FEAR IS NOT A STRATEGY

by .

The big debate before the game was whether the sacrifice we’ve been making on style could be countered with the gains we’ve made on points. Win 2-0 last night, we’re a point from the top and clear in the top 4. Sadly, the argument was momentarily settled at home to a weak Leicester because Arteta bottled our first-half dominance and lost to the most obvious of strategies > let Jamie Vardy win the game late on.

Fear is not a strategy. Mikel Arteta has moved mountains when it comes to our defensive output, structure, and fight. We can all salute that. His coaching moves were made during the worst moment we’d faced as a club in 38 years. However, let’s be honest, those players he’s working with are not the 8th worst group of players in the league, they are better than that. He was supposed to breathe life into them this season, so far, he hasn’t.

From where I’m watching, it looks like he doesn’t trust his squad. We’ve eeked out wins this season, but we’ve been unadventurous and boring… Leicester beating us feels like the warning shot. You cannot shithouse your way to 4th with these players. There needs to be a second act. We need to speed up the process. The coaching staff need to show some balls and do something interesting. Being guided by what bad things ‘could’ happen is negative energy. I’m all for clean sheets, but not at the expense of looking meek. Yesterday, we looked scared… just like we did midweek when we rolled the ball into the corner to protect a lead against Austrian minnows.

After the Villa game last season, I wrote that the biggest mistake Arteta could make would be to continue to trust players with weak mindsets and output. Well, he doubled down on them… and guess what, we’re not looking great. We’re 6 games into the season and now it’s time to be real… our averageness is not a style, it’s the xG warning we had with Unai Emery.

Alex Lacazette has been atrocious for a long time. He’s physically weak and completely incapable of being a central point when it comes to attack. On another day, with a better striker, we’re exiting the first half with 2 goals. Aouar was a big miss this summer, but let’s not pretend having an elite creator was moving the needle with Alex through the middle. If Eddie can’t do it, then try Balogun. Continuously giving game time to someone that looks less and less athletic is not the answer. Alex should have gone this summer, he didn’t, but that shouldn’t mean he’s starting important games.

Nicolas Pepe might have cost £72m, but he’s not delivering to that level. Why do we keep depending on him? He’s weak, he can’t hold his balance, and he looks scared. He was useless when he came on, I’d prefer to give Reiss a chance. I don’t know whether there’s a second act with him, but so far, he looks like a huge dud.

Granit Xhaka served a purpose last season, but it’s clear that in the big games, he doesn’t have the next level. How long are we going to fool ourselves into believing he’s going to take us to the promised land? I have the exact same feelings on Mustafi. I feel terrible to give him any blame after a long period of time out, but let’s be honest, the club desperately tried to move him out this summer, he’s not getting a new deal, so how much can we expect? I’d rather fail with young players than create false hope that we can resurrect players that we know can’t do it. They do it at Dortmund, why can’t we do it at Arsenal?

The biggest mistake Arteta can continue to make is 1) Believe that there’s no way he can get our players operating in an attacking structure 2) That bum players will give him one more year after he spent the summer trying to sell half of them.

We need to see some bold action. I watched Southampton boss Everton yesterday. They don’t have a squad anywhere near our level. They attacked with free-flowing football, they caused problems all over the park, and they were worth more than the two goals they scored. Why can’t we do that?

Villa were spanked at the weekend, but they will run at you, they create, and they are exciting with players that are a long way from world-class.

Bielsa has been at Leeds for two seasons. His free-flowing brand of attacking football will likely end in tears, but he has lesser players than us and he totally dominates teams and has never offered up shit football.

There’s a system out there where we can be solid with Leno, Partey, Gabriel, Bellerin and Tierney… but still attack with Saka and Auba.

I simply do not believe that players at the level we have need to be coached so hard they can’t think outside NFL style power plays everyone has sussed.

The handbrake is on.

The players fear unleashing the magic.

We’re really fucking boring.

One of the most important things you learn as you develop as a young manager in any industry is that people who are talented have a great propensity to surprise you… but only if you empower them. Sometimes, you have to throw them off a cliff and ask them to swim. Arteta doesn’t seem to trust his squad at the moment and that, for me, is why our ceiling is crushing us.

