Well, what a day yesterday was! Our best young player signed a new deal with the club and we beat Norwich 4-0 in our first home game in 8 years.
You can only play what is put in front of you; admittedly Norwich were not really up to much, but I’ll take the positives and there were quite a few.
The main one was lady luck, she’s been pretty absent for Arteta in general since he took over. Injuries, sendings off, bad luck on the pitch, pandemics, literally being the one that shut down the Premier League, you name it, we’ve seen it. So it was nice for a second game in a row to start the ball rolling on the scoring front with a nice dollop of keeping mess. Tim Krul tried to turn an incoming Auba, he messed his timing up, he was tackled, leaving one of the deadliest sharpshooters in the league to sweep home into an empty net. You could call it lucky, or you could salute the fact the manager has been hounding his strikers to shut down keepers because they are shit on the ball. If forcing errors is part of your plan, it’s not really luck.
The second goal was far sexier in its architecture. David Luiz pinged a long ball out wide to Kieran Tierney, he controlled the ball and slipped Auba into the box, then Granit Xhaka stormed through the middle like peak-Freddie to scored the second goal of the game. The Swiss certainly enjoyed that moment, he looked very excited.
The third was another gift, Norwich made a mess of a throw, the attempt to switch the ball out of danger was actually a well-weighted pass into Auba, he took his chance stroking a low shot into the far corner. Super cool, as ever.
The fourth was a fun goal. A right back I’ve been hyping as the future of Arsenal FC for a while made his debut after 150 odd days. Dani Ceballos drilled a bad corner into a Norwich clearance. Soares was the recipient, he controlled the ball, looked up, and cleverly lashed the ball into the bottom corner, ensuring a touch of deflection along the way to fool the keeper.
Soares, I’m sorry man, you’re the best and contacts scouting truly is where the game is heading.
Was the game a full 90 of bliss? No. We came out from the second half looking a bit of a mess again. We allowed Norwich to run at us and play some football. They didn’t really create that much that was truly dangerous, but we gave them time on the ball, and a better team could have punished us. Just to give some data to that observation on danger, the Norwich xG against us was 0.15.
I don’t really know what the problem is with the second half football, but it’s a bit of a theme. What I will say is that at least this time we wrestled control back and really got at Norwich towards the end.
Special shout out to Dani Ceballos, I thought he had an excellent game. He’s always at his best when he’s given time on the ball, he played some lovely dangerous balls and overall he was very sharp with his passing. Though it also has to be noted, his defensive works was great. He’s very quick at intercepting the ball, and he puts it about. The manager seems to like him as a player, I would as well if he could carry that sort of form into games against better clubs.
Martinez continued to impress. He really is quite good. He’s a bit more of a catcher than Leno. His huge frame allows him to command his box and it gives the opposition more to worry about from corners. We’ve gone over his great distribution, but more importantly, his shot-stopping really is a different class.
Finally, Auba. We love him. He’s the fastest striker to 50 at Arsenal. That’s incredible stuff. It was pretty clear watching him in the stands after that he’s a happy man. Arteta seemed very confident we could keep him at the club longterm. That’s really good news.
The issues… and I hate to do this, but Hector still looks below where he should be. It’s hard to tell if he’s lacking pace, confidence, or lacking confidence because he’s not at the races pace wise. Lacazette also stank the place out again, I feel for him, but he’s just not quite there. There’s no sharpness to his game and he looks a little sad on the pitch. Also, Kola just ain’t it, is he?
Finally, let’s pour out a warm Stella for the comrades that couldn’t make it again. Mesut Ozil has a sore back. Must tough carrying all that bad media attention. He’s basically done at the club, Vinnai and Raul need to cut him loose this summer. Matteo G was also missing, the manager basically said he hadn’t changed anything since the last time the press asked. I am glad that we are seeing strong leadership here. If you don’t put in the effort, someone else will. The trick for the fans is to stop getting so triggered when they are not there… and to not fall back on the idea that if we lose against Wolves, the missing ingredient was two players that don’t give a fuck. One of my pals in the Whatsapp said, ‘He’s clearly an arsehole but he doesn’t feel like ‘our’ arsehole’, I thought that was a deeply poetic observation for a group chat.
As for the manager, well, things are looking up. It’s a slow process, but it’s working. You cannot and will not deny that things are moving in a better direction. These sort of stats below are sexy to me.
Extrapolate that over a season and my guess is that even with this squad, we’d be higher in the league table. Does that mean we have a world class squad? No. It just means that better coaching has better outcomes for squads.
Then look at the numbers above which will only have improved as they were recorded before yesterday.
