"It's probably saved lives too."
2025 was a record year here for vehicular pedestrian deaths. coincidence?
Maybe they will reintroduce the speed cameras?
Heh, yeah Traffic School was a weird concept to me too, but I get it and I think it's not a bad idea. I have been several times for speeding, down the years, both in person and then later online. It's...
"It's probably saved lives too."
2025 was a record year here for vehicular pedestrian deaths. coincidence?
What is all this traffic school stuff?
ha ha, yeah, I'm with you, I get the concept but I'm pretty sure we don't have that option here for reducing traffic fines/demerits.
google maps seems ...
Heh, yeah Traffic School was a weird concept to me too, but I get it and I think it's not a bad idea. I have been several times for speeding, down the years, both in person and then later online. It's a bit of a racket, but it helps out.
The speed cameras across the UK and on the continent are nasty fuckers, no wonder everyone over there keeps to the speed limits. Just not worth it. It's probably saved lives too.
It’s so difficult to understand our attacking inefficiency in the PL games. We played 8 attackers yesterday through the game, how come all of them (bar Saka maybe) look so bad that we are praying we g...
It doesn't matter how many attackers you put out there when you're facing a low block and part of the reason we always face a low block is that we not only allow opponents time to set it up but we practically force them into it. The nature of our transition approach play effectively wrangles all of the opponent's players into their own box.
"The Netherlands... have so many cameras..."
in contrast, in my area the gov't actually nixed traffic cams almost everywhere a couple years ago. I personally think they should bring them back. A lot of drivers have gotten reckless and downright dangerous since they did that.
I mean we did not need to any major makeover. We needed a 6 and we got probably the best one available. We needed a #9 and generally speaking we were all quite excited about that. After that it was ab...
It’s so difficult to understand our attacking inefficiency in the PL games. We played 8 attackers yesterday through the game, how come all of them (bar Saka maybe) look so bad that we are praying we get a corner somehow. Our defense has to carry us and I am hoping Big Gaby finds his scoring touch.
I am not sure Arteta will change his pragmatic philosophy unless he is forced to and there's a mutiny even then I doubt it. It is tedious though, he has to see it. All the attacking talent we have add...
What is all this traffic school stuff?
ha ha, yeah, I'm with you, I get the concept but I'm pretty sure we don't have that option here for reducing traffic fines/demerits.
google maps seems pretty good (in some jurisdictions) for warning you about speed cameras. When I was driving in the Netherland that thing was buzzing at me all the time about upcoming traps.
The Netherlands seem to be quite effective with their cameras. I was amazed at how well people seemed to follow highway speed limits and I'm pretty sure it was because they have so many cameras and are so strict about it.
Edu's got Maranakis' credit card...
Willian must be available!?
Must be a good offer to wanna trade Palace for Forest.
Edu's got Maranakis' credit card...
Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s fear or cowardice. The style of play is what Arteta wants. Of course he wants more pressure and more attempts on goal. But I believe that he believes through his logi...
I am not sure Arteta will change his pragmatic philosophy unless he is forced to and there's a mutiny even then I doubt it. It is tedious though, he has to see it. All the attacking talent we have added and we still have trouble converting possession into goals from open play. Don't get me wrong I love a near post flicked header as much as the next guy or a thumping header from Gabby from a set piece but it would be nice if we could break the lines once in a while, play some one-twos and score goals from open play or maybe the odd banger from outside the box. As much as I loathed the goals that United scored I couldn't help but admire them and was envious that we never scored goals like that any more. Leeds will be a tough venue but I doubt they will sit back, maybe that will be to our advantage. Anything has to be better than the dire performances and results of the pas three league games, eh?
Glad you got your speeding ticket issue taken care of. I am not sure we have that option in "traffic school" for speeding tickets over here. Maybe they do. Now that I'm not commuting everyday I don't really have a need to break the limit to get to work or for a meeting. Once in a while I'll open the throttle up a bit but it is usually not before I'm pretty sure there are no cops or cameras about. Mrs DB-10 has an app on her phone that alerts me to any speed traps up ahead which I must say has come in handy a couple of times on long road trips.
Leeds look quite lively going forward. Not going to be an easy game next weekend.
Eight players signed in the summer, only one raises the quality of the starting XI and he was pants yesterday. United scored three belters; as usual, we're there for the Hail Mary set-piece crapshoots...
I mean we did not need to any major makeover. We needed a 6 and we got probably the best one available. We needed a #9 and generally speaking we were all quite excited about that. After that it was about depth and again we felt pretty excited about those moves as well.
We'll have to be on our toes on Saturday, Leeds look good going forward, very quick
Eight players signed in the summer, only one raises the quality of the starting XI and he was pants yesterday. United scored three belters; as usual, we're there for the Hail Mary set-piece crapshoots...
"Chelsea's transfer budget"
give or take a billion
Eight players signed in the summer, only one raises the quality of the starting XI and he was pants yesterday. United scored three belters; as usual, we're there for the Hail Mary set-piece crapshoots...
It's the worst qualities of Pep, Pulis, Jose all rolled into one.
The sideways shit to bore you to death, main chance creation done via set pieces, while being cynical bastards while you do it.
Eight players signed in the summer, only one raises the quality of the starting XI and he was pants yesterday. United scored three belters; as usual, we're there for the Hail Mary set-piece crapshoots. It ain't pretty. We are what ChatGPT would come up with if you gave it Chelsea's transfer budget and asked for a tactical mash-up of Guardiola and Pulis. Horsehoe it for five minutes, lob in a hopeful cross, win a corner, and amidst the chaos, knock it in off someone's knee/hip/scrotum. They don't like it up 'em. Fear Arteta's performative clapping, pointing and non-stop twatting about on the touchline, it proves he is the Godlike genius's Godlike genius.
Ornstein: Nottingham Forest offer Crystal Palace £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Personal terms between 28yo striker & #NFFC no issue but #CPFC will only consider sale if get ~£40m package + replac...
"Anyone wondering?"
straight trade? 😏😬
If Carrick keeps winning and keeps United in the CL places, he's likely to get the long term job.
On the Saka front, he was never a speed burner, but he may have lost a little. The bigger problem is that other teams have figured out the attack on that side. We haven't had the Saka, Odegaard, White triangle dialed in, we haven't had people scoring much from crosses when Saka goes to the endline, so the defenses can camp on his move back to the inside.
Palace must be fucked if Forest are even trying to buy their best player
That would be some gamble by Palace to sell to Forest. Neither of them are in the relegation clear yet and the Hammers are on a roll right now.
Must be a good offer to wanna trade Palace for Forest.
Palace must be fucked if Forest are even trying to buy their best player
Ornstein: Nottingham Forest offer Crystal Palace £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Personal terms between 28yo striker & #NFFC no issue but #CPFC will only consider sale if get ~£40m package + replac...
That's not really our fundamental issue. Our squad is too big already.
Ornstein: Nottingham Forest offer Crystal Palace £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Personal terms between 28yo striker & #NFFC no issue but #CPFC will only consider sale if get ~£40m package + replac...
Must be a good offer to wanna trade Palace for Forest.
Ornstein: Nottingham Forest offer Crystal Palace £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Personal terms between 28yo striker & #NFFC no issue but #CPFC will only consider sale if get ~£40m package + replac...
why would he go to a worse team ?
Ornstein: Nottingham Forest offer Crystal Palace £35m for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Personal terms between 28yo striker & #NFFC no issue but #CPFC will only consider sale if get ~£40m package + replacement - Strand Larsen among options being considered @TheAthleticFC
Anyone wondering?
They never pay decent fees though. We'd not get much for Odegaard
Someone like coventry would give us 40 million
I don't really care about carabao apart from a league springboard, so I think it's league or bust for Arteta. For his own sake as well as ours. Maybe the players need a new voice too in that case.
An...
I don't care about the Carabao but I think that would be a psychological blow I am not sure we recover from
I'm not ready to have that convo yet. If we get knocked out by Chelsea then we can talk lol.
I don't really care about carabao apart from a league springboard, so I think it's league or bust for Arteta. For his own sake as well as ours. Maybe the players need a new voice too in that case.
Anyway hopefully we don't have to have the conversation
That bum McTominay only went for 25m but he became Serie A Player of the Year
You wouldn't want Enrique if Arteta was replaced?
I'm not ready to have that convo yet. If we get knocked out by Chelsea then we can talk lol.
You too? Say it ain't so.
You wouldn't want Enrique if Arteta was replaced?
You too? Say it ain't so.
We should get good money for jesus and ode in the summer. I think they would suit italian football
They never pay decent fees though. We'd not get much for Odegaard
Maybe we go back to merino up top and eze behind
I think so would Man Utd and Man City. He'll be in demand.
I think maresca goes to city and united can have glasner
I think so would Man Utd and Man City. He'll be in demand.
Nwaneri can bring DeZerbi back with him maybe? But I don't know that the hierarchy will ditch him, especially if he wins the Carabao.
I take luis enrique
arteta will be gone and maybe someone will do good with viktor
Nwaneri can bring DeZerbi back with him maybe? But I don't know that the hierarchy will ditch him, especially if he wins the Carabao.
You won't get good money for Jesus at the end of his contract. But Ødegaard, yes, we could get something and he would be better there. But will Arteta sell his personal favourite?
arteta will be gone and maybe someone will do good with viktor
We should get good money for jesus and ode in the summer. I think they would suit italian football
You won't get good money for Jesus at the end of his contract. But Ødegaard, yes, we could get something and he would be better there. But will Arteta sell his personal favourite?
I don't think it's any single individual.
It's not. It's a system. They rarely play the through ball. At the start of the season they did and now they've stopped. Centra; players don't even ask for it. Eze wasn't even getting in those positions.
We should get good money for jesus and ode in the summer. I think they would suit italian football
I think at times Rice doesn’t help us to play slick fast football. He missed the Villa game and we were more fluid in an attacking sense. I’m not saying to take him out, but the system needs to change...
I don't think it's any single individual.
When I say "influencer" I'm talking online football people with large followings who make tactico videos and tend to be intense supporters of Arteta, claiming to have backed him from the start whose w...
-boomers
+doomers
Let's not go there again 😂
nobodies... that's why you had to ask. 😏
"influencers" has long seemed like a code word for nobodies who desperately wish they were somebodies.
When I say "influencer" I'm talking online football people with large followings who make tactico videos and tend to be intense supporters of Arteta, claiming to have backed him from the start whose whole persona is geared towards him being a success, so they can say told you so.
As I said, I don't follow them but because I followed northbanksy, they would get into mocking the Arsenal X crowd (which they all use regularly) who would criticise Arteta and the players. Again, it's hard to follow, I try to ignore it tbh, and no doubt they do encounter some really abusive Arteta boomers (and no doubt a lot of AI bots).
It's just the way people have to be so polarised that bothers me. It's ok to criticise your team, manager and tactics. Arteta was put in a spot about Vieira's comments after the game. Imagine Vieira and Keane together and then him having to deal with Gary Neville after the game coming off his pundit seat and crowing after that shock result. Must have been so hard for him, no wonder he questioned the team's lack of boldness.
I think at times Rice doesn’t help us to play slick fast football. He missed the Villa game and we were more fluid in an attacking sense. I’m not saying to take him out, but the system needs to change for some games. Get Eze and odeggard together for more than 30 mins. Zubimendi needs to break the lines better. I think it’s time for Merino up top, Rice can attack the space that he leaves, off he still left 8. Then, Kai if he can get fit can go up top.
Also it's noticeable how often our wings in Martinelli/Saka took up much more narrow positions instead of playing so wide.
Arteta should drills where the team scores a goal without passing the ball to Saka or Trossard. Use the middle of the pitch for once.
as long as we don't do a ¢115eh and trounce a minnow by a shitload of goals and then immediately duff a league game.
In an attacking sense Arteta is the antithesis of Mourinho. As much as I despise Mourinho he was a master of transition, that was his superpower, and he knew transition is the highest percentage opp...
I remember that Drogba would go and stand beside Clichy, wait for us to give up possession and then Chelsea would launch a ball, Drogba would bullyfuck Clichy to bits and then lash in a goal
Also it's noticeable how often our wings in Martinelli/Saka took up much more narrow positions instead of playing so wide.
