Morning all.
Kev has very kindly given his thoughts on last night’s 3-2 defeat to Villarreal.
With the golden money trail between the Saudi ‘Public Investment Fund’ and Liverpool making all the headlines; Nunez to Saudi, Isak to Liverpool, Newcastle free of PSR, plus the transfer of Sesko to Manchester United or possibly Newcastle rattling around, it has allowed Mikel Arteta and his coaches to go about their business in relative peace, minus the usual media hype for the friendly against Villarreal.
Pre-match chat was mainly around Gyokeres of course but also Madueke and if these two new signings could be the answer or part of the answer to our habit of slipping into a passing masterclass. You know the masterclass that ultimately lacks the cutting edge needed to breach the ubiquitous low-block that everyone but a few clubs play nowadays.
So, Arteta again went for a mixed-bag starting XI with Raya in goal, a back four of White, Saliba, Kiwior and MLS, Nordgaard had the holding role, Merino left 8 and Nwaneri right 8, up front the triumvirate of Saka, Martinelli and Gyokeres.
Arsenal, as they usually do, dominated the early possession and pressed Villarreal into their own half. The ball initially was moving quickly with Nwaneri doing some great link-up play but we still seemed sluggish in the final action around the Villarreal box, you know beating an opponent and then not laying it off or finding that pass to open them up quickly enough and therefore some positive situations just stuttered out in a cloud of indecision. But it’s still preseason and we’ve not yet hit our optimum, yet…
On the 16th minute some fast interplay saw the yellow submarines cut through an Arsenal defence that reminded me of Unai Emery days. A shot hit our post and it pinballed around our box before our old mate Nicholas Pepe torpedoed us and it was like Groundhog Day again.
From then on Villarreal looked comfortable and we looked like we was playing against a low block and devoid of ideas yet again. I thought that Ben White looked good but Saka still hasn’t found his sparkle. All his best tricks and moves don’t seem to be coming off just yet, the right flank wasn’t quite functioning at its best. On the left Martinelli looked isolated again although Merino did get out there to try and help but nothing Gabby tried came off. There is no connection with Myles who passes backwards too often for my liking. You know sometimes you have to risk losing possession in order to create chances.
More sloppy defending on the 33rd minute saw Villarreal extend their lead, Raya made a great save initially but the ball looped up and was tapped home with our defenders looking like spectators. I hope that all this is some cunning plan to lull Man United into a false sense of security.
3 minutes later Arsenal woke up and following a well struck Martinelli corner to the far post and some expertly exercised blocking in the box, Norgaard headed home. An alternative to Big Gabby at corners is very welcome and it woke up the crowd who began generating some atmosphere again.
Half-time: Villarreal look a well coached team who defend like it means something to them and counter-attack with the minimum of fuss but with the maximum of reward because their finishing was efficient. Arsenal less so, but it is preseason…
Arteta only made two changes at half-time, Mosquera for White and Zubimendi for Nordgaard. Zubimendi immediately quickened things up and we did need to increase the tempo. Mosquera made some encouraging interceptions and then on 61 mins Gyokeres and Merino both went close but in general Gyokeres was making runs and nobody was picking them up, all the same Arsenal were playing better.
On 62 Kepa came on for Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Odegaard, Rice and Dowman also replaced Saliba, Kiwior, Nwaneri, Gyokeres and Saka. It was all Arsenal and then on 68 a long pass out of defence saw us exposed again and it was 1-3 in the blink of an eye.
On 75 the impressive Dowman was fouled in the box and Odegaard made it 2-3 from the spot, Arteta then sent on Madueke for Martinelli and Zinchenko for Myles and I stopped taking notes.
Not much else of note really happened, the referee who had been kind to Villarreal and strict with Arsenal continued to be so, a good preparation for OT I thought. Dowman sprinkled his stardust and had me wondering how Arteta simply has to include him in most of his squads next season. I mean 15 minutes or even 10 of Max at the end of a game could be a changer?
Villarreal won the game 3-2 and the penalty shoot out afterwards so good luck to them, they played really well. For Arsenal, well there’s some outstanding issues from last season that I haven’t seen rectified yet, but then it is still preseason…
By Kev….
Morning all.
Thanks Kev. I liked the “then I stopped taking notes” 😜
Having not seen the game, I can’t comment really but it sounds like it was all a bit of a struggle. Hopefully players will soon spot Gyokeres’s movement and get on the same page. We definitely need that Gabriel/Saliba pairing to stay fit for the season because I think it’s Gabriel who not only brings out the best in Saliba but he’s vocal, so keeps everyone awake.
