Happy May Day! Tax the rich!
Feels completely like a Saturday. A Saturday with every shop closed, but I still have to remind myself we’re not playing today.
Totally struggled to realise we were not Friday yesterday already, was shocked to find there was European football being played.
Happy May Day! Tax the rich!
Right now, I just want to get there. I'm just curious if any of you would be going if we did get there..
Right now I just want to get there.
Who do we prefer? PSG or Bayern?
Right now, I just want to get there. I'm just curious if any of you would be going if we did get there..
Palace 1-0 up in the 1st leg of their Conference semi final away to Shaktar
Palace win 3-1 away in the 1st leg...
Forest playing some great stuff.
Shame how low left us and joined Chelsea. I really hope Nwaneri and MLS get a fair opportunity. Our midfield and creative players aren’t so elite that the academy players can’t get a chance.
Agreed. He does give off a bit of a Nathan vibe, very skillful. Maybe the issue Arteta has is beyond the physical, perhaps it's the mentality, because the talent looks to be there.
I wonder how many goals Chris Wood would score across two season in Portugal
Heh... UEFA cunts release a statement, albeit brief, saying that the reason our 2nd pelanty was overturned is because no foul was committed by Hancho
Our players need to smart up. Dont get up until the physios come on. Giving everyone especially the VAR a message that our player was injured in the tackle. Keep the physios on until the pen is given and reviewed (re-refereed) by VAR.
So, who's been looking at Budapest logistics, assuming we win next week?
Who do we prefer? PSG or Bayern?
So, who's been looking at Budapest logistics, assuming we win next week?
Arse
Well in Ripper.
Hutchinson is looking lively for Forest. Great control, skill and awareness. Pretty quick too.
Shame how low left us and joined Chelsea. I really hope Nwaneri and MLS get a fair opportunity. Our midfield and creative players aren’t so elite that the academy players can’t get a chance.
Arse
Well in Ripper.
Hutchinson is looking lively for Forest. Great control, skill and awareness. Pretty quick too.
Palace 1-0 up in the 1st leg of their Conference semi final away to Shaktar
Finally someone talking about the shortcomings of Odegaard. A professional tactical critique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g09DDu_gZ7…I understand that Eze was not 100% match fit, but the problem with Odegaard is twofold:
1. People keep saying that he's "creative." He isn't. For me a creative player at the no. 10 position can turn, take on players and move the ball at rapid speed. All traits that Odegaard doesn't have.
2. I would suggest putting Martin at #8 with Eze in front, but the problem is that the no. 8 as Arteta envisions it needs to be very athletic, which Odegaard isn't.
That being said, with Rice behind and the solidity of our defense, why not allow a less athletic player in that 8 role? It could be very interesting. In any case, I'd like to see Eze regularly in the starting eleven, be it on the left (to cut into that 10 space) or 10 position.
They might see it better if they turn the monitor on
🤣
They must have been in touch with Howard Webb
So you get a penalty for the ball hitting the hand even though it would likely have been closer to the corner flag than the goal but a player gets kicked in the foot and they say no penalty as no contact was made!
Have PGMOL rewrote the rule book for UEFA? They should have said nothing rather than making themselves look like fools.
Heh... UEFA cunts release a statement, albeit brief, saying that the reason our 2nd pelanty was overturned is because no foul was committed by Hancho
They must have been in touch with Howard Webb
Heh... UEFA cunts release a statement, albeit brief, saying that the reason our 2nd pelanty was overturned is because no foul was committed by Hancho
They might see it better if they turn the monitor on
Heh... UEFA cunts release a statement, albeit brief, saying that the reason our 2nd pelanty was overturned is because no foul was committed by Hancho
Completely off topic and nothing to do with Arsenal or football but have you seen the Banksy statue in Waterloo Place, he's absolutely nailed it with this work.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9...
❤️
Arse
Well in Ripper
*Spits in the direction of the Atletico crest*
It's only Arteta does it though. If you ever see another manager out of the technical area then it's your eyes at fault. You didn't see it because it didn't happen.
It's like Chernobyl...you didn't se...
To pursue the analogy, as is well known in these parts, the toxic cloud stopped at our border with Germany, just like these managers stop on the edge of the technical area.
Going outside of his box was the first major gripe people had, and he was indeed guilty of that, but once you start paying attention to that most intelligent people (AKA not commentators apparently) w...
It's only Arteta does it though. If you ever see another manager out of the technical area then it's your eyes at fault. You didn't see it because it didn't happen.
It's like Chernobyl...you didn't see graphite on the roof because it wasn't there.
Yeah, I haven't particularly noticed any real Arteta 'antics'. Just some people who ran with the idea (Keys among others).
Sure, some are more static on the touchline, some like Mikel gesticulate a fa...
Going outside of his box was the first major gripe people had, and he was indeed guilty of that, but once you start paying attention to that most intelligent people (AKA not commentators apparently) would quickly notice that many, if not most, managers actually do that.
I've yet to see an example of what Arteta supposedly does which winds up opposition fans which is so different from what other managers do on the touchline. It's fucking absurd and dreamt up by a bunc...
Yeah, I haven't particularly noticed any real Arteta 'antics'. Just some people who ran with the idea (Keys among others).
Sure, some are more static on the touchline, some like Mikel gesticulate a fair bit in sych with what happens on the pitch, but beyond that... definitely not eye-gouging and goading Moaningho-style.
