Very interesting how powerful Gary Neville has made himself in the game. He creates headlines for his opinions, and unlike some publications, he’s usually a force for good. (Interview)
It’s interesting how hard the Raheem Sterling story has pivoted to ‘this is just racist.’ My hope is that we’ll have the same come to jesus moment we had with the press and their treatment of the national team. The press treated the England camp a lot different after their shite long lense story this summer. If you apply pressure to them, their narrative changes, because ultimately, your interest keeps them in work.
Arsenal is apparently ramping up interest in 20-year-old number 8, Houssem Aouar. The player has attracted interest from Manchester City who are also chasing down Pepe of Lille. Thing is, how many players can one team buy? When do you start looking at their squad as a player and think… ‘damn, is this worth it?.’
I think there are two clear things going on with Sven M. Firstly, after reading that great interview in Die Ziet the other day, it’s clear he’s looking at players through a far more technical lense than the spreadsheet virgins online. He’s not just looking at pass completion and core stats. He’s looking at things like efficiency of running, positioning and far deeper metrics that point to value.
I’d imagine the club see that they can get far more value from young players around Europe than they can from very expensive players that might still need quite a lot of development to hit the heights at 28-years-old. This young Frenchman looks like the sort of player Mislintat loves. Fast, technically excellent, light on the feet… I’d be very happy to start snapping up the top talent from Ligue 1 again.
Look at Thierry Henry’s death stare to Monaco youngstar Badiashile after he didn’t tuck his chair in when press conference finished. Your legend could never. 😂 pic.twitter.com/3CPQTcvuj6
— Lacazettes (@Lacazettes) December 10, 2018
I don’t know why I love the above video so much, but it’s awesome. Thierry enforcing good manners is something else.
Back to Neville. He had this to say on Torreira.
“I think someone like him leaves his teammates with nowhere to go. If you look at him against Tottenham getting forward into the box he’s almost like this bundle of energy that everyone else in the team responds too, & this team needed that”
Mainline that right into my veins. Torreira has been an exceptional find, and it’s unreal how quickly he’s developed into one of the most important names on the teamsheet.
Alex Iwobi reckons he nearly fucked off the Crystal Palace when he was 16 years old.
“I felt that maybe I wasn’t rated at Arsenal but I always felt at home here, so I signed the scholarship forms,”
“Then it was all about proving people wrong.”
Well, top-level sport is about proving people wrong at every stage of your career. He still has a way to go, but there’s definitely a lot of talent there. He needs to find consistency in his end product. The coach clearly rates him, so he’s off to a winner there, but you wonder how long patience will run if he continues to drop stinkers like he did when he came on at the weekend. We’ll see… jury is out at the minute.
Right, that’s me done, see you on the other side.
DM
2
3
Bankz is here for the tr4phy again
Tr4phy
4
Tr4phy
Ouch. Mistimed my post so got the ‘you are posting comments too quickly’ which killed me… Nice to have some competition again for a change Bankz!
DM gets outsmarted by me, two days in a roll.
Am I the new Emery?
Hello
Pep likes houssem so it’s a done deal
Beginning to really hate city.
Anyhow Sven better pick some aces soon
Made the bench.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see City splurge a huge amount this winter in anticipation of any impending FFP transfer ban. There’s no way Pep won’t be sat down right now identifying all the hot young talent clubs like us, Chelsea and Liverpool are eyeing up to beat us to the punch and to prempt a 3 or 4 window transfer ban.
Cheating cunts.
Iwobi probably better at CP. More his level than Arsenal
At the end of the day, we wont be winning the PL again until we start competing with Man City for players, and everyone else. United beat City to Sanchez, and Fred. Liverpool beat City to Van Dijk, and United to Fabinho. Chelsea beat City to Jorjinho, and the footballing world to Hazard. The idea that players only want to join the best team in each country is ridiculous. If we pay well, have a great project and good people in charge of that project, we can convince players to come. If we dont pay well, dont have a great… Read more »
This new player seems like he has a very Middle Eastern sounding name…down here in Beckenham, we don’t dig the hummus and pomegranate salads. We like jellied fucking eels.
Damn… in the stands, just like Mesut.
With city, United, chelsea and Liverpool…we won’t be challenging for the players they may want.
We need to be much smarter and start looking under the bed for players. We found Torrier and Guedenzi for peanuts…we can’t go toe to toe with the big teams, but we can outsmart them on clever punts.
“we can’t go toe to toe with the big teams,”
This is nonsense
Gambon
Show me a player we have got in recent years, that any of the other teams I’ve mentioned, has gone hard for. Who have we beaten to the punch?
I’m not suggesting we can’t compete financially (mostly) but our status is not great at the moment. It will improve but we have to start winning (like you said).
