Mikel Arteta undertook a risky strategy that paid off against Portsmouth. He opted to start 6 kids 20 or under against a form side. Portsmouth were unbeaten in 19 games at home. They were also on a 10 game winning streak. That’s a lot of confidence in the players and a lot with the fans.
The game wasn’t Picasso in its beauty, but that was always unlikely in a cup game with a ferocious home ground so mean they sang ‘You’re leaving in an ambulance’ to Lucas T when he was smashed over without a booking inside 15 minutes. That moment unnerved us and quite often in big injury games, both teams switch off, but we gained our composure and had the best chances of the half.
I’d say the problems in the first half were very similar to those we face with the senior team, in the final third, we lacked a decent ball and our finishing was poor. We had a few shaky moments at the back from some looping crosses, but we kept their chances to a minimum. In fact, they only hit the target once in the entire game. Gabriel missed a couple of sitters that he’ll regret and I think Eddie also flunked his lines. The opening moment did come though, deep into injury time Nelson fizzed a low cross at Sokratis, the GREEK BEAST buried his shot inside the near post. A thing of beauty. A strikers finish. Alan Shearer in tears at the purity.
The second half was a different story altogehter. We took a far more aggressive approach and absolutely dominated the chances and the possession. Reiss Nelson again made the difference with a great run and final ball that found Eddie, he did brilliantly at the near post finishing like a boss.
We can look at the result as a professional job well done, I’m not sure I always felt like it during the game, but we limited Pompey to zero shots on target across the 90 minutes and a young team rode out some brutal play from the home side and an absolutely standard Mike Riley performance in which you can be sure he was desperate to help Pompey. Booking Matteo for theatrics but not the thug that smashed Torreira summed it up.
There were some solid performances. Pablo Mari, the most handsome man in the team looked very assured. He had the second most touches on the pitch, made some good blocks, and gave a solid account of himself. He opens up the pitch as well, he’s very pro moving the ball forward and he’s actually far quicker than I thought he’d be. Yep, quicker than Per, I said it. Let’s see if he can do that against the Hammers in a few days.
Joe Willock didn’t have his best game. His touch was off, he made some bad decisions and his final ball was not of the standard we’d expect of a 10. I’m not sure that’s his position. I like that he has outrageous amounts of energy, and that he never lets his head drop, but he’s not quite right in the 10 role. I’m not sure if he even likes playing there.
Reiss Nelson landed two assists. He was direct, confident and he had a lot of swagger about his game. I’m so pleased to see him improving, notable that Arteta said he was a special talent, he clearly had a lot of hope for his future.
Sokratis is worth a mention just because he played the most Hollywood ball of the game and it was pretty, also can’t know a centre back scoring a goal like an elite striker.
Saka continued to have some good moments, Ceballos fought like a dog, and I’ll continue to give David Luiz props for being a mentor regardless of the game he’s playing in. It was great to see him spending time with Reiss after the game. I am really impressed with his attitude towards the new regime and his approach to the games since Emery left.
Arteta once again delivered his criticism to the players in plain English. He had this to say on AMN absence from the starting 11.
“Ainsley needs to put his head down, work hard and show me every day in training he wants it more than anybody else and that he wants to play for this club and fight for his place.”
Lack of focus has been a a critique of him in the past. He’ll switch off, do something dopey on the pitch and look unfocused. Counter that critique of him to what he said of Papa.
“He moans a little bit because it’s not his position,” Arteta joked, “but for certain games I think [Sokratis] is very [much a] handful.
“He has always had the right attitude and has qualities to play there in certain moments when we need him.
“Sometimes he needs to interpret what’s happening, when we have the ball it’s a little bit difficult for him to use the space like he should do in relation to what the opponents are doing. But in general he did really well again.”
It’s clear. Do what you’re asked. Focus. You will get games. AMN is going to blow his chance with us and end up like Theo and Iwobi. Sad to see.
Overall, it’s a game we should have won. But we’ve slipped in the past after a bad result. The players fought hard, they kept their composure and they once again showed they are up for the fight.
