Well, who fancies Allegri now? Useless.
It’s quite incredible to watch these elite European match-ups, the levels on display are breathtaking. Cristiano, a player whom the metaphoric black armbands were being dished out on account of his career death, turned up with one of the most spectacular bicycle kicks of all time. It was like watching a computer game. The guy has to go down as one of the most machine-like athletes of all time. Never injured, POW like guts, laser focus, and an audacity he should have lost when he was 18 and the English journos told him to leave his fancy shit at the gates of Selhurst Park.
To have spent so many years enjoying the Messi and Ronaldo matchup has been a pleasure.
Tonight, we’re going to be spoilt again. Liverpool vs City will be explosive. It’ll be lovely to see at least 1 English club in the semi-final this year. It’ll also be fascinating to watch Roma and Barca. The Italians did a lot of good business under Monchi last year, it’ll be interesting to see if they can bring his European cup competition magic dust to the occasion.
… but let’s be real here. The big show is tomorrow night when Arsenal take on the might of Russia in a showdown bigger than the rumble in the jungle, bigger than Jesse Owens in Berlin, more epic than Ivan Drago vs Rocky Balboa…
Yes, Mother Russia, versus good old Blighty!
I’m not quite sure what to expect. CSKA knocked Lyon out of the last round of the Europa League. They sit in a healthy 3rd in the Russian Premier League, just 5 points short of Lokomotiv Moscow. They’re in rich form as well, they’ve won 4 of their last 5 games.
However, I don’t expect the game to be that much of a problem. We’re the ultimate cup team. We have a crop of very talented players who can turn it on when they fancy it. The players aren’t just playing to erase the shame of our last season, they’re playing for Champions League bonuses. I expect a strong performance.
Wenger continues to sift for excuses for our substandard form this season in a bucket of drainpipe gunk.
“We were very disappointed with our result against [Manchester] City,”
“It takes time to grieve and to recover.”
My oh my, poor little babies.
Again, read between the lines.
‘My lions were licking the wounds of a cup final fail, you know, a cup final. Ask Pochettino about that’
Reality is, the players should have been coming to terms with losing to the kids at Nottingham Forst in the FA Cup, an out of form Bournemouth, Spurs at Wembley, and the band of misfits, Ostersunds, at home a few days before City decapitated us twice.
He went on…
“But because the mentality in the team is very good, strong and healthy – we’re recovered.
“I think always you judge a team by the way they come out of a crisis. On that front I believe that is very positive on our side.
“There’s some extra pressure on us to do extremely well in this competition but that’s part of being where we are.
“We have to see it in a way it’s an opportunity we want to take and keep the priorities right and of course focus on how well we play together, how we want to play.”
He cannot celebrate our mental strength, we have none. You cannot talk about coming out of a crisis when you’re sitting in 6th place in the league, fending off Burnley. Beating Milan twice is a noble effort, but they’re a shite side with a prestigious name that makes it feel like we toppled an elite giant of the game.
Wenger has been gifted by the cups in recent seasons. It looks like he’ll at least make a semi-final this season, and that’ll be passed off as a progress, despite us losing to bottom of the table Koln and a Swedish pub team along the way.
Still, if he makes a final and wins it, I’ll take it. I just hate the idea that he’ll earn a new deal. The club don’t look at the big picture. They look at moments in isolation. A bit like judging an Ozil season on his compilation videos, to the naked eye, he’s one of the greats, to the person that watches him week in week out, it’s absolutely clear why he’s stuck at Arsenal despite going into the final year of his contract and presenting himself to Europe all season. No one saved him. Do you think clubs are in the business of not scouting Ozil?
Anyway, I’ve been a moany bastard this week, I’m very much looking forward to the Arsene Wenger #SignDaTing tour moving one step closer to glory tomorrow night.
SEE YOU IN THE COMMENTS x
SPOTIFY (SHUT UP SO COOL)
Here
Bankz is here for the Tr4phy again
Tr4phy
Trofee
Nice one Boomslang.
Thanks Bankz.
Where we finish next week led under Wenger
Desperate for some of these ITKs to be correct about him leaving this season barring a EL win but I fear we’ll be stuck with him for the foreseeable future.
The next level is the next level.
Downward level.
Yawn
10
Bollocks I was going to have a go today! Well done Boomslang and better luck next time Banks. Was it DM who beat your record and where’s he too?
