Feed me.
Feed me my drug of choice.
Inject me with your silvery goodness.
Take me to my happy place.
Let’s dream of European glory, and a backdoor entrance to a competition we are ill-equipped to survive, with a manager in the last year of his deal.
YES PEOPLE, my favourite competition of all time is upon us. Arsenal face down CSKA in a winner takes the semi final type game.
This should be a walk in the park, right?
WRONG.
Arsenal can’t go into this game with a sloppy complacent attitude. We’ve already seen a shaky first half from Liverpool that nearly let City back in, we saw Barcelona fuck a lead in Rome, and Juventus nearly beat Madrid after taking a 3 goal lead at the Bernabeu.
If any team in Europe can go to CSKA and blow a 3 goal lead, it’s Arsenal.
Still, an admittance from Arsene Wenger that the trophy is important is a welcome boost for team focus.
“Europa League is important for us – everybody knows that and we are at [the] stage where of course we focus on it because in the Premier League we have a very, very, very slim chance to get further up,” said Wenger.
“The Europa League is one of the big targets of the season.”
I like that he’s still thinking about the top four race of yesteryear. No Arsene, it’s been Europa or bust for a while. We’ve never been in the top 4 hunt. That much was clear last summer when you absolutely tanked it.
The Europa is an opportunity though. If we land an easy-ish draw in the semis, we could easily find ourselves lining up in Lyon.
One game at a time.
The team news is mistake machine Granit Xhaka is certainly out of the game (I’m being mean, he’s been good for at least 5 games). We have no Mikki who we know loves the Europa League. I expect we’ll see the in-form Danny W start, along with assist King Alex Iwobi.
I hope we go there to soak up the pressure. We don’t need to win 4-1 again. We need to keep it calm for the first 20minutes and slowly feel our way into the game. No dramas. No rash decisions. Just see the result through.
Sounds great on a blog, let’s see how it plays out in the real world.
Fun fact: The CSKA game was the first time since 99-00 (UEFA Cup) that we’ve won 3 knockout European games in a row. Isn’t that shite?
Right, see you in the comments. Also, last chance to listen to our bloody excellent podcast.
Also, jump on the pod, it’s excellent.
- Aubameyeng: Hit or miss?
- The case for our defence: Who stays or goes?
- Iwobi: Hero in waiting, or another Nik B?
- Jack Wilshere: What do you do with him?
DROPBOX | SPOTIFY | STITCHER | ITUNES | GOOGLE | POCKET CASTS
Bankz is here for the Tr4phy again
BOOOOOOOM
Tr4phy!!!
boom
4th
Lol
Nice Petr Cech…..nice one
yeeeees. got it. nice and easy
thankd Banks
Buffon is a G
May Michael Oliver burn in hell for what he did to Buffon last night.
Anyway, real great european football tonight, with ze mighty duo Iwobi/ThatguyWelbz to lead our attack lol…
What do you think about a new midfield under a new gaffer?
—Ramsey/Ozil– Niles/Xhaka–
————-Nzonzi ————-
Get two wingers who can dribble, cross and track back, you stiffen our wings. Retire Jack.
Your Comment Here
Various sources saying this morning that Everton are interested in Jack Wilshere. This is good, as we need to move him on.
What’s going on with the timing of these posts?! I’m back from holiday now and was ready at 9am lol. Nice one Bankz.
oops! I mean nice one Peter! lol
Aubameyeng: Hit or miss?
Lol Pedro.
I think Iwobi can be very good, I’ve watched him playing for Nigeria a few times and he’s been good. Under a good manager we may see the best of him.
May Michael Oliver burn in hell for what he did to Buffon last night.
——————————————
Why? Buffon is an idiot, an old one at that. He missed the chance for a “one on one” with Ronaldo.
Fuck him.
Did someone just trashed Allegri because he didn’t substitute mandzukic and Costa? Assuming the tie goes to extra time, all juve had to do was score once, for which you need the in form striker on the pitch.
Dude almost did the impossible and barring a soft penalty right at the death, he was on course for the biggest comeback ever IMO. You can argue that juve outplayed Real over two legs tactically. Real went through because they had superior players, superior bench and most importantly they’ve got that mentality.
