Daily Bits and Bobs

Expecting an Arsenal response.

Posted on by rico
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

 

Morning all.

I doubt any Arsenal fan will be overly shocked to see Kieran Tierney pick up the June player of the month award. Nor Dani Ceballos being awarded goal of the month either. Two players who for different reasons, have had a mixed season yet here they are now, probably two of our best performing players. Certainly the most consistent. Martinez and Saka are two more but after them, I’m struggling a bit.

Today we face the newly crowned Premier League winners, a club I detest almost as much as the neighbours. Actually, as much but one can only sit back and admire what Jurgen Klopp and the clubs owners have done over the last four years. Yes, four years, not a few months.

I’d imagine all Klopp and his players want now is for the season to end and their party to begin. I’ll just be glad when the final whistle blows and hope the previous 90 odd minutes weren’t too painful.

A defeatist I am not though, just a realist. As said the other day, too much damage had been done prior to Mikel Arteta’s arrival for this season to end on any kind of high. Too much negativity has been wafting over London Colney for Mikel Arteta to blow away with one mighty outward puff. He himself signing for Arsenal came as a result of one of the worst results and performances under Arsene Wenger. If anyone knew what huge a task was on the table, Mikel did. He was part of it as a player. As was Per Mertesacker. Both of them now responsible for removing the negative mindset of the players at their respective level. Half the battle will be won if those coming through the academy join the first team squad with their feet firmly on the ground. Knowing that only hard work and the right attitude will bring reward. A culture shock to a lot of them I suspect. Good, it’s needed.

Coaching the younger players must be easier in many ways as they’ve not had enough years to pick up all the bad habits a player ten years senior might have. Old dogs and new tricks doesn’t always apply. But if the ears go up, the nose twitches and the tail wags, at least it’s clear that woofa is willing to try. Repetition, repetition, repetition and then one day, it clicks. But even the best dog trainers out there in the world have to admit defeat sometimes.

Arsenal need to decide which of our players has their ears up and tail wagging. Although I’d imagine such a decision has been made by now. It’s a process every new manager goes through when he joins a new club. Klopp was no exception although in some ways, he has been the exception. Fenway Sports didn’t give him an open chequebook to build his squad. Liverpool spent wisely on who they needed, sold well to cover much of the cost. Champions League football followed and here they are today, the best club in England.

Liverpool are living proof that a club can be self sustaining AND successful. All Mikel needs to do is have his teeth whitened, wear a baseball cap, big glasses and run up and down the touchline with great enthusiasm.

I don’t expect Arsenal to win tonight but I do expect to see a reaction from what was a sloppy performance in our last match.

See you in the comments guys, or behind the sofa later….

 

 

 

 

rico

87 thoughts on “Expecting an Arsenal response.”

  2. Sue says:

    Another good read, Rico 👍
    I’m with you – I can’t stand this lot and it’s a fixture I dread every bloody season!! I can’t stand losing to this lot, so will probably watch Glee all over again!!
    We couldn’t even beat a poor spud team, we’ve got no hope tonight!

    Ornstein has said about AMN wanting to leave…

  3. andrewh1313 says:

    Morning rico, Cicero, all. Lost a bit of anticipation as still suffering from the spurs defeat. Just read yesterday’s blog, good thought provoking, for me our never say die attitude was last seen with Sanchez, and he took or forced a few along with him. AMN is typical of our current dozy-looking crowd. I know many like him, but compare his attitude to Ray Parlour. One brighter showing but I want to see some grit, Savage-like! Until we do, nothing will change.

    Have high hopes for Arteta, studious, nice, also firm. But I thought exactly the same about David Platt and he never cut it as a manager. Given resources though, keeping fingers crossed.

  5. rico says:

    Yep, seems AMN realises he needs to move in order to play. I hope not, I’d rather he played at left back than Kolasinac on current form.

    Morning Andrew, thanks. AMN has looked different since his alleged wrap on the knuckles. Wasn’t it against Wolves he came on and played really well. Aggressive and solid.

