You gotta love Arsenal.
Vinnai: ‘Yoooo, where shall we meet?’
Arteta: ‘Come to mine, but please, be discreet’
For fuck’s sake, Vinny. What are you playing at? You look like you’ve just performed a tactical chunder after Jaeger Bomb number 6 – the concerned look of a man worried he’s just soiled the tyre of a local gangster.
There are conspiracy theories doing the rounds that the above etiquette was so outrageously amateur, it might have been a ploy to flush out Pochettino.
Don’t be ridiculous. This is just a mistake. Top execs never want to be perceived as sloppy.
Also, let’s square this noise with Poch. The man wasted the last two years of his Spurs career so he could be the first manager in the new stadium. Do we really think that this summer, when he can freely move, he’s going to turn down City, Bayern and PSG to pick up our shit show for half his market value? I very much doubt it.
… but, back to the main story. All the winds are blowing in the direction of Arteta. He had Huss and Vinnai over to his house. I hear he laid on homemade sangria to set the tone… left Shakespeare, Orwell, and Amis on the coffee table to denote the sophistication of his British prose, and he had the Gervais series of The Office running in the background as a subtle dig at some of the goings-on of Unai Emery. The man gets it, he truly does, he even rocked a Savile Row 3 piece, the boy knows what the fans want. Taking the meeting in a home location as well, stunning, the man clearly rolling hard on the 3 free articles a month on HBR, Mikel, may I suggest Team of Rivals; Doris Kearns, a leadership classic, it blew my fucking mind. What a man Big Abe was, could he organise a back four on a cold night in Stoke, no doubt, no doubt.
This appears to be the 2nd or 3rd round of interviews according to reports. We are shifting into 5th gear heading into the final straight, Carlo Ancelloti has just swerved off the road into an Everton shaped puddle, this could be the real deal.
Never underestimate a gigantic fuck up, but this time, it looks like we could see Mikel Arteta at The Arsenal.
Rumours have it that City are upset about how Arsenal conducted themselves, so we’ll be paying out a fee to release the Spaniard, but they’re going to play ball. I would guess there might also be some conversations about when the start date needs to be as well. Does he step into the flames considering the next two weeks worth of fixtures? Or do the club start him in the new year? My guess, the sooner they can get him into the club, the better. We’re a complete mess.
I also suspect he’ll fancy his chances at making the top 4 this season.
This move is absolutely huge for Arsenal. It’d be a step in the right direction. We’re at a low ebb as a club, we’re not going to be able to buy our way out this summer, our only chance of a bright future is to rely on a coach that can develop our exciting young players and see out the senior dross in a Game of Thrones blood bath.
If Arteta signs, which I hope he does, he basically has a 7 month preseason (similar to Klopp). He’ll have to survey the wreckage of what he’s inherited, begin to implement a vision, and partner with the powers that be on what the rebuild will look like.
The OUT list:
- Mustafi
- Sokratis
- Luiz
- Ozil
- Auba
All the above players are in the final year of their deal this summer and all bar Mustafi will be in their 30s by next summer. That makes them easier to move on, see Koscielny’s shit-fit last summer for confirmation that older men worry they are one injury away from having their future value halved. I would also suspect we’ll see exits for Xhaka (shite) and Lacazette (2 years left on deal). There could be £150m in fees up for grabs and £1m a week in wages.
With all that in mind, it is absolutely essential Edu and Cagigao know exactly what they are recruiting for. It’s also important they know the sort of staff they should be building around the new coach.
Mikel Arteta needs to be the real deal. We’ve had the fall guy post-Wenger in Emery. Freddie doesn’t really count. We’ve pushed all our chips onto someone that we hope embodies everything we want out of the game. Possession based attacking football of the future. This could be incredibly exciting if it works out.
The great news is the fans have been primed for the job Arteta has to do. There are no illusions about how hard things are going to be. It’s going to take some time, we’re going to see some bad results, we’re not going to have a title-winning side by March. I’m ok with that because at least we’ll be safe in the knowledge we’re building towards something exciting. No more bums at Arsenal, no more frauds that don’t love the club, it’s all about building a modern superclub with a young, innovative coach.
I think the Bundesliga is a great place to look when it comes to up and coming coaching trends. Klopp was my hipster favourite before Thomas Tuchel, now he’s blowing shit up at Liverpool. The top two teams in Germany are RB Leipzig, who have a sub-35 Nagelsmann at the wheel, and Gladbach, who hired in my RB Salzburg fave, Marco Rose. Both managers, total unknowns 3 years ago, now toppling the mighty Bayern. RB doing it with a squad with an average age of sub 24.