Arteta needs to address what we don’t have with confidence, not fear. There needs to be a shift in mindset. We can’t be celebrating 1-0 losses to Manchester City as progress. We can’t be saluting Premier League players for coming back from a goal down against a bang average Austrian team. We cannot live in a world where our team collapses because David Luiz stops creating.

Last night was boring, it was predictable, it lacked intensity, and it was totally avoidable. We need to find the next stage of whatever the grand vision is because a season of ‘stop being Emery’ will not be tolerated by fans that bought into the vision of a coach that promised us progressive football and results.

This can be fixed.

Over to you, Mikel… you are better than this.

682 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Valentin

In the immortal voice of Sean Connery:

Arteta/Stanley Goodspeed: I’ll do my best.
John Patrick Mason: Your “best”! Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f**k the prom queen.

Sid

No longer Mooy and Fleck for you Pierre?

Pierre

As mich as i hate Tottenham, Harry Kane’s game has gone up a level… I made the point over a year ago that Kane has a bit of Bergkamp about him when he drops off and that he should play a more withdrawn role for England. Jose has recognised this and now has him playing a Bergkamp type role and he has been sensational this season.. What it shows is if you give a player the chance to prove himself as Tim Sherwood did, the benefits can be substantial. To be honest, I never rated kane that highly in his… Read more »

Pierre

Sid
We all make mistakes

Pierre

Good .memory though sid ..i can’t remember what you said yesterday you talk so much shit lol

Mics_

I appreciate that the post acknowledges that we’ve looked completely anemic the past couple of weeks. But really, talking trash about Ancelotti and league leading Everton after we lose the way we have against Leicester? And the even worse way we lost against man city a week ago? And having to come back against Rapid Vienna? Southampton fucked them up at the weekend, but Ancelotti has Everton playing a hell of a lot better than we are, with the same amount of time as Arteta has had. And with Everton. Who are now a much more aesthetically pleasing attacking side… Read more »

zacharse

I am not hearing the same alarm bells as everyone else, just the same issues with lack of competent midfield and lacazette in the starting xi. These are squad issues not arteta issues. That was Parteys 1st start, always disruptive when the player who will in theory be leading the team butts in for the first time, i imagine things will be tweaked and adjusted and within a week or two a slightly new team will emerge, hopefully featuring eddie auba and willian up front. Hopefully saka isnt getting burnt out, hopefully auba isnt playing a through a serious injury.… Read more »

MD-Gunner

Oh how the mighty opinions have fallen, from we have sauce, a young coach with a new style and forward looking visions, a new playing style that will get us respect in the EPL. Reality check now, we got Emery ver 2 with a better command of the English language and once the shortcomings were exposed the dialogue changed to “Let’s give our guy time to work and let’s back him” another season down the drain but on the positive side Arsenal will never disappoint you in breaking your heart. Of all the fans that I can think of perhaps… Read more »

Danny+S

I’m guessing against Man U we will be back to a safe 3 at the back with Auba back on the left and maybe to shake it up a bit Eddie up front, but probably laca again.
Mustafi and Xhaka in the side also.

Kenyangunner

We want our Arsenal back!
The present side is the most boring ever!

Carts

I’m not trying to push the panic button just yet, but Arteta needs to hurry the fuck up and get it right.

“Bielsa has been at Leeds for two seasons. His free-flowing brand of attacking football will likely end in tears, but he has lesser players than us and he totally dominates teams and has never offered up shit football.”

This is actually compounds things for Arteta.

Zacharse

Highbury

If u are a manager and you cease recruiting good players when you already have a good team, you won’t feel the full effect for a year plus, this is our 3rd season post wenger. We just bought veiras replacement after 15 yrs. again, im giving it time and im surprised more arent

MD-Gunner

From the Football show podcast:
Arsenal’s performance on Sunday was sterile. Once Vardy came on Arsenal knew what was coming and it looked like a car crash was imminent.
If the pundits could figure it out surely the coach should have anticipated this but he had only one option to put on once Luiz came off and that was Mustafi. The one whose responsibility it is to select the EPL squad and match day squad has to own up to this.

