Manchester City Preview: Semi-final nostalgia, pumping value, finding a better plan

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I read someone in the comments say I didn’t write match previews these days. It is true, as I’ve been gunning to do the match report right after the whistle, but today, I’m gonna do one for you DivineSherlock.

I’m very much buzzing for an FA Cup final. At this point, we’d probably have pitched up at The Greenman, 4 beers deep after a meet up at that ‘Spoons a Liverpool Street. I’d be meeting cousins, my dad, the extended Le Grove family. My brother would be leading the charge on pints, lapping me by at least 3. My dad would be holding court about Alex Song and Arsene Wenger.

‘No Dad, it’s ok, Wenger’s gone now’

We’d all laugh at the guy slumped in the corner that had wet himself, then we’d applaud as he got up in time for the walk to the stadium. The good times, the good times.

Ahh, I miss it. I miss hanging out with the Arsenal family. I’m gutted for all the kids that miss out on a day like today. Semi-Finals are iconic days out. They are special. You always remember them.

This year is different, no fans are allowed in the ground, so we’ll be watching the players battle it out to an empty stadium. That doesn’t mean it lacks importance. For Arsenal, a win defines our summer transfer window. Currently, it’s a roll of a dice as to whether we make it into the European positions. We can finish anywhere from 10th to 6th. The FA Cup guarantees us a place in the Thursday night trophy (sad that we’re pining for that level of comp these days).

Arteta was realistic in his presser. He knows Manchester City better than anyone. They’ve scored the most goals in the Premier League this season, on their day, for me, there’s still no better side technically. Peak Guardiola football is mesmeric. They also have a team of game-changers. The shapes, the off the ball movement, and the decisiveness in important moments makes our task daunting.

The gameplan versus Liverpool was not to get absolutely battered for 90 minutes, but that’s what happened. I don’t think we’ll be able to ride our luck like that for a second game in a week. Arsenal have to show up, they have to play a better game of football, we have to try and control their strengths, but also play to our own.

I don’t know how we change it up in this game, but we know there is a path forward, because the first half against Leicester showed that there is a football team that can express themselves like Arsenal somewhere hiding in the squad.

That’s what we’ll try to do as much as possible! Like any other team they have some weaknesses, as you mentioned, and as well it’s about stopping their strengths.

They have a lot. It’s part of any gameplan. It’s not about City, it’s about any other opponent we are facing. Tomorrow we will do exactly the same.

One of their weaknesses this season has been away days. They’ve been pitiful for their standards on the road. They are also susceptible at the back if you get at them with pace in the front line. I’d imagine we’re going to try and load up with pace, Auba, Saka, and maybe Pepe. Then it’s about bringing the most stable backline offering we have (👀). It’s really hard to decide what that looks like these days. Rob Holding grew immensely with the Liverpool game, he feels like a better option than Kola. I thought Cedric Soares looked off his game, does he get the nod over Bellerin, or dare I say it, AMN? This is what he said on the 22 year old.

He’s a player who can play in many different positions, we have discussed the things in my opinion that he can improve or adapt to his game because he has incredible quality. He has every quality that you need to be a football player to play the highest level and he just needs to do it in a little bit more of a consistent way, but he is someone who can adapt to any position as well.

AMN could be a very good player, he showed it against Wolves. Focus is his weakness though, that said, it’s hard to say that focus isn’t an issue with at least half the starting 11 we roll with game to game.

That also leads us to Mustafi, does he start? Probably. We have to hope that we get the best version of him, because the German Superman, flying into challenges, is not going to help against City.

In midfield, it’s pretty clear what we’ll do. Arteta was effusive about Ceballos.

Well that’s a conversation that we are having with the club, to see what we can do in the future with him. But I’m really, really happy with the progress and how much he’s improving and giving to the club.

I always give the example that he’s a loan player but when you see his celebrations for every goal, the way he trains every day, how much he cares, he’s fighting, he’s top. I’m really happy with him.

