It's Villa vs Forest in the Uropa semi final...
Braga vs Freiberg in the other.
And in the Europa Conference Palace face Shaktar in the semi with Rayo Vallencano vs Strasbourg in the other..
My heart goes out to Alex Manninger's family. What devastating news. He brought so much happiness to us fans during that memorable '98 campaign with his heroics.
Hope we can win soon and celebrate his memory.
Here is a controversial take. Even if Madueke is fit, I would encourage Martenelli on the right and Trossard left.
I don’t think that’s controversial. Martinelli’s done ok on the right. I just don’t think that will bother City at all, Trossard has fallen off a cliff, can’t be easy with Arteta screaming at him like Demento at his worst, but he has been awful.
I say again, even at 16, we have to give Dowman a start. If it doesn’t work, then use the options who have disappointed. But we need an X factor up front.
To be honest, I don’t think Arteta has any new ideas. It’ll be Madueke and Martinelli, maybe he’ll start with Havertz instead of Gyökeres, maybe Ødegaard and Saka will be pumped full of pain killers and sent out one more time.
We only have three days to find out…
True. But I like that Martinelli went inside the other week to great effect. It stood out because it's so rare.
One of our many problems is that there is zero variation in how we attack, and allowing...
Here is a controversial take. Even if Madueke is fit, I would encourage Martenelli on the right and Trossard left.
As I said yesterday... He needs to quit with his Micro-coaching on the touchline.
He looks like a complete and utter cunt. Just let the players be. He's adding the extra pressure.
100%
It’s like having a demented coaching dad screaming at kids, how can they be relaxed when their manager is losing his shit like that. It shows a loss of control, the opposite of what he thinks he’s transmitting
Great clip. RIP Alex Manninger.
Who knows about Trossard. His form is so bad he can hardly keep the ball.
True. But I like that Martinelli went inside the other week to great effect. It stood out because it's so rare.
One of our many problems is that there is zero variation in how we attack, and allowing the players like Martinelli to have some agency to attack in a way that is, shock horror, different.
I think that's why Arteta was moaning at Trossard for going inside instead of staying on the touchline.
I like that he and Martinelli are potentially ignoring the manager to get the job done.
I was kinda hoping he'd get red carded and be forced to sit in the stands. Heh.
I think that's why Arteta was moaning at Trossard for going inside instead of staying on the touchline.
I like that he and Martinelli are potentially ignoring the manager to get the job done.
Who knows about Trossard. His form is so bad he can hardly keep the ball.
When he cut in he took two defenders out of the game before laying off that through ball th Kai.
I think that's why Arteta was moaning at Trossard for going inside instead of staying on the touchline.
I like that he and Martinelli are potentially ignoring the manager to get the job done.
Yeah so that's a system issue where Arteta is too rigid with having that space only being occupied by the LB and Martinelli always expected to go outside.
Need to mix it up where Martinelli has licen...
Absolutely, he is very quick so he can kick it further out and run on to it, past his man, especially as his close control and dribbling is a bit hit or miss.
Interesting to hear Charles Watts and James Benge echo the point I made earlier this week about not seeing any material benefits from Arteta being so coy about injuries. I'm not advocating going back ...
Overemphasis on the "margins".
When he cut in he took two defenders out of the game before laying off that through ball th Kai.
Yeah so that's a system issue where Arteta is too rigid with having that space only being occupied by the LB and Martinelli always expected to go outside.
Need to mix it up where Martinelli has license to go inside and the LB overlaps.
I don't want to go down the Nico Pepe route and say he's a bad system fit but our system is predicated on the wingers being extremely wide and going 1v1.
That is not really Gabi's strength. Really i...
When he cut in he took two defenders out of the game before laying off that through ball th Kai.
Interesting to hear Charles Watts and James Benge echo the point I made earlier this week about not seeing any material benefits from Arteta being so coy about injuries. I'm not advocating going back to the ridiculous Emery era of providing an injury bulletin issued by the medical staff, but I'm yet to understand when our opponents have been taken by surprise to their detriment.
Coaching, in other words? It's become a pet thing of mine cos the transfer market cannot be the only solution.
I don't want to go down the Nico Pepe route and say he's a bad system fit but our system is predicated on the wingers being extremely wide and going 1v1.
That is not really Gabi's strength. Really if you look at the first leg vs Sporting- he does something unusual which is cut inside on his right foot to deliver the assist to Kai.
He is not an isolation 1v1 wide player.
As I said yesterday... He needs to quit with his Micro-coaching on the touchline.
He looks like a complete and utter cunt. Just let the players be. He's adding the extra pressure.
The players gotta play. We've been good in games this year as well. On a couple of rare instances we looked somewhat scintillating. On those days Arteta didn't tell them to release the handbrake nor did he sit in his Recaro and not point and shout. The players just played well.
Hehehe! Didn't think our manager would be a candidate for Hazza's tremendously effective agricultural language.
Both wings get an earful of his yelling and pointing frantically. No wonder the lads look clueless. He should sit in the stands.
I don't think we developed him well. He has always been at his best making diagonal runs and getting into central positions but we ask him to hug the line.
That being said fundamentally flawed with h...
Coaching, in other words? It's become a pet thing of mine cos the transfer market cannot be the only solution.
As I said yesterday... He needs to quit with his Micro-coaching on the touchline.
He looks like a complete and utter cunt. Just let the players be. He's adding the extra pressure.
Hehehe! Didn't think our manager would be a candidate for Hazza's tremendously effective agricultural language.
I was going to say 'I hope not' but it doesn't change the outcome.
I feel sad about his death. I remember panicking about Seaman's injury and being so thankful that he performed brilliantly.
Yeah that's a brutal exit plan, if intentional and super bad luck if not. I never cross those without checking even if the "coast is clear". Feel for his family, friends etc. He was a top keeper.
Hard for that to be a random event, maybe it was deliberate?
I was going to say 'I hope not' but it doesn't change the outcome.
I feel sad about his death. I remember panicking about Seaman's injury and being so thankful that he performed brilliantly.
He was a great buy for £6m.
Shame he didn't meet our expectations, but still great business- and his workmates is wonderful. He's just not good enough.
I don't think we developed him well. He has always been at his best making diagonal runs and getting into central positions but we ask him to hug the line.
That being said fundamentally flawed with his head down technique.
I think he is totally emotionally invested. I very strongly suspect that fears about his job are way down the list.
Whatever, his histrionics are often not helpful.
Our histrionics are totally hidden...
As I said yesterday... He needs to quit with his Micro-coaching on the touchline.
He looks like a complete and utter cunt. Just let the players be. He's adding the extra pressure.
It sounds like Wrighty is battling the same anxiety we all are.
There are very few people I detested more in the late 90s and early 2000s than Roy Keane but must admit he seems like a very decent guy in his post playing career punditry days. Impeccable timing with the humor.
But you can see his leadership in that exchange with Wrighty. There is no way he'd allow players to be feeling sorry for themselves right now in our locker room.
Would be a truly sad thing if that's the case.
Yes, absolutely awful, either way.
Looking ahead to Sunday and could we play Calafiori in front of Hincapie and move Martinelli to the centre. A bit more nouse with Calafiori and the pace of Martinelli might just work and it adds a bit more defensive stability on one side of the pitch, just need to sort out the right.
Is Odegaard really going to miss yet another game? Fucking hell!
I'm afraid he's turned into Odeyasu
Did anyone else think that, even by his usual hyper standards, Arteta was near hysterical at times yesterday? A man who knows his job is/is about to be on the line?
I think he is totally emotionally invested. I very strongly suspect that fears about his job are way down the list.
Whatever, his histrionics are often not helpful.
Our histrionics are totally hidden to the players
Is Odegaard really going to miss yet another game? Fucking hell!
Hard for that to be a random event, maybe it was deliberate?
Would be a truly sad thing if that's the case.
It's not to usurp. It's to give Saka regular meaningful rest, not a 'break glass in case of emergencies'
When it comes to Saka Arteta only has the "break glass in case of emergencies" mode.
R.I.P. Alex Manninger
His car was hit by a train! What a tragic way to go.
Hard for that to be a random event, maybe it was deliberate?
Martinelli predates Edu by a few years I believe
He was a great buy for £6m.
Shame he didn't meet our expectations, but still great business- and his workmates is wonderful. He's just not good enough.
R.I.P. Alex Manninger
His car was hit by a train! What a tragic way to go.
Gosh Wrighty on the Overlap completely crestfallen that we've given it away and Roy Keane of all people consoling him and telling him that we've not fallen away yet, we are the top of the table, and n...
It sounds like Wrighty is battling the same anxiety we all are.
Gosh Wrighty on the Overlap completely crestfallen that we've given it away and Roy Keane of all people consoling him and telling him that we've not fallen away yet, we are the top of the table, and n...
I was hoping he would be optimistic and raise my spirits.
I'm not sure 50m is marquee money anymore (although it's exorbitant in this instance). Also, why would you look to buy a marquee player to usurp Saka when the obvious place to upgrade is LW.
