Well good morning to you all!
Lots going on in the world of Arsenal, my overall take from a fan perspective is that everyone is just a little bit miserable. Look, I understand you, because I look at your Facebook data for a living. You are sad that you stopped reading, there’s no more power-yoga session on that ‘really great app’ you don’t use, your closest relationship is with a bag of Haribo that you can’t stop topping up…. and the football, well, it’s starting to smell like a bag of rotting Emery.
Fear not… this is not how it ends my friends. So stop sad-eating Hagen Dasz, because today, the only dessert breakfast we’re treating ourselves to is a bowl of Cheeri-positivos.
I spoke to some United fans for The Elite Football Show yesterday and they seemed to think that we’re in a similar position to the one United were in before the last January transfer window… namely, lacking creativity.
Now, we all know how they worked their way out of that problem, they signed a world-class creator in Bruno.
I think the biting reality we’re likely facing with Arteta is that until that sort of signing comes our way, we might have problems creating. The issue we have is that at the very highest level, only special talents can truly make a difference if your objective is to hit the heights. We could pump money into a lesser mortal, but that’ll only move us so far. We need to go big on a talent that can grow with us.
Now, I don’t think that quite excuses the depths of our bland creative output, so I’m not giving up. We absolutely have the squad to start creating. There’s a potentially world-class spine developing. Auba, Partey, Gabriel, and Leno could be very special if they all find their game at once. Bellerin and Tierney are top drawer. Saka is an elite young talent. The question really is, who do you build around them?
Pepe, looks like a dud at the moment. He strikes a ball with outrageous venom at full pace, but we rarely see it. He needs confidence and about 5kg in weight. Can he do that this season? Jury is out…
Dani Ceballos hasn’t played a game as bad as the one he did at Leicester in a while. Can he occupy a more advanced position now Partey has joined the midfield?
Gabriel Martinelli might not have been a fave of Mikel’s before the break, but the coach can’t tell us he’s not good because we have seen him with our own eyes. I cannot wait to have him back, he certainly looks like he’s put on the weight Pepe needs.
Willian cost a lot of money. I’m still very unsure if that was Mikel and Edu or the dregs of Raul, but whatever the situation, he’s a quality player that needs to find a role in the team and sharpish. The whole point of him was that he’d not need 3 months to adapt. Well, we’re basically in November and it’s been bland. More to come. We need senior players to step up.
Then there’s the riddle of Joe Willock and ESR. Can they be the surprise packages this season? Will Arteta trust them? Who knows…
But basically, I think we need to pull our heads out of our backsides, realise that this season will be bumpy, and pray to the gods of football that this weekend is our watershed moment.
There’s so much going against us…
We do not win away at Old Trafford. Arsenal hasn’t beaten a top 6 side away since 1912.
We are a gift to struggling managers. That is OGS right now.
We are in terrible form when you look at our style of play and output.
This game is nailed on for a loss… or is it?
CHINS UP, spoons down my friends, this is going to be a great week. I’ll see you in the comments. Come join the party and AGREE with me.
Pedro
Regarding the comparison with United and how they turned after Bruno Fernandes might not apply to Arsenal because Arteta appears to my mind a perverse ( actually trying to be oversnart ). Rashford has not been pushed into playing a Timbuktu position like Auba, Laca, Williams, Ceballos et al. So guess even after Aouar things could be same unless Edu stops acting nice and give a well deserved kick up Arteta backside. His brains might move upwards into the cranium hopefully.
Soyuncu is a top young defender who has pace and strength and will only get better, the powers that be decided our greek god Sok was a better buy for the same money and about 7 years older- Another gem who we can’t get shot of.
Still think we really missed a BIG opportunity, and very significantly when Pep left Barca. And then when Klopp left Dortmund. We should of removed Wenger, and gotten either at those respective times.
It’s proving to be very costly.
Leftfood: “Don’t put words in my mouth”
You literally said to play Willock between the lines and after that said our best front three is Willian Auba Saka. You vouched for Willock to play. Where have I misinterpreted your words? Willock is shit and you want him to play.
