Honestly, my tech life is in a SHAMBLES. I lost a laptop to a can of hard seltzer last week. Sunday, I lost my personal one to an update. Today, I was sent a replacement that was broken. I’m in pieces. Gone are the days when a simple reset was all you needed.
Currently, I’m typing on an old computer that has heavy keys. But hey, I’m doing this for you. Carpal tunnel syndrome is for the meek.
Bukayo Saka landed himself some minutes for England in their defeat to Belgium. We lost 2-0 but he aquited himself well, especially in a dominant second half. He was very unlucky not to have landed an assist when he played in Kane. The star of the show was Jack Grealish. What a player. Shame we didn’t put that Pepe 72m into him.
I do find these international breaks a fucking joke in general. We’re in the middle of round two of a pandemic and we’re sending players out into different operational setups that appear to have shite covid protocols. We’ve had scares from the Ireland game, we nearly lost Tierney to the Scotland squad, now we’ve lost Mo Elneny to the Egyptian lapse.
I don’t know what’s happened, but it seems every time players step out of their club bubbles, bad things happen. It’s so irresponsible. Players are treated like cattle. They’re being brutalised by the fixtures, whilst having their health risked on international breaks… for friendlies.
Arteta has dropped another interview with the .com. This time, he’s using numbers like an elite marketer.
“It’s part of a process. The results have to be immediate, and the challenge we have with the club we are representing is that we have to win as quickly as possible every game in every competition.
“So far we have played 14 games in all competitions this season, we won 10 and lost four and the four of them have been in the Premier League, so it is a little bit imbalanced.
His framing of the numbers makes for nice reading, but the fans won’t play those sort of games. We can’t be having #top4trophy moments this earlier into a tenure. I think what he’s trying to say is ‘let’s not lose our shit, we’re in a rough patch, but it’ll get better.’
He has to fix more than the win ratio. The savaging he’s taking isn’t really about the points total in the league. It’s the fact we’re not really playing. The performances are dropping and the football is drab. It’s hard to win over fans when those two aren’t working with the results.
Still, he’s a realist.
“We have to settle and everyone has to realise where we are now, but I see the future as really bright. I am a really positive person and I tend to learn much more when things don’t go well and we have a defeat like we had the other day that really hurt after the performance we had at Old Trafford.
“We have to understand why it happened, be really critical first of all with myself and try to understand the players better, and give them more solutions to win more football matches.”
He sees what we see. I think he was extremely shook by the Villa game. His bet on seniority has not paid off so far. His addiction to Lacazette is like MDMA without the party… it’s just pure Tuesday blues. The lack of creativity when you’ve made a point to bin the German social media manager looks bad to fans that only understand football through the lens of Youtube videos.
All these things add up… but as you all know, you can go from fraud to hero in a matter of moments.
What puts the ghouls back in the basement?
3 big results in a row. Maybe even two. Beat Leeds and Spurs and equilibrium will restored.
Great techique in any sport is what you fall back on when the chips are down. Keep doing the basics right and good things will happen. The basics here, from an amateur perspective, would be to put Auba through the middle to get his form back.
I’m not sure I believe Nicolas Pepe is the missing piece of the jigsaw. I think it’s Saka on the left and Willian playing himself into form.
The real key to the next few games is having a fit Thomas Partey. Without Mo supporting him, it looks like it might be Dani Ceballos… and… Xhaka? If the manager was brave, he might go with a Willock like figure. Put some energy in the side. Give our midfield a runner against two sides that we’ll probably sit deep against.
We’ll see though. These next few games are those that make managers. To make it in this league, you have to learn fast, and you have to take risks. You also have to put up with fans that have no patience.
Still, let’s be Perspective FC for a moment. The job this season is top 4. Currently, we’re 6 from 1st. We’ve had a tough run of games teams like Spurs haven’t had. We are also in poor form, that will change, if we keep on gathering points and we’re with 3-6 points of top 4 come February, it’s game on people. That’s the job to be done, we are still in the mix, let’s see how close we are at the end of the next phase of games.