Heh. "the stare" lol. I don't really know but our players seem to think Wooly...
Merino is a good shout and doesn't surprise me in the slightest, but my first thought was actually Rice
I don’t mind that. I know Arteta does things that many opposition fans find infuriating, but I like it.
I hated it when Mourinho used to do his antics, but found it funny later on.
I've yet to see an example of what Arteta supposedly does which winds up opposition fans which is so different from what other managers do on the touchline. It's fucking absurd and dreamt up by a bunch of pearl clutching cunts, especially Liverpool fans.
Just checked my stats, since the advent of the ballot.
Attendance gradually down from 14 to 9 (two missed because of injury) to 7 this season so my lowest attendance in the new Stadium. Of those 7 this season, 5 were on ballot (including an unlikely 4 consecutive successes for matches mid Jan to March), two on Ticket Exchange early in the season.
Two seasons ago, I got an incredible 8 tickets on the Exchange (with a fairly low ballot success), last year was higher ballot success rate.
We'll see next season, maybe I have to hope that we start the season very badly :-p.
I'm not sure why I let myself be convinced by some good people to renew, also the deadline took me a little too early.
Let's win the trophies this season first, but it's a pain in the arse watching on TV and feeling a lot less involved. It's just not the same. I mean more twenty years ago OK because I had not tasted that on the basis of more than one or two matches per season, but now I just feel I'm being kicked out of the fun parts.
Enjoyed Rice walking straight over it behind them all
Ha ha ha, oh snap! I totally missed that
On most things they do I agree with you, let them do what they want. My problem with this one, which I joked about yesterday, is that waving a faux yellow card at the ref is a punishable offense and ...
Ok agree with you there, should be the same punishment as waving a yellow card. I think home advantage and Simeone antics might have played a role in the penalty reversal.
Without going to look see if you can name the player
I assume Zubi?
From Blogs’ player ratings
“A tidy performance on the ball, played a bit further forward where he combined well with others and took some of the defensive responsibility away from him”
Yet if you look...
They also quickly forget the good the player did before their slump
Arse!
Well in, ripper!
Well ass-kicked, ladies, and well done padding the GD.
Not bad, fellas, taking a draw home. Couple been better, couple been worse.
For me the issue wasn't a "home decision" th...
VAR was a homer issue.
There was no basis for the ref to be called to the monitor. Eze didn't dive, so there was no clear and obvious error
Peppa Pig confirms that she and her fucking family are fucking stupid and obnoxious cunts!
Heh. I would not have understood that before but I did a crossword yesterday that had a Peppa pig clue and I couldn't get it because I had no fricking idea what Peppa pig was. 😂
Simeone miming the VAR screen at the ref... Honestly! The most insufferable manager in the game, and that's saying something because there are some seriously insufferable mangers in the game.
If you can get a booking and potentially sent off for miming waving a card, then why not for miming the VAR action?
I don’t mind that. I know Arteta does things that many opposition fans find infuriating, but I like it.
I hated it when Mourinho used to do his antics, but found it funny later on.
On most things they do I agree with you, let them do what they want. My problem with this one, which I joked about yesterday, is that waving a faux yellow card at the ref is a punishable offense and waving a faux VAR is basically the same thing but far more egregious.
Simeone miming the VAR screen at the ref... Honestly! The most insufferable manager in the game, and that's saying something because there are some seriously insufferable mangers in the game.
I don’t mind that. I know Arteta does things that many opposition fans find infuriating, but I like it.
I hated it when Mourinho used to do his antics, but found it funny later on.
That prick needs taking down a peg or two. Would love us to embarrass him next week
A cunt doing cunt things... But it will probably end up being Arteta who gets punishment, for criticising the ref 😂🙄
Simeone miming the VAR screen at the ref... Honestly! The most insufferable manager in the game, and that's saying something because there are some seriously insufferable mangers in the game.
That prick needs taking down a peg or two. Would love us to embarrass him next week
Arse. Well in Rip.
Just popping in to say hello to all. I’ve been busy with stuff last few weeks and hope all have been doing well.
Gruntled at the cromulent performance and result.
Onward.
Have a...
Afternoon/morning GL!
Michael Jackson new interim manager of Burnley:
New Manager Moonwalk incoming ...
Simeone miming the VAR screen at the ref... Honestly! The most insufferable manager in the game, and that's saying something because there are some seriously insufferable mangers in the game.
Arse!
Well in, ripper!
Well ass-kicked, ladies, and well done padding the GD.
Not bad, fellas, taking a draw home. Couple been better, couple been worse.
For me the issue wasn't a "home decision" thing, it was a VAR flaw. Refs almost always overturn it once they go to the monitor, as if they're obligated to. They're NOT obligated to and I wish more refs would have the balls to stick to their on-field decision when it's so blatantly correct
Perhaps it was the kick to the head that has made him into the loathsome cunt that he is. That and being a loathsome cunt
Heh!
Think we'll be OK next week with fully fit and firing Saka and Eze.
Our second pelanty was a definite pelanty, baffled it got overturned.
Not getting all the 'but it's not a clear and obvious error' o...
Ollie what did you have for breakfast cuz I want some. This arse is chock full of wisdom!
I know it’s the lawyer in me but I can’t get over the fact that the “rule” is don’t overturn unless it’s a clear and obvious error but the practice is go ahead and overturn if you feel like it after the VAR watches it 15 times and talks you into it after you need to watch it 15 times to allow yourself to be persuaded.