It's not to usurp. It's to give Saka regular meaningful rest, not a 'break glass in case of emergencies'
Gosh Wrighty on the Overlap completely crestfallen that we've given it away and Roy Keane of all people consoling him and telling him that we've not fallen away yet, we are the top of the table, and nows the time to stand up straight to go on and win it.
My reaction to last night's progress into the semis should have been excitement, but it was Meh.......
Agreed, not a thrill by any stretch, but it was better than the shitshow on Saturday. All focus should be on Sunday. Worry about Atleti when the time comes.
Dennis is good at finding hot Brazilians! Maybe he should become Arsenal's South American scout!
Heh. Not sure my wife would be on board with that MdC tempting as it may be—for the ladies team—that is.
My reaction to last night's progress into the semis should have been excitement, but it was Meh.......
Actually looks like they both arrived July 2019
Edu didn't do much great , does martinelli count as a Edu signing . Brazilian info...? Was Noni on Edu or bertas watch to say yes to Arteta?
Martinelli predates Edu by a few years I believe
All the likes of Elanga, Madueke, Joao Pedro, Cunha, Solanke, Mbeumo, Gyokeres, Sesko, etc moved for basically a minimum of 60m.... that's just the cost to do business for PL clubs for players with an...
Edu didn't do much great , does martinelli count as a Edu signing . Brazilian info...? Was Noni on Edu or bertas watch to say yes to Arteta?
I'm not sure 50m is marquee money anymore (although it's exorbitant in this instance). Also, why would you look to buy a marquee player to usurp Saka when the obvious place to upgrade is LW.
Injuries aside- none of our historical attacking reference points have shown up. Not a single one.
I'm not sure 50m is marquee money anymore (although it's exorbitant in this instance). Also, why would you look to buy a marquee player to usurp Saka when the obvious place to upgrade is LW.
Peak gaslighting was 'Madueke can play on the left!'
WHO was our last good woolly cunt?
Merino? 😅
Well in Pontus
Sid Lowe doing a live Q&A on The Guardian website at the moment. He's been asked about how the Spanish football world see PSG's ability to postpone games to freshen their players for CL matches an...
it wouldn't surprise me. They're in a position where they're far enough ahead of those below that they won't drop down a spot but also fairly unlikely to move up a spot. Simeone is going to rest the fuck out of his squad.
I’ve consistently thought that there’s a good player lurking somewhere in Gyokeres and all we need to do is find a way to unlock him but I just don’t know how much longer I can continue to keep thinki...
"occasionally does something good with it"
But even that feels like random luck. It's like kicking a ball at a round pole. Most of the time it's going to bounce to helter skelter but every once is a while it will actually come back to you.
I'm not sure 50m is marquee money anymore (although it's exorbitant in this instance). Also, why would you look to buy a marquee player to usurp Saka when the obvious place to upgrade is LW.
Nah, that's going too far. In fact, I welcomed his reaction cos players like Trossard have been way below par.
There is plenty of blame to go around- Arteta... his staff... but FFS the players have been absolutely shocking. Some players are hitting a rough patch right now but some of them haven't showed up at all this season.
"more one of convenience."
practically ALL of our Chelsea transfers felt more like convenience** rather than getting what we actually needed. The only one I can remember who fit what we were l...
Benayoun, I suppose, did fit the Jorginho mould as well, decent temporary depth option.
but the rest can go pound sand.
If he has to stay calm so should the arses, especially on a matchday 😊
I've mentioned a few times the failure to capitalise on Pepe's finishing ability and turn him into a striker ala van Persie. Getting Willian in when Pepe was hitting his groove was a disgraceful decis...
"more one of convenience."
practically ALL of our Chelsea transfers felt more like convenience** rather than getting what we actually needed. The only one I can remember who fit what we were looking for was Jorginho (not a first-teamer, an inexpensive but decent deep lying depth option).
(**besides the couple that felt like pure Raul corruption)
Did anyone else think that, even by his usual hyper standards, Arteta was near hysterical at times yesterday? A man who knows his job is/is about to be on the line?
Nah, that's going too far. In fact, I welcomed his reaction cos players like Trossard have been way below par.
I don't think it's about his job potentially being on the line. I think he's absolutely desperate for this team to succeed. He wants it more than anybody. But damn the tank looks near empty.
Fair enough. Maybe someone should tell him that when crisis threatens staying calm is a pretty good starting point.
Don't reckon his job is on the line
Did anyone else think that, even by his usual hyper standards, Arteta was near hysterical at times yesterday? A man who knows his job is/is about to be on the line?
I don't think it's about his job potentially being on the line. I think he's absolutely desperate for this team to succeed. He wants it more than anybody. But damn the tank looks near empty.
Did anyone else think that, even by his usual hyper standards, Arteta was near hysterical at times yesterday? A man who knows his job is/is about to be on the line?
Rice looks permanently shagged. Another thing I don't understand and has come as a shock to me.
At the risk of confirming the opinion of some of you, this part of the season is really making me quest...
We can probably literally count on one hand the number of games where we showed free flowing fluency this season. That said we were overpowering and bullying teams with our physicality and organization for long stretches.
Unfortunately our stamina/energy levels have plummeted along with the mental focus stamina that level of organization required.
At this point I'm not sure how much training ground work is helpful. Feels like they all need some time away from football for a few days altogether.
Just think it's our style. Other teams, like C155h, for example, make the ball do a lot of the work.
We always look shattered, Rice especially, and then we wonder where the injuries accumulate.
Rice looks permanently shagged. Another thing I don't understand and has come as a shock to me.
At the risk of confirming the opinion of some of you, this part of the season is really making me question my knowledge of Arsenal and football in general. I naively assumed some of the deficiencies a mere spectator like me can see would be honed in by the endless analysts and coaches employed by the club.
So much tragedy in the world, it's becoming harder to compartmentalise these things.
RIP AM
Just think it's our style. Other teams, like C155h, for example, make the ball do a lot of the work.
We always look shattered, Rice especially, and then we wonder where the injuries accumulate.
100% agree
To be fair Joao Pedro having a very good season and way better value than most that moved this summer.
I heard on the Handbrake Off podcast that we apparently ran like 4-5km more than Bournemouth even though they looked like they were running rings around us.
Just think it's our style. Other teams, like C155h, for example, make the ball do a lot of the work.
We always look shattered, Rice especially, and then we wonder where the injuries accumulate.
Oh my God. Manninger dead.
How awful
RIP Alex
All the likes of Elanga, Madueke, Joao Pedro, Cunha, Solanke, Mbeumo, Gyokeres, Sesko, etc moved for basically a minimum of 60m.... that's just the cost to do business for PL clubs for players with an...
Dennis is good at finding hot Brazilians! Maybe he should become Arsenal's South American scout!
Noni has had as good a season and number as Elanga at Newcastle, who for the money is reasonable comparison of who transfered in the summer in the premier. He has a great shot , he should more. Fourt...
All the likes of Elanga, Madueke, Joao Pedro, Cunha, Solanke, Mbeumo, Gyokeres, Sesko, etc moved for basically a minimum of 60m.... that's just the cost to do business for PL clubs for players with any sort of name recognition.
We do lack the ability to find the diamonds in the rough though. For all of Edu's relationships in Brazil we basically got Marquinos.
Nope I just looked it up.
Arsenal 116.3km run
Bournemouth 111.1km run
Ok must have been Raya running around at the end.
:-p
I thought it was the other way around, they ran 5km more than we did?
Nope I just looked it up.
Arsenal 116.3km run
Bournemouth 111.1km run
Only thing liable to explose in Madueke is his hamstring. I see very little that seperates him from your run of the mill relegation level speedy wingers. Your Jefferson Monteros, Encisos, Nathan Redmo...
Noni has had as good a season and number as Elanga at Newcastle, who for the money is reasonable comparison of who transfered in the summer in the premier. He has a great shot , he should more. Fourth fastest player in the league last season.
I heard on the Handbrake Off podcast that we apparently ran like 4-5km more than Bournemouth even though they looked like they were running rings around us.
I thought it was the other way around, they ran 5km more than we did?
I'm afraid that's a generous interpretation. What I saw was a team that worked hard - harder than I would have preferred, because it couldn't keep possession.
Maybe you're right, but I don't think so...
I heard on the Handbrake Off podcast that we apparently ran like 4-5km more than Bournemouth even though they looked like they were running rings around us.
They could be linked to the hardness of the training ground pitch which is apparently equivalent to the hardness of the Emirates pitch because Arsène wanted it that way.
I have often wondered about that. Makes sense to have the training grounds the same as the stadium of course. But it would be interesting to know whether they are of the same consistency/texture as other grounds so at least we could rule that out. Could bring a while new meaning to Xg!
Why should the players knacker themselves out with a big game at the weekend against a rested team? We did enough.
I'm afraid that's a generous interpretation. What I saw was a team that worked hard - harder than I would have preferred, because it couldn't keep possession.
Maybe you're right, but I don't think so.
Nevertheless, I'll cling to this positive view like a drowning man grasps at a straw (Thomas More, Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation, 1534)
Why should the players knacker themselves out with a big game at the weekend against a rested team? We did enough.
Oh my God. Manninger dead.