WengerEagle

I’m expecting at least a top 6 finish from Arteta, anything less would be a failure of a season. And we ought to be pushing for top 4, otherwise we’re all cutting him slack that we didn’t for Emery. Obviously the league is considerably stronger than it was even 2 years ago and United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton, Leicester and Wolves are all improved and pushing for these same spots making it a whole lot more competitive. But he still has to be held to a standard that Lampard, OGS, and Mourinho will be. Hes had the time to get the… Read more »

Mike Perry

Pedro, I agree 100 per cent with you but blimey you’ve changed your tune quickly. You’ve always put Arteta on a pedestal and always insisted that he’s fantastic but simply hasn’t got the players. Now, all of a sudden it’s the opposite. Hard to take your opinion seriously when it changes overnight. We’ve scored 4 goals in 5 matches since the Fulham game and we’ve got three front men who cost best part of 200 million. Our wage bill is probably in the top four. We’re stuck in a rigid over coached style of play and it’s worrying.

shad

@zacharse

Puff, puff pass mate.

Calypso

WengerEagle

The league is weaker than two years ago, stop making excuses.

WengerEagle

Oh Redtruth…

Bad result for your guy over in Spain yesterday.

GunnerDNA

Shkodran Mustafi turning down contract because he doesn’t want to work in a high performance culture. High performance culture, really? Why on Gods green earth would this even be considered? Since Xhaka and Mustafi arrived Arsenal has mysteriously landed in the EL. This really sums up these 3 novice 🤦🏽‍♂️

S Asoa

Pedro A good honest assessment. I can see you feel like the rest of us and return of the Arsenal to former glory. Only I do not agree about the fear factor or Arteta not capable of throwing the players off the cliff and asking them to swim . Arteta , fortunately is ruthless. His fault is playing players out of positions, playing favourite like Xaka and Laca . Since players are shoe- horned out of position their performance suffers and it shows in the games. If Arteta can sort out acting like Don Quixote , things will fall in… Read more »

AC

Our left hand side yesterday was really messed up. Gabriel, xhaka, tierney, saka…..all of them are left footed and struggled to find passing lanes to each other. It is as if these players don’t know to pass with right to open up more options. Ridiculously stupid! Arteta looked nervous at the end of game…not good signs..

WengerEagle

Why not try an actual 4-4-2 with Aubameyang and Lacazette both up top rather than this 4-3-3 bollocks if shunting Aubameyang out wide? It makes no sense whatsoever to have your best striker and finisher so far away from the goal and in areas where you have to be adept at either dribbling, crossing or 1-2’s, none of which Auba does well. Have Saka out left and tucking inside as a LCM when Tierney overlaps, CM duo of Partey and Ceballos and bench Xhaka. Play one of Willian, Pepe or AMN out on the right. Far from perfect but with… Read more »

Venga, Dani

Posted this yesterday but I dont think many say it. It’s not to defend Arteta as there have to be some major questions asked of him after yesterday’s performance. It’s just to keep things in perspective… Comparing Arsenal 2019-20 and 2020-21 EPL corresponding fixtures 1. Fulham (A) no comparison as Fulham promoted 2. West Ham (H); 2019-20: win 1-0. 2020-21: win 2-1 3. Liverpool (A); 2019-20: loss 3-1. 2020-21: loss 3-1 4. Sheffield United (H); 2019-20: draw 1-1. 2020-21: win 2-1. 5. Man City (A); 2019-20: loss 3-0. 2020-21: loss 1-0 6. Leicester (H); 2019-20: draw 1-1. 2020-21: loss 1-0.… Read more »

Venga, Dani

saw it*

Major_Jeneral

who is watching brigton vs westbrom . ?

MD-Gunner

Someone else’s comments I share: Who would have guessed the absence of a centre-half would hurt Arsenal’s creativity so badly? Since Luiz departed, Arsenal have looked uninspired in possession. Partey has become a bit of a passenger — plugging a hole at the base of the midfield, but no longer a major part of the build-up. Don’t want to mention the O word but with Xhaka and Partey controlling midfield, a creative guy who doesn’t/can’t defend would work really well now. What now is left to discuss are the next 4 games and what will happen if we don’t get… Read more »

alex cutter

“Wholly geez Alex Cutter, you lost me at the cut and paste!”

It’s behind a paywall of a site that I’m not getting my money’s worth from so I thought I’d share.

WengerEagle

I think that Isco is a very similar case to James.

Superb baller that has lost his way in Madrid and clearly isnt in Zidane’s plans. Been on the slide for two years now, 28 so wont cost an arm and a leg. Probably gettable for 25m.

