Thomas Partey: Solid airport attire + SPACs to debut in sport?

by .

Is that… you… light…?

Yes, it is.

Finally, the bore-fest of international football is coming to a close and we have REAL football coming back to our screens.

What better way to introduce a better reality than a Thomas Partey Arsenal.com special?

I like the travel look. Clearly, this isn’t a man who cares about comfort on a flight and I admire that. A major scourge of modern fashion is the Ryanair-Leisure crew who find the thought of sitting on a seat for two hours so horrifying, they degrade themselves to wearing items like crocs, tennis socks, matching partner tracksuits, and slovenly accessories like neck pillows. I can’t have it, it’s the visual equivalent of a small child kicking your chair.

I’m glad that’s not Thomas Partey. A nice black jean jacket, a polo, and smart trousers. That’s a sophisticated man right there. I also like that he’s a proper watch guy. You always worry about someone when they rock a smartwatch, especially if the band is customised. The 2020 version of a phone holster.

Our new midfield dynamo is going to wear the #22 shirt. He’s picking-up from legends like Gael Clichy, Yaya Sanogo, and Franny Coquelin. Big boots the fill (or iceskates lololololol)

CORRECTION: #18. If I had a smartwatch, this would NOT have happened.

It’ll be very interesting to see what Mikel Arteta does with the line-up this weekend. There’s no team you’d rather your debut signing lands for than a heavy pressing Manchester City. There’s also no worse game because if he plays badly, we’ll all cry and have to sacrifice to the truth-telling radar merchants. Jokes aside, the player is Simeone levels of fitness, so that’s not a worry. The question is whether Arteta wants to throw a new player into a fairly settled system so soon after joining? Two training sessions is not a lot. Still, the player speaks very good English, he’s elite, and there’s no point in buying players if you don’t play them.

Kante has reportedly fallen foul of Frank Lampard and might be exiting the business this January. How do you fall out with Kante? Seems like the nicest guy in the game. Well, we can guess… touchline Billy Mitchell from Eastenders can’t help himself. Wonder if Kante wants to stay in London? Imagine…

I’m not sure if I wrote about Project Let’s Takeover Football this week? Arsenal is part of the big 6 set of clubs that are using the EFLs bailout to take over the game (have the proposal, yet to decide). It’s a grim project where the gist seems to be that the big clubs in the league want to control decisions and the flow of money.

The Premier League is popular, in part, because the prize money is equally shared. Unlike Serie A and La Liga, who distributed according to club size back in the day. Pound for pound, our clubs are richer, which means they can afford much better players than the rest of Europe, up and down the league. The idea that the Billionaires Club wants to end that to entrench their power is not a shock. It’s disappointing though and I’m glad the Government has stepped in.

It was interesting to read that the Liverpool owners are looking to create a SPAC for sporting entities. SPACs are the new hot thing on Wall Street, it’s a blank check company that goes to market with the intention of merging with other companies. I got burned badly when I invested money in Nikola, the CEO floated an electric truck company with no trucks, then he was called out as being a bald fraud by an analyst, and it all went to shit. Fuck him and my shares that are on the floor.

Anyway, Fenway Group wants to create a RedBall SPAC and float it. They’ll buy up sporting tech firms and clubs and build out a mega-portfolio.

As a public company, Fenway could look to buy up more clubs in Europe, where a number have been on the block, according to a person familiar with the matter.

A publicly traded sports organization would be a relatively untested concept in the U.S. Liberty Media Corp. owns the Atlanta Braves, but the baseball team is a subsidiary of a much larger company. The NFL’s Green Bay Packers is owned by shareholders who mostly consist of fans.

RedBall’s board includes former Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore, during whose 20 years in charge English soccer turned into a global export and a television-rights cash cow. Premier League matches air in more than 190 countries every weekend of its 10-month season.

What helps the value of something like that rise? Entrenched power and more TV money. Sport is such a great game to get into. It’s largely recession-proof, the fanbase is inelastic, and the growth opportunity keeps getting bigger as the pipes get wider and distribution becomes easier. Scudamore, an incredibly influential string-puller is on the board. Billy Beane is involved. Let’s see how all that influence pans out as smart people look to channel the sea of money in football into their pockets.