  6. frednerk says:

    Morning Rico and All
    Sounds like Mickys appealing for some
    dough from the Syrup,straight after a defeat.
    I hate losing at anything,but Micky has to
    pick the right time to beg,some good can
    come out of losing to the scumbags.

    We got sucked in sunday,but with better
    finishing and a bit of ladyluck we could have
    won that,looking at the better chances.

    Not sure why Micky has abandoned the
    three across the middle on set plays we
    look opendoors at times with the
    Keystones Cops bombing around at the
    back when the speed merchants get going.

    Watched the Hub-Caps v Burnley the other
    day the champs could have lost that.
    We may see Holding play to-nite,looking
    back over the last two games would he have
    done less than the other three.
    I think we could surprise the MickyMouse’s

  7. andrewh1313 says:

    Solid rico, till he ducks at an opposition header, and it comes off his shoulder into the goal. I still can’t forget that feeble effort I’m afraid. I know a lot of defenders turn their back from a shot, which so annoys me, but this was the weakest defending I’ve seen this season.

    And if reports are true, being late once can be excused, an alarm could fail to go off or be set. But if I was in trouble like that, I’d set two alarms to make sure it couldn’t happen again. Just seems too laid back, can a person change to suddenly have aggression and increased appetite? Maybe, but I think it looks like someone who had things come too easy, many footballers now seem like this. Get them cleaning boots of seniors like they used to! Sorry, rant over, but I’m still pis#ed at last performance.

  8. allezkev says:

    Morning All, ‘It’s Game Day’ as the media spin goes, yawn. The media spin and slanted gibberish type commentary we get is the reason I watch games with the sound down. Once you get used to it it’s quite pleasant to see what your watching and make up your own mind without some idiot rambling away and spoiling the experience.

    Morning Rico, nice post, Liverpool eh, I can’t stand them….

    But we have to admire the way that Fenway have supported Klopp, they have shown the kind of ambition that we’ve wanted to see from KSE, they also actually seem interested in the Liverpool project unlike Stan who always looks completely bored when at an Arsenal event.

  9. allezkev says:

    Hi Fred, I thought that Arteta picked just the right time to load a bit of pressure onto the owners and management team regarding transfers this summer.
    Restructuring the stadium loans doesn’t affect KSE as that loan is still on the club and I’m under no illusions that the club will be, in a roundabout way, paying off the £505m loan that Stan took out to buy out Usmanov. So there is still plenty of wiggle room for the club to raise revenue that can be used in the transfer market. FFP doesn’t work so that opens the door even more.

  10. rico says:

    Morning Fred, I’m surprised we’ve not seen more of Holding, he’s the future, or at least I assume he is. There’s a part of me which thinks Arteta is still trying to make his mind up on a few.

  11. rico says:

    Andrew, isn’t that the mentality running through a number of our players right now? Sunday alone would suggest that. Maybe I’m just more optimistic that Arteta can change a lot yet and we’re only just seeing the beginning.

  12. rico says:

    Morning Kev, thanks. ‘and it’s live……’ what a load of old tosh.

    Stan is like Ozil, can’t help his game face..

    Has Fenway/Henry ever invested their own money I wonder? I don’t know the answer but I think their sales paid for Klopps first signings and then income the rest.

  15. allezkev says:

    I was chatting to my son a few days ago and he expects Arsenal will soon be sending out it’s season ticket renewals, that in essence is an interest free loan to the club from the fans who probably won’t get to use their tickets this side of Christmas.

  16. Cicero says:

    If we do manage to sign Partey then AMN will slip further down the pecking order, he says he will have to look elsewhere for regular first team action. Rather than sell him in a depressed market he should go out on a season long loan, perhaps with a January recall option.

  17. Aussie Geoff says:

    Hi Rico and All If Kroenke cared about us he could easily take over the sponsorship of the stadium to inject more money but he does not give a crap about us.
    As for Arteta in a way I glad we will not qualify for Europa or champions league as I feel that this will help him next season to just concentrate on the Home and away season and the FA Cup

  18. allezkev says:

    I reckon Cicero, that was might sell Maitland Niles to finance the signing of Ceballos?