If your expectation was that we’d be playing like City before the season was out, you only have yourself to blame for the disappointment. If your hope was that we’d be more difficult to play against and we’d be more organised, it’s hard to deny that’s what you are seeing.
Outside that, the tactics, though not always executed to perfection, actually make sense. He has interesting spins on the Emery classics, and whatever he does, you get it as a fan and you can understand why he’s doing it. He has clarity in his ideas and he has not shied away from enforcing his principles. I also think it’s cool that he communicates to the players on the pitch in different languages. Super basic, but it’s good.
There’s still a very long way to go, there’s still some beastly games to tackle with plenty of disappointments to come, but I’m still very confident the club has the coach issues solved. Whether Edu and Raul have it in them to make smart purchases this summer is still very much up for debate, but you’ve read my thoughts on that in great detail this week.
Right, that’s me done. We have Wolves next, with a chance to close the gap on them to 3 points. Then it’s Leicester, Spurs, and Liverpool. Yikes. Fingers crossed Sheff U smash the Spuds tonight. x
Freddie,
So I am late…
Well played by his agent to increase his contract.
With Martinelli and Saka having signed, there was no need for a 17 years old left winger anyway.
Graham I don’t see how wealth creation effects you badly? Other than lowerI got your share of the tax take, the top 1% pay 30% of all tax in this country, the bottom 30% pay just 15% Seems pretty fair to me, you can’t bleat on about inequality, if you choose to get pregnant with 6 kids, by 6 different fathers, then expect the tax payer to pick up the bill. We live in a free country. You can choose to buy tickets, you can choose to buy tv subscriptions or merchandise, it’s entirely up to you. The PL is… Read more »
Memphis Depay would be an interesting addition, will liven things up in front line that lacks imagination. We should do everything possible to rid ourselves of Lacazette before next season, he is just not very good
CG – your mate Raul will now be looking over his shoulder.
If were dealing with Lyon, i’m far more interested in a move for Aouar to add some creative spark to the attacking end of the MF.
NEEG
“””””CG – your mate Raul will now be looking over his shoulder.””””
Lewis is a Englishman.
And that’s always a good starting point.
He knows , that you can’t have a useless, no good Spaniard calling the shots at Arsenal, especially ones that look like Danny Devito.
Lewis is a Clifford Chance man.
They don’t stand for fools.
Raul has done enough damage- time for the professionals to return and be running the club.
Am I right or am I right?
Aouar is light weight
Think many still remember their tie against City when they think of him.
No football expertise and no background available .
But he is a Brit so CG be like
‘Someone finally at the club who knows what they are doing.’
Depay is a big fish in a small pond, he is another Lacazette,
Wasi
Blinkers off.
Lewis is a professional
The fat Spiv is a fat Spiv.
We need ibrahima sissoko, sangare types
All of you are insane.
If people think that Guendouzi is flaky, wait until you see Aouar. He has more offensive talent than Guendouzi, but he choose his games. When he is not feeling it, he will just stank the place out.
I doubt that Arteta succeed at transforming him into a warrior.
Same problem for Depay, who can be unplayable one day and then not bothered at all the next game. Usually for big games against top teams or in the Champion’s League he will show application and dedication and then against smaller team he won’t show up.
CG / Wasi – one thing for certain is Tim Lewis is no snake oil salesman.
Rich Are you a city boy by any chance? Your perceptions are extremely business orientated. I’m highlighting the death of football at grassroots level, which will have a detrimental affect on so many aspects of the game and ultimately so many people/communities. Who’s talking about taxing the rich more? All I’m highlighting is that the extreme wealth that now exists in the game is destroying everything the game stands for. I personally begrudge the fact that too many players and also far too many individuals within the game, are getting paid far too much. When clubs in the lower tiers… Read more »
scum bag agents
NEEG
Very optimistic we will see some competence, integrity and class return to the club.
Hopefully he attends the home fixtures and immediately asks security to get that disgusting Kia out of the directors box
And then gets its deep cleaned with dettol.
We really need to start moving for Szoboszlai now, none of this waiting until the window opens bs, just trigger his release clause and get a deal done already. 23-25m in 3 installments is a bargain for that level of talent.
He’s going to start attracting the big fish soon if he keeps scoring like he is, 6 goals now in 6 games since the restart.
Freddie
Are you really that naive? I don’t think big sides wait until a player delivers massive output until they register awareness/interest.
If you’re bumming him up I think it’s a safe bet that clubs with millions of pounds worth of scouting networks know of him.