Ok, that is all I have time today. Do NOT be sad. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more fresh content.

442 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Graham62

Oh dearie me.

There you go again with your “obsessives” rhetoric. You’re the only one on here that uses this word. Strange that.

French name as moniker (very dubious imo), you say you’re in your sixties but you act like a fifteen year old when it comes to discussing something that is so frigging obvious.

Is the golf a facade.

I wonder.

It’s so embarrassing.

Graham62

By doing what you’re doing, you cut your own throat.

Is that the plan.

Nelson

AMN starts for England!

Dissenter

Uou gte the impression that Pierre would drown Arsenal FC to save Mesut Ozil.

Pierre,
Do you know if Ozil has finally helped Jerry Quy after using him as a prop to make a cheap political point?

Dissenter

**You get the impression that Pierre would drown Arsenal FC to save Mesut Ozil.

Pierre,
Do you know if Ozil has finally helped Jerry Quy after using him as a prop to make a cheap political point?

Pierre

Luteo
“Sad part is that you might actually have a point, but you’re such a smug bastard that all you’ve really managed to do is shed a bright light on the fact that you’re a troll.”

We got there in the end didn’t we …I do have a point, so there was no need for the over reaction was there.

Jamie

Graham gets it.

Pierre

Graham
“By doing what you’re doing, you cut your own throat.”

Luteo did say that i might actually have a point…now take your silly obsessive hat off and read what I said.

karim

Griezmann, what a goal

Graham62

Oops!

There you go again.

It’s like a nervous tick.

Luteo Guenreira

“Luteo did say that i might actually have a point” Wow you’re really holding on to that cordial acquiescence like it justifies your behaviour, never thought you held my regard in such high esteem. Everyone has a point though. Even the worst of people are people and have a point. Graham really hit the nail on the head, you willingly became worse than the people you condemned just so someone like me would eventually say, “well you actually might have a point there chap.” What is this crusade you’ve set out on? Like a prissy Steven Seagal on a hit-em-where-it… Read more »

Luteo Guenreira

For the record I meant you might have a point about people being obsessive online, but that’s not really a revelation is it? And that’s more a society issue than a football issue. I certainly wasn’t referring to anything regarding your take on Ozil and the club.

Danny

Why was AMN substituted?

Left Testicle

https://news.sky.com/story/project-big-picture-all-20-premier-league-clubs-unanimously-reject-plans-12104052

Am I being stupid? How can it be unanimously rejected by all 2o Premier League clubs – Man Utd and Liverpool wouldn’t have voted against their own proposal.

Pierre

Luteo
“Wow you’re really holding on to that cordial acquiescence like it justifies your behaviour,”

My behaviour?

Do you mean me suggesting that Ozil acted without class for taking the 8 million .

Dreadful behaviour.

Pierre

Luteo
“For the record I meant you might have a point about people being obsessive online, but that’s not really a revelation is it? And that’s more a society issue than a football issue. I certainly wasn’t referring to anything regarding your take on Ozil and the club.”

Feeble attempt at backtracking …

Luteo Guenreira

Pierre you’re moving the goalposts and exhibiting no desire to talk on logical terms. I meant your behaviour all these years of propping yourself up as an authority on fandom and smugly trolling everyone in order to prove your point that people are easily led to overreactions.

Marc

Left

I saw that and thought the same – my guess is ManU and Liverpool have either had a really bad reaction from their fans and / or the Government or the rest of the PL made it clear they’ll be playing each other 20 times a season if they try to pull something like this again.

Pierre

“Am I being stupid? How can it be unanimously rejected by all 2o Premier League clubs – Man Utd and Liverpool wouldn’t have voted against their own proposal.’m”

As I said , a storm in a teacup.

Nelson

That fucking Maguire got a RED. England has to take out AMN and sub in a new CB (MING).

Jamie

Maguire the £80m defender.

Marc

“Mesut isn’t getting his bonus pay because he’s breaking the rules set by the manager… ”

Rules set by the manager? For fuck sake Pedro, being expected to keep yourself fit and attend online meetings isn’t exactly grounds for constructive dismissal.

I don’t think there’d been a single comment mentioning Ozil today before Pierre started trolling it just brings the comments section down.

