Morning all.
The debate about Emi Martinez has lit up the internet again this morning. All because he’s just helped Argentina win the World Cup. The golden glove award went to him too, probably because of the number of penalty kicks he saved. I was disappointed Arsenal sold him, but let’s be honest here, he’s not always shone at Aston Villa and he’s not always been kind about the club he left either. Is he better than Aaron Ramsdale? I guess that’s subjective.
The first half of last night’s game was all Argentina as France looked lost. Dembele and Giroud were so ineffective, Deschamps liked them both off before half time. Argentina were 2-0 up by then thanks to a very soft penalty decision which Messi duly despatched and a fantastic second. I thought France were done for but M’bappe came to the party after the break. 3-3, penalties and the French cocked theirs up in style.
Personally, I thought the final typified the tournament as a whole really. Poor officiating, lots of added time, extra time and then penalties. The media will gush over Messi for the next few months, forgetting that it wasn’t just him who beat the French and then perhaps they’ll move on. Until he retires…
I never really understand why there has to be a huge debate about who is the greatest footballer ever. Why can’t footballer’s just be ‘great’ at the time? Dennis Bergkamp was one of the best during his time in the game, as was Thierry Henry but the game was different then. Would Messi perform as he has done in both Spain and France if he’d have moved to the Premier League? We’ll never know but there’s a big difference between playing football in a robust league in the freezing cold weather than playing in Spain or even France where they get a couple of weeks rest mid season. Ronaldo for example, made that move to England and thrived. The first time I mean. Bergkamp, Henry, KdB etc etc too.
To be honest, I’m just glad it’s over and we can get back to the domestic game. Mind you, we’ll still be talking about poor officiating I’m sure..
For Mikel Arteta, I’d imagine his mind is focused on three things. The January transfer window, how he can deal with the loss of Gabriel Jesus and West Ham. Not necessarily in that order.
Do we need a striker in January, or a winger who’ll score goals? A debate we’ll probably be having until the 31st January unless Arsenal sign one or the other. After the Juventus match, Mikel Arteta was asked if he was going to focus more on the performance than the result:
Probably, because the result doesn’t reflect the performance. But it’s a good test, a good learning as well for us – games are decided in the boxes. I think they had one or two shots and scored two goals. We had 19 or 20 and had two on target. That’s not enough. Overall, I think everything else was really positive. But that final thing you need to win the games wasn’t good enough today.
It’s a big challenge for Eddie Nketiah to try and fill the boots of the injured Gabriel Jesus but I’m optimistic he’ll do well. He did last season and he’s a year older and wiser now. With the kind of players we have in the squad, chances will come I’m sure and not just for him. Our goal difference in the league is only bettered by Man City so we can’t be that bad. If you look at goals conceded, our numbers are the best, goals scored, second best to City.
So yes, it’s understandable that Mikel Arteta will opt to focus on the performance against Juventus instead of the result.
Catchup in the comments…
G’day Rico, it wasn’t as bad as I expected but I’m glad it’s all over. Now we can concentrate on the football that matters most, namely the Premiership.
Ronaldo is available.
Hi Rico.. Nice read 👍 I wanted France to win and thought Mbappe’s heroics deserved it, especially after that dire first half from the French where they looked dead and buried. But who was I kidding, this was always going to be the outcome (that was never a penalty in the first half!) Anything to see Messi with his hands on that trophy..
And as for Emi, what an idiot! The comments I’ve seen since last night are laughable – gooners still crying over his departure 🤦♀️ Unbelievable!
Like you, I’m glad it’s over and we can get back to what’s important – The Arsenal 🙂 Roll on Monday!
Hi rico, Housers. Personally I thought Martinez should have been sent off for such unsporting behaviour. If ref asks for ball and he shies away, then throws it away, all while player is waiting to take a penalty, action should be taken. So in future, a goalie can always throw ball away before a kick is taken, without even a yellow for unsporting behaviour. I used to like him, but the comments he made, his penalty shithousery and his gloating dance makes me so glad we have likeable Ramsdale.
Hi Cicero, Sue, Andrew. It’s a bit breezy out there..
I too think Martinez behaved badly, I didn’t want him sold at the time but I’m over it now. Lol
Reflecting on the comments from Wavy earlier today, and yes I couldn’t agree with you more, but it’s the fault of the referee, I mean when Martinez was standing on top of the penalt6 spot you warn him, then caution if he doesn’t move, I’m pretty sure he’d stay on his line after that as no goalkeeper wantsto become the firs5 sent- off in a shoot out.
Afternoon Rico and all,
If I had to pick between Martinez and Ramsdale I will choose Ramsdale as he is a bit more reliable and he can get the fans involved.
Regardless of the condemnation of the antics of Martinez, he has raised his profile by being an important part of the WC winning side. So much so that Bayern Munich are interested in signing him as a replacement for Neuer who has a broken leg. At the age of thirty he has the chance to ensure his financial future by signing for one of the biggest clubs in European football.
Martinez’s PR advisor has made certain that he has almost as much media exposure as Lionel Messi.
Is Neuer finished then Cicero because if Martinez went to Munich he migh5find himself as a No.2 goalkeeper after a few months?
Cozier-Duberry seems to haveseen his reputation increase exponentially almost up to a degree where he’s actually being touted in some sections as being 1st team material on the left wing, it migh5 be interesting to see if Arteta will give him a chance at Oxford?
Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are probably our two brightest teenagers at the club but I simply can’t buy into them with the prospect of one or both pissing off to one of the big money youth poachers in the EPL.
Kev, Neuer is 37 and pissed off his club by going skiing after Germany went out of the WC. He was warned that snow conditions were poor but ignored advice and went ahead. He was taken off the slopes by helicopter and underwent an operation. He will be out for the rest of the season.
Whether or not he makes a full recovery, at his age, there must be doubt about him retaining the number one spot at Bayern.
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