Alex Songification of Torreira + Mustafi chooses reserves

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Well, here we are, another day in Mustafi paradise.

The German didn’t move on. Juventus pondered a move and thought better.

I’m deeply disappointed, not from a footballing perspective, but from a personal one.

How can a young man have so little faith in their own ability to get their game back on track?

He’s basically blackballed himself. He’s sat and stayed for the money because he loves his contract. He’ll rot in our reserves, he’ll become irrelevant, then when the time comes for a new deal, he’ll have to pick up a lower-paying deal because everyone will know he’s a mercenary.

Football is a short career, play it.

We did manage to move on Mikhi. I thought he’d be a good signing, he wasn’t, he was a terrible move made under extreme duress in one of the worst deals of all time for both clubs involved.

I’m reading a book called Football Hackers, they have a bit of a thing for that time Klopp went down the pan in his last season at Dortmund. The gist was that he was just really unlucky, and xG numbers pointed that out. Colin Trainor went deeper, he pointed out some of the additional elements that factored in the failings… one of them was the quality of shots they were making. Mikhi being the main culprit for having a lot of shots of low quality… 34 returning zero goals.

The second, more interesting decline in Dortmund was the amount of defensive actions taken in the opposition half. Basically, good pressing. Mikhi’s contribution halved in a season.

Now, I know he went on to have a great season under Tuchel, so I did wonder if he’s just very affected by who is managing him and how. Or, he could just have had one really great season and never been able to repeat it.

I hope he finds something in Roma, because he really has looked finished for a while.

GREAT NEWS is this: He’s left an opening for Reiss, Gabriel, Saka OR ESR (who was called up to the first team). I know getting overly excited about upcoming talent is a bad thing, but come on, there’s a one in four chance of success here. I know they don’t all play Mikhi’s position, but there’s literally no senior cover out wide now. Get the kids in, let’s see what they can do… there’s no better position to test your mettle. I really, REALLY, hope one of the cuts the mustard.

Nacho has properly gone. I shed a tear. But one laced with joy. He was a great servant to the club. He’s a bit like Sagna for me, too good for the managers he’s played under. I wish him the best of luck in Spain, where he said he went to be with his family… god damn it, I’m welling up again.

Icardi moved to PSG. Be interesting to see how he gets on there, a proper tasty striker in my opinion. Now under the stuttering Thomas Tuchel. I have to say, I’m not sure what the fuck PSG have been up to this summer, it looks like Ed Woodward has been advising their transfers strategy, some real bland players entering the fray.

I saw that Frimpong moved to Celtic… then realised that there is more than one Frimpong in the world.

DENCH.

Remember when saying that to Arsenal fans was cool? Arsenal’s equivalent of WAASSSSSUPPPPP. Now it’s just, you know, lame.

Debate continued to roar after the Spurs game. I was very pleased to see The Daily Mail, Sky, and The Times gun for Harry Kane and his despicable cheating. He is English and he’s a disgrace. Someone needs to pull him to one side and tell him that what he did wasn’t shielding the ball, it was angling for a penalty. At least the refs are onto him.

I didn’t give Bernd Leno much of a grilling yesterday, so it feels fair that I give him one today.

He really needs to get his act together. Last season he made 5 errors that led to goals (joint worst in the league), this season, he’s already made two. That limp wrist wasn’t good. His overall performance was jittery. He needs to take a valium and calm down or the HUGE Matt Macey will have to step in and show him what keeping is all about. I hear he’s growing a ‘safe hands’ moustache to intimidate Bernd. I don’t condone it, but you do what you have to do to win in war.

Another point I missed was the Alex-Songification of Torreira. What is the obsession with making defensive midfielders play in more attacking roles? I don’t think it suits his game and I think it’s a bad idea. I know he can move the ball nicely, but there’s a very big difference between a cute 10-yard pass at the base of midfield to trying to be decisive in the opposition penalty box.

I also read that Joe Willock is injured. Could be why he was dropped yesterday, maybe he had an issue in the warm-up?

