Sh*thousing West Ham at home. What a time to be alive.

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Wooooooah, the less said about that performance, the better.

Arsenal took 3 very undeserved points at home against West Ham, the game was won with a VAR decision that overturned an incorrectly flagged offside, but the 1-0 victory didn’t disguise a ‘revert to type’ performance from a group of players that didn’t show up.

It’s easy to criticise every single line-up Arteta puts out because there’s not really an ideal starting 11. We’re a mess whatever we do and you can argue every player and their role. The one that seems to irk people the most is Auba out wide, especially when we have options on the left like Martinelli. I also think we debate the midfield over and over, but the reality is, we just don’t have a lot of good choices.

We were awful today, that was the most important thing to note. The midfield struggled to keep to West Ham at bay, the spacing between midfield and defence was off, and there were a lot of very poor lapses in defence. We are not a creative team, there’s no spark, no magic, no nothing. It’s painful to watch. It’s also interesting that the heavy pressing has gone, with the penny dropping for another manager that the squad aren’t fit enough to deliver on that without dramatically poor second-half performances (or injuries).

It is telling that we’re back to Bernd Leno being the MOTM again. He made some crucial saves, commanded his area well and took high-risk chances in tough situations. He was very quick off his line. It’s simply not good enough that we’re battered at home by West Ham.

More worrying is that moving forward, we just weren’t at the races. No one seemed to find their range when it mattered. We took too many touches, made the wrong choice, or just fucked up the momentum in attack.

Dani Ceballos had a great game from a numbers perspective. He made the most successful tackles, he had the most interceptions, his passing was fairly accurate, but to my earlier point, we didn’t make it count for anything. Our front three managed 2 shots on target. That’s miserable, especially when you look at the players we have at our disposal.

Still, when it comes down to it, the thing that matters most at the moment is the 3 points. We took them. Auba fired a speculative ball into legs, the ball looped up, Mesut Ozil was sharpest, he nodded a header to Lacazette who swept home a clinical shot. The players thought it was offside, the lino did too, but after 37.5 minutes of painfully nerdish deliberation, VAR called it a goal.

It was a bit embarrassing to win that game, but we kept up the pressure in the league and now we find ourselves right in the hunt for top 4. At the time of writing, there are 5 points between Arsenal in 9th and 4th (6 points if you go to 10th). Win our game in hand and there will be two points. It is staggering that this season has been so terrible to us, yet we’re a fluke win at City from being deeply in the top 4 hunt.

On the players, bar a bit of an iffy attempt at a clearance in the first half, Pablo Mari looked pretty solid. The worry in the league is always that you’ll be beasted by hulking thug forwards. He dealt with West Ham’s aerial threat pretty well today, he also won 3 out of his 5 aerial duels. He’s a good passer, he has a bit more pace than we thought, and he’s very composed. A solid Premier League start and his second clean sheet in 2 games. Let’s see how he copes on Wednesday.

Mesut Ozil was the decisive factor in the game, his quick thinking and cushioned header turned the game. He worked really hard, watching him lead the press in the final 20 was a sight to behold. He’s lost a lot of edge with his game-changing passing. He just hasn’t looked very confident of late… it seems odd that a player can lose the sparkle, with him, you do wonder if he’ll ever return to what he was.

Overall, our midfield was poor. We lack power and a tempo setter. Ceballos had good moments, but it didn’t feel synced to the wider team. We created next to nothing, Arteta has to find a way of addressing that in the coming games if we’re to stand a chance of making the most of this top 4 race.

Reality is that we’re still shit and I have little hope that we’ll surprise anyone on Wednesday, but it’s nice to hope, and it’s nice to know that everyone else around us is just as capable of failing as us. The mighty Nuno dropped points, United will have a tough game against City tomorrow and Spurs just went a goal down at Burnley.

Who knows what will happen… but it’d be very funny if we shithoused to top 5.

 

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Champagne Charlie

“Look at their midfield
3 brits
Two from their youth team“

One from Rangers youth team *cough, cough* 😉

Fuck me, where’s the ‘wish we went for Don Carlo’ legends?