So no one knows anything about Tim Lewis except he’s a lawyer ( that most reputable of professions) and he helped silent Stan with his takeover?
Yeah, must be the second coming, he’s british after all.
Cg/Neeg
What proof do you have that he is a good hire.
I hope he turns out good. But judging someone to be good just because he is a Brit is not fair and kinda racist.
The only thing I read about him somewhere is that he helped the Kroenkes takeover either in and around 2008 when Usmanov was competing for majority shares too , or when Kroenkes bought Usmanov and completely took over.
CC
So far Milan, Napoli, Dortmund and us are rumoured to be interested, that’s competition enough. If he ends up banging in a bunch more it’s bound to raise some eyebrows at even bigger clubs.
I wanted him last season but he didn’t really add serious end product to his game until this season. The talent was obvious, doesn’t always mean it gets realised though.
Just saying we shouldn’t dither on this one, Napoli and Milan already said to be in advanced negotiations.
Freddie
20 mil is a lot for us, and another 19 year old isn’t exactly what I’d say we’re crying out for.
Saliba, Guendouzi, Saka, Willock, Martinelli, ESR are all going to be floating about the side.
Think that sort of purchase is a cherry on top type affair vs a need.
Receding
And I remember some calling David Silva or Santi Cazorla too ‘lightweight’ for the premier league. Quality players with the right attributes can adapt to any league, think Aouar would fall into that category for me. Many have said same about Ziyech, well see how that goes at Chelsea.
Ideally it’s Havertz in the mid for me, but thats not really a realistic request at moment.
CC
Any ideas for a ready made Cam that would take us to the next level and is also affordable then? And that’s going to be still be in his prime when our rebuild is finished in a couple of years? One with resale value would be nice too.
I’m all for youth atm, especially if they’re full internationals with plenty of experience already.
Brilliant team goal by Sheffield against the Spuds.
right at the lower corner.
And then horrendous defending by Wilder’s men. 🤦
Pathetic defending.
That idiot CB instead of clearing the ball decided! o whack it directly into Moura.
Horrendous VAR decision. Good for us tho .
Mourinho prezzer gonna be fire.
What was the Sheffield Keeper doing? VAR over-ruled.. hahaha Mourinho meltdown incoming,
Freddie Not every player we buy is going to be here for the peak of the project, pretty unrealistic grasp of how clubs evolve. What you’re advocating is we buy a team of 19 year olds and by the time they’re 24 they’ll be mint. Yea, doesn’t work like that. We’ve got good youth prospect and young players, we need players for the here and now to actually start scaling up again whilst they develop. Partey is targeted for obvious reason at 27. You telling me there’s no other attacking mid other than a 19 year old you fancy? Some… Read more »
CC With the same potential, that we can afford, and that we have been linked with? No, not really. Any suggestions? Can’t really compare him to our inexperienced youth players like ESR, Willock and the likes, he’s far ahead of them in his development, albeit at a lower league level. Do you think it takes until 24 years of age for every player to reach their potential? Would you say no to Havertz because he’s too young, Sancho, Haaland? The only way we’re getting a world class Cam is if we take a punt and buy one before they’re fully… Read more »
Freddy Ljungberg I think that Arsenal are focussing at the moment on concluding outstanding contracts such as Aubameyang, which is perhaps more important than any other business at moment. Also unlike in other seasons the summer transfer window is unlikely to start until at least end of July and completion of EPL and FAC. I think that it is also fairly clear that Arsenal have been fairly proactive with Partey potential deal i.e. in negotiations with player, his family and agent. Much of any other business will be almost certainly dependent on who is leaving the club and transfer fees… Read more »
I wonder how much Grealish will go for this summer.. There will be a frenzy for him if Villa go down. £40-50m? Too rich for us though.
Biggest + is Saka deal. If Arteta manages to convince Auba to stay with this shitshow it will be really good look for him.
Lol so stats are back in fashion Pedro?
However you guys twist this Emery had better start then Arteta. Just let it go.
Buendia for CAM
EPL proven
If Auba has better options he’d be stupid to stay.
If Arteta is half as saucey as his supporters think he is it’ll be, at least, couple of seasons before we can seriously challengers for major honours.
Havertz too young? Dudes same age as Hazard when he moved to Chelsea.
Spurs have done an Arsenal.
(they always copy, mind)
Had a very good manger- thought they could do better- thought that the grass was always greener.
It aint.
Ahhhhhh
Sheffield united doing us a favour
Lovely!
2-0.
Tottenham all over the place at the back.
CG
No Wenger was done, should have left after the FA Cup win, overstayed his welcome.
