Morning all.
ESR, excellent, Elneny, excellent, Arsenal’s defending – pretty darn good. You know what, I’d take that kind of performance each time we played the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool etc away from home if the outcome is the same as last night.
Mikel Arteta and his players achieved something an Arsenal manager hasn’t done in years, a win at Stamford Bridge and the double over them in one season.
Our game came after a howler from Jorginho. His back pass left Kepa scrabbling to get back on his line to use his hands clear what would otherwise have been a goal. Marriner could have blown his whistle and sent Kepa off but instead allowed play to continue as Aubameyang was lurking. Still with much to do, he played the ball to ESR to score his second goal in as many games. That was to be the only goal of the game and all three points went back to north London with Arsenal.
What to take from the game? Positivity I guess but a season is about 38 domestic fixtures, consistency and performing in the games which matter and not just those which are effectively meaningless. Mind you, there is a slight hope that if other results go our way and we can muster up two more victories from our remaining fixtures, not only could we finish about the neighbours but secure a place in the Europa League.
Chelsea
Current position: 4th
Games played: 36
Current points: 64
Remaining schedule: Leicester (H), Aston Villa (A)
Leicester City
Current position: 3rd
Games played: 36
Current points: 66
Remaining schedule: Chelsea (A), Tottenham (H)
West Ham United
Current position: 5th
Games played: 35
Current points: 58
Remaining schedule: Brighton (A), West Brom (A), Southampton (H)
Liverpool
Current position: 6th
Games played: 34
Current points: 57
Remaining schedule: Man United (A), West Brom (A), Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H)
Tottenham Hotspur
Current position: 7th
Games played: 35
Current points: 56
Remaining schedule: Wolves (H), Aston Villa (H), Leicester (A)
Everton
Current position: 9th
Games played: 34
Current points: 55
Remaining schedule: Aston Villa (H), Sheffield United (H), Wolves (H), Man City (A)
Arsenal
Current position: 8th
Games played: 36
Current points: 55
Remaining schedule: Crystal Palace (A), Brighton (H)
| 5 | West Ham | 35 | 10 | 58 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Liverpool | 34 | 18 | 57 | |||||||
| 7 | Tottenham | 35 | 20 | 56 | |||||||
| 8 | Arsenal | 36 | 12 | 55 | |||||||
| 9 | Everton | 34 | 4 | 55 | |||||||
Arsenal need Man Utd to beat Liverpool tonight and Aston Villa to beat Everton especially as Everton have two games in hand over us.
I still think we’ll end up just short of securing a Europa spot but we could qualify for the new Europa Conference League If we can finish in seventh place and both Chelsea and Leicester finish in the top five. Or if Chelsea beat Man City in the Champions League Final.
The Europa Conference League would be far from ideal but at least the younger players would get to play in a more competitive League than the under 23 domestic fixtures offer. The prize for winning it is a place in the Europa League next season. Unless that team qualifies for the Champions League by way of the League table.
Let’s just win our last two fixtures, hope other clubs cockup and we nick 6th place.
See you in the comments.
Good morning Rico, this writing posts after after a win is getting to be a habit, long may it continue! 😉
That Chelsea ‘keeper looked decidedly dodgy, with a bit more pressure we could have snatched another goal maybe.
Now we have a free weekend, time for a little relaxation before Palace on Wednesday and Brighton Sunday when, thanks to Boris and his vaccine roll-out, we will even have some fans in the ground.
Morning Cicero, just wish it’d started back in August. Lol
The final game will be interesting with the fans back…
Morning all.
Wasn’t Tuchel a complete douche bag with his post match comments?
Utter wanker!!!
Though he was photographed well, well away from everyone else in deep discussion with our skipper so hopefully they were discussing a reunion!!!
Since Arteta took over, we have done the following.
“Arsenal have now beaten Chelsea home and away (and in a cup final), United home and away, Spurs, Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester (away). The record against the top sides has certainly vastly improved.
Arsenal have the third best defensive record in the league this season as well (despite those individual errors). It does feel like the basis is there for better times, Arteta just needs to find a way of making the team better going forward. Still very tough to watch at times. Slow and laboured.”
Spot on, but we all say you can not win the League with a dodgy defence and while ours still has its moments, it’s vastly improved on recent times.
Arteta needs to find the balance, no question at all but that’ll come.
What did he say Scott?
has anyone realized that that is the first time that Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in three consecutive Away games for quite a long while now???