How awful
We can lose and still win. It's just a game. It's not Anfield 89
They have to do one great performance. If we can get their best on Sunday and pull off a miracle, I do think it'll be ours and that could start the momentum again. We can only hope.
Way back in June we were looking at that fixture as a potential title decider, and here we are. After last weekend it definitely is that now.
One other positive note, Hincapie and defence aside, was Zubimendi, who struck me as having more positive intent. I think he was consciously trying to get forward. Why he was the back post man on all ...
"Merino, Merino, Merino."
I remember saying at the time that injury felt like it was a subtly massive blow. You don't expect to miss squad players all that much but we have really really missed him.
Oh man that's horrible and sobering
"We are not perfect, we need to improve things,"
but how do you do that when two of those things have only been with the club 10 months and, unless we are unexpectedly ruthless in the summer, will not be moved on?
Sad news. Puts our woes and dejection about our recent form in perspective.
"when a David Raya mistake gave us the jitters squirters"
"A single shot on target."
we did have one off the post though... not that that means anything.
Shocking! In an instant it can all be over, life is so fragile. RIP Alex Manninger, yes, as with others I agree there was a moment it really seemed he would go on to a long and stellar career at Arsenal. Well loved, tragic loss.
Fuck fuck man
He was so iconic in 97/98. Really thought he could be Seamans long term successor.
That shootout at Upton Park. That orange jersey.
RIP champ.
6 consecutive clean sheets in the league
Oh shit man. Fuck that's so sad.
Rest in peace, Alex. 😢 so tragic
Arse!
well in pppontus
Good morning semi-finalists.
I can always count on the match day arses to make me feel so much worse about my team than I did on my own. 🤷
Fuck fuck man
He was so iconic in 97/98. Really thought he could be Seamans long term successor.
That shootout at Upton Park. That orange jersey.
RIP champ.
Oh no 😢 what a hero he was for us in 97/98
Absolutely this! Own it and run through brick walls for the fans. This is where the likes of Trossard and Jesus have to step up and imbibe the responsibility. Do the simple things but well.
I get the feeling some players are more prepared to run through brick walls than others. Declan, for example, playing through injury/illness. Others ... we don't know the extent of their injuries, of course, but, given what's at stake ...
I watched Thierry Henry last night, thanking Patrick Vieira (who was at the game) for putting his knees on the line for the club...
It's tedious at this point to pick through the bones of this team to find bright spots. Enough about Kai's intelligence. Sure. But at the end of the day he's an ineffective player overwhelmingly more ...
I agree Arteta isn’t going to change much tactically. So the best option is to rely on our strength which is the defense.
It's all in front of the players right now. Motherfuckers need to stand up and be counted. Simple as that- it couldn't be any clearer.
Absolutely this! Own it and run through brick walls for the fans. This is where the likes of Trossard and Jesus have to step up and imbibe the responsibility. Do the simple things but well.
Semenyo, perhaps, but I doubt we stood a chance of getting Kravadonna. Didn't hear anything linking him with us. We struggle to compete with one nation state funded team 'oop north, let alone another ...
They got him for so cheap though, we really shouldve thrown our name in the hat :/
Hindsight is great and the club was under so much pressure to buy a centre forward, but they should have put that money on the gaping black hole that is the left sided attacker.
Some of us have been begging for a left sided attacker for three seasons now. I hoped it was Eze but the manager clearly doesn't rate him there.
Hindsight is great and the club was under so much pressure to buy a centre forward, but they should have put that money on the gaping black hole that is the left sided attacker.
It's all in front of the players right now. Motherfuckers need to stand up and be counted. Simple as that- it couldn't be any clearer.
Hindsight is great and the club was under so much pressure to buy a centre forward, but they should have put that money on the gaping black hole that is the left sided attacker.
I suppose that’s true. He certainly not the only problem, maybe not even the biggest problem. But he’s still frustratingly bad technically and he’s not helping.
60m is basically minimum price you will pay for a striker with any name recognition. Look at the fees for guys like Solanke.
I still am puzzled why we can't recruit under the radar striking talents. Last ones were Giroud and Eduardo probably.
There were people on here who watch way more football than me who were saying Semenyo and Ekitike in the summer were the best options. In the past we were linked to Osimhen, Isak, Kvara and Dembele. E...
I've been hot on Semenyo forever but Ekitike looked like another Gakpo to me.
Isak I wanted as well but once he went to Newcastle and had that season no chance for us... his injury record is very poor though.
Osimhen has a weird team around him with wage demands so that is a massive red flag. Kvara is an amazing player but not on my radar. Dembele is a massive miss for every club in the world not named PSG.
I'm not sure Gyok is as huge a miss as we're making it out to be. It was pretty much universally accepted that the striker market wasn't great in the summer. The thinking was we just needed a striker ...
I suppose that’s true. He certainly not the only problem, maybe not even the biggest problem. But he’s still frustratingly bad technically and he’s not helping.
It's tedious at this point to pick through the bones of this team to find bright spots. Enough about Kai's intelligence. Sure. But at the end of the day he's an ineffective player overwhelmingly more ...
This is where i am too. Our attacking players are just mostly shit, injured, or both. Why thats the case seems like a question for after the seasons over.
And maybe you can blame the coaches for part of it (overplaying certain players, too much focus on control, etc. ).
But the injuries are what they are, and the transfer window is closed. We’re not going to change into an attacking team at this point. This is who we are is that good enough to win one of these trophies? I have my doubts, but at this point, I don’t think there’s a tactical solution that Arteta can draw on.
Sometimes I find it helpful to ruminate on this shit, or at least it helps to vent, or something. But the truth is, it’s just white knuckle time from here to the end.
For sure I think we could have landed Semenyo in the summer. But we spent our money elsewhere. We definitely weren't going to spend in January.
Semenyo instead of Madueke and Sunday's game wouldn't m...
There were people on here who watch way more football than me who were saying Semenyo and Ekitike in the summer were the best options. In the past we were linked to Osimhen, Isak, Kvara and Dembele. Edu was blamed for at least a couple of those misses. It's like Wenger who could have signed Ronaldo all over again. Maybe we're just not destined to have those players who if you go by what they've done since, would be lighting up our attack. Maybe this is all destined. It's just sad to see how awful our attack really is.
Wow that Gyok deal was a huge miss, eh? Not that i really blame the club- i thought it was reasonable at the time, and its not like the other options have torn it up.
Still, he's really shit.
I'm not sure Gyok is as huge a miss as we're making it out to be. It was pretty much universally accepted that the striker market wasn't great in the summer. The thinking was we just needed a striker to come in and contribute 20 goals and that would be enough.
Of course that was predicated on the rest of the team doing their job and getting their respective G/A targets which fucking not a single one has done besides maybe Martinelli.
If just two other players had done the business we'd probably be home free.
Arse
Well in pppontus. Morning / afternoon all.
I look forward to possibly hearing the crowd chant:
"We're shit, but we won the league."
Doubt we had a serious chance with Semenyo once C115h registered their influence, er I mean interest.
For sure I think we could have landed Semenyo in the summer. But we spent our money elsewhere. We definitely weren't going to spend in January.
Semenyo instead of Madueke and Sunday's game wouldn't matter.
It's tedious at this point to pick through the bones of this team to find bright spots. Enough about Kai's intelligence. Sure. But at the end of the day he's an ineffective player overwhelmingly more often that not. We knew there were flaws in these players individually and this team but it's like they are all coming to roost at the same time including the injuries.
I'm not sure what Arteta can do tactically at this point. It seems to me it will come down to hunger and sheer will to get over it over the line.
I keep doing that haha... yes, Anthony Gordon.
Sid Lowe doing a live Q&A on The Guardian website at the moment. He's been asked about how the Spanish football world see PSG's ability to postpone games to freshen their players for CL matches and whether Uefa should step in to prevent the practice.
I've read somewhere this morning that, in a similar fashion, Simeone is going to rest his First XI in their remaining La Liga matches, as they have nothing to play for, so they can be fresh for for CL. (I've asked Sid Lowe whether this is true but am probably too late to get my Q answered ...)
He was also asked about whether he thinks Arteta will go to Spain after Arsenal ...
Madueke was bought as Saka back-up. I highly doubt the club envisioned him as some sort of latent superstar.
Then why pay £50M+
Craig Gordon. The rumours aren't going away.
Anthony Gordon's dad?
Wow that Gyok deal was a huge miss, eh? Not that i really blame the club- i thought it was reasonable at the time, and its not like the other options have torn it up.
Still, he's really shit.
I thought he was getting a bit better, but yesterday was bad. It was like a black hole, when we played the ball long to our forwards yesterday.
I've tried to avoid social media since the Bournemouth match, just making short forays here. I'm afraid i haven't lost the sense of dread that's been building since the beginning of the year.
At the s...
I’ve consistently thought that there’s a good player lurking somewhere in Gyokeres and all we need to do is find a way to unlock him but I just don’t know how much longer I can continue to keep thinking that.
Madueke is like a primary school kid playing for his school team. Gets the ball and just sets up running with it. Very little tactical considerations , occasionally does something good with it, but frequently just runs out of pitch.
