Morning all.
Arsenal have two fixtures this week, today v’s Fulham and Everton on Friday night. Then, the players will have six days to prepare for Villareal.
Arsenal defeated Fulham on the opening day of the season with ease. Our opening goal was scrappy but so what? It came early in the game thanks to Lacazette with a simple tap in after the Fulham keeper’s save from Willian dropped in his path. Willian hit the woodwork from a free kick before Aubameyang saw a chance missed. Gabriel, in his first league game for his new club, marked it with a goal. Shock horror, his header came from an Arsenal corner. Aubameyang made it 3-0 with a great to round off a good day for Arsenal.
Fulham we’re pretty average that day and have continued to struggle really. A return to the Championship looms large for them but even so, until relegation is mathematically impossible to avoid, there’s something to fight for. So fight they no doubt will.
In other words, expect a defensive setup from Fulham and why wouldn’t they adopt that approach? We’re the home team so it’s up to us to find a way through a defence which will be hell bent on not conceding a number of goals. Scott Parker will have seen how we tore Slavia Prague apart and he won’t want it to happen against his team.
Will Mikel Arteta rest/rotate a few players or will he keep a winning team together?
Much depends on the fitness of the players who travelled to Prague but there’s no doubting, Arsenal are at their best when Saka and Smith Rowe are in the team. Gabriel too because of the energy they bring to our game so keeping them all fit and healthy for the Europa Semifinal is crucial. Same with Partey. It’s also important to keep a winning momentum going for confidence and a strong finish to this season.
I think we’ll see a few changes today. Willian, Bellerin, Gabriel and the younger players in Nelson, Azeez, Eddie and Balogun are his options, either from the start or the bench. No, not all as that would be foolish.
Whoever plays, just go and win…
See you in the comments.
Good morning Rico.
On Thursday it looked as though Arteta had stumbled upon a winning team. Unorthodox with Chambers and Xhaka at full back, but it worked. There are, reportedly, no new injury worries and the best part of a week before our next fixture so I see no reason to make any changes from that starting eleven. If we get a fast start and score a couple of goals Arteta can withdraw any player who looks tired or might be carrying a niggle.
Stick with the tried and tested say I.
Morning Cicero.
I’m not convinced Arteta ‘stumbled’ on his team choice, I think he just made a good decision and perhaps Xhaka and Chambers have been focusing on playing at the back in training. Cedric and Bellerin are fit so he clearly made a choice not to use them.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/12276117/mikel-arteta-exclusive-interview-bukayo-saka-emile-smith-rowe-and-the-story-of-arsenals-youth-revolution
Rico we could argue until Christmas about how Arteta came to select that eleven, but I still maintain that he should stick with it while he can.
Ah, here it is, well – done – Rico… 😁
I shall now go and thoroughly enjoy today’s post.
Morning all.
Rico, that’s one superb interview and really answers plenty of questions fans may have.
Somehow though, we know it won’t be enough for plenty who refuse to accept Arteta is the right man for the job.
Their ignorance is their issue.
Scott, you would never believe some of the rubbish comments you get on Arseblog News where I often go to read with despair. So many Arsenal fans have made up their mind already about Arteta so much so that even after the Slavia performance they couldn’t bring themselves to credit the manager at all. I’m actually getting very weary of the negativity on some of these formally well balanced blogs, you know you’re getting all the crazies when you go on Le Grove but it’s like a virus and it’s spreading.
We could Cicero but I prefer to give Arteta a bit of credit. We don’t hear commentators suggest Pep stumbled across Foden or a winning formula.
Ha ha Kev, cheeky bugger.
It made sense to me Scott. It matters not really what people think of Arteta as it seems to me here’s in it for a while. I desperately want him and the team to win the Europa Cup.
Kev, you’re safe here, I’ve had the vaccine. 😂
Buongiorno Rico and all
Kev…..even if we win the EPL next season and the CL in the next three years I can assure you that there will be negativity with regards how so called supporters look at Arteta. I can assure you that if we win them and we go till December unbeaten (the season after) and we lose to away from home due to a couple of bad decisions from the ref there will be those who will come out and say that Arteta is not a good choice, is not up to it, is not this is not that. Yawnnnnn.
Keyboard warriors who will surely pee in their pants when someone says booo to their face….if they have any face.