If Dembele came up…who do you think, honestly, he would go to…
Guns
Sanchez.
Joe
He fucking regretted that! Nah, good shout.
Ozil ??
lol
@Pedro
“He still has a way to go, but there’s definitely a lot of talent there”
___
Completely disagree with this.
Arsenal have always and will always be a draw
The Liverpool project has sold itself and they have been able to attract talent
Man United attract simply by throwing bundles of cash at you these days
Man City do both, they have a manager players want to play for and they will drown you with money
We cannot keep crying poverty, we have spent quite a lot recently, we only spent them badly. We get into the champions league this season nothing stops us from competing for emerging talents with everyone else
But Mertens, who was part of the Utrecht team that drew 0-0 with Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool in a Europa League group game in 2010, was left unimpressed. ‘My strongest memory is that they have a sign saying “This is Anfield” and everyone was talking about it, so I was thinking it’s very big, you know,’ Mertens told The Times. ‘I came through the tunnel and I asked, “Where is the thing?” and they said you missed it and I hadn’t noticed it. So in the second half, I’m looking at this small thing and asking, “Is this so special?”‘ Haha… Read more »
If city goes for Aouar then we should snap up Phil Foden from them. With all the praise he has gathered he will be looking at the summer with keen interest before he signs that new deal I reckon.
I also think it’s very unlikely we will sign Aouar. More under the radar players/emerging talents
Let’s be serious, Napoli have almost 0 chance to get a result tonight.
Let’s be serious, Napoli have almost 0 chance to get a result tonight.
Are you new to football or you only watch Arsenal??
Even with our monies, Arsenal avoids hot players. Out of our 5 biggest signings, we had a free run with four!
Auba – unopposed
Lacazettte – unopposed (only came in when ATM was no longer an option)
Ozil – Unopposed
Sanchez – Liverpool
Xhaka – unopposed
Mustafi – unopposed
Torr – unopposed
So either we are scouting pony players or we are stealth kings or we simply don’t have enough money to compete
“Are you new to football or you only watch Arsenal??”
Going by what we have watched this season it’s shouldn’t be a contest. Both aren’t close. Do you watch only Arsenal?
Going by what we have watched this season it’s shouldn’t be a contest. Both aren’t close. Do you watch only Arsenal?
Shouldn’t be a contest?? Good grief!!
Besides i was asking Highbury not you but since you are hell bent on jumping in, what exactly have we seen from Liverpool in Europe this season that makes tonight’s high pressure game a no contest??
Last time Liverpool played Napoli they didn’t manage a shot on target in 90 minutes
But Napoli will forget how to play the game because it is at Anfield, i sometimes wonder if some here just like an argument for the sake of it
Just like the list of “unopposed” purchases posted, not every transfer is conducted on the pages of tabloids, for instance Torriera could have easily joined Napoli but we beat them to the punch so not “unopposed”
Just replied you the same way you replied Highbury. We all know football isn’t played on paper and anything can happen but Napoli is no match for Liverpool based on what we have seen this same. Napoli is benefiting from having Liverpool and PSG in the same group and having a strong home game.
When I listed unopposed signings I meant that and transfers not overly conducted on the pages of the tabloid. Napoli came up and faded pretty quickly. Like my other post alluded, we only seem to sign under the radar/emerging talents.
What RH said about Torreira.
Anfield crowd will make the difference, as usual in those kind of nights.
(but of course I would be delighted by a Napoli win)
Marcos llorente is a perfect example of why we shouldn’t write off footballers so soon. Except when they have been handed opportunities severally to perform.
Since Solaris came in, he has proved to be very good. Just like before Madrid bought him. A CDM that can play.
Highbury, would actually want Liverpool to progress. They aren’t winning the UCL and we need all the money we can get from Europa.
As for Torr and Napoli, think it was never in doubt we were getting him. We used Dennis Praet as a smoke screen while getting on with our business. Napoli couldn’t match out fee so it was really no contest from the get go.
Napoli is benefiting from having Liverpool and PSG in the same group and having a strong home game.
They are “benefiting” from having two stronger teams in the same group?? You will have to walk me through how that is beneficial
but Napoli is no match for Liverpool based on what we have seen this same.
Completely false statement, and stop using we, i haven’t seen anything to suggest Napoli are inferior to Liverpool, only you know what you have seen
Napoli came up and faded pretty quickly
They cooled their interest because
1. Lucas said he already had an agreement with Arsenal
2. Carlo Ancelloti had not been appointed there yet
At least stick to the actual facts
Foden signed an extension yesterday
What exactly has the Anfield crowd helped Liverpool win lately? Like the last 10 years?! Zero. Zilch. Nothing.
It did help Stevie G slip up though 😂
“They cooled their interest because 1. Lucas said he already had an agreement with Arsenal”
So there was no contest then?