These don’t seem to be things that can be coached out of players at their age and I suspect that the management are sweating over the fact that they’ve bought a couple of pups and at some point are going to have to face up to the financial consequences
I’ve now read the blog a couple of times and if we spend money in the Summer on defenders and don’t look at sorting out the attacking options then …then…then
I don’t know what, just then……
Craig Gordon. The rumours aren't going away.
Wow that Gyok deal was a huge miss, eh? Not that i really blame the club- i thought it was reasonable at the time, and its not like the other options have torn it up.
Still, he's really shit.
Can give the club some grace for that particular deal (I also wanted him tbh). At least they tried.
Wow that Gyok deal was a huge miss, eh? Not that i really blame the club- i thought it was reasonable at the time, and its not like the other options have torn it up.
Still, he's really shit.
People scratching their heads about injuries ought to cast their minds back to summer 2024 when it was decided that entering the season with six midfielders - including an injured Ødegaard and 17-year old Nwaneri - was sufficient. As it transpired, Nwaneri wasn't fully trusted... so the club essentially banked on Ødegaard's fitness for midfield creativity.
It's not hard.
I’ve now read the blog a couple of times and if we spend money in the Summer on defenders and don’t look at sorting out the attacking options then …then…then
I don’t know what, just then……
Sorry I went to the front door and accidentally sent last post.
Re. Madueke!: I couldn't really see this potential but I was desperate to grasp on to any possibility that we hadn't wasted £50m+.
I ...
Top post. You've brilliantly described the feelings of impotence and helplessness so many of us are experiencing.
The injuries are a complete mind fuck. Yes, it has happened to so many teams in the premier league, but the pattern with us is deeply worrying. If Arteta knowingly played Saka and Havertz to the point of no return cos he didn't have any other options, then we're certainly paying a severe price now, aren't we?
Doubt we had a serious chance with Semenyo once C115h registered their influence, er I mean interest.
Pleased to see that Zubimendi got man of the match last night as he works so hard.
Yes, he also looked extremely mobile which was good to see. Rice on the other hand looked exhausted, hopefully he is rested and fully fit before the weekend.
Also I think Havertz will start Sunday.
Sorry I went to the front door and accidentally sent last post.
Re. Madueke!: I couldn't really see this potential but I was desperate to grasp on to any possibility that we hadn't wasted £50m+.
I ...
Madueke was bought as Saka back-up. I highly doubt the club envisioned him as some sort of latent superstar.
That's right but it's a perfect illustration of this level of players. They have some attritbutes, they show "potential" but realistically the crushing majority never manage to put it all together and...
Semenyo, perhaps, but I doubt we stood a chance of getting Kravadonna. Didn't hear anything linking him with us. We struggle to compete with one nation state funded team 'oop north, let alone another one in France.
I've tried to avoid social media since the Bournemouth match, just making short forays here. I'm afraid i haven't lost the sense of dread that's been building since the beginning of the year.
At the s...
Sorry I went to the front door and accidentally sent last post.
Re. Madueke!: I couldn't really see this potential but I was desperate to grasp on to any possibility that we hadn't wasted £50m+.
I was happy about Zubi because I thought his presence would allow Odegaard to play further up the pitch and I was happy about Eze as he could provide a different way of playing.
I relied on others knowing better than me but I really didn't see players that would allow us to play an expansive game.
What I was certain about was that the team needed time to get players back and integrate ew players.
Unfortunately, there has been no transformation. Yes, injuries have severely hampered our progress, but this begs the question: why do we have so many injuries? Thus happens year after year. This year we spent big on depth and made a purposeful decision to stack the squad with no huge drop-offs. Of course, there can be no guarantees, but I am immeasurably peeved at the continuing pattern of injuries and the lack of rotation.
Maybe I'm still angry and not thinking clearly, but I am massively underwhelmed- not at the results, but our performances. I'm certain these have led to the anger and frustration. I recall looking at Emery's teams and hating what I saw. I don't think I feel to far from that feeling.
Maybe I'm 'entitled' maybe I'm just 'angry' but I really am losing 0atience at the prospect of another Ground Hog Day season.
Didn't Monteros ruin Callum Chambers's career? The others had purple patches. Redmond gave Cory a torrid time in one match which led to Pep doing his thing of giving an opposition player a coaching se...
That's right but it's a perfect illustration of this level of players. They have some attritbutes, they show "potential" but realistically the crushing majority never manage to put it all together and consistently. Noni has so many red flags pointing towards that likely scenario and yet we paid a huge sum for him. Compare with Semenyo, the guy was clearly world class material, same with Kvara. We had a realistic chance of getting each of those, we end up picking a clear downgrade.
Town is absolutely heaving with Vallecano supporters. Could get a bit feisty tonight
Only thing liable to explose in Madueke is his hamstring. I see very little that seperates him from your run of the mill relegation level speedy wingers. Your Jefferson Monteros, Encisos, Nathan Redmo...
Didn't Monteros ruin Callum Chambers's career? The others had purple patches. Redmond gave Cory a torrid time in one match which led to Pep doing his thing of giving an opposition player a coaching session in full view of the cameras post-game.
Only thing liable to explose in Madueke is his hamstring. I see very little that seperates him from your run of the mill relegation level speedy wingers. Your Jefferson Monteros, Encisos, Nathan Redmonds, Matt Richies, Wayne Routledges, Nathan Dyers, Ryan Frasers, Scott Sinclairs, you know the type.
I've tried to avoid social media since the Bournemouth match, just making short forays here. I'm afraid i haven't lost the sense of dread that's been building since the beginning of the year.
At the s...
I'm surprised you're a user of social media, let alone someone who pays attention to it. You come across on here as such an articulate, intelligent and thoughtful man.
He explodes like a clown car when he tries to run with the ball.
Hahaha! This is where coaching should be earning its coin. Coach him to do the simple things repeatedly, gradually add other facets to his, er, arsenal, teach him to slow down in deed and thought... hopefully at some point a more rounded footballer should emerge capable of being not just Saka's understudy but worthy of his place.
I've tried to avoid social media since the Bournemouth match, just making short forays here. I'm afraid i haven't lost the sense of dread that's been building since the beginning of the year.
At the s...
He explodes like a clown car when he tries to run with the ball.
I've tried to avoid social media since the Bournemouth match, just making short forays here. I'm afraid i haven't lost the sense of dread that's been building since the beginning of the year.
At the start of the season I was patient. We did well, but we weren't an attacking force. Why would we be? We had multiple injuries and a host of new players to absorb
I was always puzzled by the expectation on Gyokeres: he was clearly a very limited player, but once he was bought, it was up to Arteta to maximise his use. I wasn't alone in being dismayed by Madueke- especially gpr such an inflated sum - but I thought that the club must be basing their decision on something tangible. I wondered if they thought he would explode at some stage like Salah after he left Chelsea
Thanks for the reasonable explanation. How we can look so burnt out when rivals look full of juicy juice is beyond comprehension to me. It's been such a shock it's left me wondering how much I underst...
Pep's speshul juice
so you don't think Ode & Havertz not playing has anything to do with the lack of output, coupled with Sakas injury struggles ??
Injuries have played a part, yes, but we were struggling to open teams up to create chances from the very start of the season.
It hasn't just suddenly materialised.
Pleased to see that Zubimendi got man of the match last night as he works so hard.
Nomi , was it berta or the last days of Edu, deal already agreed , involved at the time ?
Anyone
It’s Noni… and pretty sure Arteta pushed the boat out for that one.
I don't think Ode and Havertz injuries are as linked to being overplayed as Saka's.
They could be linked to the hardness of the training ground pitch which is apparently equivalent to the hardness of the Emirates pitch because Arsène wanted it that way.
Remember Greece and Portugal at the Euros?
Yep, we'll Shithouse and bore everyone to death as we win our 1st ever CL!
Quick Hazza, pass me that crack pipe!
I'd say that Arteta's refusal to rotate and give players some time makes the problem worse
I don't think Ode and Havertz injuries are as linked to being overplayed as Saka's.
Pepe scored crackers for us. Could head the ball and play with his back to goal, too. The potential was there. Sweet, sweet left foot. Isn't spotting potential and capitalising on it part of the job o...
I'll be honest, my memory of Pepe's time with us has started to fade but him being good at heading isn't something I recall.
Of course that is part of coaching.
Just seen the Bayern v Real highlights. Those goals, all of them, such high quality. Kane on 50 goals for the season. One of Bayern and PSG should win the trophy, but Atletico have got so close severa...
Remember Greece and Portugal at the Euros?
Yep, we'll Shithouse and bore everyone to death as we win our 1st ever CL!
so you don't think Ode & Havertz not playing has anything to do with the lack of output, coupled with Sakas injury struggles ??
I'd say that Arteta's refusal to rotate and give players some time makes the problem worse
This is a manager who got in Willian because he was annoyed with Pepe despite his goal contributions, then tried to buy a Ukrainian 100-metre runner, then Kai and Noni.
Arteta has either overvalued ...
so you don't think Ode & Havertz not playing has anything to do with the lack of output, coupled with Sakas injury struggles ??