I think there are similarities, but Mourinho was bolder and recognised the value of some aggression in attack when possession was gained. Even George Graham had a feel for the killer strike. Arteta se...
In an attacking sense Arteta is the antithesis of Mourinho. As much as I despise Mourinho he was a master of transition, that was his superpower, and he knew transition is the highest percentage opportunity for open-play goals. What we do it the lowest percentage because the opposition is always defensively set.
Ode scored loads of goals where it was pulled back to him and he slammed it in from about 10 yard's
Him and Xhaka... even Fabio chipping in. But we were packing that box. Not the single line of 5 you see now.
I just watched the full 20 min highlight reel of all goals from 22/23. There were not as many passages of transition football as I expected.
What really stood out though was both Odegaard and Xhaka ...
Ode scored loads of goals where it was pulled back to him and he slammed it in from about 10 yard's
I just watched the full 20 min highlight reel of all goals from 22/23. There were not as many passages of transition football as I expected.
What really stood out though was both Odegaard and Xhaka often both camped inside of the top of the box waiting for pull backs and rebounds. We were loading the box big time.
Because Arteta doesn't trust Nørgaard. Seeing Zubi have a mare means that's another signing you can say hasn't fully worked out. He was the one that could have had an argument for it. All of us praisi...
"Seeing Zubi have a mare means that's a signing you can't say hasn't been fully wringed out"
Fixed
Salomon Kalou has been sighted at Highbury House.
Haha Christ
Because Arteta doesn't trust Nørgaard. Seeing Zubi have a mare means that's another signing you can say hasn't fully worked out. He was the one that could have had an argument for it. All of us praisi...
Noorgaard has a only played well for AFC and Brentford , so I don't see the sense in Arteta not trusting him, not that he played much for Afc
There is absolutely no reason not to play that pass. And it happens over and over again.
I can’t believe they are instructed to do that.. it’s completely counterproductive. And if we thought it wou...
It's the whole point of playing out from the back! Allow the team to come on to you and exploit the space they leave.
"social media influencers fanboys"- genuine question, who are these people?
nobodies... that's why you had to ask. 😏
"influencers" has long seemed like a code word for nobodies who desperately wish they were somebodies.
I agree. It's an issue and no one wants to mention it. I see him and see no variety in his play. His amazing strength and ability to shield the ball were there from the start. He can run with the ball...
The variety come from breaking the lines earlier in the buildup. There are not that many players who can just conjure up something over and over from a dead stop 1v1. Get him the ball in transition early. Our players are well capable of it.
"Anyone think we'll go for a striker before the window closes?"
I'd say the chances of that are somewhere between 0 and -0.1
Salomon Kalou has been sighted at Highbury House.
The gap between the PL and everywhere else is becoming more stark, in terms of overall quality and intensity at any rate. Meaning that success elsewhere is not a good predictor of success in the PL. T...
"Anyone think we'll go for a striker before the window closes?"
I'd say the chances of that are somewhere between 0 and -0.1
Rooney tbf illustrates our first phase buildup issues perfectly here. You have to make that pass! The opposition has given you that opening on a silver platter.
Like I said it’s a combination of the ...
There is absolutely no reason not to play that pass. And it happens over and over again.
I can’t believe they are instructed to do that.. it’s completely counterproductive. And if we thought it would be work, now we know it doesn’t. So change it.
Also we need leaders to step up on the pitch! I don’t see anyone demanding something different. Rice should be demanding those balls.. Saka should be asking for it to be played early…
Zubi ran through the middle himself and scored recently, Why play him in dead rubber in Milan , when it's had 8 days off to rest
Because Arteta doesn't trust Nørgaard. Seeing Zubi have a mare means that's another signing you can say hasn't fully worked out. He was the one that could have had an argument for it. All of us praising Berta's professionalism look foolish now with all these signings and how many have worked out? I think only Mosquera and he was one of the cheapest.
I've got to stop this now, it's too upsetting. We've been teased to believe for half a season and now it starts to unravel. We know this one! I'm gonna go away and savour for a little while lough being top, four points clear and in all four competitions. This is us just over the peak. Never mind Olympic skating, we're about to set off on the luge, full tilt downhill!
Does that bald fuck never change formation, that bald cunt?
He plays false 9
Or 433.
He played 4411 with Alvaraz behind Haarland but it didn't work , when he sold Alvarez
Saka, by his standards has been piss poor too!
Only 3 non-pelanty goals all season! What's happened to him? Yes the injury has affected him, but man... No-one seems to be calling this out.
And he ha...
I agree. It's an issue and no one wants to mention it. I see him and see no variety in his play. His amazing strength and ability to shield the ball were there from the start. He can run with the ball, and learned to go left or right and shoot well with either foot (without being exceptional) but the injury has taken some of the pace off, which he used to get past players.
There was a discussion recently on some podcast about whether he was a skilful player and big disagreement about what constitutes "skill".
To me, it's ability to improvise and a certain ability to be unorthodox with touch and passing range. I don't think Saka has that elite skill and no one says it but in a couple of our title pushes (and PSG away last season) there were key moments where he could have won the game but fluffed his chance.
We need a real elite player to take the pressure off him. I feel foolish thinking it would be Gyökeres or Eze or both. As for Maduek taking the pressure off Saka, give me a break! What were they thinking?
But you mention any of that and a fair few fans get incensed. How dare you attack Starboy? But you have to look at him, because he's our best attacker and he's been poor, which says so much about there quality of the rest. There's just no interplay, no cute passes, it's all so prosaic, lacking any real artistry.
attack is sometimes the best form of defence - and we were 1 - 0 up so why not make them play though us?
While watching the women beat Chelsea I remember thinking "we're ahead and attacking. attacking as a form of defending... what is this craziness?!?"
The left-back position has been erratic since Cala got crocked. We miss him badly. But was thinking yesterday, both Saliba and Timber have slacked and its not clear why. They both looked complacent ye...
Zubi ran through the middle himself and scored recently, Why play him in dead rubber in Milan , when it's had 8 days off to rest
those three have to start but MLS will be left back. As much as we talk about him moving into midfield I just don't see Arteta actually doing it.
and Norgaard, if he doesn't start that game then we ...
Still don't get why he didn't play in Milan and give zubi a rest
Not sure if he does but he seems set in his ways. The bald cunt!
*divorced bald cunt
Ethan would have started that one
Maybe play MLS, Norgaard and Eze as the 3
those three have to start but MLS will be left back. As much as we talk about him moving into midfield I just don't see Arteta actually doing it.
and Norgaard, if he doesn't start that game then we might as well sell him now.
Does that bald fuck never change formation, that bald cunt?
Not sure if he does but he seems set in his ways. The bald cunt!
which is great because Arteta is forced to give them a break... but I suppose that means Arteta will probably Arteta the fuck out of it and start Zubi
Ethan would have started that one
Maybe play MLS, Norgaard and Eze as the 3
LOL bro what. They move to fast to be able to see anything hahaha.
How do you train for this? Just go down and use gravity like always.
The run up before slamming down the sled is always cool to look at 😉
Because he's too much of a Pep-Lite is my guess
Does that bald fuck never change formation, that bald cunt?
Rice and Merino suspended for that one too
which is great because Arteta is forced to give them a break... but I suppose that means Arteta will probably Arteta the fuck out of it and start Zubi
How come Arteta never changes the formation when making a sub
Go 4-4-2 for a bit or something. Wenger used to throw on every fucker in god knows what formation to win a game
Because he's too much of a Pep-Lite is my guess
My favourite winter Olympics event is the female Skeleton 😍
LOL bro what. They move to fast to be able to see anything hahaha.
How do you train for this? Just go down and use gravity like always.
Does anyone remember that brief spell when speed skiing was in the Olympics? 80 mph nothing, those speed ski maniacs were travelling at 120.
My favourite winter Olympics event is the female Skeleton 😍
How come Arteta never changes the formation when making a sub
Go 4-4-2 for a bit or something. Wenger used to throw on every fucker in god knows what formation to win a game
I hear it's the Winter Olympics next week. Time to watch some lads cross country ski with rifles strapped to their backs and some other maniacs to strap themselves to a tea tray and fly down an ice tr...
Does anyone remember that brief spell when speed skiing was in the Olympics? 80 mph nothing, those speed ski maniacs were travelling at 120.
I'd be surprised if Kairat came out to play. They probably will do what most other lower teams do. Park the bus and hope to hit us on the counter. So it will give Arteta and the team a chance to work ...
Even if they sit in a low block the quality of player will be miles under our level. If we do not score at least 5 goals we will not have done our job.
Brugge looked way below our level and they beat Kairat 4-1. Real Madrid beat them 5-0.
This is a chance for us to change things and get on the front foot. Everybody can see what the issue is.
I'd be surprised if Kairat came out to play. They probably will do what most other lower teams do. Park the bus and hope to hit us on the counter. So it will give Arteta and the team a chance to work on options, since the result doesn't matter for all practical purposes.
the quadruple sub was basically a reveal that he didn't know what to do
Sometimes (especially recently) it feels like his subs are more of a "see? I tried something!" rather than a sub to try to change something specific with the game state.
Not I. My day must've been adequately exhausting after the game that I slept just fine. As for dreaming, I had a girl getting all hot and bothered, it was about to get really good but I had to take ...
bwhahahahahaha we all know that one
Arse. WiB.
Morning all.
The overarching issue as to why we dont turn domination into wins is blindingly obvious. I've said it before and I'll say it again, no-one moves. There's this obsession with ...
"The lack of movement is why we can't take a throw in."
We get on White's back about his throws but more often than not you look at his options to throw to when he finally throws it and everyone is in the exact same spot they were in when he first picked up the ball.
Not I. My day must've been adequately exhausting after the game that I slept just fine. As for dreaming, I had a girl getting all hot and bothered, it was about to get really good but I had to take ...
Ouch! 😆
That won’t be a problem because all the players will be knocked out in the first 5 minutes.
Everyone except Raya but you're right! 😅
I do think a level of calm and support is needed by us / the fans... sure, if we "bottle" the league again, lots of questions must be asked of the management, players etc but I'm not sure that now is ...
" fighting amongst ourselves and abusing the team."
I don't think that's a problem yet. We're angsty in places like the Arses but not where it matters. The folks who attended that game could answer this better than I but from the TV it sounded like crowd was in pretty good voice getting behind the team.
Maybe we should have shock anklets for the lads whereby the GPS tracking detects if a player makes a sideways or backwards pass and delivers an electric shock to the offending player.
The trick is t...
That won’t be a problem because all the players will be knocked out in the first 5 minutes.
Well in Bruise.
I woke up this morning with a tummy ache. I can imagine what Arteta must be going through.
My sleep was affected by the game. I actually dreamt that utd scored a great headed own goal...
Not I. My day must've been adequately exhausting after the game that I slept just fine. As for dreaming, I had a girl getting all hot and bothered, it was about to get really good but I had to take a leak first... and having to take a leak in a dream, you know that means, the body needs to do so in real life so of course I woke up and that was the end of that... sigh. huh, maybe that actually is an appropriate dream metaphor for what happened yesterday.
We can name the device the OFPA
(Only Forward Passes Allowed)
Maybe we should have shock anklets for the lads whereby the GPS tracking detects if a player makes a sideways or backwards pass and delivers an electric shock to the offending player.
The trick is to make the battery last for 45 minutes without running out of juice
But.. but.. what if they park the bus?
First phase buildup!
"More horseshoe for you peasants!"
*Arteta, probably
I mean they are dead last. and it's the last match so why not have a go from their standpoint.
Nobody has worst GD and they are tied with the most conceded goals.
This is our chance to open up the ...
But.. but.. what if they park the bus?
Rooney tbf illustrates our first phase buildup issues perfectly here. You have to make that pass! The opposition has given you that opening on a silver platter.
Like I said it’s a combination of the manager and players. Of course he emphasizes ball security but there is zero chance he doesn’t want that forward pass played.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArsenalFC/s/pbOF6…If I am Mikel Arteta that is exactly what I am going for.
I mean they are dead last. and it's the last match so why not have a go from their standpoint.
