew that. But he does offer something different in the box- we just don't give him enough looks.
it looked pretty intentional, like he'd instinctively perceived that the angle for an attempt on target wasn't on so head it into the mixer... but realized as soon as he'd done it it was the wrong cho...
I think he was trying to guide the header into the far side, got it wrong. Bad miss.
It obviously really fucked off Tet, he couldn't stop mentioning it haha
Yeah no doubt. I think Wolves post match was the closest he's come to throwing his players under the bus.
That bizarre Martinelli header from 2 yards out though. What is he doing trying to put it back across?
it looked pretty intentional, like he'd instinctively perceived that the angle for an attempt on target wasn't on so head it into the mixer... but realized as soon as he'd done it it was the wrong choice.
I'm not ready to quite go there yet. On a 1-10 scale of how much we've worked on building a relationship there it's a 2 in my book. Merino, Kai, and Jesus have the ability to drop deep, get involved, ...
I can count on one hand the number of chances he has had to get a shot off since he scored 2 against Leeds. It's not like he is muffing chances, he just doesn't get ANY service. He has been found on his heels a small number of times, sure. The biggest issue is he does make runs, and Calafiori is about the only one who sees them and makes a quality pass in behind.
That bizarre Martinelli header from 2 yards out though. What is he doing trying to put it back across?
There was a counter attack in the first half when Martinelli had the ball and made an awful pass to Rice. He had a good opportunity to make the left wing position his in Trossard’s absence, but hasn’t made a great impression.
That bizarre Martinelli header from 2 yards out though. What is he doing trying to put it back across?
It obviously really fucked off Tet, he couldn't stop mentioning it haha
That bizarre Martinelli header from 2 yards out though. What is he doing trying to put it back across?
I haven't seen that back, but you do wonder sometimes. I know most coaches these days try and get their players to take high percentage/xG shots to maximise the chance of any given shot going in. I don't know if that gets in players' heads sometimes. It amazes me when a player runs right to the edge of the box and then turns a shot down, from 18 yards professionals should be able to at least work the keeper.
That bizarre Martinelli header from 2 yards out though. What is he doing trying to put it back across?
If we win anything this season, it will depend on us finding our rythm and get into the zone. I was hoping we did not peak too early. But its getting close to the end. We cant depend on a corner or se...
"Maybe its just us getting the first goal, that will relax everybody."
That's the theory but...
Was he one of the ones who were busting a gut to catch up to that one Wolves break-away? I remember seeing the lot of them throttling beyond their limits and dreading one (or all) pulling up short.
Yep thats when it happened. Only got about halfway to our penalty box when he pulled up and grabbed his hammy.
Can't be good. Looked like a textbook hamstring pull sprinting back.
Was he one of the ones who were busting a gut to catch up to that one Wolves break-away? I remember seeing the lot of them throttling beyond their limits and dreading one (or all) pulling up short.
If we win anything this season, it will depend on us finding our rythm and get into the zone. I was hoping we did not peak too early. But its getting close to the end. We cant depend on a corner or set piece to win a sequence of games. We need conbinations, quick passing. Without dwellling on the ball too much etc.
These last few games have made me a doubter.
Maybe its just us getting the first goal, that will relax everybody.
Strangely we took short corners and free kicks at the start of the game.
Any news on Ben White? We really need him to give Timber some rest.
Can't be good. Looked like a textbook hamstring pull sprinting back.
Yeah, our long throws help the opposition more than they aid us. Just take it normally and whip in a cross.
remember when we were doing throws to offside Saka making a run in behind? that was far more useful and disruptive to defenders. Surely Jover has something better up his sleeve than just "chuck it high"
I was watching my youngest ref an U11 game yesterday, there was a girl on the away team who could throw it a mile!
ssshhhh, not so loud, Arteta might try to bring her in to improve that aspect of our play.
Yeah, our long throws help the opposition more than they aid us. Just take it normally and whip in a cross.
Strangely we took short corners and free kicks at the start of the game.
Any news on Ben White? We really need him to give Timber some rest.
You make some good points, and of course, the manager doesn't say go out and play like dog shit.
But why do you think games like this keep happening? One reason I believe is fatigue, both physical an...
