Morning all.
Here we go then. Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign kicks off this afternoon in Manchester. There was a time when the winners of the Utd and Arsenal battle would pretty much decide which club would win the league. It was a battle like no other both on the pitch and off it. The feisty exchange of words in the tunnel, the rivalry between the two managers – I loved it.
Throughout this coming season, I’m sure comparisons will be made between Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres if for no other reason, Arsenal were allegedly interested in both. The back page scribblers are no doubt hoping the younger of the two forwards first season in England is a huge success, the elders a struggle. It’s not as simple as that though because it’s about what either player brings to their team and how that team gels over the next ten months.
Today the two go head to head, not literally of course but both will want to find the back of the net during what will be their first competitive debut for their new club.
Going to Old Trafford on the opening day of the season isn’t an easy thing for any club but we have to make the journey at least once this season so why not today. Why not go there and show the rest of the world watching, we are in this to win it!
Mikel Arteta’s team(s) have had a bit of a mixed pre season but I don’t think we can take much from that really because only from today does a top performance and positive result matter.
Man Utd’s pre season saw them travel to Sweden, USA and like us, their final friendly was at home. Unbeaten they might have been throughout pre-season but as said, it means nothing.
I think it’s fair to say that last season was the worst in a while for Utd and Ruben Amorim will be hoping his team fair much better this campaign. They’ve strengthened the squad with the addition of Mbeumo, Cunha, Leon and Sesko – all attacking players. Eriksen, Evans, Lindelof and Rashford have all moved on without a penny being made.
Arsenal have sold Nuno Tavares (4.5m) and Marquinhos (undisclosed) but I’m sure a few others will be added to the “sold” list over the next few weeks. Six additions have been made so far this summer, all very good in my opinion and I’m far from convinced the club are done as far as signings go.
Utd are without Mazraoui and Martinez for today’s game but Zirkzee and Onana are in contention to start.
Gabriel Jesus is the only absentee for Arsenal.
Despite finishing second for a third season running, Arsenal’s season wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. Injuries hit us before the season started and they just kept on coming. Surely to goodness we won’t go through something like that again this time around. Our football was at times ok, at others, really hard to watch. Another hope is that our football is quicker, more free flowing and a tad more exciting. It goes without saying, we need more goals and I think we’ll get them too if our football is played at a higher tempo. There are times when we’ll need to dig in deep and defend but we’re good at doing that. If we can be as good in all areas of the pitch then the season ahead could be a better one.
Let’s just go and beat Utd and get the season started in the best way possible.
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico, Ignore my message. I can now comment. 😉
Morning campers,
Rico, according to the Guardian, we got £6.5m for Tavares and £2.5m for Marquinhos, now that might be including add-ons as modern day transfers are never simple, but the Guardian is usually ok in that regard…
Today, I reckon some controversial refereeing decisions and a draw…
And if Sesko scores but Gyokeres doesn’t expect all the useful idiots elsewhere to lose their minuscule minds.
Yep, 10 months of angst, but not for me, I’m going to enjoy it…
Today I’m more confident than ever, before a game against United.
Dare I say it? I expect us to win.
Morning Kev, Cicero, all.
The site might be up and down a bit as the master behind the scenes is working on it..
I think we can win, their defence is still vulnerable. Just have to stop their attacking players. 😂
Hi there!
I hope a good score….
Just have to stop their attacking players. 😂
Do you mean if they don’t score , we can’t lose ?