MATTEO. I watched that goal back again and it’s so good, I feel like I should be watching it at home locked in a bedroom. David Luiz, his hair spirit animal, had this to say.

“He’s a youngster with a lot of talent. He’s young but he’s a great player… He’s going to do great things not just for Arsenal, for France, but for the world.”

FOR THE WORLD INDEED, FAM!

Right, on that note, I’ll ask you to listen to my solo podcast about the meaning of dairy-free life… there’s a bit on Arsenal as well.

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Just Another Customer

Whatever he wants to do it still doesn’t bear fruit yet but after one season the main objective of being tighter at the back has failed. The transition from back to front has improved although stilted when facing high press. He’ll be gone soon maybe before next transfer window if things stay stagnant or worsen.

Words on a Blog

Hillwood/Olumide, No I don’t think he can win us the Premiership over the next couple of years. Even with a “saucier” manager, that will still need more money and a deeper squad. What he (together with the Raul/ Edu / Freddie etc setup) can do (but may fail to do) is: Improve us so that we are a comfortable third, ahead of Totts, Manu, Chelsea and the rest of the pack. Integrate 2-3 young players per season into the first team squad. (eventually) develop a distinctive but tactically flexible style. People weren’t happy with the match against Spuds, but other… Read more »

Bill

Good observation about Torreira mutating in the same way as Song.

Champagne charlie

“As for Emery, my mind was made up away at Wolves last season and nothing I’ve seen this season has changed it, rather confirmed it” Yea I’m going to have to disagree with that, you didn’t know which way you were facing at times last season with Emery. One day you wanted him out and the next you were defending him and calling for more time. Since then whenever I see you post about him I have vivid images of those abysmal Adidas flip flops. Only poster I know that can begin a comment defending the manager against criticism from… Read more »

Ishola70

What’s all this talk that Xhaka should just be dropped for “high intensity” matches.

This is no different to Ozil when people were xsaying play him against the fodder.

How are the club going to progress if there are players that are not suitable when the going gets hot.

If they are not good enough for certain matches then they are not good enough for Arsenal FC and that inclues Ozil and Xhaka.

Bojangles

Pedro, if you “convert” everyone to your view of Emery, you’ll end up with a dull, uninteresting blog like many other football blogs.

N5

Ha ha Midwest your memory is amazing. I can’t believe you remembered the Steve-O thing that was years ago.

PS Kim doesn’t cheerlead for CP anymore, she got married and I’m not sure her fella liked people leering at her, god knows why!! 😀

N5

PS Mid that sponsorship deal sal got you on Wiki was one of Le Groves finest moments. That and Sanogo getting mass voted as player of the year on the Arsenal.com.

N5

Oh and everyone trolling Pedro by using his face as our avatars. I saw his tweet about it. The good ol’ days.

Bojangles

Lol.. might please one or two here

https://readarsenal.com/2019/09/03/arsenal-fans-call-for-shock-wenger-return-following-latest-announcement/

Just be careful what you wish for.

NW9 gooner

This is a question for CC – I used to agree with you before that to replace Xhaka we needed to replace his contribution but I am now of the opinion that his contribution is now minimal and his negative impact is palpable. Can you name any match where he has not made a mistake and your heart is in your mouth that it does not lead to a goal

NW9 gooner

This is a question for CC – I used to agree with you before that to replace Xhaka we needed to replace his contribution but I am now of the opinion that his contribution is now minimal and his negative impact is palpable. Can you name any match where he has not made a mistake and your heart is in your mouth that it does not lead to a goal.

Champagne charlie

NW9 This season? Not particularly, but then I don’t think we’ve performed well in any of our 4 games thus far, it’s been incredibly laboured. I also don’t think he’s quite the negative influence many paint him out to be. He makes obvious errors, but he’s also subject to a massive spotlight on him where others are not so even a poor touch is met with derision within seconds. I’ve no issue replacing Xhaka, but it needs to be someone that can use the ball from deep. Last season he made the most passes of any player in the side,… Read more »

Samesong

What do the players think of Xhaka? If the fans think he’s not up to it?

