Our two Swiss boys had a good day at the office. Xhaka banged home a screamer from range on 55 minutes to give Switzerland 3 vital points. He celebrated with an eagle sign, a big fuck you to the Serbians, FIFA no doubt going to step in to punish him because they’re super hot on anything unless it’s proper racism. A bit of gentle goading about some genocide back in the day is sure to garner a ten game ban.
Lichtsteiner played his part, barking orders from the sidelines. I found this piece from a Swedish ref Jonas Eriksson on our new signing.
‘I have met several international players and to judge a person you have to meet them several times – and not just once when they have a bad day because everyone can have it. But I have met Lichtsteiner several times, and he is one of the most unpleasant players I met.’
PERFECT. Get me some of that unpleasantness in our side. Not because I like mean players, more because we’re a soft touch with refs in general.
There are some reports that we’re chasing Russian superstar Golovin. The 22-year-old has been impressive this year; we felt his talent first hand in the Europa League. Juve are favourites, but his current employers are pushing for £25m. He looks a player, can’t believe Everton aren’t chasing him down, looks like an Usmanov centrepiece.
In coaching news, Le Grove favourite Julian Nagelsmann shocked the world when he announced he’ll be joining Redbull Leipzig next season. It’s an odd move when you consider Bayern were very interested in his talents, but from a learning perspective, it’s really smart. He’ll get to work with Ralph Rangnick, who is a bit of a management idol from a mentor perspective. He’ll also have money to support him, a smart scouting network, and he’ll be able to raise a family with his lady.
The big transfer chases going off at the moment for Arsenal centre around Soyuncu. The Freiburg centre-back is going to wait until July to decide where he goes next. Then there’s Banega, who met with Gazidis this week. The Argentine, who has been missed this World Cup seems to be playing games. He’s working out his second stint at Sevilla, and he was upset that Sporting Director Oscar Aries left the club. Seems to me like he’s either looking for more money there or more money with us. So we’ll see how this pans out.
There’s a bit of chatter about Petr Cech heading over to Napoli. I wrote yesterday that we’d pushed our wage bill up a lot so far this year. He’d be a good one to ship off the list. Who wouldn’t want to retire to Italy?
Also, I missed off Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla off the out list yesterday. I didn’t do it on purpose. I promise.
Finally, there’s a great write up about Raheem Sterling, by Raheem Sterling on the Players Tribune. It’s rightly being received very well because now people are looking at this guy like a human. Every year, fans of football clubs grow a little. This summer, it seems we’re not about the nasty attacks the press perpetrate on our players. They’re our boys; we’re here to the support the, and the fans will control the narrative. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Tapping out early, but tune in at 4ish tomorrow because I’ll be on Love Sport Radio chatting about our amazing summer.
SPEAK THEN. x
This Kroos energy, or lack of, is a bit bothersome,
I mean, did you guys really feel this way prior to the WC? I smell knee-jerkery sauce.
@Carts –
” mean, did you guys really feel this way prior to the WC? I smell knee-jerkery sauce.”
I’ve held these views for a while now and although they may not be warranted its just how I feel!!
@Jim
I actually think Kroos is perfectly rated rather than ‘overrated’.
You don’t hear too many people claiming he is the best midfielder in the world (at least I don’t) . But is he one of the best, sure is
@CC –
Ha! Stats are a funny thing aren’t they, I mean you look at both of those and would think those two players aren’t miles apart but in practice I guess they are!
RedtruthJune 23, 2018 21:53:06
Who can argue against Khedira, Ozil, Gundogen, Rudiger, Boateng and Gomez all being gash.
No one because their pretend Germans.
@Jay –
Yeah once again I think he is a great player, don’t get me wrong. I think a lot of it could be down to my own personal bias on how I like players to play!
“I actually think Kroos is perfectly rated rather than ‘overrated’.
You don’t hear too many people claiming he is the best midfielder in the world (at least I don’t) . But is he one of the best, sure is”
I think this sums it up. What did Real pay for him…e20m? Not bad; he’s won 3 CLs and a La liga title too boot.
Kroos is definitely no Netzer, Overath, Mattheus, Hassler, Effenberg or even a Schweini….
Nah always thought Kroos was overrated. The hype behind most players these days is unreal. Lemar, Coutinho,Ozil, Jesus….. pretty long list of overhyped players
Boateng really looks FAT. Was he out injured for a long period ? Granted I don’t watch the Buli but last I saw him he was still slim and fit.
