Morning guys.
So then, the occasion has finally arrived. Thomas Partey is not only back in training but he’ll be in the squad on Monday night.
Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday.
What about Zinchenko and Tomiyasu:
Those ones are possible but we have to wait and see, especially with the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday. If that’s the case, they might be available on Monday.
Is Gabriel Jesus ready to start:
Well he’s fit enough, but knowing how long he will last is something different probably, but we didn’t want to take any risks after the result that we had against Newcastle. Obviously we need him fit. He’s a massive player for us and we want to make sure that now we load the players in the right way.
Lastly, Jurrien Timber:
It’s been a joy and all the physios and the medical staff are really happy with his attitude, and his commitment, especially with the way things have gone. It’s not a coincidence the way he applies [himself], how determined he is, his willingness to put every effort in everything that he’s demanded to do and he’s in a really good place. Now we have to manage [him] because it’s the last stage of that difficult injury that is complicated, but I think he’s on the right way.
Well, that’s the team news for the Sheffield Utd game out the way. An odd thing, or an honest thing for Mikel Arteta to say about Jesus though – he’s fit but no one seems to know for how long. Far from ideal for a player considered our best, or certainly the main striker at the club. A striker who might wear the number 9 shirt but is far from being footballs most natural finisher. As said before, Arsenal have been scoring more goals without him in the team than with him. Do I dare suggest our attacking play in general has been better too? And it’s not because we’ve played so called ‘lesser clubs’ either is it? It’ll be interesting to see how the team plays when he does return. Even better hopefully but I’m not going to hold my breath…
I have mixed feelings ahead on Monday’s fixture against Sheffield Utd. On paper, Mikel Arteta’s team should be too good for the opposition but it’s a Chris Wilder team we’re facing and he’s got one over Arsenal before. It was back in October 2019 when Unai Emery was manager and his team just couldn’t score a goal. Pepe, who had arrived during the summer, missed an opportunity to score when it looked more difficult to miss.
Only one of the starting eleven back then remains with the club. Not even the manager survived for long after the defeat either as just over a month later, Freddie Ljungberg took temporary charge until Mikel Arteta walked back through the Arsenal door in December. It’s been all change from that day until now and not just in personnel.
The last time Sheffield Utd won a home game was back in December 2023 when they beat Brentford 1-0, just after Chris Wilder had replaced Paul Heckingbotton. Things have gone badly for him and his team since then. Last weekend, two of his own players had a scrap on the pitch. Not good really and nor is their chance of Premier League survival. They’re rock bottom of the table, 11 points adrift of Nottingham Forest who sit one above the relegation places. Utd’s goal difference is -44.
Liverpool have an away match against Nottingham Forest tomorrow and Manchester City play Manchester United on Sunday. One would expect both clubs who sit above us on the table to win but in football anything can happen. Forest and Utd are in desperate need of points but for different reasons. One wants to avoid a relegation battle, the other, a slim chance of securing Champions League football next season.
Catch up in the comments.
G’day Rico.
“Well he’s fit enough, but knowing how long he will last is something different probably”. What a strange choice of words, I read it as he’s fit enough to start but unlikely to cope with a full ninety minutes. If that’s the case best to leave him at London Colney.
Hi Cicero, I thought it odd too.
If the club have concerns over his long term fitness and availability, he’ll join an already quite long list..
Afternoon Rico and all.
If Arteta not sure about the long term fitness of Jesus, then it’s time to sell him.
Rico looking at the players list above and taking out Saka, there are so many good players that wrecked there career, Xhaka was proble the only who turned his career around and also earned the respect back by many Arsenal fans.
Afternoon Geoff, you’re right, although Leno and Willock are doing well.
The Saudi Pro League may appeal to Jesus, money for old rope!!
He’s an Arteta favourite though isn’t he?
There is that, Rico. 😕
Does mean Jesus will become the new Elneny, paid good money too keep the bench seat warm and play only a 30 second cameo twice a seasons 😎
Good Morning Rico and Co…
Sheffield United (a) Rico?
I tend to think that Arsenal will score between 4 and 6 goals in that match, thoroughly demolishing the Blades.
It’s not over confidence you see it’s simply an acknowledgment of how good our team currently is and should be for what remains of the rest of this season.
Yes, Thomas Partey should be getting a run out from the bench Rico, Jorginho is likely to put his feet up at Bramhall Lane and Arteta will likely go with Trossard and Havertz I expect plus the usual suspects.
Tomiyasu, Zinchenko and Vieira can be held back Rico for Brentford and Porto I reckon. It’s a nice problem to have – all these fit and hungry players…
As for Jesus, well I’ve had a feeling that Arteta is intending to hold him back Rico until we face the cheating, diving, negative anti-footballers of Porto.
Finally Master Jurrien could well have a run out or two or three with the U21’s towards the end of March to help with his confidence and in preparation Rico of April and May.
It all seems all very simple to me… 😉
Morning Kev, all.
You have it sussed Kev. lol
New post up..