Nobody has worst GD and they are tied with the most conceded goals.
This is our chance to open up the ...
10-0 or we riot!
At this rate, Kairat Almighty may even fancy their chances and have a proper go.
I mean they are dead last. and it's the last match so why not have a go from their standpoint.
Nobody has worst GD and they are tied with the most conceded goals.
This is our chance to open up the full throttle, get some attacking vibes back, and run the score up on them.
At this rate, Kairat Almighty may even fancy their chances and have a proper go.
Haha
Some poor cunt somewhere woke up to find 12 points on their driving licence
NorthBank? ;p
Cech was worth an additional 12 points but to this day it is still not clear who for
Haha
Some poor cunt somewhere woke up to find 12 points on their driving licence
Saka, by his standards has been piss poor too!
Only 3 non-pelanty goals all season! What's happened to him? Yes the injury has affected him, but man... No-one seems to be calling this out.
And he ha...
the Madueke haters are doing it in a roundabout way!
Saka, by his standards has been piss poor too!
Only 3 non-pelanty goals all season! What's happened to him? Yes the injury has affected him, but man... No-one seems to be calling this out.
And he hasn't even signed his new contract yet... It's just an agreement at the moment. This is biggest contract in the club's history!
I'm not too worried about the defense. Mistakes like the first do happen. And on the second two, yes, we probably could have defended better, but they had lucky bounces and world class shots twice.
The attack is a huge problem. It's too slow and too predictable. And aside from Merino, every new attacker we've recently bought has underperformed. Plus Odegaard. Even Saka, who is still our biggest threat, but is currently underwhelming. If not for the goals from corners, we'd be mid-table.
I agree with your overall point though. As competitive as the Premier League is- we should be putting some of these lesser teams to the sword. For this game though I thought we started reasonably well...
We did, And for just a little while after we scored we got dizzy and sexxi...sigh.
Look this is just my opinion but territory and possession for controls sake, with limited intention of trying to push up the tempo to create does not a good performance make.
In fact it is everything...
I agree with your overall point though. As competitive as the Premier League is- we should be putting some of these lesser teams to the sword. For this game though I thought we started reasonably well.
At this rate, Kairat Almighty may even fancy their chances and have a proper go.
Look this is just my opinion but territory and possession for controls sake, with limited intention of trying to push up the tempo to create does not a good performance make.
In fact it is everything...
You know how these games with United are though. So unpredictable like a derby. I was content with that first 30 minutes.
Cech was worth an additional 12 points but to this day it is still not clear who for
😭
This is a leetle bit too much PTSD in January for me. If we don't get a response against dirty Leeds this weekend, I may just start rocking in a corner of a dark room...until June.
I thought we were good. Were we ripping them apart? No but we were in control and despite not creating a ton of clear cut chances I felt the energy of the team was very confident and composed.
Unfort...
Look this is just my opinion but territory and possession for controls sake, with limited intention of trying to push up the tempo to create does not a good performance make.
In fact it is everything that is wrong with the way this team approaches football.
It is also beginning to embolden our opponents when they realise we don't have much in the way of a threat outside of set pieces.
I've seen a lot of people say we had a good opening 30, bossed it, were in charge etc etc. Honestly Guardiola and his disciples have warped our perception of football.
We had a load of possession, go...
I thought we were good. Were we ripping them apart? No but we were in control and despite not creating a ton of clear cut chances I felt the energy of the team was very confident and composed.
Unfortunately that Zubi pass threw it all out the window. That response from the team after that was really poor. Very different than how we responded to the similar situation with Bournemouth.
It's just equally demoralizing to me no matter who wins if we falter. If we don't get it done- that is a blow that will have significant repercussions.
repercussions... heh, yeah, if we blow it this season and let ¢115eh take the title and they get the women's title and they inevitably have the 115 charges officially come to nothing, after everything we've persevered though over the last two decades I do fear that particular confluence of events could be the thing to finally break my spirit.
Ah, the Lesta season.. Where we only made one purchase the preceding summer and that was Cech.
I believe we would have won the title that year if only we purchased an outfielder. Just the one outfiel...
Cech was worth an additional 12 points but to this day it is still not clear who for
The left-back position has been erratic since Cala got crocked. We miss him badly. But was thinking yesterday, both Saliba and Timber have slacked and its not clear why. They both looked complacent ye...
Zubi deserves flack for that performance but I can chalk it up to a bad day at the office. He's been excellent most of the season.
What can't be overlooked is how the rest of the team responded. They've been there before- they should have raised their level.
It definitely would make it worse. I still have trauma over letting Leicester snatch it when the title was there for the taking for us that season
As much of a long shot as Villa are I still feel l...
Ah, the Lesta season.. Where we only made one purchase the preceding summer and that was Cech.
I believe we would have won the title that year if only we purchased an outfielder. Just the one outfield player, any position and we would've gotten over the line
I've seen a lot of people say we had a good opening 30, bossed it, were in charge etc etc. Honestly Guardiola and his disciples have warped our perception of football.
We had a load of possession, got a scrappy own goal and made the keeper make one save from a set piece of Zubis head.
We were in no way looking good. We were slow, laboured and barely troubling their defence.
Honestly this is the kinda shit Wenger used to get hammered for.
I'm less down on the forwards than the rest of the team.
Giving the ball to Saka, wide right, 40 yards from goal and asking him to beat two men and then put something in the box for someone to get on...
If we don't correct our first phase buildup we are fucked.
The way we horseshoe it up our only options are Saka to create something (maybe a White overlap or Timber underlap) and Trossard cross. And of course corners.
Califiori is a big miss in this respect but under no circumstances should things grind to a halt because he's out.
looking at our schedule (all competitions), we should be winning the next six, they are all eminently winnable, and we probably need to be winning the six after that going into the ¢115eh match.
Not probably. Have to. But something big’s gonna have to change. This is where Arteta has to have some kind of revalation.
Hey all! Such a disappointing game to watch. We went from bossing the game, to found wanting so quickly. We lost all composure at the first sign of a United press. Hopefully it was just one of those days; however, unless we can find some midfield creativity, we will quickly lose our lead at the top of the table.
We have no combinations in the final third, and our defenders are completely crowding out our attackers. So often when we have a decent opportunity, the wrong person is getting on the end of it (from open play).
looking at our schedule (all competitions), we should be winning the next six, they are all eminently winnable, and we probably need to be winning the six after that going into the ¢115eh match.
We can lament our piss poor attacking, but what the fuck has happened to our defence?
We're letting in far too many stupid and unexplainable goals for no reason! Our game is built on strong defensive...
The left-back position has been erratic since Cala got crocked. We miss him badly. But was thinking yesterday, both Saliba and Timber have slacked and its not clear why. They both looked complacent yesterday, loose passing. But not as loose as Zubimendi. I was worried when he arrived his lack of physicality would show and it has more than once. There seems to be a weak feature to his play now. He panics when pressed, either brain-fart passes or tries to pull a player back lacking the burst of pace to get back. Great vision going forward but how often was he in any kind of advanced position? How often has he played a pass through the middle to the striker? Too rare, again maybe coached not to.
I'm not so down on Madueke. I think the player has done alright overall in the grand scheme of things. I do think you can question the decision that Nwaneri was no longer a wide option and the decisio...
I'm less down on the forwards than the rest of the team.
Giving the ball to Saka, wide right, 40 yards from goal and asking him to beat two men and then put something in the box for someone to get on the end of is a bit unfair. Same for Tross.
true but when other teams finally had an off year all at the same time it was our opportunity to finally break our duck. This year feels similar with rivals stuttering a bit.
Don't get me wrong, i...
It's just equally demoralizing to me no matter who wins if we falter. If we don't get it done- that is a blow that will have significant repercussions.
United did most of their damage from the center line to just outside our box. That's where they opened us up.
I think it's unrealistic to think we are going to get much better beating a set low block...
We had Nwaneri, probably the only one in the squad willing to run through the middle and unleash shots but we shipped him off to France. 🤷🏻
"He was quick, but over-excited."
It's starting to feel like that might be Madueke in a nutshell.
I'm not so down on Madueke. I think the player has done alright overall in the grand scheme of things. I do think you can question the decision that Nwaneri was no longer a wide option and the decision to buy him. I do think there is a ton of emphasis on him because Saka is straight up not producing. And look I'm not making excuses for Madueke- he's a big boy, a professional, a 50m player- it's perfectly reasonable to expect more end product.
But our big boys are not producing.
It woudn't really for me. We were definitely within a shout that year but it never felt like a title winning caliber team to me truly.
true but when other teams finally had an off year all at the same time it was our opportunity to finally break our duck. This year feels similar with rivals stuttering a bit.
Don't get me wrong, it would be good for the league and good for football for Villa to take it but MASSIVELY demoralizing for Arsenal. We cannot let that happen!
It definitely would make it worse. I still have trauma over letting Leicester snatch it when the title was there for the taking for us that season
As much of a long shot as Villa are I still feel l...
It woudn't really for me. We were definitely within a shout that year but it never felt like a title winning caliber team to me truly.
I don't think that would make losing the title any worse to be honest. We are our own worst enemy right now and four second place finishes would surely mean things have to change.
It definitely would make it worse. I still have trauma over letting Leicester snatch it when the title was there for the taking for us that season
As much of a long shot as Villa are I still feel like writing them off is foolish
Can Villa do the impossible? I thought it a fairytale but if Arsenal and City keep shitting their trousers, Villa only have to be half competent and not Unai themselves too much to bring it home.
Fuck sake
Can Villa do the impossible? I thought it a fairytale but if Arsenal and City keep shitting their trousers, Villa only have to be half competent and not Unai themselves too much to bring it home.
I don't think that would make losing the title any worse to be honest. We are our own worst enemy right now and four second place finishes would surely mean things have to change.
"He was quick, but over-excited."
It's starting to feel like that might be Madueke in a nutshell.
Arse!
Bruce! shit luck timing of the return.
What happened to our defense?! I feel like I jinxed it the other day by saying when both Saliba and Big Gabby are on the field I'm always confident, but yesterday felt like United could score at any moment. That's first time in a long time our defense felt skittish when both of our stalwarts were on the pitch.
A terrible day at the office, third one in a row in the prem, if everyone had forgotten. Every player was terrible, but I think we have to give MOTM in terribleness to the boss.
Starting the game with...
I think you are right about most points about Mikel this game. I get we have riches in depth but the wholesale changes seem more last role of the dice than any new strategy. It would be different if these "second units" have built up some synergy and cohesion but we know that's not the case.
Not sure on the Raya stuff- I'd have to look at that again. But we continue to concede highlight goals. I read somewhere yesterday that nobody has conceded more goals from outside the box.
I don't think we've blown it yet. But if we let Chelsea go through in the League Cup we are probably cooked.
Can Villa do the impossible? I thought it a fairytale but if Arsenal and City keep shitting their trousers, Villa only have to be half competent and not Unai themselves too much to bring it home.
We can lament our piss poor attacking, but what the fuck has happened to our defence?
We're letting in far too many stupid and unexplainable goals for no reason! Our game is built on strong defensive set up, but it's gone to fucking pot...
This is the 1st time we've conceded 3 goals since the Luton 4-3 game!
A terrible day at the office, third one in a row in the prem, if everyone had forgotten. Every player was terrible, but I think we have to give MOTM in terribleness to the boss.
Starting the game with Hincapie at left back, after however long out, when he hasn't really convinced at LB yet was poor.
MLS should have started- what a game he had in the week, why not reward him with a start ? Hinc lookd totally off the pace and spent most of the first half having the ball bootedoff his legs for a corner. Yes, his wayward pass, caused the chaos that got the own goal, but he didn't mean it. I don't blame the defeat on him, but the selection was a pre-curser to our eventual failure.
The 4 subs were PURE FC26. How on earth is switching Saka to the left and bringing the misfiring Madueke, a guy second only to Eze as most beaten looking player in squad, going to help. Martinelli should have been on. Yes he missed a goal last time out but Arteta was making a point, cutting his nose off to spite his face in doing so. Eze was poor, Merino did what he does, but nothing changed.