We’re in desperate need of creativity and spark, hes one of the worlds best players with the ball at his feet. Games like yesterday and West Ham are tailor-made for an Isco/James.

SP

We are up against United , Villa , Leeds , Wolves and Spurs next. How many points are we realistically going to get ?

Champagne charlie

Weagle

Would much rather pay that sort of money for Isco than to make Ceballos a permanent addition. Moves the needle so much more in terms of ability.

Calypso

Venga

I don’t get the fixture comparisons as Emery was sacked after 13 games.

Marc

“who is watching brigton vs westbrom . ?”

I really don’t need to see relegation candidates show us how to play.

Marko

Isco isn’t really moving a lot these days. Szoboszlai for me is a must for me. Lad looks like he’s going to be one of the best players in Europe very soon. But isco isn’t a CM anyway

Venga, Dani

@Calypso – I just compared this year’s pl fixtures to last years – pretty simple stuff. Read into it what you may.

@WengerEagle – Isco has been really inconsistent. He had one period when Zidane won the league and CL double where he was easily the best player in Spain. He hasn’t been able to keep up the form. James is a little different in that regardless of whether or not he plays well, his crosses and set piece deliveries can always get you a goal.

Pierre

Interestingly, in the last 9 seasons after playing 6 games, when our league postion was outside the top 4 , we finished in the top 4 in 5 out of the 6 times .

When after 6 games we were in the top 4 , we finished outside the top 4 all 3 times.

So , if it goes true to form , one would expect Arsenal to finish in the top 4.

Graham62

Brighton play better football than most other teams.

They just need a win.

Wenker-wanger

Arsenal are a bit of a non cohesive bolt-on construct at the moment.The front line is pwder-puff…plenty of skill but nowhere near enough raw physicality. The midfield looks stronger defensively but there isn’t much creativity or aggression in the final third. The defense is getting stronger with Gabriel a fine addition but players like mustafi, kalisanac and bellerin aren’t good defenders. The goalkeeper looks like he’s kicking a grenade about to detonate…shit scared of receiving it under minimal pressure. But the most outstanding head scratches is the £72 million flop. Who scouted him? What were the feedback notes?. Plays great… Read more »

Graham62

Pierre

Based on what I’ve witnessed so far this season, we won’t make top 4.

No way.

Wenker-wanger

Without a striker and created in January..I can’t see us finishing above 8th.

Marc

Pierre

It’s convoluted logic but right now we don’t have many other positives to cling to.

MidwestGun

For me, Isco is a better Willian. We already made our bed there. Would cost a fortune as well. Would have loved Isco about 3 years ago instead of trying to play Iwobi or Mkhi all the time, though.

I don’t think it’s a mystery who wanted Pepe.. Raul… he was sacked after an investigation.. allegedly.

WengerEagle

Venga

Hes mountains more creative than literally any player in our entire squad. Hes also not some burned out husk in his mid 30s, hes 28.

He was good enough to be a mainstay in Real Madrid CL winning teams and was Spains best player at national level for a couple of years.The man isnt short on ability and he hasnt had any debilitating injury to stunt his mobility.

He needs a change of scenery like James, and hed be worshipped by supporters here.

WengerEagle

Marko

Hes played central for Real Madrid in the past and played well. No reason that he couldnt play CAM for us or LM.

Hes like James, both lack speed and arent 1 vs 1 players. They drift inside and overload the midfield even if they start out wide on paper.

The Godfather

Adrian Durham now calling him:

Unai Arteta …

And so it begins

WengerEagle

Re the unpronouncable Hungarian lad, yeah he looks a talent.

But you have to be careful buying from Salzburg, not all of them turn out like Haaland.

Minamino has been very underwhelming for Liverpool even if its early days.

Venga, Dani

Isco is a proper #10 though. We dont play with a #10 nor do I think we should. He cant play CM and hes not a winger so where will you put him?

Pierre

Graham
“Based on what I’ve witnessed so far this season, we won’t make top 4.No way.”

I would imagine that you said exactly the same thing during the wenger years when we started the season poorly..

Wenger , more often than not pulled things round

Goal for WBA ..deserved I have to say .

Venga, Dani

Dont get me wrong, he is an absolutely brilliant player. His nickname is el magico for a reason. Just dont underestimate a lightweight flair technical player having trouble adapting to England. Spain is a much more technical style league – I think Isco would struggle with the physicality.