WTF is up with that nonsense?
Arse. Well in Rip.
Just popping in to say hello to all. I’ve been busy with stuff last few weeks and hope all have been doing well.
Gruntled at the cromulent performance and result.
Onward.
Have a good day folks.
Just heard Trossard is only about 60% fit so I'm going to cut him some slack, although infuriatingly he was selfish again when there was a chance to pass the ball to Hincapie to have a shot.
If he Leo is only 60 percent , should be subbing on mls , dowman, someone fit
Mls would have dribbled at those sloppy defenders and win free kicks and pens
Feel a lot of sympathy for Parker. Always felt he was a decent person as a manager.
Company couldn’t keep them up and moved to Bayern where he’s shown his worth. Parker got Burnley promoted but has ...
I think he went 30+ games unbeaten in the championship to get promoted too.
😂😂 I remember watching this thinking Diaby had killed him, what a memory
Perhaps it was the kick to the head that has made him into the loathsome cunt that he is. That and being a loathsome cunt
Parker gone from Burnley. Come on Pep, take on a real challenge.
Feel a lot of sympathy for Parker. Always felt he was a decent person as a manager.
Company couldn’t keep them up and moved to Bayern where he’s shown his worth. Parker got Burnley promoted but has paid a price for their relegation. Perhaps the issue is more about the quality of the players at Prem level rather than the management
Nah, Diaby did alright....
It was Gary Lewin who helped the cunt!
😂😂 I remember watching this thinking Diaby had killed him, what a memory
It's the selfishness and lack of application which have been driving me mad. He's simply choosing the wrong, difficult options time and time again. Really frustrating.
Maybe he's trying too hard to be the spark that the team needs and is not making the simple pass... but it is not coming off and has not been for far too long.
Diaby really needed to kick him in the head harder
Nah, Diaby did alright....
It was Gary Lewin who helped the cunt!
Diaby really needed to kick him in the head harder
I've always been a Trossard fan and I'm ok being patient while he builds up his form/fitness but when he tries to dribble 2/3 in the center of the pitch and loses the ball in a dangerous place I want ...
It's the selfishness and lack of application which have been driving me mad. He's simply choosing the wrong, difficult options time and time again. Really frustrating.
Saliba , cool under pressure
Martinelli has the energy and understanding of tactics
Zubi, understand tactics played two leagues
Trossard 50/50 , he doesn't say much but could rule by fear and st...
Heh. "the stare" lol. I don't really know but our players seem to think Wooly...
Just heard Trossard is only about 60% fit so I'm going to cut him some slack, although infuriatingly he was selfish again when there was a chance to pass the ball to Hincapie to have a shot.
I've always been a Trossard fan and I'm ok being patient while he builds up his form/fitness but when he tries to dribble 2/3 in the center of the pitch and loses the ball in a dangerous place I want to strangle him.
Odegaard is so often deep because we have a midfield duo who are not very good at progressing the ball.
Rice needs to be partnered with a high touch technical guy. Jorginho but not old.
This. Odegaard is playing the Zubi role and helping us keep possession. Rice at 6 with Odegaard and Eze is our best midfield option in my opinion.
Zubi is struggling in our midfield and didn’t think he had a good game at all yesterday.
Sometimes I watch this team and think that they are not allowed to play on the half turn. The only guy that really does it with regularity is Eze and he often gets killed if he gets caught on the ball...
Just heard Trossard is only about 60% fit so I'm going to cut him some slack, although infuriatingly he was selfish again when there was a chance to pass the ball to Hincapie to have a shot.
Sometimes I watch this team and think that they are not allowed to play on the half turn. The only guy that really does it with regularity is Eze and he often gets killed if he gets caught on the ball or misplaces the pass. Last night there were plenty of options to receive and quickly progress the ball forward but again we lacked the courage to do it.
hey riku - quiz - who do you think that players from our current squad reckon could be the best manager for hire?
Saliba , cool under pressure
Martinelli has the energy and understanding of tactics
Zubi, understand tactics played two leagues
Trossard 50/50 , he doesn't say much but could rule by fear and stare
Could imagine odegaard as Norway manager
In one way I don't watch as many interviews with players these days as I did in the 1990s , when sky sport never off
Raya has great temprement ,
Saka not sure tbh, maybe ..
What do you think ?
What a miss Merino and especially Timber have been. Ben White so ropey these days. Even his body shape in defending feels chaotic. Lookman was finding gaps at will.
good reply but it's...
...Mikel Merino
hey riku - quiz - who do you think that players from our current squad reckon could be the best manager for hire?
Parker gone from Burnley. Come on Pep, take on a real challenge.
Pray for Litterpicker
Two observations after last night's Game:
- Arsenal is one of Eurooe's top teams. None of the Teams in the CL semi finals managed a win against us.
- We are top of the PL
Even with their most wince-worthy football, the team deserves to be where it is. This no fluke, no sudden abandoment of skills by our competitors. Their place is hard earned, and the quality showed yesterday. (Nevertheless, that Alvarez would certainly upskill our current attack 😁 )
Not a surprise. I hope the black players who provided witness statements are suitably embarrassed.
What's with that club and vile, uneducated players like Terry and Wise? I feel sorry for Le Saux that he is in any way associated with them.