Morning rico, kev, house. Good summing up, didn’t play badly but again didn’t create many good chances. Noordgard made four good interceptions in front of back four, Nwaneri also looked livelier than of late. Dowman really excites but Gabriel looked sluggish, understandably ring rusty, and needs to get up to speed quickly.
Morning Andrew, great to see the big guy back though. I’d imagine he’ll be working hard to be fit for OT..
Good morning Rico, Kev.
Your round up echoes what I have read in this morning’s media without, that is, the snidey anti Arsenal tropes. Thanks Kev.
One more pre-season game to go and there seems to be little evidence of the required tactical tweaks to accommodate our new strikers particular strengths. Rather than exhausting the players by travelling half way round the World, would it not have been better to follow Wenger’s preference for a high altitude training camp in Austria with some low key matches to round off a less hectic couple of weeks.
Still, money talks I guess.
Morning Cicero, yep, money talks pre season. Nearly all of the top table clubs travel long haul for pre season.
Arteta can’t let go when it comes to some of his old players. Why is he persevering with Martinelli, Zinchenko, Merino as a striker when we have Gyokeres and after spending all that money on new fresh blood leaving them sitting on the bench for half of the match. Remember everyone last season when Arteta was screaming at the Board and Edu to get a Striker in the Jan window?!! We now have one! USE HIM for the whole 90 mins!
MOVE ON Arteta before it’s too late and we come 2nd or 3rd AGAIN!
Laura, much as I would like to see or new striker in full time action, he is nowhere near full fitness. He has had very little training and no game time since the end of the season while the clubs wrangled over the terms of his transfer.
Afternoon Rico and all, A nice write up Kev, I didn’t know what Adrian Clarke wrote until I read earlier comments on this site, but I agree it’s nice to win but I am not too worried about loosing either, Practice matches are just that a practice match as long as we don’t pick up any injuries, I personally believe that sometimes a new can learn more about his new team mates style of play from watching them in a practice match more then being rushed in and expecting them too be a hit straight away, lets judge thing in a couple of weeks time.
This caught my eye trying to make a comparison.
Preseason Invincibles compared to now was that we had a great manager (at that time ) not a rookie who is already yapping away to the media about this and that .We haven’t played well in any preseason games and last night it showed a good proportion of the team seasoned pros can’t even take a penalty when required so where was Chloe Kelly when one needed her😀.
Of course players need bedding in but we need to change the system as to how we play and I doubt Arteta is capable of it and by the way this is an observation nothing to do about not supporting the team which isn’t even .questionable.
We also have a problem shifting players who were bought at outlandish transfer fees and even more crazy wages,and this trend isn’t something new.
Good Afternoon Rico and all
Good match report Kev. You should sign up for Match day pundit job on BBC. At least you will stop them from being relegated by Wayne Rooney.
This was hilarious to read…..Apparently Newcastle Utd have left defender Paul Targett behind in Seoul in South Korea. The club discovered he was not on board when they arrived back at Newcastle. the club confirmed he was safe and will return home later.
I died with laughter reading that. 😅😅😅😅😅
Laura….no need to shout (in capitals).
Gyokeres cannot play 90 mins as he barely had has had a week to acclimatize. Give him time. At least he began the game. He did things the right way expected of a CF however around 60-70 mins was enough.
Although I hate losi, even at under 6 level, we have to keep in mind that this is about giving minutes to everyone. In the grand scheme of things its not that we win but the team players gel together.
Its easy to blame Arteta, and while everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, one must keep in mind that its still preseason.
Cicero that is exactly what I said a few days ago…..why go galivanting around the world when we can do a pre-season in central Europe??
Yes money talks and as Geoff pointed out people on that side of the world get to see the players. However, I happen to agree with you with regards pre-season….it shouldnt be more that three hours max flight away from England.
Has anyone noticed that we dont have African players at the moment?? And the majority of players are from England, Spain and central Europe. Only three are Brazilians. Arteta is making sure that we have no players suffering from jet leg. Or going off in the middle of the season on AFCON.
I have known Rico for many many years which she could confirm but I have to say to try and get debate on here with anyone is impossible as it’s a closed shop ,quite rude in fact as one is thought of as an intruder, yet it’s a public forum..
I have tried this 3 or 4 times over last season but totally ignored every time( as are others not in the “inner circle ” ,) but so be it ..