The match against united will be worse than watching paint dry, two absolutely out of form teams playing boring football, plenty chance we don’t see a shot on target from both teams
Arteta will take a goaless draw if offered already but I think United get a dodgy pen to edge it
Soyouncu as said is very over-rated and is an unbalanced player.
He has a very rigid gait and running style.
Evans is a better all round CB.
But I could see why some would be taken in wih Soyoncu. Some just can’t resist Robocop defenders.
“Arteta will take a goaless draw”
I will take a draw of any kind.
Highbury legend Our problem aren’t coaching ones: They’re years of poor scouting, not just in identifying quality players, but Identifying the level of physicality this league demands Years of poor inward recruitment Years of poor outward recruitment Paying average players far too much A lack of stability within the club, but also through the team, it’s difficult to find that balance, if the players at your disposal are largely not good enough to build around for the medium to longer term Arteta and Emery aren’t producing much difference, like I said they wouldn’t. I Think we’ll see improvements as the… Read more »
LFC
You make some good points but why would you play Saka at right wing, it’s obvious that he does the most damage with the Debruyne like crosses on the left in the corridor of uncertainty…
You would be losing his biggest weapon by playing him on the right.
I have watched Soyouncu many times and can not honestly say why you compare him to a robocop defender, he was fantastic last year and formed a very good understanding with Evans. I think Sokratis is more like robocop defender and cost the same- work out the value
Raptora
You’re being pernickety and ignoring the context and sentiment behind what’s being said about Willock BTL. Same nonsense as you did prior with Laca.
Instead of picking out a sound bite you then throw back at a poster why not actually digest the entire point being made?
Raptora
“Where have I misinterpreted your words? Willock is shit and you want him to play.”
Against Leicester, Arteta should have subbed Willock on.
OUR MIDFIELD WAS FLAT AND WILLIAN WAS INJURED.
ONLY OPTION TO IMPROVE THAT WAS WILLOCK.
Talking about that specific game.
Not that I want him playing every game.
I talked about what happened in Leicester game first.
Then went on to speak about the team in general.
You assumed I wanted Willock behind the front 3.
I don’t want that at all.
I have also watched Soyoncu on more than enough occasions and he typifies a robocop defender,
Macho man demeanor mostly about strength and a very rigid gait and running style.
Of course I’m arguing against the grain at this time because he is seen as a first team regular. Won’t be the case though if this French kid kicks on.
The West Ham forward the big black guy had Soyoncu in his pocket recently. Absolutely in his pocket.
I actually think Old Trafford is going to be a messy affair, don’t see boring being on the agenda at all.
I think we’re going to be idiots if we see the left hand side as the viable route to attack though. Wan Bissaka will pocket Auba and I think we should be making it priority number one to expose Shaw and Maguire down the right.
Pedro
Bloody hell, you actually communicated to some MU supporters.
That must have been difficult.
“You assumed I wanted Willock behind the front 3.
I don’t want that at all.”
So who then, since my obvious two choices in Saka and Willian are playing as wingers in your best attack? Of course I’m going to assume it you’d want Willock to play there if you meant it for the Leicester game. Who else is left?
CC: “Instead of picking out a sound bite you then throw back at a poster why not actually digest the entire point being made?”
Your post that Lacazette is a better footballer than Auba? I’ll skip it. Thanks!
Graham, they were very nice guys.
“ shaunOctober 28, 2020 10:12:50 £30m French centre-back Fofana 19 from Saint-Etienne sound familiar to anyone except this one is not as highly rated as our very own Saliba yet this guy is putting in top notch displays for the foxes and we are still playing that absolutely dumb German who quite frankly is not that bothered and was even told where to position himself by our young 22 year old very good defender for the Vardy goal which he also ignored but I bet Arteta will play that calamity again at the weekend .You have now got question Arteta… Read more »
Ishola70
October 28, 2020 13:09:16
I have also watched Soyoncu on more than enough occasions and he typifies a robocop defender
Ok the West Ham apart do you not concede he had a very good saeson last year or are you going to pull out some bad game he had all season? Not sure why you say his balance is poor and I would take him now over all our right sided centre halves. We will agree to disagree
Pierre
Because Saka has potential to be a great goal scorer.