CaliGooner

Haha mailbox head already got sent off. The most overrated and overpriced player.

Man the same Ozil argument that has been going on for what three years is still taking place. Sad.

SpanishDave

Why aren’t England playing in white? Our National colours at home?
The away team should change if there’s a clash.

Victorious

Jesus I can’t wait for real football to be back..

Going through the comments here is even worse than watching Engurland play football

Shite everywhere you turn to! Fvck the international break.

Marko

So Mesut refused to go to Saudi Arabia for 200,000 a week on a 3 year contract? Man he really isn’t interested in football anymore. Damn that’s some next level sponge shit

Graham62

Great great shame that Phillips, Rice and Henderson are ahead of such a prestigious talent as Grealish.

Why is we always seem to do this?

Oh Gareth, you’ve let yourself down a wee bit tonight.

Graham62

Why is it

Marc

Marko

It’s actually probably worse than you think.

I need someone to check me but don’t overseas workers not pay any tax in Saudi? Ozil’s paying 50% on basically everything over here.

Graham62

Marko

That’s because he’d be found out.

Even in Saudi Arabia they’d expect certain things from him.

Marko

Mark my words next summer we get our Arsenal back. Certain types out of the door ooohhh I can’t wait. We’ll be popping off especially if we get champions league football.

AFC Forever

Graham Southgate is another of the old school dinosaurs. As you know, he relegated Middlesbrough & was sacked the following Season when fourth because of his ‘boring’ football. Tonight at home against Denmark;m we had Two DM’s, three left backs & Moussaka Maguire doing his best impression of a Washing Machine on a fast rinse, trying to escape the kitchen. . Down to ten men, so he switches the best player from right back to left back, before switching him back again after someone tells him he’s an idiot. Losing one nil, need a goal so he brings on Henderson,… Read more »

Tom

AFC forever
I think right now England have worlds top three squad quality wise and Southgate is holding them back.
I realize top managers prioritize club management over country but having the English FA’s resources and settling on Southgate is just sad.

Leedsgunner

Apparently according to Duncan Castle Bruno Fernandes wants out of Man United… worth keeping an eye on!!!

Sid

Southgate and the English FA are a reflection of English society favouritism

DivineSherlock

Leedsgunner

Cant really blame him , the theater of dreams has turned into literal nightmare . Ask Alexis Sanchez , Lukaku , Ashley Young .

Tony

“It is well recognised on here that you are the modern form of the village idiot.” Love to see your massaged stats on that, Pierre. How big was your metric model? What was your sample group? AKBs & Untold? The Wenger & Ozil super-fan obsessive trolling again. The song always remains the same! The only village idiot on LG is the one you see looking in your bathroom mirror every day. Some achievement for an over 60 year old man child. Does salivating over Wenger’s book help you of your daily use of your monogrammed socks? Oh well stupid is… Read more »

Tony

“I give a perfectly reasonable theory as to why the club and Ozil are in this situation.”

That is the pinnacle of hilarity, Pierre. Got any more gems like that?

Graham62

Unless Grealish was injured or carrying a knock, Gareth Southgate blew it last night.

No fans, no atmosphere and the entire dynamics of the game changing before our very eyes and one of the few players in our squad who has the capability to lift us all up is stuck in the frigging stands.

As AFC Forever highlighted, two weeks of utter boredom and “bland” images of Southgate discussing formations and tactics and he expects us to have belief.

Be positive for Christ’s sake!!

Graham62

Tony

Good morning.

Pierre is not real.

It’s a set up.

Tony

Graham
Probably right but just in case he’s not an AI defect……………

Hope you’re well.

I’m going to ditch my older Apple series 4 watch for the Garmin Fenix 6 pro as it reads blood oxygen among many other health priorities.

Knowing you’re into coaching do you have any thoughts or recommendations?

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/641479/pn/010-02158-11

Leftside

Couple days off and see that Pierre is at it again. This is an old man behaving like a troublesome teenage girl.