These lame attempts to justify the ruling out of our second penalty and cast doubt on the award of our first as "soft" in certain quarters shows how utterly moronic post-match discussions have become. It's not remotely amusing and doesn't actually say anything other than tossing words out there. A waste of time and computing resources. Fucking silly.
hey riku - quiz - who do you think that players from our current squad reckon could be the best manager for hire?
*from amongst them
I don't like him. But I thought he would be a decent manager , same as thought Tony Adams would given a good chance or both at least to Steve Bruce levels.. David o leary levels
Captains able to mana...
hey riku - quiz - who do you think that players from our current squad reckon could be the best manager for hire?
Always!!!!
“ Perhaps on reflection, Chelsea may come to regret their decision to pass on a coaching CV that at the time of writing consists of spells on the Aston Villa and Leicester backroom staff,...
I don't like him. But I thought he would be a decent manager , same as thought Tony Adams would given a good chance or both at least to Steve Bruce levels.. David o leary levels
Captains able to manage, and massage players egos ,
Always!!!!
“ Perhaps on reflection, Chelsea may come to regret their decision to pass on a coaching CV that at the time of writing consists of spells on the Aston Villa and Leicester backroom staff, plus a stint managing the 26ers team in the first two seasons of Baller League (ninth and fifth respectively, in case you’re wondering).”
Great writing 😂
Read articles
Didn't realize chem trails and covid conspiracy were right wing rather than both. I work ina hospital so I know covid is real , see it with my eyes .
Terry to stand for election in the future article speculates . Would rather he manage Chelsea or mismanage
Ok, so either
1. We don’t view a coin toss as having much influence
2. We’re really bad at winning the toss
3. If we do win it, we prefer kicking off and allowing the opposition to shoot towards the...
Agree would have turned Athletico round , or did odegaard feel would unsettle his players momentum
Gerrard was a massive cunt after the game. Trying to say Arteta is like Simeone
Oh yeah that. Yeah.
Well in rip
Well we was robbed Blogs
Decent away performance overall despite some scary chizz. I'm still chuckling about the scouse chuckle brothers ( and wiping away the spittle) on TNT telly post mo...
Gerrard was a massive cunt after the game. Trying to say Arteta is like Simeone
Parker gone from Burnley. Come on Pep, take on a real challenge.
Technically I'm in thr North Bank. I am on the side of the pitch though.
Yeah, you can tell who the real tossers of captains are by who turns us round to start the match.
I so hate that. But you're in the West Stand no?
But we always want to be kicking towards my end second half - North Bank ;p
Yeah, you can tell who the real tossers of captains are by who turns us round to start the match.
11101010 - Binary code, or Arsenal's score lines for the last eight games. Frankly, I'd trade some "control" for a little "chaos" on Saturday.
Ok, so either
1. We don’t view a coin toss as having much influence
2. We’re really bad at winning the toss
3. If we do win it, we prefer kicking off and allowing the opposition to shoot towards the...
But we always want to be kicking towards my end second half - North Bank ;p
Whoever wins the toss decides whether they want to kick-off or choose end. The other team then kicks off (if the first captain has chosen an end) or chooses an end (if the first captain has chosen to ...
Ok, so either
1. We don’t view a coin toss as having much influence
2. We’re really bad at winning the toss
3. If we do win it, we prefer kicking off and allowing the opposition to shoot towards their own fans second half?
I’d absolutely not want Athletico shooting towards their own fans second half.
Well in rip
Well we was robbed Blogs
Decent away performance overall despite some scary chizz. I'm still chuckling about the scouse chuckle brothers ( and wiping away the spittle) on TNT telly post mortem last night. Macca didn't hold back on his hatred for VAR, the loony euro handball regs and Simeone...
I have a random question, if anyone can answer…
Is it still a coin toss that decides which end of the pitch you shoot towards when starting a game? Does the winner of the toss decide that or is it pre...
Whoever wins the toss decides whether they want to kick-off or choose end. The other team then kicks off (if the first captain has chosen an end) or chooses an end (if the first captain has chosen to kick-off).
I have a random question, if anyone can answer…
Is it still a coin toss that decides which end of the pitch you shoot towards when starting a game? Does the winner of the toss decide that or is it pre...
I think odegard won toss yesterday and said , he was happy with whatever and koke looked ' ok fairly pleased' , is this what you thought?
I have a random question, if anyone can answer…
Is it still a coin toss that decides which end of the pitch you shoot towards when starting a game? Does the winner of the toss decide that or is it pre-determined?
I only ask, because the majority of our games this season, the opposition are shooting towards their own fans second half… and if it’s a tight game, I see that as an advantage to them.
Insights on this very welcome!
Definitely overdue though.
I remember our game against Villa - we got completely carved open in midfield by McGinn and Rogers passing through us over and over and it was so obvious we needed to change...
Villa match people were very nervous at half time in the beer queue , never seen so nervous in a stadium b4
Definitely overdue though.
I remember our game against Villa - we got completely carved open in midfield by McGinn and Rogers passing through us over and over and it was so obvious we needed to change...
Was at the villa match , the midfield was lined up. Differently second half , some tactics
He literally made a really effective tactical change last night
Definitely overdue though.
I remember our game against Villa - we got completely carved open in midfield by McGinn and Rogers passing through us over and over and it was so obvious we needed to change things up and get more bodies back in midfield. Games like that could have made a real difference.
The Bournemouth game at home too. They were all over us. A change in formation was needed then too.
He literally made a really effective tactical change last night
Agree.