Hiring in Carlo would have been a disaster, the game has passed him by. You need modern thinkers that can see football from a different viewpoint, not Galactico relics. Arsenal needs a coach that work effectively with technology, scientists and analysts to gain a critical edge over their opponents. People that don’t subscribe to old fashioned notions, like ‘making more tackles wins you games.’ The sort of talent that’s moist at the concept of cognition in football. Someone that really pisses off Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier.
Arteta loves the club.
Ahh man, Arteta loves Arsenal, watch this video. https://t.co/wrII14HU6j
— Le Grove (@LeGrove) December 16, 2019
He understands the culture. He’ll know all the things that are right and he’ll have an idea on how to fix those that are wrong. One thing you’ll never be able to accuse him of is doing things that work just for him. Emery chasing Europa League instead of top 4? Felt like he was doing that for the record books. I’m hoping we have a manager that has the right amount of Arsenal DNA. Remember, he took a pay cut to join and won trophies with us. He cried because he loves us.
Look at that video again, right now.
You back… all welled-up? Wonderful.
As for the players leaking their concerns to The Mirror (supposedly). Fuck em’ if they are real. Pep G took over at Barcelona and shipped out the problem children in his first major job at 38 years old. He told Eto’o, Deco and Ronaldinho to leave, then he built a team for the ages around Messi, utilising exciting young players to make him great. Who cares what our senior players think, they’ve been awful, we need a refresh.
A few people have mentioned that I’ve put my neck on the line for this coach. No doubt, because I believe in the idea. I’d rather shoot for the moon than settle on something that’ll ‘might’ move us a few percentage points forward if we’re lucky. Fuck that. We’ve spent 14 years playing it safe. Our meek fanbase has celebrated ‘influencers’ that warned us to ‘be careful what you wish for.’ How did that pan out? Settling for Wenger’s ‘top 4 trophy’ didn’t move us forward. We let him sink our club into mediocrity under the guise of class, he wasted disgraceful amounts of money, built a soft boy culture, and allowed elite players to leave for nothing because his ego couldn’t handle that top names would earn more money than him. Falling into Emery’s Europa League safety blanket didn’t make things better, his Europa experience wasn’t a benefit, it was a low benchmark our players happily sank below. Freddie is a dreamboat, but we knew he wasn’t right. So let’s try something bold, let’s push the needle, let’s see what all the fuss is about with the most hyped assistant manager in world football.
Could it be any worse than what we have now? No chance… and the upside could be incredible.
… before any of that can happen, let’s see if Arsenal can seal the deal. I was asked on Love Sport yesterday what Josh K would be looking for in a new coach. My guess? Someone that can deliver on ‘be excited’, hopefully, he feels that vibe from Mikel. Let’s see what happens, a young coach with vision took LA to the Super Bowl.
P.S. I’m back in London this week… get in! Now listen to my damn podcast and rate it 5*.
man he has his work cut out as he needs to get rid of Xhaka , Mustaffi ,Ozil ,Micki ,Auba ,Laca , Luiz ,soc and Bellarin and just clear out all the wenger rubbish once and for all , he can only really use Pepe and Tierney as first team players
This man City anger is all hot air trying to drum up a transfer fee it’s so obvious lol
Arteta has had THREE interviews but the third interview is the problem? So the first and second interviews were fine?
Arsenal handled themselves illegally and whilst city don’t care much if he goes, the fact arsenal have broken the law has been picked up on by their lawyers who see an opportunity for an easy few million and why not?
It’s really that simple
“It’s funny reading Pedro writing about Arsenal moving out players to give Arteta a chance”
Completely predictable though.
At the start of the season we had a squad to stroll into third place, now the squad has “a lot of poor players”, and no doubt all these great youngsters won’t be so great from now on.
I honestly don’t believe that we have a core to build around. Only Leno, Tierny (when not injured), Saliba (if/when he gets here), ESR, Martinelli, Torreira and Pepe look up to spec. Some others are hopefuls ie Saka, Willock, perhaps Mavropanos, Cellebos (not long term), Geundouzi, TJJ, Burton etc.
Laca, Abu, Ozil, Luis, Xhaka, Mustfi, Bellerin, Kola et al can’t lift their games and must be disposed of. Sorry but true story of life! Good luck Arteta!