Mr Serge

Wenger on talksport now glad he left but forever thankfull for him especially for the first 10 years

AFC Forever

Mr Serge

Yes, exactly. With Wenger there seems to be a certain crowd who want to completely ignore the trophies he won, what he did when he arrived, . We had never been so entertained and the quality of player he bought in was something else. I can look back fondly at those times, while still criticising him. Probably true of Ozil, there was a period when watching him play was a privilege but he will be remembered for other things..

AFC Forever

Leeds
“Apparently according to Duncan Castle Bruno Fernandes wants out of Man United… worth keeping an eye on!!!”

Something not well with that club, Leeds whether or not that is true.

Bamford10

Bruno Fernandes on the story above:

“I believe it is a way to destabilise the group. What was said is in no way true.

[Ole and I] spoke [after the match] by text message & I just have to be grateful to the coach who bet on me. His tactics are perfect for me.

Do not use my name, my colleagues or the coach to make trouble at Manchester United.The atmosphere is good and the team is ready to give an answer in the next game.”

Ashwin Gunner

“I need someone to check me but don’t overseas workers not pay any tax in Saudi?”

No concept of tax in Saudi. They are already rich and making money hand over fist. They dont need to tax their people to fill government coffers.

Ashwin Gunner

“.The atmosphere is good and the team is ready to give an answer in the next game.”

Which essentially means that Martial will dive and i will score a penalty. That is team work…

Bamford10

Mikel Arteta press conference today.

Marc

Tony

“When you can contribute to LG adding sensible posts as well as humour and fun to the blog as Marc does regularly”

Glad I manage to at least not piss every one off on here then!

Marc

Ashwin

“No concept of tax in Saudi. They are already rich and making money hand over fist. They dont need to tax their people to fill government coffers.”

Which actually means Ozil would be earning a net higher wage in Saudi (@ £200k per week) than from Arsenal. Guy’s already retired from football and just has a gold plated short term pension at Arsenal.

Bamford10

“Discussions have been taking place between Arsenal and the [Scottish] authorities ever since, with the north London club requesting to bring Tierney back to the England in a private car.

So far that request has fallen on deaf ears, but there are further talks planned on Thursday afternoon and Arteta is hopeful Tierney will be given the green light to return to London.”

-Goal.com

Marc

Bamford

Arsenal should sue the Scottish FA if Tierney isn’t available.

Dream10

The Wolves set of Portuguese players will be available despite being in close proximity with Cristiano. But, Tierney is not eligible.

Not worried if Tierney is missing. He hasn’t been in great form, so a week off may help.

Bamford10

Partey will train with the team for the first time today. Arteta sounds open to playing him on Saturday.

Valentin

I don’t know if Fernandes rumour that he wants out are true, but it is clear that there is a malaise within ManUtd. Players who have no particular attachment with ManUtd will want to leave. Some may stay just for the paycheck, but then ManUtd are left with unmotivated mercenaries. I have never particularly rated Maguire, but he really is a shadow of the player he used to be. Slow, rash, impulsive. He was already like that before his Greek escapade. OGS may not very good tactically, but that should not be an issue. Ferguson was neither a master tactician,… Read more »

Valentin

Ashwin, A flat income tax rate of 20% is applied to the tax-adjusted profit of resident non-Saudi and non-GCC individuals. However Saudi has a very strict form of Islam the Wahhabism that Özil and his wife may not enjoy. The few people that I know who have worked in Saudi, have all reported hating their time over there. Everything is segregated by gender. Even McDonald have two entrances one for men and for women and children. It is a golden cage that attract people who wants to make a few buck quickly. Anybody who enjoys life and is already a… Read more »

Champagne charlie

Pierre talking the absolute arse off Ozil, dropping vapid sound bites into his rhetoric that he can deliver a ‘I’m not obsessive because I said this’ when questioned on the matter for the 73834th time. Blindingly obvious pattern that is now as circular as the earth doing a runner round the sun. Then there’s Banford who has swooped in to quash Bruno Fernandes unrest rumours and set things right re: Man United. A perfectly normal counter balance by any other poster, who would likely accompany it with a derogatory quip, but funny when the resident Red Devil is sprung into… Read more »

Latest Footy

Partey will bring that resilience that the midfield needs as everyone knows – however, I think the most notable thing is his dedication to getting the ball forward as soon as he wins possession. This will be massive as trying to walk the ball into the goal has been a criticism that has been levelled at the team for years.