If you ask me, which you haven't, Raya thought that both goals 2 & 3 were going over/ wide and didn't go full 100% in his attempts to save, but noone else has mentioned it so maybe i'm looking for issues.
I want to say 'don't blow it Arsenal' but i actually think we have already- that this was as danaging as Villa at home of two seasons ago, the damage far greater than 3 points. I hope Arteta will prove me wrong.
United did most of their damage from the center line to just outside our box. That's where they opened us up.
I think it's unrealistic to think we are going to get much better beating a set low block from open play. 2010/2011 Barca literally the only team good enough to consistently do that.
The problem is we valet the bus to the parking space for them.
Exactly 😭
Parked buses are our kryptonite but Manure were there to be had, we just didn't attack them with intent. It's infuriating
The problem is we valet the bus to the parking space for them.
Horseshoe of shit haha
U-bend of fuckery
Semi circle of cuntyness
Chief dilly-dallyer Martin U-dergaard
Parked buses are our kryptonite but Manure were there to be had, we just didn't attack them with intent. It's infuriating
It's the very definition of madness innit?
For us to play the same turgid horseshoe of shit way and expecting a result?
Fuck that!
Horseshoe of shit haha
U-bend of fuckery
Semi circle of cuntyness
It's the very definition of madness innit?
For us to play the same turgid horseshoe of shit way and expecting a result?
Fuck that!
I think Arteta's comments about Inter are wide of the mark. Yes, a 1-3 result away to a team like Inter is great and arguably the score line could have been even better in our favour, but that wasn't through great attacking football, which I think Arteta seems to be suggesting. I am struggling to remember any fluid attacking moments outside of the usual dead ball situations. The result (as it often does) at Inter ultimately masked another fairly average attacking display from us.
Arse
WiB
Out of all the other clubs, I hate Manure the most. Fuck those cunts!
My magic wand would be waved at our first phase buildup. That's when you have the space to make runs and take the game to the opposition. I'm not saying to do it in every possession but you have to mix it up. You can't horseshoe your way up the pitch every time. Once you allow the defense to get set in the final third there is no space to attack. Every team in this league can defend well if you allow them to get into shape.
I like to make fun of Bruno and Casemiro as much as the next guy but they were so good yesterday progressing the ball. The one thing they did over and over again was Bruno would receive the forward pass, he'd one touch pass back to Casemiro, Bruno would take up a new position to get the one touch pass back and then boom he'd split the defense with a progressive pass. Every single thing pass they made was with intention. Zero mindless passes.
...and settle things down
Yesterday, after a gifted equaliser, the team desperately needed our help to try and correct before half time. Nah. Not half as important as phone/pie/ponce/pint/piss or whatever the phuck people do d...
Well that's true. I don't understand leaving your seat before the whistle blows...but still, they're not the ones on the pitch who can do something about it. Why can't odegaard be a capt
bottling it is the direct opposite of being comfortable
Not sure. Think an overly cosy atmosphere and premature sense of achievement can have an inverse influence on resilience.
I really don’t like this thing that has crept in where it is the fans to blame. The fans were fully behind the team from kickoff and were not to blame for the team becoming passive after going a goal ...
Yesterday, after a gifted equaliser, the team desperately needed our help to try and correct before half time. Nah. Not half as important as phone/pie/ponce/pint/piss or whatever the phuck people do downstairs before the whistle has gone...
Arse
Well in Bruce. Morning Top of 2 tablers
What we need is a Freddie Ljungberg, someone that just has one setting, "fast forward". I'm sick of seeing this percentage ball possession shite with ab...
Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s fear or cowardice. The style of play is what Arteta wants. Of course he wants more pressure and more attempts on goal. But I believe that he believes through his logic and data, that working the ball to the wings is by data the safest way to get the ball into the box with the least risk of a counter. It may well be, statistically. But stats don’t win games. Moments of imagination and boldness, a feeling for momentum, a willingness to try something unexpected, this is what brings crowds to their feet and which in turn pumps up the players. When do we ever see us string one-touch passes even in the horseshoe Arteta favours? It’s been noted by most by now, the two, three, four touches, the unwillingness to pass to someone marked, the inability to keep possession in those circumstances. There is no rhythm to our play. Can you find stats for rhythm and boldness? Because both seem to be sacrificed on the altar of safe, data-approved but turgid build-up play.
I really want Arteta to change but I’ve said before it seems to be the core of his football philosophy to work it to the flanks and right now the wingers are not finding enough space, not getting it into the box in open play and the striker is not able to get shots off and the midfielders are not arriving in time or doing anything significant offensively.
Can Arteta change? Does anyone seriously think he doesn’t need to fundamentally change his approach?
What a dismal display.
I can only hope this is our darkest hour, and it’s the kick up the arse Mik and the team need. They need to wake up to getting on the front foot more - if we slow the game down it just allows oppos to get back into position and organised units are desperately hard to break through.
All three goals conceded were individual moments of brilliance rewarded from them taking risks.
So many underperforming players yesterday.
Miserable day and a badly morning to have to wake up to this Déjà vu again.
Zubi and Rice both suspended for Kairat - at least they get a weeks rest from game time - maybe they need detention with Ode who should stay away from the midweek game too and the three of them can work out what to do to break through against Leeds next weekend - I’d chuck Saka, Tross and Kai in that group too - the six of them can plan some plays that might work.
I haven't read the blog or posts as yet but could our defensive lapses be down to the defenders having to cover more than their territory, they seem to be spending more time up top than back in their ...
Genuine question to all , has
Leo , Hinncipia, jesus all been on pitch at the same time before ? 5 minutes against villa ,
Same question, Jesus , Saka , Timber , maybe a little but not many minutes
Think it would just all click in a big match , Arteta got over excited in Milan
Excellent, might have to take the dog out in the rain, he'll enjoy that.
Didn't see Tim's tweet so am only going by what NB said...
Bloody Hell Kleinie, was it you who snitched to the deputy head that I was larking around on the PE block roof when I was at school.
I haven't read the blog or posts as yet but could our defensive lapses be down to the defenders having to cover more than their territory, they seem to be spending more time up top than back in their natural positions. Surety Arteta sees this and needs to get the midfield, Rice excepted, and forwards sorted out. The mismanagement of the attack has always been a concern this and last season.
Off to the Arsecast, are my poor little ears going to be able to take it 😂
If he's captain material it will give him the kick up the backside he needs. But if he crumbles more it will only confirm what many feel about him. I think it won't make a difference. A very overrated...
Exactly this. If he cant take an honest look at his performances and realise how much more he needs to bring to the team, he has no purpose even being in the team, let alone the captain.
Oh dear...
It's the crowd's fault then. This isn't going to change until this team wins something, and it's the players that can do something about that, not the fucking fans.
I really don’t like this thing that has crept in where it is the fans to blame. The fans were fully behind the team from kickoff and were not to blame for the team becoming passive after going a goal up. Any fan base is going to get agitated when you go behind but are still taking an age to take a throw in. If the team was applying pressure and peppering the opposition goal with shots the fans would be in full support but at the moment you only see fans excited when we get a corner as that feels like the only time we are likely to score.
Arse
Well in Bruce. Morning Top of 2 tablers
What we need is a Freddie Ljungberg, someone that just has one setting, "fast forward". I'm sick of seeing this percentage ball possession shite with absolutely no guile or creativity. We just play it wide shit the bed and try for the corner to try and score after manhandling the defenders and the keeper. WTAF is that? We look like vintage Pulis-Stoke,
As for the fans who the fuck wants to pay a lot of to see that shit? OG and a rugby try. Fuck that. The crowd is up for it before the game, at least from what I can hear on the telly then they gradually get put to sleep. Arsenal have never been a fanbase that just claps and cheers the entire game no matter what is being presented, IE like Palace where they could be losing 5-0 at ho,e and still the fans are cheering and singing.
Oh dear...
It's the crowd's fault then. This isn't going to change until this team wins something, and it's the players that can do something about that, not the fucking fans.
Of course it's not the crowd's fault but the home support is poor.
Don't think Tim was blaming the crowd – anyway, we have a bit of a chat about this on the Arsecast Extra, which is out now!
Excellent, might have to take the dog out in the rain, he'll enjoy that.
Didn't see Tim's tweet so am only going by what NB said...
Stillman is alright but he didn't need to post yesterday that the crowd is too irritable and emotional. Just stunk of elitism.
Stillman is a great writer but yes. Plenty of “told you so’s” in the Arsenal Vision podcast. Do think he’s probably more negative about our predicament (if you can all it that) than he lets on, though. He knows full well this attack has systemic issues.
Oh dear...
It's the crowd's fault then. This isn't going to change until this team wins something, and it's the players that can do something about that, not the fucking fans.
Don't think Tim was blaming the crowd – anyway, we have a bit of a chat about this on the Arsecast Extra, which is out now!
Stillman is alright but he didn't need to post yesterday that the crowd is too irritable and emotional. Just stunk of elitism.
Oh dear...
It's the crowd's fault then. This isn't going to change until this team wins something, and it's the players that can do something about that, not the fucking fans.
Stillman is alright but he didn't need to post yesterday that the crowd is too irritable and emotional. Just stunk of elitism.
It's the go-to, to blame the crowd. I thought the crowd was up for it, but we gave them so little to get excited about. There's no excitement to our attack. Nothing makes you go wow!, no inventiveness just the same boring predictable moves. I don't get it, because some of these players have done it in the past.
It has to be the manager and how he coaches them.
Imagine going on twitter after we lose a game. I'd rather go and play with the traffic.
There are those who make their careers off it. I rarely post, because then it becomes toxic, but I like picking up bits of news and on X there's always Clive and Yankee Gunner who make it worthwhile with their always insightful comments, which I don't always agree with, but always value.
I know you're off X, so you're fine on there. I have to say, sadly, one of those is Northbanksy, whose artwork I love, but who I have had to unfollow because he spends most of his time calling fans wh...
Stillman is alright but he didn't need to post yesterday that the crowd is too irritable and emotional. Just stunk of elitism.
Sxnti: "Arsenal twitter when we lose is hilarious, some immediately find their cosching badges, some become physios, some become business advisers for the owners. Hindsight is a wonderful thing."
One...
Imagine going on twitter after we lose a game. I'd rather go and play with the traffic.
We're not winning the CL with this team. We could still win the league, but now I'm thinking just get into the Carabao Cup final and at least take a trophy. To coin an Arteta phrase, it's not nearly e...
Don't know man, cup football seems to suit the team...let's just see who we draw
Sxnti: "Arsenal twitter when we lose is hilarious, some immediately find their cosching badges, some become physios, some become business advisers for the owners. Hindsight is a wonderful thing."
One...
Madueke couldn't cook a sausage at the moment
Sxnti: "Arsenal twitter when we lose is hilarious, some immediately find their cosching badges, some become physios, some become business advisers for the owners. Hindsight is a wonderful thing."
One example, just popped up. I mean that's smarmy, as if everyone including the fanboys, don't do the same. The internet's full of "experts" with tech who will tell you why Madueke is cooking and gonna be the best winger ever. I could spend all day giving much worse examples if you like :)
Yes, agree on Northbanksy, it's too patronising at times. People are entitled to their non-abusive opinions
People are gonna swear as well, because football is emotive. As long as they don't get personal with players and their families. It's fine for me for a fan in the heat of the moment to say Madueke is shit, or even Ødegaard get out of my club or some such. But making out that the reason Arsenal play bad is because of them and the fans are the issue is way over the top and a deflection from analysing the game honestly, as much as we can disagree.
I know you're off X, so you're fine on there. I have to say, sadly, one of those is Northbanksy, whose artwork I love, but who I have had to unfollow because he spends most of his time calling fans wh...
Yes, agree on Northbanksy, it's too patronising at times. People are entitled to their non-abusive opinions
"social media influencers fanboys"- genuine question, who are these people?
I know you're off X, so you're fine on there. I have to say, sadly, one of those is Northbanksy, whose artwork I love, but who I have had to unfollow because he spends most of his time calling fans who criticise idiots and babies and worse. And others he follows and who follow him come up a lot and they all do the same thing.