I keep on saying that this season we lost around 12 points due to our negligence and carelessness. If we had those 12 points we would be in third place three points above Chelsea. We have taken 4 points from Man Utd (2nd) and 6 points from Chelsea (4th) We have taken points from Leicester (3rd) as well as from WHU (5th). But we have dropped points against teams like Fulham (relegated) Burnley and Brighton.
This season has been criminal in terms of player’s attitude and effort. I feel that with the players we have we should be between 3rd and 2nd if they gave their all. I am not expecting to win every game or win the EPL however in this strange season we could have secured 3rd place and also Champions lge.
We do blame Arteta for the chopping and changing however if the players commit howlers on the pitch I do not think he is to blame. After all he can only play who he has at his disposal. And he would not know beforehand that a player is going to commit a howler.
Yes we might blame him for keep on picking Willian when he should have picked someone else, but we certainly cannot blame him for the wrong Xhaka pass, or a Leno howler, or a Luiz cock up. Certain mistakes one does not expect top players to do them. None of us expected that by Jorginho last night. Is yesterday’s game Tuchel’s blame?? No its not.
Of course individual errors can’t be blamed on Arteta, nor can the cockups the officials make, including VAR. Arteta couldn’t have foreseen the terrible form of Aubameyang either or Lacazette pre Christmas.
Talking of Aubameyang, did he a bit of a sulk after being subbed?
yes I noticed that. he did not agree with it. That is why imo he needs to go. Because if he had been playing a blinder then yes he should feel pissed off. however he did not even get out of 2nd gear so he should not have any complaints. He assisted ESR but practically that was it.
Rico, basically Arsenal did not play.
Our boys received not an ounce of credit from Tuchel.
Quite disrespectful imo but then, winners are grinders 🙂
Devil, yep, we’ve cost ourselves plenty of points this season, and hopefully we can eliminate the silly errors, or at least minimise them.
Do that, show more creativity and next season will see a massive improvement.
I went on a bit of reading comments on other blogs. And there was still a lot of negativity, that we played like a relegation team, we were crap etc.
Just a question. How many would take a whole season of winning games like yesterday playing crap football and ending up as league champions, to playing brilliant football (between 1999-2001) and losing the title to to others even when we deserved to win?
I would take a season long of playing like yesterday and end up winning the EPL. After a couple of seasons supporters will forget how we won it…..but they would remember we won the EPL.
We should have played to our strengths.
Certainly not the kind of behaviour one would expect from a captain whose had malaria Devil.
Oh that Scott, similar to what many managers say when a team defensively. Especially after a loss.
Just to lighten the tone…A 3-year-old boy examined his testicles while taking a bath.
‘Mum’, he asked, ‘Are these my brains?’
‘Not yet,’ she replied.
😂
Devil, for years Wenger managed sides were crucified for playing well but losing.
Of course, those same people now complain because guess what, they’re never happy unless they have something to bitch about lol
I hope we never see Saka at right back again.
There needs to be a balance I think Devil. Playing football like that through an entire season would be dire. It has its place, of course it does but it’s not sustainable and it’s boring.
It’s not about bitching as you so eloquently put it Scott, football is about entertainment as well as being successful. I’d imagine if you or I were a regular at the Emirates, we’d soon get bored. I know I would.
If that’s the kind of football fans want to watch week in week out, Arsenal might as well have signed Mourinho.
Aaahhh Rico, it’s all about bitching lol
Some people just can’t help it.
Play well and lose, they whinge.
Play pragmatically and win, they whinge.
I’m sure a few here said they wouldn’t mind Jose joining as at some stage.
Mmmmm……
Who cares 1 nil , 3 points , Chavs upset . enjoy the moment.
Exactly, Potter!!!
We win, we grin and that lot can suit themselves 🙂
Not always Scott, are you right.
Agree Potter, It’s all about getting the right performance and result on the night and last night, Arteta’s plan got the right result.
True, Rico, but then, I’m not always wrong, either 😉
Rope a dope football, I like it and fully support it depending on the opponent.
Palace is going to be totally different as Roy Hodgson is a wily old fox who plays to his strengths, that’s Zaha running into the box and falling over. Eze looks dangerous in patches and of course there’s the Benteke, the Belgian fridge freezer up front.
I wonder if Arteta will retain the three at the back system, I kinda hope he does.
Rob Holding has played 7 games against Chelsea. He is unbeaten in all of them.
I agree Kev….I just hope that Arteta keeps the 3421 system as it suits the team much more than 4231.
Hi Rico and all.
Scott it’s great to talk about the top teams that we have beat but what about the lower teams that have beat us and why are we in the middle of the table and don’t use the excuse we are rebuilding.