TR7

Ishola

We can get Willian and still sign two midfielders. Signing Willian doesn’t preclude us from improving on other weak links in the team.

As for Pepe vs Willian, Willian is a more rounded winger who can not only operate from the wings but can also cut in on a regular basis to operate through central areas. He has a good shot on him and is very very mobile. For no signing fee, he will be a steal if we get him. I am a big fan of the guy.

Champagne Charlie

TR7

He’s 31 and will command a signing on fee and how much per week wages?

He’s a good player but are we looking to offload Mkhi for him? Seems a lateral move.

Ishola70

TR7 Willian will come on a free but will be wanting a pretty big wage. I agree that Willian is a better player than Pepe at this time but to bring in Willian and ditch Pepe who has been a 75m signing is a bit of a fucked up squad building philosophy. Willian can also operate from the left but that is going to kill off Saka and I thought folks wanted to see the good youngsters play in the first team. Saka is only deputising at LB. He needs to be played further up and will be once Tierney… Read more »

Marc

There’s a pretty good chance that the link to Willian has come from his agent trying to drum up interest.

Nelson

There is a fan ran out onto the pitch. funny.

Pierre

Giroud is a team player , that’s for sure. Has been underused by chelsea this season and last He was never one of my favourite players but we as fans always think the grass is greener if we get in shiny new toys but as we have seen that is not always true , whether it is getting in new players or replacing the manager I have been guilty of this , I always believed Ramsey and Giroud were hindering our progress but unless their replacements are better and just as important, suit the style or philosophy of the manager… Read more »

TR7

Charlie

Willian earns £120K/week at Chelsea and Mikhi earns £200K/week. We can offload Mikhi for some fee which can cover for signing fee of Willian (if at all there’s a signing fee in the rumored deal). And the wages freed up from selling Mikhi can be used to pay Willian and we get a far better player in my opinion. And if there’s no signing fee, then Mikhi out and Willian in is a good deal financially too.

Ishola70

Mhiki is basically gone from the club.

He will be sold in the summer or if he is a pest he will just sit on his wages at Arsenal.

So Willian is going to come in for a player that is either going to be sold or rot at Arsenal on his wage.

Doesn’t really make sense does it.

raptora

CC: “Fuck me, where’s the ‘wish we went for Don Carlo’ legends?”

Wait a minute? Wasn’t this exactly you? Lol?
You had a number of posts where you were explaining how a safe pair of hands is what this team needs. And you even named Don Carlo! Want me to dig it up from the archives?

The audacity though roflmao

Receding Hairline

Why would a move to Arsenal interest Willian?

Champagne Charlie

TR7

Can’t say I’d be blown away by that move, think it’s marginal gains at best. But if it’s sensibly opportunistic then I’m fine with that sort of thing.

Would simply prefer we prioritise making substantial gains with the little powder we have to work with.

Circa 10 mil and 180k off the wages appealed from a squad building perspective. Basically swapping Mkhi for Willian is a tad meh imo.

Pierre

Un
“I’d actually prefer Giroud. He’s the opposite of Aubameyang and far more suited to what Arteta is trying to do than Aubameyang.”

Possibly..

The stupid thing is , all the players that Emery couldn’t work with , Arteta would probably prefer to work with.

Our transfer policy in the last 18 months has been amateurish in that the players haven’t suited the managers philosophy.

We need Arteta to have the final say on who comes in and who comes out as Raul and Vinaii have shown they are not fit for purpose.

Ishola70

Receding Hairline
“Why would a move to Arsenal interest Willian?”

He is settled in London and Arsenal can still offer him top flight football at 31 and these Chelsea old boys see Arsenal as a handy retirement home.

It would make sense for Willian.

Certainly wouldn’t make sense for Arsenal though.

Dissenter

Pierre
Your post at 15.29 is perfect

Ishola70

Swapping Mhiki for Willian?