Psg and Liverpool so far have cancelled each other out. Though Napoli haven’t lost but you have to consider them the 3rd best team in that group.
don’t take it personal though. I just happen to think Liverpool will win Napoli today…like Highbury
Joe, he signed away his career. Damn
30k per week or something for 5 years
The Foden contract extension represents one of the ills afflicting football at the moment.
This silly young player has barely finished a league game but is being hailed as an extraordinary talent. Some here will still rate him above other young players who actually getting game time.
Great talent or not, we will never know because he will languish on the bench at city.
He should have moved to a club where he will play games and really prove his worth. He ought to have spoken to Kevin De Bruyne before signing the silly deal.
don’t take it personal though. I just happen to think Liverpool will win Napoli today…like Highbury
That isn’t actually what’s been debated is it??
Psg and Liverpool so far have cancelled each other out.
If that was the case they would have both qualified already, neither have. Athletic Madrid and Dortmund cancelled each other out, both have qualified.
Don’t take it personal is what people say when their argument is flawed, followed by look someone else agrees with me.
We have been achieving without a proper winger- and width in the team.
Is this luck or are we just that good at making adjustments. 21 unbeaten is amazing.
We are on the up and up and Sven needs to milk that for any prospects in Jan.
Join Arsenal. we will be a force in short notice- get on that train now!
Wait,
I think the only way for Pool to qualify is if they win by more than two goals or if PSG losses to Crvena Zvezda.
I mean, they could do it but group is far from decided.
I’d like Pool to progress in the UCL though. Their core players will be much more involved there compared to the EL’s early KO stages where there are still some weaker teams.
Pool to qualify is if they win by two or more goals*
Great talent or not, we will never know because he will languish on the bench at city.
He should have moved to a club where he will play games and really prove his worth. He ought to have spoken to Kevin De Bruyne before signing the silly deal.
But dissenter he’s a academy players. Should they not be happy with a player happy to sit on the bench and not
Make a fuss like you say about Iwobi???
Different strokes for different teams?
Or do you just like being a hypocrite?
Liverpool and Spuds to go through. Don’t we all want that?
Ñapoli will score.
Means Liverpool have to score three.
Not sure. Napoli look good.
Liverpool can go through with a 1 nil win.
I hope Liverpool and spuds go out
Fuck then and their scum fans
Always the victim , never their fault
Joe “But dissenter he’s a academy players. Should they not be happy with a player happy to sit on the bench and not Make a fuss like you say about Iwobi???Different strokes for different teams? Or do you just like being a hypocrite? Actually I wrote that post just for your enjoyment Iwobi has played 117 senior games for Arsenal. Iwobi has 26 caps for Nigeria, including helping the country qualify for the world …and playing in a world cup. Foden is still a bench warmer while his contemporaries like Sancho and Guendouzi are featuring regularly for their clubs. Sancho… Read more »
Dissenter
How many of those matches for arsenal has Iwobi made a difference? 6-7?
Would Foden be playing for us over Iwobi?
How many matches would
Iwobi be playing for city?
Foden is 18. Iwobi is 21.
Let’s see what Foden is doing for man city in 3 seasons.
What is your man crush on Iwobi? Because he’s Nigerian??? A little bias being shown?
Sancho cuntzorla I thought I’d rather ignore you because quite frankly you come across an absolute moron but for the benefit of those who are so keen on why you’d rather choose to continue this disturbing obsession toward my person, I’ll quickly bring truths to light, Since you’re so bent on craving my attention by all means not minding how much embarrassment you cause yourself along the way, I’ll quickly indulge with the hope it puts you out of your misery I mean I’m not sure which is more embarrassing, you jumping on something that absolutely has nothing to do… Read more »
Maybe he gets loaned out now which would be a very smart move unlike Wenger keeping Iwobi here and stunting whatever growth he could have achieved
Joe
Wenger keeping Iwobi here and stunting whatever growth he could have achieved”
Stunting? How so? You think a loan for Iwobi would have been better than what he’s managed for himself so far? Don’t let your hatred for the previous manager makes you sound daft
Iwobi has been one of our most recent successful academy graduate till date
Has loads of first team experience, virtually a mainstay for his national side, an ever present in the arsenals match day squad.
How’s that for stunted growth eh
Can’t believe that Poch isn’t starting Lucas, guy thrives on the huge Camp Nou pitch whenever he has played there for PSG, never mind against a watered down and inexperienced Barcelona backline.
Inter won’t thank Barca for that lineup
They have themselves to blame for failing to avoid defeat in London, they aren’t even sure of beating PSV, such an inconsistent outfit
GO Ospina GO!!!
Just imagine, if Ospina shuts out loserpool, his value will goes up.