SO there is some wiggle room regarding lacazette. Sell Auba and Keep Laca at the end of this season. Do the same to Lacazette the next year if he doesn’t sign. It was always stupid to have two 50 mil+ Forwards with out oil money.
Ishola70
“I’m hoping Arteta can surprise and add elements to this team that were missing under Arsene Wenger as well as copying him in the other areas.”
Hoping for same as well.
I repeat, arteta has two interviews without any complaints and better than that pep keeps endorsing him as a guy who can be a great manager when asked about the arsenal links
But somehow after a third interview city are upset?
Give over
“Arteta has a top 4 quality squad to work with. He can bring back Mkhi (£30m exchange with Alexis) and Elneny (£9m) – both full Internationals. He should play Mustafi (£35m), Xhaka (£35m), Ozil (£42m), Auba (£55m), Laca (£50m), Chambers (£16m).”
Exactly. I want to see a vision imparted and mistakes mitigated at the very least with this current squad; our best squad/team in years full of quality and tekkers.
Pedro was also infatuated with a certain sauce-laden assistant [of Ancelotti] called Paul Clement.
We know how that went.
For the record; no assistant of Pep has gone on to have a stellar head coach record.
Let’s get it all out there before we have to fall in line for Arsenal’s sake.
Just playing around with the ones worth keeping…
Leno
Right back -Saliba-Holding-Tierney
Torriera-DM
ESR
Pepe-Striker-Martinelli
Yeah I don’t really see why Arteta would need to do anything with regards to the squad if it’s as good as people say and he’s as good as people think. That’s if you’re consistent. Ultimately I am and this squad needs a wrecking ball taken to it and Arteta needs as much help as he can get to mask his talent. That way he can be the managerial equivalent of Ozil
China
Have you ever heard of an Ass Manager requiring a fee to be paid to his current club before moving on?
All sounds a little made up by the press or faux outrage.
“Exactly. I want to see a vision imparted and mistakes mitigated at the very least with this current squad; our best squad/team in years full of quality and tekkers.”
I can’t wait! All Arteta needs to do is to get this expensive, quality squad performing the basics. The best way to measure this is through comparing last season’s xG and xGA metrics with this season’s. That’s how we knew Emery’s 22 game unbeaten run was pure luck.
Had it been that we were poaching the city head coach to be Arsenal’s head coach, then city would have a case about tapping. Talking to the assistant manager to fill the head coaching job at Arsenal doesn’t constitute tapping. It’s like talking to the assistant medical director t be you medical director or assistant grounds keeper to be you head grounds keeper. Employees make vertical moves all the time, it’s different from the rules players movements. Arteta knows his contract and would certainly not be meeting the Arsenal CEO and contract negotiator in his home, if there were any… Read more »
Doesn’t look like Xabi Alonso is joining. Shame that because just as important neh more important these days is the assistant manager position. The power behind the power. Get that right and we’re sailing
Jamie
If you think Xhaka and Mustafi are quality players you are stark raving mad.
“All Arteta needs to do is to get this expensive, quality squad performing the basics.”
Is it that simple, really ??
With so many players who don’t give a shit of the shirt, of the club, it’s so depressing…
Marc –
Mate, this squad in its entirety is easily good enough to compete for the top 4. Ask anyone who wanted Emery out before last Christmas.
Marc
To answer that question you directed at China
It’s never happened before.
Young assistant managers are just there in an apprenticeship type role, everyone knows they are there until they leave for a head coaching role . Especially, a certain assistant of Pep who almost went to Arsenal 18 months ago as head manager.
Pep is fine with it, who wouldn’t want his mentee to prosper.
Jamie
That’s a different question: are there some decent players in the squad yes, is the squad under performing yes, do we have some players who are worse than useless on big money fuck me yes.
“compete for the top 4.”
In case you didn’t know Jamie, top 4 is over for this season.
You are welcome.
#ARTETAIN
Don’t like how most headlines on arteta on the newsnowarsenal are spreading Paul merson’s view of arteta.
I expect that Arteta would have had time to suds out a team after the last interview with Arsenal failed.
He can always call in big Sam to be co-manager till the summer.
Dissenter
It was more of a rhetorical question, as you say it’s never happened before.
The only real question is if the stories about Pep quitting in the summer are true was Arteta really the guy they had in mind to take over. If it’s someone else the chances are they’d be terminating his contract in 6 months anyway.