Pity Rico, but if you feel putting all that effort nearly daily to come up with a post for 6 people to debate so be it.I wish you well.
Afternoon Geoff, Devil.
It’s all very well going off to Europe in pre season but if none of the best clubs follow suit, then we’re not going to really be challenged. Arteta said just a few days ago that he likes us to play a mix of PL and CL clubs.
Kelsey, HH is not a closed shop, nor have I seen anyone be rude towards you or anyone else. If I’ve missed something, do let me know.
Laura, re playing certain players, it’s a catch 22 in my opinion. If we want to sell Zinchenko for example, is it better to freeze him out or keep him in the shop window?
I’d be more concerned if Arteta did play Gyokeres for 90 minutes than not because as others have said, he’s done little training pre season and neither has Madueke.
Chelsea, Arsenal players nominated for Women’s Ballon d’Or
A number of Chelsea and Arsenal players have been nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
For the Blues, Sandy Baltimore, Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton – who is also nominated for the goalkeeping award – and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
The Gunners are represented by Mariona Caldentey, Steph Catley, Emily Fox, Chloe Kelly, Frida Maanum, Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson.
I was just going around spuddie hunting (on their websites) and the amount of hate speech and negative comments regarding James Maddison’s cruciate injury, coming from those who call themselves ‘Gunners’ is horrid and certainly distasteful. I always want to win against them but not to the point of wishing one of their players any injury especially long term seeing that he will miss practically all season.
I do write comments (with the devilgunner) on their websites, but its always banter and leg pulling. And certainly I always want to see them at full strength especially against us so that when we win I can tell them that even with our worst squad we won. but it always stops at banter and leg pulling. but some of the comments others write are literally nauseatic
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1310579160439535&set=a.791368379027285
What joy can anyone get from seeing someone else injured. Twisted.
Kelsey there is certainly a small number of posters on here but I don’t see it as a clique and rudeness is not the norm . There are often disagreements over a few things but in my opinion the attitude of the posters is normally quite civil.
That’s one reason why I post here , there are too many other sites where abuse of the players , manager , posters and certain media outlets are the norm but not here.
Partey is now a Villarreal player.
I wonder if Villareal have insterted a clause pending the outcome of his trial. If he’s not guilty all is well, but if found guilty I dont think they will pay him any money to sit in a cell all day long.
I’m sure they have considered that Devil. Lol
Well said, Kelsey.
Self-awareness and reflection.
An obvious example is Mikel Arteta being the third highest manager in world football. He isn’t even Spain’s third best manager. But Arsenal fans in their droves dance around him as though he were the Messiah.
One Covid FA Cup with a team he inherited and quickly dismantled, almost £billion spent in nearly six years and nothing but falling short. His FA Cup record since is nothing short of shocking.
The three year runners up?
The first one, Arsenal couldn’t cope with leading the way so we self-imploded after losing Saliba through injury and fell very short.
Next, the second and closest of the three. Almost a great campaign for Arteta, but sloppy home defeats against Fulham and West Ham plus relying on Spuds saw to that.
And we still can’t beat Bayern in a competitive game.
Last season was boring risk-averse horse-shoe football with no cutting edge, and at no stage did Arsenal fight for the title because we had a poor summer of recruitment.
Finally this summer we have a striker, but the glaring issue on the left hasn’t been addressed because of Arteta’s insistence for playing inverted full backs.
We don’t have a specialised left-back – (MLS is a midfielder), so all our attacks are down the right and very dependent on Bukayo Saka producing a moment. Maybe Madueke changes that, but to get the best from Gyokeres the whole system and style of play needs to change.
The bottom line is that Arsenal pay far too much whether it be managers or players wages and get nothing in return for generations of global fans to celebrate.
Look at Liverpool.
Thirty years without a title, but still seven ahead of Arsenal, and the only side to stop City recently. That’s before you compare their European records.
They haven’t spent more than Arsenal, but neither are they naive enough to put the club in the hands of a complete rookie.
In the highest football fraternities Arsenal are not taken seriously or considered any real threat, a narrative started from Wenger and still holds true today.
Self-awareness, reflection and accepting who and what your club are without getting into meaningless dust-ups.
Twenty one years without a title and nothing in Europe.
If Arteta had been at Everton two years ago when they had points docked and had no money to spend, Everton would have been in the Championship last season.
Arsenal, a club whose fans embrace and love to celebrate the role of bridesmaids.
A second tier club who now rely on luck in the form of a better club having a major slip-up to win the PL, and have absolutely no presence in Europe.