I even saw one last night blame the crowd as wannabes and all new arrivals, essentially prawn sandwich brigade, This, after Arteta and everyone has been praising the crowd. In other words, as soon as things get tough they look to blame the fans, anyone who criticises Arteta as idiots, kids, all sorts of insults.
Then there's Tim Stillman, bless him, who always looks to downplay the issue at hand and he was on form last night saying it wasn't;t as bad as all that. But at least he's civil. The rest (I don't follow them, they crop up, the ones who use stats and the like and use words like "Cook" seem to always have an issue with any fans criticising.
The players have choices. They choose to buy into the manager's vision. Listen to how Eze was talking about Arteta and how others say he has taught them so much about football. I think many are mesmer...
"social media influencers fanboys"- genuine question, who are these people?
you talk as if the players have some kind of autonomy
The players have choices. They choose to buy into the manager's vision. Listen to how Eze was talking about Arteta and how others say he has taught them so much about football. I think many are mesmerised by his mathematical explanations of structure and positioning. It's not that they fear him, but they are heavily bought into what he is doing.
Rooney (of all people) mentioned at pitch side how intimidating Arteta is, the presence of the man. As I said, what he has done to bring the club back up to this level has been amazing, it took the qualities of a definiteness of purpose and vision. But those same qualities could be what limits him from taking us to the final all-important step. Three second-places could be progress or could be a ceiling.
But what annoys me most are the social media influencers fanboys who are worse than the Wenger ones at the end of his rein when it was clear for years he had hit a brick wall.
The way they big up Arteta and downplay all criticism has become an insidious art form. I mean I want Arsenal to win so badly. I'll happily eat humble pie if Arteta does it, I care more about Arsenal winning than my "reputation" whatever that is. But I really, really struggle to see how we're gonna change it. Even when we've won big, we haven't looked convincing. This team really don't know how to build play creatively.
2022-2023 was a great season ... we had literally unleashed the kraken
From @chiddyafc on Twitter
rsenal open play goals by season (gone as far back as Fotmob goes):
16/17 - 57
17/18 - 54
18/19 - 52
19/20 - 41
20/21 - 41
21/22 - 39
22/23 - 66
23/24 - 56
24/25 - 50
25/26 - on track for 36...
Yeah... we are cooked if something doesn't drastically change.
If he's captain material it will give him the kick up the backside he needs. But if he crumbles more it will only confirm what many feel about him. I think it won't make a difference. A very overrated...
you talk as if the players have some kind of autonomy
It's the style of football that quite frankly bores the hell out of me. I see players who could be more seemingly reduced by a system to robotic movements. Where's the flair? I mean, maybe it's just t...
Was disappointed Saja didn't shot with his swinger right foot , in the box on 93 minute, rather than a pass to Nomi . Who lost it
To be fair they were two outstanding finishes, the kind we have seen all too little with our players. It's that first goal that was the killer. I was ready at 1-0 to think we had this. Then the TV pul...
When Arteta said "prevent shots from outside the box", he meant their shots, not ours, lads!
I think I read somewhere on reddit that we literally slow play down so that all the players can get back into position so that we don't fall apart in any counter by the opposition.
This is such a ba...
I saw this too , on analysis by Henry on USA TV
Odegaard had 27 touches, Zubimendi had 43 touches , Rice 81, Hincapie 33, Saliba 82 and Gabriel 54, White had 37 touches
That is so bad from Ode and Zubi
If he's captain material it will give him the kick up the backside he needs. But if he crumbles more it will only confirm what many feel about him. I think it won't make a difference. A very overrated...
Think the safety first approach that he displays is partly due to the manager's instructions. I think he needs support to express himself on the pitch.
He has to go if he doesn't win the PL this season, although winning the CL would save him.
He'd have to be replaced by someone who knows how to get it over the line.
Hopefully this is all moot anyway...
We're not winning the CL with this team. We could still win the league, but now I'm thinking just get into the Carabao Cup final and at least take a trophy. To coin an Arteta phrase, it's not nearly enough, but it's something and may give us a boost to pick up enough points, though seeing Spurs and Chelsea back to back in the league worries me as does the City away.
Yeah, but he's not getting that amount of space in the PL!
The gap between the PL and everywhere else is becoming more stark, in terms of overall quality and intensity at any rate. Meaning that success elsewhere is not a good predictor of success in the PL. The nearest approximation to a sure thing in terms of recruitment is therefore a PL-proven player. Which is why I was somewhat surprised that we didn't go for, e.g., Mbeumo or Cunha (I wonder why they came to mind?) instead of Gyok.
I'm embarrassing myself with my own levels of kneejerk, but maybe Thiago would be worth pencilling in as an option if Alvarez doesn't happen.
Anyone think we'll go for a striker before the window closes?
Odegaard has been subbed off early in the last few games..., Not sure how it will affect his confidence going forward.
If he's captain material it will give him the kick up the backside he needs. But if he crumbles more it will only confirm what many feel about him. I think it won't make a difference. A very overrated player. Soft and showy, not a real leader and no real bite about him.
Heh! My feeling is this manager will be harder to shift than Wenger though he's won far less. It all rests on this season. If he doesn't win from here, I don't think he's going to do it ever. When Utd...
He has to go if he doesn't win the PL this season, although winning the CL would save him.
He'd have to be replaced by someone who knows how to get it over the line.
Hopefully this is all moot anyway and we get it done
For me it was a long diversion, well past midnight, a 40 going into a 30 and one little sign covered by bushes. Should have seen the yellow box, but why don't they put those lit up signs that tell you...
Yeah, there's no joined up thinking. The really stupid one for me is that they have the ability to out average speed cameras on motorways. If they were serious about keeping people at or below the limit they'd be on all motorways rather than the single place cameras wouldn't they? They cause problems too by people braking sharply when they get to them.
I think he was at fault for the Cunha goal as well unfortunately. Or at least a lack of communication between him and Gabi. Gabi stuck to Sesko and Saliba should've pushed up to block Cunha. The midfi...
To be fair they were two outstanding finishes, the kind we have seen all too little with our players. It's that first goal that was the killer. I was ready at 1-0 to think we had this. Then the TV pulled up a stat that we had won all 24 matches when we went ahead and I hate perfect stats like that, I started to wonder if it was gonna be broken and a minute later Saliba and Zubi conspire to hand it to them.
Have to say as well, a bigger keeper would have saved all three. Raya looked like a small keeper with all of them.
Saka also looks like he has lost a bit of his pace post injury. The only rapid players we have are Martinelli and Madueke - end product for both is not great
Martinelli is the only one looking to run in behind off the wings though. It's turned down 99% of the time by the guy on the ball, he throws his hands up in the air and goes back to his position.
I got mine from a red light camera that doubles as a speed camera (who knew?). The speed limit goes from 30 to 40 right after the lights, so I just accelerate a couple of seconds early. A bit of a tra...
For me it was a long diversion, well past midnight, a 40 going into a 30 and one little sign covered by bushes. Should have seen the yellow box, but why don't they put those lit up signs that tell you you're going over the limit if it's so important there to slow down for safety? Because they don't seem to really care if you don't slow down, they know they can nab you for a fine. I avoided 3 points but still had to pay £90. Someone on there got caught on a country road with a national speed limit of 60 where it changed to 30 and a cop was there. He got 6 points and a £1000 fine.
I'm all for safety, but they don't seem to prioritise it over revenue raising.
True, he did have a a lot of space. But also we're also not building attacks in as varied a way through the centre. It's all pushed out to the wings, but we don't have traditional wingers so as many h...
Saka also looks like he has lost a bit of his pace post injury. The only rapid players we have are Martinelli and Madueke - end product for both is not great
Is Arteta closer to Moses than to Mourinho? Is he fated to ascend the mountain and see the Promised Land without ever entering it? If so, who will be our Joshua, responsible for taking over the reins ...
Heh! My feeling is this manager will be harder to shift than Wenger though he's won far less. It all rests on this season. If he doesn't win from here, I don't think he's going to do it ever. When Utd scored that 3rd it took the players' souls, it was awful to see their faces and it mirrored how we all felt.
Heh! I did have a little moan as well, but I kept it all sweet and flattered them that I was glad to be there, which I was as I avoided 3 points. Still feel hard done by how I got the ticket in the fi...
I got mine from a red light camera that doubles as a speed camera (who knew?). The speed limit goes from 30 to 40 right after the lights, so I just accelerate a couple of seconds early. A bit of a trap there, but i was in the wrong so I took my punishment.
Can Arteta waving his arms around and shouting like a madman help things?
Maybe those who are at the games can answer, but does he ever just sit down or is he up constantly?
Passing around the back is also our style, but there was nerviness and to wasn't just Zubimendi. I love Saliba, but he wasn't fully on it yesterday and he put others in awkward situations more than on...
I think he was at fault for the Cunha goal as well unfortunately. Or at least a lack of communication between him and Gabi. Gabi stuck to Sesko and Saliba should've pushed up to block Cunha. The midfield tripping up and letting the ball squeeze into the pocket isn't too impressive either
Yeah, but he's not getting that amount of space in the PL!
True, he did have a a lot of space. But also we're also not building attacks in as varied a way through the centre. It's all pushed out to the wings, but we don't have traditional wingers so as many have said we cut back. And Saka on the left had much less ability to go outside and beat his man. I think he managed it once. But Madueke on the left was even worse. There are so many better wingers who can control the ball better. How did we just waste another £50m? All the fans who were chastised for objecting to his purchase. Do you think any of the influencers who chastised them will; acknowledge now he's not all that?
I think there are similarities, but Mourinho was bolder and recognised the value of some aggression in attack when possession was gained. Even George Graham had a feel for the killer strike. Arteta se...
Is Arteta closer to Moses than to Mourinho? Is he fated to ascend the mountain and see the Promised Land without ever entering it? If so, who will be our Joshua, responsible for taking over the reins and kicking seven colours of shite out of the opposition as we take our rightful place as The Greatest Team in the World?
Yeah, but he's not getting that amount of space in the PL!
especially in a slow build up team - maybe in a counter attacking team
Ethan scored great goal for Marseille yesterday. Dribbed from half way . Best a man and curl it bottom corner with power
Yeah, but he's not getting that amount of space in the PL!
Lucky you didn't have to do it in person mate. I went on several years ago and there's always some cunt who wants to argue the toss with the guys running it. Just shut up mate and let us get out of he...
Haha aye
We know it's all about raising revenue, they know it's all about raising revenue...and they know that we know.
Just have to shut the fuck up and get it over with
Passing around the back is also our style, but there was nerviness and to wasn't just Zubimendi. I love Saliba, but he wasn't fully on it yesterday and he put others in awkward situations more than on...
attack is sometimes the best form of defence - and we were 1 - 0 up so why not make them play though us?
Lucky you didn't have to do it in person mate. I went on several years ago and there's always some cunt who wants to argue the toss with the guys running it. Just shut up mate and let us get out of he...
Heh! I did have a little moan as well, but I kept it all sweet and flattered them that I was glad to be there, which I was as I avoided 3 points. Still feel hard done by how I got the ticket in the first place.
ironic then that the moment that caused our downfall was us passing it around at the back - highly risky
Passing around the back is also our style, but there was nerviness and to wasn't just Zubimendi. I love Saliba, but he wasn't fully on it yesterday and he put others in awkward situations more than once.
But if we don't attack with conviction and flow, we invite pressure and again it's not the first time we have done that. Our attacking is (sorry to be harsh) gutless at times. No ambition, no playing into the centre, the same working it to the wings and I'm bored of it and I suspect many are.
This is exactly what I see. The priority is shape at all times, even in the penultimate phase of attack. This leads to the horseshoe passing, always the extra touch.
It's clear the players are mesmer...
I remember when Arteta was part of a resistance cell when Wenger was neglecting the defensive aspect of the game, he would even organise secret meetings or training sessions to fix that. Maybe one of the boys can take a leaf out of his book, if they're so fascinated by him. Rethink the attack. It's dysfunctional
Just come off the speed awareness course. It was a stress, but at least I avoided points on my licence.
Back to stressing about the club I love about to blow the title for the fourth year running wil...
Lucky you didn't have to do it in person mate. I went on several years ago and there's always some cunt who wants to argue the toss with the guys running it. Just shut up mate and let us get out of here as quickly as we can!
