Morning guys.
Well, that was an interesting weekend of results wasn’t it? Man Utd beating their local rival City and then Everton shocking Aston Villa at Villa Park. I know we cocked up our own game but at least we added a point to the gap at the top. I know, it should be more and would be if our finishing was better but unless the club are going to sign a play who can actually hit the back of the net which in my opinion is highly unlikely, we can only hope things on the chance to conversion rate drastically improves.
Mikel Arteta on the result and the performance:
Obviously we came here to win the game and we haven’t managed to do that for different reasons. Credit to them, because they are really well organised and they are really good at breaking momentum when you have certain dominance in the game. But the reality is that we created four massive chances as well with Martinelli an open goal, Declan Rice a tap-in, Mikel and the header of Bukayo, and on top of that obviously a very clear penalty in the box that is not given. So, without conceding a single shot on target, again, the fact that we haven’t won the game is disappointing. On top of that, I think we can do things better, especially in certain attacking areas.
Ref watch with Dermot Gallagher took place yesterday morning and it was unanimously agreed that our penalty appeal was correctly turned down because the ball hit the Forest players arm before his hand. The fact that he scooped the ball with his hand is irrelevant. Right!
The inconsistency from officials is crazy, look at this one from Utd’s Dalot on Doku. The City player was lucky not to be stretchered off with a broken leg yet all Dalot received was a booking.
Imagine if one of our players had committed that challenge….
Interestingly, referee Anthony Taylor was the ref who booked Caicedo too in our league game against Chelsea but the difference that day was John Brooks on VAR who directed Taylor to the pitch side monitor whereas Craig Pawson didn’t in Utd’s game.
Anyway, we have to carry on keeping the officials away from making decisions. We cannot control the decisions they don’t make but we can control the ones they do. Hope that makes sense.
Tonight of course it’s the return of Champions League football with Mikel Arteta and his players in Milan to face Inter. With just two of the league stage fixtures left to play, Arsenal are sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 18 points.
Inter however are one of four clubs sat on 12 points and need one more win if they’re to avoid the playoffs. Their last two fixtures in this competition, which were against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, ended in defeat.
Arsenal’s Adrian Clarke:
The Nerazzurri line up in a consistent 3-5-2, and defensive solidity is their key strength. They have a tough, uncompromising back three, athletic wing-backs and a workaholic central midfield. Conceding just four times in six Champions League matches, they are a very resolute outfit, and Inter’s expected goals against tally (4.9) is the second best in the competition, behind us.
Chivu will encourage his players to be vertical in their passing, getting it forward as quickly as they can to a front two which often contains Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, who can be a real handful with their skill and movement.
They will try to assert their dominance in the air, winning 62.1% of their aerial duels to lead the rankings in that department. The supply for that aerial threat comes from outstanding left wing-back Federico di Marco [above] who has delivered 25 open play crosses, the most of anyone in the Champions League.
But, at times they can lack a little imagination and creativity inside the final third, which has tripped them up in several of their big games in 2025/26. They lost 1-0 at home to Liverpool, in their last European home outing, creating very few chances, and in Serie A they have picked up just four points from a possible 15 against top five sides.
The last time these two clubs went head to head was in last season’s campaign when a dubious first half penalty secured victory for Inter. Interestingly, not only was that our first defeat in the competition but also the first goal we’d conceded too. Despite going behind, we had many opportunities to equalise. Gabriel had a header cleared off the line and Havertz saw a goal bound shot saved by keeper Sommer. 62% possession, 20 shots but only 4 were on target. Whilst that sounds like a familiar situation to the one we’re in now domestically, in Europe, we’ve been better. So far anyway, scoring 17 goals scored in 6 matches.