I think it's a stretch to draw similarities between Pepe and Van Persie. Understand hindsight is 20:20 but Pepe has done very little of note since leaving us.
Pepe scored crackers for us. Could head the ball and play with his back to goal, too. The potential was there. Sweet, sweet left foot. Isn't spotting potential and capitalising on it part of the job of coaching?
I've mentioned a few times the failure to capitalise on Pepe's finishing ability and turn him into a striker ala van Persie. Getting Willian in when Pepe was hitting his groove was a disgraceful decis...
I think it's a stretch to draw similarities between Pepe and Van Persie. Understand hindsight is 20:20 but Pepe has done very little of note since leaving us.
Missed the last two games. What did I miss?
Goals, goals goals??
Madueke is firmly on Arteta. If you prioritise technical security and defensive discipline, why on earth did you spend 50m on that guy.
Nomi , was it berta or the last days of Edu, deal already agreed , involved at the time ?
Anyone
That was dire and Gyokeres, who I have been supportive of, was absolutely dreadful. Sjeesh, he was bad. Madueke the headless chicken and The Calm One berating Trossard was just ridiculous.
Fuck Trossard! Seriously, Mr I-Won't-Celebrate-Cos I'm-Not-Playing has developed main character syndrome. Simple passes not made, sensible options not taken...he has got into his head he has to try the difficult things despite them not coming off.
This is a manager who got in Willian because he was annoyed with Pepe despite his goal contributions, then tried to buy a Ukrainian 100-metre runner, then Kai and Noni.
Arteta has either overvalued ...
I've mentioned a few times the failure to capitalise on Pepe's finishing ability and turn him into a striker ala van Persie. Getting Willian in when Pepe was hitting his groove was a disgraceful decision. They were clearly not making decisions based on what their eyes were telling them, more one of convenience.
That was dire and Gyokeres, who I have been supportive of, was absolutely dreadful. Sjeesh, he was bad. Madueke the headless chicken and The Calm One berating Trossard was just ridiculous.
This is a manager who got in Willian because he was annoyed with Pepe despite his goal contributions, then tried to buy a Ukrainian 100-metre runner, then Kai and Noni.
Arteta has either overvalued ...
Aside from Gyokeres, when we're fully fit (or at least close to it), this team can play good attacking football.
Been thinking a lot about the reliance on corners. I very much doubt the players were told "this is now how we score goals", but we seemed to fall into that trap and at times it looks like the players don't really want to try anything else. The time we take over set pieces links to this and then subsequently I think our drop in attacking temp.
Thanks for the reasonable explanation. How we can look so burnt out when rivals look full of juicy juice is beyond comprehension to me. It's been such a shock it's left me wondering how much I underst...
Allowing players to peak at the right time and not burn them out by the new year is down to coaching and style of play, and it's something Arteta has fundamentally not understood or managed.
This is a manager who got in Willian because he was annoyed with Pepe despite his goal contributions, then tried to buy a Ukrainian 100-metre runner, then Kai and Noni.
Arteta has either overvalued their ability or overvalued his own to elicit the kind of performances from these players that are required.
We've got a very poor forward line and two defensive coaches. Is it any wonder the attack looks as bad as it does?
The corners at the start of the season papered over a lot of the attacking cracks. They are a legitimate way of scoring, but they became the only way.
I think Norgaard was always meant to play this amount. This squads Elneny. Good lad, professional, play cup minutes.
Odegaards inability to stay on the pitch and Wooly going down is what has banjaxed...
Thanks for the reasonable explanation. How we can look so burnt out when rivals look full of juicy juice is beyond comprehension to me. It's been such a shock it's left me wondering how much I understand about the team.
I think Norgaard was always meant to play this amount. This squads Elneny. Good lad, professional, play cup minutes.
Odegaards inability to stay on the pitch and Wooly going down is what has banjaxed us.
Question about our physical drop off. What's the cause? Spunking £13m on Noorgard then refusing to use him to take minutes out of the midfield has been a horrible, horrible failure of recruitment. This is the former captain of an established premier league team. I remember his nasty tackle on Martinelli in our home game against Brentford, so it's not as if he can't put it about, and I doubt a club as smartly run as Brentford would have made him captain and the anchor of their midfield if he wasn't up to scratch.
Beyond that, the fucking injuries! Ahhhh!
Heh! I've done my best to ignore them, but I've come to despise a section of their fan base cos of their unhinged hatred of us to the point where they'd rather lose to City and took to wearing their top in support of them. That's fucking ridiculous mentality which has put them on the precipice of relegation. Not even the most rabid Arsenal fan would go down that route. Disgusting.
Hmm, I'm not sure I'm on board with this stuff about changing the way we play to accommodate Gyokeres stuff. I get we are where we are and we need to get the best out of every player right now, but it...
Madueke is firmly on Arteta. If you prioritise technical security and defensive discipline, why on earth did you spend 50m on that guy.
Sporting lad was down in front of me on the byeline in the first half (from what looked like an "embarrassment" injury to be hoest) so the game was stopped whist he got therapy, players got water, got...
Yeah, we've gotten used to the Premier League refs adding lots more time on now, it's weird when Champions Leaguebrefs don't.
Hmm, I'm not sure I'm on board with this stuff about changing the way we play to accommodate Gyokeres stuff. I get we are where we are and we need to get the best out of every player right now, but it is a singular failing of recruitment if we need to change our playing pattern fundamentally, but can't seem to do it, to accommodate one player. The guy couldn't trap a bag of cement.
The recruitment team should be looking for square pegs for square holes.
Not that it had anything to do with our turgid performance, but the referee was comically bad yesterday, consistently awful on the simple decisions
Sporting lad was down in front of me on the byeline in the first half (from what looked like an "embarrassment" injury to be hoest) so the game was stopped whist he got therapy, players got water, got sonme e-ffogging, fags were smoked, tea was brewed...
1 min extra time.
Unfortunately Alan Sunderland is on the road with The Jackson 5🎤
Not that it had anything to do with our turgid performance, but the referee was comically bad yesterday, consistently awful on the simple decisions
He can barely control a football on the run. Your comments, the excuse narrative, is exactly what I was talking about about past players like Nketiah. There's no need to make excuses. He's a mediocre ...
Peoples definition of Reason vs excuses are the main argument about football on social media . Imo
I look for reason for inconsistency. To see how to fix a issue. That's not letting the player off the hook. It's about how to approach the future matches as a team.
I said on here Sign Michael olise from place and convert Saka back to left wing . And saka could also play right sometimes . People said crazy, doesn't look like it now .
. It would definitely be b...
I noticed Eze at Palace before Olise and Blogs was singing Olise's praises from way back. He was destined to go to a massive club. I didn't realise how good he is. That goal last night was special.
For all my criticisms here, I say again I wanted Gyökeres and have been trying to defend him all season. I still think he strikes a ball beautifully and he's not been fed in the right way. But I can't...
I said on here Sign Michael olise from place and convert Saka back to left wing . And saka could also play right sometimes . People said crazy, doesn't look like it now .
. It would definitely be better money spent and work .
I honestly think now Saka on the left would help Big vik game as Saka body shape open to cross first time . Then you could switch up olise and saha left and right
it just seems very strange to me to this salty ol sea dog, we're in only our 4 CL Semi Final, are top of the league with a 3* pt lead in Mid April, but all i'm getting is doom and gloom from some....
...
What if (and I don't want to double jinx it) the doom and gloom is exactly what this team needs. Because for the past three months all we've had is barely contained glee that (ssshhh, don't say it) we may win a quadruple, that Arteta is a genius, that it doesn't matter how bad we play we keep winning, that the league is a done deal. Maybe that led to come complacency, unconscious as it may have been. Maybe this team doesn't need the cotton wool idddums treatment, maybe they need a fire up their arses, and the fans writing them off. I am totally happy with those online tacticos (who seem to have disappeared from my X timeline recently) to tell me I'm not a real fan and I don't have a right to enjouy any trophy we may still win between now and the end of the seaon. I'll take all that accusation of knowing fuck all about football, being a plastic fan, whatever. Let's just vent what we're really feeling, none of this manufactured nonsense. I respect and admire the fans who can keep the posotive narrative, but every fan regardless of their view wants Arsenal to do this by hook or by crook. But some harsh truths have needed to be said. I get it upsets some fans, but it's the reality of others. This "if you ain't got anything positive to say, don't say anything" for me is a kind of suppression and I think that has its own toxicity. Just my opinion of course, oters have different views, but there is it.
True, but that is what the goalkeeper is there for.
Heh, but he's not having the baby is he?
But for a goalkeeper's outstretched hand, Dowman's wicked corner may well have gone in the net (ref shouldn't have called a foul there either, should have been a corner).
That delivery was so peachy and fizzy. Especially from my viewpoint. And that particular CL ball shows spin and swerve like no other since the Rivelino/Tostao one.
it just seems very strange to me to this salty ol sea dog, we're in only our 4 CL Semi Final, are top of the league with a 3* pt lead in Mid April, but all i'm getting is doom and gloom from some....
to paraphrase.....