Bojangles

I stand corrected, accept my apologies.

Nelson

CC

Xhaka also had the highest passing completion in the Pool game, but most of his passes were backwards or sideways. Once he was pressed, he can’t turn like Guen or Torr. That is his major weakness. He can only function effectively when there is no pressing.

Luteo Guenreira

Charlie

In fairness to Benny, Wolves away was at the end of April. So if he meandered a bit throughout the season and then came to a conclusion near the end of it, don’t see how that’s an indictment against him.

Champagne charlie

Nelson Do you have the stats on hand? I’m always dubious when sweeping statements are made along the lines of ‘most were sideways’, because that’s exactly what was levelled against him last season and he was our most progressive CM passer. Still, it’s all rather moot because even on top form he can be replaced in this side as we’re no attacking wonder. But to reference what NW9 was getting at, I’m still very much of the opinion that for us to play good football Xhaka’s ability as an incisive passer will need replaced. We can’t function as a team… Read more »

MidwestGun

I would say Xhaka and Mustafi probably both have good stats the majority of the times…. they were Moneyball.signings at the time when Stats Dna was introduced. Value for stat production. Stat fillers that look good on paper. but when you delve into how they actually perform using the eye test .. you realize they are shockingly bad at the things you can’t stat… like positioning … tackles they should be making and speed of coverage.Speed of play and decision making Also shockingly bad errors in coverage like letting players run free. And as Nelson said what the passing actually… Read more »

Pierre

It would be interesting to see if we could use Ceballos the way Chelsea/sarri used Jorginho. To have someone that deep who is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and can change the angle of play with a quick turn and pass would be such an asset from an offensive point of view. Of course the negative side is it could make us weaker defensively ( if that’s possible), but with Guendouzi and willock either side it may work as a sort of 4-1-2-3, though I don’t expect it to happen if I’m honest. If Emery is to persist with… Read more »

Bojangles

Apparently there is a clause in Mkhi’s loan deal that Roma are obligated to purchase if he plays 25 games for them. Probably means he’ll play 24 games maximum.

MidwestGun

PS Kim doesn’t cheerlead for CP anymore, she got married and I’m not sure her fella liked people leering at her, god knows why!!
__________
Sorry to hear N5… I’m sure she is happy… 🙁 Oh well.. It was never going to work anyhow… I mean CP? come on.. Yeah we had some good times.. I should probably write a screen play based on Le Grove… If I can get Will Ferrell to play Redtruth it could be amazing..

Bojangles

ESR has been promoted to the first team, however the report comes from FL so take it as you will.

Words on a Blog

MidWest,

You should trademark the phrase you used to describe Xhaka: “shockingly bad at the things you can’t stat.”

Brilliant.

N5

Ha ha MWG, or one of the inmates from the cuckoo nest.

MidwestGun

Thanks.. Words… I’m still trying to trademark .. Axis of Evil…

One Stat Xhaka also fills up is Yellow cards.. 10 last season.. Even beat out Mustafi with 9. Tied for 10th in the League.. Think he can do better. Papa can teach him a thing or two. He had 12… lol Good for second best. Legal Tackling isn’t our thing.. apparently.

MidwestGun
Bojangles

Methinks the Inter Ultras are living in denial.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/inter-milan-ultras-tell-romelu-19398112

If you’re into a bit of Arsenal nostalgia you should read

https://gameofthepeople.com/2019/09/03/arsenal-the-art-deco-club/

N5

Ha ha MWG that’s perfect. I’ve somehow never seen that clip.

