Morning all.
A dreadful location to hold the final, a soulless stadium and the BT Sport coverage was about as poor as our second half performance. Arsenal just about sneaked the first half battle but as chances came along, they went as quickly as they arrived. Two penalty shouts, neither given. The second, the tugging of Lacazette’s shirt should have been given in my opinion but not the first.
After the break, Chelsea took the lead through Giroud after he easily beat Koscielny to the ball. The big Frenchman wasn’t afraid to stick his head into where Koscielny’s boot was, Koscielny was obviously not too fussed about challenging his old teammate. Pedro scored a second before Hazard scored a third from the spot after AMN bundled over Giroud. He didn’t need to make the challenge as Monreal was in a better position to do so. Clumsy and perhaps naive from our makeshift right back.
Iwobi came off the bench to make an instant impact. He ran at their defence and scored a mighty fine goal. But Chelsea got a fourth as the result turned out to be an embarrassing one.
There’s little to be said which hasn’t been said at some stage during this season or the previous ten. We’re not very strong, we’re not very organised defensively and without Ramsey, we’re not very good at creating clearcut goal scoring opportunities. Willock did more in the few minutes he played than Ozil did all game, or that’s how it seemed to me.
The squad needs an overhaul. It needs an injection of pace, width, strength and leadership. It needs defensive players too. Like I said, it needs an overhaul. Seemingly on a shoestring now we’ve missed out on the money Champions League football brings with it.
Another season of Europa football awaits which to be honest, is where we deserve to be. We’re not good enough to compete with the ‘best’ in Europe.
It’s going to be a long summer. A tough summer too if Arsenal have a small transfer budget. Not every aspect of the game can be solved b money I know but we’re in desperate need of players with a bit of grit. Players who’ll turn up on the big occasions and the not so big too. Players who put the game ahead of money and know what it takes to win, or at least try to.
Ramsey, Cech and Welbeck are no longer. All need replacing one way or another. Ozil really needs to join them, as do a few others. Emery needs to change the balance in the squad, positionally and mentally which won’t be easy. But that’s why the club employ him, Raul and the rest of them.
Losing last night in the fashion we did, whilst not totally unexpected, is still hard to take but it’s where we as a club are. Wether or not Unai Emery is the man to get us out of it will no doubt be the topic discussed over the next weeks and months. Inevitable really.
Have a great summer guys, stay away from the back pages for a few days, months if that lot down the road win at the weekend and enjoy the break from the domestic game…
I know I will, the ODI World Cup kicks off in a few hours…
Morning Gooner’s
Morning Rico, an early start from you as you no doubt focus on the cricket now, and I don’t blame you…
Good post Rico and I don’t disagree with any of it.
Initially I thought a penalty when Lacazette went down, but in traditional Arsenal fashion in europe we didn’t get the luck, we never do in euro finals, it’s as if we’re cursed, but as you wrote Lacazette had his shirt almost ripped off of his back later on, but again no decision for us and no luck.
Kolasinac was too slow in putting in an early cross in the opening minutes which showed the obvious flaws in his technique and the reason why he should be urgently replaced. His need to take a touch before crossing for what would have been a certain goal allowed the Chav defenders those vital seconds to close him down and make the block. Those narrow margins decide finals and in retrospect it was a costly mistake by our defensively suspect Balkan left back.
Aubameyang lashed a shot wide after some mayhem in the Chelsea box following a great run and cross by Maitland Niles, a tad more composure by our top goal scorer was needed but who also shows a worrying similarity to a certain TH14 – same number – when it comes to cup finals and drawing a blank. That’s two finals for Arsenal now and no goals – not even close to one!
Lacazette worked hard but nothing came off for him and the rumours of him wanting a move in the summer will now increase and who could blame him for not wanting to join Atletico or Barcelona. I guess if the bid is big enough we might have to sell if Emery is to have any chance of rebuilding what still looks very much a squad with a Wengerish mentality.
Morning Rico and all. An utterly appalling evening with so much wrong that it’s really rather pointless going into the individual problems that both the end of season disaster and this game have bought into sharp relief.
