I have been out of the game for a few days, taking in some Tenessee. Amazing, that even when rocking the Smokey’s, you find Arsenal fans wandering around. We are truly a global powerhouse when it comes to fans.
So we’ve now dropped 3 games of preseason, and whilst it’s hard to draw aggressive conclusions you’re willing to die for, one thing can’t be denied, the team has changed.
Some early observations, it’s quite clear we signed Leno because he’s sharper and very good on the ground. We play out of the back much more frequently and it appears the hoof is only reserved for mega danger moments. That’s so refreshing to watch. The German has a nice range of passing, I get very nervous watching him play balls through the middle, but when the team is built around giving him options, it works.
That said, I felt that our transitions through the back were clunky at times. The team is still getting used to the pressure associated with a system and we’ll see unforced errors particularly in the beginning. But damn, when the players get it right, it’s a spectacle. Some of the movement was so fluid, real dream-like stuff at times.
The PSG game was fun to watch, but we were given space to run wild. The pressure test comes in the Premier League, where we’ll be pressed and rattled. That said, you can’t knock a great friendly result. 5-1 against the richest team in the world is not to be sniffed at. Could have been 10 if it weren’t for Buffon.
I thought Guendouzi looked very impressive. He isn’t shy, he wants to ball, and his range of aggressive passing through the lines is very, very exciting. What he has that Xhaka doesn’t is pace over 10m and bags of strength. I loved his work rate and I thought he looked far more experienced than his 19 years on this planet would suggest. Sven really has uncovered a gem there. Imagine that, 2 DMs in the side that want to play there?!
It’s also clear that however the backline works out this season, we have a disgraceful amount of talent going forward. Ozil looked very fit and focused. I’m expecting big things from Mikki. I’m hoping to see a lot of development with Iwobi and decision making. We’re also going to do some damage with Auba and Lacazette. Goals are gold, and Emery is very lucky to have such a potent force this season.
Final part of this review, because my hand is hurting… Smith Rowe looks a bit tasty, no? I love his leggy style of play, reminded me of Paul Pogba the way he’d control the space around the ball, turn, and he’d be away. He has bundles of creativity and that little bit of youthful fearlessness that sees him try the sublime (that goal). It’s early days, but he looks the biz, has the frame for it too. Oh, and it was great to see Eddie score. Imagine Emery bringing through an English striker?
Right, over and out. A great few days for the Arsenal!
Is it all down to a lack of sex with Mourinho?
Wife not with him.
You know how it goes.
mystic is exactly the type of plank that swoons over shiny labels. He’s probably not even seen a lot of Kovacic.
Don’t want to get into a thing here but only Ramsey fanboys seem to have a problem with Kovacic… and Xhaka fanboys have a problem with Nzonzi. Almost like they can be easily replaced
Anyone can be replaced.
Arsenal’s finest, as a footballer and as a man.
Oh please
It looks as if Ramsey is holding out for 200k at least if not more, me personally if the stories are true and Chelsea are willing to put 30 million I would take it. We have good players coming through in that position and we can use the money together winger. I really don’t see what Ramsey has done to Warrent getting such a contract. And I have never seen him demonstrate any real leadership qualities either
Raptora
The point is they can all put their foot in defensively.
That French midfield that won the World Cup was predominately about being defensively responsible rather than being really good going forward. France gave up possession in most of their matches in the World Cup because they had confidence that this base would be solid enough defensively to see them through.
I agree that Matudi can play but don’t think he is nearer to Ramsey than to Nzonzi. Matuidi can defend to good levels. Ramsey has not even shown this if you want to compare.
Rambo
It’s great to see all the Arsenal players enjoying each others company.
Ozil grooving away on the bench.
Have a good feeling about this season.
“mystic is exactly the type of plank that swoons over shiny labels. He’s probably not even seen a lot of Kovacic.”
Could say that about you and Nzonzi lol lol.