Rice and zubi position. Ben White very high up the pitch ( no wonder he was tired should been subbed earlier ) white wax caught off side at least once ..
I have said for a while if MA showed some tactical flexibility and a willingness to change shape we’d all be sitting here with the league wrapped up
He is as stubborn as Wenger when it comes to chang...
He literally made a really effective tactical change last night
Will add only Wenger had something to back it up with
Let’s hope the same happens for Arteta!
I have said for a while if MA showed some tactical flexibility and a willingness to change shape we’d all be sitting here with the league wrapped up
He is as stubborn as Wenger when it comes to chang...
Will add only Wenger had something to back it up with
Yeah I wouldn’t do it for a whole game… but instead of substituting one for the other… keep them both on. Gyokeres slightly ahead of Havertz. Arteta is so scared to change formation from the 4-3-3
I have said for a while if MA showed some tactical flexibility and a willingness to change shape we’d all be sitting here with the league wrapped up
He is as stubborn as Wenger when it comes to changing
When the Barcodes' goalie fouled Gyökeres and should have been sent off, wasn't the pass from Ødegaard?
I think it was.
But fair to say it hasn’t been the ‘link-up’ of two players that we were all hoping for.
Odegaard would never hesitate passing to Saka, and I guess many fans were hoping for a similar chemistry with Gyokeres. Hasn’t happened so far. Gyokeres has the heaviest first touch I’ve ever seen - so I get the hesitancy… but sometimes you just have to risk it. A rubbish first touch can still amount to something. It did when Havertz assisted him 2x. Gyokeres rubbish first touch both times but still managed to carve something out of it and score.
Makes sense for O'Leary to pull rank.
Bouldy wore #10.
O' Leary - 5, Adams - 6
He chose not to do that once, in my memory, that was against Newcastle. It's recency bias/confirmation bias ...
I've also seen with my own eyes a handful of other players choosing not to pass to Gyok...
When the Barcodes' goalie fouled Gyökeres and should have been sent off, wasn't the pass from Ødegaard?
You know, a few of you might be on to something. We did look a lot more solid with a deeper Rice. And it's not as if a formation shift hasn't helped us late season in the past (remember the five-man d...
88/89 season?
Bould would sometimes wear no.10
Yep.
Fernandes, Cherki, Enzo, Wharton
Just looked up the attempted through balls stats…Wharton with the highest success rate…of 14?
Odegaard has attempted 15? None successful? Is that right?
So the intention is good, but effectiveness is not. I def feel there is something way off with his decision making because he decides too late to pass and the defender often cuts it out.
These are the stats I looked at…
https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/premier-le…Totally agree on the movement thing.
However, he's meant to be our #10... Yet often he is so far deep and sometimes picking the ball up from either Saliba or Gabriel! That's what Rice and Zubi are su...
Odegaard is so often deep because we have a midfield duo who are not very good at progressing the ball.
Rice needs to be partnered with a high touch technical guy. Jorginho but not old.
Havertz speed of thought to pass through in the first goal here , and head up and awareness in the second…if only Martinelli would learn to lift his head! Havertz and Gyokeres should definitely get more time on the pitch together.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Gvnt97td8Dg?si=…That means Havertz in midfield which I certainly would NOT do when we have Odegaard and Eze to choose from
Yeah I wouldn’t do it for a whole game… but instead of substituting one for the other… keep them both on. Gyokeres slightly ahead of Havertz. Arteta is so scared to change formation from the 4-3-3
Enjoyed Rice walking straight over it behind them all
Havertz plays the ball quicker. Hes had a couple of assists for Gyokeres and actively looks for him. There is something there… and I would absolutely have them on the pitch together. Assuming Havertz...
That means Havertz in midfield which I certainly would NOT do when we have Odegaard and Eze to choose from
Havertz plays the ball quicker. Hes had a couple of assists for Gyokeres and actively looks for him. There is something there… and I would absolutely have them on the pitch together. Assuming Havertz is fit for our next games.
When fit, Saka and Ødegaard have that chemistry together too. They look for eachother.
Silly place to leave it in fairness.
Yeah, dumb
Silly place to leave it in fairness.
Only 4 players this season have attempted more through balls in the PL than Odegaard, and he's been injured for half the season.
Arse!
I think the issue is less how many but when. We seem to always wait for the opponents to settle into their defensive shape before we try to pass forward.
Our most ”creative” passing happens in and around our own box.
Anyone got a link to Ben white walking over the atletic badge and simeone losing it?
Haha I’d love to see this
Tuesday is the time for the Gilles Grimandi Tifo
Anyone got a link to Ben white walking over the atletic badge and simeone losing it?
Anyone got a link to Ben white walking over the atletic badge and simeone losing it?
Agree. It’s not solely Ødegaard. But it is an issue though.
I never said it wasn't
Totally agree on the movement thing.
However, he's meant to be our #10... Yet often he is so far deep and sometimes picking the ball up from either Saliba or Gabriel! That's what Rice and Zubi are su...
I think he's best higher up, but clearly yesterday he helped us control that first half.
And his heatmap shows him operating primarily in the opposition half.
People see what they wanna see
I think we have issues ahead of Odegaard in terms of movement/quality which might impact a player of his type.
Again, he can do better, he isn't in his best form having been out injured a lot, but I ...
Totally agree on the movement thing.
However, he's meant to be our #10... Yet often he is so far deep and sometimes picking the ball up from either Saliba or Gabriel! That's what Rice and Zubi are supposed to be doing.