Mhiki can’t get in the Arsenal team. That is why he is in Rome at this present time.

There would be no true swapping going on unless Willian signs and then is automatically loaned out to Lazio lol

Champagne Charlie

Raptora

I haven’t once pined for another manager since Arteta came in, try again.

Receding Hairline

Emery didn’t sell Giroud

Nelson

I don’t like Everton’s 4 4 2 system. There is no wing play. There is not much chemistry between the two strikers. So often, each striker has to fight against two defenders.

TR7

Ishola

Would you be okay with Pepe and Saka as the only two wingers for an entire season ? And we are not talking about prime Robben and Ribery here. Pepe is still finding his feet in the league and Saka although promising is still a kid. I don’t think Willian coming in obstructs anyone’s progress. A team targeting top 4 must have 2 players for each position anyway.

Receding Hairline

Ishola he is settled at Chelsea and he might even have aspirations of playing in Series A or La Liga.

London can’t be that addictive you only make moves based on the city

raptora

CC “Since Arteta came in”

Haha no okay. So what you said after Emery’s sacking when we had to appoint someone doesn’t matter?

Receding Hairline

Luiz left Chelsea because he was told he wasn’t guaranteed game time, ditto Czech. Is Willian in the same situation? No

Stop exhibiting your stupidity anytime you post here Don

Champagne Charlie

Receding

Willians wife and kids are happy and settled in London if the quotes are to be believed. Reasonable for a man to keep his family happy above another move abroad.

But you’re forgiven for not being up to speed, it’s Colney you have on lockdown after all haha

raptora

“Champagne charlie November 29, 2019 14:48:41 Pedro I’d typically agree about forward thinking visions and the like but the clubs you mention (to my knowledge) all have/had stable structures in place and the manager/coach was the last piece of the puzzle type stuff.I see Arsenal currently as being in a state of flux away from the football pitch, everyone seemingly trying to grasp at how the new structure operates optimally. In that sense I do wonder whether it’s wise for an Arteta to be added to that mix. Personally, and I’m a broken record on the matter at this point,… Read more »

raptora

You basically say you’d prefer Rafa/Carlo to Nagelsmann/Arteta but now laugh at people who wanted Carlo? Dear Charles…

TR7

Receding

Apparently Willian wanted a longer (3 year) and better deal (higher wages) than what Chelsea offered him. His family wants to stay in London which makes Arsenal an obvious choice for him.

Champagne Charlie

Raptora

There’s been people claiming Arteta was the wrong choice and pining after Ancelotti at Everton because he got a bounce.

You really trying to claim I’m in that camp? Are you slow?

Ishola70

TR7 When I said Willian can operate from the left he is not anywhere as good as he is on the right side. So we will still have a situation where Willian comes in for Arsenal’s 75m signing Pepe who has only been at the club for one season. It’s obvious Saka has talent and he has shown this in top class games so he should be encouraged with more first team games instead of being benched. The signing of Willian really doesn’t make sense from a squad building perspective or progressing these players that are currently at Arsenal in… Read more »

Receding Hairline

TR7 and you think its a good idea for us to offer him a three year deal and higher wages? He turns 32 in August.

What’s his motivation? Family and more money. Does that help our project? No I don’t.

We had this with Cech and then Luiz. We should move on from players who see us as a means to keep their family settled

raptora

Don,
I know. Safe pair of hands was not a bad idea. I was for someone both “young” and successful – Antonio Conte. But we missed the train this time around. We’ll see who is going to have known better. If Arsenal doesn’t get UCL football in this and next season, we’ll be in terrible state…

TR7

Receding

I wrote a post above how the deal could make sense financially if we offloaded Mikhi.

See not all players join Arsenal cos they dream of playing for Arsenal. Most players leave/join a club for good money or its location. As long as a deal makes sense for all the parties concerned, it’s a good deal. That being said I hope we don’t offer him a 3 year deal. 2 year deal and higher wages than Chelsea should hopefully clinch the deal.