I don’t agree with allowing the fans back for the last match of the year. as it is unfair advantage we should wait w until round one next season.
Not with Saka at the back I hope though Devil/Kev.
Hi Geoff, I think every club has one game in their own stadium with fans back.
I guess it all depends Rico on the fitness of Tierney, as we all dreaded the worst when he went down. One game a week for him for next season I reckon unless unavoidable.
On the left is ok Kev but I thought he struggled a bit on the right.
Cedric certainly seems out of favour again.
That’s true Rico, he can do right wing but not right wing back. Zaha is going to be a worry so I guess it’s Bellerin or Soares at right back? Palace are a very energetic team so we’ll need to be switched on, no underestimating them this time.
I still don’t think we can finish 7th and tbh I’m quite ambivalent about being in the Conference or not.
On one side Arteta will have more time on the training ground with his players and they’ll get more rest and be better prepared between matches. I’m not sure that the finance gained from the Conference is going to be eye watering anyway.
On the other side, the early rounds would be brilliant for giving youngsters and fringe players some game time, as has been mentioned on here before.
I think I’m leaning towards no Conference!
DG, that Holding vs Chelsea stat is really interesting, we are maybe not as bad as we think we are, or are told by the media.
I think it’ll be Chambers Kev, Europa League or nothing I hope too. Little point in going all over Europe playing meaningless matches imo. Unless Arteta uses it purely for the younger players.
I would love to be in the inferior competition as well. Because it could be used for the younger players and for rotation. Balogun, Azeez, etc can all play in that competition. Plus they get in the swing of match sharpness.
AFTV (@AFTVMedia) Tweeted:
Max Aarons is highly appreciate by Arsenal [@FabrizioRomano] https://t.co/d5Ttsbschd
Interesting…
Geoff, you’ve been against Arteta since day one and remain that way, so there’s no point in me defending the guy with you, but If you don’t believe we are rebuilding then really, why should I even bother as nothing I say will change your mind.
Would you prefer Jose as one or two others here suggested a few years back?
But it’s real, what about the results/performances against the so called smaller clubs who have squads not as good as ours?
Eighteen months ago Emery was lambasted for bad performances/results. As was Wenger before him.
Building perhaps, but still failing in many ways.
Dippers are 2-1 up at OT, doesn’t help us one bit…
Rico, has anyone said we are going along fine and there’s no need for improvement?
Mikel?
Edu?
The players?
One single fan?
You guys are arguing for the sake of it because you have no opposition on that point.
Really, it’s irrelevant what me or anyone else says.
People will think what they think, others will constantly moan and life goes on.
I see progress and see things slowly turning around.
It’ll still take time, and that’s obvious but to those who can’t see the progress, that’s their problem, not mine.
Scott, people see only what they want to see. Yes progress is there albeit its a slow one. We need a watershed moment. A leader who takes the team by the scruff of the neck and pushes it forward. A personality….like Cantona was at Man Utd. Like Ibrahimovic is at AC Milan atm. We need a dominant character in the team. SOmeone who can put Arteta’s ideas across
We had them once. Tony Adams, Vieira. Captains who coaxed and persuaded the team around them to give that extra push.
Decisions need to be taken. And sometimes they will be decisions which we dont approve of.
Devil, I’m not sure they what they want to see as much as some people are optimists, some aren’t.
There’s no right or wrong, just different.
I can’t understand why/how people can’t see the positives around Arteta but then, they can’t understand what I see in him.
Makes for healthy debate.
Agreed, a proper leader is what we’ve lacked for a long time now.
It’ll make all the difference.
What sort of progress is it when we have eleven players camped in our own third of the pitch for something like 80% of the game and only score with the help of a ludicrous back pass and an inept goalkeeper. Somebody earlier posed the question would we be better off with Mourinho as manager. We couldn’t play any worse football under him than Arteta is producing at the moment.
Football should be about entertainment, about fans enjoying the game, not wincing every time an opponent gets the ball near our penalty area, not sitting, biting finger nails behind the sofa and how long must we sit holding our breath as we try to play out from the back.
I’m not sure that Arteta knows what his Plan A is, I only know, from what I see, is that the players are confused and lacking confidence while the manager constantly shouts instructions from the side lines, instructions that should have been made clear in training.
I’m usually sorry to see the end of a season, but this time round the end can’t come soon enough. I just hope Arteta, if he’s staying can, during the summer, refine his tactics and playing style, while working out what comprises his best eleven.
Cicero, you just proved my point.
Look for the negatives and you’ll find them.
A few years back, teams did that very thing to us and people complained that there was no point playing pretty football and dominating only to see the other side pinch a winner.
