The big FA Cup game of the weekend was a clash of the top 4 titans. United fresh off the back of a PSG humbling took on Chelsea, who were stale off the back of an embarrassing spanking by Manchester City.
The game was a lot of fun, but Ole G pulled off another masterclass and downed Sarri with two goals scored in the first half. The second half saw a lot more fight from Chelsea, but ultimately, they couldn’t find a way to Romero’s goal, United were ruthlessly organised and agressive in defending their lead.
It’s quite tough to fathom what Sarri is up to. His team has gone from playing sublime football at the start of the season to giving up. The manager is so deeply entrenched in his vision for how the game should played, he can’t bring himself to make sensible decisions that could paper Sarriball cracks. He’s watching his side switch off in midfield because he’s leaving the best DM in the league in a more advanced position.
Jorginho cannot exist as he’s being played at the minute, he’s being targetted in the same way in every game, yet the manager won’t change a thing. Baffling.
Poor old Higuain looks like an old music roadie who has been pulled out of retirement to play a charity match for Robbie Williams. He’s really off the pace. You’d have thought Chelsea would have learned from the Shevchenko experience.
You do have to wonder if Sarri is half hoping he lands the sack come the end of the season. It all looked a little Conte in his second season out on the sidelines. The subs didn’t speak to a manager hungry for a win. Watching Hudson-Odoi hiding deep in his caterpillar jacket said a lot about the situation to me.
It’s going to be very tough for Sarri to bounce back from this. They have City, Spurs, Wolves and Everton amongst their next 5 games, and I’m really struggling to see where the wins are coming from.
Chelsea oddly looks like they’re lacking the aggressive character traits they boasted under first-year Conte. Alien ideas and unnatural thinking clearly leading to a lot of on-pitch insecurity. Similar to Emery, it seems very strange that both clubs started strongly, but have both faded heavily when you’d expect to see ideas stick harder.
Arsenal and United look poised to battle it out for top 4 supremacy. I think we have the easier run, with Bate and Southampton as warm-ups before we go away to Spurs, followed by our top 4 cup final at home to United the week after.
Ole G has a world of bother fixtures wise, but ultimately, he has a richer squad to choose from, but it’ll still be very hard for him. They have Liverpool at Old Trafford next week, followed by Palace away, Southampton at home, PSG away, then they come to us.
If they’re on a winning streak when they arrive, it’s going to be tough for Emery. But if they lose to Liverpool and draw at Southampton or Palace, it’s still very much in our hands. We just have to hope Emery thinks about his setup a little deeper and can exploit their weaknesses as cleanly as Tuchel did last week.
United has a very grim run of games after us, facing City the week after. Hopefully all that ‘class of 92’ nonsense is just paper talk, though yesterday did look like another proof point OGS might be the real deal.
Additionally, we’ll get some good news on the injury front. Sokratis is going to be fit at some point, we have to see Mavrapanos back soon, also, you’d hope we can rest some players after we blitz 4 past BATE when they come to The Emirates.
It’d be nice for Arsenal to have the Europa League as the back door dream just in case it all goes wrong, but it’s hard not to look at our run and be encouraged that we can go it alone. If the manager can do something about our creativity, we have more than enough firepower to do some damage. I mean, at this stage, I’ve well and truly given up on some sort of defensive soldering, but there you are.
Right, as you were.
Read yesterday’s Ralph Rangnick profile if you haven’t already.
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Really CG?
Really?
I give you Juande Ramos along with David Pleat and Tim Sherwood.
3 managers who combined have won less than Emery.
You are soooooooooooooooooo full of SHIT.!
Rodriguez looks composed , with quality. But not dynamic…I think the premier league might be too intense for him.
Koman is more like what we need
CG “I would also add- the very shrewd Levy WOULD not in a million years have chosen Emery as Spurs manager.” Are you trying to win the biggest cunt of all time award? Let’s have a look at the 10 managers Levy appointed before the Poch – who I again stress hasn’t won anything. George Graham – legend at Arsenal – washed up at the Spud’s David Pleat – Dave stop kerb crawling you perv Glenn Hoddle – twat Santini – who Martin Jol – has a peanut for a head Clive Allen – WTF Ramos – Levy lay off… Read more »
Liverpool’s left back is much better than their right back
Azed,
Thank you!
CG is a fucking embarrassment to this blog.
Banned posters, deleted comments yet this right fucking Charlie is continuously allowed to spout off utter, utter drivel, along with his xenophobic God save the Queen bollocks.
It’s a joke it really is.
Watching actual wingers makes me very jealous because I’ll have to watch Iwobi pretending to be one
Coman and Gnarby have got their full backs in toast all game
benny
“It’s a joke it really is.”