Man City have played superb football in the EPL many times this season. Joy to behold. They are not favourites to win the CL though and it wouldn’t be a massive huge shock if Liverpool sneaked through as they themselves have a proud european tradition. If they did fail in CL does that negate their season as failure? Not a chance. Only those who have the bitter taste of envy would see it as such. There are two competitions now that are seen as the serious ones in top level football for the serious clubs to go for. Domestic title… Read more »
“I just hate the idea that he’ll earn a new deal. ”
Well… all we can do is deal with it.
bennydevito
Correct indeed, I’m the current record holder, but on holiday at the moment so not competing. Back next weds so I should be competing again on Thurs I reckon!
He will earn a new deal because some are still yes still would you believe narrating that losing in a second tier cup final is not that far off being big double digits ahead of your opponent in the competition that is more valued and is the bread and butter for a club.
As long as we have the foolish pride around the Kroenke/Wenger show rolls on.
There is absolutely no way that Wenger will wangle a new deal for himself.
Then again, back in 2006, I remember saying there is absolutely no way Wenger will still be Arsenal manager in 2010.
If he does manage to pull it off, I think we can all agree that the club, as a whole, will be totally fcuked!
Hail the almighty Arsene!!
Liverpool 2 Man City 1
Barcelona will thump Roma.
Pedro
There is nothing Wenger says that makes sense to me anymore.
The utter crap that he comes out with just beggars belief.
I would take a loss to CSKA now, if it meant an end to all this garbage.
A crop of very talented players? I don’t think so. Certainly not with the talent of the five teams above us in the premiership. And a million miles away from the big-hitters in Europe. And nowhere near comparable with the side Wenger inherited. To get close to those levels there is a need for at the very least five outstanding players: a GK at his peak, a dominating centre-back, a RB who can defend, a fearsome midfielder, a proper winger. We’ve been through too many (failed) slow-builds to take another. Big money must be spent, then. Certainly no proven top… Read more »
Are there any of you out there who are looking forward to tonight’s clash at Anfield more than tomorrow night’s game at the Emirates?
Just wondering
First up, kudos to Pedro really. We all have a pop at him every now and then but to be churning out light hearted easy reading with the purgatory in mediocrity that is Arsenal these days, it’s no easy feat. I know I couldn’t do it, I would have cried off bored a long time ago. Secondly, Wilkins, RIP and all that, but since when was Ray Wilkins a fucking visionary within the game? Can someone show me one thing he changed? He was the original crab footballer before Denilson took the title. He was good, don’t get me wrong,… Read more »
Michael24April 4, 2018 17:57:27
Are there any of you out there who are looking forward to tonight’s clash at Anfield more than tomorrow night’s game at the Emirates?Just wondering
—————————
Yep,looking forward to tonight’s clash between Liverpool and Man City.
Expect it to be a goal festival..
Might being overly optimistic..But expecting over 4 goals tonight..
3-2/3-1/3-3/4-3 either way.
Might be wrong.But we will see.
*Maybe,that’s me being overly optimistic.
Secondly, Wilkins, RIP and all that, but since when was Ray Wilkins a fucking visionary within the game? Can someone show me one thing he changed?
Baying Mob the guy captained Chelsea at the age of 18 won 84 caps played for various big clubs including those in Europe and has been a mentor for loads of youngsters in the game and players we see now. So I don’t quite get your what has he changed? Question. the guy was one of the nice guys in football. Met him a few times.
TheBayingMob
Show some dignity and respect.
Ray Wilkins became captain of Chelsea at 18 and represented his country 84 times.
A genuinely nice day who would go out of his way to help others.
RIP.
why would you be happy pedro to have an english club in the semi final who gives a shit about city and liverpool it’s namby pamby fans like you that take the atmosphere away from football (not that you even go anymore ) it should only be about THE Arsenal i hope the rest win nothing abroad next you’ll be hoping the scum win the cup coz they play good football what a toby uve become
“He will earn a new deal because some are still yes still would you believe narrating… ”
Nonsense, lay off the fans, he will get a new deal because Kroenke will give him one. At least you can explain fanbase having (misguided) faith in a failing legend, the greatest manager of the club they have seen but can you explain why the owner of a franchise will keep faith in a failing employee?
Reports of city’s bus getting attacked by crowd? Is it true?