Dissenter

Since when did we become the parking lot for older players Chelsea no longer want?
Cech and David Luiz is enough.
Hell no to William… yes to the likes of Emi Buendia at Norwich.
What is wrong with gooners?

Seun

Arteta should start playing Saka up from. He has the ability to get past players. Let Auba stay in the middle and let Saka play the wing. Tierney is back and should be tried at 3 now since we lack a creative edge. I feel Ozil does not bring much needed energy again into the game. Pepe is another guy who frustrates he shoots or try to shoots when he is suppose to pass and passes into the wrong channel when he is suppose to shoot.

Bob N16

It’s a no to Willian from me. Would expect shitloads in wages and we have Pepe and Nelson on the right and Saka and Martinelli on the left. If we do sell PEA an experienced forward should come in but a winger, save the money for midfield.

Saliba looks tremendous,: powerful, technical and appears to read the game well. Got the sort of acceleration Xhaka would flog a testicle for! So excited to see him next season in Arsenal colours.

Receding Hairline

Everton lost a game of football. Happens.

Since Ancelloti’s appointment they have been one of the form teams in the league.

I didn’t want Carlo at Arsenal but that doesn’t mean Everton made a wrong move hiring him or that they did anything wrong winning games after he came in. Nor can we really tell what his appointment does for them in the long run.

Bob N16

Come on city, beat united but have Sterling and Silva injured. DeBruyne hopefully out for Wednesday too!

Bob N16

Great point Pedro, not that Receding is agenda driven or anything!

Receding Hairline

Pedro you won’t see me complain about a loss to City,Liverpool or even Wolves at this point.

Getting lucky at home to West Ham or exiting a tournament to Olympiakos though I will have a few thoughts

alex cutter

Let’s all hope that ManU give Citeh the pasting they so sorely deserve!!

Champagne Charlie

Haven’t seen Le Groves very own United fan with a view on today’s game.

Banford mia after an Arsenal win or has he done a Banford again?

Marc

“Let’s all hope that ManU give Citeh the pasting they so sorely deserve!!”

You really don’t get supporting Arsenal do you?

Champagne Charlie

Rodri is a lovely player, didn’t think much of him initially but he’s a proper controller. Also, Fred has been Uniteds best player every time I’ve watched them this season. Super slow burn but he’s looking a player.

Champagne Charlie

Pedro

Christ, nvm.

Marc

Really how the fuck does the guy manage it?

Marc

Pedro

He’ll be fine – it’s Xhaka you’ve got to worry about.

Dissenter

Fred looks so composed now, just goes ton show that it can take ages for foreign players to settle in England.

Marc

Pedro

I’m actually resigned to losing it to be honest – what we need to do is keep the score low.

City beat ManU today and then the Spud’s and ManU draw next Sunday whilst we beat Brighton then we’re 1 point ahead of the Spud’s and level with ManU.

Guns of SF

Good scenario Marc I hope it happens

Marc

Cunts

Dissenter

Diid anyone see Mike Dean stinking out the place
He made the right call … then brought it back

…now its led to a goal

alex cutter

What a cheeky free kick!

Dissenter

Ederson effed up there

Leftside

Poor from Ederson there.

Champagne Charlie

Pedro

Don’t blame you at all, shouldn’t need to parent the content and he was warned.

Ederson with a shocker there, he’s top shelf which shows it’s part of the game.

Champagne Charlie

Really don’t want a City fuckup vs their rivals and to be the side they take it out on

Marc

Well fuck me Mike Dean getting a decision wrong – who’d have thought.

Marc

CC

It’s double bad for us we need ManU to drop points as well as your point.

Champagne Charlie

Jesus I’ve just seen the free kick, wtf was that?

Then I spot Mike Dean. Makes sense.

Marc

CC

I’m surprised he didn’t book Torreira the other night for being on the end of a bad tackle.

Marc

Mike Dean and VAR getting that wrong as well – although I’m pleased they did!

Dissenter

Mike Dean needs to retire. He’s missing way too much these days.
That was not a dive and the YC was unnecessary.