I’m conflicted about the Buffon situation. He placed Michael Oliver in an untenable situation and really gave him little choice.
Even then it’s hard to see a great l,Ayer end his career in that fashion.
That penalty was harsh though. Michael Oliver wouldn’t have given it was in the Madrid box at the last minute of regulation time.
Danny Oliver did what he does best yesterday. No wonder no English ref in the World Cup.
I can see why Oliver called it a penalty — in real time it looked a clear one — but on review I think it was a little soft. Juventus were excellent, though; and probably deserved to advance. They weren’t at full strength in the first leg and they genuinely looked the much better side in the second. They made Madrid look second-best and vulnerable in Europe for the first time in some time. Brilliant from Allegri. In the end it wasn’t quite enough, in part because Madrid simply have too many good players but in large part because of… Read more »
Akilan,
“Did someone just trashed Allegri because he didn’t substitute mandzukic and Costa?
That was Marko, as I recall.
Not one of the finest moments of commentary since it took a dubious penalty for Madrid to score. Vasquez went down the moment he smelt Benatia’s sweat cologne.
“That penalty was harsh though. Michael Oliver wouldn’t have given it was in the Madrid box at the last minute of regulation time”
Agreed 100%
Really hard to say whether Iwobi will progress to a standard that would make him a starter in a better Arsenal team than we have now. Unfortunately the boo boys have him targetted. There’s one guy near me who loudly slags him off every time he makes any sort of mistake whereas any other player is allowed to make mistakes without getting verbally abused. His footwork, his combination play and the way he never hides, always wanting the ball, gives me hope. His finishing has to improve if he wants to become a real academy success story. I’d also play… Read more »
Just seeing the news about Kane/Spuds/FA claiming a goal from a teammate. That’s just embarrassing.
Iwobi isn’t good enough. This has become quite clear this season. Isn’t particularly good in close spaces, isn’t especially clever, doesn’t have great vision, doesn’t have great passing, not a great dribbler, not a big physical presence. What does he really offer? Very little. Wenger will persist with him, but a better manager would move him on.
Marko may have seen something others missed — Mandzukic and Costa tiring, Madrid gaining an advantage as a result — but I’m not sure Allegri can be criticized all that much. But maybe Marko was/is right on this point; one would have to re-watch that final twenty minutes to say one way or the other, IMO.
” A rubbish bin for a heart”
Insult of the Y E A R
Guns of Brixtoj
Italian language has the repository of some of the biggest insults ever. It’s easier to generate such laugh worthy insults from Italian.
Liverpool should challenge the premier league dubious goal panel for awarding that Ericksen goal to Harry Kane. That decision really makes mockery of the process and may even signal bias. It’s just one goal but damn that stretches credulity.
Harry Kane is an ungraceful twat. I was told,he swore by his daughter in the dressing room. He takes all the dubiously awarded penalty kicks already for Spuds already.
Hope it’s salah that gets the golden boot not the cheat.
I’m not necessarily an Iwobi fanboy, but to write him off when he’s only 21 and has only ever played under a spent manager is bizarre. He’s 21. He’s only ever played under Wenger as a senior, no loans.
When did kids need to be playing like Messi at 18 to determine their ceiling? Cut the guy some slack and let him develop. If he hasn’t improved by the time he’s 24, move him on. But come on, at 21? Madness.
“Isn’t particularly good in close spaces, isn’t especially clever, doesn’t have great vision, doesn’t have great passing, not a great dribbler, not a big physical presence. What does he really offer? Very little”
Bamford for a moment I thought you are describing Wilshere.
“This is good, as we need to move him on.”
This is bad, as Kim Jong wants to keep him.
@Danny : f*ck off.
“Did someone just trashed Allegri because he didn’t substitute mandzukic and Costa?”
The biggest mistake of Allegri was for the 1st game at Turin, he should have put the same squad than yesterday on the pitch.
Dissenter
It’s on BBC, he swore by his daughter’s life that the ball touched his shoulder. What’s more bizzare is him and Tottenham appealing for the goal to be awarded to him and FA also agreed to it. The was awarded to a teammate FFS.