But I’m sure that wasn’t you, hey lol
Oh and it wasn’t long ago we tore apart Leicester-we’d all like to see more if it, of course but anyone suggesting that was poor football has absolutely no idea.
Balance is what needs to be found but FFS stop complaining about how defensive we were when for years people moaned we couldn’t defend.
As I said, plenty are not happy unless they’re unhappy.
Cicero….I am sure you remember the 2005 FA Cup final, when we had eleven players camped in our own third of the pitch for something like 80% of the game and only won with penalties. That was not under Arteta….it was under AW. You know, the team boasting practically all the Invincibles. We became the first team to win the FA Cup via a penalty shoot-out, despite being outplayed throughout the game and even had Reyes sent off.
In 2021 no one remembers how we won. People remember that we won the FA Cup.
AW would have easily won 2-3 more titles had he been pragmatic……but he wanted us to play beautiful football. And we paid dearly for that.
Arteta is trying to be pragmatic because he knows one thing…..if he tries to play expansive and beautiful football with the present squad, we would simply be worse than we are.
This team can play beautiful and attacking football…..we showed it against Slavia Praague in the first half. But we cannot play like that aganst every team. For us to do that we need to see at least 5-6 new players who WANT to play.
Scott I am not bashing Arteta and I have never hid they fact that I feel he should of coached a small club to learn on his own and make mistakes how ever we are talking about Arsenal he applied for the job and claimed he can do it yet all I have seen is staff being sacked – scouts being sacked and our captain walking of the field cracking a wobble and and us hanging around 10th on the ladder. except for Saka and ESR I have not seen any improvement in this team all I see is Arteta on the side line yelling at each and yet these players still don’t lift for him. If these players really cared or supported Arteta they would come off after the match with no energy yet our players walk off smiling even when we loose, I Don’t care if the match is pretty football or boring win or loose all I want is to see this team show something and at the moment all I see is the same 2 or 3 players trying.
Geoff, see I think you have it all 180 degrees wrong.
These people being removed are belong removed because they’ve been part of a club that’s failed for years.
Are you saying you’d rather they stay and we keep failing?
Arteta is calling people out and holding them accountable, and plenty can not handle that.
Auba-well, defending him won’t get you any brownie points with me mate.
He’s done stuff all since his last massive effort which was signing that juicy contract.
You tell me how 2-3 players defend for the best part of 90 minutes v Chelsea and the rest didn’t out in a shift.
Come off it, Geoff.
That’s ridiculous.
Devil, we’d be slaughtered regularly if we went all our attack, for sure lol
No 8-2’s or 6-0’s this season.
I don’t know, maybe I ought to just give up discussing the Arsenal with so many who never seem to be happy because the negativity around things is an utter joke imo.
Social media-go did people whinge and moan before it happened along lol
Smile-it won’t kill you 😉
One question.
Why do people get the hump just because others on here might criticise what is going on at Arsenal?
I think it’s safe for me to say that each and every one of us on here want Mikel Arteta to succeed at the club but it doesn’t mean we have to be blind to what’s played out this season. An opinion is just that, an opinion and it doesn’t have to be right or wrong because of that.
Yes, I think some things have improved, certainly as far as ridding some of the wasters go but a lot in my opinion, has been done badly. Certainly as far as contracts, our style of football, whatever that is, and decisions about who to sell/keep.
Whether or not in a year or two we’ll look back and say, yep, Arsenal got it right, is anyone’s guess but until then, I think Mikel Arteta has a lot to do, as does Edu and the rest of the board.
Scott, the problem is, seldom do you really ‘discuss’ Arsenal. You have your opinion and I think you impose it on others. Then, as you said to Cicero the other day after you disagreed with his opinion, you told him there was no point in replying to his ‘garbage’. I don’t understand why you feel the need to be so disrespectful to others for having their own opinion.
Rico, it’s ok to disagree.
I mean, why do people get the hump when some of us defend the club?
An Arsenal blog where I have to justify my defending the club?
Ok
Scott, of course it’s ok to disagree, just as it is in life but sometimes it’s not what one says, it’s how it’s said.
I disagree with some of the opinions you hold but it doesn’t mean you’re wrong, of course it doesn’t but I don’t feel the need to tell you your opinion is wrong, or that it’s garbage.
Perhaps it’s a English thing, but I prefer to respect your opinion rather than ridicule it.
Good morning all.
Scott, the negatives don’t take much looking for, they are out there for all to see.