Salah scores
Salah again 40th goal
Kyle Walker is a more athletic Bellerin. Toilet defender
Press De Byrne and that’s the game half won
That goal came from firminhos hustle
My boy Ox scores a screamer
Oxlade?
The Ox freed of Wenger’s tyranny.
Ox what a first touch and shot
He has shown himself to be a quality player this season
Pep not ready for Liverpool attack brilliant goal goal from Ox
My scouse mate told me they’d win by two goals…
So happy for the Ox, who is now playing under a real manager.
Have to give it to klopp milner ox and salah all have seen massive up turn in their performances
Liverpool pressing so hard. Surely they can’t keep this up for 90 mins..
Rip Ray wilkins nice guy and enjoyed his punditry on talksport
Ox first touch and decision making has dramatically increased
Got to give it to the guy was offered more money to stay at arsenal left for Liverpool as he wanted to progress and had some heart and ambition
Klopp finally replaced disastrous Mignolet with Karius.VDV although overpriced is a good player as well.
Jamie
Liverpool don’t need to press full 90.
Mane 3-0
Klopp beats Guardiola again.
Liverpool are playing the same way they played city last game.
Mane. 3-nil. Unbelievable.
I guess Gervinho scared Wenger into going in for a player like Saido Mane…..we could use players like him
TR7
Karius is nowhere near a top keeper. I wouldn’t take him at Arsenal were he available on a free.
Glad to see man City losing
It just comes across as kind of unfair when they win as they have an almost fifa game mode to transfers
Dale
Mane is nothing like gervinho.
Truth is wenger is toothless in the transfer market
Hence missing out on salah and mane
WTF happened? I go for a meeting with my boss at 1-0 and come and see its 3-0?
Same Man City Wenger couldn’t figure out how to beat on a triple count. #cnut#
Elmo
Karius has actually improved recently what he has 5 clean sheets in the champions league. Yes he had a shit spell but he’s now showing what a decent keeper he is now.
Elmo
Not saying Karius is a very good keeper but he is still far better than Mignolet.
Guardiola team again found wanting in a knock out competition.
It was so obvious at Bayern he had a massive issue with it, yet incredible how people in football continually overlook it and never discuss it.
I wouldn’t be suprised if larousse keeps improving
Klopp and his team seem to have that effect on their players
Samesong
He’d have to improve A LOT from a very low base. The majority of games I’ve watched where his team has been under pressure, his decision making has been terrible, and that has filtered into indecision and lack of confidence amongst the defenders. Will keep an eye out to see his improvement.
“I knew Alex would shine at Liverpool, because he had the greatest teacher.”
Kompany is a good yard off the pace here.
Klopps approach stifles Guardiolas, Pep needs to find a way to deal with the press better.
This is classic psychology, Liverpool players knows their role and have the mental approach to perform. Arsenal constantly look like deer in the headlights.
Oh here we go, the deconstruction of a Pep Guardiola…
The amount of flip flopping here. Let Please have an average game and you will start seeing things like “returned to shit”…
For me Liverpool were the favorites to win this game anyway. Even in the 2 league games Liverpool caused a lot of difficulty to Citeh. Liverpool actually beat them once and were going toe to toe with them until Mane was wrongly sent off in the other game.
One goal for City in this game changes this tie.
*Oxlade not please.
RR
Fraudiola in full force eh? Your wish is coming through
Azed I predicted this to end 3-1 to Liverpool.
Liverpool at Anfield are always capable of flattening an opponent with their front 3, 3 goals from 4 shots on target, surgical stuff.
Expect Citeh to come hard for that away goal in the 2nd half, could play right into Liverpool’s hands if they take the chances that will undoubtedly come their way.
How embarrassing. If it were Arsenal under Wenger, we’d be ripping into him. Fraudiola with his billion pound team.
Your Comment Here
Surprised that he didn’t start Sterling.
Tailor-made for him.
‘It was so obvious at Bayern he had a massive issue with it, yet incredible how people in football continually overlook it and never discuss it.’
Atleast in Bayern, his investment in players was minimum and they came up against sides of calibre of Barca and Madrid.
But this? Hundreds of millions spunked to build a team as he wanted, going 3-0 down in 30 minutes to fvcking Liverpool?
But we know Klopp managed sides’ weaknesses as well. Expect this to be a tennis score.
Mystic
Ox has been quietly brilliant all season pop on a Liverpool match, jump on a Liverpool forum or chat to a scouser and you’d know this.