Nelson

CC

I don’t have the stats but that’s what I saw in the Pool game. Not only sideways, a lot are right back to the CB. We were trying to play out from the back and Pool’s players were all over us. You can also listen to ArsenalVision podcast, Episode 314. They are making the same observation. Or Pain in the Arsenal Podcast, Season 3, Episode 4 – Oh my, Grant Xhaka.

bennydevito

CC, I wasn’t flip flopping at all. At the start of the season I clearly said he wasn’t who I wanted but was prepared to give him time eg the season to see how things went. 3 months in lunatics such as CG were saying Emery out and not only that but being incredibly racist about it. Also saying he was the worst manager ever blah blah blah so my so called defence of Emery was actually rebutting the absurd bullshit. I never once said Emeey out then Emery back in etc, my view was always consistent until the wolves… Read more »

bennydevito

So you show me the back and forth. Go for it. Outside of CG you’re the worst poster on here who brings nothing to the table other than arguments for arguments sake. Like a dog with a bone you won’t let it drop, will interrupt other conversations to throw in an insult, are continuously trying to be clever, are contradictory, condescending and contrary in giganticly equal proportions and think you’re the know it all of everything, and to top it off you spend more time rimming off your beloved zero trophies won Poch than you do praising Arsenal. In short… Read more »

China1

The funny thing about racists is 99% are too pussy to hold their hands up and just say ‘yeah I don’t like black/Asian people/foreigners’ or whatever I guess it’s not really surprising that someone who feels so insecure in themselves around people based entirely on something as arbitrary as skin colour or nationality would also be insecure about owning up to this Instead racists and xenophobic prefer to try and find explanations or tie their insecurities to something outside of race to make their insecurities look more reasonable It is honestly a bit sad to think people are this way… Read more »

Tony

Mid “so Yeah waiting for you to school me up Pierre because I’m from the US. You might be a better golfer…. stick to that.” Mid your posts here show you are far more knowledgable than the trolls here. On top of that you have a laid back but often humorous way with the keyboard that is enjoyable to read. Conversely…………… Pierre gets his self confessed kicks from winding people up and trolling, especially when Pedro is on whatever his sauce is on when stirring the blog pot up and supporting the trolls to gain more volume. As good as… Read more »

Tony

Mid
Forgot to mention that I skim past ALL Pierre’s posts and only saw your reply above when reading your post.

I’m sure he’ll try to reply but his post won’t get read by me at least.

If you don’t engage Pierre, he’ll slink away to his obscure, sad life in wonderful Hastings; an old long forgotten victorian seaside town.

Dark Hei

China1 I think that these Ultras make a point, not that it is right either. It is exactly the same as the John Terry incident when he made a racial remark against Ferdinand without actually being a racist himself as per testified by our “beloved” Ashley Cole. Tribalism is a beast with many overlapping venn diagrams, with race just one of its components. Your FC affiliation and in the case of Django, whether you ride a horse or for Donald Trump, whether you have cash (see A$AP) are various components. This single minded pursuit of trying to achieve anti-racial discrimination… Read more »

Bojangles

Tony

Might be in for a smackdown from Pedro for that…lol although I’m not sure he reads the morning (our time) posts.

As for everyone else Here, I haven’t got a handle on them all yet, their a bit slippery. Every time I think I have some of them pegged the goalposts get moved. I cottoned on to CG pretty quick (wasn’t difficult) but he’s been binned. It’ll take another month or too I think.

MidwestGun

Tony thanks bud… I really don’t mind Pierre.. To be honest, I feel sorry for him a little bit.. Because he has no self awareness.. and then projects his issues on others.. Such is life. His whole calling everyone obsessives when he is obsessed is classic deflecting and projecting. Also he seems to think geographical location makes you smarter about football.. It doesn’t. Plenty of people from other countries that know a lot about baseball for example.. or the NFL. Knowledge doesn’t come from where you live… it comes from your life experiences. As you well know. but seems to… Read more »

Bojangles

China

I’m not sure I can accept making racist remarks or in this case gestures and then laugh it off as being the method used to put off other teams.

China1

Yeah you’re right it’s about tribalism. I just think that a large percentage of tribalism stems from ignorance unfortunately There is harmless, irrelevant tribalism, like supporting a football club and then there’s the insidious form where people feel a need to knowingly cause harm and distress to those who are in reality an irrelevance to them. I think it just stems from insecurity As you say we have situations like Brexit but this kind of thing is allowed to descend into tribalism much the same way politics is, despite the fact such tribalism makes no sense. It’s just an ugly… Read more »

China1

Like there are political, economic, social, legal and practical reasons to be for or against Brexit, but a large percentage of people voting one way or the other refuse to acknowledge any sort of validity to the other side’s arguments

Just as obama’s presidency had a large amount in common with bush’s presidency before him, but democrats think he was awesome and bush was Satan and the republicans vice versa

Tribalism sucks.