Lol, we are above shitspur with half the quality of players (and probably manager too).
RR
“”””CG No Wenger was done, should have left after the FA Cup win,””””
Only an entitled Arsenal fan would utter those words.
An Arsenal manager plonks another trophy in the cabinet and you want the manager to go.
How bizarre is that?
So if MA miraculously wins this years FA cup he has to go too?
Chelsea destroyed my accumulator yesterday.
Tottenham about to do same today.
Has to be the first time I’m losing money and having a laugh at the same time.
Freddie Does every player we sign require the same potential? Is that a new remit? “Do you think it takes until 24 years of age for every player to reach their potential?“ No, did I say that? No. I speculated that a project is a 5-year one and that would mean your collection of 19 year olds would all be 24 by its peak. And I can compare to our own prospects because if we have numerous young players at the club already that are being blooded then it makes less sense to target that profile in the market. Surely… Read more »
CG
Nothing bizarre. It’s what the greatest did – Alex Ferguson. It’s what managers with decent legacies, and Wenger had that, do.
I’m not breaking new ground here. Stay with me.
Arteta on Guen –
“Things have to change and nothing has changed.”
The lad is going this window. Hopefully we sign Partey with the money!
Sal
Yeah. That’s my point, Havertz is 21 now and way out of our price range.
If we want someone of that calibre we have to take a punt before they reach that level and hope it works out, simple as that. No way we can fill the team up with experienced players in our budget and hope to achieve anything special.
I’m not saying Szoboszlai is the only option but since we’ve been heavily linked with him and he’s affordable I’m talking about him. I also wanted him last year.
Szoboslai is quality and very mature and developed for someone his age.
Can’t understand why you would have Vertong and Alderweild on the bench and your best DM at CB.
Not that I’m complaining mind.
Apart from Arsenal fans, Jose and the people that hired him did anyone else think he was what the spuds needed?
Auba hits 51 with 45 being tap ins..
Arteta on whether he is interested in Thomas Partey: “I cannot talk about being interested in any players that are playing in any team that is not ours, sorry.” Arteta on transfers: “I’m very clear. I have a very clear plan and the specificity of the players, the positions and squad balance that we need to compete with the rest of the top teams in the country.” “Obviously we’re putting different plans together to see what we are going to be able to do. At the moment the uncertainty is still big as well, the way we’re going to finish… Read more »
Footy Gods are with us.
Lets beat Wolves!
Alright say it all together now, from Brixton to the Bowery the long way round… 1 2 3 FUCK OFF MOURINHO, FUCK OFF MOURINHO…
Thats going out to legendary Le Grover Kwif Fit and his dancing bear.
Unbelievable that some posters on here wanted Mourinho ahead of arteta
CC A squad full of young talents? Sure we’ve got quite a few youth prospects in the squad but only Saliba and Saka are likely to be regular starters next season, the rest most likely used for rotation and in the cups. We’ll see which way we go, I’ll rather we took a punt on someone with the potential for world class than settle for a 26 year old that has reached his ceiling and it’s only decent. If we buy Partey and keep your favourite Xhaka it’s most likely those 2 + a Cam that starts, no reason that… Read more »
Freddie
Jesus Christ get over yourself with the petulant nonsense because I don’t agree a 19 year old is a priority signing this summer.
Come on City beat these trolls
CC
Sure sugar tits, as soon as you stop being a condescending asshole, not holding my breath on that one.
As I said yesterday and I was abused. City’s attack that led to the penalty came from liverpool’s right hand side. Arnold is the weaklink defensively. Gomez was stupid though
See the 2nd goal? Arnold lost the ball and was the only back 4 not in the 18 box when city got there. Robertson raced back
Freddie
Hahaha you’re so invested in one player, any view that questions it has you foaming. Get a grip
Debryne and sterling have been asked to sit on Arnold because he is weak
At least it’s not Xhaka I’m getting all hot and bothered and defensive about, so there’s still hope for me.
I blame Ferguson for Wenger’s longevity.
Have we won a game yet ?
Super 3rd goal by city. @46th mins 3 goals down, city played a counter attack, Salah was back at RB while Arnold was trotting back at the half way line. He gets away bcos of his offensive contributions
Sal…
They will get rid of him in the summer.
Then two managers they will be paying for.
It’s lovely to see.
Wenger was a legend in his own mind. If he hadn’t been pushed. He would have never jumped.
Freddie
This is your peak, which says it all. The insecurity over your own thoughts is painful.
Graham
“”””I blame Ferguson for Wenger’s longevity.””””
longevity or not
Fergie, Pep, Klopp or Jose – none can do an Invincible season.