He should stay further forward and control the midfield more.
He chose not to do that once, in my memory, that was against Newcastle. It's recency bias/confirmation bias ...
I've also seen with my own eyes a handful of other players choosing not to pass to Gyok...
Agree. It’s not solely Ødegaard. But it is an issue though.
Other 4 players? Fernandes at number 1?
Yep.
Fernandes, Cherki, Enzo, Wharton
Only 4 players this season have attempted more through balls in the PL than Odegaard, and he's been injured for half the season.
Other 4 players? Fernandes at number 1?
Ok on the rare occasion there’s movement ahead… he’s actively chosen not to play in Gyokeres. And not just on one occasion.
He chose not to do that once, in my memory, that was against Newcastle. It's recency bias/confirmation bias ...
I've also seen with my own eyes a handful of other players choosing not to pass to Gyokeres. It's not solely an Odegaard issue.
Only 4 players this season have attempted more through balls in the PL than Odegaard, and he's been injured for half the season.
"There has often been decent movement ahead of him and he’s actively chosen not to pass the ball! "
I would change often to rarely
Ok on the rare occasion there’s movement ahead… he’s actively chosen not to play in Gyokeres. And not just on one occasion.
"Those always get given by continental officials"
But presumably they get given by English officials when officiating european games, right?
"There has often been decent movement ahead of him and he’s actively chosen not to pass the ball! "
I would change often to rarely
arse!
well riproared!
morning all!
But that simplicity has our rivals and smaller clubs being more dynamic and fluent in attack than us. Our players wait for the opposition to get back into shape then make a pass they could have easily...
I don't think anyone loves how we attack at the moment, but I'm not convinced the solution is as easy as 'just be more simple'
I think we have issues ahead of Odegaard in terms of movement/quality which might impact a player of his type.
Again, he can do better, he isn't in his best form having been out injured a lot, but I ...
There has often been decent movement ahead of him and he’s actively chosen not to pass the ball! There’s simply no way to defend that.
He’s having a big loss of form, his decision making is off …and I think it’s down to multiple factors -fatherhood, injuries, tactical instructions to stay on the ball and drop deep, and the opposition are better able to read him now. He can’t seem to adapt.
He’s always played his best football as a 10, with the one touch, two touch passes and through balls. Arteta is telling him to be on the ball all the time and it just doesn’t suit his style or ability.
If only football was that simple though.
Gyokeres just needs to score goals. Take a shot, score, do it again. Easy.
🫠
But that simplicity has our rivals and smaller clubs being more dynamic and fluent in attack than us. Our players wait for the opposition to get back into shape then make a pass they could have easily made earlier when our wingers are not facing the Alamo. It's inefficient and ineffective football.
It's not hate, but the question is, what is he actually contributing? He's ostensibly our no. 10, but very rarely scores or assists. As I commented during the game last night, when was the last time h...
I think we have issues ahead of Odegaard in terms of movement/quality which might impact a player of his type.
Again, he can do better, he isn't in his best form having been out injured a lot, but I think there's too much focus on him and he has become a lightning rod for some of our attacking inadequacies and I think it ignores the wider context.
If only football was that simple though.
Gyokeres just needs to score goals. Take a shot, score, do it again. Easy.
🫠
We don’t really ever give him much though do we?
I've been banging on about this for ages.
Ødegaard has fucking regressed as a player. As you say, he always needs those extra touches before making a decision beit a pass or shot. By the time he's de...
I have a feeling that Arteta has instructed him to get on the ball and stay on it. Unfortunately, this hasn’t helped him because he is at his best when he plays one touch and two touch passes and sees an instinctive through ball because of it! He’s not a natural ball carrier as he can’t ride tackles and he’s so one-footed.
So I don’t think it’s just Odegaard’s fault. I think Arteta has been trying to mould him into a player he’s clearly not.
If there’s one player I’d want on the ball all the time it’s Declan!
Plus Ødegaard is not the only one who holds onto the ball for an age at the moment. Martinelli and Madueke often run it into nowhere, Trossard stands on it, Saka also too many touches… What’s the goal tally and assist stats between of all five players this season? Criminally low.
If only football was that simple though.
Gyokeres just needs to score goals. Take a shot, score, do it again. Easy.
🫠
Accurate description of big Vik hitting penalties!
V harsh.
Odegaard was good last night – I accept he could have had that shot quicker, but it's on his right foot, and it's still good defending.
We went there, controlled the first half and he was ...
It's not hate, but the question is, what is he actually contributing? He's ostensibly our no. 10, but very rarely scores or assists. As I commented during the game last night, when was the last time he even played a really incisive pass? It's all six touches and a backwards pass.
V harsh.
Odegaard was good last night – I accept he could have had that shot quicker, but it's on his right foot, and it's still good defending.
We went there, controlled the first half and he was ...
I don't hate him, but he's not been at his best for ages.
Yes, injuries have stunted his overall play, but you can see he takes far too long to release the ball.... Even if it is to pass backwards/sideways (which is fucking frustrating).
As for Blogs describing Odegaard as "doing what he does well", well, I for one couldn't see it. A player in his position takes that shot the first time, but his need for multiple touches of the ball h...
If only football was that simple though.
Gyokeres just needs to score goals. Take a shot, score, do it again. Easy.
🫠
Arse.
Yep. Odegaard is still influential in all the wrong places, ineffective in what matters - scoring goals and winning big games. He simply cannot make a fast decision and shoot accurately and eff...
