Morning all.
If you have a hangover this morning then it serves you right. Lol
I just about made it to midnight which is unusual for me because I’m a bit of a bah humbug but if New Years Eve is something which you enjoy, I hope you had a great time.
2026 – what might it bring? More of what went on last year I suspect, for most of us at least. The human race won’t stop being cruel to each other because a new calendar is hanging in the kitchen.
For Arsenal and we the fans though, I hope 2026 sees Martin Odegaard lifting a trophy or two because that’s what will make us all happy. Football isn’t real life, not really as it’s all about money these days, yet it matters to so many people. Results can leave us feeling elated but they can also ruin our day or weekend. Yes, I’m still buzzing from the battering we gave Villa.
With the 1st January comes the opening of the winter transfer window. I cannot see Arsenal signing any player this month, not with squad Mikel Arteta already has but perhaps the club will consider the potential benefit of a loan for Ethan Nwaneri. Personally, I’d rather he stayed and played more minutes but the more our walking wounded return, the less likely that seems. Yesterday the internet was awash with a loan deal to Bournemouth being possible which if it happened, would be a very good move for him in my opinion. True or not I don’t know but I doubt Bournemouth would want to spend the money they look likely to get for Semenyo this month. Not when transfers fees are more inflated than they usually are so at least there would be a good chance of him playing regularly.
Anyway, I just want to wish you all a Happy New Year and thank you for another 12 months of support on Highbury House because without you, I’d have given up a while ago. A special thanks to Kev for his match reports and I hope the last 2/3 he writes this season will be about how this Arsenal squad tasted success.
🍾🥂 Rico.
Looks like Maresca could be the first managerial casualty of 2026. Is there anyone left for them to appoint who hasn’t been there before? 😂
Good morning all, a copy and paste from my comment a few minutes ago on yesterday’s post.
May I wish you all what you wish yourselves in 2026.
Thank you Rico for all your hard work keeping the House in tip top running order.
…and it seems that he is top of City’s list to replace Guardiola should he decide to retire at the end of the season.
Good morning and a happy New Year to all.
Well, should Chelsea decide to sack Maresca they can offer the job to Kev.. he writes superb match reports so I feel safe in assuming that he can give a super pre match conference as well. He knows the game inside out.
It will be a job that sets him up and his family for life. He will get a generous handshake when he leaves to have time for his grandchildren. And guarantee Arsenal six points every season.
Rico can you kindly correct the first line please. It finishes at new year. Thanks
Morning Cicero, a pleasure, some of the time. 😜
I read that too re Guardiola and Maresca, the timing is quite convenient.
If City are looking at Maresca, at least they won’t have Arteta in their sights.
Happy new year Cicero.
You can rest easy. Although I take nothing for granted these days, after a lifetime of surprises, I feel you can rest assured that the only way Arteta will leave Arsenal will be if the supporters or board hound him out. I would be amazed if he leaves even for RM or Barca. Arteta has one goal in mind (imo of course) to supersede the legacy (and maybe winnings) of AW and SAF. He has achieved a lot in his short tenure. I am sure the trophies will follow. But even if we win the EPL and CL his next target will be that of emulating SAF.
MATCH DAY OFFICIAL vs Bournmouth
Ref: Chris Kavanag. VAR: Paul Tierney
No excuses. No distractions.
Just keep it clean, keep it sharp, and let the football do the talking.