There were monsters in that room, and it was us.....
Maybe some of the social media parasites are right, maybe Arsenal fans are the worst....
get a bleedin grip chaps....
But for a goalkeeper's outstretched hand, Dowman's wicked corner may well have gone in the net (ref shouldn't have called a foul there either, should have been a corner).
True, but that is what the goalkeeper is there for.
But for a goalkeeper's outstretched hand, Dowman's wicked corner may well have gone in the net (ref shouldn't have called a foul there either, should have been a corner).
There was no foul
I think it's the same in a different way to Martinelli. Their initial touch to control the ball is of the highest quality (I don't think they get to such a high level without that, but it's still imma...
But for a goalkeeper's outstretched hand, Dowman's wicked corner may well have gone in the net (ref shouldn't have called a foul there either, should have been a corner).
For all my criticisms here, I say again I wanted Gyökeres and have been trying to defend him all season. I still think he strikes a ball beautifully and he's not been fed in the right way. But I can't...
I think the focus on how Arsenal must adapt to him makes sense, but it's only because he is what he is as a player, and it's too late for him to change/develop
Him and Gyokeres is £110m+ on two very average players. Maybe that's the going rate these days, but still ...
For all my criticisms here, I say again I wanted Gyökeres and have been trying to defend him all season. I still think he strikes a ball beautifully and he's not been fed in the right way. But I can't keep defending him. He is a very limited footballer and we've suffered from him and Madueke not adding anything significant to our attack.
Dunno NB, he's impressed me on a number of occasions with his *initial* control. Other times his touch has been wank, but that's not his main deficiency for me. I think the issue is all in the brain ...
I think it's the same in a different way to Martinelli. Their initial touch to control the ball is of the highest quality (I don't think they get to such a high level without that, but it's still immaculate). It's what they do after, they're struggling to keep the ball under control on the run. Theo Walcott had the same issue and he scored bags of goals. It's at that key moment of changing direction with the ball and the final pass or room for the shot that both, time and again, are found wanting. Sometimes it falls ok for them and both are good finishers when the ball is set.
For all that people are saying about Dowman's raw youth being exposed in the past two games, there have still been flashes of close control and the ability to come away from a scramble not only with the ball, but balanced. I think where Dowman has suffered is being in static positions and screened by a couple of defenders. I still would like to see Dowman start unless Saka's fit. I do maintain he's a better player than Madueke already.
He can barely control a football on the run. Your comments, the excuse narrative, is exactly what I was talking about about past players like Nketiah. There's no need to make excuses. He's a mediocre ...
Him and Gyokeres is £110m+ on two very average players. Maybe that's the going rate these days, but still ...
arse!
well in hazza!
late morning all!
He can barely control a football on the run. Your comments, the excuse narrative, is exactly what I was talking about about past players like Nketiah. There's no need to make excuses. He's a mediocre ...
Dunno NB, he's impressed me on a number of occasions with his *initial* control. Other times his touch has been wank, but that's not his main deficiency for me. I think the issue is all in the brain so to speak. He's often not aware of the space around him, not attentive to open teammates, how much space he has before h3 runs the ball out or into an onrushing defender, doesn't have a good judgement on when to dribble and when to release the ball. That's how I interpret him not passing his marker after dribbling by him two or three times for example.
Probably one of the reasons why he got the nod for captaincy over big Gabi. Gabi's a born leader, but being English, super polished communicator and having more sanguine temperament makes Dec a better...
They're both great leaders, we're lucky to have them. They deserve to have forwards of their calibre
Just seen the Bayern v Real highlights. Those goals, all of them, such high quality. Kane on 50 goals for the season. One of Bayern and PSG should win the trophy, but Atletico have got so close several times, it may be their year. And if Arsenal win it, it'll be against all that is beautiful in football. We might win it, the ball is round, but there's zero chance we do it with any flair. We just don't have the attacking players those other three have.
He doesn't seem to be the kind of guy who would upset the applecart in public at least ..
Probably one of the reasons why he got the nod for captaincy over big Gabi. Gabi's a born leader, but being English, super polished communicator and having more sanguine temperament makes Dec a better choice.
Nomi is also coming back from injury, he had in the winter and is now injured again . He hasn't had a run of more than probably three starts in a row in a Arsenal shirt , as understudy to saka. ( Som...
He can barely control a football on the run. Your comments, the excuse narrative, is exactly what I was talking about about past players like Nketiah. There's no need to make excuses. He's a mediocre player and he might score goals here and there and have good performances here and there but ultimately he's second-rate.
Arteta on why Declan Rice has the captains armband over Gabriel: “They made a decision, and they made a decision because Declan has earned it as well. The status, the role, the way he's... taking ownership as well in difficult moments. He's a great leader. He's a top player for us and I love that the players take that ownership.” Interesting that other players are perceiving it in this way. Wonder what that means for Gabriel, Saka or Odegaard in general as captains..
Declan spoke well after the game, seems like the team are not losing faith in Arteta and the "project" yet, and that's for the better at least till end of the season.
He doesn't seem to be the kind of guy who would upset the applecart in public at least ..
Declan spoke well after the game, seems like the team are not losing faith in Arteta and the "project" yet, and that's for the better at least till end of the season.
Madueke needs to improve his decision making... There was a moment in the 57th minute where he was able to dribble from right wing to left wing (with a bit of luck) and still ended up taking the shot ...
Yeah that made me shout very loud and scare my wife. Autopilot mode, brain deactivated and full tunnel vision on that one
That doesn't happen though. The wingers invert and the full-backs underlap them and get in the way.
I guess what I'm saying is there are tradeoffs with our current mix off players and their current form. Mosquera is a better defender than White, who is a better overlapping RB.
Oh I do understand that and you're right. But having said that, if there are constant groans at a player and talk all over the internet I do think that adds to pressure, but accepted that ultimately t...
Nomi is also coming back from injury, he had in the winter and is now injured again . He hasn't had a run of more than probably three starts in a row in a Arsenal shirt , as understudy to saka. ( Someone correct if am wrong ) But nomi can't have started even five in a row this season!?
That's where a marauding, overlapping rightback would have been handy. But, hey, Mosquera made us more solid. Can't have it all
That doesn't happen though. The wingers invert and the full-backs underlap them and get in the way.
Oh I do understand that and you're right. But having said that, if there are constant groans at a player and talk all over the internet I do think that adds to pressure, but accepted that ultimately t...
Well that's been tried, do you remember MyFootballClub? One of the guys behind it worked where I was at the time (Woolworths). Real weirdo. Gone now and I think Ebsfleet are pretty much where they were when they took over!
Think we also need to remember that Noni probably got us through Dortmund.
Gjokeres missed his calling as a top class rugby league forward.
Madueke needs to improve his decision making... There was a moment in the 57th minute where he was able to dribble from right wing to left wing (with a bit of luck) and still ended up taking the shot ...
That's where a marauding, overlapping rightback would have been handy. But, hey, Mosquera made us more solid. Can't have it all
Madueke needs to improve his decision making... There was a moment in the 57th minute where he was able to dribble from right wing to left wing (with a bit of luck) and still ended up taking the shot ...
Yes Martinelli was super frustrated.
Marinelli thought he could easily slot it back into the far corner _ the direction Madueke had come from. Whereas Noni carried on laterally and way from goal before scewing a shot.
Jesus was exceptional before his knees exploded. Maybe apart from Hleb the best dribbler I've ever seen in my time watching but he is so beyond done.
Jesus He won't be intimidated by playing at city . Jesus could be a good leader first half . Help get a couple city defenders booked. When bring on subs , max fresh legs to go for the guggular
Good morning/afternoon everyone... Good to see us win convincingly (crawling literally on our knees)
I see that Declan Rice was rinsed again yesterday for 94 mins..... Wouldn't be surprised if he pic...
There’s really not much of a squad left in some positions
I fear Madueke is a bit shit.
Madueke needs to improve his decision making... There was a moment in the 57th minute where he was able to dribble from right wing to left wing (with a bit of luck) and still ended up taking the shot with a very narrow angle. Could he have passed to Martinelli there?
I think you wildly overestimate the influence that the opinion of the fans has on the buying and sellling of players at the club.
Oh I do understand that and you're right. But having said that, if there are constant groans at a player and talk all over the internet I do think that adds to pressure, but accepted that ultimately the manager makes his choices regardless, hence Madueke who, almost a season in, looks like the initial response of fans was pretty accurate. Perhaps we should dispense with managers and buy player and pick teams from polls taken from season ticket holders? (only half joking!)
He seems more relaxed when he plays for Sweden. Actually holds the ball and can find team mates with passes. Is he just tense when playing for us? Worried about losing his place in the team if he does...
What I have noticed when I’ve seen him play for Sweden is that the long balls towards him aren’t balloons. And he has much more space to roam than when playing for us. But unfortunately I think the biggest problem is that he’s not that good.
Good morning/afternoon everyone... Good to see us win convincingly (crawling literally on our knees)
I see that Declan Rice was rinsed again yesterday for 94 mins..... Wouldn't be surprised if he picks up a bad injury in the near future. This is on Arteta who has already rinsed Saka, Havertz, White, Timber (possibly) and simply refuses to use the squad...