If you don’t like my opinions, don’t read them I can assure you that I won’t be offended, just has I’m sure you won’t take offence when I tell you how your tedious blind support of Arteta has driven me to merely skip read or totally pass over most of your offerings.
Just a suggestion, once in a while take off your blinkers, open your eyes wide and take a clear look at what is in front of you.
Rico, is Cicero English?
Just asking lol
Cicero, I don’t get offended easily.
Why?
Because as a grown man, I’m happy to receive what I give out.
It’s ok to disagree.
I only speak for myself Scott.
All will be well when Stan sells up.
😉
It’s happening………
It’s not like that on here Scott. It’s not about dishing it out and taking it because your a grown man. All I’m asking is to show a bit of respect to others.
But you know that already.
Go Daniel EK.
He has some heavy hitters in his corner, and one or two surprises.
Let’s hope it happens.
Ok Rico.
A thankfully short comment for once. Scott, no need to ask Rico, give me a valid reason why you want to know my Nationality and I will probably tell you.
Cicero.
Nah, it’s ok.
To Rico and all If I have coursed any issue’s then I am sorry but it is not in me to just agree with what everybody else may say and I only say it as I see it.
I would love to be wrong about Arteta but I am not going to jump on the band wagon with those who have rose coloured glasses when it comes to Arteta just so they likes what I say.
I don’t care what sex, colour or nationality you are all I care is that you love this club like I do and any comments good or bad about the owners, coaching staff and players all result in the same out come and that is to see our great club back at the top were we belong.
Geoff, you’re sweet.
I’m the bad guy lol
Oh and Mikel is too 😉
Bloody double over the Chavs-how dare he bahahahaha
Scott I prefer to beat Crystal Palace and Liverpool before any one else how ever Tottenham are very close
Geoff, It’s nice to beat any of the big clubs mate.
We’ve struggled for years against them.
Tottenham-goes without saying but Utd and Liverpool are the clubs I love to roll.
Their fans here in Oz are what I call Fox Sports news fans.
When Arsenal lose to them, suddenly, they’re all over Facebook just after 8am after they’ve watched the news and seen the result lol
They’re awful quiet when we roll them, though.
Afternoon All, Cicero, I get what you say about the Chelsea game and I guess it’s horses for courses but personally I get a kick out of winning those type of games, maybe that says more about me than anything, but I can’t help enjoying them.
Take the 2005 FACup final that DG mentioned, it’s easily one of my favourite ever cup finals, everything was stacked against us, injuries etc, Reyes sent off, Wenger the man that gave us 8-2 at Old Trafford and 6-0 at Stamford Bridge suddenly discovering caution. It was a game we should have lost but we won and it was fecking brilliant, the best ride home ever from Cardiff I had in all those years of visiting the Principality.
We played brilliantly against Wolves earlier this season, we should have mullered them but we messed up and lost, that is the worst feeling ever. We’ve had a few of them this season and although I get your point and respect your opinion I’ll take a win any which way I can.
Rico, contracts, I actually think we’ve improved in that area, we signed Saka to a long deal, eventually signed Balogun to a long deal after Arteta got involved, Martinelli is on a long deal, Aubameyang is on a long deal and most of us wanted that last summer, we’ve moved on the malcontents in Mustafi, Ozil, Kolasinac, Guendouzi (he’ll soon be gone permanently) Smith Rowe is close to signing a new long deal, Okonkwo is apparently close to agreeing a new deal, Willian remains the fly in the ointment but if we can shift him this summer then we’ll soon forget about him.
Most of our contracts travesties are a hangover from previous regimes and we’re gradually rectifying those as a few more will depart during the forthcoming close season.
I’m quite positive about that part of the ‘process’…
Rico, have you heard the rumour that Arsenal may extend Lacazette’s contract by a year putting him on a two year deal running along the same as Aubameyang?
Now I know that many won’t be impressed by that and I myself, despite his efforts this season, have been broadly in favour of selling him, but maybe this is the best way to solve this conundrum?
We are in the midst of a major depression in football where foreign clubs are in all sorts of financial straights which makes me wonder what kind of bids we could expect or him anyway. It’s also an uncertain time for agents and players, a time to maybe tie players to longer more sensibly costed contracts.
To me Lacazette is a £30/£35m player, but we might struggle to get half of that in this climate and end up paying double for a replacement who isn’t as good?
Kev, I got a kick out of the result of the Chelsea game, but the match itself? No I didn’t enjoy any of it at the time, apart from the goal.
If we are going to park the bus on a regular basis we need to get much better at playing the long ball game. The odd couple of times we tried it on Wednesday our front man was so slow to get up field it came to nothing. We tried again after Aubameyang was hooked off and Lacazette actually got onto the ball but nothing came of it.