Calypso

Pierre

I was more interested in winning titles than scrapping for top 4.

WengerEagle

Venga

Come on, its not like we are playing with any sort of structure now is it?

How is getting Isco in for Xhaka in the XI not a massive upgrade?

Partey is a more defensively inclined player and Ceballos is better deep too, Isco could absolutely play in front of them supporting the strikers.

Marko

But you have to be careful buying from Salzburg, not all of them turn out like Haaland.

I mean sure you could say that about a lot of players meanwhile Szoboszlai ends up at a Leipzig or Dortmund and we end up sitting thinking yeah but how were we to know he came from an inferior league and we can’t take chances on players apparently we have to wait until it’s really obvious before we can go after a player.

WengerEagle

People said that James would struggle, look how that’s materialised.

Like Ancelotti says, it’s a silly point of contention. If you’re good enough you can compensate and showcase your best in the PL. There are a litany of players that have excelled over here that fit that physically limited distinction from Spain, Cazorla was 5 foot 6.

MidwestGun

Bilic is going as Klopp for Halloween no doubt. Starting to look more and more like him every time I see him on the sideline. He just needs a baseball cap. .

WengerEagle

Marko

Not saying that, just think that you are better off taking a swing at a player for a proper fee that has at least done it in a top Euro league. Minamino only cost 8m cause of a clause in his contract, the lad you’re touting is being talked about for 25-30m.

Rich

I doubt Danny Ceballos is writing his own social media posts, but his admin is 🔥
Always hits the right tone.

Ishola70

The impressive thing about James at Everton is that he has got into the pace of the EPL very quickly.

You don’t see him dwelling on the ball so much or showboating on it.

I think tiny tot Isco likes to hold onto the ball a bit more than James.

WengerEagle

All of the same things that are being said about Isco were said at James before the move Ishola.

I wad in the minority on here that said he’d kill it for Everton and that hes far too good for them.

salparadisenyc

Im sorry boys Isco walks right into our starting XI playing ahead of Ceballos/Elneny/Xhaka and Partey immediately gives us more cutting edge in final third controlling proceedings in a hybrid 10 role, which we clearly lack.

Much like David Silva did for Pep’s 433 in which case NO Kün isn’t playing on the left… its thru the middle.

Pierre

WE
“Why not try an actual 4-4-2 with Aubameyang and Lacazette both up top rather than this 4-3-3 bollocks if shunting Aubameyang out wide?”

Arteta can actually play 2 up top in a wing back system, 3 in midfield and use the wing backs how you’re supppsed to use them , as wing backs.

I don’t like a wing back system with 2 wide offensive players , it defeats the object of playing with wing backs.

Pierre

Ishola
“The impressive thing about James at Everton is that he has got into the pace of the EPL very quickly.”

All about the technique, great first touch , similar to Isco.

Marko

WE still stands let’s hum and haw about signing up Szoboszlai while he moves to Leipzig or Dortmund but definitely have no second thoughts about Isco who’s far more expensive. It’s like we keep looking at what Leipzig and Dortmund do admire it and then have second thoughts when it comes to replicating it for some reason. I personally would have absolutely no problem with us targeting Szoboszlai and Daka at Salzburg but that’s just me

Marc

Why would Isco want to sign for us at the moment?

WengerEagle

Pierre I don’t like the 4-3-3 that we play because we havent the players for it. It means that Auba or Laca are playing wide and neither are any good away from the peanlty area. Only Saka is suited for a wide forward role and Im hopeful that he could be effective more in-field. Tierney is excellent going forward and imo has along with Saka the best final ball delivery in the squad. Bellerin or AMN can give you that width out right as well. It would be a different story if we had enough good wide players but we… Read more »

Venga, Dani

@Marko – completely agree. We need to be recruiting younger, hungrier players with points to prove.

Ishola70

Weagle

James wasn’t very popular at Real Madrid not only because of not putting up the numbers but his style was less showy than Isco. Isco loves his little solo dribbling runs James less so and we know the Real Madrid players love their showy players.

Turns out James wasn’t a bad fit for the EPL. Wouldn’t be so sure about Isco.

salparadisenyc

Marc,

I’ve no idea, but he looks in some hot water according to Marca with ZZ.