We actually wrote about how he’ll fit into the midfield here – it was really interesting to see that statistically he would suit playing in there with Dani Ceballos.

https://latestfooty.net/2020/10/15/what-will-thomas-partey-bring-to-arsenal/

Graham62

Valentin

There is no way Ozil would go to Saudi, not even if they doubled or even trebled the offer.

I lived and worked in Bahrain from 1984 -1991 and had to visit SA many times. Although things have improved, it is, unfortunately, still Saudi Arabia.

Get my gist?

Jamie

Jeddah is pretty awesome.

Gonsterous

Graham

They would flog ozil on the streets if he becomes a nuisance there. He’s not stupid, no way is he going to any of turkey, Saudi or UAE. China is out of the picture, so Maybe if he takes a big pay cut, he might go back to Germany or the states.

Left testicle

Arteta on Wenger…
‘…he is, in my opinion, the one who had the vision and helped this club to evolve and be what it is today.’
……………….
That’s exactly why he should be kept away!

Jim Lahey

Is anyone else slightly concerned about Martinelli?

A huge injury during his early development that has kept him out of the game for months. I have a horrendous fear that in 5-10 years time we will be talking about Martinelli the same way we speak about Diaby or Rosicky. I really hope not, its just a fear I have!

Left testicle

Guendouzi has Coronavirus.

Valentin

Graham, A few footballers chased the money and went to Saudi. Many left within less than two years. Culturally it is so difficult to have an usual Western life. Can’t drink, can’t go to a restaurant with a mixed gender group of friends. At least now women can drive, but before they needed a minder 24×7 if they wanted to venture outside. So you end up living in a closed expat bubble. Also with the weather being so hot, most outdoor activities that we take for granted are off limit. When they are not off limit, they have to be… Read more »

Left testicle

Women can now drive in Saudi? Big mistake. They’ll regret that. 🙂

Moray

“Women can now drive in Saudi? Big mistake. They’ll regret that.“

Political correctness gone mad!

Left testicle

At least they can’t vote over there.

Nelson

During Arteta’s press conference, he said that he would like to welcome Wenger back to the club in the future. Knowing that there are many Wenger haters in Le Grover, don’t know how they receive this news?

Gonsterous

Just read artetas press conference. And I personally like what I’m hearing.
Wasn’t a big fan of his signing but he’s completely won me over. Of course he can still improve on certain things, but I hope he stays with us for a long time. I might even put in a few quid on arsenal finishing very high this season.

Daniel Altos

Considering the uproar on Le Grove when it was announced on Athletic that Ozil had received a loyalty payment from Arsenal, I shouldn’t really be surprised that there is not a Peep from the obsessives regarding Athletics reporting that Arsenal are saving millions through not playing Ozil…Footballing reasons …yeah right .Why the club can’t be honest on this matter is beyond me…Reading between the lines, my theory is that the club asked Ozil to refuse the loyalty payment ( due to covid) and he told them where to go .Arsenal then looked at Ozil’s contract and found a clause in… Read more »

Aussie+Gooner

Jim I to am concerned regarding the full recovery of Martinelli. After a serious injury such as his, it takes a while to regain the confidence to attack the ball and risk further injury. Even if you are 5% down on confidence it can have a devastating impact on the way you play. Even thinking for a split second before a tackle can leave you well off the pace. Then there are the physical challenges for recovery. You only have to look at Bellerin to see what a negative effect such injuries can have on pace. Again just 5% off… Read more »

Daniel Altos

No one has mentioned Ozil till you brought him up – people have been discussing the “big picture” proposal that would change PL football and Arsenal forever and all you care about is fucking Ozil.What a complete cunt.

Nice to see someone else highlighted this.This trick is getting tired now,cunningly mention ozil’s name and then disappear for a while while Legrove goes into meltdown discussing him,only do you to come back later and call people obsessives. Honestly,I don’t know why people keep falling for this it has become so predictable now

Aussie+Gooner

Super goal from Azeez in the U 21’s Academy game against Crawley Town. How long before he is training with the first team? Shout out to Ben Cottrel also for another solid performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fPgy3u2auk

andy1886

Sure Wenger can come to Arsenal any time. As a guest, fan or whatever, just not in any official capacity. As far as I’m aware he hasn’t been barred, he’s just sulking.