I think its very plausible that the players approached the game as a walk in the park and rocked up thinking 40% would do the job. And then when they realized they were in a dog fight they lacked the reserves to ratchet it up a few notches.
I don't believe Arteta has been perfect in using his depth but the nature of the injuries and areas of the pitch it effected didn't leave him a ton of options.
What's this video of Merino and Arteta? I don't have social, so I haven't seen it.
That is true, but if Odegaard had attacked the space Gyokeres wouldn't have been blocked off and could have made the right pass
It felt like the two not being on the same wavelength. Gyökeres was waiting for the pass to be on for Ødegaard but by the time he realised that opportunity wasn't going to materialise it was too late and he had to try something desperate.
but they'll also go full Moyesie and play exactly like Wolves did. 11 on the goal line.
And they'll have had a week to work on it. They'll be well drilled.
The low block isn't going away, so we need to find a way to play against it.
Yeah, our long throws help the opposition more than they aid us. Just take it normally and whip in a cross.
Need to put Everton to the sword next week
They'll be missing their best players apparently
but they'll also go full Moyesie and play exactly like Wolves did. 11 on the goal line.
Exactly- some people think Arteta told the players to play good against Bayern and then play bad against Wolves.
You can take most of what Arteta says at face value (besides injury updates). When he ...
You make some good points, and of course, the manager doesn't say go out and play like dog shit.
But why do you think games like this keep happening? One reason I believe is fatigue, both physical and mental. Beyond that, I don't know because on their day, they can beat anyone.
What's this video of Merino and Arteta? I don't have social, so I haven't seen it.
it makes sense if you have someone who can do it but the simple fact is we don't. When you have an 8 or a CB deep in the offensive zone trying to chuck those throws you know you're scraping the botto...
I was watching my youngest ref an U11 game yesterday, there was a girl on the away team who could throw it a mile!
They're having a good year for hilarious goals. They should put out a DVD, it'll sell well.
The long throw tactic is nonsensical and has to stop
it makes sense if you have someone who can do it but the simple fact is we don't. When you have an 8 or a CB deep in the offensive zone trying to chuck those throws you know you're scraping the bottom of the barrel... and even then it's still just a big loopy throw does nothing useful.
He aint good lads. And i don't think its everyone elses fault.
I'm not ready to quite go there yet. On a 1-10 scale of how much we've worked on building a relationship there it's a 2 in my book. Merino, Kai, and Jesus have the ability to drop deep, get involved, and find some rhythm. Gyokeres is reliant on building some understanding.
I do think he excels at getting good hard accurate shots off. Just need to get him in more of those situations.
At the end of the day with Kai, Jesus, and Merino- if Gyokeres doesn't work out it should not really have an impact on our success this season. But getting a good contribution from him would be a big boost.
Or it's just a moment in a game which is more or less irrelevant to where we are now that is being over-indexed because people have their own agendas about particular players.
Gyok and Ode not long b...
Or it's just a moment in a game that happens to be indicative of why we're not getting the most out of Gyökeres?
Get Alvarez for 60m plus Gyok
He aint good lads. And i don't think its everyone elses fault.
Cut our losses in the summer then?
He aint good lads. And i don't think its everyone elses fault.
We can cry about "solving the low block" all we want but the reality is when you are facing a committed organized unit it is really hard to break down. Obviously our set piece prowess really comes in ...
There was zero aggression in getting out to close that cunt down. That's basic stuff, any retard knows that if you keep the ball from going into your box they won't score
Do we need to train 27 year old Gyokeres to have better striking instincts than Mikel Merino? Because that doesn't feel doable.
I think picking out specific moments Gyokeres could have been found is to ignore the vast majority of attacks where he seems fairly bemused that standing around in the prem and CL doesn't work aswell as it does in Portugal.
What the fuck do they do training all week?! [/Phil Costa on the 30]
Well one of the big things Mikel said after the game was that they basically haven't been training due to all the fixture congestion. It's basically recovery and film. He basically said because they haven't been able to train we've developed some bad habits and dropped standards. This week is about resetting that.
I know he's an ex spud twat with Christopher walkens hair, but he's probably the most complete striker about these days.
He's like a cross between Rooney and Shearer.