We should prioritise the FA Cup and League Cup if we want to celebrate any silverware, because that’s where Arsenal are at.
Alan, I get what you are saying, Kelsey too but it’s a subject which has been discussed time and time again, year after year. The football is boring much of the time, we faff around at the back far too much, our passing is seldom crisp and with speed – the list is endless. But what good does it do to moan about it every day?
We have a striker, yes, about time to of course but he’s been at the club a week or two so we will need to change our style. Not overnight though.
Personally, I think this is make or break season.
By the way, I’m pretty sure Klopp won the league….
For those who claim that they’re being ignored, why not try writing a post for Rico, it’ll help her and might generate a debate, which is after all what seems to be the object…
Btw I ignore Geoff all the time, but not because he’s boring but because he’s an Aussie and I’m getting ready for the Ashes… 😁
Kev you to take a break dureing the ashes as England have no chance, unless you bring the rain with you. 🤣
I just hope that we never play a normal home and away match overseas like some other sports are doing.
Good morning everyone
What about having the best defence for the last two seasons running??? A point which some failed to mention. Whether its by convenience or genuine forgetfullness remains to be seen.
To return your comment, Rico, the thirty year title gap for Liverpool was between 1990-2020, which is when Klopp won it, a year after winning the CL.
A defensive safety -first manager having the best defence? Now there’s a thing.
If you don’t have enough goals in the attack it makes that redundant.
No trophies or open-top buses for hand-brake risk-averse horse-shoe football.
There can’t be many top Spanish managers playing this brand of football.
Zinchenko, on £20k a week as a squad player at City, comes to Arsenal for a very extravagant transfer fee and is put on £150k a week.
That is not clever business.
Is he part of that expensively assembled ‘best defence’ ?
SAH….each to his own opinion my friend. Thanks for sharing your views.
Alan I just looked up Zinchenko weekly pay and depends on who wrote the story, as some reporters say he started at Man c on 20 thousand pounds and later resigned a new contract with them were his weekly pay went up to 90 thousand pound, I cant see any professional player in the epl today playing for 20k per week,
Hey Geoff, I’m happy to be corrected if my info is wrong, after all, debates aren’t debates if they’re not rooted in honesty 👍
In acknowledging that, Arteta has still spent the best part of £300m on the defence (including GK’s), and there can’t be many PL clubs with a more expensive back line than Arsenal’s.
Alan as most on this site will say I am the last one to back Arteta. and I have said for while on this site, Arteta is a good manager, but I am not sure he has what it takes to take us to winning the league but I will be more than happy to eat humble pie again if Arteta can prove me wrong,
The best thing about a good debate is not making it personal and shaking hands at the end.
Don’t think I will be buying a Authentic 3rd kit jumper as it will cost $200.00 Australian Dollars
Good morning all.
Villarreal are copping some flak over the Partey signing, around a thousand fans protested outside the stadium yesterday. It was described as Villarreal’s “Darkest day”.
I have absolutely no problem with having “The best defence in the League”. There is nothing more soul destroying than watching your team concede goals due to poor defending.
A one-nil win is better than a two-one defeat. Simples!
Aw c’mon Geoff mate, 200 As$ is just a spit in the billabong. 😉
Wow that is pricey, mate!
Personally I think Rodrygo and Eze would elevate us into the PL and CL conversation, one on their own isn’t enough.
We desperately need creativity and a sprinkling of star dust in the final third.
Glenn McGrath calling The Ashes a 5-0 white-wash.
Is he on heavy meds mate?
Cicero….38 EPL 1-0 wins will do for me.
I guess that there will be those who will say we only win 1-0.
You can never satisfy everyone.
SAH….Eze would elevate us. But Rodrygo steer clear of him. not even with a barge pole. he is a weather vane. his attitude shifts according to where the wind is blowing and however much technically good he is his attitude would be disruptive
Eze I would love.
D G, we can agree on a lot but never on Eze. 😕
Not many LW options out there, I think Garnacho is a player too, just waiting for the right club and manager.
Looks like Chelsea are in pole position but we should be in there for £50m.
Xavi Simons could be an alternative to Eze.
As I said above Cicero, each to his own. we all have our own opinion and respect for each others’ opinion.
But at least we agree on Rodrygo no??
Cicero, a spit in the biilabong is not the problem it’s the admission to enter the biilabong that hurts. if I buy all 3 tops I will have to get a loan.
I believe we do DG.
