The kids are alright, but is that enough?

by .

Hosting is the worst thing you can possibly be asked to do. I had to chef a BBQ in 38 degree heat, no wind and no skill. I didn’t feel like a man. I felt like a fireman pulling burnt people out of a pit of hell. I had a flame rash across my chest this morning.  Then to make matters worse, everyone stays after and drinks all you booze. I didn’t buy 20 bottles of fine spirit to share with people. I bought it because it looks pretty. People are simply atrocious.

I did catch some of the game yesterday. Again, I don’t want to get too deep into the preseason nonsense because who the fuck knows what’s going to show up for the Newcastle game.

However, we can distil the last month into three areas:

  • The young players are making a case
  • The defence looks really bad
  • Will a winger make us better defensively because we appear to be banking a lot on that notion

Mr Willock put in another shift. He’s a very interesting player. There’s no fear in his game, he finds the right spaces, he’s a pretty good passer of the ball and he has an uncanny knack of getting into goalscoring positions (Freddie-ish, of course). Sure, his finishing is offbeat at the minute, but remember, the art is finding positions and good timing, scoring comes with age.

I thought Reiss Nelson looked on a mission yesterday. The most notable feature of his game is the pace he offers. We really lacked any sort of power moving foward last year. Auba is fast, but he’s kind of blunted as he’s the only player that can move at speed. Also, most of his goals come from 8 yards and closer. Auba at his peak was playing alongside Dembele, out of his 30 odd goals that season, most were a result of him getting to the 6 yard line fastest.

Back to Reiss, even if he’s green, he poses a different type of threat. Will a junior player with power and pace offer more than a senior player like Iwobi who has neither?

That’s part of the big debate my friends… a debate you can have in our comments section.

The other big news story was that Mustafi was booed.

Look, I’m all for virtue signalling that this is unacceptable… but I also don’t give a rats arse. If he were a Liverpool player he’d have 10 caravans in his front garden. If this were Madrid, they’d mail a pigs head to his home and harass him on the street.

Mustafi should be nowhere near the first team next year and him hanging onto a contract he ‘loves’ should not be a joyful experience. It is not my job to care about the retirement fund of someone that is bad at their job.

Fans taking action is fine by me. I’m sure Emery was secretly fist-bumping. Anyone who is crying about this won’t be when he’s using his hands to defend a pass from his own teammate against Liverpool in a few weeks.

There are rumblings that PSG are in for Pepe. I’m calm about it. The player wants to go to the bright lights of the greatest league in the world. Go to PSG and be a number, go to Arsenal and follow in the footsteps of African GIANTS of the game. Arsenal, despite its problems, is probably the best move for a player of 24 that wants to make a statement.

I am still a touch bothered about the lack of interest from other clubs. Notably, because the players relatives are working the deal. Is this a ‘hot goods’ deal’? Part of the intrigue of this deal is if it were a Wenger regime, we’d not be doing business. The worry is we go too far the other way and we’re facing a ban in 5 years time because we built his family a castle back in the Ivory Coast.

But again, my ethics go out the window when there’s an elite wide player with a super cool Adidas launch video incoming.

I’m done for the day, come into the comments and ask me about how I barbequed the shit out of a spicy Italian sausage… and won.

Also, listen to the below podcast. It’s a fucking banger about Arsenal vs United. It’s so well produced. Well played Team Mundial.

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Wasi

CC Pure Ozil is gold dust and to turn him on youll need Cazorla. And in Cabellos we have a player who really resembles Cazorla. Khedira is like an old Xhaka with worse passing. Remember leicester’s title winning season. We were comfortably sitting on the top of the division. Ozil was on course to win the PL player of the year and we were going to win the title. But it all went down after Santi’s injury.He was our batman, you could even say our main man. Complete central midfielder. Cazorla was the man who brought the best Ozil out… Read more »

Champagne charlie

“We shouldn’t need to sign an over the hill midfielder to motivate someone who is on £350k pw to play football.“ That wouldn’t be the primary function of loaning Khedira. If we go down that route it’s firstly because he’s experienced cover (debate that freely), but I’m saying if he also serves to bring Ozil onside then that’s only a plus and gives more merit to the move. Also, motivation is relative. 350k is a lot to you, but Ozil isn’t losing sleep over it at 30 years of age having earned top dollar since 19. He needs more finesse… Read more »

SUGA3

Un na,

I do! Sometimes a video can spare me a lot of typing…

That other video was a bit of a truth bomb. Also showing a few things in one go.