Dissenter

Why didn’t VAR reverse that clear and obvious error
Fred was clearly kicked there

Marc

Dissenter

Sorry did you say retire or be hung for crimes against football?

Bob N16

De Bruyne missing weakens City considerably. Utd looking half decent, not sure they’ll keep this pace up in the second half mind you.

Dissenter

Marc
He hardly runs these days.
He missed way too much and I fear the other refs don’t want to reverse his decision on VAR.
if he saw that kick on Fred, then the YC shouldn’t have been given.

Champagne Charlie

Maguire cost 80 mil lol

Ishola70

Bob N16
“De Bruyne missing weakens City considerably”

De Bruyne missing?

Oh well why bother tuning in to see Man City turn over United.

He’s their main boy.

Dream10

Always thought we’d be in for Willian. Looks like he wants either more than a two yr deal or a nice little last contract. It’s either Arsenal or Spurs. Interesting to see what happens with Pepe. Just my opinion, but if it’s up to Arteta, he would want him moved on. However, if it’s up to Raul and it likely is, especially since it’s an 80m euro deal, he’ll stay.

Marc

Dissenter

You talk as if Mike Dean was once a good ref who’s age is affecting his performance. He’s always been a useless cunt – I’d pay money to watch someone kick the shit out of him.

Champagne Charlie

Foden is so talented, he just doesn’t have the reps on the main stage. Playing Villa in a cup final is fake pressure, they’re not nearly as talented as a buzzing United side so he gets smothered in these games.

Marc

When did City sign Pickford as their keeper?

Dream10

De Brunye is a top player. But, City were amazing and got 98pts without him last season. Missing Sané, Bernardo not being one of the top players this yr and David Silva on a decline has hurt them.

Tom

Mike Dean doing his usual professional referee impersonation.
Two major decisions of the half and he got them both wrong.

I see posters getting a bit giddy Everton got hammered by Chelsea.
Everton are s perennial mid table club with a mid table talent level.
Not a single Everton player gets in this Arsenal squad and we are pretty bland.

Champagne Charlie

“Not a single Everton player gets in this Arsenal squad and we are pretty bland.“

Well that’s not true, cmon now.

Guns of SF

Debruyne might be back against us.
Pray he isnt

Champagne Charlie

Where does Pep get his scarves..

Tom

CC,
Fine, name one player who’s an upgrade on what we have in their respective positions.
Auba> Richarlison , and he’s the only player I would be interested in long term, but Im talking for right now.

Dissenter

Aguero was onside there but VAR will save the Linos blushes

TR7

Of all the games City choose to not turn up against United, irritating.

Champagne Charlie

Tom

Holgate looks a player, Sidibe, Gomes and Richarlison would arguably make the XI. They’d certainly make our squad, as would Bernard.

Champagne Charlie

Can someone tell City this is a derby..

Tom

City can pass the ball around anyone but you neutralize their speed and all you have left is pretty toothless game of rondos.
WanBissaka has taken Sterling completely out of the game.
Silva, Aguerro, Gundogan haven’t got the legs to trouble United.
Not to mention the likes of Zinchenko.

Champagne Charlie

Gabby Jesus has to be on in 5 mins

Champagne Charlie

Cmon City ffs

Tom

CC
Everton have conceded 10 more goals but you would consider half of their back line?
Please tell me your joking.

TR7

No urgency from City, Foden underwhelming

TR7

Yes I am with Tom on this, no Everton player gets in to our starting 11 bar may be Andre Gomes.

Sid

If OGS beats Pep twice theres no excuse for the Saucy one to loose the man c game.

You heard it here 1st!

Leftside

City appear quite nonchalant even if they’ve got into the game again in this half

Champagne Charlie

Tom

Is Holgate a poor player?
Is Sidibe worse than our current RB options?

Their midfield isn’t solid and their GK is toilet but they’ve conceded more than us so they’re not good players is your logic? Palace have conceded less than us, they got better defenders?