I’d love to see Mikel Arteta mix things up a bit tonight, spring an element of surprise. Do something which will perhaps offer a change of style, something more creative and more dynamic. I know it’s very unlikely that he’ll ever play Martinelli through the middle but I’d love to see him do it. Just as I’d like to see Odegaard dropped to the bench for Eze or Nwaneri. Why not play both with Nwaneri on the right? Merino in midfield with Norgaard too so Rice and Zubimendi rest their legs ahead of Sunday’s game against Man Utd. Havertz is another option up front, after all, like Jesus, isn’t he meant to be our saviour and goal scorer? Obviously I hope he proves he is just as I hope Gyokeres starts scoring for fun.
In the Champions League, when you have the opportunity to achieve something, you have to grab it. Tomorrow we’re really going to have to earn it against a top, top side. [Finishing in the top eight] is massive, we know that, and if we win tomorrow, we know that’s going to be the case. So, let’s make it happen.
I know we need to take a lot of what Arteta says in his press conference with a pinch of salt but it does sound he’s going full throttle tonight. Although his full throttle and yours and mine is probably two very different things. I know this fixture is important but right now, my thoughts are on Man Utd and having the strongest and fittest starting eleven available.
Finally, something from David Ornstein
EXCL: Marseille working on deal to sign Ethan Nwaneri on loan from Arsenal for rest of season. Not agreed yet. Would include fee. No buy option. #AFC favour #OM on De Zerbi / style but also PL + other European interest. 18yo decision soon.
Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has held positive talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Nwaneri, with the Italian and his style of play a prominent factor in the Ligue 1 side being favoured by their Premier League counterparts.
Catch up in the comments.
Good morning Rico.
I hope the Milan weather is better than here in Norfolk, cold, wet, windy and utterly depressing. Three points tonight please Arsenal, if only to cheer me up a bit. 😉
Why would we even consider sending Nwaneri out on loan in the middle of a season in which we are fighting on four fronts. Ok he’s down the pecking order a bit, but are the players, supposedly, ahead of him pulling up any trees? Eze, Madueke and Odegaard are not exactly setting the World on fire, are they?
I’m glad their is no option to buy, so he will come back a better player providing he gets to play sufficiently. So many loanees tend to spend an awful lot of time on benches.
Marseilles may not be the best place for Nwaneri to go, they are in the process of signing Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber, Jurrien Timber’s brother. The pecking order may be longer than expected.
Not unhappy with a loan deal for Nwaneri and in my opinion MLS could do with a loan move to a club like Everton to relearn the left back position. Need an incomer however….a versatile defender who could play in both full back positions for example…over to you Berta.
Morning Cicero, all.
A loan for Nwaneri makes no sense to me either. Especially as we are still in all four competitions. He’s such a talent who is being wasted imo. Arteta baffles me sometimes.
Morning Rico and all.
I could understand loaning Nwaneri out at the start of the season, but looking at how we are travelling and injuries, it doesn’t make sense to loan him out know.
Palace and Bournemouth need players, if Nwaneri is to go anywhere, why not to one of them?
Dave, why send one out to then sign another though? If we were to sign another defender, that’s the end of Lewis-Skelly’s opportunities unless he is going to move into midfield where he’ll probably be more comfortable and effective.
On the surface 5 months in Marseille would appear to be a good opportunity . With cup and league fixtures there are approx 20 games left in their schedule so pitch time in those would certainly help his career . He should talk to Saliba who had a season there as it did him no harm. Di Zerbi has experience of the Premier League at Brighton , so he knows what is needed he is without doubt no dinosaur and certainly no Pulis .
But won’t we need him?
If we hadn’t signed a couple of duds, nos. 10 & 20, Nwaneri would have been playing much more often.
Doesn’t make sense does it. I get the need for a big squad but not so much when not all get opportunities…
Ornstein reports that an agreement between Arsenal and Marseille for Nwaneri has been reached..
Afternoon Gooners, I saw piece on Nwaneri on YouTube, the Italian ITK, who said the loan fee (€4m or £4m) was tied to appearances, so the more he plays for di Zerbi the less Marseille pay which is a smart incentive from the Arsenal end. Of course the Saliba comparisons come up and playing for Marseille is a lot of pressure as the Olympique fans are crazy, so it should do him good. I also still think that we’re still in for a young midfielder (just a hunch) this month so maybe clearing the decks?