Dani has been excellent for us. He moves the ball forward and his defensive contributions get better with each game. Xhaka will no doubt sit next to him despite a little dip in form of late, likely due to fatigue. Then the question is whether Torreira starts. I suspect he will.

It’s extremely important we come out of the gates this time. Starting smartly generally leads us to better performances. Wolves and Leicester showed us that. We are a team that has fragile confidence. If the game plan looks good, we have a great chance. If it’s off, the players tend not to recover (Spurs). When we let Liverpool take control, we never took it back. I appreciate it’s Liverpool, but we’re not a team that should allow another side such a large chunk of possession. City with have more answers to a deep block than Liverpool.

We have to nip at City, we have to ask questions of their defence, and we have to play a more positive game.

Arteta was asked about Mesut Ozil again, his response was a terse, ‘he is in training.’ It’s clear there is very little chance of him returning this season. Fans remember the wrong Ozil when they don’t see him. This is a guy that was the best #10 in the world, he is not that now.

Here are his numbers.

Last 3 seasons:

68 Appearances

10 goals

13 assists

Last two seasons:

42 appearances

6 goals

4 assists

£350k p/w

3 Villa players have matched/more assists this season than Ozil has in had in 2 years (Grealish, Hourihane, El Ghazi). Andy Carrol has the same assist numbers this season as Ozil has had in 2 seasons.

He is the best chance creator in the team, still, but his 2.3 chances per game is more than half what it was back in the day, and those numbers don’t outweigh the negatives of having a player that regularly doesn’t show up in important games. Are we beating Liverpool with Mesut in the week? No chance.

Arteta also cleared up the SPEND SOME FUCKING MONEY comments he made in the week.

No, that was misinterpreted. It wasn’t my intention. We work so closely with everyone at the club, with the owners to put the plan that we need to take the club forward. Everybody has the same ambition, we are in all of this together. But if you ask me if I know right now what do I have and how can I do it, I’m sorry but I don’t know because there are a lot of questions that we can not resolve right now with the situation we have.

One is financially and the other one is because we do not know if we are in Europe, and because we have players that we don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s the reality. It’s not about sending a message, we all have the same objective which is to try to bring the club back as quickly as possible, fighting with the top teams in the country and in Europe and that’s it, and I want to do that as quickly as possible.

I don’t think you can knock a coach for pushing the club to give him funds to compete, though some obviously will. Hopefully, we’ll make Europe, that’s the first place to find some money, and if we don’t, Arteta will just have to deal with the consequences. His point about money is that it allows you to get there faster, which is an obvious statement, but one that is more important this summer because a little injection of credit could give us a lot of bang for our buck. As I said in the week, it’s new to hear an Arsenal manager fight for the football, and I welcome it. Stan K, for all his problems, is not an owner afraid to spend money, remember, Unai Emery had a higher net spend than Klopp and he was only with us for 18 months. Question is, can he afford to give the club an injection of cash when ALL sports are fucked from COVID and he’s a sports business guy? Doubtful.

Still, Madrid aren’t going on for Mbappe this summer, so if the Spanish big dogs are fucked, then he can hardly take offence at Arsenal not having a lot of cash to burn.

ALSO, I know people are uncomfortable that the manager keeps pumping players in press. I am too. Mostly because we’re unsure whether he means it. I am almost 100% sure he’s being a salesman here. He is pumping value, he is playing the reluctant seller, and you’ll see where his taste levels are at this summer when he has to move on big names.

Finally, before I go, I would ask you to all take a read of this from The Athletic. It’s a very well sourced piece about how we do business at Arsenal. I know plenty don’t believe things when they come from me, but hey, look where the mainstream media is going with something I’ve been banging the drum on for a while. If you are bored, take a read of this story about how we landed where we did. A nice compliment.

Enjoy the game, see you in the comments!

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MidwestGun

Auba was my motm for that second goal.

Guns of Brixton

Arteta is built different.

If u were blind now you see

Anonymous Commentator

Fantastic
We’ve won against city and Liverpool in the same week
Also some of you lot gonna have to start putting respect on AMN, dude does a job for you in 3 positions and somehow still gets slated, disgusting arsenal fans unable to scout their item squad.

