Morning all.
Today is the first time Arsenal have played a home fixture since the restart after the outbreak of Covid-19 forced the world into lockdown. Mikel Arteta was one one of the first footballing people to contract the virus. Thankfully for him, his family and The Arsenal, his symptoms were mild. Tonight the club will remember fans who weren’t as fortunate. Fans whose life ended because of the virus.
The club will also pay tribute to one of its own, Theo Foley who passed away last week. Theo was George Graham’s assistant between 1986 and 1990. A highly respected coach, Theo was a hugely-popular member of the dressing room and one of our heroes from our title-winning season of 1989. The team will wear black armbands on Wednesday evening and we will remember him in a moment of silence for all those we’ve lost since we were last together. – Arsenal.com
“We really want to play at home. That’s where we enjoy more, but obviously not having the fans within is a tremendous disadvantage. We want to give them happy moments and enjoyment and at the moment we cannot do that just by seeing them as they have been watching on TV. But it’s what we have at the moment.” – Mikel Arteta.
As we all know, Norwich City aren’t a team to be taken lightly. Whilst there’s a chance of Premier League survival, regardless of how small, there’s hope. There’s a reason to give just a little bit more at this stage of the season. Any three of six or seven clubs can still be relegated so it’s an exciting battle for football but not for the clubs involved. Especially as the vultures will be standing by, ready to offer their better players a chance to stay in the Premier League. Arsenal really should be one of those vultures.
Arsenal have a long list of injuries, most of which have come after this restart. David Luiz suffered his injury during our last fixture but just how Mesut Ozil picked up his back injury, is a mystery. Perhaps he dropped his umbrella, or the seats at Bramall Lane were a bit too firm. He’s a doubt for today’s match anyway.
The big news and yes, I’m thrilled about this one. Cedric could finally make his debut. Also, Torreira might feature too if he comes through his assessment well. 🤞
Norwich will be without centre-back Timm Klose, who is suspended after being sent off during their fixture against Man Utd. Lukas Rupp, Max Aarons and Adam Idah are all struggling with minor injuries so might miss out.
No idea what to expect from Norwich as I’ve not watched them since we drew 2-2 at Carrow Road. Freddie was our interim coach back then. The defending left a lot to be desired. As it still does really. I mean as a team and not just the back line. Perhaps Cedric, if he starts, will help tighten up our righthand side which of late, has been vulnerable. Back in December, it was Pukki who caused us problems, Amadou too from midfield. Their right back Max Aarons is one of the players other Premier League clubs might be watching closely. As should Arsenal tonight.
As unlikely as Norwich remaining a Premier League next season is, a place in Champions League next season is equally as unlikely for Arsenal. The best we can realistically hope for is Europa League and even that’s improbable in my opinion. We needed those three points at Brighton but we blew it big time. Our remaining fixtures are really tough, certainly for this current squad with the way they’re performing.
The last few fixtures have seen us scrabble around in defence, not taking enough of the few chances we’ve created. Certainly against Brighton. Our right hand side has been the weakest link in my opinion, our central midfield slightly better but needs improving quicker than Usain Bolt can run 100 metres but that’s for the future I think, next season after the club have done something in the transfer window. If they don’t, we’re in for a tough ten months again.
Mikel Arteta says they want to be play at home so it’s up to he and his players to play like a home team. Boss this Norwich team from start to finish and win all three points with swagger, style and inner belief. Not arrogance, just confidence. Be confident.
Enjoy the game guys, see in the comments.
Good morning Rico.
I too would like to see what Cedric can bring to the party, but I don’t want to see too much unnecessary tinkering.
Oh the joys of being a Head Coach! 😉
I’m a bit confused….