Now we have to do it in the league. Champions League is the goal, we need to make it happen. Onwards and upwards, we’re playing West Ham next. Always tough to play derby games, but a win is the only acceptable outcome.
Pedro
It’s good to see no one’s jumping the gun on him after one match against League One opposition!
Mesut not going anywhere because I doubt Arteta will want him to and I think he loves London.
Pedro
He can also earn £18.2 million next season and then move on a free with a nice fat signing on fee.
Marc, no better place to get to grips with the thuggish nature of the game than a feisty League One club the cup.
“Hertha Berlin were ready to pay 30 odd million ”
Actually the bid was just over £20 million.
Pedro
I’m not criticising the player hopefully he turns out to be a stunning signing.
Has anyone noticed jow we have 8 centre-backs.
I wonder who we’ll let go at the end of the season and how much we could earn in player sales. My guess is it’ll be David Luiz (£3m), Mustafi (£25m); Sokratis (£12m) and Mavra (£12m). The remaining being Chambers; Holding; Saliba & Mari. Maybe Arteta might convert Luiz into a DM.
Pedro I think if you look at the positioning of our players when we are trying to break down a defence. on the right you will more often than not find Ozil close to Pepe and also Bellerin. On the left its Saka, Aubameyang and maybe xhaka. That leaves Lacazette up top and Torreira/Ceballos in the middle with the 2 centre backs behind. I’m watching the game and thinking that there is a massive area on the pitch between our central midfielder and striker where no Arsenal player enters. Consequently we tend to play side to side and try and… Read more »
Thanks Pierre, good analysis.
Un
Not to answer for Pedro but the fact is we’re stuck with him – for him to sell will take a mega offer and there’s no one out there who seems to be interested at the moment.
What’s the point in endless debating Kroenke being a cunt when it will make know difference to the situation.
Marc
I bet you must have sold all your possessions for cheap. The argument of ozil going for €15m is not something I’d want to be drawn into. The market is bloated, Iwobi with no star allure and same poor numbers went for 35+ millions. €15m is chicken change for what MLS pays for Europe based players. We can bin him to to China. If Ozil is really after the money these are the sort of places that would keep his coffers stashed. 300k+ sums per week are normal fees for Chinese clubs.
FUG
Ozil’s got to agree to the move you fucking retard and why would he take a massive drop in pay?
The reason you don’t want to “get drawn into it” is because you know you’ll be shown to be wrong.
“We can bin him to to China.”
Not after he criticised the Chinese Government for their treatment of Muslims, which resulted in China stopping the screening of one of our matches.
Are you really this uninformed?
Un
You’d still need a buyer and remember with the amount of TV money in the PL now match day revenue importance is not what it was.
When was the last time he was at a match.
Marc, with you on the Stan thing. He is who he is and we have to deal with that.
FUG – Ozil’s support for the Uyghurs has meant that China will never be a destination for him to ply his trade. His contract with AFC is cast iron and was presented to him when his agent took advantage of the soured relationship between Gazidis and Wenger. Wenger has already lost Sanchez and needed to save face.
Ozil loves London and so does his wife. There is a slim chance he will leave in January 2022 and join a MLS team.
Pedro
As much as I’d like Jeff Bezos to suddenly become a massive Gooner and buy the club in a money now object deal it just ain’t gonna happen.
He has up to now allowed us to spend what we earn we just need Arteta to get us back into the CL ASAP.
Despite his lack of assists, it is quite possible, even probable that ozil is doing exactly what Arteta is asking of him. Arteta wants to control the game with possession of the football and Ozil rarely wastes a pass , even in the final third of the pitch. It definitely is not a free flowing Wenger/pep style of football but thankfully it is not the haphazard headless chicken Emery style of football. I think Arteta is being very astute in his tactical set up and it won’t be until next season that we will see a more expansive game. Don’t… Read more »
PedRo “”””Marc, with you on the Stan thing. He is who he is and we have to deal with that.”””” Absolute bunkum.( with respect) If fans stop attending or even walk out in the second half- off course things would change. And change instantly. What a totally defeatist attitude. Remember Stan only bought Arsenal because of Wenger’s skilled husbandry. He has no interest in Arsenal. Post Wenger-I am sure if a serious offer come in , he would scarper. There is no positive Arsenal future with him at the helm. So he has to go- and the sooner the dozy… Read more »
Marc, exactly, Arsenal spend a lot of money. Let’s stop thinking that more money is the solve and focus on why we spend money so badly.