WengerEagle

Tierney is a gem of a player. Going to be a top class attacking fullback that lad.

DaveB666

Just seen the 2nd goal on the BBC highlights – through the (ridiculously expensive) keepers legs 🙂

Dissenter

City are frustrated.. are just fouling like crazy.

Guns of Brixton

Still repeating that ball by Tierney in my head.

Anonymous Commentator

Their own squad*

azed

If we play like this against United or Chelsea we beat them.

Receding

If we play like this against Chelsea, we will lose.

Giroud is good in the air and would get on the end of one cross.

Radio Raheem

Luiz/Auba MOTM but an unnecessary award this match, they’ve all been excellent.

Mark

We’ve won this!!
Great performance by the lads. Could have been 5-0 up better finishing and better final ball from AMN when through on the left.
Well done Arsenal.

bennydevito

What a goal from Aubameyang.

What a performance from Artetanal, today and against Liverpool.

Defending like Spartans, attacking like Assassins.

Get that cigar ready Pedro, you deserve it.

#PedroKnows

Jamie

Un –

He’s have a good game defensively for sure. He’s not naturally a left-sided player, so fair play. He’s been as committed as anyone on the pitch tonight.

Still think Tierney unlocks defenders better than AMN (lovely assist to Auba for the 2nd goal), but who gives a shit on a night like tonight?

It’s feels so good to watch all the players give it 100%. Love it.

Chris –

It sure it!

Dissenter

I have to admit that I never saw this happening

Auba can’t press the ball again but has done his job already.

Champagne Charlie

“He stamped on his ankle. Watch it again casting director.
He pulled his hamming before the stamp“

No he didn’t you wet lettuce. Mustafi went down and subsequently left the pitch because his hammie went. His tampon didn’t because Sterling touched him.

Yours has naturally

CG

The G

“”””AMN MOTM for me.””””

As usual.

Spot on

Cheating City playing for 100 minutes, still cant score a goal.

Traore, De bruyne, silva or gold.

They wont get the better of this lad.

A sensational talent.

Dissenter

Martinez even has the sense to do an Argentine act to ways time when necessary

Nelson

Good game every body!!!

Mark

Kola still shit tho 😅

Jamie

It sure is*!

Buzzing.

matt foley

what did pep say when we were about to sign arteta?

dont worry I will beat arteta at arsenal

The Godfather

We did it!

Unbelievable

Dissenter

Unai
Guilty as charged
This win is for next season. It’s the type that unites the players and fans behind the manger

MidwestGun

Come on whistle…. there we go.. 2-0 Good Guys!!!

Whoooop famous win… On to the Finals!!!! Really going to enjoy this one and worry about the next one later. Sauce is the Boss.

Jamie

CG broke from losing another bet. Zero City goals. Nice one.

Can’t win with David Luiz starting. Oops.

azed

CG

What do you have to say about Tierney?

Nelson

Now that we are defecting the two best teams in the EPL, I think we can defect any EPL teams.

DaveB666

Get in = what a performance. Arsenal are back and Arteta is the man! Get Auba signed NOW!!!!

Guns of Brixton

Thats twice now we ve beat them at this stage!

Leedsgunner

Yes!!!

Well done Arsenal.

Let’s go win the Cup!

Valentin

David Luiz is really congratulating AMN. On this performance, I can’t see Soares getting a game at either side. He was focus, excellent in 1v1.

SpanishDave

Good first half.
Hung on well in the second.
Auba gets new contract.

azed

Pedro

You can have your oat milk on me tonight!!!

Oh feel free to gloat in your post. You deserve it.

In sauce we trust.

Guns of Brixton

AMN.

What a player he can be.

The backpass

Proud performance…proud of the guys

Gazzap

Heroes

salparadisenyc

Anybody need a Sapporo?

matt foley

what did she wear?

Anonymous Commentator

Arteta has the secret sauce.
Rookie manager beating pep in a semifinal?
fantastic.
I really don’t want to be in the Europa but this result is fantastic.