I already decided he can't.
Fergie is the exception - took 7 years to win the league. No PL manager has done so after not winning for 6 years (Arteta)
It's the style of football that quite frankly bores the hell out of me. I see players who could be more seemingly reduced by a system to robotic movements. Where's the flair? I mean, maybe it's just the players. Saka does not seem the same since his injury, has lost half a yard of pace maybe. And also seems to be feeling the pressure, trying too hard to be a match winner.
It's not that they forget how to play spontaneously, but that it's drilled into them that certain actions are too risky.
ironic then that the moment that caused our downfall was us passing it around at the back - highly risky
I think there are similarities, but Mourinho was bolder and recognised the value of some aggression in attack when possession was gained. Even George Graham had a feel for the killer strike. Arteta se...
I already decided he can't.
Fergie is the exception - took 7 years to win the league. No PL manager has done so after not winning for 6 years (Arteta)
I think Arteta knows more than the fucking fans.
That becomes a cliche and gets us nowhere further. Amorin knows more than all of us fans put together, so did Graham Taylor and on and on. That doesn't mean they get it right, or that we should persevere if results are not going our way.
That performance yesterday was turgid stuff and not uncommon this season for us. Something is not working in attack. We can ponder that as fans, knowing that there is so much more to being a manager than just picking teams.
I can't buy that, they give them patterns so that when you're stressed you have something to fall back on, but you don't forget how to play spontaneously.
When we scored Manure went man for man and ...
It's not that they forget how to play spontaneously, but that it's drilled into them that certain actions are too risky.
We're a good percentage team. We do a little bit of everything good. Except for a really sharp goalie and an excellent set piece routine.
The odds of two excellent strikes against Raya went against us...
I think Arteta knows more than the fucking fans.
I think there are similarities, but Mourinho was bolder and recognised the value of some aggression in attack when possession was gained. Even George Graham had a feel for the killer strike. Arteta seems as bland as his Farrah Fit trousers. There's something that leads me to believe he can't do the most important thing which is get us over the line. Until he does, the doubts will only grow.
I'm going to politely disagree with your characterisation of the home support. It's generally optimistic and up for it before games, it was pretty loud at the start of the match yesterday. But the tea...
Thank you, I gladly accept that correction - I even intended to add a "correct me if I'm wrong" with respect to the home support, since I do not attend games and therefore base this on what I hear on the television.
Just come off the speed awareness course. It was a stress, but at least I avoided points on my licence.
Back to stressing about the club I love about to blow the title for the fourth year running will be so hard to take.
This is exactly what I see. The priority is shape at all times, even in the penultimate phase of attack. This leads to the horseshoe passing, always the extra touch.
It's clear the players are mesmer...
Mourinho 🤪
I think I read somewhere on reddit that we literally slow play down so that all the players can get back into position so that we don't fall apart in any counter by the opposition.
This is such a ba...
We're a good percentage team. We do a little bit of everything good. Except for a really sharp goalie and an excellent set piece routine.
The odds of two excellent strikes against Raya went against us. Any other day we could have seen this game out.
Can the current approach keep us ahead? The fans are not too sure. Perhaps Arteta is.
I think I read somewhere on reddit that we literally slow play down so that all the players can get back into position so that we don't fall apart in any counter by the opposition.
This is such a ba...
This is exactly what I see. The priority is shape at all times, even in the penultimate phase of attack. This leads to the horseshoe passing, always the extra touch.
It's clear the players are mesmerised by Arteta, they are fully behind his vision for football. They all talk of how amazed they are by his way of seeing the game. But it's strange to me that no one seems to wonder whether it's the right way.
I think it's great for defensiveness and structure, but you can't win big things playing so cautiously. I just don't see it.
Arse. Welcome back Bruce.
When is Dowman back from his injury? Need some player that isn't completely castrated by our cowardly approach
That's not what I mean, I mean the inter game was a bit of a dead rubber and less pressure, so the team played with more freedom.
Against man utd they played like the weight of the world was on their ...
Inter took players off , at 2-0 to rest for their own league challenge. There manager said in the post match interview. Arteta brought on some first X1, rather than rotate and fully rest
I think I read somewhere on reddit that we literally slow play down so that all the players can get back into position so that we don't fall apart in any counter by the opposition.
This is such a bad approach if true because we are simply not good enough in term of chance creation/attacking buildup once everyone is set.
We've taken 2 points from 9 in the league. We're only top because Liverpool and City are having aberrational seasons. If they get their shit together we're looking at a situation where people will be ...
of course - and we've taken some of the pressure off the rest by dropping points
sure but we're top of the 2 most important leagues having faced teams that do that every week
We've taken 2 points from 9 in the league. We're only top because Liverpool and City are having aberrational seasons. If they get their shit together we're looking at a situation where people will be calling for Arteta's sacking.
Yeh, and we've struggled. Look at the 2nd half vs Liverpool. We couldn't get or keep the ball.
sure but we're top of the 2 most important leagues having faced teams that do that every week
we've been playing teams that do that the whole season
Yeh, and we've struggled. Look at the 2nd half vs Liverpool. We couldn't get or keep the ball.
I can't buy that, they give them patterns so that when you're stressed you have something to fall back on, but you don't forget how to play spontaneously.
When we scored Manure went man for man and ...
we've been playing teams that do that the whole season
I believe so. It's almost the anti Arsene. They are drilled so diligently on the system that when the system fails they don't have the capability to think for themselves as to how to course correct.
...
yes I think so
I believe so. It's almost the anti Arsene. They are drilled so diligently on the system that when the system fails they don't have the capability to think for themselves as to how to course correct.
...
I can't buy that, they give them patterns so that when you're stressed you have something to fall back on, but you don't forget how to play spontaneously.
When we scored Manure went man for man and pressed us and we couldn't hold our nerve, it's nothing to do with tactics or systems.
Team on Wednesday
Kepa; White, Gunnersaurus, Hincapie, MLS; Norgaard, Grimandi, Eze; Martinelli, Madueke, Havertz
Subs - the junior gunners
Norgaard? Isn't he still in the bad books for some reason? Maybe the way he pronounces his name pissed off Arteta or something
You forgot Inanimate Carbon Rod.
Haha yesssss
basically, when things go wrong you need your leaders on the pitch to turn things around - are they too dependent on the conductor on the sidelines waving his arms around?
I believe so. It's almost the anti Arsene. They are drilled so diligently on the system that when the system fails they don't have the capability to think for themselves as to how to course correct.
This is more of a modern football thing than simply an Arsenal thing.
Team on Wednesday
Kepa; White, Gunnersaurus, Hincapie, MLS; Norgaard, Grimandi, Eze; Martinelli, Madueke, Havertz
Subs - the junior gunners
You forgot Inanimate Carbon Rod.
Team on Wednesday
Kepa; White, Gunnersaurus, Hincapie, MLS; Norgaard, Grimandi, Eze; Martinelli, Madueke, Havertz
Subs - the junior gunners
Odegaard has been subbed off early in the last few games..., Not sure how it will affect his confidence going forward.
It has to come from within doesn't it. If you want to be the man, the leader, then you need to start making things happen. If necessary have a conversation with thr manager and say I have nothing on when I receive the ball.
I dont think it's particularly tactical, it's attitude. I'm basically standing there for 90 minutes shouting "Play fucking forward for fucks sake!"
especially when you are 1-0 up - get the ball down their end of the pitch and make them play through you - they need the goal no you. Dont fuck around trying to tempt them forward
Odegaard has been subbed off early in the last few games..., Not sure how it will affect his confidence going forward.
basically, when things go wrong you need your leaders on the pitch to turn things around - are they too dependent on the conductor on the sidelines waving his arms around?
It's not so much the tactics but that they want the ball. It's easy to hoof it up the pitch and defend in a low block even if you're nervous, but taking the ball under pressure and playing is harder w...
I dont think it's particularly tactical, it's attitude. I'm basically standing there for 90 minutes shouting "Play fucking forward for fucks sake!"
blind panic and desperation. Like "these players are shit, get some new ones!" level of tactics
To be fair, the players he took off had caught the shits. It's easy to criticise in hindsight but if he left them on and they continued to make mistakes, which they probably would, he'd be criticised anyway.
This negates my point how?
bottling it is the direct opposite of being comfortable
David Seaman on Arteta’s second-half changes.....
🗣"I was shocked, to be honest.
It was 2-1 at the time, and it was almost a knee-jerk reaction to the second United goal. I don't know why, but it b...
Love big Dave but jeez could he be anymore wrong about Odegaard here? Need his presence? What presence?
no, its more to do with that mentality of getting over the line.
This negates my point how?
Courtesy @ArsenalRadar from Twitter
blind panic and desperation. Like "these players are shit, get some new ones!" level of tactics
David Seaman on Arteta’s second-half changes.....
🗣"I was shocked, to be honest.
It was 2-1 at the time, and it was almost a knee-jerk reaction to the second United goal. I don't know why, but it b...
Courtesy @ArsenalRadar from Twitter
lol - I actually watched an interesting YT about Pep and Artetas tactics but I can't find it again. Anyway, I do think things get very complicated which is fine when you are winning, but when things d...
It's not so much the tactics but that they want the ball. It's easy to hoof it up the pitch and defend in a low block even if you're nervous, but taking the ball under pressure and playing is harder when you're worrying about making a mistake.
David Seaman on Arteta’s second-half changes.....
🗣"I was shocked, to be honest.
It was 2-1 at the time, and it was almost a knee-jerk reaction to the second United goal. I don't know why, but it brought a bit of tension into the crowd.
You're taking off your captain, and he didn't look very happy about it. It was a real surprise for me because he's our playmaker. Taking him off changed everything because Declan [Rice] had to drop back, and then Eze came on, who hasn't done a lot for Arsenal yet.
It was a strange substitution, and bringing four on as well really disrupts the team's momentum."
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves also disagreed with the decision to take off Odegaard, saying, "I was surprised as well.
I love Eze, but Odegaard is the one to pick a pass because United were sitting deep. Eze isn't that player; he's a dribbler, and there was no space in the middle of the pitch.
Odegaard could've picked a pass. His body language was very telling; he was surprised he was coming off. I don't think you should take the captain off; you need his presence."
Is this club a little comfortable when success is in the horizon - or even attained.
Some great teams/periods in the past that never quite capitalised on their foundations.
no, its more to do with that mentality of getting over the line.
Everyone is looking for tactical and selection solutions but this has been on the cards for at least a month. It's obvious we're going to look average in attack with our 10 and 9 as ineffective as they have been but they weren't the issue yesterday. We scored 2 goals. The issue is we look ready to drop our arse at any moment.
Been saying it for weeks but this result was in the post, which is why not winning some of the games recently has been a big problem because a big lead is a way to relieve that pressure. We didn't and here we are.
same as when the Invincibles won the PL. Manu u had a bad season and at the time they were our only real competition
Even with all that attacking flare we drew games against teams like Charlton and P...
Is this club a little comfortable when success is in the horizon - or even attained.
Some great teams/periods in the past that never quite capitalised on their foundations.
We do. They involve getting Saliba and Timber into really dangerous positions with the ball and keeping Saka as far away from danger areas as possible.
lol - I actually watched an interesting YT about Pep and Artetas tactics but I can't find it again. Anyway, I do think things get very complicated which is fine when you are winning, but when things don't go according to plan, all of a sudden the wheels fall off - because you've created this complicated method of play.
Sure, the opposition doesn't know where are players are going to be at any given time, but then neither do we
We are but sometimes it’s hard to ignore the extent to which other rivals are floundering.
same as when the Invincibles won the PL. Manu u had a bad season and at the time they were our only real competition
Even with all that attacking flare we drew games against teams like Charlton and Plymouth.
Plus it's a bit of a coincidence is teams are floundering in the PL and CL
We are not platforming our attackers well at all. We have our fullbacks in the box while our wingers are busy getting chalk on their boots. Which top quality team does this nonsense?
This is a probl...
When Timber plays left-back he goes and stands in the middle of midfield getting in the way like Zinchenko used to do. Utterly pointless.