Never going to happen anyway
What the fuck do they do training all week?! [/Phil Costa on the 30]
+in
It's odd, because we know he can play that pass. Wonder does it say something about how he thinks about Gyokeres that he'd rather find Trossard.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Does Ode not trust Vik to capitalise on it?
The position any of those passes would've left Vik is precisely what he was scoring from left right and center last season.
Great point in the arsecast about the man utd result doing us no favours
Wolves got carved up so Edwards set them ultra defensive and try to save some face against Arsenal
We can cry about "solving the low block" all we want but the reality is when you are facing a committed organized unit it is really hard to break down. Obviously our set piece prowess really comes in handy.
It's admittedly harsh on Saka who was our best player by a mile but he was absolutely shocking on the Wolves equalizer. If he does his job defensively they never score that.
There was a Gyokeres run into the box versus Brugge where we didn't even consider making the pass. He should have just finished the run anyway to create space but he ended up stopping his run and basi...
What the fuck do they do training all week?! [/Phil Costa on the 30]
Time to bring home Harry kane
Imagine him in this team
Another immobile lump?
I think theres a big issue upfront and being able to hold up and bring players into the game that alleviates so much pressure. I hope Havertz is fairly close, don't know what you've got till it does its knee.
Lets hope Coventry get promoted and are feeling nostalgic.
Exactly- some people think Arteta told the players to play good against Bayern and then play bad against Wolves.
You can take most of what Arteta says at face value (besides injury updates). When he ...
Great point in the arsecast about the man utd result doing us no favours
Wolves got carved up so Edwards set them ultra defensive and try to save some face against Arsenal
Wenger was the same. There's a balance there, but our propensity to drop back and try to defend a lead is a bit too far on the negative side. Especially against the 90% of teams where we clearly have ...
especially considering we're always complaining about the low block and want teams to come at us. As soon as a team goes behind they have to press for a goal. We HAVE to be able to exploit that and ponce on the space it leaves. That's what this team is built to do, let's bloody well do it.
Just going to go through patches of playing poorly innit?
We're only a few weeks on from ripping spurs to shreds and outclassing Bayern. Being annoyed and a bit worried is fine, the amount of chat a...
Exactly- some people think Arteta told the players to play good against Bayern and then play bad against Wolves.
You can take most of what Arteta says at face value (besides injury updates). When he says "Wolves are a really good team and we have to show up with the right mindset and intentions to get the right result" he fucking means it.
I don't think the players showed up ready to play. Now fatigue is a real thing both mental and physical so I am empathetic to that side of it.
Arse!
Well in Grumpy. How are the other 6?
Dopey is doing well, blissful ignorance can be a blessing.
The merino arteta clip is hilarious
"That was close boss wasn't it"
"Fuck off you cunt I'm not in the mood. Get your earplugs for the changing room"
Just going to go through patches of playing poorly innit?
We're only a few weeks on from ripping spurs to shreds and outclassing Bayern. Being annoyed and a bit worried is fine, the amount of chat about the manager and style of play from FIRST in the prem and FIRST in the CL, only being outscored by Man City in one and absolutely massacring everyone elses GD in the CL.
Weight of expectation obviously but theres a real air of 'Why are we struggling so badly this season?' from a not insignificant part of the fanbase. We'd be mid table a few years back with this type of injury situation...
arse!
well in, grump git... most appropriate post-wolves.
"it didn’t give you that Cloud-9 feeling for very long"
to be honest, I practically checked-out the moment Wolves scored so our winner was more of an "oh, huh... jesus christ that was close!!" moment of relief than moment of ecstasy
Couldn't think of anything worse, and take out what little imagination we have left? Somehow, Ødegaard and Eze have to find a way to play together. Havertz and Madueke could fill in for Gyökeres and S...
The players need to take responsibility on the pitch. For the most part they all just deferred to Saka vs Wolves with a few exceptions coming from Martinelli and Rice.
People are banging on about Odegaard but he at least was taking up different positions all across the front line and creating different angles and points of attack for the defense to consider.
What more do you want Arteta to do in the case of say Eze who basically stood in a 10' radius circle and did nothing the whole time he was out there? Arteta has been very clear about what he sees as Eze's strengths as a creator and for him to let it fly.