We will all have our ideas about what happens next but given how badly we have performed over the last weeks it is tempting to go big on what needs to change. From the owner, down through the management, including Unai and of course all of the players, it seems quite obvious that it isn’t working.
Having watched the Raul and Vinai love-in and heard the big words and lofty ambitions it seems to me that we are like a beautiful looking restaurant where everyone talks a good meal but, when the food actually shows up it is a damp old burger with a massive price tag,
I think we really could be at the point of change being radical. I can’t think of a single player who I would be ‘that’ sorry to see go and there are quite a few who must be shown the door immediately. There is so much work to do but the question is whether we have both the people in place and the will to do it.
It’s painful.
The difference was really emphasised by each teams’ major playmakers, that is man of the match Eden Hazard who took the game by the scruff of its neck and showed why Real Madrid are prepared to pay £100m plus for his services and the ineffective Mesut Ozil who Real Madrid sold to us when he was in his prime, Madrid don’t sell great players in their prime!
Ozil being replaced by Willock was either an off the wall tactical decision by Emery, a sign that Emery is going to go with the Kids next season or a clear indication of his disappointment with what Ozil brought to our game plan. The loss of Ramsey was so costly, it cost us a top four finish and a cup final, that showed to me just how influential Ramsey had been to the second half of our season and how useless Ozil has become. The sooner we as a club are rid of the German plodder on a mega wage, the better we’ll be, he really is a footballer irrelevance…
Xhaka had one shot that failed to dip and just whistled over the bar but his influence drained away and Torrieira looked ineffective as the game wore on, although Guendouzi brought nothing to our game when he came on, such was our pedestrian midfield.
The wing backs aren’t good enough, that much is clear, AMN needs a go in midfield, Kolasinac needs selling.
Our three centre backs looked vulnerable without any protection from our midfield, Koscielny and Monreal played like two old geezers, steady but in the big moments lacking that zip, Sokratis was disappointing but the best of a poor bunch.
Yes, Cech played well, he made some great saves but ultimately his inclusion cost us, it cost us in terms of his footwork as the Chelsea players pushed up on their future Director of Football and pressed our defenders, Leno’s sure rootedness would have made the Chavs drop off.
I also think that Leno might have got to both the opening two Chelsea goals…
Willock and Iwobi did well, it made me wonder wistfully how more effective we might have been with Iwobi in the role that Ozil failed in and Leno in goal?
Emery looked a bit lost, as if he knew his team wasn’t good enough to respond as the Chav goals went in and his starting XI was pretty much all he had to offer.
Would Welbeck have made a difference? It’s doubtful…
Would leaving on Torrieira and hooking Ozil made much difference? Maybe, but the game was up by 3-0, the time to act was when it was 1-0 and definitely at 2-0, a black mark for Unai on that point…
14 players were on the pitch some were and some will be hopefully for the last time in an Arsenal shirt..
Cech has gone , Koscielny , Monreal and Ozil need to go with him , 6 are first team squad players Sokratis , Torriera , Xhaka , Lacazette and Aubameyang . not all of those are guaranteed starters and AMN, Kolasinac ( next years Lichtstiener ) , Guendouzi and Willock are reserve bench warmers to be used sparingly..
quote :- The big Frenchman wasn’t afraid to stick his head into where Koscielny’s boot was.
The way I saw it Koscielny was at least a yard away far too slow to react. It’s time up for him I think .
Monreal is a left back in a four , a centre back at a push at best , in a three not up to it. and Ozil what is there new to say . it’s just a bad smell in the dressing room what ever it costs it needs eradicating.
I see the need for 8 players to be shuffled and come in , it won’t happen , we are back to where we were when Emery arrived and until the squad overhaul takes place we are not going to change.
Depressing .
–
Morning Kev, Adam, Potter and all.
Thanks Kev. I was awake early, pressed the magic button, had a cuppa then fell back to sleep.
Big message to Ozil I thought too, and Willock did more in his 13 minutes than Ozil did all game.
Too much is wrong, too many wrong people at the club to take us forward.
