We hear/read it all the time, even our own fans and I included myself, write it often, but why? The ‘it’ being, Arsenal might…. (bear with me)
Our victory over West Ham came thanks to a Alexandre Lacazette goal late in the game but, and not for the fist time by any means, instead of praising the defending or saves by Bernd Leno, Arsenal were lucky because they ‘might’ have been 3 or 4-0 down before our Frenchman scored according to most media reports. Although Arsenal ‘might’ have had two penalties awarded and Nketiah ‘might’ have scored had Fabianski not done so well. Ozil and Pepe ‘might’ have scored too had they taken a shot instead of looking for another pass.
‘We are turning the corner in results and a bit in terms of what I want to see in my team. The ship still has to turn more to see what we want to see. It is a process.’ Mikel Arteta.
Man Utd were praised in the Mail for ‘snuffing out’ Man City’s’ danger men yesterday, yet when we do something similar, the focus more often than not seems to be about how poor we are rather than the fact we’ve dug in and got a result whilst going through this period of great change and uncertainty.
Pep Guardiola will need to spend this summer the same newspaper writes as if money is the answer to all footballing issues. Forgetting of course that City are in trouble and could amongst other penalties, be handed a transfer ban. Oh how the mighty are falling eh…
Utd however, seemed to have been buoyed by the winter signing of Fernandes, similar to Arsenal when a certain little Russian was snapped up on deadline day a few years ago but as we know only too well, that extra lift a player gives a team, doesn’t always last that long.
For Arsenal, a much tougher test than West Ham faces the players on Wednesday night as a trip to The Etihad is one most other clubs as well as us fear but surely, if City are struggling as seems to be the case, perhaps this Arsenal squad shouldn’t go there with knees trembling. Nor cocky or over confident I hasten to add because the way we’ve been playing is nothing to write home about but we shouldn’t fear them. Go there with chests pumped, be ready to put in a shift for 90 minutes and tie their wobbly defence up in knots. After all, with a £72 million Pepe, a £60 million Aubameyang, £50 million Lacazette and a £45 million ish Ozil, we should be all over them. Yes, the kind of money Pep needs to spend. Again. Because it couldn’t be down to his failings could it?
If we can get something from the game on Wednesday, it’d be a great result for this Arsenal squad and I doubt anyone who cares about the club will give a jot about what ‘might’ have happened. The media will of course, well, if City miss a glut of opportunities to score but if it’s roles reversed, I doubt if we’ll hear or read much about it, just as we didn’t when Aubameyang missed those chances under Unai Emery. Had he buried all three, (I think it was three) Arsenal ‘might’ have won.
As Mikel Arteta said in his comment about, Arsenal are going through a process. There’s no quick fix, ie throwing £500 million at the squad which is basically what Pep has done at Manchester City and perhaps even that figure is frugal.
Maybe if Mikel Arteta had had that kind of money to spend in January, Arsenal ‘might’ be playing better than they are but no, all we could afford was a couple of loan players. Not that I’m knocking them at all.
I know people will disagree re the money, citing Leicester, Sheffield Utd and even Wolves as being low spending clubs but each of them have had a manager in place for longer than Mikel Arteta has been at Arsenal. Plus, I think each of those clubs have players of a different mentality to ours. The kind of mentality this Arsenal squad lacks. Certainly in the heart of our midfield.
If Raul and Edu can find a midfielder or two in the summer then Arsenal might be a whole lot better next season..
That’s my daily waffle over, see you in the comments.
Morning Rico, and thanks,
good points, the media never give Arsenal credit for grinding out results.We are early in a process,there are bound to be bumps in the road. Admittedly it was like watching Emery’s team at times,we got the win and another clean sheet – no injuries,crossed fingers.
Moving forward I think. it will be hard to finish higher than 7th or 8th.Our only win against a top half team was against Man Utd,we still have 6 of the top 8 left to play, including the top 3.We have the toughest run in,on paper, of all our rivals.
Only positive is that form goes out the window at this time.Im staying optimistic !
Morning Limey. Yep, CL football is a pipe dream I think as it looks like Chelsea and Utd will be too strong. Wolves too.