    Rumours coming out of Germany that Stuttgart (Mislintat) might also be interested in signing Sokratis as well as taking Mavropanos on loan?

  19. Sue says:

    Some gooners are saying MA should rest certain players tonight, so they’re ready for Saturday, as it’s last chance saloon with Europe qualification. Oh yeah so we let those car-jackers have a rout tonight and we end up being dumped out by City anyway!!
    After that horror show on Sunday, does anyone even expect us to win tonight or Saturday?? Come on.. the thought of Luiz and Mustafi up against Salah and Mane… or Sterling and Jesus, brings me out in a cold sweat!!! Always said this was going to be the week from hell… and it’s proven me right so far!!
    It’s my daughter’s birthday today, so I really don’t want to get stressed and rage.. so I’ll just check the score on my phone 😂 Plus, Rico, I live with a Liverpool fan, so every time they score and we lose, I want to throttle him 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  20. Aussie Geoff says:

    Hi Sue Just throttle him any ways, you will feel so much better then you can really enjoy your Daughters Birthday LOLO

  23. rico says:

    Or Cicero, if Kolasinac goes, AMN could be backup to Tierney.

    Hi Geoff.

    Poor you Sue, having a Liverpool supporting nephew and his partner is bad enough, although at least she is a scouser. My nephew and his dad though, are not. Shows how far backwards we’ve gone though as they seldom mention Arsenal these days…

  25. Sue says:

    Hi Goeff.. to be honest, it’s a miracle he’s still here after they knocked us out of the carabao cup!!! 🤣
    I shall take your advice hahaha!!!

  26. Sue says:

    It’s terrible, Rico, of all the teams…. urgh! Luckily my youngest son followed me with Arsenal (there is a God 😆) although I reckon he’ll come up to me in the not too distant future and say “why did you do it, why did you brainwash me, it’s torture!!” 😂

    Luckily mine isn’t from Liverpool (that bloody horrible accent) otherwise he’d be gaffa taped!!
    You’ll want to avoid your nephew after tonight, Rico!! Yes, whenever we’re mentioned by them, it’s to rip the p**s!!

  27. Sue says:

    🤣🤣🤣 Rico, there’s plenty of room behind that sofa for me too!!
    I’m still hurting after Sunday… I can’t take much more 😆

  29. Sue says:

    I’m amazed, still no Mike Dean… not tonight or Saturday!! Paul Tierney tonight and then on Saturday, my ‘favourite’ little weight watcher – Jon Moss… urgh…..

  31. Cicero says:

    Rico, the reason AMN hasn’t reached his full potential is the constant positional swapping from left back to midfield them midfield to right back and now midfield again. He is not a fullback, left or right. He needs to play regularly in his best position and he won’t get much opportunity to do so at Arsenal so a loan is the best option.

    Kev, what we could get for AMN right, won’t pay much towards the Dani Ceballos fee.

  36. rico says:

    AMN is reported to have said he’s happy to play anywhere Arteta asks him Cicero.

    Sue, look on the bright side, they could all support Toots. Lol

  39. frednerk says:

    Hi Kev..Got the renew notice for a silver
    last week.

    Ozils greengages..We could sign two top
    boys for that.
    The Little Terrier…..30 mil or more
    Bellrina……………….30 mil or more
    Hackney Gazette…30 mil or more
    Gwendoozy…………30 mil or more
    Bubbleunsquerk….30 Bob or more
    Musthavacraper….8 mil or more
    Elneny…………………god knows
    Mickytearaway…….8 mil or more
    maybe/piles………..20 mil or more
    all this lot must come to a few bob

    Am I in dream land with this guys
    we have always sold players yet
    no one talks about what comes in
    its always what we spend on new bods.