Freddy
Except that Jack Wilshere once had nearly all of those things. He’s crocked now, but that’s an entirely different thing.
Jamie
Except that no one is asking him to be Messi. What is it that Iwobi offers? What does he do well? What is promising about his game? What are his strengths? What might make him a good, great or exceptional player? I personally see very little, but I’m willing to be persuaded otherwise.
Bamford
Iwobi is a youth product on relatively small money, about 30k weekly.
There’s no harm in keeping him in the squad. He’s been good value for the contributions he’s provided so far.
Allegri showing how overrated a certain Spaniard is.
Finals last year and a soft referee decision knocking his team out this year. With a vastly inferior team compared to his opponents.
Fraudiola meanwhile…
Arsenal should do everything they can to sign the Italian.
Barça-Roma 4-1 / Roma-Barça 3-0
Juve-Real 0-3 / Real Juve 1-3
Arsenal-CSKA 4-1… RED ALERT!! lol
“Arsenal should do everything they can to sign the Italian.”
Like if they were motivated to do something…
I’m an absolute neutral towards RM except for the fact that I prefer them to Farcelona any day of the week. Still I enjoyed them breaking the hearts of all Juve fans. The club from Turin was so dirty it’s not even real. I think they fouled Ronaldo around 10 times and all of the fouls were cynical. The 6 yellows and a red was the least they got away with. 19 fouls committed by Juve to 9 by RM speaks a volume as well. It’s clear how one of the teams had an obvious goal to foul their opponents… Read more »
‘It’s clear how one of the teams had an obvious goal to foul their opponents no matter what, thus not playing football but another sport.’
Yes, kicking and stamping were all they were doing. That’s how they went 3-0 up at Madrid.
Another thing re Iwobi. Rubin Neves (of recent wonder-goal fame) is also 21 years old. Someone here gave him a shout the other day. Watch him play and you can see why someone would say: “hey, this kid has real promise.” Then compare him to Iwobi. For me there’s no comparison. I’d much prefer to have a Rubin Neves than an Iwobi. And Iwobi aside, we should probably look at this Neves kid.
“RÚBEN NEVES ● Wolverhampton ● Goals & Skills”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrAOklOv8mw&frags=wn
“Ruben Neves – Goals,Skills,Passing”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OQtdptuf-8
“Rubin Neves Wonder Goal”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAKAOEvb7EY
CSKA simply lack the quality and cutting edge to go through on an aggregate score, tonight. They might win 2-1, but the scoreline simply won’t be wide enough.
It’s looking like we’d need to play Atletico for there to be any real chance of Wenger being put out of his misory.
“It’s on BBC, he swore by his daughter’s life that the ball touched his shoulder. What’s more bizzare is him and Tottenham appealing for the goal to be awarded to him and FA also agreed to it. The was awarded to a teammate FFS.” Harry Kane he might be one of the world’s best strikers at the moment but is he so insecure he needs to get every goal? As Freddy as said it was awarded to a teammate… who cares? Sure the most important thing is that they won the game. It looks like his ego and pride is… Read more »
Allegri did himself credit last night. Although if Buffon wanted to vent he should have vented at Benatia for conceding a penalty so so late in the game.
It’s an opinion RR. Juve played better than Madrid last night, no doubt about it. But would I like a team who commits a cynical foul every other minute to advance ahead? No. Fouls are part of the game but overdoing them is pretty ugly in my eyes. Obviously they couldn’t deal with Ronaldo who played a very good game yesterday. So what do they do? Foul after foul, after foul, after foul. Ref didn’t see a clear penalty against him in the first half. Lichtsteiner comes in as a sub and in 20 mins commits 3 rough fouls on… Read more »
Bamford re: Neves Was having this discusiion yesterday. Neves has been on the map for quite a while. Mooted to be the next big export out of Portugal. Price tag looking like the GDP of some countries. Not surprising considering his agents and probably 3rd party ownership. Unless im mistaken, his last season at Porto saw him spend a lot of time on the bench. Not sure if it was purely form or injuries, but still. Wolves signed him at a snip. He’s obviously good enough to play outside of the championship; and we’ll see how he performs next season… Read more »
raptora
I’m glad that you mention that Juve played dirty yesterday, i.e. in a typical Italian fashion. For that reason, I’m happy that they’re out of the competition. Buffon is an idiot. When a pen is awarded that’s it, there’s no point in contesting it the way he did. It was totally unprofessional. He’s a great goal keeper but an awful bloke with neo-fascist sympathies.