*As a man, I used to think I was pretty much just a normal sort of chap,
but I was born white, into a two-parent household which now, whether I like
it or not, makes me “Privileged”, a racist & responsible for slavery.*
*I am a fiscal & moral conservative, which by today’s standards, makes me a
fascist because I plan, budget & support myself and my family.*
*I went to Grammar School & have always held a job. I now find out that I
am not here because I earned it, but because I was “advantaged”.*
*I am heterosexual, which now makes me a homophobe. I am not a Muslim,
which now labels me as an infidel.*
*I am older than 70, making me a waste of space and resource who doesn’t
understand Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat.*
*I think and I reason, and I doubt much of what “mainstream” media tells
me, which makes me a “Right-wing conspiracy nut”.*
*I am proud of my heritage & our inclusive British culture, making me a
xenophobe.*
*I believe in hard work, fair play, & fair compensation according to each
individual’s merits, which today makes me an anti-socialist.*
*I believe our system guarantees freedom of effort – not freedom of outcome
or subsidies………….. which makes me a borderline sociopath.*
*I believe in the defence & protection of Great Britain for & by all
citizens, now making me a militant.*
*I am proud of our flag, what it stands for and the many who died to let it
fly, so I must be an imperialist and a racist.*
*Please help me come to terms with the new me because I’m just not sure who
I am anymore!*
*Funny – it all took place over the last 7 or 8 years !!*
*If all this nonsense wasn’t enough to deal with, now I don’t even know
which damn cloakroom to use !!*
Morning Cicero, all.
I fully expect to see more chop and change tonight.
Morning morning morning, how the devil is everyone?
It’s ‘game day’…..
The Saga of Saka seems to finally be coming to a positive conclusion, funny how that should be the case only some 24 hours after Balogun was told he will be sold this summer – unconnected?
The same agent, who knows? Personally I’d like to see Balogun stay so maybe some more discussions, a change of heart, some reality over wages and playing time and we could see this scenario settled positively as it was for Nelson and John Jules?
Thanks Rico.
Ornstein expects Saka to sign a deal this week and he also says we are interested in Partey, it would be interesting to see what Partey brings to the party! 😉
I expect a win against The Canary Smugglers!………………………….
PS………..your game time on right says 5pm!…………………I`m sure it is 6pm…………….we dont want Scott and Geoff losing an hours sleep! 😆
Kev, all the time there’s nothing official from the club about Balogun going, I’m hoping Arteta and Edu can make him see sense.
Saka too of course.
It’s usually out by an hour Lc, certainly after the summertime clocks change.
Vivianne Miedema: Arsenal & Netherlands striker named FWA Women’s Footballer of Year. 👍
Hi Rico and all just checked game time in Australia kick off 3AM that works out to 6PM your time if I am correct
2 different stories one claims arsenal have extended william saliba loan up till 24th july and one say’s we have refused to extend his loan period does any one know which one is correct
If Norwich go down what about a bid for Todd Cantwell to replace Özil?
Hi Geoff, Arteta said yesterday he won’t join us until next season and he’s staying in France for the playoffs with St Etienne.
https://www.arsenal.com/news/william-saliba-statement
Seems official if it’s on .com
VB, I’d be happy if you replaced Ozil right now. 😆
I can’t comment as I’ve not seen Cantwell play but I do think we should be looking at relegated clubs, they all some strong players.
Saka signs 😀
Best signing of the Summer!
As for Ozil`s back injury!………………..well apart from me because of my incredible strength, you would all have your back put out lifting a wage packet with £350,000 in it!…..equivilent to one of Kev`s tips when he picks up an Arab in Mayfair!
Absolutely buzzing – thank you, Saka!!!!
What did Saka say after signing contract?………………………………“It’s Arsenal, you know. Come on, it’s Arsenal!” He said. “The stadium is great, the fans are great, the club is great. Everything about this club is great”…………………..I love this boy so much I want to adopt him…………….and only keep 10% of his wages!
Fabulous news to hear. Bloody brilliant.
Please keep the language down, Rico! 😆
Mind you, I felt this way when Mesut signed a new contract! 😆
Just listening to his interview. Now the keeping of Luiz is clearer.