“And I have never seen him demonstrate any real leadership qualities either.” Guy has two FA Cup winning goals on his name. Both games won by a goal margin. We shouldn’t burn the bridges to our last recent history that easily. It makes sense to me to renew the contract of a player who’s been Mr Arsenal more than any player in the last 10+ years. Read interviews by Mikki saying that “Ramsey is the symbol of Arsenal” and Lacazette – “We need leader Ramsey”. Which player has done more for our club in recent years? Give me one name?… Read more »
raptora, don’t go in too deep on the man-crush mate. If the chap leaves for Chelsea, you’ll be regretting these posts.
I’ll be changing my moniker to Rambo Cvntsey, if its allowed.
It makes sense to me to renew the contract of a player who’s been Mr Arsenal more than any player in the last 10+ years.
Thinking like that is why Walcott was here so long. You know it’s not enough to just be here for an amount of time
“It’s great to see all the Arsenal players enjoying each others company”
I was thinking the same yesterday, seeing Ozil, Auba and… damn, who was the 3rd ?? – they were having fun together on the bench.
And of course for Ozil it’s pure holidays compared to the german national team.
Rambo,
Of course he’ll be Cvntsey but only if it happens. Atm he is our best shout for the closest thing to a captain.
If Ozil is on 350k, why shouldn’t Ramsey be on 200k?
Marko,
Out of Rambo, Theo and Wilshere glad we’ve kept the best out of those three thus far. We’ll see what happens.
HighburyLegend.
Seeing Ozil looking happy is worth all the tea in China.
Mind you, if I had been racially abused, but was on 350k, I think I could manage a jig or two.
To be honest, if Ozil was on 500k, but he managed to lead us to the title, I wouldn’t give a toss.
I would like us to get two wingers, but I think we have some young players who can play inn that role. Also I like to see another centre back come in
leon
You’ll be lucky to see 1 winger come in, there won’t be another CB. The only other signing that’s a possibility is a replacement for Ramsey should we sell him.
It’s not a computer game.
Auba and Lacazette seem to be the jokers in the pack.
A special bond developing between the two of them.
Long may it continue.
Defenders in the EPL should be shaking in their boots.
Jesus, six posts and nothing anti-war get.
What’s come over me?
“Mind you, if I had been racially abused, but was on 350k, I think I could manage a jig or two.”
lol you got a point.
I thought I posted anti-Wenger.
Sorry if offended anyone.
Even my spellcheck hates Wenger.
So it’s impossible to avoid “that name” again today… ffs.
(lol)
Marc I know your probably right but a guy can dream can’t he
Diego looking at signing his son. That’s gotta be weird asking for 40 million so you can buy your kid
Marc allot will depend on weather or not we sell any players which could happen, which players would you Sell?
New post
New post.
HighburyLegend
Mustafi was the 3rd
Really enjoyed that PSG game. Emphasised the emerging team spirit – there seems a real vibe about the place that I haven’t seen in a long time.
The merge de of so many talented youngsters and the potential of new future value signings Guendouzi and Mavrapanos added to them is a real plus.
Reallly hoping that Holding can emerge as a force this year too – so far the signs looks pretty good.
Ospina to Besiktas
But Besiktas are playing Hardball with the valuation coz they’re taking advantage of shit Mingolet being available and another goal keeper whose name evades my memory.
Elsewhere, apparently, we did bid for Soyuncu, albeit probably a low bid to test waters. If another team doesn’t snap him up, he might well be heading to the Emirates stadium next summer once Freiburg lower the asking price.
Freiburg Sporting director said “Arsenal have made made us an offer, we assume Soyuncu will play for us next season.”
The purported £35 million asked for the player is false. Its rather £25 million
It beggars belief that there are posters on here who want to replace Ramsey at
all cost despite the fact that he scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 30 games.
Yet they prefer Kovacic who scored 0 goals and provided 0 assists last season
and has also got an injury record
This player for the record is valued currently by transfermarkt at significantly
less than Ramsey. Yet there are posters willing to sell Ramsey to Chelsea for
£30 million [£10 million less than his current valuation] and pay Real Madrid
significantly more.