I don’t think we’ll do anything until the summer…
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Jesus
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Setford, White, Gabriel, Norgaard, Rice, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres, Havertz.
When is Zubimendi going to get a breather I wonder..
BBC- FT: Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Man City 🟥 Rodri
A terrible night for Manchester City. The players look absolutely dejected.
Fair play to Bodo/Glimt. They were brilliant and took their opportunities when they came. I imagine the celebrations will be going on into the night.
Always difficult on a plastic pitch in the Artic circle with temperatures way below freezing .
If the results go against them they well may fall into having play offs. Their last match is at home to Galatasary. Reckon without Rodri they will be looking over their shoulders
We’ve qualified then because City lost..
Gyokeres would have tapped that Saka cross home. 😜
I hate it when defenders turn the back on the ball. 1 – 1
Wicked strike though..
Gabriel would have taken that in the face.
Probably..
Another Jesus goal. What an inspired move by Arteta 😂
Saliba playing like a winger, something that ha crept into his game in the last couple of games. He must have complete faith in Timber and Mosquero.
It’s a very open game though..
Is Eze under strict instructions not to tackle?
Why Rice and not Norgaard?
This referee highlights just how poor the PL ones are. Barely know he’s on the pitch.
Is Portuguese…. Gyokeres scored!
Sensational pass by Martinelli to Gyokeres who finishes in style. 1 – 3, 87 mins
Yes Jm and he’s very consistent.
Great ball from Martinelli and lovely finish from Viktor..
Is it my imagination but get Shearer away from the BBC and he’s more neutral. Certainly less dislike for Arsenal.
No Nwanery again..
Three goals for, one against, three points. That’ll do nicely. 🔔🔔🔔 top or second?
He’s going to Marseille on loan Jm.
A very nice win, but better yet it’s good to see Jesus and Gyokeres getting on the score card.
now that we have qualified for the final 16 hopefully this takes some pressure of the players and Arteta for a couple of weeks.
With a resurgent Man U to face at the weekend, there is no reduction in pressure on Arteta, the players or the fans Geoff.
Perhaps that’s the answer to the Jesus/Gyokeres conundrum, bring our Swedish striker on when the game is stretched, not in a million years would Jesus have been up with Martinelli to take the pass and score the goal that sealed the win.
The PL is the pressure one imo. Arteta needs it, Arsenal need it.
I’d imagine we’ll finish top of the CL table bearing in mind our final game looks kind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV01Wz5jlDU
Good morning Lady and Gentlemen.
Great performance, great win, brilliant goals. Pity no clean sheet.
That is the result when the opposition actually play. When they dont come to defend in the six yard box.
At least the ‘Championship player at best’ (not my own opinion) scored a super goal. One, which those who call him that, will never do in several lifetimes.
Enjoy the goals.
And well done to the ‘defensive manager’ for rotating and securing top spot with the weekend game in mind.
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu on the Arsenal game after his team suffered a 1-3 home defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side:
“They had more intensity, technique and pace, they occupied the space well, attacked the lines with intensity and speed, the same with the second balls, as they dive into every duel,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“We tried to stay in the match, we played quite well in the first half and at 1-1 could’ve scored another. That doesn’t mean we would’ve gone on to win, but incidents do change the mood of the teams.
“We were also unlucky on that goal on a corner, where it bounced off the bar and onto the head of an Arsenal player. In the second half, Arsenal raised the focus level and were also a little more humble, as there was some arrogance from them in the first half. They sat deeper, have physicality, and of course can bring players off the bench to raise the level further.”
“We did introduce Andy Diouf at the end, I had also thought about changing to 4-3-3, but I was lacking an attacking force, and Arsenal introduced Gabriel in defence when they realised that Pio Esposito was causing them problems.