“It’s looking like we’d need to play Atletico for there to be any real chance of Wenger being put out of his misory.”
Diego Costa firmly agree!!
Bamford – Like I said, I don’t think Iwobi is exceptional, but he could turn out to be a great professional. He could also stagnate. It’s a coin toss. I think he’s decent for a 21 year old. I think he links up well in the final 3rd, is fairly strong on the ball and isn’t easy to bully off it, can dribble fairly well and has decent close control. He’s also decent at driving the ball forward at pace. I also believe he’d improve under better management, so it would be a shame to cut a local kid from… Read more »
Bamford, I’m not the first person to be irritated by the way you categorically state your opinion as some sort of truth. My opinion about Iwobi was that he has potential which may be fulfilled otherwise he’ll be moved on. He has some qualities which with the benefit of some top class coaching might turn him into more than a cheap, squad player with a famous uncle. You Bamford, who I understand may not have seen him play in person, rights off a player who has a 21 year old has done alright so far in his career. Off to… Read more »
Interesting that nearly everyone thought the CL semifinal four would be Barcelona, City, Madrid and Bayern, but instead we have Roma and Liverpool in place of the first two. Also interesting that Bayern couldn’t manage to score even one goal against Sevilla in Munich last night. Might they not be as strong as some thought? Prior to Juve-Madrid last night, I would have said Madrid are simply head and shoulders above everyone else and clear favorites. Now however, while Madrid remain obvious favorites, I’m wondering if it’s somewhat more wide open, that is, truly anyone’s title to win. Raptora might… Read more »
Bob I said I’m willing to be persuaded otherwise. FFS, some of you just can’t deal with someone having a view that runs counter to yours. Further, I am hardly the only person here who is confident in some of his views. This is pretty common around here, actually. All that aside, I said I’m willing to be persuaded. Your saying Iwobi has “some qualities” isn’t going to do it, though. What qualities, specifically, Bob? And for the record, there are others here who won’t even be open to being persuaded otherwise. They’ll just say that Iwobi is clearly very… Read more »
Jamie
Driving the ball forward with pace is the one thing I saw in Iwobi early on that I thought was promising. This was on occasions when he was played centrally. While he was nowhere near an Ozil, obviously, it was good to see a central attacking midfielder drive at central defenses and create dangerous situations. I haven’t seen much of that in some time, though, and what I have seen hasn’t impressed me.
Bamford –
I agree that he hasn’t developed considerably since his breakthrough, but I cut local kids much more slack than any other player(s). I had given Gibbs (and now Wilshere) a free pass for years. The masochistic part of my brain still hopes Akpom will come good!
Did someone just trashed Allegri because he didn’t substitute mandzukic and Costa? Assuming the tie goes to extra time, all juve had to do was score once, for which you need the in form striker on the pitch. Absolutely that was me. I was livid. 70 minutes of hard work amazing really to get back into the tie and absolutely dominant they were and he made zero substitutions when clearly 2/3 players were dead on their feet. I’m sorry but we’re all so quick to criticize Wenger for never making a sub until the 67th minute or never changing things… Read more »
I should add that when you watch them play as kids, it means something, at least to me. I really want one of two of them to make it, so I’m not that critical of them until it becomes blatantly clear they aren’t going to make the grade. Iwobi, in particular, has seen plenty of game time. It would be a shame to throw that away, especially if Wenger leaves in a year or two. I think Nelson and AMN should be seeing more league game time too. Throw in Macey while we’re at it. The EPL is over for… Read more »
I wouldn’t discount Iwobi at this point but he absolutely needs to go on loan for a couple years to a Spanish or French club to get some character and then come back. Keeping him here is likely to destroy his career. Go to a Nice or a Celta Vigo and find out what his role is and get some consistency and then come back
Counter that with Zidane who took off Bale and Casemiro at halftime for Lucas Vasquez and Asensio.
