Morning all.
Short one this morning..
Mikel Arteta said in his post match press conference that Arsenal deserved more from the game at Anfield but did we? Apart from Noni Madueke, I thought we lacked a threat up front. Viktor Gyokeres was ineffective because I don’t think his teammates have worked him out yet. I don’t think the manager has either.
Good attacking play comes from speed, width and decisiveness. Not from playing a safe pass instead of a forward pass.
I don’t think either side played particularly well but when it came to a set-piece, it was Liverpool who were clinical.
The league isn’t won or lost in September so I don’t think fans should hit the panic button but I do wish we as a team would play with more freedom. Freedom to shoot from anywhere, freedom to be more adventurous in the way we play, freedom to try and do something different to the Arsenal norm which seems to me to put safety first and foremost.
Saying that, our playing out from the back yesterday was far from safe. It was close to being catastrophic although that might sound a bit extreme.
Gabriel Martinelli put a shift in defensively, he usually does, but he’s a winger with pace who every time he got the ball, looked like he didn’t have a clue what to do next.
William Saliba, who rolled his ankle during the warmup, had to be replaced by 21 year old Cristhian Mosquera. After a few nervous moments, he was as solid as a rock.
I don’t know about you guys, but I want to forget yesterday’s game and move on. It’s annoying that there’s now an international break so many of our players will be away from the club but at least our walking wounded will have two extra weeks to recover before our next game.
Yes, I’m pretty downhearted, frustrated too that after an excellent summer in the transfer window, we are still playing with what Arsene Wenger used to say, “the handbrake on”. I know it was Anfield but Liverpool were there for the taking yesterday, Arsenal simply didn’t look like a team which wanted to take them..
It’s transfer deadline day today and Arsenal are expected to be busy moving on a number of players. There’s still a part of me which believes Reiss Nelson could be a useful player to keep but obviously, Mikel Arteta doesn’t feel the same.
Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of Piero Hincapie today.
Catch up in the comments.
Arsenal could have and should have won yesterday as Liverpool are currently not at their best.
Firstly, what was Arteta thinking?! Martinelli and Merino?! PLEASE! With all that talent sitting on the bench and he goes for those two and doesn’t even make that change at half time when both of them were poor. For me Calafiori and Madueke played their hearts out. Mosquera played well and did so knowing he had big boots to fill.
The bench must have been asking why Arteta bothered bringing them!
How many times do we the fans and the Press have to tell Arteta to wake up about Martinelli. He cannot hack the Premiership and should have been allowed to move on. Can he not also see the difference in the players on the field when Martinelli is not playing or taken off? We can – it comes alive!
I am now asking myself if Arteta is the Manager for Arsenal. I am having my doubts and am sure am not the only asking this question.
Arsenal second best AGAIN !!!!
Morning Rico and all.
Just watched highlight, It looked to me, that we were a bit too slow on the break, but why did Arteta take the chance against a top team at there ground allow Saliba to start the match, however on a whole I was happy with the performance.
The players gave everything yesterday I can’t knock the effort they put in, Slot made some changes at half time and the balance of play shifted, Arteta eventually went for it and sent on Odegaard and Eze but after Liverpool scored we lacked the decisiveness in the final third to hit back.
Were Arsenal too cautious, well not in the first half, we pinned them back but didn’t take any of our chance, nor did Liverpool tbh the game was decided by a once-in-a-season/lifetime free kick. Let’s see if he does that again over the next 8 months?
Liverpool do have a habit of winning games like that, they’ve been doing it for years, you need to be precise with your finishing, which we weren’t, but otherwise I think that Arteta got it right with the team and tactics etc.
Of course many, who are paid by the media, will have an opposite view and if you want to be swayed by them then good luck. I’ve seen plenty of Arsenal teams go toe-to-toe with Liverpool at Anfield and ship 4 or 5 goals, it’s a bear pit.
Morning Geoff, all.
Our final phase needs working on imo. Up until just over the half way line, we’re very good but we just lack a spark up front and I don’t mean Gyokeres.
Morning rico, all. That goal as Kev says was a once a season effort, we had two last year when Rice amazed us against Real.
Two thoughts on a positive nature, how well did Arteta/Berta do signing Madueke as Saka cover. To think the criticism that got online. We didn’t know Saka would be injured but what a replacement, he could have scored with an Saka-like cut inside but for a great block and the ball looped over the bar.
Secondly, many will remember the constant complaints from some about our American owners, particularly during the final Wenger years. Haven’t heard a word against them for a time now, funny how things change😀
Good morning Rico and all.
From what I have read this morning, I haven’t watched a minute of the game, both teams started out too cautiously perhaps each a bit afraid of the other, too much respect? Or in Arteta’s case playing for a draw?
The interlull may give our injured players a bit of recovery time but it will not allow the squad time to build cohesion because so many members will be away with their National teams.
Down hearted? No! Disappointed? A bit.