These players need to stand up on their own two feet. Why do you think Dec was fuming at his teammates? He knew they were not fulfilling their basic obligations on the pitch.
Arteta has plenty of work to do but IMO the overwhelming bulk of the work is on the players to execute. Do you want to fucking win it or not. Show it.
And it's poor decision making from Gyokeres to try and play a pass 12 inches away from an opposition player
In this instance it's Gyokeres who should have just attacked the space by dribbling with the ball towards goal.
Feels like absolute rage-bait to put that out now, especially as there was zero movement like that from Gyokeres on Saturday
No to be fair those reels of us not rewarding Gyokeres' runs have been out since the beginning of the season. The algorhythm seems to just be spitting it out again because of current narrative.
It's odd, because we know he can play that pass. Wonder does it say something about how he thinks about Gyokeres that he'd rather find Trossard.
There was a Gyokeres run into the box versus Brugge where we didn't even consider making the pass. He should have just finished the run anyway to create space but he ended up stopping his run and basically being in the space that Martinelli I believe was trying to run into.
It's that lack of trust/relationship which just compounds the issues. We don't make the pass and Gyokeres stops making the runs.
Dec was also in no mood to celebrate the winner. While everybody else was celebrating in the corner he was giving people an earful.
Look, we all know the creativity is going to come from knocking it out to Saka on the right wing and folding our arms job done and watching him make it happen :D
Kid in front of me at the game, about an hour in, shouted quite plaintively, "Come on, Saka ... do something!".
Made me laugh but also kinda said a lot about the performance
Look, we all know the creativity is going to come from knocking it out to Saka on the right wing and folding our arms job done and watching him make it happen :D
Another late Saturday night kickoff, pissed up locals roaring on their team at home. Gulp. A game for men, I'd go for a midfield three of Rice-Zuba-Merino personally. I can't bear to see Odegaard or E...
Couldn't think of anything worse, and take out what little imagination we have left? Somehow, Ødegaard and Eze have to find a way to play together. Havertz and Madueke could fill in for Gyökeres and Saka. But Trossard and Martinelli are already bit-part fillers, both decent from the bench but unable to consistently carry the team for a full game. It's really down to Eze and Ødegaard to either take turns in the centre or work out how they can exchange passes in the central areas to find space for assists or shots. Can Arteta coach this central, quick-passing approach?
Sorry, but this is another nothing moment being over-indexed.
I think Odegaard sees it as a chance for Gyokeres to play him a ball which he can then give back to him as he drives forward
When do a bunch of nothing moments become something?
Another late Saturday night kickoff, pissed up locals roaring on their team at home. Gulp. A game for men, I'd go for a midfield three of Rice-Zuba-Merino personally. I can't bear to see Odegaard or E...
No chance of that midfield. We need more creativity and want to open teams up through the middle so we're not going to pick either of our creative 8s? Not gonna happen.
And it's poor decision making from Gyokeres to try and play a pass 12 inches away from an opposition player
That is true, but if Odegaard had attacked the space Gyokeres wouldn't have been blocked off and could have made the right pass
And it's poor decision making from Gyokeres to try and play a pass 12 inches away from an opposition player
Sorry, but this is another nothing moment being over-indexed.
I think Odegaard sees it as a chance for Gyokeres to play him a ball which he can then give back to him as he drives forward
Agree. It's beyond me as to why Odegaard isn't running into that huge space, he's just stood still not creating any angles for Gyokeres to pass successfully.
Another late Saturday night kickoff, pissed up locals roaring on their team at home. Gulp. A game for men, I'd go for a midfield three of Rice-Zuba-Merino personally. I can't bear to see Odegaard or E...
so much mobility in there lol
Another late Saturday night kickoff, pissed up locals roaring on their team at home. Gulp. A game for men, I'd go for a midfield three of Rice-Zuba-Merino personally. I can't bear to see Odegaard or Eze bottling any more challenges in the middle of the park. Rather see Norgaard there if any of the aforementioned 3 are unavailable.
Need to put Everton to the sword next week
They'll be missing their best players apparently
They almost always seem to turn up against us though, and foul very recklessly. A or two goal win with no injuries will do for me.