Whether he stumbled upon the formation or not, by luck or by ingenuity, or whatever reason the most important thing is that they are playing well. I dont agree with square pegs in round holes especially if the player does not cherish playing there and he does not perform well due to playing out of position. However, atm both Xhaka and Chambers have taken to their positions like a duck to water and its functioning well. Stiffer tests will no doubt come along, especially against Xhaka who does not have the speed to counter fast attacking wingers/FBs. But its working nicely and long may it last.
You are right, Rico, he clearly and correctly has the support of the board and owner, and that’s what important but knowing that, why wouldn’t club fans back the man??
It’s egotistical and just plain stupid to hope he fails so they can tell us “told ya so”, but that’s the case with many.
Supporters, my arse.
Kev, good old LG, the only site I’ve ever been banned from for “abusive language” when I never swore once but was called every name under the sun 🙂 🙂
They’re a special lot.
Morning rico, all. Surprised Arteta getting flak as he’s one of our own former players, not just employed from a CV in another country. TBH don’t I read other sites, unless a very interesting headline appears in NN and can’t resist!
Sure we can criticise some of his decisions, playing out from the back too often, relying on out of form players etc, but especially with a trophy in his first season, earns him 2 and a half to 3 years in my book to shape the team to his way. Till then we all should look at the larger picture, as most do here, and support to the hilt.
Hi Devil.
Scott, I think the summer will show us how much the board backs him, just as January. Still, at least no one is blaming Stan Kroenke for some of our dodgy performances. 😝
Morning Andrew, being critical is inevitable really, it’s the nature of the beast. But it’s easy managing a team from an armchair and after the game has finished.
Although Willian? 😜
I suppose there’s always a chance Willian will come good and prove us wrong! Most of us thought Xhaka was finished, many Luiz, but Arteta saw differently. I’m still undecided on Luiz, he can be commanding and assured but then….., but love the way Xhaka has buckled down and even out of position gives his all. Do reserve the right to change mind if he had another stupid sending off though😀😀
Rico, is Stan still the owner?
Haven’t heard from him for years 🙂
Scott, allowing the Partey purchase when the press were saying we couldn’t afford it and were scraping around for loans, changed many minds I think.
Matt Ryan in goals today 🙂
Makes sense. Take a look before too late. Give lad a game to prevent him wondering if he should have come.
Andrew, yes, that’s absolutely true and it was brilliant to see it happen , but we had to sell Martinez to help that deal happen as well.
Still, it was definitely a change in tune for Stan and great to see.
No Willian, Arteta’s been reading this site!
Andrew, Aussie connection aside, I’ve always thought he was a terrific keeper.
I’m sure he will do the job.
Let’s hope he takes his chance.
Hi Rico and all Just because some one does not fully support Arteta does not mean they are not a true fan. I do not fully support him and believe that not only Arteta but any coach should do a year or two at a smaller club to learn what to do when things go wrong and the players and fans turn on you. As I said I am willing to give Arteta next season to prove him self.
I have supported Arsenal for over 50 years and have purchased items from the club via the internet. and the last few years I have paid my membership but did not pay it this year as I was not happy with the way Emery was treated and the lack of support shown by the owners.
Just because people like me don’t all ways see eye to eye with other people does not mean we are not true fans it just means we see things differently to some people.
Scott, I think we only had to sell Martinez because we couldn’t get a fee for Torreira or Guendouzi. And the fact we wouldn’t start Martinez as number 1!
Geoff, you give your opinions in a constructive way and are perfectly entitled. Being a fan you still want us to win! Not all (on other sites) are like that.
As long as we don’t go into todays match thinking it will be easy we should win and I even recon we can beat Everton later in the week
Ryan in goal,
Rico, Highbury House is a safe haven indeed. 😄
Scott 11.23.
Yeah Scott, but you probably deserved it… 😆
Ryan, Bellerin Holding Gabriel Xhaka Elneny Ceballos Saka Martinelli, Lacazette ESR
Andrew Thanks I try not to read too much of the other sites as it is all ways the same story written by 10 different people. it’s not only Arteta that cops it as it seems certain players no matter how they play still get a crap write up even when we win and they were best on ground.
I believe Xhaka and Chambers are too slow to be long-tern full-back answers. Although Chambers gets down there and crosses much better balls than Bellerin. Love to be proved wrong though and for one or both to stay there.