Fuck that, Arteta has every right to complain about that decision!
There was absolutely no need for VAR to re-ref that incident. The ref saw contact and awarded the pelanty. You cannot overturn that! The ref bottled it, got influenced by Simeone or the home crowd, whatever!
And as for the White pelanty handball thing (that always gets given in Europe. It's a stupid low threshold, and after Tuesday night's one, they had to give it.
I've been banging on about this for ages.
Ødegaard has fucking regressed as a player. As you say, he always needs those extra touches before making a decision beit a pass or shot. By the time he's de...
V harsh.
Odegaard was good last night – I accept he could have had that shot quicker, but it's on his right foot, and it's still good defending.
We went there, controlled the first half and he was a big part of that.
I think it's fair to say he's not at the level we know he can be, people are frustrated by the injuries, which I also understand, but some of the Odegaard hate is way over the top.
Personally I would like to see Rice-MLS-Eze tried. Energy, duels, drive and flair.
I don't think MLS can be seen as a realistic option in midfield at this point of the season
As for Blogs describing Odegaard as "doing what he does well", well, I for one couldn't see it. A player in his position takes that shot the first time, but his need for multiple touches of the ball h...
I've been banging on about this for ages.
Ødegaard has fucking regressed as a player. As you say, he always needs those extra touches before making a decision beit a pass or shot. By the time he's decided, or done his poxy 360 turn, the opposition have reset and are in place to block it.
Arse. Well in RRR
Encouraging performance yesterday. Can we shift Ode slightly back and play Eze at 10? Rice-Ode-Eze or Zubi-Ode-Eze if Rice needs rest in later stages of games.
Personally I would like to see Rice-MLS-Eze tried. Energy, duels, drive and flair.
Arse. Well in RRR
Encouraging performance yesterday. Can we shift Ode slightly back and play Eze at 10? Rice-Ode-Eze or Zubi-Ode-Eze if Rice needs rest in later stages of games.
Simeone is a colossal prick. He needs a punch in the mouth
Or maybe someone could walk all over the Athletico badge with their muddy boots and annoy him a bit ;)
WiRRR
I’ll be aiming for 16th May at Union, set a reminder for 3 😂
Simeone is a colossal prick. He needs a punch in the mouth
We're talking about Arsenal players, so never, in other words!
😭
When they're both fully fit, I imagine
We're talking about Arsenal players, so never, in other words!
When they're both fully fit, I imagine
There were glimpses of potential against Newcastle.
We've been banging on about Rice playing 6 for ages.
Earlier in the season there were a couple of games where Zubi didn’t play. Rice was the 6 and Odegaard and Eze were the 8s. It worked, we got results.
There’s also been times when Zubi, Rice and Eze played also getting us results. This is where Rice was a hybrid 6/8… effectively joining Zubi in defence and joining Eze in attack! It worked v v well.
We miss Timber a lot but I’d say Mosquera is in better form than Ben White right now. I’d also say Eze is having the most impact of all our attacking players right now, so I’d find a way to get him on the pitch as much as possible in these final weeks.
I'm not keen on the triple sub either.
Trossard, in particular, made me fret.
When we gonna see Ebs and Odegaard together?
When they're both fully fit, I imagine
Arse. Well in rrr.
Morning all.
1-1 is a good result on the face of it. Their pelanty and our overturned one are absolute home team decisions. Total bollocks, we should be 2-0 up going into then sec...
I agree with you about Zubi, especially since the start of the year. He's not a metronome, doesn't carry the ball due to lack of pace and dribbling abilities, doesn't have the physical presence to dominate opponents and no longer shoots like he did at the beginning of the season. Fatigue is undoubtedly a factor, but why the fuck did we spend £13m on Noorgard? That transfer has been a criminal waste of resources and a position.
You know, a few of you might be on to something. We did look a lot more solid with a deeper Rice. And it's not as if a formation shift hasn't helped us late season in the past (remember the five-man d...
We've been banging on about Rice playing 6 for ages.
You know, a few of you might be on to something. We did look a lot more solid with a deeper Rice. And it's not as if a formation shift hasn't helped us late season in the past (remember the five-man d...
Change not chance
You know, a few of you might be on to something. We did look a lot more solid with a deeper Rice. And it's not as if a formation shift hasn't helped us late season in the past (remember the five-man defence under GG, can't remember the exact season).
Remind me: wasn't there a lot of pressure for Rice to be moved further forward earlier in the season to get more goals? When did the chance happen and how does that relate to our changing form?
Anyone got a grip on that?
Arse.
Yep. Odegaard is still influential in all the wrong places, ineffective in what matters - scoring goals and winning big games. He simply cannot make a fast decision and shoot accurately and eff...
Yeah I’m happy with the 1-1 on the balance of play and the chances Athletico had, I wouldn’t be moaning too much.
I would absolutely replace Ben White with Mosquera in the return fixture though. I’d also bring on Dowman as a sub instead of Trossard. Trossard has been really disappointing since January.
Arse. Well in rrr.
Morning all.
1-1 is a good result on the face of it. Their pelanty and our overturned one are absolute home team decisions. Total bollocks, we should be 2-0 up going into then sec...
Zubimendi was mostly v good yesterday. He’s struggled in the last weeks - I reckon down to being overplayed in his first season in English football. But if Arteta can’t see that the double pivot of Zubi and Rice is the KEY now… then he’ll never see it.
