Arsenal head to Greece for an epic battle in the mightiest of all competitions, ‘The Champions of 5th & 6th Place League.’
Mikel Arteta wants a trophy. This might present the path of least resistance when you consider we’re 10th in the league in the worst form since history began. It’ll still be hard, but we’ve had a fair amount of joy progressing in this tier of Europe over the past couple of season, so there’s no reason to think we’ll not be giving it a good go this evening.
The biggest challenge we will face is our own complacency. Even I’m complacent. It’s embarrassing. But we’ve been here before, we’ve taken losses and draws against some pretty smelly opposition we’ve not given enough respect to. I’m thinking Graham Potter’s Ostersunds a couple of seasons back as the standout.
Mikel is starting to have a fullish squad to pick from. He’ll have Mari in contention this evening. The Spaniard might find himself a place on the bench. We also have Nelson back in the mixer… and, Matteo. The bad boy with the big hair appears to have earned forgiveness and that’s great news. The manager didn’t shy away from why he was dropped.
‘I want the best players for the game and I select them in relation to what I see on a daily basis.’
It’s clear. It’s consistent. He delivers on his word if you fail him. The positive so far is he doesn’t hold grudges. Do the work and you’ll earn an opportunity again. I don’t think it’s a surprise it’s the younger chaps with the issues, they are pushing boundaries to see how far they can flex those rules. Not very far it would seem.
The Greek team are top of their league after two seasons in the relative wilderness for side that has monopolised trophies over the last decade in Greece. Sokratis has been a key source of ‘DON’T FUCK IT UP’ advice to the backroom team. This from Arteta.
‘He knows everything about Olympiacos, about the country, about the type of fans that we are going to find here. I’ve been very aware from the games that I’ve watched about them and their passion, their quality and the atmosphere that we are going to have to be playing in tomorrow. So yes, it’s a difficult trip away from home and we’re going to expect a tough game and we’ve prepared for the game knowing that it’s going to be a difficult challenge.’
I think the atmosphere is a key advantage for the Greeks. They’ll know that we’re drunks when we’re on the road, we are there to be had, easily rattled, quick to drop out heads. I’d imagine the key focus for Arsenal is going to be about solidity again. Come back to London with an easy job. Best way to ensure that is a focused defensive performance. We certainly aren’t going into a heavy rotation per the manager.
‘We’ve had a break of 15 days and we’ve played just one game. So tomorrow I’m going to put out a team that I think is the best to play. Then the rest of the games will take care of themselves. You cannot control that sometimes you are thinking about resting somebody and in training he gets a little issue or he gets sick. So tomorrow we are going to put out the team that we think is the best to play Olympiacos and the rest of the teams and games will follow.’
One eye will have to be on Sunday because Everton don’t have a game tonight and they will have had over a week to prepare against us, so super fresh legs and minds. Interestingly, the backroom team have elected to sleep the night in Greece versus making the sprint back home. I would assume that is to ensure two nights of rest don’t get ruined and the players can do some sort of warm down tomorrow.
There’s a good piece in The Athletic about Arsenal being in the top 2 for tactical fouls. I know it’s a bit grim, but I still love it. We’ve not been a team of dark arts for 20 odd years. That we’re moving into the modern era with a win at all costs mentality makes me happy, it has to work first, but at least we’re thinking about it.
Big game. See you in the comments. x
Xhaka is looking way off the pace. Jogging in the game.
Their game is better in attack. We should be able to score.
Don’t see either of Guendouzi or Willock making it. Far too pedestrian and passive.
Martinelli and Saka on the other hand are a different story, clear as day to see that both have something about them.
Oly s tackles would make Stoke proud
Un
I don’t rate Guendozzy either. So far, he has shown nothing that says he can control a midfield as required.
One of the many reasons our midfield has been do so shite so far this season.
Don’t see either of Guendouzi or Willock making it. Far too pedestrian and passive.
I don’t think Willock is a 10. He should be more of a CM than an AM.
Guendouzi never passes it when there is a clear creative pass on. It’s very frustrating.
Willock c’mon. You have NO time on the ball. Deal with it.
Our team has settled down.
Willock does not have the brain or close control for number 10. He should be playing deeper where Guendouzi is playing.
Lacazette has been a quality finisher throughout his career. His problem is he lacks standout physical qualities to generate chances to get himself out of a goalscoring slump. Dangerous to rely on a player like that to be one of your two best goal scorers
We haven’t been that bad at all.
Wilock, brings a press and athleticism in the number 10 role. He’s still learning.
Not disciplined enough to play as a CM nor can he dictate games with his passing yet.
Laca didn’t move at all. He should anticipate the pass from Saka.