Interesting selection, I hope he hasn’t made too many changes, but I guess the whole squad needs to play to keep themselves match sharp.
Scott Parker will have to change his tactics perhaps?
A weeks planning out the window.
Please have it wrapped up by half time Arsenal.
My daughter has booked tables at The Peterboat and Boathouse at Old Leigh (Cockle sheds on Thames Estuary) starting 3 o’clock so going to miss first second half. Will take earphones and listen while on 45 minute walk there!
Kev, for once I didn’t lol.
Geoff, those hoping we lose so they can feel good about themselves is who I was talking about, not just those who don’t support Arteta.
I was pretty clear on that.
Andrew, yep, there were a few factors at play, but it does annoy me when people say we erred in selling Martinez.
Leno just couldn’t be sold as he was coming off a major injury and the cash was needed so that was that, unfortunately.
Hi Geoff, I echo Andrew’s comment.
You can’t wriggle out that easy Scott. Lol
Nice to see Ryan in goal.
.30 minutes gone and hardly a shot at goal. Too much tippy tappy. Just have a shot for a change!
Ceballos with the first.? No it’s ruled offside by millimetres.
Ceballos had the ball in the net….but was deemed offside
Can we get some green boots
God bless VAR hey lol
Stupid bloody thing!!!
Good first 10 minutes then we seem to drop off hopefully we improve and a bit of luck we will score soon
We would have had the lead if Bukayo Saka did not have any toes. He should have remembered to unscrew them and leave them in the locker room before putting the football shoes on ffs
and they have got one.
so its 0-1 and we have to score 2 to win.
That’s a bloody dive ffs!!!
Fuck VAR.
Gabriel has a Luiz moment and gives away a penalty. Now we need to stop farthing about and score some goals.!
Wasted free kick on the edge of the box by Lacazette.
We don’t need a right back so take off Bellerin and put Pepe on.
Curse of the armband strikes again within seconds of putting it on Laca does his hamstring.
Saka hits the woodwork just before the penalty.
A few seconds ago we roung their keeper but they save on the line.
Laca off….suspected hamstring pull.
Can we put Xhaka as a CF??? because as things are going we soon might have to do that. 🤣🤣🤣
Until we work out how to play with intensity throughout we will have these games . Pretty passing with little penetration
Could’ve really used the likes of AMN. Would have seen at least a decent cross from left back.
We escaped that one
Cicero, Gabriel didn’t give away a penalty.
That was a clear dive.
Isn’t that what this brilliant technology is for, to sort garbage like that out?
I keep asking what’s the damn point of it?
Bang average. Two points dropped.
Sorry. Gabriel stepped on his laces. It was a clear penalty Scott.
If our first goal was offside then so was theirs but in the end a draw was a fair result.
All we can do now is hope that Laca is not injured too bad.
Lol Mortimer.
These guys are scum.
Drag the foot, force contact, fall over and boom, penalty.
The worst part is listening to commentators who played the same game NOT having the balls to condemn these cheats!!!
The game is a joke.
So Fulham coach is crying that our goal should have been called offside, blaming the VAR for the draw
What a load of garbage that was…
Geoff, he realises his side will now be relegated mate.
Probably just a reaction to that I’d say.
There’s no way Holding made any difference at all to the situation.
He should be quiet as he managed a draw through a bloody dive lol
We did everything but win the game.
Goal line clearances, hit the post, keeper made some cracking saves and we were dominant.
VAR turned things twice, they parked a fleet of buses and we eked out a goal where we could have and should have been 3 up.
Does anyone actually want VAR still?
I mean as it’s being used right now.
Var is here to stay I think. What’s important is it’s operated properly and that’s what the powers that be need to focus on.
Hit the woodwork or the corner flag, the end result is the same. Arsenal just weren’t good enough imo.
There’s no point in winging about VAR, it is what it is and here to stay.
Well the game is being ruined by it, as I said for years it would, and the proof is there nearly every game.
At least divers can still strut their stuff though-VAR hasn’t ruined that hahaha
Let’s be honest though, we all whinge on a daily basis about things with Arsenal we can’t control so why is that any different?
Without whinging, we won’t say too much 🙂
The simple solution is to not give the officials a decision to make.
Exactly right Rico.
I see nothing wrong with getting the “correct” decision. Whether it is the “right” decision for your own team is a different question.