Un na naai

Talking of looking older, bielik looks 30.

Un na naai

Suga

100% mate. Right on the button that was. Very clever bit of satire. I sent that one round to the boys straight away. Keep dropping them bombs 💣

Champagne charlie

“Didn’t you watch him vs Leicester before Xmas
What more do you want from him?“

Uhm, more than an inspired 90 mins for the season? Do you think Ozil was good last year for Emery? It clearly was a standoff.

If Ozil played to his potential he’s dropping 20 assists for the frontline we have now. Did he do that last season? No, he got about 3 assists and we had the PL golden boot winner.

þorkell einarsson

I wish that fans lay off Jenkinson, he is limited for sure but if he
works on his crosses he will become an asset, even Bellerin has faults
but as an employee Jenks is as good as they get ..

Wasi

CG
i would like to know how old Diego costa is ?

Receding Hairline

350k a week i would say is enough motivation for a 30 year old footballer to do his job. He already has a friend at the club willing o fight off knife attackers with is bare hands for him what else does he need. He is supposed to be one of the leaders of this team not the led.

Un na naai

Cc Yes Motivation is relative I agree but he’s paid that money to produce. Not to play fortnight or whatever it’s called. It’s a sorry state of affairs if the arrival of his best mate on the bench all of a sudden inspires a guy to do what he’s being paid £350k pw to do. If his performance levels immediately rise then it indicates he could have motivated himslef all along but was just acting like a spoiled child when thousands or millions of fans demand more from the guy. People who pay their season tickets season I’m season out,… Read more »

Wasi

einarsson
Id rather start Jenks against Newcastle if AMN continues his downfall.
He should be taking an example from TAA. He was in a similar situation like AMN. Wanted to play midfield, klopp thought RB would suit him and he played there happily and made the position his own.
Amn has all the physical qualities just needs to get his head down .

James.wood

I thought Khedira had retired.?😂

Graham62

Paulinho

I’m sorry but how can Pepe remind you of Mahrez?

That’s like saying Batman reminds you of Spider-Man.

Un na naai

Cc

Tongue firmly in cheek there pal on the Leicester performance 😜

CG

Wasi

He Does Look Old. Does the craggy Diego.
What a player, mind ….

4 Goals and A red Card in a friendly against your bitter Rivals…..THATS REAL SAUCE

Well observed

(We should get him on Loan not Ceballos.)

I would not Trust Torreiras passport too much either

The way he performs in the late stages of a match..
He is going on More 34 than 24.

Receding Hairline

Khedira will offer us nothing and his name coming up at this point upsets me honestly. If we want a freebie bring in Dani Alves.

We should be wrapping up the deal for Tierney (or his alternative seeing how tasty our alternatives have turned out to be) and then look for a defender of sought to bring in

T

mcguire is certainly no better than socratis. and nowhere near the level of VVD and laporte. if anyone pays over 30m£ for him I will lol around so hard I will probably need medical attention 😀 😀

Bob N16

Both superheroes Graham!

Receding Hairline

“Yes Motivation is relative I agree but he’s paid that money to produce. Not to play fortnight or whatever it’s called. It’s a sorry state of affairs if the arrival of his best mate on the bench all of a sudden inspires a guy to do what he’s being paid £350k pw to do. If his performance levels immediately rise then it indicates he could have motivated himslef all along but was just acting like a spoiled child when thousands or millions of fans demand more from the guy. People who pay their season tickets season I’m season out, who… Read more »

Un na naai

Graham

They are both cool super dudes who jump off buildings, make sweet technological suit enhancements, highky intelligent, kick the shit out of people and nail fit birds
And name themselves after animals

Yeah they are chalk and cheese

Un na naai

I think we are all forgetting that AMN is not a full back and has performed admirably there for a young player who’s not suited to the role (even at youth level) and has barley played any senior football. Full back maybe considered the “easiest” position but you’re always up against the oppositions best players in the modern systems. Give the kid a break Also I think he’s done rather well there at times Get him into his preferred positions and then you can truly judge him. Medly was playing right wing how competent would you expect him to be?… Read more »

Paulinho

Graham – Both left footers that play on the right and like cutting in. Both can score goals, and both can dribble in the final third.