Makes top class runs in behind.
I wouldn’t limit his impact by making him a creator.
Especially since we badly need another runner in behind.
He is quite two footed so left or right, doesn’t make much difference.
Willian is right footed,I want him coming inside to combine with our attackers.
Prefer him on the left and try to hit the runners (Auba,saka) in behind.
Davey
I see that his running style and gait is very rigid.
But of course my take is that he is being over-rated so of course you would expect disagreement.
Evans many times seems to be the CB with the actual intelligence in that Evans-Soyoncu partnership.
“Arteta has made it quite clear that in build-up this is Xhaka’s team. When Xhaka plays everything goes through him”And we wonder why we’re struggling? I’”
Now who got a nice arse ? Reason plus why Arteta needs a knee as well.
Soyuncu is probably a better defender than ‘arry Maquire already. Can’t believe Manure made him the most expensive defender in the world. Mental.
When he is fit again we will see how his season goes but I see a top young defender at the same price we payed for Sokratis, he is young and will only get better so not sure why he is overated- still opinions are like arseholes- everyone has them.
Raptora “So who then, since my obvious two choices in Saka and Willian are playing as wingers in your best attack? Of course I’m going to assume it you’d want Willock to play there if you meant it for the Leicester game. Who else is left?” I am not changing the formation. You don’t recognise it but Arteta plays 343 w/o the ball and 433 in possession which becomes a 2-3-5 when we get into middle third and try to progress the ball into final third. AMN in the LWB/LCM/LM role. It becomes AMN and Willian in the pockets with… Read more »
Arsenal 2008:
Fàbregas
Nasri
Arshavin
Rosický
Imagine having that sort of creativity in the squad.
Honestly a 442 or 4411 would even work with El Neny, Partey in Central midfield.
Nelson
“There is a major problem with the Arsenal fans. They are extremely impatient.”
Are you kidding me? We have been ‘rebuilding’ for nearly 15 years – some of us don’t have much time left to enjoy the glory days again! I would say we have been more than patient!
Leftfootcurler
“You don’t recognise it but Arteta plays 343 w/o the ball and 433 in possession which becomes a 2-3-5 when we get into middle third and try to progress the ball into final third.”
That sounds fantastic that description.
How come it’s not as fantastic as it sounds on the pitch itself and reality.
Especially the 2-3-5 bit at the end. We are offensive animals.
So Evans is better than Soyuncu.
2020 strikes again.
Marc
Agreed. Saliba situation was dealt with very properly by the club. But in this case the majority of the blame falls on Edu. Arteta made it clear he was not ready for us and apparently a verbal agreement with St. Etienne was reached days before the deadline day. It was then Edu’s job to get the paperwork done for a simple loan which shouldn’t be a hassle for even a rookie tech director. He failed.
But under Emery could definitely see Pedro calling for his head in the same situation.
Sorry Pedro!
This is cool to be deleted too.
“You don’t recognise it but Arteta plays 343 w/o the ball and 433 in possession which becomes a 2-3-5 when we get into middle third and try to progress the ball into final third.”
True.
Ishola tho sometimes gets confused with formations.
Pedro
“Graham, they were very nice guys.”
Were they from Kent or Surrey?
Evans is a more all rounded more intelligent CB than Soyoncu yes Tiernry.
But of course your eyes are drawn to the physical stallion.
Marc, Those comments are just empty rhetoric by a master of talk. Saliba’s mum died in May. He was ready to play. Being denied the opportunity to play in the French FA Cup final, being told that he was going to be loaned out, then being denied a loan at the last minute, being excluded from the Europa League squad, and now being stuck playing reserve football is more likely to be the cause of his current unsettling. Instead of spewing excuse to justify his treatment of Saliba, maybe Arteta should look at how he treated him to understand Saliba… Read more »
Can I make an OTT statement? I think that Gabriel Magalhães could be our VVD…
Sounds dynamic doesn’t it Tierney those change of formations of the team during a match.