I guess it’s pretty warm in Malta right now, my eldest son and his wife are heading to Sliema in a fortnight, will it be a little cooler then?
Alan, our ex cricket players are all way over confident, I think we will win the ashes but more 3 / 2
At the moment its just warm Cicero. Its not hot. its the bearable heat between 29 – 32 degrees with a slight Northerly wind/breeze so its acceptable (and for people like me who suffer in heat its manageable). However I don’t know about a fortnight’s time. fingers crossed it will be the same degrees as above. In Sliema it will be slightly higher since its all buildings and even though there is the open sea the area will be slightly hotter. In the countryside it will be a bit cooler.
The Garnacho ship has sailed, he’s going to Chelsea and the £50 million we paid for Madueke will cover his transfer fee.
I misunderstood your timing Alan.
Regardless, Arsenal have won nothing for too long.
I’ll pass that info on to them, thanks DG.
How rude of me, good morning guys..
Am I the only one who is disappointed that we’ve missed out on Sesko?
Morning all, Sesko? I guess if Sesko scores in his first 5 games Rico then everyone will say we should have signed him instead of the Swede especially if Gyokeres doesn’t score during that period.
Interesting to bear in mind that Man Utd’s priority striker signing at the beginning of this window was also Gyokeres, so we should do well to ask why?
I’m not expecting Gyokeres to start scoring every game he plays, not in the beginning, it didn’t happen for Bergkamp and it didn’t happen for Henry straight away, but you should all be sure that the ‘usual suspects’ will pile on if he doesn’t score…
I would have been happy with Gyokeres or Sesko at least we got one of them
Morning Rico and all.
Geoff there’s no chance of rain at the WACA mate.
The series will be decided I think, by the bowling attacks, as both batting depts are on a par, in fact England’s might have a slight edge, but Lyons, Hazlewood, Cummins and Starc all have career figures far superior to the England bowlers, our best is Stokes and he has to be protected from himself. Wood if he’s fighting fit might enjoy the tour but the rest aren’t going to scare the baggy greens.
Morning all,
so for me i read it’s about adapting the system to suit our new striker who according to every Tom,Dick and harry can practically walk on water.
We shouldn’t be putting our eggs in one basket we need a number of players to contribute 10+ goals this season and obviously address the left side from back to front .
Preseason or not I have been disappointed bar for Max Dowman and not long until the season kicks off and although we know Kroenke is happy to fill the stadium with anyone who pays and get CL place he has stated it’s a business and trophies are a bonus I still feel strongly Arteta needs to win a major trophy this season such as the PL or CL as he has had enough time
He more than any other PL manager speaks non stop to the media daily and he should reign back as it could come back and bite him..
I’m greedy Kev, both would have made us a different team altogether imo.
Like you though, I don’t think he’ll score goals aplenty to start with, he just needs that first one to take away any pressure.
Still think we’re a left sided player light in attack.
Morning Geoff.
If Mikel Arteta is asked questions by the media, what is he supposed to do? He can’t turn to them and say sorry, I’m not speaking to you as it upsets the fans?
Kelsey one needs to factor how much we can afford and how much compliable with PSR our spending is. We can always play soccer manager and buy whoever we want but even that is determined by how much money we have after the player wages have been deducted. Yes like everyone else I do want to have a front three who score at will and demolish teams however I am realistic enough to know that many things determine who and how many we buy.
Just keep in mind that from positions of 8, 8 etc we have gone to three times 2nd. That is progress. Although for many coming 2nd is dimply the first loser.
Those who complain, when we win the EPL will still complain that we havent won the CL. Then when we win the CL they will complain that we havent won the CWC. Then when we win the CWC they will complain that we havent done the season unbeaten. Then when we do the season unbeaten they will complain that we havent done that 5 seasons in a row. If we manage that they will complain that Arteta uses flower scented toilet paper instead of the normal ones we use. And so it will go on
I am not refering to you….just stating that the majority who complain will always complain.
Kelsey, I reckon Arteta is very lucky that he is at Arsenal as other clubs would have got rid of him by now. just look at what Toots did to their manager
Geoff….Mourinho was sacked 6 days before a cup final. Poch was sacked after guiding them to CL final, Postecoglu got sacked after winning the spuds first trophy in years and from what I heard their under 6 coach was sacked for winning his first game.
They sack coaches at will. Not as much as the Chavs who got rid of them like hot potatoes
Arteta is not lucky he is at Arsenal. He is doing a job and a good one at that.