I think the plan in place now looks very solid. Grow the kids, find bargains, bring in elite coaching and drive the club forward that way.
CG, fans don’t want to not attend football games. That’s a ridiculous solution. It’ll never happen. People who say things like ‘just don’t go’ are the sort that don’t go to game, or the folk that just want internet applause.
Un na- is that really likely? I think not
Things would have to be really bad for any likelihood of that
Most fans still feel cautiously optimistic as to the future whoever wins the club
It’s very easy to tell other people what to do from the comfort of your settee.
The moaning about Kroenke is really pathetic.
He’s here to stay, nothing anyone can do about it. The last minority shareholder put 1.3 billion GBP behind a bid and still failed.
Maybe the moaners can raise more than that and make another offer.
Owns
NEEG
Regardless, we have no need of Ozil after this season. We should tell him and his agent to go sort themselves elsewhere.
Marc
If I were you I wouldn’t be so quick to trade insults on the net. Get a life, be reasonable in your speech as retorting to abuse to back up your points doesn’t make you bright to anyone nor your points valid.
PedRo
“”””It’ll never happen.”””
It certainly won’t with our zombie lot, granted.
I notice Liverpool fans ousted their Cowboy owners pretty sharp- when Hicks and Gillet had them plummeting down the table and in financial peril.
And credit to them feisty fans.
Look at them now.
European Champions and NEARLY but not quite Invincible.
If Arsenal want to move forward.
We need a new Arsenal- and that includes new owners.
End off.
Ozil is going to run down his contract, that was guaranteed to happen the moment he signed a too-big-to-move contract.
That contract will be a millstone around the clubs neck till 2021. We have to live with it. Pierre can continue his man-crush on the lad.
FUG
You haven’t answered any of my questions?
You can’t answer any of my questions?
And I’ll call out really fucking stupid when I see it – the only one who get’s to tell me to back down is Pedro.
“On almost every financial measure, Arsenal is a club in decline…” Except for its net worth. That’s the one that matters. “Thank you Stan for your contribution to the affairs of a great club – you cunt.” You made your bed, now you get to sleep in it. Hope you’re tired, because you’re going to be in there for a while. Stan was a known commodity when he bought the club. Too bad none of the brits who sold out to him cared, and the supporters couldn’t be bothered to put up a stink. He ain’t selling, and there’s nothing… Read more »
The only way I see Ozil moving is waving his transfer fee and a team taking him for lower wages say 120-150 k and paying him the rest of his massive 1 year 350k wages as a signing on fee. I still believe teams would have paid a small transfer fee if he was on half the wages he is on.
CG
The Liverpool fans didn’t oust the former owners – the creditors did and forced a sale.
You were warned about Kroenke. Usmanov was the better candidate but good ole’ prejudice towards the Uzbek-born Russian stopped him in his tracks.
I ‘ll never forget all the slanderous stuff that posters like Emirates Stroller used to drop her about Usmanov.
And I’ll call out really fucking stupid when I see it – the only one who get’s to tell me to back down is Pedro.
Then get the f*ck out of my mentions. I’m not paid to engage cretins.
*drop here
Marc I think there could be a few scenarios where teams could come in for ozil but i dont know the likelihood. Yes they would have to ballpark-match his wages which a team in china (yes,unlikely but not impossible) or the gulf Might want to do. Or he may decide he wants to play CL if we dont make it and sacrifice wages for that. Or least likely, arteta forces his hand. If i remember right, there was a club that came in For him during the winter window and was rejected by arteta. Never got the full story there.… Read more »
Stan only cares about the real estate. Hes got the main one in LA now, wouldnt be surprised if he started renting out emirates to west ham when that garbage fire finally leaves on LS
“Yes they would have to ballpark-match his wages which a team in china (yes,unlikely but not impossible) ”
Yes. the Chinese are well-known for how they don’t hold grudges.