Raptora
Skip what you like, but cherry picking remarks and forwarding them as the absolute views of others is precisely why you’re being accused of putting words in another persons mouth.
Leftfoot has explained his view to you twice now because you’re being a melt, you’re welcome.
Ishola
“How come it’s not as fantastic as it sounds on the pitch itself and reality.Especially the 2-3-5 bit at the end. We are offensive animals.”
I have explained that many times on here.
Personnel issues and lack of ball retention and creativity in attack.
If you may remember,since last season I have been saying Coutinho(mainly took his name last season because he was a kia client) and improvement in Pepe is what would get top 4.
Leftfootcurler
“Personnel issues and lack of ball retention and creativity in attack.”
Well that’s quite a few problems isn’t it. Especially the lack of personnel part.
My biggest fear this season is not how low we might finish but what Spurs might win this season. They’re in the qf of the League Cup (away to Stoke) and what with Liverpool’s defensive injuries and Man C wobbling, Jose’s licking his lips……..the cunt.
It looks like Arteta’s best chance of CL is again like other recent seasons that being winning the Europa League.
There may be a few teams in Europa League though in the advanced rounds that won’t mind parking the bus and countering and that’s where problems could occur.
Ishola is really one strange fella
What in the world is a “robocop” defender?
At least he’s spreading out his wackadoodle frenzy to someone else besides Xhaka
Valentin
My general position is to try and give someone the benefit of the doubt. Arteta is trying my patience on several fronts at the moment but the Saliba situation is just plain stupid.
By all accounts he spent the whole summer training with us to try and be ready.
Until we address the chasm between CM and CF we’ll be spluttering along in terms of creativity. We’re being opposed with a low block because teams recognise our inability to break them down. It’s an effective move generally speaking, which is why teams do it against City and often stifle even them. But the fact we have almost none of their creative firepower only makes our efforts that much more difficult when facing it right now. Really hoping Willian can find his feet in a more central position, think we’re best served with a midfield pivot and player advanced of… Read more »
Ishola “Well that’s quite a few problems isn’t it. Especially the lack of personnel part” Yes, which is why I have always said it’s the 7th best squad in the league. Lack of BTL creators being the biggest reason. If you find it difficult to see the shift in formation, Just Look at Tierney Leicester game is an exception. In other games, he was LCB when arsenal didn’t have the ball and LB when arsenal had the ball. This should be the easiest thing to notice. We are blunt offensively because every team needs 2 runners,2 creators. In most games,… Read more »
Pedro
It certainly feels like it was “since 1912”
Reiss Nelson has the best ball retention data according to some analysis I saw on Reddit..
“Reiss Nelson has the best ball retention of all Arsenal players at the moment, He comes 99th out of 1947 eligible players.
Arsenal have no forwards in the top 500 best ball retainers in Europe. Auba is the closest at 594th. For reference, City have 7 players in the top 21“
I think the biting reality we’re likely facing with Arteta is that until that sort of signing comes our way, we might have problems creating. So the argument you’re putting forward for Mikel is basically the same argument I put for Emery addressing the defence. As in it’s not him who’s capable of fixing the problem the solution is a marquee player an injection of quality. It’s nothing but an excuse for me given that we seen during the Sheffield United game that the creativity issue can be addressed by what we have already here. Obviously we need better players… Read more »
Karim Benzema is a bi of an idiot.
How do you tell your team mates not to pass the ball to Vinicius right in full view of the cameras. That’s a dressing room out of control
It won’t surprise me one bit if Zidane is fired in a couple of days.
*Karim Benzema is a bit of an idiot.
Dissenter
Hence the Pooooooooch rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while now.
Benzema is a great player no doubt but he might be a bit of a braindead cunt to boot
CC
Willian’s ball retention should be higher than Nelson.
Nelson is technically very good but if he plays in PL,his ball retention will likely drop.
I don’t think his body is strong enough for PL yet but he has bulked up significantly since the beginning of last season.
Would be interesting if he got a chance in the league.
Leftfoot
I would’ve thought he’d be up there, but I don’t recall if the data was specific to Arsenal players following last season or what.