Watch the first goal.
Giroud points where he wants the ball, and it’s delivered pin point accurately so sorry guys: there is no defending that at all.
Whether Kozzer is still to it is another topic but don’t blame him for perfect delivery lol
Isn’t that we all want from Özil and fail to see enough of?
Second goal was immediately after a clear foul we should’ve been given but really, we were gone at half time.
We had more than enough chances to lead by one or two, and failed.
It was all downhill from there.
Willock looked decent, Iwobi shocked the hell out of me as he was noticeably sharp and ready to go the instant he set foot on the pitch.
Let’s give these young guys their chance as it seems pretty obvious we won’t be spending much, so why buy cheap players when we may as well give our own their chance.
Spend massive money on a young CB-throw the entire budget at him-and let’s move on!!
At least Arsenal kids may give their all.
I’ll say this, hand on heart.
If we had Rambo, I believe we’d have led at half time and it’s a different game entirely.
If we are to sell Özil or give him away, seems even more stupid now to have let the man go, let alone on a free.
Clean out everyone over 30, the club should tell us they’re going to allow these kids their chance and we will put up with some poor results because we are used to it already 🙂 🙂
I do believe Özil was damn decent in the first half, but in all fairness, Chelsea were aching to be torn apart and he couldn’t do it, then just died in the second.
Pardon my rudeness.
Morning all 🙂
Does this result become the catalyst of massive change?
Let’s hope so because it’s bloody well needed.
Rushing out to buy new players and/or sack the manager is not the answer, look at Man United . We need to start to learn to defend again. A team no longer has to be good to score against us just competent Whenever we lose the ball in midfield the whole defence seems to panic.
Morning all.
Disahsstah darhlins, disahsstah!
No need to chew over the ashes. I thought about it, you know dissecting the game and our part or lack of it in its outcome. But really what’s the point, as a wise man once said “you cannot polish a turd”. So the game is won and lost (comprehensively), life is too short and it would take far too long!
My only hope is that the coach having seen what this bunch can do but usually don’t, he will turn to the youth and perhaps turn some of them into world class players. I do believe that two or three of them may well hold our future in their boots! I really hope so.
On a positive note at least we’ve got another season of Thursday night football. What a joy that will be. ( there’s a hint of irony in there somewhere.)
Anyhow, off on holiday today going in search of Roman remains. Will post when I can.
Thanks for the comments Rico, I think you said it all😎
Sunshine here and where we are going, hurrah!
Wavy, can I have what you’re smoking 🙂
So much positivity-I love it hahahaha
You’re right though, we may as well move on.
Sort the damn defence though, Emery.
The rest will sort itself out.
Scott, the reason Ramsey has gone is down to his greedy agent. He could have intervened a signed the contract. If he loved the club, he would have, just as I would in his position but as Emery pointed out, his game level raised only after he’d secured his Juventus deal.
I can see why he’s gone, Ozil living proof that the club should not bow to these huge demands. Ramsey has had a mixed career with us, when he’s great, yes, he has an impact on the way we play.when he’s not on top form, he’s average.
It seems a bad decision right now but long term, I think it’s the right one.
Dominic. This team needs players, better than those we have. I don’t think that rushing, it’s a basic requirement.
I’m not for changing manager, not right now and not until Emery has a chance with better players. That’s just my opinion though, I can understand why others might want to though.
Wavy, have a great holiday. Leave Arsenal back in England..
Rico, if we replace Ramsey with a top player then yes, it’s a decent decision but I doubt it’ll happen unless, as I suggested a few months ago, Emery is in with Rabiot who’s on a free.
That shouldn’t be difficult Scott. 😂
Ya cheeky bugger lol
Bloody hell we could have used him last night!!!!
I agree, and the last few matches of the season. Emery should have been firmer with him and told him he was having a break.
Well it’s done and dusted and the future is a complete mystery!!!
Yes. Can only sit back and watch how things go through the summer..