Just a question…have you ever coached or run a club?? we are all entitled to our opinion, and why not, we all have a right to it, but we should walk a couple of feet in that job before we judge a person on whether he is good or not.
Arteta is bound by rules which are determined by the club. If a teacher sends a student out from class he is admitting defeat in controlling that student and that means he is a failure. So if a club sends a coach away it means that they are admitting they made a bad choice. They sack someone simply to cover their failure in chosing the correct person.
Carmmelsson I wasn’t complaining just expressing my point of view and one of our former players and manager ,a good friend ,agrees with me.
The written word can come across differently to having an actual conversation but there is no denying MA did progress has progressed the team int o a challenging PL position but to fall short three times must have an explanation. Granted,injuries long term which we seemed to be plagued with more than any other club and I question the price we paid for some squad players and the crazy wages and now find it really hard to sell them them on.(as being proved)
Aussie Geoff I agree with you 100%.
I first went to Highbury in 1958 so I know exactly what barren years are like .
I actually don’t think Arteta is doing that well. To begin with, yes, absolutely because he changed so many things, especially the belief of the fans. But, have we improved football wise in the last season or two? I don’t think so.
I still maintain this is a make or break season for him.
I dont blame injuries. Everyone has them. sometimes we go through the season without any long term injuries sometimes we do. Shit happens.
I do blame the EPL for allowing City to wipe the floor with everyone and do whatever they want regarding players and then drag their feet when its clear they have cheated their way to the titles. I do blame the refs for having one rule for others and new rules when it comes to us. How many times have we asked ‘what would have happened if Xhaka did that?? Now we are asking, will he be allowed to get away with murder now that he doesnt play with us?? How many points have the refs cost us last two seasons alone??
How many times have we witnessed horrific injuries and the player who committed them got sent off and served only three games??
If we had Roy Keane in our team many would have thought twice or three or four times before injuring one of our players. Halland’s daddy can testify to that. I dont condone violence but sometimes certain people need to be given a dose of their own medicine.
Then they will learn.
BDW three years ago in Italy a ref kept picking on a particular player. Once the ref got in the way and was smacked in the face with a volley. he had to go off and be replaced. The culprit?? No need to scratch your head to guess. But from then onwards that ref became a bit civil with that particular player.
Hi All. How some fans talk about getting Rodrygo and at the same time say Martinelli is not good enough? The way Arteta inverse his wing backs Martinelli is always on Island. Odegaard plays to the right half, and left wing back plays the middle of the field. That’s Arteta basic tactics, overload the right. Rodrygo will be toast. Watch him at Madrid. He was so poor on the wing defensively that Ancelotti moved him to the 10. Imho, Rodrygo is so overrated. He a one way player, and not effective even at that with poor work rate.. Why is do you think he’s not getting playing time at Madrid? Arteta would need to change more than tactics for him.
Obi, for Rodrygo Arteta will need to change a mindset. That is my opinion of course and I might be mistaken. But in my life I have learned that sometimes you have to steer clear of certain people according to how you see them behave.
And not only Rodrygo. Even when Auba came I wasnt convinced and wanted him out of the club ASAP. granted he gave us many goals but his attitude left a lot to be desired
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Sesko undergo medical tests at Carrington today and assuming all goes well, he will be unveiled on Saturday at Old Trafford either before or at half time of United’s pre-season clash against Fiorentina.
Well that’s a tied on goal against at old toilet , we will need our new man to score or else the media pressure on him will be ramped up.
I too believe that Arteta’s entering the last chance saloon with the fans and I reckon that if he gets the bullet the team will break up as it did after Bertie Mee who bought us out of the doldrums of Swindon and Wright and then went back to decline before Stroller raised us again.
It’s been Arsenal’s way ever since I can remember feast then famine .
He has this season to get something or else.
We’ve been playing without a central striker for far too long. That’s not entirely down to Arteta as there has been a shortage of that particular type of player for some time. Then just like buses three come along together, Isak, Sesko and Gyokeres. We got the latter, not my choice and possibly not Arteta’s either, as far as certain sections of the media are concerned.
Obviously if we had been able to sign him as soon as the transfer window opened he would now be up and running and the rest of the players would be more attuned to his strengths. I’m confident that he will soon be showing his worth and I fully expect him to score many of the chances our wingers and midfielders provide for him.
An optimist? Sure I am.
The constant negativity of so many, so called, Arsenal supporters leaves me somewhat bewildered.