Need to put Everton to the sword next week
They'll be missing their best players apparently
I remember games with two teams who could never stop attacking. Liverpool v Newcastle. Seemed every game ended up 4-3 to one team or the other. That’s the problem when you can’t control a game after g...
Bazfootball
I remember games with two teams who could never stop attacking. Liverpool v Newcastle. Seemed every game ended up 4-3 to one team or the other. That’s the problem when you can’t control a game after going ahead, it’s goals to both sides.
Great to watch though! The balance of just enough control to be safe at 1-0 with just enough risk to get a second goal is what we need to find.
Petition to change step to stamp?
Ah, yes. stamp or stomp sounds better to be fair
It's kind of like my catchphrase/ battle cry on here.
We have a solid defence, so leave the attackers to have a proper go at the opposition after gaining a lead. I don't understand why it's the other way around
SOFT = we go into our shell
SOTFT = we Step On Their Fucking Throats
Petition to change step to stamp?
What’s the difference between SOFT and SOTFT? Apart from the T
SOFT = we go into our shell
SOTFT = we Step On Their Fucking Throats
Rather than going SOFT after scoring and taking the lead, we should go SOTFT on the opponents, regardless of who they are.
Back passes when we're in the lead should be punishable with a week's wages...
What’s the difference between SOFT and SOTFT? Apart from the T
Rather than going SOFT after scoring and taking the lead, we should go SOTFT on the opponents, regardless of who they are.
Back passes when we're in the lead should be punishable with a week's wages docked.
Morning everyone. Well in grumps.
I didn't watch the match, and have only now seen the highlights. Ive got to say from what I saw we actually created a lot of goal-scoring opportunities and shots which almost went in.
Martinelli should have scored 3. Trossard 1. We had three shots across goal which were only a foot away from Gyokeres, Rice or Saka to put in at the far post. Rice’s free kick was excellent with an even better save denying him.
Their goal was flukey and yes our second was lucky too but Saka forced that to happen.
Noticeably absent from the highlights was Odegaard though.
Time to bring home Harry kane
Imagine him in this team
Before Wolves scored, I didn't think we deliberately sat back, but for some reason we just couldn't get the ball clear. I think this was the reason for much of the nostalgia re Giroud in yesterday's a...
Aye. Giroud's one-twos with Ozil were particularly exquisite.
When you need cheering up!
Before Wolves scored, I didn't think we deliberately sat back, but for some reason we just couldn't get the ball clear. I think this was the reason for much of the nostalgia re Giroud in yesterday's arses. We've not had a "back-to-goal" forward since he left. Someone who could look after the ball when it was played up to him. Can Gyök or Kai learn that aspect of centre forward play because we need it!
Speaking of which, gooder wrote this morning on yesterday's arses: Also Wilshere. Giroud was instrumental in the build-up to THAT Wilshere team goal and I agree. We need our CF to be capable of that sort of flicked pass.
btw we shouldn't forget to laugh at the twats down the road
Every cloud has a silver lining!
btw we shouldn't forget to laugh at the twats down the road
The long throw tactic is nonsensical and has to stop
i agree. even rice throwing short, getting the ball back and then crossing it in first time would be better than what we're doing
The long throw tactic is nonsensical and has to stop
Well-spotted and yes there's no doubt this happens a lot where old footage is used to make a point by implying it has happened right there. I also saw a couple of great Ødegaard passes to Gyökeres. So...
If only we had the money for Kenan Yildiz.
So, this is from Olympiacos in early October, a game we won 2-0 and in which he got an assist
Well-spotted and yes there's no doubt this happens a lot where old footage is used to make a point by implying it has happened right there. I also saw a couple of great Ødegaard passes to Gyökeres. So the footage is misleading but the point is still there that there are issues with Ødegaard that stretch way back before the injury. You can say that's "an agenda" but there are a sizeable number of fans who have doubts about Ødegaard and Gyökeres. Ødegaard's problem of taking far too long on the ball, and looking to pick it up in increasingly odd parts of the pitch can grate when we're not winning or doing this "struggle to play against low blocks" type of tepid attacking display. Something major has to change because it's been the same script for four years now.
today the weather in manchester is what you imagine the weather in manchester is
I once worked up there for a period, mid-August to late September. It passed down for 6 weeks. Ridiculous.
today the weather in manchester is what you imagine the weather in manchester is
Same here in Copenhagen :(
today the weather in manchester is what you imagine the weather in manchester is
arse!
well in gg!
morning all!