I agree, Boateng looks quite heavy on the feet.
He could do with shedding a few quid for starters. Besides that, he’s been shite. Bayern are looking to sell and allegedly Utd are interested. Hilarious if true.
Jim
I’d say Xhaka is the first one based on slightly higher interceptions and clearances plus lower pass completion and key pass stats.
“Lemar, Coutinho,Ozil, JESUS….. pretty long list of overhyped players”
Let’s keep religion out of it mate, guy could knock in a cross.
Oh and twice as many fouls per game is a dead giveaway!
Jesus – shit in goal though.
Jim
Player one smells like Xhaka
‘Let’s keep religion out of it mate, guy could knock in a cross.’
🙂
Just seen the Kroos goal again and it was saveable.
TK’s free kick was superb.
Boateng is finished.
For the love of the game, I hope that Belgium will go all the way.
Jim
“Ha! Stats are a funny thing aren’t they, I mean you look at both of those and would think those two players aren’t miles apart but in practice I guess they are!”
Maybe they are not so far apart as people think …
Maybe if you put xhaka in the Real Madrid side in kroos place there wouldn’t be a great deal of difference…. That’s what those stats suggest anyway.
Guy could knock in a cross
Leg end
I agree belguim look quality and I believe they have a very good (and underrated) manager in Martinez who knows how to get the best out of a set of very good players..
For the first time Belgium look good with all the talent they have -Martinez seems to have jelled talent with achievement
Nw9 goober Absolutely. And that has always been the key. You need to have a tight knit group who work as a team. Without That, particularly in a WC, you end being found out. That was what I liked about Germany in the last WC. They were a tight knit and very effective wrecking ball machine where any misstep was costly…. cf that game against Brazil: they were totally destroyed by a very effective and right knit group of players who had only winning built in their mindset. At the moment Germany seemed until now to litteraly be a team… Read more »
Gonsterous,
From yesterday’s comments, no one told anything about Messi carrying barca.
Ashwin made a comment about Ronaldo carrying Portugal on his own and I tried to refute it.
Three finals with Argentina though underwhelming is still pretty good though nobody cares.
The point is Messi is not shite with Argentina. Ronaldo absolutely doesn’t carry Portugal, not even close.
No doubt Nauer is a class on his own- months out with injury and a his best. No one near him not even Degea
Ozil in place of Daxler and Germany again will be competing – mind you I am a great supporter of Ozil
I am not a great supporter of Ozil
Messi vs Ronaldo -.two great players – will always divide opinion depending on who you like personally-.like YW said in his blog I will pay to see Messi play but will prefer Ronaldo in my team
To re-iterate: I am really looking forward to next season. It will be unpredictable but it does seem that Unai is trying to build a team that will be cohesive and that will respond to what he wants tactically. The caveat of all this is whether it will actually work out or not. But I do not care. I am looking forward to see The Arsenal play next season with purpose: to try and be the best. It most certainly will take a full season for this to work out but at least we are trying which is always what… Read more »
Nw9 gooner
For me Messi and Ronaldo are both legends of the game who deserve their place in the pantheon of the greats. I prefer Messi but, as much as I have disliked Ronaldo since his Manure days, I will always respect his achievements.
Xhaka is a thick, dumb cunt. His biggest enemy is himself. Rarely seen a midfielder as prone to brainfarts as him.
The likes of Kroos, Pirlo et all plays with their head, especially off the ball whereas Xhaka tries to be the hard man when he should try to be a smarter one. IMO he’s a pretty immature footballer and doesn’t calculate enough for a player of his ilk.
Regarding xhaka,
I’ve repeatedly said it that I rate him. Wenger played him in the wrong role. He is a CM, just like kroos.
A CM’s role is : continuity, distribution, metronome and long range strikes if the opportunity presents itself.
Xhaka does all these well.
He only needs to cut out his occasional sloppiness by being aware of his surroundings- constantly looking behind you when receiving the ball and he will be flawless.
Akilan Xhaka seems to have learnt that he can’t just go flying into tackles and he is a better player for it though not the finished article by a long way. Pirlo was the master at the deep lying midfield position even when he was well into his 30’s..he always had the ability to find space and look like he had time on the ball. Xhaka will struggle to get to the very top level due to his lack of mobility in not being able to turn on a sixpence, which is essential in that role, so consequently will get… Read more »
It’s Sunday morning and still we have those posters who continue to ridicule players who, at this moment in time, are actually proving themselves on the biggest stage of all.