Can’t really get any more obvious.

WengerEagle

Willock and Nelson particularly looked very bright yesterday.

Was taken aback by Nelson especially because he was basically described as Walcott without pace on here.

Un na naai

Graham

Pepe is bigger and I’d say trickier. But they have more similarities than differences

Paulinho

The arrival of Pepe and Ceballos is great because it means less of Ozil, and also show further how utterly lacking he is (as if further evidence was needed).

WengerEagle

Yeah Pepe-Mahrez is an apt comparison although Pepe looks much quicker with Mahrez edging it technically.

Un na naai

Eagle

Yeah they tend to do that. Just constantly belittling the youngsters so they get their new toy.
Most can’t see the wood for the trees though then backtrack immediately or double down and look even more stupid

Mr Serge

Not ashamed to say I was one of the guys that booed Mustafi and I will do very home match he plays

Un na naai

Paulinho

He may just step it up though. He does seem to have his tail up recently despite the attack this week. Not sure I recall him looking so cheerful for so long. Maybe it is the new haircut or he’s got a girlfriend

Wasi

Un na
What do you think Amn’s best position is? He is not a winger and he wont get any game time in midfield. Where do u want him to play?

WengerEagle

Unn

In all fairness we’ve produced absolute shite since Bellerin and Wilshere before him.

Iwobi is as close as we’ve gotten to a serviceable player and he’s largely useless over the course of a season.

Nelson looks like he has something about him. Probably needs another year and some of the stuff coming out about his attitude at Hoffenheim was worrying but he looked brilliant yesterday. First player I’ve seen in an Arsenal shirt in a long time that looked like he had the beating of his fullback every time he received the ball.

Un na naai

He says he’s a winger. I don’t think he’s got the skill set to excel there st a club like arsenal but I think he’s got enough in his locker to play midfield. I’d try him there and see how he gets on in cup games and if it doesn’t work then he’s £10-£15m good to go

WengerEagle

AMN’s best position?

The bench.

WengerEagle

Mancs will probably get Maguire, not sure 80m would be a great deal mind considering he’s already 26.

Un na naai

Eagle

Yes we have but if somebody’s default position is to write off a promising young player automatically without actually watching and assessing his game and allowing him to develop rather than basing it on the last few who didn’t cut it then a bit thick isn’t it? Watch the lad. Let him grow. Let him learn, gain some confidence. Then assess him. Too much is expected too soon of young players these days.

WengerEagle

Juve got 19 year old De Ligt for 65m.

Un na naai

Eagle

Maybe
But again let’s see him given a go and then judge. Not shunted our to right back against the best wingers in Europe

Paulinho

Unai – I said at the end of the season fans would come out with the “Ozil looks rejuvenated” talk, and surprise, surprise, we are getting it.

Emery is fazing him out nicely. Ceballos is the profile of player we need behind that front three -showing for the ball, and providing some bite in midfield, and I can’t see where Ozil fits in.

He’ll get games and maybe we will get more out of him using him more sparingly in the lesser matches.

Un na naai

Nelson looks like he has something about him. Probably needs another year and some of the stuff coming out about his attitude at Hoffenheim was worrying but he looked brilliant yesterday. First player I’ve seen in an Arsenal shirt in a long time that looked like he had the beating of his fullback every time he received the ball.

Eagle
Saka looks like he’s going to be quality.

Mysticleaves

“if anyone pays over 30m£ for him I will lol around so hard I will probably need medical attention 😀 😀”

😂😂😂😂 Best post of the day going?