Of the two I would keep Lacazette, Aubameyang, when he plays, is like the bathers years ago at Brighton, he just goes the motions. 😉
Kev, I was thinking about Auba, Willian and Martinez really, certainly more so than Balogun and Saka which of course we’re great deals, ESR to if he commits to another contract which I’m sure he will.
I’m not overly fussed about Lacazette staying Kev, I don’t think we can lose sight of how he’s been with the younger players, possibly in a similar way to Luiz which is I’m sure, the reason Arsenal gave him another year and perhaps might give him another.
Aubameyang is the one which concerns me because if he’s not scoring goals, he’s not really involved in the game.
Geoff, you didn’t cause any problems.
I wonder what will happen to Guendouzi if he is injured will they send him back and if so will Arteta play him if we can not sell or loan him out
I suppose much depends on the extent of his injury Geoff and whether or not Arteta thinks he’s grown up. He’s become a dad hasn’t he?
If Guendouzi is injured will he be sent back and if so will Arteta play him if we can not sell or loan him out.
Rico if this repeats it self please delete as first one has gone missing in action
Since boxing day results we are 3rd in lge table, we have 3rd best defense and 4th best attack. That’s since the clear out began
I feel a bit sorry for Guendouzi he had so much to offer but struggled to live up to it hope fully he has settled down but I don’t think he will.
Devil that’s the problem with stats they can make you look good on paper but unless you put the ball in the net they mean nothing. I still feel we are missing a real good leader on the field for some reason Auba does not seem able to raise / lift the team or a player when it counts.
You have to look at players as assets and see the benefits of selling and what you get for doing so..Ask yourself what would it cost to buy a younger version of Lacazette signing on fee , agents pound of flesh and as Kev says there is no point in selling if you get similar back at a higher cost .
The pandemic is far from over and clubs are not flush with cash and the ones with bottomless oil wells or pipelines , don’t neccessarily want to pay lots for players at his level.
We need a front player to knit the line together , Lacazette does this whereas Aubameyang doesn’t . If we are to go down the Martinelli , Balogun route we will need a player to do this whilst bringing Pepe , ESR ,Saka etc into play as well .
Auba is a luxury player but is he one that we can afford ? I think that it’s better to take a hit there , maybe getting less money than he is worth but getting his wage back and rely on the youngsters to replace his contriution .
Afternoon Rico and the House
I just love it when we beat the Spuds and the Chaves at any level,
Even if we park the bus and win 1-0. To do the double over them
and finish above them is the icing on the cake.
Today without kicking a ball has been a very good day for our U18’s
Leicester have beaten the spuds 3-1 which means we finish 4th with
the Spuds 5th and Chelsea below them.
Well done Ken Gilliard and the Boys.
I too would cut our losses on Aubameyang, he just doesn’t seem happy. I do wonder why, other than his pay rise, why he bothered to stay.
Shame the season didn’t begin on Boxing Day Devil. Lol
Afternoon Rick, St Toots Day lives on at under 18 level then. 😆
I’m still hope the first team can do the same.
That’s right DG, also we don’t get any damaging leaks from the dressing room, it’s clear that a cabal of players were trying to undermine Arteta and the team to suit their own ends.
Yeah, I get that Cicero, but we won’t park the bus against Palace or Brighton, it was a tactic that suited the circumstances of the game in fact we were forced into it by the opposition, I’m sure we didn’t sit deep on purpose it was a consequence of the pressure Chelsea had us under.
It is being said Luize has told the club he is leaving at end of season
Great news Rick and yes Gillard has done ok considering that he lost many of his players to the U23’s to replace many of the players Bould lost when they went out on loan, I mean it’s a question of what comes first, player development with the first team in mind or results, it’s nice when you get both but that’s not been the case this year.
I’m comfortable with that Rick, Luiz can leave and Saliba should return…
Arsenal were linked to Joachim Andersen a couple of/three years ago but nothing came of it, but I did notice how well he played against us for Fulham recently and I’ve since read that we’re interested in signing him from Roma (I think) in fact we’ve been linked with a Fulham midfielder as well, whose name escapes me.
It’s where we’re doing our shopping atm.
If we exclude Odegaard, Ryan and Ceballos, who aren’t our players and Luiz who if the rumours are correct is leaving and then include our players who are returning from loan (eg Mavropanos) then Arsenal currently have 17 foreign players, which is the maximum.
So every time we sign a new player and it’s more than likely that they’ll be foreign, we’ve gotta move someone on, like Kolasinac for example, so it’s going to be like musical chairs this coming summer.