Auba out wide is such a pointless experiment, be done with it already and drop Lacazette for Pepe and shunt Auba up top.
Willock used the band instead of the head.
Good cross Saka. Willock good run but didn’t make contact /header.
We are now settled and I think 50 /50 at the moment
Auba out wide is such a pointless experiment, be done with it already and drop Lacazette for Pepe and shunt Auba up top.
I support this 100%.
I find Mustafi’s game has calmed down a lot.
What a waste of a corner by Xhaka. Does he even know where the middle is?
Guendouzi definitely doesn’t like a forward chance at a risky pass does he. Loves a safe bet.
You can see why Mustafi is in the team. He generally always looks for a pass between the lines. they dont often come off but Arteta clearly would rather that than a 5 yard sideways passes.
Second that Unn, Martinelli and Saka are a great foundation to build off of for the future. Hopefully Tierney can overcome his cripple spell too and become a mainstay.
Auba doesn’t like it. But professional in doing it though. He knows he’ll get chances to score and be on the pitch 90mins.
Wenger eagle
I love Lacazette. But on Merit right now Martinelli Auba Pepe should be the front three.
Guendouzi got stabbed on his left Achilles. Bloody hell these thugs whack him 4 times already before HT!!
Guen has a hard life to earn a living.
bloody guendouzi. looks like he’s been shot all the time – nothing wrong with him. again.
Azed
I don’t get how Arteta can’t see past Laca and Auba playing together when we look that much more dynamic with Pepe out right, he was electric at the weekend.
Let’s Auba come to life too and actually gets him in those central areas around the penalty box where he does his damage.
Great flick on the second ball Martinelli. This kid just manages to do rights things more often
Let’s Auba come to life too and actually gets him in those central areas around the penalty box where he does his damage.
Auba in the center keeps the CB’s honest as they know they can go out to cover their FB. Even his movement alone will create space for either Ozil or Willock.
WE
Arteta is probably keeping Pepe for the Everton game.
But I can’t disagree with your point, certainly if we are aiming to go far in the EL.
Resolute
Is the word I would use to describe our performance
Wilock does offer a very good drive with the ball in midfield, I’ll give him that.
Their trying to really wind up Guendouzi aren’t they haha
TBF to guendouzi he got whacked like 5 times already. Ok to keep his cool
As a midfielder, Guen has the very bad header.
Wenger Eagle
Arteta doesn’t trust Pépé in difficult away matches. Don’t think he would have started against Chelsea if Aubameyang wasn’t suspended or Nelson was available.
Probably chooses Lacazette for his work off the ball/hold up play. Dressing room hierarchy seems to play a part as well. Laca is a prominent figure. Think that has played a part into the decision from both Emery/Arteta. Perhaps this could be fixed by going for a back three and Aubameyang #9 when the Pablo Marí lad is fit. Allow us to play higher up the pitch
If only willock had a final ball! He’s been good in the build up but not good at key moments. Guendouzi is looking like a liablity.
TLBD10
We haven’t a prayer in the PL of finishing fourth so we ought to be putting everything into the EL.
Definitely a winnable competition.
Dream Yeah I get that but just don’t see how he could opt to leave Pepe on the bench in a match tailor made for him, he’s about as confident as you could hope right now as well and he needs continuous goal contributions and good performances to keep his head from dropping. Crying out for his one vs one ability and directness out right, Auba keeps drifting inside and Sokratis isn’t getting down any touchline so we’re very left hand side reliant which is making us predictable going forward. Not having a midfielder that can time and pick a… Read more »
Unn
I don’t exactly rate Laca’s ability to lead the line either. At least you can bank on Auba burying that chance Auba shanked.
Laca’s slow and physically average, at least Auba gives you running power and opens up space in the midfield third for Willock and Saka.
Auba will love spending the rest of his peak career shunted out to the wing to track back and cover hapless fullbacks..
Gone in the summer…..
Where is the king who told the Emirates Stadium to fcuk off? Bro not feeling it today. Hiding at left back
RvP and Keown punditry on BT Sports… with Jake Humphrey … an all Gooner line-up!!!!
I am sure we can beat them easily at home. Their defense is weak.
WE,
Why do you think we don’t stand a chance to finish in top 5? Imo 7 and 6 pts behind chavs and spuds with 12 games to go isn’t all that impossible. Spuds’ 2 most important players are out of the season. Chavs are a young team under a young manager and they could go in a bad streak.
They face each other on Saturday and if they draw and we win vs Everton, we’ll be 5 and 4 pts away of UCL football.
WE
I can only agree. But then again, we need to try and move up from tenth.