It's odd, because we know he can play that pass. Wonder does it say something about how he thinks about Gyokeres that he'd rather find Trossard.
I think it says more about Odegaard being a pretty average decision maker in vital moments like that.
That's it :)
It breathed more hope into my withering soul
Anyway, I saw another reel - I promise these 2 are the only 2 I watched this weekend! - of Merino and Arteta shaking hands at fulltime on Saturday night. Merino's face was very instructive, kind of a ...
Anyway, I saw another reel - I promise these 2 are the only 2 I watched this weekend! - of Merino and Arteta shaking hands at fulltime on Saturday night. Merino's face was very instructive, kind of a "sucking eggs and not enjoying the taste" face that said "that was shit, and you are going to hammer us for it boss - we know".
I would like to believe that such an atrocious performance, against a shit team, but pulling it out of the fire and nobody looking in any way happy at fulltime, will be a Catalyst For Change. They have a week now to work on the training ground and watch forty videos where Mikel tears them a new one and reminds about the efoggin standards
It's very instructive of the problems Gyökeres is having though, and of how Odegaard is holding us back too often with his need for nine touches of the ball before he releases it.
Or it's just a moment in a game which is more or less irrelevant to where we are now that is being over-indexed because people have their own agendas about particular players.
Gyok and Ode not long back from injury, my best hope is both of them sharpen up over the coming weeks. Then if nothing happens or there's connection, there's a discussion to be had.
It's very instructive of the problems Gyökeres is having though, and of how Odegaard is holding us back too often with his need for nine touches of the ball before he releases it.
Feels like absolute rage-bait to put that out now, especially as there was zero movement like that from Gyokeres on Saturday
aaaaaaaaaaand?
#shouldhavehad2assists
So, this is from Olympiacos in early October, a game we won 2-0 and in which he got an assist
We stutter in attack so we eventually fall back from failing to keep possession. We are often praised with possession stats but we’re not passing it fluidly. Far too much ball time from Martinelli, Sa...
I agree that players take too many touches and don't take advantage of situations that we create. Its very frustrating.
We are still top of the league and winning matches. As I said yesterday, winning games ugly would be lauded as the mark of champions if any other team were doing it. And your fixation with City is going too far, are you watching any of their matches? Palace should have been a couple up before City scored yesterday, they're scoring goals, but they're absolutely shit at the back.
Please Odegaard. Pass da ball.
I mean that's Gyökeres' bread and butter too! It's not like he has fucked any such opportunities up, the team is just unwilling or incapable of playing him in. Odegaard should stay higher up the pitch, and let Zuba make the play from deeper positions. He would never have held on to that ball.
Honestly, when Gyökeres does a brilliant change of direction to the left of the defender, the defender is tangled up, facing the wrong way, there is no way in hell he would have a chance if Odegaard p...
It's odd, because we know he can play that pass. Wonder does it say something about how he thinks about Gyokeres that he'd rather find Trossard.
Honestly, when Gyökeres does a brilliant change of direction to the left of the defender, the defender is tangled up, facing the wrong way, there is no way in hell he would have a chance if Odegaard plays that ball. Fucking atrocious, if Odegaard can't do that then he really offers nothing. It's his bread and butter strength!
Yes I saw that reel, says it all
Show me pls!
Arse.
I feel more chipper today, the steamed pudding went well but needs real golden syrup instead of the sub-standard Swedish equivalent I used.
Trossard or Madueke on the left, Martinelli to live...
Yes I saw that reel, says it all
Wenger was the same. There's a balance there, but our propensity to drop back and try to defend a lead is a bit too far on the negative side. Especially against the 90% of teams where we clearly have ...
We stutter in attack so we eventually fall back from failing to keep possession. We are often praised with possession stats but we’re not passing it fluidly. Far too much ball time from Martinelli, Saka, Ødegaard, and far too little from Eze and Gyökeres. That has to be flipped somehow.
Arse.