Hi Rico and all I don’t mind a hard run home, I believe it will help Arteta in the long run after all if we play the bottom 6 teams in the last 6 round and win them all are we really good or are they really bad at least by playing say the top 6 teams win or loose it will help Arteta know were we truly are as a team and the best way forward next season.
Nice one Rico.
Yes, the media`s love of The Arsenal.
Rumour has it both Parliament and Fleet Street are to close down to stop the dangerous spread of …………..BullShit!
A polite notice. please will all keep your side of The Tamar !………………….only 2 cases of Corona Virus in Cornwall…………..just like the Spuds League Titles!
Our low virus numbers are down to Incest being banned and no one can date a sheep for 14 days!
Hi Geoff. Agree. He’ll learn a lot more about his players too. Individually I mean.
Morning all.
Geoff, well said.
A tough run of games will sort the men out from the boys.
Our little greyhound just won her 6th race from 7 starts 🙂
20 minutes ago-didn’t you hear me cheering 🙂
6 away 3 above us 3 below and 4 home , 2of each . Wolves and Spurs away is where it will be settled for us . Personally I don’t think we will make it but where there is hope as they say.
Thanks Lc.
Plus Potter, Utd and Wolves are still going for the Europa Cup which could help us. Clutching at straws maybe but as long as we’re in with a chance, I’ll keep clutching…
Good morning all and thanks for the post Rico.
I don’t think there can be any doubt that with a bit more composure in front of goal The Hammers would have been out of sight by the time Lacazette scored the winner on Saturday. But then had we scored from a higher proportion of chances created, over this and last season, we might well be on our way to a second consecutive Premiership title.
Might have beens eh? 😉
Goof Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Champions League next season – possible,but it will be a stretch. I live in hope, but i don’t expect it.
Rico – In your posting the other day you were wondering if Arteta knew his best eleven. I think he does, but with us being knocked out of the Europa League,our best chance of making the Champions League is gone. With a slim chance of making it there in league play he is focusing on next season. Which players to keep and which to sell, if he can, Chopping and changing gives everyone their chance, maybe their last, to impress.
It is doubtful he will have a large transfer budget unless the club manages to sell some of our players for good money. That means making some hard choices and Arteta has to be sure of those. So, our players are playing for their place and/or putting themselves in the shop window for s move.Let’s face it there are more players we should move on than we’ll be able to buy/replace. I think we see a few key buys in the summer and more Young Guns being promoted and/or being made full time first teamers.
Hi Scott is that what that racket was you cheering your dog home HA HA HA Question Scott Do greyhounds have a spell from racing like horse do
Might have been indeed Cicero which is my point really. It seems that only when opposition sides are battering our goal do the press highlight it. When it’s us missing chances and we’ve missed so many, that gets forgotten. Or ridiculed.
I got this gut feeling we will sell Aubameyang and use most of the money to keep the young players like Saka, Martinelli etc
Afternoon All, thanks for the post Rico.
You make some good points Rico, I wonder how West Ham fans viewed the game, I bet they thought they were unlucky, but if you fail to take advantage of your opportunities are you unlucky or just just poor technically? Antonio putting it wide when it was easier to score was at the same end and very similar to the chance that Aubameyang missed against Olympiarkos, poor finishing not lucky for us I’d say, Leno made a great save against the same player, that wasn’t lucky, that was a great save, maybe allowing West Ham those chances could be criticised, but it’s s game of football and it happens.
15 matches under Arteta, 7 clean sheets, were we lucky or just working harder at defending?
Of those 15 matches 7 were away from home and we’ve not lost – yet…
Was that all luck? And yeah, I know who we’ve got next, but c’est la vie…
It’s a process and from where I’m sitting it’s a lot better than it was.
I actually enjoyed the West Ham game, it was end to end and we won, I don’t think we was lucky I think it was our turn to get the rub of the green…
And yes, Lacazette was fouled in the box imo and it should have been a penalty, that was unlucky, but it’s football…
Afternoon Cg, you might be right but I’m not convinced at all. I just hope he knows who to sell, we could club together and compile a list for him. Lol
Rico I don’t think we are the only side to get a rough deal from the fickle press. Two weeks ago Solskjær was getting pelters from the media and was almost out of the door. This morning, after being gifted two goals by the City ‘keeper, he’s a brilliant tactician who can do no wrong.