“Now listen to my damn podcast and rate it 5*.”
To rate it 5 ?? For what exactly ?? To hear you jerking off on a photograph of Mikel ??
“Don’t like how most headlines on arteta on the newsnowarsenal are spreading Paul merson’s view of arteta.”
Not sure I’d take Paul Merson’s opinion on anything too seriously.
Marc –
The question was, and has been for 3.5 years, whether or not this squad is good enough the way it sits to compete for the top 4. That’s the benchmark.
I’ve lowered it to 6th, where all Arteta needs to do is make up a 2 point deficit – literally one extra win over Sheffield and Man Utd between now and June. Totally achievable.
Guns, 100%
If the senior players don’t like the appointment, get rid. They’ve been diabolical and setting no example. Lacklustre and childish behaviour.
The kids have hunger and will only drive them on to succeed.
One thing I’ll give Freddie he’s due. Hasn’t been afraid to put in some youth.
The fans could buy into the project. Sell a lot of the dead wood. Build the academy further, set in an identity by the end of the season.
Finish top 10.
It can’t get any worse.
If not Allegri , go for Arteta.
Jaime is absolutely sarcastic and absolutely right with impeccable sources and I of course thank him for it. This squad is full of internationals it’s full to the brim with talent and all that’s left to unlock it is an elite coach and Mikel is that. He comes in does the basics adds in some shape some compactness gets the players body shape set properly and we’re good to go. Simple as. The lad had Raheem Sterling practicing his shooting after training so sorting out the defence at Arsenal shouldn’t be a problem.
LT
Why whats the problem.
You dont fancy Leno and Bellerin. They arent good enough for Arsenal?
Jamie
We’re 12 points worse off compared to the equivalent fixtures last season. Top 4 is not just making up a couple of points.
You have to wonder why Everton can be closer to appointing a name brand manager like Ancelotti faster than Arsenal are doing with Arteta
Arteta is by far cheaper, wouldn’t pay him more than £3-4 million yearly
Arteta has fewer staff, compared to Ancelotti who would insist on a posse.
Why do we move so sluggishly, nothing classy about this by the way.
Didn’t Josh meet with Arteta in the 2018 process?
Jamie – Some players are not good enough its simple, they cannot cut it for us or the type of football we want to play. Xhaka and Mustafi cannot be salvaged, so much so I won’t even give you my reasoning for this assessment as many a word has been said on why they are impostor footballers at The Arsenal. Mhki and Elneny both while having a slight resemblances of decent footballers have not been able to replicate their best form while in an arsenal shirt and also take away vital development minutes from our youth players, both shouldn’t come… Read more »
There no player I wouldn’t sell off the summer, well except Saka, Martinelli, Tierney and Saliba
The rest are expendable.
Woah woah woah this squad is top 4 quality and people want to get rid players? Are you crazy?
Marc –
Top 4 isn’t just making up a couple of points, but top 6 is. Fairly damning indictment of Arteta before he’s been announced if you don’t believe he can make up 2 points over 7 months with the players currently at his disposal.
My sources tell me Arteta essentially delivered training at City. Embrace his IP.
Wasi Bellerin is a prime example of the soft spine that runs through this club. He is more concerned about his hair and righteous self image than he is about his football. He is the Walcott of rightbacks in terms of footballing ability too. The only way Bellerin could be of any use is if we got a centre back who knows how to sit back and read the game, ala mertasaker who can Shepard and direct bellerin on the pitch. I think that was probably some of bells best years playing with mert. I was never a fan of… Read more »
Juvenile posts left and right, seems a few people getting awfully bent out of shape at the prospect of Arteta.
Most likely because of how stupid they might look should he do well after a litany of stomping feet 18 months ago.
Same folk had the audacity to finger point when others were grumbling a few months into Emery’s tenure. Brilliant
We have a number of youngsters who have potential to become good players.
Midfielders: Guen, ESR, Willock, Torr, Burton
Attackers: Pepe, Martinelli, Saka, Reiss
I am hoping that Arteta can provide them with guidance to achieve their goal.
As for defenders, our players are either injured or not fit for purpose.
It does seem arteta may well be the right man, for the success at city was in part down to him.
Arsenal presents a totally different challenge.
With city its like maintaining a racing car, just tweeking, tuning…the odd fault here and there.
Arsenal are an unreliable fiesta which needs a range of repairs and new components.