“Let’s dream of European glory, and a backdoor entrance to a competition we are ill-equipped to survive, with a manager in the last year of his deal.”
Lordy. So the Europa is just a competition where the caliber of teams will become Chumps League like in the Semi’s; what I’m saying is the Europa Semis = CL Last 16 = Arsenal out. Even if we got there, Arsene has never won a European final. I really can’t see what the excitement is all about …
Bamford, my post 10.02….Iwobi’s relative strengths.
Opinions are what it’s all about Bamford. It’s when your opinion allows no room for discussion, e.g. Iwobi can’t pass, can’t dribble etc etc- that is a bit of a wind up, intentionally or otherwise.
” Go to a Nice or a Celta Vigo and find out what his role is and get some consistency and then come back”
I’m not sure they want our crap clogging their pay roll up just so we can work out what to do with him … I wonder if Arsenal should take any of United’s or City’s dross so they can observe what best to do with him in their setup? You know take the risk off them a little bit … I mean we’re a smaller club with less ambition so why not?
“It’s looking like we’d need to play Atletico for there to be any real chance of Wenger being put out of his misory.”
erhmmm,think the last word there is spelt ‘misery’..and also don’t get the hype about athletico like they are the total package or something ,they are very much beatable and had sporting been more clinical in their 1st leg tie,could have very much ended a different story and……..
lastly,forgive my curiosity but what makes you think failure to deliver the Europa cup will ensure the departure of Wenger?could do with some measure of optimism myself.
You know take the risk off them a little bit … I mean we’re a smaller club with less ambition so why not?
I get what you’re saying but the idea is we won’t be acting like a small club for much longer. Whereas Celta and Nice and the likes would be. They could use him
Bale is finished a Real.
All things considered, I’m curious to know how exactly Real price Bale. I think they’d do well to get £50m for him.
Not only does Bale look like he’s lost a lot of explosivenss, he look incredibly flat and his injury record has been Diaby-esque
Buffon is a neo facist?
“For me, Jack Wilshere is the best English footballer of all time. From Arsenal’s academy, he made it to the Premier League, and he became my idol. Jack is a natural talent, with an elegant control of the ball,” Akpom said.
“Buffon is a neo facist”
thought that was supposed to be Di Canio
Thought Bob would like that
Bale is certainly not valued in Madrid anymore, probably rightly so after his non stop injury problems and Real is not the place where you could coast in and out without being a valuable part of the team. Unlike Arsenal they don’t have much patience with players and that’s surely the better way in the modern days of football. Still think Bale has a bunch of talent and a big if follows, IF he maintains healthy for a good period of time, could be one of the top 5 attacking players in the world next to cronaldo, messi, neymar and… Read more »
Akpom needs to chill the fuck out, unless that blurb was from 2012
Hows Perez getting on? Last I heard he was struggling back at his old club.
Apparently he started strong with 4 goals in his first 9 games or so and then faded away spectacularly. Just this last round scored for the first time since November. 17 games without a goal. He has played 90 mins almost every single game though. Anyhow Super Depor are going to be relegated for sure. 8 points behind the 17-th, and 12 points behind the 16-th placed team 7 rounds to go. He is coming back to us in the summer.
Not a surprise that Everton are after Jack Wilshere.
As i’ve said for 5 years now, he is nowhere near Champs League class. All the sentimental bollocks because he is an “Arsenal lad” is ridiculous.
He doesnt actually do anything well. Same with Aaron Ramsey, another nothing player.
Until we accept the need for a top quality midfield pairing, rather than a cheaply assembled bunch of all rounders, we will keep finishing 5th & 6th.
Not the real gambon for sure.
The real gambon would have appreciated a wonderful player like Aaron Ramsey.
“lastly,forgive my curiosity but what makes you think failure to deliver the Europa cup will ensure the departure of Wenger?could do with some measure of optimism myself.” We would have fallen from 2nd to 5th to 6th in the PL. We would have lost at least £60m PA, if not much more, as a result of our slide. The fans are no longer turning up. Wenger is gone in the summer. Even if we get CL football I think its game over for him. Not to mention, you dont bring in Mislintat and Sanllehi if Wenger is staying. Hiring these… Read more »
I would like to see Ramsey under a new manager, especially someone like Allegri.