Well I’m not laughing!
Fabinho plays a good game but not Matip. Ganbry has a good long shot.
Marc
You seem a very contradictory and bellicose young man…
You want to measure all other managers – with what trophies they have won – and Yet- our beloved Arsene W – who won 10 major trophies in 20 years As AFC manager – you continually belittle and castigate…
Full of contradictions
And certainly full of fury..
More excellent Arsenal decision making….getting rid of Gnabry.
To me, to you.
Banned posters, deleted comments yet this right fucking Charlie is continuously allowed to spout off utter, utter drivel, along with his xenophobic God save the Queen bollocks.
this
Gnabry….
Shudda shelved theo a lot earlier for him
CG Young man – why thank you much appreciated (I’m 45 so no idea if I fit that bracket anymore) contradictory – no bellicose – you want to make something of it? Wenger – belittle and castigate – no I’m pretty mild on Wenger on here. The guy brought me so much joy and happiness that it hurts to see him criticised so badly but it’s not incorrectly. I wish he’d picked up that FA Cup in 2014 and said “everyone it’s been a ball, I’ve got you though the stadium move and the lack of funds and I’ve delivered… Read more »
Guns of Brixton
February 19, 2019 21:27:11
————————-
I was just thinking that too.
Gnabry was always going to be a good player. Only our messiah wenger couldnt see it
our beloved Arsene W
never seen that line from any fan on this blog before.
Marc
I was right .
( You are full of contradictions.)
Don’t you think- Wenger is delaying his return to football – and now openly saying he would like a DOF job now-just waiting to see if Kroenke offers him that postion at Arsenal?
Watching Wenger collect another accolade last night. Surely we need him on board- in some capacity.
Class,Class, Class.
Arsenal and class always goes well together .
Matip has no skill
Charlie George has the skin or an armadillo
He just keeps coming back with more arrows from his anti-emery quiver.
He is indeed indestructible
Only a complete fool would want Wenger back at Arsenal in any shape or form. He needs to stay as far away as possible from the club.
Thomas
I would say it would be 50/50 amongst the fan base- to have him back in some capacity.
That’s a lot of fools!
Cheater and liar, yeah really classy. He had the professor looks that’s it. Stars aligned for this guy to succeed.
No one will offer Wenger any real job in football anymore. Maybe international football.
CG,
Something is very wrong with you.
Wenger who approved Ozil’s contract is now saying that Ozil isn’t trying because he’s in the comfort zone because of his inflated contract that Wenger himself signed off!!
Are you actually deliberately trolling now?
You have to be.
Trolie George or Charlie Chuckle, both as fitting as your comments on here.
I don’t know why they’re saying the advantage is now with Bayern?
On the contrary; no away goals conceded and at 0 – 0 at half time and with Klopp’s German experience,
Advantage Liverpool.
benny
Yea, it’s advantage Liverpool with the away goal rule.
I recall one season when Fergie’s United got a goalless draw against a galatico-laden Real Madrid at the Bernabéu .
The second leg, Madrid tore them apart 3-0 at OT.
Charlie George
Do you think Wenger left Arsenal in a good place?
Remember he was still publicly saying in 2017, that it was ideal for players to run down their contracts
. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-ars-wenger/players-running-down-contracts-will-become-a-norm-says-wenger-idUKKBN1AG0ZY
@Pedro,
As I said Bruno Genesio can set very good tactical plan, but he can also suffer from brain fart. Initial setup was good, but changing Traoré for Tousart was a strange one.
At least PSG and Lyon are showing that Ligue 1 have good, disciplined players. With Guendouzi excelling, there is obviously some cheap, decent U23 players there.
Not sure why everyone brings up Wenger shagging around. He’s French, it’s in the blood
@ Danny
A LOT of us here were calling for it.
Renember gnabry in 2014 vs Spurs when we won 2 0
Guy was giving Rose (i think ) an absolute nightmare.
Shocking to think Campbell (no offence to him) had more of a chance to shine than him
Valentin, France is where the value is at these days… and the best talent.
Dissenter. “Do you think Wenger left Arsenal in a good place?” Yes. Yes & Yes. You have to try and see the bigger picture. When He arrived in 1998 – Arsenal were a big club- he departed in 2018 Arsenal were a mega club. Huge here on the African continent. From Algeria to Zimbabwe. He is Adored I’ll be honest- he used to drive me potty- with his his tactics or lack of them . But you can’t beat class. He is the most polished and most respected man we will ever get as figure head at our great club..… Read more »
Na it’s advantage Bayern, home support behind them they’ll more than fancy putting Liverpool to the sword.