I wish him well…not an easy job for mikel
Arseblog saying just compensation to be sorted now. Brilliant. Champions League winners within 5 years. Didn’t someone say that before? Doesn’t matter I’m saying it now club world champions in 6 years 6-1 over Ali Baba in Tanzania. No clean sheet because Xhaka is still protecting the back 4 but we’re explosive going forward
Jamie firmly believe that Arteta will be able to transform Mustardi, Granité or Luiz into top players. Hilarious…
Jamie
Your sources – don’t be a tit.
Let’s get Arteta announced then let’s see his team selections etc. My personal preference would be for him to have Xhaka and Mustafi under go Decimation by the rest of the squad. Maybe throw Ozil in as well.
That’s team building.
“the success at city was in part down to him.”
Why only “in part” ?? lol
Marko
The winning the CL in 5 years was a Pedro prediction.
Same folk had the audacity to finger point when others were grumbling a few months into Emery’s tenure. Brilliant
Irony is lost on this one
Some people being awfully reticent to put full backing behind names in terms of potential managers, even though it should be easy considering how bad Emery supposedly was.
Probably because the player poverty is sinking in and they don’t want to look stupid in 18 months if we are still shit with the new guy in charge.
Here comes the guy who was attacking the previous manager for a lack of footballing identity before the ink on his contract was dry.
We all want Arteta to succeed. We are just pointing out the absurdity of your tenuous arguments that the squad was good enough all along.
After all we have spent so damn much to improve it since Wenger left.
“FC Copenhagen won’t keep Nicklas Bendtner.”
Bring him back, Mikel!!
Look guys! We as supporters need to do our bit-ie supporting.
Love the last 30mins at the Emirates vs city.
Stand by AFC
Can you imagine what Ozil will tell Arteta when he’s told to track back and defend?
‘You are no f**king coach”…”you were a crappy player too”
How do you take the spots of a leopard?
I suspect something very bold from Arteta. I’m going to guess that it’s not a 2-7-2 but probably a 1-10-0 with an emphasis on possession or he might go left field and pick 15 players and overpower the opposition. Exciting times.
@Highbury Legend.
we have had enough evidence of the poor performances of many of our players…even the highly expensive ones.
No big transformation for me either
I don’t see us getting top 6 with or without arteta.
i think his remit would be reducing the shots leno has to save and getting the forward players to fight for the ball and press.
“Here comes the guy who was attacking the previous manager for a lack of footballing identity before the ink on his contract was dry.“ Complete bollocks, as stated yesterday. Just going to lie from now on are you? “We are just pointing out the absurdity of your tenuous arguments that the squad was good enough all along.” Rinse repeat from yesterday dickhead, we finished 2 points off third last season. But oh I forgot, it’s not a top 4 quality squad because we didn’t finish top 4. Just like Liverpool didn’t have a title challenging squad because City won it,… Read more »
Marko
you’re missing the point
Arteta is going to bring salsa dancing to the training regimen to improve our sauciness
Arteta is going to introduce lubricated training cones to the sessions so that the players don’t have to go to the bathroom to come off.
It doesn’t make sense to cull any of our top 4 competitive squad when we only missed that target by 2 points last season. These players are good enough by virtue of our final position last season despite Emery’s communications skills and overlapping fullback tactics.
He blew the run-in. We binned him (should’ve been in the summer) and added more talent. Now, we have Arteta to coach them back to their natural abilities.
I don’t understand the controversy.
Thiago Motta still really struggling at Genoa despite being a visionary of sorts. Just the one win in the league still and another defeat on the weekend.
Jamie – Agree, and the argument that the players are ruined from playing under Emery doesn’t really hold up, otherwise ‘new manager bounce’ wouldn’t be a thing.
I’m expecting significant steps forward in our play in the coming weeks and months and am suitably psyched.
Jamie
Continuing the juvenile sarcasm to mask the fact you can’t be agreeable to others views.
Name me another club that doesn’t look to improve in playing personnel every single window when the opportunity presents?
You sound ridiculous, which completely undermines any POV you’re attempting to forward
CC
Whining about a lack of footballing identity when a manger has only been around for a couple of games is the quintessential description of setting unachievable expectations.
Like I said, the ‘juvenile’ posters you’re bashing will extend to Arteta the same courtesy they showed Emery, something that was lacking from you.
Arteta will need at least till the middle of next season to be judged properly.