If you don’t like the Manager, don’t like the players he brings in don’t like the style of play, don’t think there is any chance of success it can only be masochistic to persist in supporting the club.
Might also be that if he gets the bullet, players might want to stay longer if the appointment is right.
I recall Bergkamp wanted to leave when Rioch was sacked but after a chat with Arsene, the rest is history…
I think that Arteta has done a great job in turning Arsenal from a music hall joke into a competitive team again, a team that regularly competes and often beats the better teams in the Premier League and in Europe – as shown last season.
Unfortunately in parallel with with Arsenal’s improvement there comes the expectations of the fans and given that we’ve won some two or is it three FACups since 2004 and nothing else it’s difficult to understand where that expectation comes from?
It’s 25 years since we won the Premier league and 31 years since we won in Europe!
The club has spent a lot of money in those intervening years and not just under the present manager and until recently and despite that expense we were pretty much a laughing stock – I don’t forget these things, I don’t forget being routinely humiliated by Chelsea, by Liverpool, by Man City, by Harry Kane and by Man United, losing two successive cup finals 3-0 and 4-1, the worst in our history.
It’s easy to forget, but I also do get frustrated by some of our recent performances, but even those are better than when we were losing 6-0 at Stamford Bridge and being ridiculed by those same pundits who now try to sow discontent in the ranks.
If we play badly I will call it out – doesn’t mean I’m right though, in fact I’m going to shut up until we’ve played Man United, only then can we have an informed idea and maybe even then it might take a few more games before if all falls into place.
Until then I will focus on digging out Scott… 🤣
Cicero, it’s just the football we play for me but I’m optimistic ahead of the new season because it’s obvious we’re going to be playing a different way. Pre season imo is nothing other than a fitness session.
Never trust a man with perfect hair though. 😜
I think “people” confuse criticism with wanting Arteta out etc etc, whereas, certainly in my case, it’s just hoping such a great group of players can win something they deserve.
Devil why does it matter if I or others on this site have managed or run a club, but to answer your question no i have never run or coached a team, but I have managed people through work and trust me, it does not matter if you manage a large factory of workers or a football club if you don’t perform and reach the goals required your out, and as you said other managers have been sacked which proves the point if Arteta had been at a lot of clubs he would have been shown the door by now, and yes he is lucky that Arsenal have never been a club to sack a manager very quickly.
Trust me then Rico, I have the grey tonsure of a monk. 😉
Better the devil you know…..Geoff. 😈
🤣🤣 Cicero
Even if we don’t buy any more players, I am quite happy with the players we have brought in this transfer season and and I for one can’t wait for the season to start,
I will still support Arteta this season, and I don’t agree with sacking managers just for the sake of it, but if not winning titles don’t count then why did we get rid of Wenger after all he kept us in the top 4 for years.
Just not at the end Geoff..
All good things come to an end and Wenger’s reign was slowly but surely coming unstuck . It was never going to be easy to replace him but it was the right thing to do.
For whatever reason things did not work out for Emery or the interims and now Arteta is feeling the weight of expectation.
The fact that all media outlets will tell you that Arsenal sells papers and gets clicks , Adrian Durham made a career out of running the club down because of the nature of our fans that react to the tiniest criticism makes us an easy target in a never ending merry go round .
Improving on last season is not going to be easy , the only way is to win something and I am sure that is the thinking behind this transfer window . They want a squad that can absorb injuries , suspensions and the like without a too dramatic drop in level .
Hopefully they have got the mixture right.
That is why we need to have the best defence so that we do not suffer those pre-known 5-0, 6-0 defeats. As you pointed out Kev….like you I was growing tired of those heavy defeats season in season out. That made us laughing stock of English football.
But some people have only memory problems. Or just when it suits them. They forgot to mention those defeats and humiliations. whether it was convenient for them to do so or it was a genuine honest mistake remains to be seen.
Yes I am proud of having the best defence for two seasons running. And yes I do regret that we didnt score more to win the league. But the positives far outweigh the negatives.
But as I pointed earlier…..those who grumble will still grumble whatever we win. They will still grumble about Arteta wearing a black shirt instead of a hawaiian shirt. Or for using scented toilet paper instead of the common ones we mere mortals use.
Kev, the behaviour of the pundits simply shows how much strong we are. They need to gang up in order to try and bring us down.
I loved the following comment…………….It’s easy to forget, but I also do get frustrated by some of our recent performances, but even those are better than when we were losing 6-0.