Zach
I think it was PSG who came in for Ozil but it was on loan – doesn’t really solve the problem. China is a massive no no, it all comes down to Ozil being able to see out next season earning £18.2 million and then move on a free for reduced but still decent money with a signing on fee chucked in. He gets his current contract paid up and gets another 3 years money.
alex
Technically they don’t hold grudges but that’s mostly because anyone who pisses off the Government out there gets a bullet in the back of the head.
Marc
There is the possibility that Arsenal/Arteta could offer Ozil a new contract.
Now that would be funny.
FUG
It amazes me your paid to do anything other than not eat the yellow snow.
Fucking moron says something stupid and then cries like a little girl when he’s shown up.
Pierre
If Ozil is performing and doing what Arteta wants him to do then that is of course a possibility – as Pedro say’s Ozil loves life in London.
It would however not be on £350k per week!
Chinese TV didn’t show the game after Ozils remark about the Uighurs, after that they have shown the games but refuses to mention his name during the broadcast, China is not an option. HG Yes, that’s the only way he moves, if he gets a fat signing on bonus that makes up for his lower wages. He should take a leaf out of Sokratis book and have some pride but that’s not likely is it. Feel there was a dig from PapaSok to Ozil and one or two others in our squad in that article I posted earlier. “I don’t… Read more »
Didn’t someone post on here that his wages are actually 250,000 a week due to no champions league football.
Sure Pierre, we’re going to give a new contract to a Cam with 1 goal and 1 assist this season, seems likely. Wouldn’t even give him a new contract on 5k a week if he cleaned the toilets at the Emirates on his free time.
Marc
Someone from Turkey might come in for him if we wave his transfer fee. 10 mil signing on fee with a 150k contract might be feasible. He would get his paycheck and they would get him for a couple of years for 10 mil. We would get rid of a 18.2 mil problem.
Papa swung his leg only as a reaction to a ball coming his way, 99 times in 100 the ball goes to the stand. But Papa scored a beauty with his reaction. You must believe in miracles if you didn’t.
Habesha
This whole conversation started because FUGly thinks we can sell Ozil for 15 million euros. I pointed out that no ones going to pay that for him with his salary demands and why would Ozil drop his demands with a contract in hand.
I can see him seeing is contract out but we might let him go sooner but we won’t get a fee for him.
Un
Think you’re getting caught up in some paranoia. If it had a mortality rate that was in line with Small Pox or worse they’d have closed everything down already.
Un, let’s not head down the path of cover-ups on here… we all know where that takes the thread.
There are two reasons why we attack down the sides.
1) Most teams block the centre via two banks of 4.
2) Lacazette doesn’t make runs in behind and he’s off the ball movement is poor.
I have said it before and I’ll say it again playing PEA in the middle would open up space for Ozil because his movement would would keep the CB’s busy leaving Pepe and Saka/Nelson 1 v 1 with the full backs.
With Lacazette, everything happens in front of the the opposition CB’s and they never have to worry about Lacazette going in behind them.
Pedro
Whilst not going down a rabbit hole what odd’s do you think of matches being called off our played behind closed doors?
Leedsgunner Agree AMN needs to stop sulking, but I have some sympathy for him, he helped us out big time by playing wing back, for months, there is no way he can prove his worth in central midfield, unless he is actually given some match time. Last night was perfect or him, get out on the pitch, put up or shut up time. Until that happens we will never know. Saka on the other hand is handling himself very well, and not complaining YET but he will if and loudly if the situation goes on unchanged into next season. Bet… Read more »
Un
If that is true it’ll be all over every news outlet in no time – you just can’t cover that type of thing up with social media out there.
It’d actually make the situation a lot worse if the government was caught either trying to cover something up or looking like they were.
Un
“Yeah cos the government only have the best interests at heart for its constituents.”
Actually in this sort of situation I believe they do.
Un
This country has a history of being at it’s best when the shit hits the fan – it’s when things are all OK it goes down the toilet.
Predictions on Chelsea Liverpool tonight anyone?