Jamie and Marko
You haven’t got a brain cell or a bollock between you.
It’s telling that the two biggest fannies on here are stinking the place out and trying to dismiss the new gaffer before he’s even got in the door just to try and score cheap points.
You two were Emery cheerleaders to the very last, just talk the loss accept you made a mistake and get behind. the new man whoever it may be.
Ably supported by the resident fanny pad dissenter
Jamie – your right in the case of some players but others are not fixable, however many points we missed out on 4th last year. Some players in actual fact were hindrances to the overall progress of the team and we were bailed out by Auba on a few occasions.
I will not assess Arteta’s ability to shine shit when shit is what it is. I will actually be a little disappointed if his first matchday squad features the likes of Xhaka and Mustafi in the starting 11.
But oh I forgot, it’s not a top 4 quality squad because we didn’t finish top 4. Just like Liverpool didn’t have a title challenging squad
I feel like you’d probably look like less of an idiotic nonce if you said capable of challenging for top 4. You say top 4 quality it speaks of should be finishing top 4. It’s more emphatic than saying challenging. Anyway another day of this? Really are you that bored. Likely 4 seasons outside the top 4 you’ll get it eventually. You make a good case though for Mikel not needing any signings though
Wasi,
Leno – yes.
Bellend – no.
http://dailycannon.com/2019/12/patrick-vieira-number-one-choice-ahead-of-mikel-arteta/
“Whining about a lack of footballing identity when a manger has only been around for a couple of games is the quintessential description of setting unachievable expectations.“ You keep harping on about this, and it’s completely untrue. “Like I said, the ‘juvenile’ posters you’re bashing will extend to Arteta the same courtesy they showed Emery, something that was lacking from you.” Azed dug up quotes from when Emery was announced and I was positive about it, both calling him a good choice and a smart/competent coach. So again, you’re talking complete bollocks and lying through your teeth because I was… Read more »
I think Arteta is using us to further his City career.
If City counter offer with the promise of the top job after Pep then it’s no deal for Arsenal.
Marko
Your lack of awareness is impressive, you spent a whole day showing how incapable you are at following basic sentences and here you are again wanting to present the same moronic stance.
How about you skip the argument altogether because you patently haven’t the brainpower to comprehend it?
Vieira coming up on the outside?
CC –
I’m supporting the new gaffer, his credentials aired by Pep, and our top 4 quality squad.
That you think I’m juvenile really doesn’t bother me. I’ve been nothing but respectful to you, whether we agree or not.
“Juvenile” x 2
“Petty”
“Grow up”
There’s no need, but have at it.
Arteta or Vieira? Either way Pedro’s going to need tissues.
Azed dug up quotes from when Emery was announced and I was positive about it, both calling him a good choice and a smart/competent coach. That’s true prior to his appointment. The only one who was against it from the get go was Pedro. But to be fair it took around 6 months in before you got the knives out for Unai and you wanted him sacked. Anyway 6 months from you 12 games from TR7 and I think it was the debacle at Anfield before Gambon went postal on Emery so Mikel has a tough job already on his… Read more »
I have a feeling it’s going to be Patrick.
I think Arteta is using us to further his City career.
He’s an assistant at City so yes
Jamie No you’re not, everything you’re saying is a rehash of what’s been said by others but with an overextended cynical application drenched in sarcasm. It’s not clever, and it’s quite clear when the certain posters rallying behind you are all on record against Arteta and the concept that we actually have a squad of players that are capable of more than they’re delivered. Now you’re deeply offended at me claiming what you’re saying juvenile? Christ, pop your address on here and I’ll dip into Clinton’s on the way home today. – “But to be fair it took around 6… Read more »
How about you skip the argument altogether because you patently haven’t the brainpower to comprehend it?
Yep 5th, 6th, 5th and now 10th yep top 4 quality for sure. Try to remember all this if Arteta has to make do with the same players will ya and we inevitably finish outside the top 4. Thanks
Pedro: Brilliant choice of Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns.
“Yep 5th, 6th, 5th and now 10th yep top 4 quality for sure“
You know one place up from 5th is top 4 right mate? Just clarifying here…
Are you saying that Wenger and Emery were excellent coaches and all we needed was better recruitment?
Because if you’re not saying that, then it seems like with that same squad we could’ve easily seen two out of those three seasons in the top 4. Quite something…
on record against Arteta and the concept that we actually have a squad of players that are capable of more than they’re delivered.