I hate leaking just 1 goal let alone swallowing 5 or 6. I always prided myself in clean sheets. The missus says that even if we score 5 ourselves the look on my face when we concede is murderous. For me conceding even 1 goal is an insult. Especially when its pathetic ones like the first two in the game against Villareal when we were ball watching.
Afternoon Rico and the House.
Just signed another player on 5Year contract.
Nathern Marwani. The best one of the summer
Sorry Should be Ethan Nwaneri
Afternoon Rick, good to see you.
Excellent news re Ethan…
Carmelsson (Devil) at 12:12, well Ancelotti couldn’t change that mindset and after a few weeks Alonso didn’t even bother to try, that says a lot. And as I have said, I watch Madrid games.
Excellent news about Nwaneri’s new contract.👍
Obi, it’s a no from me re Rodrygo too. I just don’t see him as anything other than a luxury player.
Its one of my better days Rico which are not very often now.
I still try to read your, great posts when I can.
Dissapointed in some of the comments being made about the preseason
freindlys but its good to read Kevs take on them.
The weather in SS11 must be looking after him.
Stick to your guns Rico dont let theme get you down.
Nice post Rico, I personally feel like this is the season our youngsters coming through the ranks will make a difference and maybe, just maybe, be the final piece of the puzzle and win us the EPL. They are fresh blood coming through the Hale End academy with a point to prove and a world to light up with their feets on the pitch. Will Arteta show faith in them? That I worry about but hopefully he gets convinced by their talents and lets them off the leash. Mad Max is impressive but will need some protection since league games are rough and requires bullocks to do the stuff he does in a competitive premier league fixture which, boy oh boy, the boy knows ball. Nwaneri will come of age and really make a statement with his trademark goal of cutting in and unleashing a venomous curling shot to the far post. MLS is like a maasai warrior, he sees a lion, his blood boils and with courage and bravery charges forward with nothing but a spear held high and a cloak wrapped around his left hand leading the way to provide cushion for the sharp piercing teeth of the feline. Can’t wait to see the laser sharp through balls of the Norwegian midfield magician to the live-wire marauding-movements of Big Vik, the Sweden international will be a revelation this season and a nightmare to opposition defenders. I wonder how many hatrick goals he has on his mission list. Saka and Rice, I only have high expectations of them without forgetting who the real Martinelli is, a monster on wings down the left flank.
Sorry to hear that Rick. Hold on to the good days….
I’m too old in the tooth to let the jibes bother me. 15 years and counting for HH so not all can be bad. 😜
MG, my hope too is that Martinelli gets his mojo back and perhaps now it’s likely we’ll change tactics, he will. Too often he’s left with no target in the box to aim for. Well, he’s got one now..
Kev wrote the post though so I can’t take any credit. 😂
https://www.arsenal.com/news/harriman-annous-turning-pro-arsenal
Another younger player commits to the club..
Cheers Dev, I guess I’m immune to a lot of the BS as I religiously avoid watching anything on the TV or online that has Neville, Keane or Carragher in it, they have nothing to say that I’m remotely interested in.
I also avoid Sky Sports so again I don’t get wound up by the tossers on there. I don’t watch either Sky or TNT so again I avoid most of the rubbish commentary from them and if I can’t avoid them I turn down the sound. It isn’t the complete answer but it works for me.
Rick, SS11 is Gods own postcode, I had a great time in the garden today painting and fixing up some fencing, but it’s great to hear from you and the contract extensions from Ethan and AHA are just the ticket.
I didn’t get to see any of the U21 friendlies in the end as I had hoped, with all the best youngsters on tour there wasn’t really the attraction to go and given the results I’m kinda glad I didn’t.
NR29 is quite nice too , an oft forgotten part of the country well worth the visit before the plans for over development takes away it’s charm.
Such are the pressures of predation from agents that the young players that once would have played in the south east counties are now being projected into the training schedule of the first team . Which in the cases of Nwaneri , MLS et al has been good for them but for the development of the others seems to have an adverse affect on the results of the under 18 and 21’s.
It can be argued that cream will always go to the top but as soon as they start to rise the agent agitates for them and due to the no contract under 16 E.U law hawks them around for the best deal.
It’s a shame but kids develop at different rates , I know of one ( nephew } very skilled and picked up by our local professional club (Norwich ) played all the way through the junior ranks until at age 12 was told that he was too small at 4 foot 3 “and discarded , now at 17 he stands at 5 foot 9 ” and plays local football .
Patience is a virtue .
Patience rarely exists in this game.
New post up guys.