WengerEagle

Marko

Isco wouldnt be any more expensive and is a far better player as of now than the Salzburg lad is.

Aubaneyang is 31, if youre happy pissing away more years of his prime with developing players thats your prerogative. Fact is that we will have to replace him within the next couple of years too.

Dortmund are pretty much an academy for the elite sides anyway, do you really see any of Haland, Sancho or Reyna being there in 2-3 years time?

Ishola70

Pierre

“All about the technique, great first touch , similar to Isco.”

No not at all.

Of course he has good technique but the fact that he has got into the pace of the EPL so quickly is of very high importance itself.

A player can have the best technique in the world but if he isn’t attuned to the pace of a game then he can become less of a factor.

London gunner

Marko and WE are both right.

I’d be happy if we went for isco but smart signings like Szoboszlai are well smart.

Liverpool do that all the time Robertson Arnold suarez ect. We need to start making these clever killer signings

Ishola70

You would probably say that James is just a bit more economical with the ball than Isco.

Isco definitely likes to dwell on the ball more than James overall.

WengerEagle

Ishola James is very ball dominant, watch him for Colombia or over the years at Real Madrid/Bayern on loan. Its why he wasnt particularly in favour with Zidane or Kovac. For elite sides like them you need to release the ball quicker and move it on to other just as capable players in space. For Everton, they need a ball-hogger that they funnel the attack through. We’re the same, lets not kid ourselves we’re much more comparable to Everton than to Real Madrid/Bayern Munich that dont indulge any players other than the very elite in Ronaldo, Lewandowski type. We’re crying… Read more »

Buzzy

Pains me to say this but just look at that Spurs lineup. Each player playing in his optimum position and the whole structure looks solid and pacy. Despite the fiasco that all witnessed against West Ham, I still think this year is going to be a two horse race betwern Spurs and Liverpool

WengerEagle

LG

We did make a clever signing in Gabriel. He’ll be worth twice what we paid for him before long.

Martinelli was a gem as well. You dont get special praise from Klopp and Ronaldinho if you’re not an out of the ordinary prospect. Only teenager since Anelka to score double digit goals for us in a season, scored at Anfield and Stamford Bridge.

WengerEagle

Spurs will not compete for the title, behave.

Ernest Reed

Thanks Alex, good read.

Ishola70

Weagle

James likes to be on the ball. he likes a dribble as well but he has shown at Everton that he can release quickly as well and not dwell.

All I’m saying is Isco likes his solo dribbling more than James does.

And I’d also add I think James has more overall vision of the game than Isco.

When I watch Isco I see him so many times head down and his little legs pumping away dribbling at the opposition. It’s great when it comes off but also suggests to me less vision than James.

Radio Raheem

Isco hasn’t been the same since his last injury.

If we’re after oldish ready made players why not Ocampos. He has finally developed the character needed for the top level, always had the talent. He’d jump at the chance of earning 100k pw let alone 200k. We need thoee types of players, with not just talent but with the personality to match. Gabriel being one and Pepe the opposite of that.

Champagne charlie

Have heard it all before about 19 year old players being good enough now, or better than X, but again, teenagers aren’t the mainstay of serious teams across Europe and I maintain we have a first XI issue primarily. If I’m Arsenal with 25 million to go on a creative player he should be delivering now because tomorrow will never come if we keep planning for it in key areas where we have nothing. Sooner see Barca struggle and rinse them in Jan for Coutinho as a loan with an obligation to buy. Instant impact, 28 years old and will… Read more »

Ernest Reed

“I’m not trying to push the panic button just yet, but Arteta needs to hurry the fuck up and get it right.”

Comparing Arteta to Bielsa is somewhat unfair, Carts. Bielsa has been managing for a heck of a lot longer than Arteta.

Remember all, this is Arteta’s first managerial job. You are trying to compare him to seasoned and experienced managers. Lets please try to remain objective?

WengerEagle

Having said that, looking at their bench with Reguilon, Bale, Carlos Vinicius, Lo Celso, Lamela and ours with N’Ketiah, Pepe, Elneny, Mustafi, Willock and its night and fucking day.

WengerEagle

Ishola

I have always preferred James to Isco so don’t overly disagree, Isco is a major upgrade on anything we have in there at present though and could be available for a bargain given he’s finished at Real.