The team needs a jolt, what do YOU think that jolt should be?
P.S. Listen to the quarter term report on Arsenal with Alex I recorded on Sunday. It’s with Alex, he was good.
“My word misery loves company. Hope you’re all here with this much enthusiasm when we start winning again.”
Of course we will – I’m just curious who the manager will be in 2037!
Marc, I know you’re not miserable today… Party at yours. The #XhakaOut moment is nigh
Doesn’t matter how talented jack was, given a choice between wilchair and grealish, I’d take grealish, at least he’ll be on the pitch.
Ernest, not many forward thinkers on the board today. Some appear not to be paying attention to who is playing when they criticise.
Pedro
Mate if I can’t take the piss out of you who can I take the piss out of?
Pedro
On a serious note as much as I’d be ecstatic to see the back of Xhaka swapping him with Eriksen does have a down side – can’t see us bringing in Eriksen and getting Szoboszlai in Jan.
Assuming of course that the link to DS wasn’t just paper talk.
Marc, I think they are very different players though.
Would prefer we sign players of a lower age profile. Eriksen is youngish, but he wasn’t exactly flying in his last season at Spurs. He also looks old. Signing another lost player doesn’t feel right…
Would prefer to just sell Xhaka.
Pedro
100%
Especially when Szoboszlai is reported to be available for under £20 million – even if he doesn’t hit the heights we’d want for him you could still get your money back selling him for say £15 million with a sell on clause.
Too early to say this, but the way Arteta gives interviews, i think he is as much as a fraud as Wenger was in his latter years.. This guy talks like a politician. use hollow words like, “I am deeply pained”.
But again, too early to say…
For Christ’s sake Arteta, get the job done and stop acting like a new young manager, hired during a global pandemic that both severely limited practice and player deals as well as club finances. Just because the ownership and players who deal with you daily show so much respect for you. Just because respected coaches and players across the world have heaped respect and appreciation upon you. Just because Arsenal are now competitive against big teams like was demanded by you, ownership and fans alike. Mikel, Stop behaving llike it is ok to be suffering defeats like Virtually every big… Read more »
Pedro
What’s to cheer, we hired a trainee to guide Arsenal back to the top at a crucial period of time in it’s history.
Pedro/Marc
I have it on good authority that Eriksen is actually 42 years old.
My source tells me that the Danes are worse than the Ghanaians when it comes to understating their players’ ages.
Pedro
I’m not sure how anyone, except Pierre who loves overpaid rubbish, can spin Eriksen as an exciting signing. Was bang average at Spurs for a year, move to Inter and has barely managed 900 minutes football whilst being on an alleged 250k a week.
Danpak Ozil.
Pedro
Eriksen is 28. He is not young or youngish anymore. He is at his peak age and he is not performing well. (Seems to be a very recurring phenomenon nowadays after players sign obnoxiously expensive deals).
Would rather sell for Xhaka for 20-25 mil and try to forc through a deal for Aoaur. If we cant then we move for Szoboslai and try to sign Aoaur next summer
We sign defenders to shore up our defence and now we find we need forwards to sharpen up our attack .will this nightmare never end.
Eriksen while highly talented and creative player no doubt but if he has motivation problems I wouldnt wanna bring him in. Not sure what the problem has been cos I dont watch Serie A . If its a problem similar to Alexis who was shit at Utd and then found form again at Inter ?
Calypso, you can’t even cheer when we win, so I’m not surprised you are struggling right now.
You guys read this on ‘very boring’ Matteo.
https://arseblog.news/2020/11/former-boss-says-talented-guendouzi-is-a-pain-on-a-daily-basis/?utm_campaign=autotwitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter
He sometimes has some behaviours within a group that are very, very hard, but somehow, that’s what he is: big.
“He doesn’t let go, he is a fighter. He has an oversized ego, but he certainly needs it.”
He also suggested giving Guendouzi more responsibility might be just what he needs, but sounded a warning about earning that trust with his managers will be key.