I agree Rico. We are standing at the same crossroads that we have been to many times over recent years. The message that Emery’s tenure brings is that without real change there is no change. Let’s not go down that same road again please. If Emery is to remain and that’s a big If for me anyway, then it surely needs an acknowledgement throughout the club that the owner and board are serious about what needs to happen. Wenger had become associated with failure and if Emery isn’t careful, he is going to go the same way. Bugger Man United. They are no blueprint at all.
I would think that the club needs to inform the fans about the direction the club is headed and that it may take a while to get there. These players are stale and they reek of underachievement. The horrible sight of Ozil wandering through games, providing virtually nothing or of Xhaka lumbering around or of our stellar strike force taking a day off, all while professing their love of the club and posing atop gold-plated supercars needs to stop.
Arsenal, as a club need to get serious and wrestle back the power from the players. New players. Hungry players.
Raul and Vinai’s words are looking very, very hollow right now and another transfer window adding a few flakes from the French second division or a couple of free transfers who are known wimps is really not going to cut it. If Emery has one more year then are the club going to seriously back him if they know that change is coming when he leaves? I doubt it. And if there are plans to offer him an extension then make very, very sure that he has a radical plan that everyone in power at the club can buy into. Whether he can come up with anything new is another matter. The right man at the right time is utterly crucial. Don’t waste another season. We all know where the club is right now. Do something about it!
Otherwise it’s more of the same next season and eventually the fans are going to have to flex their muscles and decide that enough is enough.
Good morning all, Thanks for the post Rico true devotion to duty.
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I’ve never been so uncertain of what’s ahead for the club as I am right now.
Scott. Funnily enough and using recent experience as a guide, I feel exactly the opposite. 😂
Adam, I guess Raul and Vinai have tried to tell us where the club is going but without real clarification. I think after the way the season faded disappointingly, we deserve to know exactly what’s going on. Are we going down the youth route, are we looking to improve and how etc etc. At least then we’d understand and be patient.
I know you’re an advocate of change but I just can’t see it happening. But as you say, if the fans turn, the issue might be forced but under Kroenke, who would we target? I’m just fed up with it all right now…
I nearly didn’t bother Cicero, it’s a bit depressing really. In football terms of course.
Rico. Many of us may disagree on the detail but I think the last few weeks have left us in no doubt where the club are. We are still on a downward trajectory and top-heavy with underachievers. Kroenke or whoever signs off on this stuff will need to get serious to create a path toward some sort of success.
I only want change because I can see where this team and this management is going. Kroenke will probably not want change because that’s not his way. Whatever happens it’s going to cost mega money to firstly get rid of Ozil, Mikhi and the rest of the players that have become a burden to any tangible progress. In other words, the people who got the club into this mess need to stand up and get it out of it.
I, like you, am sick of it.
Agree Adam. The club have to back him financially if he’s staying. Also, I’d like to see Emery walk away if they don’t, because there’s no excuse not to back him when they appointed him.
I actually think we need to sell more than we need to keep, youth players not included for now.
I’m not sure which of us is better off, Adam Hahahahahaha
Scott. It’s the hope that kills you. 😉
Indeed 🙂
More comments later. For now: in my opinion: Arsenal was better on the day of the final (29/05), which corresponded to the 1st half; was worse (much worse) in the 2nd half, the day after the final (30/05).
For the first time, a European final had one half in one day (23 h) and the second half in another!
They were Jm.
Afternoon Rico and everybody,
Spot on with your comments.Typical of the season that we failed to take our chances, especially in the first half when we we’re on top for long periods.Typical also the ref turned down the penalty appeal,he also allowed Chelsea defenders to pull shirts, grapple our players unpunished,as soon as we did the same,he blew his whistle.I felt sorry for AMN,he was lively in the first half,but was at fault for 2 of the goals.At least he tries.
Which brings me to Ozil,he needs to leave,but his contract makes it hard.I fear he might outlast Emery.I think his agent said he intends to see out his contract.
We are in a mess.We look miles away right now.
Only thing that would cheer me up is Liverpool thrashing the other lot,Harry Kane and the manager leave for Juventus !
Afternoon all and thanks Rico.