I feel more chipper today, the steamed pudding went well but needs real golden syrup instead of the sub-standard Swedish equivalent I used.
Trossard or Madueke on the left, Martinelli to live...
Which reel is this?
Arse.
I feel more chipper today, the steamed pudding went well but needs real golden syrup instead of the sub-standard Swedish equivalent I used.
Trossard or Madueke on the left, Martinelli to live the rest of his Arsenal career as The Finisher, when we get to 70 minutes and have a one goal lead, on he comes, and we use the opposition's more open structure as they chase an equaliser, to release him into the open pastures like some form of clinical speedwolf.
If I see that fucking reel again of Odegaard spurning a gilt-edged through ball to Gyökeres not once, not twice, not thrice, but four times, I will likely get pretty sour again.
"Arteta needs to do something he’s never done before to win what we’ve not won in a generation."
That's why I said what I said at the end of yesterday's blog – performances like that will live long in his mind, and he's ruthless enough to make changes
Correction... *YOU* are anticipating another failure!
Don't go grouping us in your doom, thank you very much!
There are lots of our fans and rival fans who are anticipating this. No need to try and make out it’s just me. The narrative is deeply ingrained that we’re bottlers and the only way to change that is to do something different this time.
We have a much better squad this season but we still have the same issues up front even with Gyökeres and Eze. Martinelli, Trossard, Saka, Ødegaard, Havertz, these guys fell at the final hurdle more than once.
City are starting to click and have a more fluid attack. Arteta needs to do something he’s never done before to win what we’ve not won in a generation.
Fabregas is doing a pretty good job at Como. He said in an interview that he will never make a defensive substitution to control a lead because it puts a negative mindset into the players and they nat...
Wenger was the same. There's a balance there, but our propensity to drop back and try to defend a lead is a bit too far on the negative side. Especially against the 90% of teams where we clearly have a superior squad.
Fabregas is doing a pretty good job at Como. He said in an interview that he will never make a defensive substitution to control a lead because it puts a negative mindset into the players and they naturally drop back a further 10 yards. Perhaps it's slightly naive but I really like that positive approach. I wish we were a little more positive when we have a lead.
There’s anger cos we’ve been here many times before and we’re anticipating another failure. It’s a nagging feeling that Arteta can’t fix it because it goes against his philosophy.
The players have to...
Correction... *YOU* are anticipating another failure!
Don't go grouping us in your doom, thank you very much!
Arse!
Well in Grumpy. How are the other 6?
There’s anger cos we’ve been here many times before and we’re anticipating another failure. It’s a nagging feeling that Arteta can’t fix it because it goes against his philosophy.
The players have to pass quicker and they have to get the ball to Gyökeres quicker. He should be having at least 5 clear shots on goal per game. That should ensure a goal at least. Arteta has to change our style of play in attack. Is he capable?
Arse. Well in, aptly named Monday person.
yeah, those are the habits I think he wants to improve!
I can think of at least two general approaches that could help avoid these scenarios : improve our ball retention and short quick passing to kill games off, or become better at targeting stretched defenses at the break.
We keep complaining that we face deep blocks, no space to attack, teams are not coming to play yada yada... we certainly don't lack space when we are leading in the final 15-20 minutes but allow teams to get on top of us. At the very least, if we are going to do it, we have to make better use of the opportunities to hit on the break like City did with Savinho yesterday. Either that or be better on the ball and not cede it completely in this phase of play!
yeah, those are the habits I think he wants to improve!
Unfortunately it's nothing new. We've been doing it for years where we surrender the initiative as soon as we score. That and starting games much quicker are the two biggest things that need to be addressed.
Arse. Well in grumpy_git.
Morning all.
Morning Blogs! It's a worrying pattern we've developped, late goals conceded vs. Sunderland, Villa and Wolves mainly being passive and shelled up in our half and scrambling to clear danger away.
yeah, those are the habits I think he wants to improve!
Morning Blogs! It's a worrying pattern we've developped, late goals conceded vs. Sunderland, Villa and Wolves mainly being passive and shelled up in our half and scrambling to clear danger away.
Enjoyed use of the word " improvemen".
That's it right there.
We need to improve, men
Enjoyed use of the word " improvemen".
That's it right there.