Morning all.
As said yesterday, we’re half way through our Champions League Group stage and despite the slip up against Lens, we’re sitting top of the table. Our next three fixtures are Sevilla and Lens at The Emirates before playing PSV away. I think we’re in a really good position to progress through to the knockout stages, especially as both PSV and Sevilla have just two points a piece.
How do we compare with other English clubs?
Manchester United are 3rd in their group with 3 points and they are fortunate to have those really and wouldn’t had FC Copenhagen converted their last minute penalty on Tuesday night. In a flash, Onana went from villain to hero with his save.
Newcastle United are also 3rd in their group, level on points with Dortmund in 2nd place. Their group is horrid with Dortmund, PSG and AC Milan in it. Pundits are already writing off their chances of progressing after Dortmund beat them last night at St James Park.
Lastly, current holders Man City top their group with a perfect start. Three wins out of three is no surprise though because their opponents are not the toughest. Not that I’m suggesting that any fixture is easy but some are certainly less tough than others.
The ideal scenario for Arsenal is that both United clubs finish third and drop into the Europa League. Not because I don’t think Arsenal could beat either should we be drawn against them at some stage but for some reason, Thursday/Sunday football is tougher to deal with. Plus, it’d be amusing.
Also amusing would be if Everton were deducted the 12 points which the Premier League has recommended for their breaching profit and sustainability rules. That is according to The Telegraph this morning. A 12 point deduction would leave them on -5 points if handed to them today. Goodness what punishment City will receive if they’re found guilty of all charges brought against them. Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City should be “relegated five divisions” if Everton are handed a 12-point penalty for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. (The Mirror) If only Jamie, if only.
In other news relating to Arsenal, Louis van Gaal is considering an approach to Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg as he begins the search for a new Ajax boss. (Mirror) I’d imagine if he were to be offered the Ajax job, it’d be hard to turn down, a bit like it was for Mikel Arteta when Arsenal offered him the job. It’s great job being an assistant coach I’m sure but surely the dream is to be a manager/head coach? Would the offer of Ajax, a top club in his home country, be too difficult to turn down or is the Premier League too good to walk away from? Only Albert Stuivenberg knows the answer to that one but I strongly suspect Mikel Arteta wouldn’t want to see him leave. What will be will be but if he goes, it’ll open the door for someone else, perhaps someone like Mikel Arteta himself who chose to work alongside one of the best in Guardiola before taking on the bigger job. Love or loathe him, Mikel Arteta is very much like Guardiola in my opinion as he searches for perfection in every department.
Lastly, Chris Kamara has revealed an improvement in his health after spending a month in Mexico receiving ground-breaking treatment which could help reverse the apraxia which has badly affected his quality of life in recent years. Fantastic news for him, his family and the world of football because who doesn’t love Kammy?
Catch up in the comments.
G’day Rico, I guess we have to take it as a compliment that other clubs are interested in signing our assistant head coach. I would certainly be sorry to see Albert Stuivenberg leave at this stage of Arteta’s rebuild, but it is inevitable that there will be changes in the coaching staff which could be a good thing as new coaches bring new ideas.
Let’s not forget Jack Wilshere is waiting in the wings.
Now it seems that Jesus wasn’t injured on Tuesday, merely tired. Another consequence of the international break?
Afternoon Cicero, I can always count on you. 😆
I’d be sorry to see him go too. Hasn’t Jack been linked with a job elsewhere too? I’m sure I read he’d had an interview..
You were right then. In some ways it’s a shame because we might have seen a plan b, c or d on Saturday.
Not that I’d want Jesus to be injured of course, nor any of our players.
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/38642989/arsenal-jack-wilshere-talks-coach-colorado-rapids
Colorado Rapids are, of course, owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. A season or two in the MLS wouldn’t do him any harm and would give him a great opportunity to do a bit of scouting at the same time. Being under the KSE umbrella keeps him in he family.
My thoughts too.
We could make more use of the Rapids giving our youngsters the opportunity to play at an adult level. I believe they are currently bottom of their league . A couple of our top youngsters might help them as much as us .
However there are probably difficulties to overcome with squad drafts or whatever system they have .
Probably season time/months too. Don’t they play when the PL is out of season?
I would not have worried , if my club had suggested 6 months in the states ,I would have jumped at it.
Joey Barton’s available!
Nuff said, I think.
Bahamas would be better…
Too much perhaps Wavy. Lol
Afternoon Rico and all, nothing against Jack but while Arteta is still rebuilding and in a smaller way still learning, I would prefer Arteta to have experianced people around him, or thinking outside of the box, give the assistant job to the current manager of our ladies’ team and let Jack manage them with guidance from the current lady’s manager.
Morning all
New post up.