Morning all.
Feeling a bit flat, deflated? Yes, me too.
At least Mikel Arteta has been honest about our domestic season by admitting we’ve gone backwards. Mind you, the league table doesn’t lie does it and neither does our points tally. We’ve been well off the race for quite a while now. Ideally we’ll earn enough points to secure second place but I think we’re counting on others rather than doing it for ourselves.
Manchester City and Aston Villa are in action today with both clubs on the south coast to play Southampton and Bournemouth respectively. Both the away sides need a win as far as finishing in the top four goes but if Bournemouth can take something from the game, it would certainly do us a favour. Southampton have nothing to play for as far as the league goes but I’m sure they’d like to give their fans a bit of a show.
In the WSL, there’s a second place shootout between Arsenal and Man Utd. A draw or home win would clinch the runners up place for Renée Slegers team. Whatever the result though, both clubs will be playing Champions League football. Unlike the men though, the women have a Champions League Final to look forward to.
Looking ahead to the summer, Mikel Arteta was asked in his pre-match press conference whether he thinks a new attacking player is the answer to our problems:
I have to make it more clear. In January it was clear or not? I told you, because you were in the room I think many times, I made a very clear statement, and the statement continues the same. I want the best team, the best players. If we have three goalscorers over 25, bring them in, we’re going to be a much better team, yes.
Is he excited about our summer plans?
Very much, yeah. Already with the players that we have, and having everybody fit and available, we are a super strong team. What we’ve done in the Champions League semi-final, we haven’t done in 20 years at this football club, with the actual players that we have right now. So, yeah, very, very positive.
As usual, Arteta said a lot yet didn’t answer the question. It’s what football managers and politicians do. Waffle on, skirt around the topic but seldom commit to actually answer. In football though, I get it, especially when it comes to transfers because why would anyone tell the world what their plans are? I know we all want the reassurance of quality players arriving this summer but we’re not going to get it.
One thing is which is highly likely in my opinion is that a guy like Andrea Beta wouldn’t have taken the job at Arsenal if he knew he wouldn’t be busy. He’s a reputation to protect and he’ll want to be seen as the man who once again, has helped a football club bring in quality players. I don’t think he’d have joined Arsenal if he knew there was no money to spend either and let’s be honest here, Arsenal have hardly been frugal since Mikel Arteta took over as manager. We always want more money spent and more players signed but we are at the point now where it’s not how much money Arsenal spend but who they spend it on.
Equally, this transfer window is about exits. Moving on the fringe players who Arteta refuses to turn to unless he has no choice. If he can’t see himself selecting Zinchenko in October to give another player a breather, then there’s no point in him being at the club. I use Zinchenko as an example but the same theory could/should be applied to anyone Arteta is reluctant to call upon.
Despite his critics, and reading around the internet, there are quite a few, Arteta is going nowhere for the foreseeable in my opinion so it’s up to those around him to give him a few extra tools so that he can do his job next season, better than he’s done it this.
Catch up in the comments…
Good morning Rico.
12.30 kick-off live on BBC 2.
Morning Cicero, just off for a walk in the woods with the hound, back in time for kickoff…
Some silverware next season is essential otherwise the squad might start to break up.
That makes this summers transfer window so important.
Berta is going to be busy as we have several to get out and several to get in. A lot more to do than just tinkering around the edges.
Agreed Hobart, it feels like this is a poop or bust kind of summer.
Afternoon Rico and all.
Sound like we up and running with Fabrizio Romano claim as agreement between Arsenal and Real Sociedad for Zubimend has been reached.
Hopefully the lose in the champions league and giving away too many points at home, will make the players more hungry next.
Afternoon Geoff, hadn’t seen that. Good news if true. I guess. Lol
And here it is from Twitter..
Fabrizio Romano
@FabrizioRomano
·
4h
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season.
Two minutes Arsenal one nil up, terrible mistake by Utd ‘keeper.
1-1 now
Jack Wilshere has left Norwich apparently as he wants a managerial job.
A good save by Zinzberger and then a bad mistake gifts Utd an equaliser.
Half-time 1 – 1
Rico, obviously Norwich didn’t want him as permanent manager, I think he will struggle to find a managerial job, maybe a second or third tier team will pick him up, some team like the one at the wrong end of Seven Sisters Road?
Penalty Arsenal, 2 – 1
Now it’s 3 – 1
Make that 4 – 1
Great goal from Little…