Final thoughts before I bore people to death.
Artetas analysis of the crowd seems dependent on the result.
Last night was edgy, nervous, quiet for a CL quarter. But we got through so the fans were gre...
Granted it's a low bar these days but I thought the support was kind of alright considering the xyz. And there were far more fans at the end than at many stirring victories.
Oops too soon.
I had a minor row with one of bladder warriors (well) before halftime when suggesting that this disrespectful drain sucked the life out of any intensity on the pitch and actually placed us in peril.
I do think there has been a running problem at Arsenal that some players who play well below standard remain at Arsenal for longer than they should because fans defend them and call any criticism 'neg...
I think you wildly overestimate the influence that the opinion of the fans has on the buying and sellling of players at the club.
I also love Hincapies attitude, think he's a top defender and I agree he is there in body going forward. But he is ultimately a CB playing FB and it shows. It's even worse when the RB is the same.
I agree but Mosquera was at least moving about like a Prince last night, cajoling and supporting his older mates non stop.
I do think we need that security right now across the back line. Especially this weekend!
But if Timber and Calafiori are back and fully fit, then it's a no-brainer that they play.
I also love Hincapies attitude, think he's a top defender and I agree he is there in body going forward. But he is ultimately a CB playing FB and it shows. It's even worse when the RB is the same.
I do think we need that security right now across the back line. Especially this weekend!
Mosquera doesn't give much going forward but I disagree about Hincapié, he's always looking to get forward, I think he had a shot as well. A couple of times he was not on the same wavelength as Martin...
I also love Hincapies attitude, think he's a top defender and I agree he is there in body going forward. But he is ultimately a CB playing FB and it shows. It's even worse when the RB is the same.
Well in pppontus
Well leant Blogs
It's a funny old game. And a funny old team. And still (after all these years) a funny new stadium. And funny-peculiar fans. And those CL refs are funny. But it would be really funny if we could somehow do "it".
The top four aren't great, but doesn't help when we're so poor at finding out forwards in advantageous positions.
Hincapie and Mosquera added solidity last night but give you bordering on nothing goi...
Mosquera doesn't give much going forward but I disagree about Hincapié, he's always looking to get forward, I think he had a shot as well. A couple of times he was not on the same wavelength as Martinelli, no one was sure who should overlap and they kind of played to a standstill and I think even lost the ball. But I just love Hincapié's attitude and focus and remember he is a league winner, so hopefully he can stay fit and it filters a winning mentality into the team for the final few games.
Final thoughts before I bore people to death.
Artetas analysis of the crowd seems dependent on the result.
Last night was edgy, nervous, quiet for a CL quarter. But we got through so the fans were gre...
Agree with that last paragraph especially. Yes, to be fair to Martinelli, his defensive work is exceptional and was needed at key moment.
Agreed.
Find the debate over certain players unreal.
The evidence is so tangible to my mind.
To be a consistent striker in a Premier League chasing team you have to be really really good.
Forget all t...
How long did the Nketiah debate go on for? Or the Reiss-Nelson one? I really wanted Gyökeres and it's sobering fro me, because I don't have satellit tv, so I was just watching his goals on youtube, he seemed a powerful runner and a sharp in the box. I didn't account for how clumsy he is and what a poor footballer he is. Last night I do think was his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt. He seemed to want to be creative in moments I think he should have been greedy and it went horribly wrong.
Ay. He was never going to be an elite forward but his ability to slalom tackles and carry the ball through tight spaces added so much to our attack.
Elite goalscorer, not elite forward.
Typical for us to have a winter world cup the season he was in such scintillating form.
Ay. He was never going to be an elite forward but his ability to slalom tackles and carry the ball through tight spaces added so much to our attack.
Final thoughts before I bore people to death.
Artetas analysis of the crowd seems dependent on the result.
Last night was edgy, nervous, quiet for a CL quarter. But we got through so the fans were great. Even thought the players at the end walked round a three quarters empty ground.
If we had stumbled the same atmosphere would have stiffled the team.
Martinelli works really really hard some of his defensive sprints were commendable as per blog.Running not faulted.
Hard to be twice as quick as your fellow attackers. Dancing to a 45 playing at 33 and a third.
Eze was good and offered something different.
Saliba is an incredible defender. It just needs saying sometimes.
Understood. Thanks for the clarification.
👍
Nah, you've misunderstood me... I'm not suggesting that Max will be out on loan next season.
No, I'm talking about last season... Most thought Ethan would be the one with the spark, that pazazz to op...
Understood. Thanks for the clarification.
Jesus was exceptional before his knees exploded. Maybe apart from Hleb the best dribbler I've ever seen in my time watching but he is so beyond done.
Typical for us to have a winter world cup the season he was in such scintillating form.
Jesus or martinelli on the right wing has proved effective before . Plus also a right footer on the right wing , opens their body shape to natural cross fitst time for big vik
Jesus was exceptional before his knees exploded. Maybe apart from Hleb the best dribbler I've ever seen in my time watching but he is so beyond done.
The top four aren't great, but doesn't help when we're so poor at finding out forwards in advantageous positions.
Hincapie and Mosquera added solidity last night but give you bordering on nothing going forward. Add that to a struggling midfield two who even at their best aren't near elite at ball progressing and we're never going to exploit space in behind.
Agreed.
Find the debate over certain players unreal.
The evidence is so tangible to my mind.
To be a consistent striker in a Premier League chasing team you have to be really really good.
Forget all t...
Jesus or martinelli on the right wing has proved effective before . Plus also a right footer on the right wing , opens their body shape to natural cross fitst time for big vik
There should be no surprise that Mantinelli and Trossard had such poor games as many have been saying this abiout their level since last season. They've each scored good goals and that keeps their fan...
Agreed.
Find the debate over certain players unreal.
The evidence is so tangible to my mind.
To be a consistent striker in a Premier League chasing team you have to be really really good.
Forget all the "Nicolas Pepe there is a player in there somewhere nonsense "
You know even at the time of the discussion that in a couple of years time the acceptance that the player was largely ineffective will be unanimous.
Gjokeres is poor at this level. Kai is an intelligent footballer but not an elite goalscorer. Madueke has dynamism but little end product. Trossard has good technique but is 2 yards too slow to be elite in his position.
As bak ups some of these would be adequate.
Our back 7 are excellent. (Back 5 plus Zub and Dec. I cant remember as sterile a front 4 ever.)
Arse. Well in ppp
If I am trying to be positive, maybe senor Arteta was trying to lull Pep into false sense of security. We played in second gear all game and did what we had to do to progress. Thus ...
Rope a dope like Ali boombaya , of course there saving their legs for Sunday .
Afc have the best defence in Europe and the world. Definitely not bayern , either madrid , Barca , city or Chelsea. Paris also has two clean sheets.
Didnt Arteta hint at some players coming back.
Fingers crossed its both Saka and Timber.
Arse. Well in ppp
If I am trying to be positive, maybe senor Arteta was trying to lull Pep into false sense of security. We played in second gear all game and did what we had to do to progress. Thus ...
They have to do one great performance. If we can get their best on Sunday and pull off a miracle, I do think it'll be ours and that could start the momentum again. We can only hope.
One other positive note, Hincapie and defence aside, was Zubimendi, who struck me as having more positive intent. I think he was consciously trying to get forward. Why he was the back post man on all ...
Yes he was a lot better, though you could see a few times they resort to that back pass when a slightly risky forward pass was on and you could hear the crowd groan when that happened. It's clear they've been told about that, but there are still remnants of it. But Zubi was more aggressive though he did tire towards the end again and let a couple of opposition moves pass him by.
Arse. Well in ppp
If I am trying to be positive, maybe senor Arteta was trying to lull Pep into false sense of security. We played in second gear all game and did what we had to do to progress. Thus conserving legs for Sunday.
But if I am being realist, I think that was the level of the team we could put out (due to injuries). Hopefully boys can hang onto a 0-0 on Sunday.
One other positive note, Hincapie and defence aside, was Zubimendi, who struck me as having more positive intent. I think he was consciously trying to get forward. Why he was the back post man on all those long corners, I don't know.
Vic has now had two very bad games in a row. I felt previously he gave us menace up front, even when not scoring, but his inability to win headers, let alone protect the ball, was a real worry.
Merino, Merino, Merino. Every year, it seems, a key injury becomes a unfortunate milestone.
I do think there has been a running problem at Arsenal that some players who play well below standard remain at Arsenal for longer than they should because fans defend them and call any criticism 'negative". I think there's pretty much unanimity that our front three last night could be sold in the summer and no one would mind. I just don't think that'll happen and we're lumbered up front with dead wood.
Our defenders are exceptional, really elite players, including Mosquera and Hincapié. I love their skill and the way they dominate tense moments, you can see it in their eyes. Rice continues to be so committed (though his corners were the worst all season last night). It's all about what we do up front.
It's clear how much we've relied on Saka to keep the ball up there, we miss him badly. but it's clear he's not been 100% all season.