And we do have to rotate.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arteta play with a stronger line-up in the latter stages of the EL.
Arteta has to stop once and for all playing Auba on the wing. Simple as.
Ceballos should be his first change and soon please.
The Auba out wide experiment is pointlessness since the person in CF is so bloody out of form
Guen looking lost again not a coincidence we always lose in midfield when he starts
Xhara make the pass ffs
Laca fuckin’ hell
Laca is such a useless player. What was that?!?!?!
disappointing counter tbh again just put Auba there for him to burn his pace
Laca is finished. I give up.
Xhaka with a shit start to the second half both offensively and defensively.
Saka …. wot a playa!!!!!!
We seriously need to sign him up to a new contract.
ŔvP is right.There is no creativity in the midfield.
Auba moving central is definitely needed. And guendouzi off for me.
Saka is immense. Xhaka looks slow tonight – brain and legs.
Laca is now good for nothing, can’t score, can’t pass.
Mustafi has to do it.
“I think Lacazette looks finished. Shot.
Emery fucked him and he just can’t get back on the horse”
Un
You are straying into CG and RedTruth territory.
I feel sorry for Laca, nothing is coming off for him at all, for all his gusto and huffing away.
Just need a bit of fortune.
Arteta left his sauce on the plane.
For all claim of Lacazette holding up the play, he’s done a very poor job today.
You wont be seeing Ozil. He’s in England assisting his Mrs.
Wolves up 2-0. They have the tools to win the trophy. If we get thru, need to avoid them.
Ceballos coming on for Willock?
I hope either Laca or Guen off. NOT willock please. no point going like for like.
Un
Ozil is not on the bench. His wife is due a baby and has been left out.
Pepe should indeed be subbed in sooner rather than later. Take Laca off.
nothing going for us through the middle at all
Wtf, Arteta have beef with Martinelli or something lol?
This is dire.
I’d guess Ceballos is coming on for Guendozi – problem is Arteta’s still an unknown quantity and his subs haven’t been the strongest part of his tenure. Hope fully something we’ll see improve.
why would you take Martinelli off? that makes no sense. That’s a wenger type decision. baffling.
If Martinelli starts against Everton then maybe makes sense on that level.
Ceballos on…
For Gabby??????? Wtf!!!??
Ceballos has played wide for the Spanish team but as has already been said why take of Martinelli?
If he was being rested because he’s going to start on Sunday it’d be one thing but so far Arteta’s done nothing to make you think that would be the case.
Why hasn’t auba moved over to the left? He’s useless on the right
We need more control of the ball. Bit more of a creative spark.
I don’t think that’s a bad substitution at all.
Venal is would get eaten alive by these thugs
How was tat not a card??
gazzap
I don’t think anyone would have an issue with Martinelli starting against Everton but chances are we’ll see Auba wide left and Laca through the middle.
that’e all he can do jockeying around and complaining to the referee
he’s not opening space, offering for options, no meaningful passes
then he jogs around just because he’s running up and down like headless chicken
For all the talk of Arteta’s sauce I have yet to see it. Strange team selections, odd substitutions and we never play well for more than one half.
Reckon he’ll take of Socratis next then switch to a 3-5-2?
Laca and auba up top, Ceballos behind them.
Laca doesn’t manage much these days.
Martinelli would have scored W his head. Perfect cross by Xhara!
A classic Europa Cup tie this……
Can we just put Aubameyang in the middle?
With Martinelli off why is Auba still on the right??
Our passes are too slow.
Arteta needs to find a killer edge – he’s very conservative (probably why Red hates him!) so far. Not really a surprise in a new manager finding his feet.
to add to that his attitude stinks too just sell the cunt already while his value is still high at least we can scam other clubs that way
We’ve definitely become harder to beat and more of a team performance.
It’s hindered us going forward.
But for years we’ve all asked for this.
What the hell sub is that
Ceballos for Gaby?
We trying to score or not????
Willock is hardworking if nothing else. Good kid but not good enough am afraid
What a bore and what a chore… Arteta’s playstyle sure is exciting…
another one is Willcock he the fuck he not put Saka through there
“Reckon he’ll take of Socratis next then switch to a 3-5-2?”
So who’d be the 3rd CB?
Auba on the right again. Smh. Reminds me of a certain coach who kept playing torreira at cam. Hmm i wonder what Legroves opinion was of that coach. I wonder if this new coach will get the same fair and unbiased opinions.
Is this what a Pep team would look like without the £££?
This worries me. I never trust a manager who has his favourites no matter the performance. Lacazette has been poor all night but Martinelli comes off. Ozil always plays No Matter his form. Those are worrying signs.
Laca stop with the histrionics!
just score fool