If he vacates his position constantly he would be dropped for 10 games, unlike Wenger who buys him a new car because he respects how much he “enjoys himself” on the pitch.
“As i’ve said for 5 years now, he is nowhere near Champs League class. ”
Arsenal are nowhere near Champs League class since much more than 5 years.
Coincidence ?
@Vicuntiouswhoknowsnothing : Atletico have great strikers, with Griezmann and our dear friend Diego Costa. They have players who are used to fight at the highest european level.
Their squad is more complete than ours (not very difficult, I know…), more well balanced, they are simply better than us, why the hell is so difficult to understand for you ??
Answer : you’re a moron.
If Barca can hash it up, there’s every chance Arsenal, especially under Wenger, can. They are the world experts in losing heroically.
Not that I’m wishing for this mind.
However, if we are unfortunate to get knocked out, just watch the narrative change from Wenger to absolve himself of all blame.
He’s not a football manager, he’s a politician.
What’s best for Arsenal is ‘Wenger departing trumps winning a trophy’
No way Arsenal gets eliminated tonight. We have our Cronaldo in the face of Aaron Ramsey. Mark my words.
Speaking of Athletico isn’t there gossip about Saul Niguez
Would like to know what our Overseas correspondent Mr WE thinks?
I was talking about Saul when he was a twinkle in his dads eye, but I think Wenger has ended our chances of signing him by ruining the club.
I dont see him leaving, but if he did it would be to a far better club.
Unless Sven and Raul really are that good.
re: Iwobi
The lad in his first couple of games for us was at a better level than he is now, all the attributes to be our new Samir Nasri but is too indecisive and poor decision making. Should be loaned out to hone his craft before we completely write him off. Clock is ticking for him I’m afraid
Cannot believe that people are up in arms about the penalty decision last night.
Benatia clearly makes contact with Vasquez and didn’t touch the ball, was a stonewall penalty.
Sentimental bollocks around Buffon’s last game is clouding people’s judgement.
I was sick, wanted Juve to go through but it was 100% the correct decision and Gigi warranted the sending off unfortunately, you can’t charge down and push up on the ref like that in Europe and expect anything less.
Raptora Juventus nearly pulled off the impossible. Can’t understand where you coming from in highlighting their “dirty” tactics. The Italians were excellent and deserved to take the game into extra time. Not only did they play savvy football, they defended superbly. Oliver put an end to their monumental efforts by applying the law as it is written, but not using basic footballing common sense. RM went through, but the better team on the night went out. Take Ronaldo out of the Equation and Madrid would be nowhere to be seen. The same can be said of Barcelona without Messi over… Read more »
Samesong
gambon nailed it, top drawer player is Saul but he wouldn’t take a backwards step and join us.
Barcelona are just one elite side that would love to have him I’m sure.
‘Take Ronaldo out of the Equation and Madrid would be nowhere to be seen.’
Don’t agree.
Sure he’s their best player and the difference maker but even without another in his place they would be there or thereabouts, so much quality from top to bottom and the best squad in the competition.
Saul is absolutely brilliant. Won’t happen though. Not only would the second he becomes available every big club goes in for him but he’s likely a lifer at Atletico. Has a kidney issue after being in a car accident I believe when he was younger. Basically every now and then he goes in for serious treatment
It looks like players are taught the art of diving at the least touch at Real Madrid and Spurs. That was a soft penalty. If it had happened in the box of RM,Barca or Man U, oliver wouldn’t have batted an eye. Poor City, they had two goals disallowed in their two legs with Liverpool. These controversial decisions strengthens the case for VAR.
*even with another
Benatia clearly makes contact with Vasquez and didn’t touch the ball, was a stonewall penalty.
Exactly
Marko
I think that the lifers will be put to the test once Simeone departs.
Then again he’s transformed the club so if they did get in a proper replacement they possibly would still hold onto their best players and compete.
Hard to see though, so many of those players are tailor-made for Simeone.
Seriouly… to make such a foul, such a mistake, at this moment of the game.
Benatia is a dick.
That was penalty guys I cant believe people still crying about it.