Hardly flip flopping to concede head dramatically improved as a player since he joined Liverpool.
Its obvious to see klopp has increased his football Intelligence
One goal for City in this game changes this tie.
Liverpool will still go to curry and score
Mystic
At least I can’t be accused of flip flopping on Ox 🙂 I have always said he is a good player who was mismanaged by Wenger.
Whether Liverpool win something or not, atleast Klopp has bought them some editing football and hope
Exiting
Salah out for pool
City are perfect for Chamberlain. They can’t defend and just let him do what he’s best at, which is barrelling forward in straight lines and taking shots on goal.
He hasn’t been that good at all in general, and has struggled for them in much the same way as he did for us against teams that block the spaces. United away showed that he hasn’t really developed his game at all in that regard.
Klopp is just great at getting him amped up for games like this against teams that will let him run with the ball.
Paulinho most players struggle if spaces to move are blocked. Also if City were that easy an opponent to score against, they wouldn’t be sitting comfortably at the top of league table.
TR, LG I am with you guys, but then theres Paulinho. A watered down version of Redtruth if am honest. Apart from Ramsey, who runs in straight lines and shoots every match, I am yet to say who he rates as a footballer..
Ox deffo has improved. His performances for liverpool and night and day compared to most of his time at Arsenal. He doesn’t just barrel forward and take shots, he wins the ball back, physically dominates in the middle with his athleticism, power, pace and strength and even ticks overplay quite nicely with cute passes. Not saying he is suddenly a miastro but he is showing real quality. At Arsenal he was headless chicken, now he plays with intelligence and uses his physical qualities in much more useful and efficent ways. Also, he used to have a toilet first touch seems… Read more »
Mystic – You’re just a bit dense.
Ramsey makes runs off the ball. Unlike Chamberlain.
TR7 – They leave space continually in front of their back four. Chamberlain has a great shot and can take advantage, which is to his credit, but they’ve got De Bruyne and Silva in central midfield. They are always going to leave spaces in there.
Paulinho
Ox is playing as a CM, not as the striker on the shoulder, shouldn’t be looking to make runs. That would be undisciplined and leave the central midfield hopelessly undefended…abit like ramsey does..
Tie over for me unless City can nick an away goal.
Jesus isn’t a complete striker, not like aguero.
Remember when some people here told us that Klopp was no better than Wenger?
Have City even had a shot on target? This is all a bit Wenger-esque from Guardiola
WE
Messi been out of sorts tonight…
Can’t see Barca winning the CL
“Ramsey makes runs off the ball. Unlike Chamberlain.”
I am a bit dense yet making runs off the ball is the hallmark of your favorite CM. How dense does that make you?
Oxlade plays like a CM is supposed to which is what Ramsey cannot do
Everyone barring Sane has been underwhelming going forward for City.
He’s been their only bright spark.
LG
Agree, Roma could also have scored a couple more goals, they’ve had chances.
I find it hard to look past Real Madrid at this stage.
“Remember when some people here told us that Klopp was no better than Wenger?”
Who said? Am pretty sure that’s not what was said
“I am a bit dense yet making runs off the ball is the hallmark of your favorite CM.
How dense does that make you?Oxlade plays like a CM is supposed to which is what Ramsey cannot do”
Perfect comment. OX does what he is supposed to.
Ramsey looks good at the expensive of the central midfield.
Ramsey is a luxury player/highlight reel mr hollywood, not a dependable CM.
Making runs off the ball should never be the benchmark for a CM. To believe so is farcical.
Liverpool Real Madrid final would be jokes.
Suarez scores
Mystic
You must’ve missed it, then. That used to be a common refrain here, along with the Klopp-is-Wenger-2.0, which is and was equally bullshit.
Not a big deal, though, but I used to catch all kinds of shit here for rating Klopp.
London – Tell that to all the great central midfielders. Vieira, Petit, Keane, Scholes…. list goes on. They ALL made runs off the ball, consistently so as well. That was playing in a 4-4-2 with two strikers and often two out and out wingers, or at least one. The idea that all central midfielders just sit in the middle, staying behind the ball, is complete bollocks. It is becoming more and more common, and the quality of football is slowly going down the toilet because of it. Teams like this current Holland team will be the future if things continue… Read more »
Bamford10
It was me who said Klopp was Wenger 2.0
I am man enough to concede he was wrong, but Klopp still has some glaring weaknesses that hold him back /his team from greatness.