MidwestGun

Boys really enjoying this one.. good to see. Smiles all around.

Marc

SHE WORE
SHE WORE
SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON

TheBayingMob

Well well well. Full respect. Great win.

TheLegendaryDB10

What did she wear ??
She wore, she wore,
She wore a yellow ribbon,
She wore a yellow ribbon,
In the merry month of May!
And when, I asked,
Oh why she wore her ribbon,
She said it’s for The Arsenal,
And we’re going to Wembley!
Wembley,
Wembley,
We’re the famous Arsenal,
And we’re going to Wembley!

Come on The Arsenal!!!!!!!

Dissenter

Ceballos for 20 million
Get that done before the season is over
Madrid are in some deep financial shit

Leftside

Sensational result and into the final! Brilliant from the fellas and Arteta. COYG

London gunner

Auba is criminally undrerrated on this blog. Glad he is our striker and captain.

NJ Gooner

MIRACULOUS!!!!!

Chris

Guns of Brixton

Nicely put. I think this is the kind of victory that gives the kind of hope for a sparkling future that we maybe haven’t felt in quite a long time.

We are getting results such as this before Arteta can properly add to and change his squad around. It can only get better.

Great night!

MidwestGun

Sal-
BEER ME!!!! Cheers!

S Asoa

Watching ANM deference to David Luiz. Thanking him for the tips ?
Good mentoring if so

WengerEagle

Unn

Cheers geezer.

Massive result that tonight, delighted. Some shoots of life in the side now, just about getting the bodies in over the next couple of months to have us competing for CL spots next season and hopefully building from there.

Look at the transformation United have seen with the signing of just one marquee player in January in Bruno Fernandes.

MidwestGun

Wem ber ley!!!! Wem ber ley!!!

London gunner

dissenter

You reckon ceballos is worth that?

GunnerDNA

Well done Arteta! A brilliant performance by Arsenal. Ainsley Maitland-Niles unsung hero. COYGs

Champagne Charlie

David Luiz was sublime today, Tierney showed again he’s an absolute gem.

Xhaka masterclass, humble pie for a good few on here.

Leedsgunner

Perhaps this performance will convince Aubameyang to sign. This result proves that we are back…

No amount of money can replicate nights like this…

This was the best type of advertisement for Arsenal FC.

Just Another Customer

that was a confident performance the defense looks assured even with ocassional lapses

a good balanced squad to build upon

just need that midfield now eh?

salparadisenyc

Dissenter

Im sending you a pint mate… you gleefully predicted a gloomy end to the season with losses to Liverpool, City and Villa.

Hope your not to disappointed.

Gunnernet

If we win the cup we earn a europa league ticket automatically i think

Danny

This is what happens when this squad plays with minimum brain farts.
Great result.

G8

Excellent game by AMN and ceballos too
Everyone did a good job
Just need to hold on the ball longer and use it a lot better
Fantastic victory

TR7

Welcome back WE, long time no see.

Great to see AMN put in a great performance. I tell you this guy is the most talented of all the youngsters at Arsenal bar Saka. He just needs to be more focused.

Will be amazing to have Arteta lift the FA trophy in his debut season.

zaco

if the league table ends as it is at the moment, it means we will qualify for Europe irrespective of our league finish.

Guns of Brixton

If you me we would be in a FA cup final few weeks back…. looool

What a performance.

Feels good x1000

CG

Azed

“””CGWhat do you have to say about Tierney?””””

Tierney and Luiz could have played another 100 minutes and still not conceded a goal.

Arteta won this game.Not Luiz or Tierney.

He looked Pep in the Eye and this time, said I am winning this.

The game is all all about management.
And Our Arteta managed Arsenal as well as anyone possibly could this evening.

Arsenals 30th F A Cup semi Final today.
Superlative.