Looool
Ashwin Gunner,
What would you like him to say?
The french under 21 manager made him vice captain
I have it on good authority that Eriksen is actually 42 years old.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Is Eriksen Nigerian?
Pedro sold us a dream of “Arteta moon shot”………….the only thing he forgot to tell us was three astronauts burnt alive leading up to the landing ( still not 100% verified, the landing that is, apparently).
The only difference being they burnt because there was too much oxygen in the command module ignited by an electric spark. While Arteta has a habit of sucking the oxygen out, especially on the touch line……………and so far no spark,
I think there needs to be an introduction to players wearing bluetooth earpieces for receiving real time instructions from the coaches rather than having them yell instructions from the touchline like idiots.
Charlie My only doubt about Eriksen coming to Arsenal is that he would be playing under a manager who struggles with creativity.. Arteta admitted that he failed Ozil and give it a few months and he will admit that he failed Pepe, another of our more creative players Will Eriksen be any different under Arteta….debatable.. The new toys that le grove are raving about are Aouar and Szoboszlai. I happen to think that if we are looking for more creativity and not players who can run all day, then Eriksen, Pepe ( and Ozil ) are a class above Aouar… Read more »
Pedro Octobet 1st 2018 “We’ve been ruthlessly efficient in front of goal to start with, and we’ve had some luck. Yesterday we only managed two shots on target and we claimed an own goal. Defensively, we’ve been shite, but thankfully, the teams we’ve played have been useless in front of goal (and our keepers have been good). What this table tells you is we’ve been very fortuitous. The idea that we’re ‘shithousing’ teams doesn’t really sit right with me. This isn’t doing what you have to do to win, like Inter Milan in the semi-final of the CL against Barcelona.… Read more »
Pierre
Arteta doesnt struggle with creativity , thats a wrong notion. His struggles are mostly down to him being asked to deliver results (3 pts) and staying with the pack of top4 clubs . Due to which he has stuck to more older and experienced players , who frankly have not delivered the best results when required. The defence is working as a unit , the attack has failed . Once that reliance drops and starts picking players based on form , the creativity will come .
Players like Eriksen, Ozil, Bale , James Rodriguez and Deli Alli are all proven top quality players and all for one reason or another have failed to get playing time with their respective clubs… All have been written off on Le Groan and so far james is proving them wrong and soon Bale will be proving them wrong and i believe Eriksen can prove them wrong .. Sometimes your face doesn’t fit and the style of football they play doesn’t suit the manager’s philosophy… This doesn’t mean the players are rubbish as has been suggested on Le Groan, As they… Read more »
Add coutinho to that list
Lool redtruth
Pierre you probably thought the same about Willian too?
I’d much rather someone like Szoboszlai than any of those players.
Arsenal 2018 19
Arsenal 0 Man City 2
Chelsea 3 Arsenal 2
Arsenal 3 West Ham 1
Cardiff 2 Arsenal 3
Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2
October 1st Pedro isn’t happy with Arsrnsl’s start to the season
Arsenal 2 Everton O
Arsenalb2 Watford 0
Charlie “I’m not sure how anyone, except Pierre who loves overpaid rubbish, can spin Eriksen as an exciting signing. Was bang average at Spurs for a year, move to Inter and has barely managed 900 minutes football whilst being on an alleged 250k a week.” I love technically good, creative players ..no crime in that. Maybe you can explain the difference between Eriksen (who you think is rubbish) and coutinho ( who you want Arsenal to sign) , both are very similar players and both have struggled at their clubs . Is coutinho classed as ” overpaid rubbish and bang… Read more »
Arsenal 2018 19Arsenal 0 Man City 2
Chelsea 3 Arsenal 2
Arsenal 3 West Ham 1
Cardiff 2 Arsenal 3
Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2
Arsenal 2 Everton O
Arsenalb2 Watford 0
Octobet 1st – Pedro unhappy with Arsenal’s start to the season.