Only 10% Le Coq?! 😝
Did you go for your interview?
Fantastic news!!!
Im glad it’s done 🙂
Morning all.
Nice post, Rico, sorry got carried away with all the Saka news!!
Dare I say it… Pukki hasn’t scored in ages!! 😝 I’m too happy to even worry about that!!
Saka – what a player!! And he’s ours!!! Get in there!!
Sorry to have offended you Lc, I’ll try harder next time. 😆
MU does not want to reach an agreement to exchange Ozil with Bruno Fernandes?
Haha, JM!!
It breaks my heart seeing them playing so well… and Bruno Fernandes has made the difference! He’s been first-class!
If we win tonight, we can go up to 7th!! Wow, steady on now, getting giddy 😂
Ha ha, thanks Sue.
Maybe Balogun will follow suit real soon.
Yes, Sue……………………..I thought I was quite impressive until he gave me 2 pages of questions I have never seen in the Highway Code!………………It said I needed to get 80% right, I asked seeing as I`m furloughed would they let me off with 80% of the 80%!………………..I will be contacted at the end of the week, they have lots of interviews to do……..I think they always say that when they dont want you!………didn`t even ask my age!……………….he was writing down stuff on the questions he was asking, but I reckon he was probably playing Sudoku!…………….he was a bit fidgety and kept wondering where the squawking was coming from as I kept the my hands guarding the movement in my Parrott Smugglers!
One of the questions he asked me was what would I do if a customer was being a bit abusive because their delivery was late…………..I said that being that I am a trained ventriliquist I would throw my voice and make it sound like someone was in the back of the freezer crying for help!……………and tell the customer that was the last customer who complained about a late delivery!
Yes Rico, there’s plenty of time for Balogun to have a change of heart, in the end if the player really wants to stay, he stays despite whatever his agent says.
All the young guns are staying put so now the club has to show them that they made the correct choice by being adventurous in the market in August and outsmarting the market (where have we heard that before?)… 😉
Saka’s decision might also make him think again Kev. These younger are best buddies I’d imagine. Breaking away from the group won’t be easy.
It’s great that we have such bright young talent secured.
Corporate lawyer Tim Lewis has been appointed as a non-executive director of Arsenal Holdings Limited and Arsenal Football Club plc.
Tim, a partner with Clifford Chance, joins the boards with immediate effect.
In a statement, Stan and Josh Kroenke said: “We are pleased to announce Tim’s appointment. He will bring additional experience and skills, starting with our work to come out of the current situation in as strong a position as possible.”
Tim, a lifelong Arsenal fan, said: “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Stan, Josh, the board and executive team to help take the club forward at this critical time.”
Further to the news that William Saliba will not be extending his loan at St Etienne, we have the following statement:
“Throughout our discussions with St Etienne, our aim has been to protect the welfare of William Saliba as well as the interests of Arsenal Football Club, while honouring the terms of the loan.
“Despite the loan ending on June 30, we were willing to find a way for William to play in the [French] cup final on July 24, despite having no contractual obligation to do so.
“As William is returning from injury, we asked that St Etienne follow a clear training plan with William in close collaboration with us, to ensure he is fully fit for the start of next season.
“To our surprise we were unable to reach agreement to this plan which was proposed by our medical experts, and we are simply not prepared to risk the welfare of an Arsenal player.
“While it was not our primary concern, and ultimately not relevant as our training plan was not accepted, we also expected not to be financially disadvantaged by extending the loan. This was also not acceptable to St Etienne.
“We know this is a disappointment for William but he understands we are working to protect his long-term interests and those of Arsenal.”
Two left backs, Tierney and Kolascinac, another odd selection. Luiz is fit and selected, doubt that he will reach half-time.
Evening rico, all. Home against Norwich, don’t want any excuses, referee decisions, or a sloppy goal given away from playing out from the back. Just get hold of the game from the beginning and win convincingly. For once!
