Morning all.
I feel sorry for Japan because they could have beaten Croatia, perhaps even should have over the entire two hours of football but when it came to the penalty shootout, I don’t think I’ve seen one as bad as Japan’s in a long long time. What it means for Takehiro Tomiyasu though is good news for Arsenal as he’ll soon be joining his teammates in Dubai.
Should England v France go to penalties, Bukayo Saka isn’t afraid to step up.
I’ve obviously matured and progressed a lot since that moment. I wouldn’t have stepped up in the times take penalties for Arsenal if I wasn’t confident. If the moment comes and I’m selected to take one, I’ll be more than happy to. To be honest, I feel like personally I’ve tried to move on from that moment. I know I can never really forget as it’s going to be in history but at the same time coming out here and scoring those three goals has lifted me a lot. I keep saying the love from the fans that I keep receiving lifts me a lot and gives me a lot of confidence. I love to see this from the fans.
I hope England won’t need a shootout against France because if any player misses their penalty, social media will go into overdrive. The media too but then they’ll be on England’s back unless football actually does come home this winter. An expression I never really understand as football is always at home, proper domestic football I mean.
Gabriel Martinelli and his Brazilian teammates carry on though after beating South Korea 4-1 last night. Today sees Granit Xhaka in action against Portugal, one of just four Arsenal players left in the tournament.
As yet, there’s been no official statement from the club about the injury to Gabriel Jesus, or what’s happening with Ben White but neither are heading to Dubai any time soon it seems. I’m sure we’ll hear something before too long and when that statement comes, I hope it’s good news for both.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have two friendly fixtures in Dubai. Our first test comes on Thursday against Lyon at 3.30pm UK time, then on Tuesday next week, we play AC Milan at 2pm UK time. If you want to watch, it’ll cost you £5.99 per match or £9.99 for both – both options are only available through the club’s official website.
The transfer rumours are up and running as they usually are this time of the year. The Mirror report that Mikel Arteta and Edu were at the SoFi Stadium on Sunday to meet Josh Kroenke and discuss their approach to the January transfer window with a reported £50million transfer budget. (Mirror)
Youri Tielemans is back in the headlines, yawn, Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk too and according to reports is available for £40million. Well that’s the budget gone then. Lol
Paris Saint-Germain’s Carlos Soler is another Mikel Arteta is reported to be interested in with the ‘French Giants keen to sell him in order to raise funds for new arrivals, with financial fair play impacting the French giants’ plans. Mikel Arteta is a known fan of Soler, having pushed hard to sign him from Valencia back in the summer of 2020’. Considering PSG only signed him in September of this year, I very much doubt he’ll be up for sale next month.
It’s going to get worse you know. Rumours I mean…
Morning Rico
Thanks for posting the Anfield piece. Haven’t had a chance to comment because I’ve been away for a few days.
The Jesus injury is just what we didn’t need. Knee injuries can be long recoveries. I have doubts that Eddie will be able to have the same impact, but we’re about to find out.
With Juventus and Inter about to go bankrupt maybe we can grab one of their forwards in January?
Morning Pete, all.
Pleasure. I loved reading it.
Losing Jesus is a real blow, I like Eddie but I hope we’re not relying on him for the next few months.
Good morning Rico, I’ve scanned the training pictures from Dubai but can’t see any sign of ESR, hopefully, he will be at London Colney working his way back to full fitness.
The unfortunate injury to Jesus represents a wonderful opportunity for Eddie Nketiah to step up to a regular starting position and score the goals he is capable of during a decent run of games. The down side is if he fails Edu will be forced to find a new striker in the summer.
Morning Cicero.
I think we could see a striker come in during the winter transfer window if Jesus is out for three months etc. Perhaps a loan. Who knows but I’m hoping it’s positive news when it come re Jesus. His energy and all round attitude will be missed.
Saying that, Martinelli is an option.
Spain knocked out on penalties by Morocco. How the mighty are falling.
Jesus has gone under the knife….
Portugal 5 – 1 up against Switzerland, Xhaka will shortly be on his way to Dubai.
Xhaka lucky not to be fined or suspended for grabbing an opponent’s nuts,
another team being investigated by FIFA, these games only get better every match, FIFA must be racking in the money from all those Fines.
A successful operation apparently, no time scale set for his return to action though. I’m sure we all wish Jesus a rapid and complete recovery.
New post up now