It’s a subtle pivot but still a pivot. No one has ever denied that they’re capable of doing more or better but this notion that it’s top 4 quality and should be finishing as such gets pushback for really obvious reasons. It’s a top 6 squad get it right.
Marko
Just put a cork in it on the subject, you’re so simplistic and out of depth it’s a pathetic back and forth. Get back to playing connect 4 with a Ribena and thinking you’re like an elite chess grandmaster.
Vieira would be a better fit…at this time.
if he throws out the deadwood ill be well chuffed.
if he looks after martinelli i will be relieved, that lad is going places….
best 18 yr old striker ive probably ever seen in the prem. (rooney?) he has all the skills, attributes, plus his positioning is linekeresque……he just knows where to be in the box.
With City struggling at the back at the moment I’m struggling to understand why they aren’t in for Sok or Mustafi??
Possibly a swap deal on the cards, we take Arteta and Stirling and a few million in exchange for one of our quality CBs?
Arteta looks like a smart move. As Pedro says, Football is no longer about “gut feel”, enveloped stuffed with cash at motorway service stations and coaches molesting young boys. Things have moved on. We have the chance to bring in a guy who has played with and under some of the best, who has been a key part of the Man City machine (very smartly run business) and been assistant to the best manager in the game. Yes, it will be his first gig. But, let’s face it, Unlike 4-5 years ago, we ain’t in a position to hire a… Read more »
Marko, Charles….
You guys really need to fuck….
For the sake of everyone who reads this blog!
You know one place up from 5th is top 4 right mate? Just clarifying here… You do know that if you finish 5th it’s not the same as finishing 4th yeah? Just checking. Also if you’re 4 years outside of the top 4 that doesn’t mean that you’re top 4 quality right? Asking for a friend. Are you saying that Wenger and Emery were excellent coaches and all we needed was better recruitment? This is the point you don’t get continuously it’s not an either or at Arsenal we need a good coach AND a better squad. Dickheads like yourself… Read more »
“Dickheads like yourself are deluded into thinking that all that’s missing is the coach part which continues to mystify others.“
Ah yes, a sentiment uttered by absolutely nobody at any stage, but here we are nonetheless with the claim.
As I said, back to your game, you go reds.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/arsenal-transfer-news-mikel-arteta-next-manager-odds-epl-a9250096.html
“Possibly a swap deal on the cards, we take Arteta and Stirling and a few million in exchange for one of our quality CBs?“
I’m up for a Chambers / Stirling swap.
Good post by Pedro and I’ll get behind any coach at the club to start with if they make us challenge again but I hope Pedro is big enough to a) admit he got it wrong big time if Arteta turns out crap because let’s face it he’ll have the same players as emery so he can be criticised with those players so can Arteta so not blaming it on the players , board or whatever and b) see a marked difference within 5 games seeing as that is all it took for Pedro to know that Freddie “ doesn’t… Read more »
CC –
“Now you’re deeply offended at me claiming what you’re saying juvenile? Christ, pop your address on here and I’ll dip into Clinton’s on the way home today.”
You’ll have to be quick. Pretty sure Clinton’s is closing down. Something festive please. My gaff is on Prince Albert Road, opposite the zoo. Give me a shout when you’re in my neck with the goods, I’ll invite you in for a dram (I’m in Edinburgh until the 23rd). No card no whisky.
“I think Arteta is using us to further his City career.”
@Left : you will be binned.
Santi and Rosicky were best pals with Arteta and fans fav’. Hope they in some capacity.
Are you not ARTETAINED?
Arteta will be a 100% disaster signing.
Complete opposite of what we need.
Arsenal are clueless.. I hope they don’t sign Arteta
Arsenal need to make a impact managerial hire. One that will inspire the players and fans alike. Arteta is not it.
Even Everton know to stay away from him
@Joe : even better, City do not plan him to be the successor of Pep.
Are they still locked in talks?
Bloody AFC!
Are the Paddy links real?
Emery was turd and rightfully sacked but I’m not sure how anyone looks at our squad and sees quality. Arteta will get more time because – He has some Arsenal DNA. – His football should be more attractive than Emerys. – Hes a more likeable personality than Emery. – Hes not Wenger (for the wob). – Hes a Wenger boy (for the AKBs). He will get plenty of time but will face the same problems as Emery/Wenger faced and unless we make smart changes. As has been the case for years now, we don’t have a complete back line even… Read more »
Exactly Highbury.