Victorious
He brings nothing to the
Team bar 3-4 performances a a season
You Nigerians are defending the indefensible.
Iwobi will be at a west ham level team in a year or two.
Stunting, how so?
Well he looked pretty good when he burst on the scene and then after 2 years under le fraud he looked crap
Hope Barça tears the scum a new one.
Never in any circumstance would I want them to get a result anywhere,would rather dippers go through, they’d be a stumbling block for us in the europa
But looking at that Barça’s line up.you can’t help but feel they don’t care too much for the 3points
Total disrespect to the spuds though , No Messi,you’re only good enough for our fringe players.
RH
Yeah half expecting Inter to bottle it at home tbh, think a draw will be enough for the Spuds and they should be able to come away with at least that given Barca’s line up.
Marega is an absolute handful up front, would be great for a PL club outside of the top 6.
Vic
Hardly disrespect, rare chance to rest Messi/Suarez and give the fringe players a chance, they’re already guaranteed of topping the group.
It’s also hardly like they’re pulling away at the top of La Liga either, only 3 points ahead of Sevilla and Atletico Madrid and 5 ahead of Real Madrid.
Doubt that Messi is thrilled about being rested though, still lagging 15 CL goals behind Ronaldo all-time.
Expecting plenty of goals at Anfield, Napoli basically need to score and actually top the group if they win presuming that PSG get it done in Belgrade, 1-0 is the only result that puts Pool through outside of a 2+ goal win so plenty of incentive for Napoli to score.
Sneaking feeling that Napoli will have enough, 2-2 draw and an end to end thriller.
Vic
Will we be disrespecting Qarabag if we field a team entirely made up of youngsters?
@Eagle
I guess u missed the discussion were I was told a win is a formality for Liverpool this night
Is Malcom injured?
He isn’t on the bench against the spuds in a game when all the Barca big boys are rested.
Cheeky loan bid in January?
Sitter.
Barca 1-0 up haha.
He is injured azed.
RH
Napoli not rated on here then?
WE/Marc
My bad, thought Barca needed at least a draw to qualify as group winners. Just checked again and yes it’s a nothing game for them
PSV 1-0 up in Italy, Spuds thrown a lifeline.
Thanks WengerEagle.
The old fuck up and then pretend you’re injured routine from Ospina
Ospina beaten at his near post.
You watching Red?
The goalkeeping from Ospina
Ospina needs to be traded.
Ospinaaaaaaa…
LOL
OMG, what has Ooospina done
Spurs are going through as it stands
Inter Milan,the biggest bottlers in all of europe
Going out of their way to outdo even spuds and ensure the scums progress
Jokers
Inter are shite alright, Icardi wasting his time there.
Inter needs Ozil!
‘Inter needs Ozil’
Let’s get this trending
“Inter needs Ozil!”
I concur
WE
Baffling isn’t it, how Icardi is still there, joint highest goal scorer last season and somehow can’t manage a move to a better and bigger club
Vicky
Waiting for your reply on my reply to your Iwobi post
Oh yes Ozil would fit in nicely there.
What would you think of Iwobi if he wasn’t Nigerian or weren’t DefendingWenger for making him regress to what we have today in Iwobi.
Vic
Like a lot of CF’s nowadays, while he is more prolific than some of the past greats, he lacks the all-round game that they possessed.
Kane, Icardi, Aubameyang, Cavani, Lewandowski, Aguero are all elite goalscorers but give me a prime Henry, Eto’o, David Villa, Benzema over them. Worth noting though that Henry was virtually as prolific, especially domestically.
Prime Suarez was the exception.
Waiting for your reply on my reply to your Iwobi post”
Maybe because your reply was rather too shallow and unworthy of a response
I knew you lost it the moment you brought out the nationality sentiment
Joe
Come off it.
Emery likes Iwobi and last time I checked he’s not ‘Nigerian’
We get gave him a platform to succeed and he’s grabbed that chance pretty well
I know your rate Emery ‘highly’
What then do you now make of his decision to continually indulge the player?
At least(to my knowledge)nobodyis implying he’s a first team material but rather he’s the best from a bad bunch
How you’ve somehow deduce people noticing this are being sentimentally biased from same nationality befuddles the mind.
Vic
If you’re saying Iwobi is the best from a bad bunch then you won’t have a problem with him being replaced in the summer or even Jan?
WE
Agree but on his day Icardi still has much more about him than just being a prolific goalscorer .
He’s a better all-round strike than both Auba and Kane
Think it might have something to do with his attitude or application .
But I’d be utterly gobsmacked if Bayern,Juve PSG or Barça don’t look his way in the next 2 years, those clubs might be in urgent need of goals soon as their current front men are getting on pretty fast or needs more fire power