Henry Root

There will be huge gloom on here from so of the people who belittle Arteta. That was a tactical masterclass so suck it up . If only Auba could score in big games against big teams
Tierney will be a legend at our club

prvhc

Excellent showing today.
Really hope we can win the final and get into Europe.
I know people scoff at the Europa League, bur any additional income in an economy like this will be hugely important in our signing the players we want

Chris

I think we still have to win the final to get into Europe, if we fall outside the league places, but may be wrong.

Gunnernet

I fairly disagree Pedro. AMN has been a beast defensivle an ace off Mikel’s sleeve buy offensivle rather poor and wasteful

Dissenter

London
20 million sounds about eight for Ceballos
He will be accustomed to the league and just puts Ozil away from the selection line.
It’s one way to ease out Ozil.

Ben D

What a performance! Upwards and onwards! COYG!!!!

DaveB666

Been getting shit from Spuds fans this week – they can eat shit now!

Marc

Every player tonight played really well but Xhaka (first half especially), Luiz, Tierney (going to be a fucking legend), Laca were outstanding.

Martinez, AMN and Ceballos were excellent. Auba did what he does best.

Fantastic result and Arteta with a brilliant game plan even if the playing out from the back scares the shit out of me.

Ishola70

Excellent win. Just goes to show that if you have a hunger and a purpose to defend your goal going into the match anything can be possible against the better teams. Wenger would be looking on with amusement I would think because we didn’t see much of this type of stuff from him which we have seen from Arteta in the last two matches. Not only that but totally buy into the tactic of defending deep and countering with a purpose. Hats off to David Luiz and Xhaka tonight. Both had very good games defending in their own penalty area.… Read more »

Gunnernet

But what a PERFORMANCE! Auba has matured his game after becoming captain.

Marc

AMN was great defensively, if he had a left foot going forward!

Guns of Brixton

Where are the Arteta nay sayers ?

Come out to play yaaay! 😂

Dissenter

It won’t matter for me even if we don’t win the final
I’ve seen enough of what Arsenal can be like if we make the right choices in the summer.

TheLegendaryDB10

Un

She wore, she wore!!!

Absolutely over the moon!!!!

——

So weird to be in a pub with no atmosphere due to Covid 19 (they didn’t want ppl singing and all 🙁 )

Hopefully, we can actually go to Wembley…. but they said October at the latest :/

Ben D

Is Tierney good or what? Both defending and attacking… Excellent signing. I’m buzzing!!!

Dissenter

Xhaka put on a masterful performance

Just had to get that little tidbit in.

Gunnernet

Best result of the year and much needed one!

Saladin

Funny how unless we make a silly ol mistake at the back, we are really really difficult to break down and score against. What a change it has been. I fucking love Mikel Simoene Arteta. Bring on the fucking rent boys in the final.

Danny

zaco
———-
What?

Marc

Dissenter

“It won’t matter for me even if we don’t win the final”

Are you fucking serious? If you said that in an Arsenal pub you’d get the shit kicked out of you and Arsenal fans aren’t even a violent bunch.

MLC

What a win guys! Huge performance, what a day to be an Arsenal fan!

Guns of SF

What a game!

Players of the game-

The entire team!

Guns of SF

Playing AMN was brilliant.
He did have those 2 espressos today!!!

Marc

Gunnernet

Best performance under Arteta by a mile result aside.

DaveB666

Top interview from Luiz there – took responsibility for his mistakes previously – worked hard to improve,

The Godfather

God bless whoever Spotted, pushed and signed Kieran Tierney

London gunner

David Luiz

“This team deserves to shine again”

He is such a weird player absolutely world class on his day but sometimes is dreadful.

Still love his personality and character

Danny

The entire team!
—————-
Except a couple of the subs – Willock and Kola, hopefully they will never start matches again.

RockyRoe

Who was the idiot in here who kept saying auba doesn’t score I big matches?

The Godfather

Arteta coached a blinder … Take a bow SENOR

Olumide

Beating Liverpool and Man City in the same week is incredible. No two ways to tell that story..

Guns of SF

AMN and Bellerin worked well to nullify them.
Luiz was a beast.

Mustafi too until Sterling the cheater injured him. Where was VAR on that one???

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