Evening Andrew.
Nice pressure Auba, he learned from Eddie. 😂
Wicked strike Xhaka..
Lovely second, nice move. Just carry on like this for 95 mins please 🙂
Well Le Coq after reading your comment, I stopped laughing just in time for kick off!! Wicked comment, it really was, I loved it!! As soon as I saw the word squawking, I was away 😂😂😂😂
What a half!! 50 pl goals for Auba!! We all really look on it tonight!!
Finally… a goal from midfield and what a beauty it was!! (Scott… Xhaka again 😉)
I really enjoyed that… more of the same in the 2and half please!
2 nutmegs so far tonight – love it!!
Ceballos got one from midfield Sue, in the FA Cup. 😀
They’re on a roll, Rico 😂😂😂
Very clever! Let Norwich have possession for 20 minutes then wait for a mistake, 3-0
Cedric. 😂
What a debut goal 👌
Not bad on your debut 🙂
Great win!! What a day for AFC 👍 Now come on Auba, you know what to do!!
Shame that Willock couldn’t quite put the cherry on the cake with that late shot just past the post, but 4-0, a good performance by Luiz, Tierney, Ceballos and Xhaka, even Adam must be happy about that… 😄
Wow Bournemouth took one hell of a beating, you get the feeling that Howe is struggling to get a tune out of them and Leicester losing is helpful although that keeps Everton on our coat tails.
Up to 7th, is that the highest we’ve been under Arteta, is it the highest we’ve been this season?
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1278399009997172736
I do wonder if Auba might stay. He certainly looks very happy.
https://twitter.com/dfacademy1/status/1278384832314322945
He does, Rico…. the exchange between him and Xhaka when he came off -.awww 😍
And on the stands Sue.
What a unit Antonio is!! Come on West Ham!!
What a day! Saka signs, we win… then West Ham get one over fat Frankie!! Brilliant!!!
Nice one you hammers!
Morning all.
Fantastic result and some ripper goals.
I do hope every opposition side keeps playing out from the back as we’ve benefitted twice recently.
Sue, are you Xhaka’s new agent hahahahaha
Nah regardless of what’s happened in the past, he’s playing damn good football, is obviously enjoying himself and he does seem an integral part of the side.
He plays, we win-seems to be how it goes since Aretha took over and long may it continue.
Great to see us go in with the job today, as well.
No mercy shown!!
That was a much, much better performance. All our players fully committed and singing from the same hymn sheet.
Four goals, clean sheet, three points and no injuries, no yellow cards and no red ones either.
Apart from the first ten minutes of the second half we were in total control, it made very good watching….for a change.
And what a stunning cameo appearance from Cedric Soares, I want to see more of him!
Saka signed to a long contract as well. 🔔🔔🔔
I know we have some very promising youngsters but I think Tod Cantwell would be a good addition to the squad, especially if Dani Ceballos is going back to Real Madrid.
Hahaha Scott… Agent Sue – nice ring to it 😂
I agree with you, he was great tonight and what a goal!! Worth the early start over there, hey Scott 👍
Cedric, same amount of goals in 4 minutes for Arsenal as over 100 games for Southampton. Only shame for me is soon losing Ceballos, fine player.
Just watched the replay as i fell asleep in the armchair just before kick off, at last they looked like a team, hope fully we can play like this against the better teams and Lacazette start’s scoring
Hey Scott, maybe that’s why the boys are moving better, the ghost of the Queen of Soul has taken Mikel’s job. 🎶😉🎶
Saw this…………………China has threatened ‘corresponding measures’ after the UK invited Hongkongers to Britain………………………..what?…… are they going to invite 3 million brits to Wuhan!
Morning all.
New post up now
Morning Rico and all. Much, much better in the first half and for the latter part of the second, after we scored the third. Yes, Norwich were a bit toothless but there seems to be a better feeling around the squad and the club from what I can see. Nice to have a home game too.