HELLO!!!! The cancer has been removed. Dera Lord, give the players and Emery a chance to work together and stop this endless pillorying of certain individuals.
Just sit back and try to enjoy the WC.
Amen.
Dear
Graham, you seem to be in a bit of delusion. Painting Wenger as the ultimate villain that has held back the club and players might be a comfort but its hardly the whole truth.
Coaches aren’t magicians that have the ability to polish turds. Apparent best coach in the World Pepsy G shipped out half the squad he inherited because they were shite.
We need to do the same if we’re to reach the next level.
Agree with both Rambo and Graham. Inevitably a load of players will be gone in next couple of windows but Emery’s ways will benefit some players who some of us have lost faith in and who others slag off relentlessly. Not realistic to have eight in and out anyway, that’s just PlayStation world. Emery will be sending a positive message to the squad that they’ve all potentially got a place in his plans….the culling will happen, but gradually. But every Arsenal supporter I know is excited at the thought of a fresh start and positive change. There are always people… Read more »
Pierre, Fair enough. One of his most frustrating attributes is his one footedness. Almost every CM that excelled in that metronome role has a reasonably strong weak foot. Pirlo, Xabi, Kroos, Modric etc. IMO, the ability to manipulate the ball between both legs is enough in that position. Not all the above CMs can turn on a six pence. That role is played with the head as much as the legs. Xhaka can go another level with improved right foot but it is difficult to learn that now. Still he’s doing more than enough with the ball. Its his defensive… Read more »
Good old Twitter seeming to confirm that Torreira is all but done.
Ozil putted on the bench – trully deserved – by Low yesterday.
Let’s hope that Emery will have the balls to do the same.
Germany, couldn’t get out of their half after Sweden scored. Long balls were all they could manage and Sweden won it all. So, if they struggle to get out against Sweden should see how they manage against other opponents. Gomez helped of course in second half and Gemany came out aggressively. Will they start Gomez ahead of Werner, or will they continue with Werner in one wing??
Looking forward to the game against Panama. I hope the boys put in a good performance to boost their confidence a bit more.
And I certainly hope that Sterling actually scores a goal to prove that his inclusion in the first XI is worthwhile. I heard that he has not scored for England in 2 years!? Is this true?
C’mon England!!!!!
C’mon England !,,
The Panama players are overdoing their falls to the ground. Are they trying to red card one of our players?
Well done Stones! 1-0 to England!!!
No problem
Great pen after all the gamesmanship.
2-0, but worrying that England haven’t been able to control Panama, and look vulnerable at the back.
Penalty for England!!!
Kane Scores!!! 2-0 to England!!!!
Lingard must be the most fouled player in this World Cup so far.
Panama are going to finish the game with nine men.
What a goal that is!
Probably ends up 9-0.
Panama finishes the game with nine men.
Football ‘s coming home !
What s goal that was!!!! Well fucking done Lingard!!!
3-0 to England!!!!
To be fair this group tells us nothing about Belgium or England’s chances of actually winning the world cup. Tunisia and Panama are that bad and by the time they play each other they’ll both already be through and will likely rest players which they should. Still fully expect England to lose against the first half decent team they come up against and still fancy Belgium to come up short. Not a great defence or manager imo
DB10
Get your flags out
Amazing England goal from the set piece. Why can’t Arsenal do stuff like that?
4-0!!! We are having a party!!!! Well done Stones. 4-0 to England!!!
Now this is helping out our goal average with regards to Belgium (that is if we draw them.).
Haley Osmon to pad his stats here. Only really him or Ronaldo going to win the golden boot cause all the other strikers haven’t really shown up. Diego Costa too
Harry Kane will win the golden boot vs teams like Panama.
Players know about VAR why do they do shite like this Panama player?! They know they’ll get punished. Jesus.
Haley Osmon Aka Harry Kane
red card
This World Cup is getting more and more interesting !
How many goals do they need to set a new record ?
Marko
Agree re Belgium some great players going forward but he has never been able to organise a defence.
Unbelievable the commentator says. Might as well be playing against a Sunday league team with a disability. Total mismatch
Panama would be down to 10 men if the ref had applied the law or consulted with VAR.
Marko,
Lukaku is up there as well. Because he played vs the same two shitty teams.
He sees dead people and scores penalties
What the hell is wrong with Panama. I was hoping they’d smash England.