Or Bag x 7 ( SEVEN )F A Cups.
#Historymaker#
CC
Wading into psycho babble territory now, nice one.
Look, you can think we don’t need a world class talent if you want, just don’t be a prick about it, I know that’s going to be mighty difficult for you but the rest of us manage just fine.
Nothing Arteta said about the squad composition validates your points either but when I pointed that out you start with the insults, but sure, insecure about “my thoughts” “my peak” “petulant nonsense” bla bla.
What a dickhead. Projecting much?
See it works both ways.
CG
Don’t you find it somewhat interesting that all those managers you’ve just listed have each done something in winning the Champions league that Wengers wasn’t able to do?
#historymaker#
Freddie
You’re fucking boring. Being a prick is your own projection based on nothing but a challenge of your view and you being sensitive as fuck because you’ve a hard-on for the lad.
Simple as. My posts illustrate as much. I said he’s the cherry on top type signing and outlined why I think that. For you that’s being a prick, because I’m not having a wank and calling this kid world class in waiting.
Sal
Arsenal can’t play in Europe.
Its just not in our DNA: Its just not us.
We are an FA Cup team and League championship team
That’s our Arsenal.
“You’re fucking boring”
High praise from Keyser lite himself.
You being a prick is based on your interactions on here over the years. It’s like reading one post by Pierre and thinking, hey, this guy kind of likes Ozil. Nah, he’s balls deep and you’re a prick, always has been and doesn’t look likely to change.
Think we’re done here
Freddie
When you’ve got to resort to the kind of juvenile bollocks you have with your Xhaka comments, and now Keyser comments, you know you’ve fuck all substance.
Always tickles me when absolute bellends elevate themselves to judging others on behalf of a crowd. I’d read the room a little better, you’re not prime rib on here by any stretch.
CC “When you’ve got to resort to the kind of juvenile bollocks you have with your Xhaka comments, and now Keyser comments, you know you’ve fuck all substance.Always tickles me when absolute bellends elevate themselves to judging others on behalf of a crowd. I’d read the room a little better, you’re not prime rib on here by any stretch.” That’s proof right there that you’re an absolute prick, I don’t even have to write anything, you do it all by yourself. I’m not judging you on behalf of anyone, I don’t have your delusions of grandeur, I just happen to… Read more »
Madrid will give City a better game than they did first leg.
Liverpool are a one dimensional team..hit a long ball to start a counter and hope the defense fucks up..just that they have been ruthless at that this season..but teams have started to figure that out and i really cant see them doing well next season…4 -0 as i type this lol
Feeling better about the City loss
Where was Arnold for that 4th goal?
I’m surprised Liverpool were able to field a side today thought they’d still in the pub.
Freddie
Your dislike for me matters no one iota, just litters you’re posts with bias upon bias so makes taking you serious a waste of time altogether.
Anyone bothered enough to read what’s written can see a petulant prick when you write. Just another daft cunt that can’t compute alternative opinion without making a nice little pigeonhole for whomever it is. Makes your world easier because you’re not very bright.
I would have felt better if we were league champions and champions league holders.
Oxlade OG to make it 4.
Cesc just tweeted, I think Liverpool are playing pretty well considering they’ve been up on it partying for 3 days straight.
Quality banter.
“petulant prick when you write. Just another daft cunt that can’t compute alternative opinion without making a nice little pigeonhole for whomever it is. Makes your world easier because you’re not very bright”
Yes, where ever would I have got the idea that you’re a condescending prick? No self awareness at all. Amazing really.
Ok Sanmi we get it you don’t think Arnold is very good. Or at least you think he’s lazy and terrible defensively. You can stop now.
Arnold taken off, he was everywhere except where he needed to be
You may have slightly telegraphed the Arnold dislike there Sanmi.
Caligonner,
You don’t get my argument. There is always a weaklink in every team. The coach’s job is to minimize it. And maximize their strengths. So when y’all say Xhaka should be discarded, I just shake my head.
Very enjoyable match Real Madrid v Getafe. Real have stumbled on an idea playing their matches on their training pitch. It doesn’t feel quite as empty.
Freddie
I’d skip the reach for moral high ground, you lost that long ago being a childish cunt when the topic was football.
Xhaka is not our main weakness. We have bigger problems. I’d rather solve the left wing issue and attacking midfielder. Than try to replace the one guy that makes our midfield tick
Arnold probably playing with a hangover. This isn’t the match to scrutinise him, a player with the second most assists in the league.
Arnold is quality, clearly boozed and loving it. Bet he’s already booked into for an evening out.