I’m comfortable with buying youngish players from smaller clubs, they have less well-developed egos and are used to working hard at their game. What I don’t want are anymore Ozils and Aubameyangs.
Oh, and don’t forget…they’re cheaper. The Kroenkes will like that.
Good re Luiz. Especially if it means Saliba comes back and actually plays.
We can sign overseas players who’ve been in England from a young age so considered home grown can’t we?
Love the new away kit for next season..
https://www.arsenal.com/
The cannon is back….
Been away, so just catching up. Great win, but not really a blueprint for next season. Or at least I hope not.
In someways sad to see Luiz go, but I think its the right decision.
Looking forward, the squad needs to be overhauled by first deciding who can cut it in the system that Arteta wants to adopt. Assuming this is the Barca/Bayern/City (PEP-model) model and not the Dortmund/Klopp/Wenger-Invincible (Klopp model), then going through the squad:
1) Leno – out, not good enough on the deck, not distributing quickly or accurately. Not a PEP or Klopp system player.. Replace with Jan Oblak or Peter Gulacsi as a interim solution perhaps … or promote Emi Martinez. Oh wait.
2) Bellerin – out, Average Klopp-Model type player; not good enough to play in an Klopp team: direct, linear and tries to cross. Buy Hakimi from Inter Milan. Schooled in Madrid and Ajax. May need to adjust, but looks like a PEP-model player.
3) Tierney – actually a Klopp-Model player, very direct and linear. Would not work in a PEP team IMHO, But, would keep and see if he can adapt. Ruthless would be to sell him and raise funds for a genuine PEP type player. Alaba… get him.
4) Gabriel – jury is out, but his distribution from the back is average at best. Not a PEP player I would suggest as he makes too many mistakes. More suited to a Klopp team provided he has an excellent fullback covering… Sell and raise funds.
5) Holding – actually think he is smart and technically v. good, albeit a little over-ambitious at times. Develop. as he is a PEP-model player. Keep.
6) Chambers – same as Holding, can develop, PEP model player as he is smart and has shown signs of adapting. One more year.
7) Partey… on paper a PEP-model player. But has been hit and miss recently. I personally think he is not fully fit and with a full pre-season will see him as a Fernandinho type midfielder. Keep.
8) Elneny … PEP model player, but NOT elite enough IMHO. Back up to Partey perhaps. Ideally replace with Sabitzer from RB Leipzig.
9) Saka – So good, he can adapt to PEP or KLOPP models. Keep. Develop. Enjoy.
10) ESR – Same as Saka. Rare gem that can play in either system, but better in a PEP model.
11) Xhaka – actually a PEP type player, but surplus to requirements as we have Sabitzer and Partey. Sell to raise funds. Useless in a KLOPP system for very obvious reasons: no power, no pace.
12) Auba – Love Auba, but sell as he is a KLOPP system player. Power, pace and needs counter attacking… Not a PEP -model player. Buy Aguero.
13) Lacca – Again, love Laccazette, but same as Auba. Sell as he is a b-level KLOPP system player at best outside the box. Inside the box he is elite.
14) Martinelli – I fear he is a Klopp system player and reason he is not getting the game times is he cannot play in the PEP system. But, love him and hopefully he can be developed to learn whatever he is not doing in training … I suspect it is the timing/movements when we do not have the ball…
15) Pablo Mari – PEP type player. Not sure whether he can reach top-top level, but is the right type. Keep …
16) Ceballos – No.
17) Willian – No
18) Nketiah – No, a ‘developing’ Klopp type player… but fear he may lack the top level power/pace of a Salah, Mane, Auba in his prime… hopefully he gets there, but not in a PEP model team. Sell sadly.
19) Nelson – like Martinelli, it would seem he is a Klopp Model type player, and maybe again (like Eddie) not quite good enough. Arteta does not trust him…
20) Odegaard … not convinced tbh. Looks like a PEP type player…. BUT I do not think he has the physicality to handle a premier league season. As an analog, compare him to David Silva … smallish build, but Silva had a toughness and stamina that I do not think Odegaard has… But he is a PEP type player.
So, in summary 😉
Sell Xhaka (35m), Bellerin (35m), Leno (25m), Gabriel (30m), Lacca (25m), Auba (40m), Willian (5m), Nketiah (15m), Nelson (15m) = 225m Income
Buy: Oblak (70m) or Gulasci (25m), Hakimi (50m), Alaba (0m), Aguero (0m), Sabitzer (70m) = 215m outgoings
Net = 10m in savings to go towards buying an elite striker if one becomes available … like a young David Villa.