Cicero, it’s the rules which need changing imo. The offside rule is ridiculous and as much as we see the lines, I doubt there’s a spirit level making sure they’re straight.
Gabriel has done similar before I’m sure.
If that had been against us, I think we’d have wanted the offside and the penalty.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/12277401/champions-league-uefa-to-make-a-decision-on-new-36-team-format-from-2024-onwards-on-monday
We need to learn how to get into the box and dive more often
Gabriel: another mistake
A new competition in UEFA next year
Laca out for 3-4 weeks
I’m sure ours dive in the box too but they’re seldom given. I wonder if we’d have been awarded a penalty had Martinelli gone over…
Cheer up we’ve all got the Super League to look forward to…
I reckon as Stan is taking us down the line of an American model with no relegation and a load of dough in his pocket, that we should show our appreciation by changing the name from Arsenal to the North London Red Sox.
Or the London Rams
VAR strange change of rules on offside. Years ago Ceballos’ goal would have been called level and Nketiah’s would have been offside.
The whole rule has been changed so many times but still they haven’t got it right.
There needs to be a ruling that keeps lines across screens from running or ruining the game.
As it’s being used VAR is doing nothing to help,, it’s too inconsistent but treated like gospel .
However I was joking when I mentioned green boots but I will bet that if he was wearing dark ones the goal would have stood .
Rico, there is no way I’d want that given as a penalty if one of our players took the dive.
Sorry, I know I’m in the minority, but diving is diving no matter what shirt the player wears and I’ve called our boys out in the past for exactly that.
JM,
Explain how Gabriel made a mistake.
That’s ridiculous.
His foot was planted and the opponent took a dive.
Why is it even fans criticise a defender when some scumbag takes a dive???
You’re not alone, JM, most say the same thing and that’s a shame that it’s deemed acceptable.
He can’t disappear!!
Maybe when fans stop seeing diving as part of the game and start openly whinging, something will be done but the hypocrisy is that most fans don’t say boo when their own team benefits.
It’s a pathetic situation imo.
Changes what Changes ??
The reason we did not win todays game is rather simple.
Martinelli should have scored in the first min and had another chance 5 mins later.
Lacazette should have scoered in the 2nd half.
It would have also helped if our wingers??? could have crossed the ball.
Check out the WSL cup scores Arsenal won 10 – 0, Hammers 11 – 0 and the goals rolled in at most other matches.
Rick, there a few reasons we didn’t win.
Doesn’t change the fact it was a dive, but yet again, we created more than enough chances to score and fluffed our lines.
We spend too much time discussing VAR for it not to be major issue in the game though.
Though now, this “Super League” will be one damn hot topic of conversation.
Rightly so as it’s a disgrace and good old Silent Stan will cash in at the local fans expense.
Champion man, that one.
I know I’m Jumping the gun Rick, but any idea/thoughts on how this will effect youth football?
Still stunned by the Announcement. Just waiting to see what the FPL and UEFA do in retaliation?
I’m guessing we are out of the traditional ‘European’ competitions. But there’s also talk of points deductions or expulsion from the FPL.
This is going to get lively!
Hobart, I can’t see this going ahead atm.
Reading more into it, the clubs need approval from their various Associations to allow it, and that won’t happen.
Not unless (a) there is something in it for the Associations or (b) it becomes a total breakaway league and clubs do sever ties with their national leagues.
Would any club risk that?
Massive flow on effects for clubs that do.
Var should get rid of the thin line they check for off side and make it that the player has to have at least one full foot or elbow down to finger over the line to be off side but I still say the off side rule should go then that would solve ever thing
Both Fifa and UEFA are calling on clubs involved to think again. They are saying that any player taking part in the ESL will be banned from all other football. That means they will not be allowed to play in their domestic leagues nor in International competitions including European and World Cups.
If this breakaway league goes ahead it will mean the death of Arsenal Football Club as we, the fans, know it.
Good Morning Rico and all
If this ESL goes forward we will be shooting ourselves in the foot as it would mean, as Cicero said, ‘the death of Arsenal Football Club as we, the fans, know it’.
But not only of Arsenal FC. It will be the death of practically the game as it should be. It will be no longer viable to watch games because besides all the effects discussed above already, watching games live, not only on TV but also in the grounds, will be near impossible for the common fan as prices will be sky high. It is already bad enough with Arsenal as it is……imagine the ticket price week in week out against the likes of Barca, RM, Juventus etc.