Un na naai

Paulinho

I never said he looks rejuvenated I said his tail is up. I’m not holding any hope at all but he may surprise us.
Stranger things and all that

Paulinho

Unai – A lot of other fans have. Spring in his step and all that jazz.

Just hope Emery doesn’t fall for it, and we don’t see him in a single away game.

I can see him, Ceballos and Pepe playing some nice stuff at the Emirates though.

Mysticleaves

“Unai – I said at the end of the season fans would come out with the “Ozil looks rejuvenated” talk, and surprise, surprise, we are getting it.” Tor but it’s true na. We say what we see. There has to be some optimism for players of your club surely. Every Arsenal fan’s desire should be for Ozil to do well, not so? UNN I saw your post about Willock. Me, you and Valentin have been banging that drum for a fair while now. He’s absolutely ready to contribute to the first team. No need for El Neny again. Also if… Read more »

Un na naai

Mystic

You’ve got the eye mate. You’ve got the eye

T

Mysticleaves

if pepe deal goes through I wouldnt be surprised if Iwobi is sold for a tidy sum of money in the next few weeks.

The player himself has said in recent weaks that if a high calibre winger is brought in he might have to look for regular starting place elsewhere.

Graham62

Bob and Un na

Had a good chuckle with your responses.

By the way a quick biology lesson for you, a spider is not an animal.

Oh yeh, and to state the bleeding obvious, Pepe and Mahrez are both professional footballers and are both wingers.

Styles, attributes and physicalities not comparable.

Whatever, getting Pepe on board would be a marvellous positive for everyone concerned with AFC.

Un na naai

By the way a quick biology lesson for you, a spider is not an animal.

Graham

Yeah I was thinking that as I typed it but was struggling at that point

Paulinho

Graham – Yes, they are comparable, and you’re the only prat that can’t see it.

Graham62

Except CG that is.

SUGA3

I think it is a shame that Bielik has not got a run out during the preseason. Would do a lot better than Mustafi.

Ceballos was the shit at the U21 World Cup and everyone is jizzing their pants. Bielik was instrumental in Poland doing pretty well, orchestrated the back four well and I think he should be given a chance. He can be an absolute unit.

Wasi

un na AMN probably even doesnt know his best position himself. Under Wenger he wanted to play midfield ,under Emery he wants to play winger but with his skillsket i think he is best suited at Wingback and can develop into a fullback if he can learn the defensive side of the game. Ill say again. We dont need to look far. TAA is a brilliant example. Both players started out as midfielders. Both young , possess good pace and athleticism. Amn probably the stronger of the two. Both players Calm in possession. Coaches wanting them to play RB. One… Read more »

Bob N16

A spider is not part of the animal kingdom Graham, your not saying it’s a plant are you? Who knew?

Wasi

Suga3
I think Raul might be trying to sell him off for some quids as his stock has never been better. Might help to sweeten the Tierney deal later in the window and/or if we try to sign a CB.

Un na naai

As it turns out spiders are animals!! Just checked it. They aren’t mammals they are arachnids.

Was thinking as I typed it is a slider an animal but as I said was struggling so in it went

Graham62

Paulinho

Thanks for valued insight.

Graham62

Stand corrected.

Paulinho

Graham – The irony of course being I went into more detail than you.

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Dismal

You must be under the moon with the Pepe signing?

CG

Graham “”””Except CG that is.'”””” Pepe is an exciting prospect undoubtedly He ain’t 80million, though. Utter Folly to pay that much for a player on his 5th club and who has never played in the Prem….actually financial suicide in the long run… We need defenders And We should persist with the likes of Nelson/ESR , anyway. (Most on here are like Kids in a Candy Store with new signings..) There might just be a reason why only Napoli were allegedly after him and not The Real Big Boys . And If Everton or Chelsea get Zaha for less money than… Read more »

CG

And he looks older than 24!