So glad I was the sensible one for a change and didn`t watch the game so to preserve my health.
What a shit birthday present though and my only hope of a belated birthday present will be The Bindippers winning the CL !
I am honest in my opinion that although last night was a disappointment it will be no where as bad as if the Spuds win the CL, some are of the opoinion that they would have rather won EL even if it meant Spuds winning CL……not me never !……….losing EL would be a small price to pay for Spuds not winning CL………………please dont disappoint whoever is in charge of these destinies.
I am also of the opinion that this is a great chance to fcuk the deadwood and play the chompping at the bit younsters, they would get the fans behind them, so make it so Dick as I honestly dont give a toss about the transfer money of rumoured £40M, it is peanuts so give the kids a chance, it`s the ideal situation to do it and a chance like this doesn`t come along too often. where you would get a grace season or two by playing them .
Kroenke has probably just read the outcome of the final in his ranch at breakfast and then turns a page to readmore important stuff like how many families he has evicted from his land or has just got sexually aroused by reading his Rams have a first round draft choice pick for a tightend.
Afternoon Limey.
I’m pleased to read Emery say some players may need to leave. I think he’s being kind and he really wants them gone and asap. I just hope they all get the message fast and we get on with what needs to be done.
I feel like I’ve been writing something similar though for the last ten years.
Afternoon all, well done rico getting a post out when we are all depressed. I’ve stood by Ozil but when Iwobi does more in 5 minutes than he does in the whole match, I’ve lost giving him any more chances.
Seeing Torreira cry at least shows he cares, but he needs creativity and movement around him which we sadly lack, first with Sanchez and now Ramsey gone.
Apparently Andrey Arshavin last night was a pundit on Russian tv said while he was at Arsenal wenger was desperate to sign Hazard but was not given the funds that’s why he passed on him. Just wonder how many times that was the case and why did Wenger continously take it on the chin for the board. I just heard this this morning.so when we were told by the board that Wenger was always giving funds to buy who he wanted. Was a blatant lie. Kroenke the parasite out.Greedy guttless scum.
Thanks Andrew. And Willock. The bloke is a fraud now, has been since he got his pay rise…
Stevey, that’s interesting. Arshavin has no reason to lie I’d have thought…
Kroenke is destroying Arsenal we have to do everything to get him out. I really think in a few years we could be at the wrong end of the table.our away form in the last 2 years have been relegation standard. Only needs a dip in home form which happened in our last 2 games and we could be in serious trouble. People said Forest were to good to go down and look what happened
Kroenke will let us fall look a what Sunderlands owners did when they were desperate for investment. Kreonke is cut from the same cloth he does not give a shit
Forget what the board members said in last weeks interviews about his ambition. ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAT WORDS.
And so far we have seen F-all .
“Greedy guttless scum “…………………..I think you`re being too soft on him, Stevey !……………………everyone knows I hate Kroenke with my every breath, but I`d keep him another ten years if you can guarentee me Spuds wont win CL……………………..I do have a pecking order of hate and Spuds take the top billion places !
He’d be foolish to do that Stevey. It’s his and his only, neck on the line if he does..
Emery said the Liverpool way is the way to go. He said that since they lost the Europa Cup they’ve gone from strength to strength.
Well, we’ve done the first bit. 😂
rico, “losing last nite in the fashion we did wasn’t totally unexpected”……….we’ve been getting rolled over like that for the last 10 years, it don’t upset me no more !
As for Emery being the man to get us out of it, well he joined us last summer with a 3 year Europa Cup winning streak guarantee, I ‘d be looking for my money back.
Micko, that’s the problem now isn’t it, we’ve got used to collapsing so it’s no surprise and we’re pretty much immune to feeling disappointed.
I can’t make up my mind on Emery…
rico, the Good Ship Arsenal is seriously listing with the deadwood on board, some have already jumped ship, some will bleed us dry, where do we get these players with grit that wanna play Thursdays and Sundays…….a long summer ahead indeed.
Agree Micko. We as a club are a pushover in so many ways…
New post up now