It was the key earlier in the season too with Rice, Zubimendi and Eze playing together… and when we were actually playing good football! Bring it back I say.
Eze has to start games with these two behind him.
Arse. Well in rrr.
Morning all.
1-1 is a good result on the face of it. Their pelanty and our overturned one are absolute home team decisions. Total bollocks, we should be 2-0 up going into then second leg.
Rice should play at the base of the midfield. It's his natural position and he was excellent. If Arteta doesn't persist with it after that then there's no hope for him.
Eze needs to play instead of Odegaard. It was like night and day when he came on.
Zubimendi is just meh. He does nothing of note anywhere.
I'm not keen on the triple sub either.
Trossard, in particular, made me fret.
When we gonna see Ebs and Odegaard together?
Well in rip
Morning all.
Well from 46th-84th minute that game was tough on the old ticker again!
I thought the double pivot of Rice and Zubimendi worked very well.
Odegaard was ok but needs to offer much more in these closing weeks. He just has to. He’s one of the captains and he needs to much more influential.
Eze looked good when he came on, so I’d be tempted to play Rice, Zubimendi and Eze from the off in the return fixture.
Rice v good again! The consistency!
Saliba had one of his best games this season yesterday. He’s been solid throughout but yesterday he looked more on it.
Raya very good too.
If we’ve bought Gyokeres to take pens… then go out and win a few more while he’s on the pitch. He’s quite good at taking them.
As for Blogs describing Odegaard as "doing what he does well", well, I for one couldn't see it. A player in his position takes that shot the first time, but his need for multiple touches of the ball h...
Arse.
Yep. Odegaard is still influential in all the wrong places, ineffective in what matters - scoring goals and winning big games. He simply cannot make a fast decision and shoot accurately and effectively, he MUST take multiple touches and neurotically compose himself before shooting. Utterly ineffective when it matters, and the captain. Disastrous.
Overall, solid result. VAR should never overturn that, Simeone should never be allowed in the vicinity when the nerd with the whistle is umming and aaahing over his wee screen, but I would be seething if such a lame bit of contact led to a critical penalty against us (was bad enough with Benny's concession), take the 1-1 and be happy. I wish Arteta wouldn't make such a massive drama about such decisions, yes they are controversial but he leans too much into the injustices we face when at the end of the day we've been playing atrocious football for 4 months and don't deserve to win anything. Not really.
Additional Silver ballot for?
Atletico.
As for Blogs describing Odegaard as "doing what he does well", well, I for one couldn't see it. A player in his position takes that shot the first time, but his need for multiple touches of the ball has become a disease. Bruno Fernandes would have taken that in one swift movement, or maybe done the dummy and feint we saw in Tuesday's matches when Diaz and Kravadonna scored.
Odegaard really needs to simplify his game. As someone said on the Arses years ago, he would be so much more effective if he took the approach of "see a pass, make it. See a shot, take it, see a space, move into it".
White has lost his defensive instincts. He's been ropey for so long, and last night was yet more evidence that he's paid a terrible price for laying his body on the line for the club. Negligence on the part of the management and the the club, so I don't really blame him for it.
From Blogs’ player ratings
“A tidy performance on the ball, played a bit further forward where he combined well with others and took some of the defensive responsibility away from him”
Yet if you look...
Without going to look see if you can name the player
From Blogs’ player ratings
“A tidy performance on the ball, played a bit further forward where he combined well with others and took some of the defensive responsibility away from him”
Yet if you looked at the in game comments on the arses you would have thought that he stank the place out. It seems that once people make a decision about a player then anything good gets overlooked.
Gyokeres’s rating against in game comments told a similar story
It feels that near constant perfection is expected from our players and when the current whipping boys are unable to reach that level they’re consigned to the rubbish bin
And now it's a shame that another ballot, a Silver ballot where some ST were belatedly added (well officially belatedly, but that would explain why they bizarrely had an extra week between ballot and ...
Additional Silver ballot for?
And now it's a shame that another ballot, a Silver ballot where some ST were belatedly added (well officially belatedly, but that would explain why they bizarrely had an extra week between ballot and results, which I didn't initially understand), just to make it even less likely for Silver to get a ticket, spoils the fun and that for the past few months, I'm struggling to feel 'part' of the Arsenal experience properly.
Overall though, I think a draw was probably just about fair given what happened in both boxes. I also thought that despite not being a 5-4 ‘thriller’, this was still a really compelling game of football.
Yep, perfect summary.
Peppa Pig confirms that she and her fucking family are fucking stupid and obnoxious cunts!
heh
It changes the course of the tie*.
If we score it. He should have said 'could'.
Peppa Pig confirms that she and her fucking family are fucking stupid and obnoxious cunts!
Think we'll be OK next week with fully fit and firing Saka and Eze.
Our second pelanty was a definite pelanty, baffled it got overturned.
Not getting all the 'but it's not a clear and obvious error' outrage though, as it's long been established that this is not used as a criterion for VAR despite initial statements when it was introduce. Just a very shit overturn that was nonsensical.
We'll win and forget.
Not over-confident we can win a final against either other team based on yesterday but one-off match in neutral place, yeah OK.
While different, it was still a proper CL semifinal first leg, ebbs and flows, Atleti much better in the second leg overall but we finished well too.
Raya did, once more, very well (some shots at him, but the timing for his Alvarez save was absolutely superb).
Hope Timber will be fit for the final.