Odegaard is their golden boy.

MidwestGun

Isn’t Isco’s release clause like half a billion dollars or something? Cant see RM selling us him for 25 mill like they did James to Everton.

Ernest Reed

If Isco were any good he’d be headlining for Real Madrid, same as with Cellabos. Why is it that some are so willing to spunk themselves on someone that cant even get regular playing time at a club like Real Madrid or Barca? They do recruit busts there too you know, so why should we be so quick to scoop up their fails?

Marc

sal

And there are rumours all over the place that Madrid are looking at replacing ZZ with the Poch.

Right now we’re a team that’s got a manager who looks in a mess and a squad that is performing poorly.

We really need to get our heads out of our arses.

WengerEagle

Radio

Ocampos is a great shout. Quite a few Sevilla players I’d like, Kounde is top notch at the back but will go to an elite side but his mate Diego Carlos is very good too.

WengerEagle

Marc

Everton were probably saying the same thing about James.

He didnt just sign for them cause of Carlo, he wouldnt have followed Ancelotti to Turkey if he had taken over Besiktas.

We still have a lot going for us funny as it seems. Couple of top quality players, young ambitious manager that loves an Isco type of player, huge London club, would be a big fan favourite with his style.

Hes hardly happy showing up on a weekly basis adding splinters to his arse in the middle of his playing prime.

WengerEagle

Ernest

Isco isnt a Real Madrid reject, hes won Champions Lesgues with them. Hes just fallen out of favour like James did.

Hes levels better than Ceballos who never even got game time in Madrid.

Radio Raheem

Wengeeagle

Yeah Kounde is a boss.

Playing 442 as you outlined is quite an idea. I’m open to all ideas to sort this mess out and I think Arteta is the same too.

Keith

We have this awful chicken/egg dynamic going – no one is making ambitious passes, because no one is making ambitious runs…because no one is making ambitious passes. That’s my biggest hope for Partey, that his progressive tilt breaks this dynamic. But we have to get him the ball to do that. I’m totally on board with trying out the young guys and letting them fail a bit. Will that really be worse than watching the flaws of the same old guys get exposed over and over? I’d love to see us finally give AMN a try in midfield. How about… Read more »

Left Testicle

A few of the pro Arteta Arsenal blogs I regularly visit are slowly questioning his decisions.

Left Testicle

This has probably already been touched on here but the story coming out today about offering Mustafi a new contract. Jesus!

WengerEagle

Leao and Zlatan forming quite a nice little partnership.

Zlatan literally old enough to be his Dad.

WengerEagle

Radio

I just dont see how we can persist with Auba out wide and expect to score goals.

If he needs Lacazette in the side over Pepe, play 2 up top at least.

Radio Raheem

Wenger eagle

Auba has scored loads from the left before but for some reason it seems to have dried up for him.

Whether teams has sussed him out or he’s weighed down by all that pounds in his pockets it’s hard to say. But persisting with the current set-up is folly. I wouldn’t be in support of Auba playing up top on his own as he see football as a non-contact sport, he’d be useless on his own.

Radio Raheem

*sees

GunnerDNA

This is worrying: Arteta average 1.31 xG and 1.48 xGA per game compared to Emery’s 1.37 xG and 1.7 xGA. Unbelievable!

Radio Raheem

This is worrying: Arteta average 1.31 xG and 1.48 xGA per game compared to Emery’s 1.37 xG and 1.7 xGA. Unbelievable!
———-

Hahahaha it’s funny how these damning stats appear after a bad result.

MD-Gunner

Not looking too good for the Arsenal Apprentice:
And sifting through to just the first 26 Premier League matches each man took charge of at Emirates Stadium, Arteta’s case worsens further. The current Gunners boss has fewer wins (12 to 15), more defeats (six to eight) and fewer goals (40 to 53) than his predecessor.

Furthermore, Arsenal are keeping less of the ball and firing off fewer shots – with a worse shot conversion rate – under Arteta at this stage.

Radio Raheem

Hasn’t Arteta got the best win ratio of any Arsenal manager at 62% (before yesterday’s defeat)?

MidwestGun

I must admit I have never worried one sec of one day about XG numbers.. I have worried about getting 0 points, though. 3 times out of 6 tries.

My XG from yesterday is we should have scored 4 goals and them none.