Wasi

CG If you cant excited about a 24 year old elite winger with 30+ goal contributions idk what u want .A winger is high on the priority list and Pepe is an ideal solution. You dont do better than that. How many players you think are on the market and better than Pepe? Zaha- on the market but not as good as pepe everton- on the market not as good as pepe Sane-could be on the move but city wouldnt sell to a domestic rival . Fraser- not even half as good as pepe These are the ones we have… Read more »

Silverhawk

Wasi

Don’t feed the troll!

Graham62

We won’t need to defend!

You never know, calamitous Mustafi may start to relax knowing that the opposition will be preoccupied with Pepe.

Oh look, there’s a pig flying over my house.

CG

Wasi Love your Passion. A welcome addition to Le Grove. (You seem a wonderful chap.) If the name of The Game is to try and win The league- we need defenders and a right back for cover for Hector. If the name of the game is to just to be frivolous then buying frivolous players. Page 4 of soccer management ( Volume 1) Build from The Back. Think Cloughie Shilton Kenny Burns Larry Lloyd… Frank Clark Think George Graham Adams Bould Dixon Winterburn Pepe dont really improve us ( it might excite us) Maguire improve us. And that is as… Read more »

Redtruth

“Think Cloughie Shilton
Kenny Burns
Larry Lloyd…
Frank Clark
Think George Graham Adams
Bould
Dixon
Winterburn”

All those players would struggle in today’s game.
For a start ths tackle from behind is banned and the new offside rule would tie them in knots.

Redtruth

The weak link is in midfield of which Xhaka typifies.
Clueless and clumsy spring to mind

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

I have a theory that dismal (CG)

Is in fact one of the two guys who fun untold arsenal

He is anti anything the new team do, still pines for wenger,

Marc

RSPC

I said that a couple of weeks ago. I keep pointing out that Pedro’s being trolled by another website but in what is a strange twist of events Pedro’s opinions are now more aligned with Untold than what he was so vocal about for so long.

I just hope we don’t find ourselves on Le Seven Sister’s any time soon.

Guns of Hackney

Lolz Tiny little backtrack on the fireworks of the OMFG we signed Pepe headline. PSG are in? Ask yourself this: Do you want to play for the best team in france, win the league and the cups and compete in the CL every season or play for the sixth best team in England with no trophies and no CL. PSG can pay more and offer more. Personally, you don’t go to the graveyard, Arsenal do you? Until Pepe is lining up for Arsenal, it isn’t done. It’s also relevant that no top clubs were in for him. Like Auba…no one… Read more »

Marc

Hackney

Remind me who won the Golden Boot last season?

Guns of Hackney

Marc

Arguero, Kane and Auba.

Shared…like a whore at a frat party.

Doesn’t count.

It must be won outright to count.

Thomas

So how good is Pepe at playing CB?

Marc

Hackney

Well you got one name right do you want to try again.

Just a small lesson in life if you’re going to be condescending when quoting facts – get them right.

Thomas

Maitland-Niles best position is in the stands.

Guns of Hackney

Thomas Apparently Pepe is an amazing defensive genius who can instantly save us 60 goals a season. This is why people getting wet over Pepe are misguided. Will he score 50 goals? No. Will he set up 20 goals? No. My prediction IF he actually signs is this: 1. Scores 3-5 and assists 3-5 goals. Is deemed an okay return for first season but in reality a £75m player should be blowing it out of the water. 2. Crashes harder than a Le Grove keyboard warrior at a ‘models only’ party (GOH excluded because I am a massive hit with… Read more »

Guns of Hackney

Marc

Obviously I don’t follow football. I support Arsenal.

Marc

Hackney

Anyone who decides to move up north and likes it is clearly mentally challenged.

I should probably be kinder to you.

Pierre

Marc
You really do need to stop your trolling , it is becoming rather tedious…

Guns of Hackney

Marc

Midlands.

Also, I wouldn’t move back to London if you paid me. I went back on Saturday to see friends. Jesus. Upper Street was utterly repellent.

If I had a jet and napalm…

CG

GUNS of H
Bang on the money.