Sigh…
Tie breakers in group stage are goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head. (i.e if England v Belgium is draw).
I guess you can’t really tell if 1st or 2nd is more advantageous. Depends where Colombia finish, and which quarter of the draw looks better.
Belgium scored 8, conceded 2. England scored 7, conceded 1, so far.
You can only play the teams put before you.
This mismatch talk is rubbish. That’s why they call it the World Cup. There will be lots of shitty teams at the group stages.
What a day.
Weekend, Suns out, barbecues out and England running riot in the World cup.
Beaaaautiful.
Miserable Marko, 5-0 at half time and you can still find something to be negative about. Get some joy in your life…
Lukaku is up there as well. Because he played vs the same two shitty teams
True but Ronaldo and Costa are obviously capable of scoring in the knock out stages against decent opposition whereas Lukaku has been known to wilt away in big games
Boomslang
Panama were and have always been total shit. Now C’mon. … Panama are really going to end up with a red card with the shit they have been pulling off so far.
And FIFA wants to expand the world cup to 48 teams an increase of 16. Really going to add some quality matches that one.
Portugal beat NK 7-0 in the 2010 WC.
Is that the record in modern times?
Doing what they should do against weaker opposition.
Glad to see the young guys doing well.
Didn’t think it was possible, but Panama might be as bad or worse than Saudi Arabia. So glad to have these nations in the tourney over the Dutch and Italians. Makes for competitive matches like this one. Hooray for fairness.
Miserable Marko, 5-0 at half time and you can still find something to be negative about. Get some joy in your life…
Bob I’m Irish I’m more than happy and feel like it’s my duty to occasionally remind you English lads that your national team is a bit shit definitely a bunch of bottlers. Perspective some might say considering the teams you’ve played and how the commentators and pundits are acting
TheLegendaryDB10
Definitely mate.
England had this one in the bag even before the match started.
Didn’t think it was possible, but Panama might be as bad or worse than Saudi Arabia. So glad to have these nations in the tourney over the Dutch and Italians. Makes for competitive matches like this one. Hooray for fairness.
Wait until the next one with even more shit teams added. Might even have Ireland in there… maybe
Argentina is sacking Sampaoli
He deserves the sack just for leaving out Mauro Icardi for Dybala.
I still have then beating Nigeria closely due to Messi’s genius.
Just looking at the draw, you would rather finish second in this group.
Winner of this group (if they win R16) likely has to play winner of R16 clash between Brazil and Germany in QFs.
Second in this group likely plays winner of Mexico and Switzerland in QFs.
Obviously can all change in final set of fixtures, and you still have to win R16 against Group H team.
I trust Beavis’ greed.
Bank on that hat-rick.
Marko
I’m English and I cant’ stand the bullshit we hear every time England play a match. The fact that Ashley Young makes the squad let alone starts should be a source of national embarrassment. They’ve played well today, the problem isn’t enjoying the performance or taking some confidence out of it, it’s when you begin to believe your own hype. Something that England are all to ready to do.
Pen vs Lingard was very similar to the Sweden situation vs Germany last night. Sweden’s even looked more of a pen than Lombard’s.
This mismatch talk is rubbish. That’s why they call it the World Cup. There will be lots of shitty teams at the group stages.
How’s it rubbish they’re that bad. Swap England out with Germany or Argentina and they’d struggle to get out of thosr groups while Germany and Argentina would be putting up cricket scores against Tunisia and Panama. Some groups are fairly even while some are mismatchs
Increasing to World Cup to 48 teams is silly talk. Who are they going to include? American Samoa, Vanuatu, Seychelles and Bhutan?
Please enough crappy teams as it is.
Brilliant performance from England.
Unfortunately it looks like spurs are going to be very strong next season.
Fair enough Marko, your viewpoint makes more sense. I’m pretty happy as I’ve got Panama in the sweep and I’m looking odds on for the prize for the team with the worst record.
1982
Hungary 10
El Salvador 1
raptora
Whilst I would never suggest any skulduggery in anything to do with FIFA you do wonder if having Germany & Argentina all go out in the first round with a couple of other “top” teams not looking the part would worry FIFA.
karim
But was it a good match?
Marc
You should know that the media have an awful big part in this overhyping bullshit by now. Watching the pre-match punditry is cringe worthy at times.
Boomslang
It’s not talk they’re going to do it.
Marc
With a 3-0 scoreline at half-time I can safely say that the second half was quite entertaining.