Could see Liverpool have a couple bad results after the bubble finally burst.
Love to see them crash out.
There is no replays from this point. Could go to penalties tonight.
Don
Isn’t it your generation that raised the ‘millennials?’
sal
Chelsea win tonight, Bournemouth win at the weekend and a draw against Atletico a week tomorrow and the collapse is well under way!
Terrible keeping!
Hopefully, the Pool will play this GK against us.
There was an episode of the Simpsons 1993 that mentions the virus. Even a book written in the 80s predicting 2020 the Wu tang flu would appear. Make of that what you will.
I know of someone in China that is asking for the masks to be sent from UK to China because the masks over there are not problem disinfected.
Glen Johnson looking a bit bald up top 👴
Properly *
Any new on Lt ?
Same there is something dodgy
This is a man made virus.
First they tried to same bats.
Wouldn’t suprise Mr if done on purpose to reduce world population.
Chelsea is losing their midfielders.
Un – already heard somebody claiming a colleague died in front of them . The thing is you never quite get the name or the exact place and time . So it joins the long list of conspiracy theory / social tales such as “Welcome to the AIDS club” 1980’s or pretend social workers kidnapping kids circa 1980’s 1990’s or recent suicide inducing internet clubs . Each and every case not a jot of evidence turned up.
RSPC
It’s killed less than 3,000 in China out of a population of over 1,400,000,000.
If this was created as a biological weapon the guy who did it is to germ warfare what Xhaka is to PL midfielders.
What a goal!
liverpool showing vulnerability these past few games.
Without anyone mentioning it , Arteta has managed to take away all the fear of us playing out from the back..
No credit has been given to Arteta regarding this but lets not forget how bad it was under Emery.
Same players , different outcome …coaching ?
Pedro had to score there. Liverpool defence all over the place.
Pedro u piece of shit.
Samesong, how dare you
Pierre why do you keep mentioning Emery. Just when you dont want to be reminded of him. You mention him this morning and this evening. Please stop mentioning him.
pedro scared there or that would have been the 2nd time liverpool conceded 3 in a week.
Good! He won’t be facing the Pool anytime soon.
Un
How about another copper produced an email to wind up some colleagues?
Pedro lol Chelsea one not you.
Liverpool hitting the skids after that Atleti match
Not you Peter. I meant Chelsea’s pedro.
They’ve got the mighty Bournemouth at the weekend followed by the second leg against Atletico.
Not if he worked in Special Branch.
Un
Seriously where are the social media comments by neighbours?
Diego Simeone broke Liverpool. When your defense starts making Ross Barkley look like Ronaldo… it’s over. 😀
They will still win the league at a canter, mind you.
Lampard Is still laughing at Pedro’s miss that’s how bad it was..
Giroud hits the underneath of the bar and out!
Could easily be 4.
That chelsea midfielder 18 year old has impressed me in this match. Proper combatant midfielder.
Hahaha and then Olly G… misses from 2 yards. Should be 4-0
Giroud has been a menace all night. Holding up play and giving liverpool problems. If this liverpool shows up for our home game it would be great.
Samesong
It was relevant to what I was saying and what many of us have been saying for the last few months a bit good coaching.
We were told that these players were uncoachable.
the playing out from the back with ease by those same players is proof that good coaching makes a difference.
Trent Alexander Arnold is liverpool’s main offensive weapon. Without him liverpool look toothless. They don’t create a lot because they haven’t got midfielders with imagination.
Chelsea have some good youngsters as have we but none better then Billy Gilmore
No conspiracy theories on Le Grove unless they’re geared around Arsene’s bonus
Billy Gilmour getting motm tonight, another Rangers academy player and talent scouted from the scottish prem.
League might be muck but there’s transferable talent there. Arsenal would do well to run a comb through it, likewise the Eredivisie. Feel like we’re never looking there for potential gems, always La Liga and Bundesliga.
Pierre
That name really winds me up
He even popped up on Instagram earlier.
“No conspiracy theories on Le Grove unless they’re geared around Arsene’s bonus”
Does this apply to RedTruth and CG?