Lol at Laca being a better footballer than Auba by the way
Could be wrong but I don’t see how we go through this WE-SUCK-IN-ATTACK phase unless we change the system. Partey’s presence alone should give us more freedom and security to be able to relocate one of our defensive players into the midfield. We read many times how Liverpool is seen as the role model of steady improvement. Why not go full Liverpool then and copy their system but with 1 small detail. Pool play 3 midfielders but we can’t really say that any of the three has offensive responsibilities. Pool can afford it because they have the best full backs… Read more »
The irony is most real madrid fans think what benzema did was acceptable.
Honestly madrid fans are some of the biggest cunts out there far worse than fans of any of the top clubs in premier league
As soon as you get the player you were screaming for – Partey – he gets forgotten about and we’re on the next ‘must have’ signing. There is a pattern here. I think it’s still too early to tell, but the test for me is whether Arteta will mix it up, and gradually evolve a style which will change the basic formula he seems to have settled on. In other words, some vision and willingness to take some chances with this squad, which is decent enough. It feels like a shake up is required which would mean Laca retiring to… Read more »
“The other factor in this atmosphere of staleness and vague dissatisfaction is a wider one rebounding on the club. Namely, the general lack of real tension and animation that you get at proper old-fashioned football matches – the excitement of a matchday with real people watching you, shouting at you and singing your name. ”
Two issues with that comment.
1) It’s the same for everyone.
2) The Emirates isn’t renowned for being the loudest stadium in the world and even if we’re missing the buzz at home shouldn’t that help our away form?
Why are we talking about Reiss Nelson’s ball retention? He’s on about 800 minutes since returning from Hoffenheim no wonder his stats are so good he’s got a much smaller sample size to go off of. In saying that he should be getting way more opportunities than he is. He should be a backup LW/RW instead of the 3rd or 4th choice. Like I have absolutely no idea why Mikel would play Nketiah at LW and Aubameyang as RW instead of Reiss. Like that’s dumb. Again returns to my point yeah we need better players in but we’ve got players… Read more »
If Arteta does persist in his current formation and way of play and doesn’t put Auba up top.
Then he should be dropping Auba right? Without being freely able to move into space or get the ball gifted to him in the box he’s very limited. Fantastic finisher and great off the ball mover (when he is motivated) but with teams content to drop deep and pressure certain error prone individuals he’s suffering pretty poorly from the system as are the team.
Shouldn’t we try to play Reiss or AMN here instead?
Ishola
Yes we do play with a very dynamic system where the LWB acts as the third midfielder in possession.
Yes Evans may be a bit smarter than Soyuncu right now but Soyuncu is not a dumb player by any means. + he’s got the physique that most players can only dream about.
Imo not one manager/team in the world would take Evans over Soyuncu right now.
Joao Felix was on one last night btw. He’s stupidly good
Marko,
Yup. It’s why Lacazette will not be going there with Luis Suarez and Felix already there. The downgrade would be spectacular.
Whoever our front three is, needs to start moving there asses, make runs, link with each other , movements to move defenders around and create space, quick one-twos, get in between the opponents lines to receive and relay passes, operate as a unit. If there is no movements then a creator has nothing to work with, and that is one of the reasons why when Sanchez and Giroud left, Ozil’s assists dried up. A creative midfielder needs to have people to create for.
First day since the loss that I can muster up any sort of fucks to read some Arsenal news.
How shit were we after Luiz got injured?
Not now no. But to be fair Simeone wasn’t getting the best out of Felix last season. But he was great last night.
But yeah kinda stuck with Lacazette it seems. Shite as he is now no one wants him.
Was a bit odd how Rodgers set up his team, in the end, he ended up beating Mikel at his own game
“Why are we talking about Reiss Nelson’s ball retention?“
Because he’s an Arsenal player, one that’s not seen much action as yet, and one that operates in the areas that were struggling with.
Felt he was worthy of a mention.
No I get that and I agree with that but why bring up his ball retention off the back of so few minutes these last two seasons?
What should be spoken about is why Mikel starts Auba and fucking Nketiah at LW/RW instead of giving Pepe and Reiss Nelson chances in their natural positions
Marks
Because I saw a post yesterday that highlighted that stat, and further pointed at how shit our offensive players are in that particular category.