I do think Vieira also stated that we do not have any attacking patterns
We do. They involve getting Saliba and Timber into really dangerous positions with the ball and keeping Saka as far away from danger areas as possible.
We are not platforming our attackers well at all. We have our fullbacks in the box while our wingers are busy getting chalk on their boots. Which top quality team does this nonsense?
This is a problem and I refuse to believe that the players might be doing it out of their own choice. Surely this is a tactic from Arteta given how he loves control and wants all the attacking moves choreographed?
That's not what I mean, I mean the inter game was a bit of a dead rubber and less pressure, so the team played with more freedom.
Against man utd they played like the weight of the world was on their ...
Oh, I see
What are the different circumstances? It's not like United parked the bus, they pressed us high, but when we play through it we just don't play forward fast enough and make the most of those situation...
That's not what I mean, I mean the inter game was a bit of a dead rubber and less pressure, so the team played with more freedom.
Against man utd they played like the weight of the world was on their shoulders
You’d think challenging for the league was some exotic luxury the club had been deprived of for years. Wenger managed several challenges in the ‘10s. They might have collapsed more abruptly but for all his skewed player appraisals and parsimony at least he maximised what he had and made cup finals.
Let's stop looking for excuses
Arse,
Exactly.
Former players infinitely more forthright than some of our fans. Obvious reasons for this but I love to see that beige, frayed veil of small victories and tired excuses get ripped to tatters.
‘Look how far we’ve come’.
Yeah, that was 3 years ago.
I get Arteta has to say that...but privately he must know the different circumstances between the two games
What are the different circumstances? It's not like United parked the bus, they pressed us high, but when we play through it we just don't play forward fast enough and make the most of those situations. That's the whole point isn't it, suck them in, take players out of the game by playing through and create chances?
Good to see Vieira saying this shit.
Paddy Vieira reported said in the post match panel discussion
“Arsenal need to go back to the basics, play with freedom & express themselves going forward. Too many players did NOT perform today...
I get Arteta has to say that...but privately he must know the different circumstances between the two games
I do think Vieira also stated that we do not have any attacking patterns
Paddy Vieira reported said in the post match panel discussion
“Arsenal need to go back to the basics, play with freedom & express themselves going forward. Too many players did NOT perform today - I think Saka was too quiet, you expect him to perform in big games.”
“There’s still some questions about the mental strength of the team. It’s NOT the fact they lost the game, it’s the way they lost the game. There was a lack of creativity.”
“The feeling is that there’s NO risk, there’s too many passes going backwards, not forward. I want Arsenal to be more brave, take a little bit more risk.”
“I’d like to see Odegaard take his first touch forward”
MIkel Arteta when asked - "Do you feel like the players need ‘freeing up’, whether it’s tactic or emotional?”
Mikel Arteta: “I don’t think so. Three days ago, how free & fluid they looked in Milan, it was unbelievable. There’s no excuses, we accept the defeat.”
we're still doing absurdly well, especially considering we have no recognised goal scorer. Arteta is a top level coach, no doubt about that.
To see such a gap between us and the big teams of CL is nu...
We are but sometimes it’s hard to ignore the extent to which other rivals are floundering.
Yes, the game was a huge disappointment, and Yes, our attacking play is not good enough given our ambitions. And Yes, that seems to be due to both player quality and coaching. That said, as a fanbase ...
I'm going to politely disagree with your characterisation of the home support. It's generally optimistic and up for it before games, it was pretty loud at the start of the match yesterday. But the team give us nothing to get behind. Slow cunting about with sideways passes, no thrust or pace to the attacking. It's a two way street and always has been. And of course giving away goals to dipshit mistakes and as soon as we equalise doesn't help either!
Would be a good opportunity to try MLS in midfield vs Kairat in the absence of Merino and Rice. Play Norgaard, MLS and maybe Odegaard,/ Eze in midfield. Play Madueke , Martinelli/Eze and Havertz/ Gyokeres in attack. Don't bring Zubi on except in the last 10-15 mins
Feels like it would take a drastic top-down paradigm shift to get this team playing fluent football in the PL.
I think you have to question the collective mentality too. Only Rice demonstrated any semblance of accountability.
Those two performances against Liverpool emanated a certain perceived inferiority.
Yes, the game was a huge disappointment, and Yes, our attacking play is not good enough given our ambitions. And Yes, that seems to be due to both player quality and coaching. That said, as a fanbase ...
we're still doing absurdly well, especially considering we have no recognised goal scorer. Arteta is a top level coach, no doubt about that.
To see such a gap between us and the big teams of CL is nuts.
The next step is actually winning something, which takes not having a glass jaw at the crucial moment - it's the old squeaky bum time
Curious to see if Havertz is involved in that one
If he can't be involved for at least 45-60 mins, then he is probably done for the season. He may end up missing the world cup too. Wonder what that implies for his career long term.
I do wonder how much is the 2026 WC playing in everyone's minds...
Rice and Merino suspended for that one too
I really hope he doesn't make Zubimendi play that game
There were a lot more united fans than gunners in the Tib Street Tavern yesterday afternoon in Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter, where I arrived in an Arsenal top...
This club truly excels at letting fans down.
Still very painful to try and process yesterday's match. I've avoided replays, discussion and articles because I know what I saw yesterday and it was not good.
If we had got a point out of the match, it would have been undeserved. I wouldn't have turned my nose up at it, but it would (again) give cause for concern. Let's be honest, we've waited most if the season up to now for our attack to "click". There where very good eleationalisations for the problems we saw: Gyokeres had just come woth no pre-season, injuries to Havrrtz and Jesus. Zu I adjusting to a new team (surpringly quickly to be honest), Odegaard I juries and Eze being integrated followed by defensive injuries. I think most of us clung to the hope that when injured players became available we would start to see improvement in our attack, but it simply hasn't happened. For the vast majority of the time we are maddeningly ponderous in our build up. This dreaded horseshoe of death is emblematic of this.
Another issue that keeps returning is somehow losing impetus when we are ahead. It's counter-intuitive and is definitely not confined to this season.
Then we have the perplexing issue of planning too many games for only one half, the other half being insipid.
Additionally, we see the long-term problem rotation. Why invest heavily in players and not properly rotate? I'm thinking of Rice, Timber and Zubi primarily. We rely on high intensity players for the most part but don't seem to let them recharge.
I'm wishing for a drastic upturn in performances, but I'm not hopeful on the January Monday morning.
I'm hoping I'll perk up from my dooming
Rice and Merino suspended for that one too
That does keep Arteta's hands tied up a bit.
but we're still going to win the league
I think so too.
it's Arteta's job to manage this - if he doesn't he's not going to win the PL for Arsenal
Yes, the game was a huge disappointment, and Yes, our attacking play is not good enough given our ambitions. And Yes, that seems to be due to both player quality and coaching. That said, as a fanbase (present company excepted), we need to get a grip. Gooners online and, by the sound of it, at the Emirates - the away supporters always sound like good value - are less like a twelfth man and more like a cohort of Eeyores, most comfortable when catastrophising and endlessly expecting the worst. TBF, that may be what it means to be a fan, but it seems particularly egregious when we are where we are this season. I'm not advocating for some Panglossian "this is the best of all possible worlds" approach, just some perspective.
but we're still going to win the league
Trossard has gone stale in the last few games as well...
Curious to see if Havertz is involved in that one
Just to ensure a reaction , I suspect Arteta may end up going strong vs Kairat midweek which would again be such a bad decision and then falter vs Leeds away on the weekend.
Rice and Merino suspended for that one too
Just to ensure a reaction , I suspect Arteta may end up going strong vs Kairat midweek which would again be such a bad decision and then falter vs Leeds away on the weekend.
Ethan scored great goal for Marseille yesterday. Dribbed from half way . Best a man and curl it bottom corner with power
Through the middle of the pitch. The defending mind was quite standoffish. But he would simply not do that at Arsenal.
I despise that cunt but would take him in a heartbeat
Can't rely on odegaard any more, time to move him on and integrate Nwaneri
Ethan scored great goal for Marseille yesterday. Dribbed from half way . Best a man and curl it bottom corner with power
We aren't playing with any sort of freedom... Whether the shackles are due to constantly being risk averse (high possibility) or we are just feeling the pressure,,,, It is taking a toll on everyone including the crowd... We need a trophy .. any trophy to release some of the shackles... We should go for the Carabao cup.
There will be too much expectation from Nwaneri next season...
What worries me about Odegaard is that on the pitch, it is often Rice and Gabi taking charge. Not sure if that impacts Odegaard as he does not seem to be as communicative as he was before. I am not at the actual stadium but I am just basing it on what I see on TV.
Pedant alert, blogs:
"I think the introduction of Noni Madueke as the final change was I don’t think was at all effective"
needs a reshape, maybe "I don't think the introduction of Noni Madueke as the final change was at all effective"
You shouldn't be allowed to sack a manager mid season.
New manager bounces aren't fair.
If you sack a manager mid season you should be docked 6 points. Half joking...need some coffee, get fucked Carrick eh. Wanker looks like you could still nick his lunch money
And I should say, when Eze comes on for Odegaard, he is absolutely no better. Just passing sideways, backwards, always. I would rather play Merino who can / will shoot or play a forward pass, can tack...
I would like to see Rice with Merino and Eze ahead for a bit. I have reservations about Merino as a midfielder but at least he provides action in the final third.
And I should say, when Eze comes on for Odegaard, he is absolutely no better. Just passing sideways, backwards, always. I would rather play Merino who can / will shoot or play a forward pass, can tackle and isn't scared of contact. Creativity will not be affected the way these other too fluffballs are playing the role!
Also I said yesterday but there is a near desperation from players, staff and fans to get over the line for the first time in 22 years.
How much does that impact the way we play? I do wonder if when (...
it's Arteta's job to manage this - if he doesn't he's not going to win the PL for Arsenal
I think he might be done. There were times yesterday where he seemed to be hiding in plain sight, not capable of finding a pocket where he could receive the ball
Bruno by contrast always available.
Yes, this. There was a point in the first half where Saliba (why the fuck is so much decisive attacking impetus being entrusted to him suddenly!) surged forward through the middle, faked to pass, kept going forward, made 30+ metres, eventually knocked it infield to Odegaard centrally in space. Ode danced, and crabbed and willo-the-wisp'd across the field with eleven little touches, then knocked it back to Gabriel, the deepest player on the pitch, right back towards where Saliba had surged from. Christ alive, I am tired of seeing that. I watched Odegaard at throw-ins, and I swear he is purposefully placing himself far enough away and often stationed behind an opponent so that he cannot be selected as the one to receive the ball. I can't bear what he is giving us right now, and as the skipper this is just horrific optics.
I think he might be done. There were times yesterday where he seemed to be hiding in plain sight, not capable of finding a pocket where he could receive the ball
Bruno by contrast always available.
I despise that cunt but would take him in a heartbeat
Can't rely on odegaard any more, time to move him on and integrate Nwaneri
Let's stop looking for excuses
Very much this.
We were shit.
I think he might be done. There were times yesterday where he seemed to be hiding in plain sight, not capable of finding a pocket where he could receive the ball
Bruno by contrast always available.
Why is our fucking captain being constantly subbed off... he'd need to be embarrassed about that. Something must be going on with him because he's hopeless these days
He's not influential enough.
Too many poncy touches!
Why is our fucking captain being constantly subbed off... he'd need to be embarrassed about that. Something must be going on with him because he's hopeless these days
I agree with blogs that Arteta needs to change something about the way we play. He has done this in previous seasons after three bad results and turned around our form but you have to question why it always takes a run like this for him to address clear issues. We keep criticising individuals but we have seen Sake, Martenelli, Odegaard and Trossard all hit double figures in the PL before but right now they rarely find themselves in goal scoring positions.
No, it wasn't handball man
Okay. Not seen many video replays.
Do you think Arteta should have rested players /midfielder mid week for today ?
. Utd beat city week before having had a more rest. And we didn't clock it , pundits talked about it before the inter game. We did on here in the arses.
Also from Milan
Not Vik starting, as Vik coming of a great goal in Milan.
Utd centre back breath a sigh of relief they weren't getting battered for the first half that's for sure . The physical peak Swede Vs Martinez and Maguire coming back from their own injuries.