Not comparable. That loan was a mistake. I was against it simply cos we're so injury prone and, as we're finding out, need all hands on deck. Ethan's ability to carry the ball and shoot with venom cou...
Nah, you've misunderstood me... I'm not suggesting that Max will be out on loan next season.
No, I'm talking about last season... Most thought Ethan would be the one with the spark, that pazazz to open up the opposition and create something.
A lot of pressure was put on his young shoulders.. And it seems the same is being applied to Max now.
Blogs do you think we'll see Saka again this season? Feels a bit ominous.
No idea
Blogs do you think we'll see Saka again this season? Feels a bit ominous.
If you look back, I wasn't the one being divisive, I was responding to someone being divisive. But as with so many of my comments, I'm the one who gets pulled up for it.
I wasn't singling you out! Chill, just responding for the sake of discussion.
Appreciate you're in a sensitive place at the moment, so don't take it the wrong way, please 👊
Oh I agree, but apparently there's a distinct fanbase that believes Dowman is "our saviour"? You ok with that characterisation?
No, I think it's absurd
I don't think it's fair to say Martinelli/Trossard have a fanbase that's distinct – criticism of our forwards has been a running theme of this season. They have not been immune, even if their contribu...
If you look back, I wasn't the one being divisive, I was responding to someone being divisive. But as with so many of my comments, I'm the one who gets pulled up for it.
I don't think it's fair to say Martinelli/Trossard have a fanbase that's distinct – criticism of our forwards has been a running theme of this season. They have not been immune, even if their contribu...
Oh I agree, but apparently there's a distinct fanbase that believes Dowman is "our saviour"? You ok with that characterisation?
Over 3 hours of football and one goal.
The surprising thing was the goal itself which came out of nowhere in injury time in Lisbon. A glitch in the matrix.
For those who believe in the balance of the ...
As it probably will be in the ying and yang semis.
I’m going to take a fresh perspective on this.
Great match , we controlled it a majority on the time but found it difficult to turn chances into goals. The Madueke/ Martinelli shot indicative of the ...
That's fair enough. I agree that many of us are angry at this moment and do not see us winning anything. I want to believe in this team, but all I can see is Man City winning the league and Bayern, PSG or Atletico winning the CL. I think we'll be empty handed again. I will support the team in the games remaining, but I can't see it.
There should be no surprise that Mantinelli and Trossard had such poor games as many have been saying this abiout their level since last season. They've each scored good goals and that keeps their fan...
I don't think it's fair to say Martinelli/Trossard have a fanbase that's distinct – criticism of our forwards has been a running theme of this season. They have not been immune, even if their contributions – along with others – have been recognised.
There's no need to be so divisive about it.
Over 3 hours of football and one goal.
The surprising thing was the goal itself which came out of nowhere in injury time in Lisbon. A glitch in the matrix.
For those who believe in the balance of the universe- that all the energy and variety of a solar system must be balanced by a black whole- the kinetic drama that unfolded at the Allianz was equalised by the black whole of the Emirates. Equilibrium was maintained.
There should be no surprise that Mantinelli and Trossard had such poor games as many have been saying this abiout their level since last season. They've each scored good goals and that keeps their fanbase (a far more worrying "section of support" than the ones wanting Dowman to play) who have defended them throughout their consistent failure to provide security and goal threat up front. Gyökeres and Madueke have made it worse, but Havertz isn't much better either, another signing that a sizeable section of support have been busy defending and gaslighting fans who can see these are not elite forwards.
I’m going to take a fresh perspective on this.
Great match , we controlled it a majority on the time but found it difficult to turn chances into goals. The Madueke/ Martinelli shot indicative of the lack of confidence running through the team - or is it tension.
The tension was palpable in the stadium- the crowd literally forced Mosquera into a mistake in the second half.
We got through , there are individual instances that Arteta can unpick with the team , but that’s their job. Our job, however hard it is , is to shut out the noise and support this team who are on course for a legendary double as we sit here today.
Fucking hell my typing this morning 🙄
I think itb was Gy¨økeres's worst game. He seemed to try to be a link up player and was awful at it, at least three nmisplaced passes in excellent positions.
The highlight for me was Mosquera and Hincapié, what signings they've both been, has made our back four secure. We'll be needing them on Sunday.
Those who have latched on to Dowman as our saviour have had a reality check over the past few games. He's a 16 year old boy, certain parts of his game are not developed yet. I'm not blaming him cos mo...
It's nolt ridiculous when you see what an utter waste of space Madueke is. No reasonable person wants to put a 16-year-old into a big game, but we literally have no one else (thanks Arteta for loaning out another teenager Nwaneri) who can do that job, who can actually control a football and isn't going to run it out of play shambolically time after time. Madueke is a great athlete and that's it. We are definitely pinning our hopes on a 16-year-old kid because that's all Arteta has lefft us with after spunking £45m on another no-mark from Chelsea.
He seems more relaxed when he plays for Sweden. Actually holds the ball and can find team mates with passes. Is he just tense when playing for us? Worried about losing his place in the team if he does...
International football is very low quality.
Vik has not been a good signing. And Madueke even worse.
He seems more relaxed when he plays for Sweden. Actually holds the ball and can find team mates with passes. Is he just tense when playing for us? Worried about losing his place in the team if he doesn't look like he's doing it?
The same set of "fans" were saying exactly the same for Ethan last season... That he was supposed to be the saviour following Saka's hamstring injury.
Now look where he is. On loan and can't even get...
Not comparable. That loan was a mistake. I was against it simply cos we're so injury prone and, as we're finding out, need all hands on deck. Ethan's ability to carry the ball and shoot with venom could be very useful now.
This goes back to the poor utilisation of the squad. Players like Ethan were barely getting a look-in, so a loan ended up being more viable than it should have been. This club and what it does to us!
Vik has not been a good signing. And Madueke even worse.
Those who have latched on to Dowman as our saviour have had a reality check over the past few games. He's a 16 year old boy, certain parts of his game are not developed yet. I'm not blaming him cos mo...
The same set of "fans" were saying exactly the same for Ethan last season... That he was supposed to be the saviour following Saka's hamstring injury.
Now look where he is. On loan and can't even get into the Marseille team.
Hmm. Is it a coincidence that Hincapie, our MOM, has a contract he needs triggering? Nah, that's too cynical. It's not about collective effort but the collective technicals.
I'm switching off re Man C...
At least you're picking one of the best places for that paella
Hmm. Is it a coincidence that Hincapie, our MOM, has a contract he needs triggering? Nah, that's too cynical. It's not about collective effort but the collective technicals.
I'm switching off re Man City as it's bad for my mental health. Seriously, this team has broken me. I've been struggling with the emotional ups and downs this second half of the season.
That nagging feeling of impending SNAFU has been tough for us all to bear. So I'm going to switch off; that's my coping mechanism, and fly to Val for a proper paella. Get lost in the flavours.
I don't what it will take to switch the attacking fire back on. I was encouraged also by the fact we controlled the game in last 15. But by then we had broken them.
The Inconvincibles are the Cliff Thorburn/Peter Ebden of world football.
Would be good to see injured players back. That would be a big boost.
Were shit and we’re winning. Need to start scoring goals from corners again and we’re golden.
Yes mate
Those who have latched on to Dowman as our saviour have had a reality check over the past few games. He's a 16 year old boy, certain parts of his game are not developed yet. I'm not blaming him cos more senior players in our midfield and attack have been so piss-poor and derelict in their duties, but it's ridiculous that a faction of our fans have become so fixated on him as the solution to our problems. I'm actually more interested in Max's long-term development and career than putting him in the fire at the moment and hoping he cooks a BBQ as well as Edu!
Remember everyone it’s not the winning or losing. It’s being a miserable bastard the whole way
Heh Suzzah!
I'm going back round to the idea that winning is overrated.
At least winning that way. I know it's different in the stadium, but while I'm being denied that joy, I'm losing interest.
Anyway, before I become too moany, I'll check out!
Have a good football-free day, all!
Arse. Well in Ppppontus.
Happy skiing.
I'll be working during the match on Sunday, but probably not as hard as I feared at some point, so might be able to keep an eye on the match rather than one quarter of an eye.
Remember everyone it’s not the winning or losing. It’s being a miserable bastard the whole way
Fuck off Suzzah!
Were shit and we’re winning. Need to start scoring goals from corners again and we’re golden.
Remember everyone it’s not the winning or losing. It’s being a miserable bastard the whole way
Arse. Well in pppontus.
Morning all.
I think he’s available on a free
WHO was our last good woolly cunt?
Alan Sunderland
WHO was our last good woolly cunt?
The last few have utterly useless fucking cunts though.
They haven't been as good as that
The last few have utterly useless fucking cunts though.
Willian would’ve saved us
The last few have utterly useless fucking cunts though.
And both from Cuntski.
Which tells you something....
We don’t have enough wolly cunts in the team
The last few have utterly useless fucking cunts though.
This.
Well in David Luiz/Side Show Bob!
Morning Harrow, Blogs
We don’t have enough wolly cunts in the team
Woolly
We don’t have enough wolly cunts in the team
This.
Well in David Luiz/Side Show Bob!