Man City have 7 players in the top 21, we have Reiss Nelson in 99th with low minutes, then Auba 500+. Garbage if accurately the case.
Nelson is not the messiah.
Lets not go down that route.
At least with this public video, people will start to realise that Benzema is a narcissistic asshole whose talent cannot compensate for his complete lack of moral and respect for his teammates.
People have played the Arab victim card with him, and some were true, but the bottom line is that he is loathsome character.
Yeah but the man city players mentioned along with Auba are probably regularly playing whereas Nelson has barely played. I get the sentiment behind it but it’s one of those stats that’s less effective given the mins involved.
My issue with him getting more minutes is not just players played out of position ahead of him (for unknown reasons) but he’s got excellent pace and is a genuine goal threat so why not give him more opportunities than the zero he’s getting right now.
“Nelson is not the messiah. Lets not go down that route.“
Then don’t run down a path nobody else is walking? I’d prefer him in the XI than Pepe because I think he’s someone that fundamentally is a better footballer and will balance the attack more.
Talk of him being a messiah is all you.
People have played the Arab victim card with him
Careful now Val your prejudice is showing
Ishola
Everything you like about Evans can be coached and usually comes with age, everything some of us like about Soyuncu is a god given talent.
He’s been clocked at top speeds equal to elite NFL receivers.
With him in the line up Leicester are flexible to play the high line or packed defense.
I’d take Soyuncu in a heartbeat, brilliant young defender. Leicester’s succession planning for Maguire was brilliant, they knew he’d be off, signed Soyuncu the year before, giving him a year to settle Ensured they didn’t get charged a huge premium for replacing Maguire when selling clubs knew they needed a replacement, and that they were armed with cash. That type of business and planning shows what we’ve been missing, we’ve lacked anything resembling succession planning, pretty much everything we do is opportunistic, badly thought out, poorly scouted, or panicked. If you don’t know what you want, you usually end up… Read more »
I’d prefer him in the XI than Pepe because I think he’s someone that fundamentally is a better footballer and will balance the attack more.
Eh. Remember how we were talking about how it doesn’t matter what Leno does going forward people have just already made their minds up on him. Yeah I’m getting deja vu here and I don’t know why. The preference part okay I get that but you think he’s a better footballer? Off the basis of what exactly?
Marko
The only deja vu is you coming to Pepe’s defence with every mention of him. He’s been here a year and he doesn’t do the very basics expected of a record signing attacker, let alone deliver consistent match-winning moments.
Given our attack is toothless I’d like to see Nelson ahead of Pepe because at the very base level I know I’m getting a willing runner off the ball, good work ethic, and direct dribbler – all features absent in Pepe’s game.
Does anyone think we would be suffering from a lack of creativity and goals if Wenger had an offensive 4 of
Aubameyang up top ( he wouldn’t have him chasing loss causes.)
Pepe on the right ( he would make sure he receives the ball in the final third)
Saka on the left…….An assist machine
Willian in the hole ( i would play Ozil)
Partey and Ceballos in centre mid .
A 4-2-3-1 formation ..there is no way we would be struggling to create chances. …No way.
Marko, My full comment was “People have played the Arab victim card with him, and some were true” Nothing wrong with that statement. In France, Benzema is a very polarising characters. I am just acknowledging that Some of the criticism that he received were due to the fact that he is of North African descent. However a non negligeable minority refuse to even entertain that some of the criticism that he received were not due to him being Arab. As a French black man, I have been on the receiving end of some vicious racist attack. However reducing every personal… Read more »
Pierre,
Truth be told, it’s so painfully obvious what Arteta has to try. I’m not saying we are all right and this lineup + system will transform us, but why not just try it. It’s so obvious that it’s wasted time not giving it a chance in a real game.