The same, in reverse, applies to Carlo Ancelotti, Everton’s messiah last week and, after copping a four goal defeat against Chelsea, almost a dead man walking according to some hacks.
I think most fans can see for themselves what is happening and take the press offerings with a large pinch of salt.
I miscounted about our remaining fixture, it’s 5 out of the top 8.At least some of those teams are out of form.
Unlike Scott’s greyhound, congratulations mate,you must be super excited.
Kev. Good comment and I agree. We wanted better and more dogged performances from our defenders and that’s what we’re getting. Yes, the odd blip here and there but overall, I think we are better now than we have been for around 6/7 years. I don’t include the midfield in that though as I still believe ours is far too porous.
I wonder if Arteta might try Luiz in midfield at The Etihad with Mustafi and Mari in central defence.
I realise the media are a fickle bunch Cicero but as far as Arsenal go, I think they are pretty consistent. Negative.
They must have been crying in their cereal when Arsene Wenger was at his best but then I guess they got their fill from our European campaign.
Torreira out for the season it seems. And Bellerin playing through pain by taking medication apparently which is not good long term.
Afternoon All, Loved today’s waffle thanks Rico !
Ok we were fortunate that West Ham forgot their shooting boots and they were unfortunate to miss so many chances.
You make your own luck I know, but we shouldn’t be conceding so many chances when we have so few of our own. And with so much possession .
Dani Ceballos , I thought was brilliant in defense and attack. He won the ball a lot of times and got us moving. I wish the other midfield players could look at his commitment and work rate and try and match it.
It must be hard for Arteta, he just hasn’t got the steel in midfield we need. Maybe you just have it or not no matter how much training you do.
Thanks Mike. Likewise, I think the steely side is either in a player or not. Similar with discipline or the ability to read the game which it appears, not many of our midfielders can. Oh to have a Gilberto in this team right now.
Nice one, Rico 👍
Half of my family are hammers. They’re gutted over the result and feel they played well enough to secure at least a point.
Queuing for Arsenal tube straight after the game, some hammers walked past singing their bubble song followed by “We’re sh*t and we know we are” which I thought was a tad harsh… at the end of the day you win some, you lose some!
No mights, what ifs, if onlys from me.. we won, happy days, end of! Wonder if I’ll still be feeling this way at 9.15pm on Wednesday hahaha!
Rico, I know what you mean about midfield and Luiz but I’m not sure that the Etihad is a good place to experiment…
We can’t carry anyone up there so there has to be question marks over the Ozil/Pepe combo, maybe Nelson for Pepe as Reiss will defend and if Sokratis is right back he’ll need to.
Aguero possibly injured would be brilliant as he always scores against us, Will Arteta bring back Mustafi, or will he use him at right back?
AMN must be on his bike in the summer if he can’t get in the squad for this one given the injury to Bellerin, that’s unless Arteta has a big surprise up his sleeve?
Thanks Geoff, Limey…..hard to get a good dog but even our slow ones are loved and cared for 🙂
Geoff, dogs can potentially race weekly, but have a break every now and again more to keep them mentally fresh than anything, and of course injury can have an impact-similar to footballers, I guess.
Luiz in midfield is something I like the idea of.
Steel is one thing he doesn’t lack and it’s worth a shout imo.
Luiz was in midfield in one of Europa games, looked really good imo, but then went off injured! I like the idea of him there, but think he’ll stay paired with Mari… like the look of those 2. I’m liking a lot of things today 😄
Hey Sue, half your family Hammers !……………….same as me, we`re not related are we ?
😆
What I like about Hammers fans is that they hate The Spuds nearly as much as we do, my relatives are always on FB poking fun out of them!………………………Chavs hate them aswell, Spuds must be the most hated team in London…………..nice ! 😆
OT…………………..I recommend 2 programmes if you aint already seen them…………………Hunters on Amazon, I binged on the whole series and The Game Changers on Netflix.
LC, everyone hates Spurs mate 🙂
Yes Rico, Gilberto, would love him in the side today!
Kev, it’s really odd that AMN can’t get in the team, especially when he plays Sokratis there . I wonder if there is a clash of personalities between AMN and Arteta…….. Surely Cedric must be fit soon ? It’s not looking such a good loan deal at the moment.