Tony

Mid
No problem.

Actually agree with your summery of Pierre, especially airing his attention-seeking, serious family issues on here that should be kept strictly private.

Only been here less than a couple of years so a relatively newbie compared to you and others.

Like you, though, I enjoy the banter along with the player knowledge many here bring to light.

Also, equally enjoy certain posters writing styles and eloquence being an avid book reader myself.

Pedro is a cool guy who has a good way with the quill and amusing quips he mixes in with a post.

China1

It’s true that Pedro’s humour in his writing is quality

It’s frequent yet it still blindsides me occasionally and you do get some lols out of me Pedro. Even if you do have a Poch poster on your wall haha

Tony

Bojangles
I’ll live if Pedro bins me for telling the truth in a lightly humorous way.

There are a lot of good posters here – pretty much the majority of those who post.

It’s always the minority who mar good things, but you get to see who they are and then just skip their posts. Most of them live in permanent pity-party land and come on here to project their obsessive inadequacies in life for a substitute to their lack of audience to their life’s struggles in real life.

Un na naai

China

Tribalism is a necessary defence mechanism inbuilt through evolution

You put the health and happiness of your spouse children sibling and parents above a stranger? That’s tribalism.

Ever heard of Dunbar’s number? Look it up. It’s real.
There is fine line to strike between an open society and a closed one. Too open and you’re ripe for invasion
Too closed and your society doesn’t not move with the world and does not evolve.

Both are necessary

Pierre

Tony ” Pierre will write an analysis that he probably stole the gist of from another analysis claiming it to be his own and pretending to be all knowledgeable and superior.” A nice back handed compliment from you there Tony…thanks. To say my comments( which are 100% mine)are knowledgeable and superior (your words) is confirmation that you do read my posts and don’t ” skim past ALL Pierre’s posts”.. I actually quite like your judith Chalmers “wish you were here” impression , very informative, and I’m sure it makes you feel ” knowledgeableand superior”, so please continue to share with… Read more »

Bojangles

Tina’s Musah has signed with Valencia.

Bojangles

Yunas… How does Yunas morph to Tina’s?

Pierre

Tony ” especially airing his attention-seeking, serious family issues on here that should be kept strictly private. ” Slightly below the belt there Tony , how low will you go to try and be liked on here. I am not embarrassed or ashamed to air my views on child abuse , some on here make fun of it and it shows their ignorance of a very serious matter…..a child/person is affected for life if they are subjected to such vile abuse as someone close to me was. I do get that you are just trying to score points with your… Read more »

Freddie Ljungberg

Holding should be back after the internationals which is great, feel like Sok needs to have a sitdown and chill for a bit. Holding-Luiz gives us much more ability on the ball as well if we play out from the back.

Willock had a slight injury against pool (inflammation of the calf) That along with Torreira still not 100% matchfit gives me hope that Xhaka will get sidelined soon.

Not long now until we have proper fullbacks again, hopefully at the end of the month.

Lacazette wasn’t seriously injured thankfully, so should be back after the break too.

Bojangles

Arsenal squad. * Denotes home grown player

Aubameyang, Pierre-Emerick
Bellerin, Hector*
Ceballos, Daniel Fernandez
Chambers, Calum*
Holding, Robert Samuel*
Kolasinac, Sead
Lacazette, Alexandre
Leno, Bernd
Macey, Matthew Ryan*
Maitland-Niles, Ainsley*
Martinez, Damian Emiliano*
Mavropanos, Konstantinos
Moreira Marinho, David Luiz
Mustafi, Shkodran
Ozil, Mesut
Papastathopoulos, Sokratis
Pepe, Nicolas
Tierney, Kieran
Torreira, Lucas
Xhaka, Granit

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