“We had three strikers at the end, it’s true that we lacked a bit of attacking flair and crosses down the right, but Luis Henrique had a good game, all the lads put in a great effort tonight from start to finish,” assured the coach.
“When these Arsenal players come and surround you, they attack from all angles, they encircle you. I was so impressed with their technique with the ball moving at pace, they make the right choices and first touches, they have the speed of thought to find their teammates quickly and on the right Saka can take men on to cause all sorts of problems.
“We won a few challenges and went on the counter quite easily in those moments, but Arsenal have so much quality in their squad. I won’t point out how much money they spent, as that would be too banal, but the Premier League does have a very different type of intensity and pace to Italian football.
“Some of us, including myself, are trying to introduce something more in that sense, the type of moves we want to see, but it’s not an easy process. We’ve got to maintain the belief that we are on the right track.”
On if his team lost because of a busy match schedule: “Enough with the complaints about playing every 3 days. Arsenal has the same schedule as us. We are not the only ones.
Thanks for posting that D G, I hope it gets read by those who criticise Arteta’s playing style.
My pleasure Cicero.
Personally I feel that Arteta, keeping in mind the amount of games, playes sensibly for certain games ensuring we get something with minimum damage.
Then again, those who keep complaining about him, will still do so even if we win all the games and not lose one.
They will still say we didnt score enough (neglecting the fact we scored more than the opposition)
They will still say that we conceded more goals (neglecting the fact that the opposition scored less)
They will still say that Arteta doesnt know his best 11 if he rotates.
They will still say that Arteta is neglecting certain players if he plays the same 11.
Yaaaawwwwnnnnn
You get my drift???
Expect them to come out in full force if we dont win against Utd by the tune of 10-0. Because even if we conced 1 they will still complain.. Hang on, even if we score 10, they will still say we spurned a lot of chances.
I have to be fair-minded and give credit where it’s due.
That was a great performance last night at the San Siro, completely different to what we’re used to seeing in the PL.
We dominated last years runners up, and a side currently 6 points clear at the top of Series A.
Jesus and Gyokeres came to life, Mosquera got a good hour, Eze was a little bit off but hasn’t played a lot of football, but a big statement win against a European giant.
Bravo Mikel, more of this on Sunday please.
Football is an entertainment business that is costing ordinary folk a lot of money.
We all appreciate entertaining attractive football, so when Arsenal produce that style of football I am happy to celebrate and enjoy it, but we don’t see it often enough, particularly in PL games.
There are far too many sheep with a herd mentality, scared that if they have a different opinion they’ll upset the crowd, so they play safe and say what they think will please and placate them.
If the football is good shout it from the rooftop, but if it’s dire, have the honesty and integrity to call it out.
We’re not children who have to pretend or lie about the quality of football on display.
No its just practical. Atm Arsenal need to win a trophy. If we win it playing great football that’s good. But atm its not that. Its just by hook or by crook.
How many times have we lambasted Arsenal for not being street wise??
Time to see it from this perspective as well.
Morning Devil, all.
I much prefer watching our CL games because teams from Europe, most anyway, play to win rather than defend and hope. I’d imagine that’s why we are good at set pieces because it’s our best chance to beat a defensive setup. PL football has imo become boring and much less entertaining.
Three super goals last night, four including Inters, but a thoroughly entertaining and very open game.
No sheep on here Alan!
Not necessarily sheep, Rico, maybe some who believe Arsenal are where they are because of Arteta’s management, rather than the amount of money it has cost to get us there.
Money has always bought success, Arsenal have chosen to go down this route with Arteta, it’s just taken a while to materialise.
That’s an assumption of yours surely Alan, there is a multitude of reasons why we’re top of both leagues and Arteta is one of them.
I reckon the reason we are, where we are today is due to the owners, manager and players all supporting each other now.
As much as there are fans that rubbish Arteta there are also fans who will never say or except anyone saying anything bad about him either, at the end of the day it’s only one person’s view.
Morning all.
New post up.