😂 Le Coq, you’re right about the spuds being the most loathed team in London! Only time you can have a decent conversation with a chav is when ‘discussing’ the spuds haha!! Yes my hammer family dislike them too! So all good 😂
Game changers – is that about some athlete’s diet??
I’ve just finished ‘I am not okay with this’ on Netflix (won’t be your sorta thing, Le Coq) so will watch Hunters, looked good in the trailer 👍
Sue………….The Game Changers is basically about changing to become a Vegan, lots of interesting info etc`. Loved Hunters, well worth a binge on, it goes backwards and forwards between late 70`s and the Nazi concentration camps of WW2, I wont say anymore, just watch it! 🙂
One of lifes great comforts is hating The Spuds……………it`s also a cure for ED……………. so I`m told!
😆
Spurs are hated in London but the rest of the country and the media love them .
Luiz could do the sitting job in midfield but not with Xhaka it’s his profligacy giving the ball away so often that causes trouble. Play Ceballos and Guendouzi in front of him and we might be able to spring forward a lot quicker.
Hahaha Le Coq!! ED!!! I’ll have a butchers (at Hunters!) and let you know if I like it.
Potter.. yes, and that MBE for Kane speaks volumes!!
Our date with destiny, I mean Sheff Utd, is Sunday 22 March 1.30pm… COYG!! 🏆
In the words of the Specials;
Do you remember the good old days before the ghost town.
Thanks Sue.
Would it such an experiment though Kev? He’s played there for Chelsea before but regardless, I can’t see Mikel Arteta going for that. We’re bound to see Xhaka plus one.
A great musical era Kev…
Another keeper gaff gifts a win to a team above us. This time Leicester.
That was a hell of a howler, Rico.. and now Vardy has scored… he’s ahead of Auba now….
Just seen some very sad news about Gordon Cowans. Not one of ours but a real class footballer out of the same box as Liam Brady.
He was the best 12/13 year old footballer I’ve ever seen, or had the pleasure to watch. He was about 4ft 6 inches tall and could ping the ball from the half way line to the diametrically opposite corner flag with some power and some accuracy, phenomenal. Then he disappeared to Villa. I think they offered his Dad the kit mans job. (Better than working down the local pit) and he was gone! Watched his development from afar and was never disappointed. Just wished he would be snapped up by the Arsenal, but I suppose we had Chippy instead.
He has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Sad, very sad.
Yes Rico, there was some great bands around at that time, what were they called ‘New Wave’ or have I got that totally wrong, anyway, I was actually reflecting on how empty London is atm. There really is nobody about, I know it was a Monday, but bloody hell, it’s quite spooky.
Rico, I’m not against Luiz in midfield, honest I ain’t, it’s just it’s Man City and I’m not sure that that is a game where we should attempt to try something new…
That’s really sad news Wavy, nobody deserves to suffer that terrible condition.
Gosh, that is sad news Wavy. A horrid horrid illness…
I think you’re right re ‘new wave’ – I loved much of the music back then although the 70’s was better. 😜
Mikel will probably carry on as he’s been doing although I do hope Ozil stays at home.,.
Afternoon Rico, seems as if it’s a case that there’s the beginnings of the end for Ainsley Maitland Niles at Arsenal if the whispers coming out are true (via Ornstein), late for training, not wanting to play where the coach wants him to play, attitude issues, none of it is going to increase his value on the transfer market is it?
Would it be worth playing him a few times before the end of the season, you know, put him in the shop window? I’m not sure if he’s on a huge salary so that shouldn’t affect any business with interested parties.
The writing was on the wall for AMN when Soares was signed, that’s when he should have upped his game instead of going into a sulk…
What a bloody waste Kev. All the time effort and money spent on him, and he can’t be bothered to get out of be on time.
They earn too much money at a young age and get spoiled rotten I’m afraid.
But what will his mother have to say???
Mikel might need protection Wavy !
Anyone think the spuds will turn it around tonight?
Leipzig 1 goal up after 10 minutes
Boom! Now it’s 2-0, Potter 👍
I think that completes the points for Poland
Wavy ,she’s probably already had her say .It could well be his problem at least McCarthy might think so.
Glory glory hallelujah and the Spurs go marching out out out.
Jose Mourinho – the gift that keeps on giving!
As much as I’ve loved his time with them, surely he won’t be there much longer?! Bet they’re ruing the day they let Poch go…..