Sorry for the long email … once I start…
BTW – for the extra centre back we would need, Mavraponas or Saliba should fit in as back up … IMO.
Preseason taking shape
Games against Hibs and Rangers in scotland.
Mini Tournament against the Spuds and the Chavs
Good games to get a good look on some youngsters
Much better than going to Austria Rick. I guess we’d have gone far and wide had it not been for Covid.
Raka, I can’t concentrate long enough to read. All the Pep/Klopp stuff did me…
@rico lol, no worries…
No offence meant by the way Raka.
I like Gabriel. He started great but dropped off and contracting Covid can’t have helped.
Sounds like an old times Pre-Season Rick, I wonder if we’ll be free enough to attend those games, that would be brilliant but it seems unlikely with the India Covid on the loose!
Sell Xhaka (35m), Bellerin (35m), Leno (25m), Gabriel (30m), Lacca (25m), Auba (40m), Willian (5m), Nketiah (15m), Nelson (15m) = 225m Income
Doubtful in todays market , Loans will be the order of the day , very few clubs have the money to spend and those that do are looking for better players,
Martinelli and Gabriel in Brazil team for Tokyo.
Will miss some of preseason.
A few will miss pre season because of the Euros. Trust Scotland to qualify for once…
Indian Covid variants ? There’s three of them .
We don’t learn lessons do we . ? The original outbreak , did we close the borders ? NO.
Italy was on it’s knees and we had school parties going there for skiing holidays.
The Kent variant named because that’s where it was identified , strangely that’s where the ferries landed and smaller boats . Lorries coming without checks Did we stop them ? NO
Now it’s India as we watched the scenes of mass deaths there , 5 planes a day were landing from the sub continent , they were eventually constrained after two weeks of landing.,. about 70 to 100 plane loads too late.
It’s a virus spread by contact , sounds simple but don’t contact and it goes away .
We will of course , as we are told , follow the science but only if it’s cost effective.
Geoff, I never went MIA.
I went to sleep FFS.
Another if your gems.
If you want to drag this out, do your best.
Potter, today, a flight lands in Oz from India where authorities know several on board have the virus.
Because of political pressure out on our government, we are knowingly allowing the virus a chance to enter our country.
Of course, if it manages to slip by quarantine, that’ll also be the fault of our government 🙂
I can’t see any of our players reaching your valuations Potter, in fact we might be a bit surprised who we sell and it may well depend on the level of the bid.
Can we refuse a good bid for anyone, except our Crown Jewels of which I reckon is about 4 players now, with our Ownership?
Kev, maybe Stans final dagger to Arsenal fans hearts will be selling our best, then selling up 🙂
Hi all,
My problem is that Arteta only knows the style Pep instilled. We have players suited to a Brendan Rogers and Klopp direct style. The skill set is too poor to play in small spaces and quick passing. The players don’t have the vision to get into space and lack the ability to find them.
We don’t have the money to acquire those kind of players and will not be able to buy the numbers we need.
Scott, your 9.10pm comment in reply to Geoff. Unless I’m mistaken, you’ve an apology to make to your fellow Aussie.
Geoff wrote:
“If Guendouzi is injured will he be sent back and if so will Arteta play him if we can not sell or loan him out.
Rico if this repeats it self please delete as first one has gone missing in action”
What Geoff actually said is that his comment was made twice as his first went missing in action, not that you went missing.
Scott I never said you went MIA as Rico said I said The note I wrote the first time about Guendouzi went Mia
and it only appeared after I rewrote the same thing about Guendouzi so people would not read the same story twice.
I’m sure Scott will be full of apologies once he turns up Geoff. Lol
Hi Brad, I share your concerns.
They were not my valuations in fact my point was similar to yours . A previous post had made these predictions and I was sayting that they were unrealistic .
Keep up Kev. ( joke )
My apologies, Geoff.
I misread that totally.
Rico, I can admit when I’m wrong and apologise accordingly..
That’s always been the case.
Why is it people think Arteta copies the Pep style?
Arteta was at Barca as a junior-isn’t that where this style originated?
I’d have thought that is where he learned it, the place he learned his football.
Top of head ,but I believe Pep was at Barca as a coach with the juniors when Arteta was there with Iniesta .
New post up now.
Probably true, Potter, but I’m just thinking it’s a Barca thing more so than a Pep thing.
Half the valuations would still be pushing it I reckon Potter. I think Raka might have forgotten that Covid will have a big impact on how much players will be sold for, but the same applies to who we sign too.