  40. Sue says:

    David Silva, rolling back the years! Oh I’d much rather they’d have won the league….
    Will we have to give them a guard of honour later??
    Kev.. I can renew my membership now (Red)

  42. Cicero says:

    Rico, AMN may well be happy to play whether Arteta wants him to but he won’t get much chance in any position and would progress must much better if he played regularly for another team, probably in the Championship or abroad.

  46. allezkev says:

    Fred, amortisation mate, I didn’t have a clue what that meant when Gazides first started rabbiting on about it 5 or 6 years ago, I only sussed it a couple of years ago, but in essence it means if we sign Ceballos on a 5 year deal we spread the £23m over that 5 years and things will be back to normal long before then.

    It also means when we sell players that in general we get paid in instalments as well, but Cicero I’m sure that Arsenal will get between £20m & £25m for Maitland Niles, maybe more, especially if he goes to an English club, you know the domestic premium. English and German clubs are said to be interested in him. If nobody comes up with the dough we just keep him, in a years time prices will start to rise again.

  53. Cicero says:

    That’s not the halftime score line I expected to see. Is there anyway that the game can be abandoned and this score remain? 😁

  64. Sue says:

    I’m stunned!!! 😆😆 but on the other hand I want to go to work now…to brag!!!
    Been such a long time coming!!!!!!
    Yesssssss what a way to make up for the disappointment of Sunday!!! I’m so happy…
    Oh, and City – you’re welcome!

  65. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Can someone explain or give me a difference between Nketiah’s play and Arnold’s play?
    – Did you intend to throw the ball? Both
    – Wasn’t it intentional? Both
    – Didn’t you notice the opponent’s presence? Both
    – There is no VAR? Only in one of them
    Final result: One has red. The other yellow.

  67. Cicero says:

    That’s the way it goes, JM. 😕

    I’m looking forward to reading all the excuses for Liverpool’s defeat. The hacks will have to cover up their season long love in with Klopp’s Keystone Cops style of defending.

    Good night folks. 😴

  72. allezkev says:

    I quite enjoyed that, Alexander Arnold’s yellow card again confirmed Hackett’s view that VAR is being run like a Butlins Holiday camp, I guess the refs should wear red coats…

  74. VCC says:

    Tonights decision that VAR does not even look at the tackle on Saka is proof there is an agenda within the EPL.

    What was the difference between that challenge and Eddie’s……Can someone explain. please.

  75. ScottfromOz says:

    Superb result.
    Don’t let anyone downplay the result due to defensive errors as they still 24 shots on goal, so ample opportunity but we held tight in defence.
    Martinez was AGAIN superb and the more game time he gets, the more likely offers will start coming in.
    He’s too good to be a back up keeper imo

  76. Sue says:

    We held tight in defence – you don’t hear that very often, Scott!! Oh how all the scousers will be quiet tomorrow – ah bliss!!

  77. ScottfromOz says:

    On VAR, it’s abundantly clear there is a set of sorts agains the Arsenal.
    Some were saying that 5-8 years ago but were often shut down with calls that we shouldn’t be leaving it in the hands of officials, but that never made sense to me as they control the results of games.
    I think it was more the frustration with Wenger that led to that argument but here we are still suffering poor calls and blatantly obvious errors.
    That’s why I was happy Arteta spoke up last week on the Vardy issue.

  79. ScottfromOz says:

    Sue, my Aussie mates who follow that lot haven’t been sighted yet.
    Same every time with them and that’s what I can’t stand about their club.
    More Plastics than any 10 clubs combined!!!

  80. Sue says:

    Dec 17: Quadruple ❌
    Feb 29: PL Invincibles ❌
    Mar 3: Treble ❌
    Mar 11: League & CL double ❌
    Mar 11: Retain European Cup ❌
    Jul 11: Perfect home record ❌
    Jul 15: 100+ point season ❌

    Dontcha just love it?!! 🤣🤣🤣

  84. Aussie Geoff says:

    Hi All well what a great win after all did Liverpool fans and the media say they would smash all records as they say easy to win the title but harder to keep it roll on next season

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