I remember reading some daft comments on some other sites that said Spuds getting Mourinho guarenteed them winning a trophy this season!……………………..I thought what a load of bollox at the time! 😆
FOYS!
And even some gooners wanted him, Le Coq…sheesh!! 🙄
Olympiakos owner in self isolation in Greece with coronavirus . Today is 12 days since he was in the boardroom .Watch this space.
North London is Red…………..Bull Leipzig!
Mike, there’s only one way that AMN is heading if he leaves Arsenal, he just doesn’t have the common sense to see it yet?
Chips 80, Friar 85 , Harris 77 were there with Josh .Probably Sanlehi and a few others too .
Do fans, players and coaches under estimate goal keeper. When they have a shocker the media and every one else are all over it but when they have a good game or that vital save in the dieing minutes we seem to forget about it very quickly.
I was thinking about this last night while watching some replays and noticed how many players and coaches talk up the strikers and defensive players talking about how the saved us the game yet you hardly hear any one say the keeper is man of the match
Our game is postponed….all down to coronavirus.
I would’ve thought Olympiacos v Wolves would’ve been called off, but no, still going ahead….. strange…..
Symptoms take four to five days to develop and as the contact took place thirteen days ago it seems unlikely that any of the affected players and staff have contracted the virus. Arsenal expect those who are in quarantine to return on Friday in preparation for the Brighton game.
That’s UEFA for you Sue, money, money, money.
The Premiership have taken a more cautious stance in accordance with Government guidelines. Rightly so.
I’m self isolating for another couple of hours. 😴
Very true, Cicero.
Arsenal create history again then. 😂
It’s ridiculous that the Wolves match is going ahead. Really risky for everyone involved.
Morning all.
Actually, I think the PL and the country as a whole has been far too relaxed over the Coronavirus. Where Italy are now is where the Uk could be by the end of this week or next. Football imo should already be being played behind closed doors.
Why not just cancel everything which is physically possible and practicable and take a two week hit instead of reacting once the disease gets out of hand.
Morning Rico. Yes and Wolves are due to play West Ham at the weekend.
We’ve played Portsmouth and West Ham since Olympiacos… what about them? Where do you draw the line? I’m wondering if any games will go ahead at the weekend.
Some guy on Twitter said remember Mike Dean refereed our Portsmouth game (very naughty, tut tut!!)
Morning Sue.
And there’s the problem. It’s not just about our players is it? I think this country, certainly sport, is putting money before lives.
If anyone deserves Coronavirus it’s Mike Dean
Morning all
I saw earlier in the week that Mike Riley is in self-isolation after a business trip to South Korea.
Like he isn’t toxic enough already.
Seriously the Brighton game must be in doubt Our players are available from Friday, so perhaps rearranging for Tuesday would be fairer.
Also the Euros in 3 months, unless the situation unexpectedly improves, things will be a whole lot worse. It would be crazy to put so many people at risk. Just postpone for 12 months, it’s only football.
The prediction is that things are set to get a whole lot worse before they get better. I know there might be scaremongering about but is it worth ignoring the predictions?
Morning all.
Rico I’m with you vis coronavirus. The whole country should cease to move, trade, play sport, everything. Short term pain for long term gain. Probably.
The preparations that ‘we’ have made are seemingly ‘oven ready’ we are okay. All is hunky dory!
In the next couple of weeks instead of chasing the Yankee dollar we will be looking for the paracetamol mines and airway freedom fighters. This is not just a minor blip , it’s a major disaster waiting to happen. Imo.
I’m off to self isolate, mostly in the toilet. A solitary place to contemplate all things that are to come……..or not.
Football, just at the moment seems pretty irrelevant. Shame the game is postponed. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It rather smacks of good old fashioned common sense. Time for the greedy money grabbers to take a few steps back and show a little self control……won’t happen though, will it? Not until it’s too late, that is!
Have a nice day everybody.
To go back to Rico’s headline, I can’t wait for the time when Arsenal is again linked the word “might” ….only with the addition of the letter “y”.
Makes sense Wavy. We should be doing now what Italy are doing now despite them being ahead of us in terms of the virus spread.
I think it’ll come Cicero, I really do but not yesterday and certainly not for two or three years at best. Imo anyway.
New post up now