Sid

Martinelli should recover from injury better than Bellerin taking generous servings of pork chops, kobe beef, mutton curry and the occassional ostrich.

G8

Mesut wouldn’t go anywhere near Saudi, he is a Turk, and a close pal with Erdogan, someone there will be waiting with the electric saw!

Emiratesstroller

andy 1886

I don’t think that Wenger is sulking, but just applying common sense.

Wenger is not stupid. He knows very well that he outstayed his welcome and has acknowledged that he was in the job too long.

I am sure that the owner, management and most fans would be more than happy to welcome Wenger back to the club.

He is not our enemy.

Uwot?

Why would Ozil rule out Turkey.Unless they can’t afford him?.A relief to know that a clause is in Ozil contract restricting him to a % of salary( whatever that might be) if he doesn’t play.Its something at least.But still not enough for him to jog on……

prvhc

Daniel
In case you’re new to the internets, it’s called ‘trolling’
The only known remedy is indifference.

Ashwin Gunner

“Knowing that there are many Wenger haters in Le Grover,”

Nobody here is a Wenger hater, but they are not AKB’s. there is a difference… we call spade a spade. Everybody loves what Wenger up until 2008. post that he has been a shadow of what he could have been.

Ashwin Gunner

Get in Wenger in some capacity (no where near the training ground) into Arsenal. he will definitely do good for the club. May be bring him to mould the youth setup..

Marko

Ferguson was neither a master tactician, nor a great coach, but he knew who to choose as assistant and when to delegate.

Alex Ferguson propped up by his great assistants over the years. Apparently.

Anyway looking forward to seeing Partey this weekend and getting normal football back until the next interruption next month

Nelson

HL

Wenger could be an Ambassador for Arsenal. Just like many retired figures, he could travel around the world and gives talks. But that has to be after this Covid-19 though.

Marko

Arsene Wenger shouldn’t be anywhere near this club in any capacity. A clear break is a clean break and you don’t streamline areas of the club and make it more efficient with less people and then bring in someone who’s job would be to do what exactly? It’s pointless to even consider it

Steveyg87

“Ferguson was neither a master tactician, nor a great coach, but he knew who to choose as assistant and when to delegate.”

A great leader brings out the best in those around him.

Jim Lahey

“Ferguson was neither a master tactician, nor a great coach, but he knew who to choose as assistant and when to delegate.”

He also held such power that he was able to intimidate officials into basically fixing games.

Looking forward to the day all his dirty dealings are brought to light and United are stripped of several PL titles.

Ashwin Gunner

Well. Wenger can be a very good Brand Ambassador for the club. He has the finesse and class.

Jim Lahey

But actually, that will never happen as the FA will bury any evidence of wrong doing as we all know “that sort of thing doesn’t happen in England”.

Marko

Also you read Wenger’s comments on Ozil which were tone deaf and braindead frankly and then you know this guy should be nowhere near the club. Mentioned about him being sensitive and you can tell what the problem is with Ozil and how Wenger allowed it to happen and did nothing about it and we’re still paying the price for caving in to a man child

Emiratesstroller

Marko

Please explain to me why Wenger should not be allowed to visit the club? The man served the club for over 21 years!!!

Marko

Sure he can visit all he wants buy a mug from the gift shop if he likes who gives a fuck. But an actual job at the club or anywhere near the day to day running of it absolutely not. He adds nothing to the club other than being a distraction

Ishola70

Wenger is great for someone with insomnia.

Can put you to sleep within a couple of minutes of him talking.

Hasn’t changed in that respect.

The Godfather

Arteta’s reasoning for leaving out Saliba looks dumber and dumber by the second. We have Europa league games against teams that would be perfect for the young lad to cut his teeth and get some game time and the joker can’t see the benefits from this. Arteta is a really strange dude.

Hope he grows some balls and shows some mettle and plays Auba down the middle against a City squad bereft of confidence and riddled with injuries.

Marc

It does need to be remembered that Wenger did not retire gracefully – he was given an ultimatum resign or be fired.