Plus we might finish bottom against such super powers. We are struggling against the likes of Fulham, Burnley, Villa etc….with the present squad we would be lucky to scrape a point or two….maybe against the spuds.
And how many players are going to forfeit playing for their national team??
The 12 clubs should be ashamed imo. And it they are expelled from the league then so be it.
Its like watching the beautiful wife you once loved turn into a Medusa monster which even the devil himself would reject.
The only way they could circumvent staying in the league is if the first team quits the EPL and the league altogether to concentrate on the ESL and form another club which begins from scratch in the lower leagues. That would be similar to having a B team which will compete in the league till it reaches the EPL. And what’s more it would not be stopped since the 1st team would be competing in the ESL and not in the EPL.
I would not worry about us to join a super league. Stan would have to sell or put mega Dollars / pound into the kitty so we compete on level grounds with these other clubs and I can’t see that happening. As for the threat of banning players that is a joke these player would walk away with a mega bank accounts and I maybe wrong but I don’t think many EPL player retyre then join some small community club.
The only danger to us would be a young player leaving us for a club in the super league for more money.
We just weren’t good enough yesterday.I don’t blame Gabriel for the penalty I thought the Fulham player dived,having said that I make Mari & Holding our best centre back partnership.Also Bellerin was disappointing,if Chambers had to be rested,Soares is next best.
Also we missed Partey in midfield,I could understand resting him,he has found it hard to adjust to the Premier league,we need to strengthen in midfield urgently.
I thought Ryan looked assured,no way would our other keeper have been involved in our goal like that !
It will be a blow to lose Lacazette,perhaps we will see Balogun on the bench.
The league table looks depressing,the teams below us and most above have games in hand.Even if we win all six remaining games,we still rely on other results.
I can see us finishing 8th to 10th with our lowest points total for many years.
You can see why the Kroenkes are in favour of a European super league,guaranteed big games,no qualifying on merit ,no relegation.
It’s a shame because I felt Arsenal were slowly moving in in the right direction,with good younger players.
Years wasted blaming Arsene should’ve been spent trying to rid the club of that malignant scumbag Stan-the bugger of the two evils!!!!
I said that all along and was ridiculed you plenty.
Now, the truth is coming out about our mate Silent Stan.
Let’s hope it’s not too late.
Seems the clubs need the permission from the FA to join the new competition which won’t happen, so the clubs involved then will surely depart and form a totally new competition that is their main league, not merely a replacement for the CL.
That’s when the shit will really hit the fan.
Evil, greedy filthbag of a thing couldn’t care less about the club or the supporters and his silence is deafening.
Who knows where this will end???
Bayern Munich are not among those 12 clubs. Up till now they have refused to entertain the idea of abandoning the Bundesliga. And some of their supporters I know are not keen on leaving either. Even if they will not play against the likes of those 12 clubs anymore.
It all depends on one thing…..the agreement they will OR can form with the media. Because if they form a top top deal with those 12 clubs then it will leave a big effect on the revenue that leagues around Europe will get.
Football is a game invented by the poor, for the poor but which has been robbed by the rich.
Morning Devil, all.
New post up now
https://highbury-house.com/2021/04/19/arsenal-why/
Limey, I wouldn’t be disappointed with Gabriel either, if he hadn’t done similar before. He’s apologised so that suggests to me he made contact.
If we stop giving opposing players the opportunity to go over, they won’t. It’s darn frustrating though.
Scott, if someone had written what you just have about Mikel Arteta, you’d be up in arms.
Just saying….
Aussie Geoff…I can assure you that many players DO want to play for their country. And if they are banned they will be thinking twice.
Let’s take Martinelli. A top talent who can develop into wordclass player who will want to play for Brazil in the WC. Fifa have already taken the same line as UEFA….players will be banned from representing their country. So expect him to play down his contract or angle for a move and then walk off.
I can assure you that for some national team players, like Brazilians, representing their country is worthwhile more than their mega bank account. Because ultimately they know that money will still keep on coming whether they are playing in the ESL or not.
Up till now I have the impression that players are greedy for money only with their clubs. However, when their country comes calling they are off like a shot.
Rico, how can you still defend Stan??
It’ll be a lone battle you fight.
The Spuds have sacked Josa,LOL