And most of that talent resides in Lyon barring Pepe and the PSG elite.
Gnabry was fast, direct and immensely powerful. Was it Schalke he debuted against and gave the ball away for a goal instantly?
Regardless, he looked better than Theo early on.
Everyone can now see Iwobi is twice the player Gnarby will ever be.
Wonderful decision selling him for 5m after letting Pulis loose on him. He isn’t fit to lace Iwobi’s boots.
Told you this CG thing is on a mission from the untold Wenger cult
Valentin
Lyon kind of dominated the first half but couldn’t see the ball in the second one, which explains why Tousart came in for Traoré.
Disappointed with Lyon tonight but their best player Fekir wasn’t playing, so they can still hope for a positive result in the second leg given their average overall performance.
Charlie George
Very well. We aren’t gonna agree on this one.
Wenger was exceptionally great the first decade, progressive declined on the above average range from 2007-2011 and was average thereafter. He kept us at 25km/hr when our rivals were moving at 60km/hr.
He was a slow growing abscess that only burst open in the last 3 years when he was just running in fumes.
I think he undid most of the advantages that he helped confer on Arsenal by blocking reform in the club and overstaying his welcome.
Cheers. Thanks for being candid. That’s what I admire about you.
Dissenter I am not Saying Wenger is perfect far from it. And in an ideal world – he should nt even be needed back at the club. But we are in such a mess. And there is no sign of anything improving under the Raul/Emery duopoly. Having Wenger back would not be the worst of outcomes in my opinion as DoF With Vieira as manager. How people think Emery and Raul are going to get us back to anywhere near the top – is one of life mysteries to me.. Your choice now for next season.. Wenger/Vieira or Raul/ Emery… Read more »
Your choice now for next season..
Wenger/Vieira or
Raul/ Emery ?
_________
Hahahahaha I must be reading the wrong blog.. Pedro has been beating the drum for a young energetic fresh vibe around the Club. And you think we should bring in a decrepit… Old Wenger who ran out of footballing ideas .. a decade ago… as director of Football?
The same guy only 2 seasons ago when we needed a refresh… brought in Petr Cech and Elneny as our top, top quality. Dude you have now taken over as top troll – Sorry Red you have been replaced..
“””we should bring in a decrepit… Old Wenger who ran out of footballing ideas .. a decade ago… as director of Football?”””
Well apparently the richest club on the planet -PSG want him as their DoF?
I am sure they could get all these bright young things, PedRo expertly brings to our attention….
Lol PSG should definitely get him so we can buy Mbappe off of them.. dream scenario for us.
Would really appreciate participation and as many retweet as possible for my latest Twitter poll Pedro, Grovers:
“Should Arsene Wenger return to Arsenal as our Director of Football? Please Retweet! Thanks.
Yes! No questions asked
Yes, with restrictions
No, look forward not back
No, are you kidding me??
#Wenger #Arsenal #AFC #Gunners #Gooners #GoonerFamily #COYG #Emirates #PremierLeague #Football #Legend #Invincibles”
https://twitter.com/BennydevitoBen/status/1098031200906735616?s=19
CG, there isn’t a DoF role going at Arsenal.
If it’s for the Technical Director role, Wenger already failed miserable at that.
You need to have a grasp on the modern game to step anywhere near that role. You need to respect innovation, be able to compute other folk and their opinions, you need to be open to new ideas, technology and ways of working and whoever it is needs proof points they are a forward thinker.
Wenger will never be something like that, unless the role is ceremonial.
He’s absolutely finished at the top level.
Charlie George
What will we be appointing Wenger do as technical director?
To arrange cones or direct traffic?
Boom!
Well said Pedro, absolutely brutal but true.
Renders my poll null and void but will still be interesting to gain the legacy feeling Wenger has left behind.
Incidentally, what is the difference between a DOF and a TD?
Would one be in charge of the other? Who’s our DOF, Raul?
benny
‘Incidentally, what is the difference between a DOF and a TD?”
This is the point I’ve been making about all the big names being dropped around.
Raul is the DoF extraordinaire, a director of football with 100% executive powers.
Who ever gets appointed and “technical director” has to work under him as a quasi-assistant DoF
Forget the damn titles?
Guys, guys, guys
‘Pedro is such a liar about Ramsey’
Wenger:
“In the case of Ramsey, it’s not a question at all of [running down his] contract, not at all,”
“I think it was not a financial situation and not a desire of the player to leave. But, as long as I was there, I was convinced that the player would stay.
“What happened after, I don’t know. It was not a financial problem, not a desire to leave problem.”