One clean sheet away from home last season( 10 man Watford)

Last game of last season ( shipped in 4 in 45 in Baku)

Mustafi getting pelters
Hector and Holding Crock
Kos on strike
Chambers Relagation scar tissue
Cech retired

And we spend £80 000 000 on a one season wonder who plays on the Wing….

And The Delinquents on here have faith in Vinny and The Spiv..

Mmmm…..

Crimson

Thomas.
Ainsleys best position is central midfielder, he is very good at getting out of situations. Laxidasical in his demnour at times but he has a skill set that the squad needs. Passing and defending could improve. But he is quality and can only get better!
Don’t dismiss him
Fuck spurs

Redtruth

Has Pepe Le Pew signed yet.

Marc

Pierre

You didn’t add your link fuckwit.

You are one of the most pathetic individuals on here, incapable of an original thought. Valentin called me a troll earlier and couldn’t back it up – I’m guessing you couldn’t back up a Ford Escort.

Guns of Hackney

CG

It appears we haven’t actually spent it or bought him.

Pierre

RSPCA
“Is in fact one of the two guys who run untold arsenalHe is anti anything the new team do, still pines for wenger”

Actually , they support the manager ( whoever he is) , more fool them………but don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story eh.

Chika

”Partizan Belgrade are reportedly negotiating with Arsenal to take Takuma Asano on a year loan with an option to buy.”

Let the purge continue.

CG

Blessing in disguise if we dont get pepe

His spivvy agents are milking the latest mugs, probably.

We have some talented youngsters
And they happen to be wingers.

Here is an idea.

How about play them in the Prem.
Not loan them
Not flog them
Play them.

Or scrap the whole youth set up.
Save a fortune, methinks

Marc

Chika

I think once Sanllehi has got all of the incomings done – he’s obviously time limited on that to the 8th and can get to work on the outgoings we’ll managed to shift on some dross.

Chika

Marc

I quite agree with you. I can’t wait to see the back of certain players clogging up the place and offering fuck all. I’m looking at you Elneny!

Ghana

Pepe age is if concern. 24 legally but his face is that of 28. Well. Where was he born?

Crimson

Hola Pedro. There needs to be a massive cull on your site.
Debate is brilliant but some people are just pointless and poison.

Chika

Here’s hoping Ceballos adapts quickly and proves to be a solid addition. He has the qualities to make a huge impact. Our transition of play is really lethargic.

Valentin

Marc,

I accused you of lying. You asked show me which comment. It was not very difficult, I just pointed to your last comment.
Could not come back from that one, so you just throw more insult.
Like you do when somebody disagree with you and you have no valid argument to counter their position.
Calling you a troll really get under your skin, because deep down you know you are just a sad xenophobic troll.

Marc

Chika

The biggest question marks are over Mustafi and Miki. I think we’re stuck with Ozil no matter what.

I’d be happy to see Elneny stay if it meant getting rid of Ozil, Miki and Mustafi. If it meant getting rid of Xhaka I’d give Elneny a raise!

CG

As always very selective Walt.

The players are Dross
But management ain’t.

No surprise though
Speaks the most inexperienced, naive, gullible mid 40′ s man I know.

The Le Groves Resident Drama Queen.

Guns of Hackney

£15m on a player was cant keep.
£72m on a player we haven’t signed.

£90m on two players we don’t actually need.

Arsenal need a few Diesel engines, not Ferrari’s. We need to stabilise the club. Buying these toys are for when you have a winning machine and just need a cheeky top up every now and again.

I’m not against Pepe. He could be great and is, on paper, exciting. However, like the Ozil signing…utterly pointless and not what AFC needed.

Chika

Ghana

“Pepe age is if concern. 24 legally but his face is that of 28. Well. Where was he born?”

Charly, would you prefer Walcott? He still looks 22. 😀

Redtruth

Arsenal won’t be hurting the Man City’s and Real Madrid’s of this world by signing Diesel engines lol lol lol

Guns of Hackney

Pepe is french but played for Ivory Coast.

Anyway, the whole African age thing doesn’t relate to Ivorians. This issue was mostly with Nigerians, Kenyans and Ethiopians. It started with their track athletes.