Laura with respect, I think it foolish to even consider Arteta’s position, we have just had a spectacular transfer window with perhaps one more signing to come, the squad is now much stronger with all its constituents being Arteta’s choice. Now he can build the cohesion, shift the emphasis in tactics and take the team forward. Let’s be sensible and see how things turn out between now and Christmas.
Morning Andrew. Madueke is a breath of fresh air imo. Not afraid to try anything. Wish a bit of the way he plays would rub off on Martinelli who looks to have lost his confidence.
Spot on re the Kroenke family. The once much maligned owners of our club.
Morning Cicero, it seemed to me we were afraid to over commit going forwards. Understandable really with the pace of their front three. As someone said yesterday, it’s a shame they scored late because we’d have been more attacking had they scored earlier.
Arteta came to the club when it was in a shit state averaging just above mid table . Working with the owners many things have happened to reorganise the club on and off the pitch . Not only have the non working players gone but executives that oversaw much of workings away from football have been replaced and the club is on the surface ( 3 second places and Champions league ) in a better place .
Looking at the squad we are stronger than we have been for a long time so the question in my mind is not whether Arteta has done a good job but whether he has taken us as far as he can ?
As is often pointed out he was a complete novice in managing when he was appointed , he has surrounded himself with coaches and assistants that suit the style of play that he wants. If he goes , they go as well and probably a few of the players who will not necessarily be the ones that you or I would want to see go.
If he goes he will probably get another job and only then will we see if he was learning as he went along . Lets face it there are plenty of clubs that would like the improvements that we have seen . That’s why I don’t go into the insults that get thrown at him.
Did we deserve more ? Maybe a point but we showed very little up front( 1 shot on target for us in the whole game)
I thought we did OK,Mosquera was excellent,Gabriel is a warrior. I’ve heard it said that Raya should have done better with the goal which is unbelievably harsh,it was perfectly struck.
Madueke looked bright again,I worry he might turn out to be a modern day Glen Helder though,lots of fancy footwork,no end product. I hope he proves me wrong. I think Helder was George’s final signing.
Disappointing but still 35 games left,the Isak signing is not good news though.
I’m of the opinion that this is the season when we will see how good or not Mikel is. It’s only now he has a deep and strong squad of his own choosing. I dislike the “no excuses” motto but if he’s the right one to win us the league, then I don’t think he’ll have a better opportunity than now.
Good afternoon Rico and all.
Losing to a worldie is no shame at all. I am slightly disappointed that we didnt get at least 1 point because the tactics were spot on and we had our chances. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion however some are too emotional bordering on the hysterical. Those who want a quick fix can go and support another club because as has been pointd out if Arteta goes practically a good chunk of coaching staff and players go. Those hysterical people will quickly point the finger of blame at the club but never at themselves. If you want a revolving door where managers are concerned take a ride with the blue bus. They change their manager at whim. Or go to the spuds….even when they win they change managers. Just a little thought……the club’s hierarchy don’t give a rat’s arse on your opinion. And thank goodness for that.
Yesterday it was hilarious reading various comments that Saliba was injured because of the training Arteta gives them. Anyone can roll his ankle…..just ask anyone who was walking along the pavement and stumbles. Hang on….that was Arteta’s fault as well. hilarious.
I can judge for myself how we did in the game. Could we have got more? yes definitely. The tactics were very good. And as has been pointed out by regular housers we should have been more adventerous however our front three are getting used to each other.
The best thing is to ignore them. and not answer them.
Yes I would love to see us do another unbeaten season. That will not materialise this season. But we can still win the league. 35 more games to go. I can bet anyone that those who have come out cackling, quacking, heehawing about Arteta this and that will go quiet even if we win 33 games in a row and then lose the next one. Blah Blah Blah.
Some people never change.
Rant over. Time to relax. Some red wine while reading all the beautiful people’s positive comments here.
I see that Reiss Nelson is in talks with Brentford about a loan.
Now news about Hincapi, One hour forty-five minutes and counting. 🕔
Sambi Lokonga and Vieira are going to Hamburg.
Nelson goes to Brentford or Palace. The deal with Fulham has fallen through
Zinchenko may be going abroad as well.
fingers crossed we make a bit of dosh from their sales.
They will all be loans to get their wages off of the books. For some reason we are not very good at selling .
Sixty minutes and counting. 🕓
Cicero, I think the cut-off time is 7pm…
Just saying 😉
Dev, I’m hearing that Zinchenko is staying and Nelson to Brentford.
You’re right Kev, 7 pm it is.
Well we can all relax now, plenty of time to polish off a deal or four…or five or more. 😉
Does anyone think we should have been in for Guehi instead of Hincapie??? 35mBP
Zinchenko staying?? yeah why not. He can cover multiple roles in midfield and wing. But not at LB
Saliba has pulled out of the French Squad, that’s a relief.
Afternoon Devil. Deciding to support another team isn’t football. People get frustrated and it’s understandable because “they” want Arsenal to be successful.
Wouldn’t it be funny if Isak failed his medical..
BBC reporting Lokonga to Hamburg done deal, but no details.
Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Albert Sambi Lokonga to join Hamburg on a permanent deal.
The midfielder joined the club in July 2021 and had loan spells with Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Sevilla during his time with the Gunners.
I know Cicero, it’s so exciting 😁
Hincapie is younger, Guehi is over-rated. So not me.
Gotta be quicker than that Rico 😃
Hincapie in, Kiwior out
Latest from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:
Piero Hincapie is finalising his move to Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen.
It’s understood he’s had a medical and agreed terms. The deal is a loan with an option.
The total fee, if the option is triggered, is worth £45m.
Hincapie’s move will allow Jakob Kiwior to formally complete his transfer to Porto.
Arsenal bought Kiwior from Spezia for £20m in January 2023.
Yeah Dev, I agree with Cicero on this one, I reckon we’ve had plenty of time to push for Guehi, he’s good no doubt but Hincapie looks a bit of a bastard and I like that in my defenders.
Ha ha Kev, next time…
Getting frustrating yes. Supporting Arsenal Yes. but repeating the same narrative ad nauseam is not ok. Blaming someone just for the sake of saying something is simply not on. It gets boring and tedious and sometimes on the verge of the nauseatic.
Rico some people expect Arsenal to win 10-0 every game. Not because they are supporters but simply because they will have something to gloat about. For me winning 10-0 is simply not on just because it means the other team was non existent. I prefer a hard fought 1-0, that means the other team was in it and we edged it plus keeping a clean sheet.
Blaming Arteta or whoever is manager for this or that gets boring. As Kev pointed out, the real supporters know in which state we were and where we are now. Many people dont realise that if Arteta goes a good chunk leave with him. Where will that leave us?? Yep, starting a new journey. And we dont know where it will lead us. Some people will even come all out against Arteta even if he wins the next 33 games straight and loses the 37th game, neglecting the fact that we have won 35 in all.
Yes we are all entitled to our opinion and rightly so. But as I said….certain narratives become tedious and boring.
A few years ago, Roberto Baggio, a Ballon D’Or winner whom I adore, said, ‘I refuse to criticize players. I find it offensive that certain former players (Neville and Carragher take note) criticize others when they could’nt dribble more than three touches’. I feel the same applies to those who criticize negatively certain managers when they couldn’t even manage their lawn if they have one.
And am not referring to Arteta only.
One final comment on the Arteta haters……I can assure that if we were to sack him right now, many top clubs would be falling over themselves to get him.
Oh…..those people will then question why are we always a stepping stone.
———————-
Kev and Cicero…I have never seen Hincapie play. So cant comment. If you say he has that bit of defensive bastardness in him then why not??
I was only considering the fee and the fact that he is home grown, knows the EPL and is English.
And bdw…many housers here know why I always refuse to criticize managers and coaches.
Devil, perhaps there are fans who get bored with watching the same things on the pitch.
We all think differently and there’s no right or wrong. Personally, I find watching today’s Arsenal pretty boring much of the time. Still, I’m hoping something better will click soon.
Sambi Lokonga has joined Hamburg on permanent deal.
Sixty minutes and counting.
Fifty now…
Rico, how many times we played good football only to lose by 3-5 goals?
Our game plan was good and we lost to a worldie. We nullified them. And they did the same.
Pundits said we played negative football. Of course they want us to be open and adventurous….all out attack and the dippers carve us open to win by 3-4 goals.
That is their agenda.
But no. We scuppered that.
Yes we lost….but to a worldie.
Nygaard joins Brabrand on loan
Lucas Martin Nygaard has signed for Danish side Brabrand IF on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal last season and was a part of the 2024 first-team pre-season tour of the USA, before making 13 appearances across all competitions for our academy last campaign.
30 minutes and counting.
Have we signed Sterling yet?
He’s still available 😜
Oh I do hope not.😉
Evening meal on the table, back later.
💥 it’s shut. Now we have to await until the Arsenal P R Department wake up in the morning.😉
Hincapie takes the number 5 shirt.
Piero Hincapie has joined on a season long loan. Officially announced on Arsenal website.
Shame we didn’t get Isak. 😜
Forest secure late loan move for Zinchenko
Latest from Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam, Anton Toloui and Dharmesh Sheth:
Nottingham Forest have pulled off a late Deadline Day loan move for Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal.
A deal sheet was submitted before the window shut after Forest’s move for Javi Galan fell through.
Sky Sports News understands they have completed the necessary paperwork.
Nottingham Forest have pulled off a late Deadline Day loan move for Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal.
Edu to the rescue ??????
I’m not going to risk pre-empting a possible post by Rico, but I will just say that in reference to the recently closed transfer window I am pleasantly satisfied. 😉
Good night all you happy Gooners. 😴
Hamburg might be worth watching this season, just out of curiosity…
And Forest & Brentford
…..and Juventus where Lia Walti is headed after seven years with Arsenal where she made more than 100 appearances.
And Monaco (Biereth-Balogun …)
Has Walti to Juve been confirmed Cicero? She’s still an Arsenal player on afc.com.
New post up.