Pedro
Wenger’s convictions have been flawed for a while
Don’t forget he was asserting that it would be commonplace form players everywhere tom run down their contracts up to 2017.
Don’t forget he was convinced that Sanchez and Oxlade would stay until the very end.
Not sure that this Wenger quote changes anything tbh
****Why are my posts in moderation?
Dissenter, sadly my source isn’t Wenger.
I do agree that the football has been poor but regarding expectations, we are up there where we want to be. Before the season, we said top 4 would be a miracle, but now everyone is pretending like we were entitled to 4th but utd and chelsea have snuck in, it’s quite the opposite really. Still a fair portion of the season to go. I think the direction the club are heading in is to get in a few young talents whilst also adding in experienced heads. Which is actually quite a decent plan. We can’t find every player in… Read more »
guys are we quoting Wenger now ? I would take what he says with a pinch of salt. He WAS a good manager who couldn’t adapt to the new ways. Kind of like the Ned stark of GoT. Gets killed in the first season cause he couldn’t adapt to the game. (spoilers)
Yep Gonsterous.. Sadly Wenger is like the ghost of Christmas past that will be lingering a long time.. I personally would like to build a wall around the Emirates to keep Wenger out and make Man. United pay for it.
But I suppose … it would be ok for him to come back for some kind of reunion situation where he wanders onto the pitch and waves at the crowd… but only years from now.. many years.
Pedro,
It did seem you were quoting Wenger to buttress your earlier assertions.
benny
I don’t tweet. I don’t facebook either.
So going to do this the old fashioned way.
Answer is No and No.
Mainly for Valentin but anyone else who cares to chime in as well. Since France is the hot spot and we have a rather good relationship with Lorient, has anyone checked out Guen’s old pal, Alexis Claude Maurice, lately? Like the kid’s game a lot. Seems to be coming into his own this season, minus a little injury hiccup, be a nice replacement for Welbz’s spot, I feel. I wouldn’t mind trying to get our hands on Ponceau either. If the board truly sees this as a multi year, long term rebuild, these are the types of signings we should… Read more »
@Zimmie,
I have seen play Alexis Claude Maurice only once and that was half a game, so I can’t really judge. He looked skinny and maybe an inferior version of Nkethia.
However as Pedro said in the great post about RB and their DoF, this is the kind of signing we should go after. Young skillful, hungry, with bags of potential. In contrast I saw that again we were linked with Ever Banega, and if this is true, then it is very disappointing.
Charlie George It is laughable( idiotic would be a better word) that you think bringing back Arsene Wenger as DOF would benefit the club. This is wrong on so many levels and the fact you can’t see this as being a good idea, shows your total lack of knowledge and understanding of the club in general and exactly where we stand at this moment in time. Reading your daily “Emery out” posts and your perceptions of what you feel is beneficial for AFC makes me wonder where you’ve been hiding these past ten years. If you seriously think this would… Read more »
Top 4? Was a distant pipe dream for us at the beginning of the season, then the injuries began and kept coming – not just because of double sessions, but because Emery had to keep playing the few players remotely capable of winning enough games to get CL qualification. Ozil kept faithfully promising he was behind the team and wanting to fight for his place, which turned out to be Ozil Groundhog Days (learnt from Wenger) of going missing most games and hitting his heights for 1 game in 15: Leicester being the last one. Ramsey kept doing just enough… Read more »
bad not good.
Graham – sorry for the negatives, but that’s just how I see it unless we experience a miracle or an act of god to help Emery who looks utterly lost and forlorn on the touchline.
Tony
That’s not being negative, that’s being realistic.
I also feel the same. Can’t see us finishing ahead of MU (Chelski maybe). No way will we win the Europa League. Bloody hell, I’ll be happy just to get through to the next round.
Your take on Mkhitaryan and Iwobi is spot on, as are your views on Emery.
Would be a “miracle or an act of God” if we qualified top 4 or won the EL.
Will get my prayer mat out later.
Still fancy Liverpool to get through against BM, especially with VVD back in the team.
Lyon also still in it against Barcelona.
MC should have no trouble against Schalke.
AM v Juve will be interesting.
Just thinking about a possible swap deal involving Icardi. I don’t actually want him. More trouble than he’s worth outside his actual football. But those issues probably drive his value down and put off most other clubs. Inter want close to his buyout 120m, lol. But at the same time they are saying they want him and his wife to shut up. Erm… Cant have it both ways. If you dont like what he says then sell him. I wouldn’t spend any of our limited transfer budget on him. Especially as that is not an area we need. But just… Read more »
New post.
Last!
😎