Jesus any contact goes down . I think we made it easy and comfortable for utd.
So it made sense to play jesus coming back from 1 year off ACL injury twice in four or five days ! Jesus
He says interview post match interview after inter. He didn't expect to start , as he has been out a long time
Do you think selection and proper use of players specific talents ..
We shouldn't have given them the chance to hit those worldies in first place!
Well yes someone should have closed shots down , but imo zubi and Rice are being over played and Eze and Noorgaard , consistently the best players at their former clubs and with seasons of premier league experience should have had more game time against the bottom half of table teams . So Rice and zubi legs fresher to close these shots. On Arteta for me. What do you think
Cunha goal , who was supposed to be holding midfield, anyone ?
At that point saka was playing left wing back , bizarrely, whole interview the middle.
and nomi running ball out of play
The slabhead one though.. Why wasn't that given?
His hand hadn't touched the ground first - which is the rule...
Let's stop looking for excuses
I saw a still photo on Facebook, wrist and hip together
No, it wasn't handball man
I saw a still photo on Facebook, wrist and hip together
I hear it's the Winter Olympics next week. Time to watch some lads cross country ski with rifles strapped to their backs and some other maniacs to strap themselves to a tea tray and fly down an ice track at 80 mph.
I don’t even care about football
In the ground I'd say we're at the point where the team need to give the fans something to get behind.
Arteta called for fan support in the build up to this. It's hard to get behind such insipid football and create atmosphere.
Two worldy shots and a mistake , is other way to look at it
Exactly this. I'm not saying that yesterday, and our last few Premier League games, haven't been bad.. but I just don't think massive fan uproar and navel gazing at this point is the right thing to do *if* any of is still hold onto hope that we might win the league.
Two worldy shots and a mistake , is other way to look at it
We shouldn't have given them the chance to hit those worldies in first place!
Have seen a still photo where it hits his arm, by his side . But still his wrist
No, it hit his hip.
Vanity win in San siro.
Should / could have been
Noordgaard for Zubi
Eze for Rice .
To save legs for Sunday . Their not robots the midfielders.
Am not sure if Hinny at left back is better going forw...
The understanding form and dropping players is an interesting one I think he's getting horribly wrong. Take Martinelli, gets a hat trick away at Portsmouth, must be feeling great. Next game away to Chelsea, he's dropped to the bench. We need to be capitalising on these sparks in individual form.
I do think a level of calm and support is needed by us / the fans... sure, if we "bottle" the league again, lots of questions must be asked of the management, players etc but I'm not sure that now is ...
Two worldy shots and a mistake , is other way to look at it
I went to meet an old friend after the game last night so have only seen brief YouTube highlights this morning, but why wasn't Dorgu's handball before scoring not given? It looked like handball in rea...
No
I went to meet an old friend after the game last night so have only seen brief YouTube highlights this morning, but why wasn't Dorgu's handball before scoring not given? It looked like handball in rea...
Have seen a still photo where it hits his arm, by his side . But still his wrist
That fucking bald prick has got into their heads with his "best team in the world" bollocks!
I have half an hour before the course starts!
My frustration has been the same for weeks, it’s a total lack of cohesion in our approach play, even when we have possession. We don’t string passes toge...
Vanity win in San siro.
Should / could have been
Noordgaard for Zubi
Eze for Rice .
To save legs for Sunday . Their not robots the midfielders.
Am not sure if Hinny at left back is better going forwards than Miles, dunno what other think? but not that I have seen
I think I read the other day we haven’t lost when vik starts. Since Liverpool
Vik, He chases everyone down, whacks and battles with cB and then a speed and skill merchant e.g. jesus , martinelli , Leo. subbed on , comes on against weakened centre backs, defence to mop up. Why change a plan That’s worked all season. It's centre back breath a sigh if relief they weren't getting battered for the first half that's for sure .
So it made sense to play jesus coming back from 1 year off ACL injury twice in four days !
He says interview after inter. He didn't expect to start , as he has been out a long time
Vik scored a great goal Vs inter , confidence up
Bench him . Makes no sense to me
WiB (long time etc)
Well having read both blog and ratings I commend your commitment and veracity Blogs; not been able to watch any replay or highlights or anything.
Our one genuinely good signing had a mare and I hope he gets a rest on Wednesday.
Also I said yesterday but there is a near desperation from players, staff and fans to get over the line for the first time in 22 years.
How much does that impact the way we play? I do wonder if when (...
I hope it’s this. It is massive pressure. I was nervous all day.
They’re good enough to catch us if we don!5 change our approach play. City and Villa are fun to watch in attack. We’re not!
Both will continue to drop points. City have been absolutely atrocious in recent weeks. We just need to find a way to lose fewer.
Also I said yesterday but there is a near desperation from players, staff and fans to get over the line for the first time in 22 years.
How much does that impact the way we play? I do wonder if when (if) they get over the line for the first time, it will release a metric fuck ton of pressure and fear and allow them to play in future battles.
The saving grace is that the chasing pack is also not very good. First to trip up over the line.
They’re good enough to catch us if we don!5 change our approach play. City and Villa are fun to watch in attack. We’re not!
the quadruple sub was basically a reveal that he didn't know what to do
You saw Arteta and Stuivenberg after Utd’s goal in conversation looking bemused. It took another 5 minutes but at least they tried. But Madueke my oh my can’t control a ball, like bambi on ice!
The saving grace is that the chasing pack is also not very good. First to trip up over the line.
Oh, okay, like I said, just seen some badly edited brief highlights which didn't make that clear.
All good!
Arse. WiB.
Morning all.
The overarching issue as to why we dont turn domination into wins is blindingly obvious. I've said it before and I'll say it again, no-one moves. There's this obsession with ...
Good points, the lack of movement. But also lack of vision to pass. When does Saka ever pass in rhythm back and forth or look for a pass in between? He gets it, shields it and looks to beat the man or lay it off square. There’s no artistry, no imagination. This is the most workmanlike, dull attack I can remember from an Arsenal team. It has to be the way they’re coached. Data FC
Because it wasn't? It didn't hit his arm
Oh, okay, like I said, just seen some badly edited brief highlights which didn't make that clear.
the quadruple sub was basically a reveal that he didn't know what to do
Ta….at least it’ll take my mind off yesterday
Arteta cannot for love nor money coach attacking football
If Arteta knew how to fix it, he'd have fixed it 3 seasons ago. I never believed the injuries excuse
This is all just deja vu, so I'm not actually all that affected this time...
welcome back Bruce!
Anyway, enjoy the introspection I’m off with MrsC for a trip to the British Museum
Enjoy!
They don't do much of it before going ahead, but when we do take the lead we stop playing completely .
Anyway, enjoy the introspection I’m off with MrsC for a trip to the British Museum
What I find so frustrating is the inconsistency from this team. You could almost understand the crap performances if you didn’t know how well we can play when it all comes together
I have half an hour before the course starts!
My frustration has been the same for weeks, it’s a total lack of cohesion in our approach play, even when we have possession. We don’t string passes together, all our players hold on to the ball too long.
I’m praying that Havertz comes back and plays in the 10 role behind Gyökeres. It’s the only way I think we can get some goals from open play. I’m done with Ødegaard, a greatly overrated player. Saka’s been poor really. Fans say he’s been our best but he is the worst culprit for holding on to the ball, but at least he’s threatening. Madueke is a waste of money and that’s infuriating for us.
Jesus showed why he should not start, simply hasn’t got the speed or strength to play in this league. Gyökeres again, hustle and bustle, no end product. And Eze looks like a ghost out there. It’s sickening.
This is not a team that is comfortable on the ball passing it around. United, Villa, City even Chelsea and others pass it better than us. It’s maddening how sterile we look up front, relying on set-pieces to score.
A lot down to Arteta who may have reached his ceiling.
But we’re four points clear at the top! It’s amazing. It’s still in our hands. But who thinks this team has what it takes to win? Does Arteta have the awareness or ability to change the way we attack? I don’t see it, but I hope we do. But that one hurt more than I can say and I see matches ahead with more hurt for us. I’m resigning to us choking again, but we choke because these players and this team have been overhyped and they’ve started to believe the hype and too many will brush this off as a “bad day at the office”. It was far, far worse than that.
Because it wasn't? It didn't hit his arm
If you can bare to listen to his voice Rooney gives a good analysis of the change in our play after we had gone ahead…..players not moving to create space for passes and defenders not getting tight on...
They don't do much of it before going ahead, but when we do take the lead we stop playing completely .
Arse. WiB.
Morning all.
The overarching issue as to why we dont turn domination into wins is blindingly obvious. I've said it before and I'll say it again, no-one moves. There's this obsession with ...
If you can bare to listen to his voice Rooney gives a good analysis of the change in our play after we had gone ahead…..players not moving to create space for passes and defenders not getting tight on the opposition. There seems to be something that is going on in their heads that changes what they’re capable of doing
I went to meet an old friend after the game last night so have only seen brief YouTube highlights this morning, but why wasn't Dorgu's handball before scoring not given? It looked like handball in rea...
It wasn't handball
I went to meet an old friend after the game last night so have only seen brief YouTube highlights this morning, but why wasn't Dorgu's handball before scoring not given? It looked like handball in real time, did it not actually hit his arm?
What this team lacks is a Wrighty, Henry, van Persie or even a Sanchez.
Not many of those players out there .... but, if only 🙏.
I read yesterday that 17 of our 23 league games this season have either been level or had a goal in them going into the 90th minute. This doesn't feel normal and it must take a massive toll on the pla...
Taking a massive toll on me
Arse. WiB.
Morning all.
The overarching issue as to why we dont turn domination into wins is blindingly obvious. I've said it before and I'll say it again, no-one moves. There's this obsession with "control" which means that when we get the ball we piss around at the back until everyone is in position and then wait for a winger to beat their man, which is probably the hardest thi g in the game to do, to make chances.
The lack of movement is why we can't take a throw in. It's why we pass sideways so much. It's why we don't get behind the opposition enough. It's why the likes of Odegaard and Eze are totally ineffective, the get the ball, look up and don't have a pass.
If Arteta can't see that basic flaw then he's not much of a manger. Contrast to Unutednunder Carrick, when they attack they're pacy, direct, play one and two touch and they take the shot when its on rather than playing an extra pass.
Basics!
Welcome back Bruce. Hope it's a signal of a return to order.
But that was rank, if these guys bottle it again, we will never live it down. I think it's a lack of quality up front. An emergency catalys...
When I had my Awareness Course there was another guy on it who told us during the coffee break that he had been flashed by a camera on the way there.
Drive slowly
I read yesterday that 17 of our 23 league games this season have either been level or had a goal in them going into the 90th minute. This doesn't feel normal and it must take a massive toll on the players.
What I find so frustrating is the inconsistency from this team. You could almost understand the crap performances if you didn’t know how well we can play when it all comes together
I do think a level of calm and support is needed by us / the fans... sure, if we "bottle" the league again, lots of questions must be asked of the management, players etc but I'm not sure that now is the right time.. we can still win this league. But we definitely won't if all of us are fighting amongst ourselves and abusing the team. Personally, I'm behind everything until season end, then we can disect it all.
Welcome back Bruce. Hope it's a signal of a return to order.
But that was rank, if these guys bottle it again, we will never live it down. I think it's a lack of quality up front. An emergency catalyst buy maybe?
I don't know. Feel too upset. Got to go on my speed awareness course now. Laters...
Well in Bruise.
I woke up this morning with a tummy ache. I can imagine what Arteta must be going through.
My sleep was affected by the game. I actually dreamt that utd scored a great headed own goal at the end of the game. Even my subconscious has accepted we can't score goals.
Players need to be told imagine we are 4 points behind and approach each game till the end.
Looks like we wont make it.
unless sparks fly in the dressing room and on the training pitches. There are serious finger pointing and acceptance of each players responsibility.
If the players are feeling even half the panic of the fans, we are fucked! I don't think I can even dredge up the energy to discuss it. Will park it and watch the low-stress CL game and see how that goes. Byeeee
Arse / doom.
It's squeaky fucking bum time now alright!
That's all I have to say.
Cheers blogs
Hello Team