“Given our attack is toothless I’d like to see Nelson ahead of Pepe because at the very base level I know I’m getting a willing runner off the ball, good work ethic, and direct dribbler – all features absent in Pepe’s game.” I’d be more than happy to see the kids given a run of games , but it looks like Arteta has given up on them Nelson, willock , Nketiah, willock , smith rowe have only started 2 league games between the lot of them this season in which we have only scored 5 goals in the last 5… Read more »
Marko
Could it be that it wasn’t that Simeone wasn’t getting the best out of Felix last season.
But rather than Felix was 19, Atletico didn’t spend €120million on a €120million footballer, they spent it on a €120million talent.
You then need to develop that talent on the training ground, and if they get him on the next contract, then at age 24/25, providing they’ve got their scouting right?
They’ll have an experienced world class forward, who’s just entering his best years.
You don’t always get an instant return on your investment
The only deja vu is you coming to Pepe’s defence with every mention of him How’s is what I said offering a defence of Pepe? You just need to make a better argument than this player is better because. because at the very base level I know I’m getting a willing runner off the ball, good work ethic, and direct dribbler – all features absent in Pepe’s game. This is better but again it falls a little flat considering that Reiss Nelson has by and large done fuck all in his senior career outside of an initial good 10-15 games… Read more »
Today i’m wondering how 72m did not prize Zaha from CP and wish it had
I get it, I really do, we needed to get our defensive structure and shape sorted before anything else. It was evident to us all at the start of the season and, significantly, after our successes in the FA Cup and Community Shield, that things were looking so much better and that even our progressive/attacking play was taking shape under Arteta. However, and that’s a big HOWEVER, two major things have happened over the past couple ofmonths that have thrown a massive spanner in these improved workings. 1. We sold our #1 GK. 2.We are neglecting the positive aspects of… Read more »
CC On what basis are you saying that Nelson is a better footballer or more balanced footballer than Pepe? Dont think you could make such a big and idiotic argument based on 1 stat that you stumbled across on twitter. Its not like Arteta hasn’t given him any chances. When Arteta arrived Nelson started a couple of games iirc. After that its just been a downward slope for him. Even Willock has been preferred at RW in the final 10/20 minutes of the game over Nelson, Arteta wanted Nelson to go out on loan this season. All of this should… Read more »
Arteta is a cautious manager and until he is forced by Edu or external circumstances (injuries, suspensions, …), We all know that he will stick to his trusted players.
If Emery and Freddie had not played Saka before him, I am willing to bet that Saka would have had similarly extremely limited playing time than Nelson.
In my opinion, Nelson should be given an opportunity to showcase his talents while we are desperate for a right winger/inverted forward to have an impact on Arsenal play.
Marko/CT
We’re witnessing a complete lack of impetus at the top end of the pitch, coupled with dogshit performance levels from Pepe and you both want to staunchly argue against a POV that I’d rather see Reiss Nelson play at present?
Yea very good.
Meekel:
“It is something we are not too used to because we have not faced teams [like that] too regularly but I think it is a really good sign when Leicester suddenly comes to your house and acts like that, it is because they really respect you now and they are concerned.
“We have to take that as something very positive and and as an advantage because if teams are going to start to do that, I’m telling you we are going to win a lot of games.”
Valentin The worry about Nelson is, he started off well at Hoffenheim, then got dumped. He started off being a regular for England under 21, and now as a more senior player, he’s been demoted to the bench. Arteta started using him, now he can’t even game a game in the League cup or Europa league. We also signed Willian for 3 years, who plays in the same position, I think he’ll go on and have a really good career somewhere, he’s still only 20, but unless we’re going to play him? Then he’s at an age where he needs… Read more »
There’s enough talent in the squad for a better manager who could get the best out of them, give this lot to Bielsa for 2 months and you’d see the difference.
Graham is still on this Martinez rant.
Better hope Leno stays healthy for the sake of your sanity.
In his first season he just missed out on promotion but had them playing really attractive football and in his second season they were crowned champions and promoted and on current form I wouldn’t bet against them finishing higher up in the league than us. Arteta is shit sauce and will never be anything else
Hopefully, we’ll see Nelson, willock , Nketiah, willock , smith rowe and AMN playing tomorrow.
Nelson,
Is Willock so good that you want two of him playing tomorrow?