@Calypso
That last post was a thing of beauty, yet none of it were your own words… Pedro, any response?
LOL
@Calypso
LOL
Pedro… Anything??
Nobody wrote off Coutinho , the problem was wages, we also wanted him on loan , Koeman didnt allow him to go, His career at Barcelona before Koeman arrived was dead . James Rodriguez only had eyes for Ancelotti . Gareth Bale was considering a move to China before Zidane killed it , I wish Ozil had the decency to do that and play for a club that did want him.
Samir
Willian is of a similar level to Szoboszlai and Aouar..
I was neither for or against the Willian signing , it is a signing that still.may work if Arteta doesnt play him in a position where he is isolated .
Divinesherlock
My point is , what is the difference between coutinho and Eriksen their careers have trod a similar path recently..
Talent wise they are very similar , age wise they are very similar , creatively they are very similar..
Charlie thinks Eriksen is bang average and coutinho is quality.
I happen to think they are both quality .
Swapping xhaka for Eriksen is a no brainer in my eyes.
Good coach, crap manager…results and good football are the only things that matter.
He can either do the job or not. Arsenal is not a billion dollar glam project and not many are tuning in to watch the manager.
Stop listening to what is coming out of Arsenal a while now…All just talk with no substance….
Leeds will give up goals, so parking the bus is not an option. They can also embarrass us because they are a quick, mobile team….However losing to Leeds is not an option and talk will not make any difference.
Divinesherlock
“Arteta doesnt struggle with creativity , thats a wrong notion. ”
I wonder whatever gave me that idea
Willian is 32 and has never really been much of a goal threat, Szoboszlai is 20 and is banging them in for fun, sure it’s the Austrian league but he also has 4 goals in the CL this season including their 2 qualifier matches. Ozil is a retired footballer with seriously declining output, think Szob has better numbers already this season after 13 games than Ozils last 3 seasons put together. It’s not only about what the player is doing now either, buying a 20 year old that has already shown that quality for 18-22m is a no brainer compared… Read more »
Freddie, I just want you to know, I will be in your campaign team for the Hungarian
Guendouzi is so problematic that Hertha already want to buy him.
Mark me, we are missing on a diamond rough around the edges.
He might develop into quite the player.
And he never ever gives up.
Willian speaking to FourFourTwo about Arteta’s potential; ‘He’ll be a top manager, I’ve no doubt about it,’ ‘The potential is there, as is the ambition. In a few years he’ll be considered one of the best managers in the Premier League – and the world” ‘Obviously you must win trophies to be considered one of the best, and it will happen for him sooner rather than later.” “‘I’m impressed with the way he talks and explains his tactical thoughts – he’s quick to read the game and make adjustments when needed. It’s been fantastic to train under him so far… Read more »
Is it Sunday yet?
Pierre
Eriksen is quality no doubt , see my earlier posts . Would be ideal for Arsenal if he shows the form he had . Thing is we dont want another high wage earner struggling with motivation and consistency.
Looks like Redtruth has bitch slapped Pedro into 2022 – all I can say is: Pedro have the results improved in 2022?
raptora, what an incredibly compelling proof point.
I wonder if we’ll look to offer Ozil a payoff in Jan to get him off the books?
He’ll have 6 months left with us so circa £9 million owing in salary – if we offered to release him with a £6 or £7 million payoff would be bite?
No way Marc, he’s taking every penny
“Freddie, I just want you to know, I will be in your campaign team for the Hungarian”
Not sure we’d want you Pedro – your track record is terrible:
Gazidis
Mislintat
Arteta
The poor kid would be doomed to fail before a ball was kicked.
Erik den great crosser of the ball…………we don’t have anyone who can head the ball!,,,,,,!
Pedro
Yeah that’s what I feared – he’s more interested in fucking us than playing football.
Dave
Stop being negative!
Eriksen
We could get Carroll and pay him 200k per week!
Dave
Only if we can play him on the wing
On one leg he’s versatile!
Hopefully we can sell barca more than just mustafi
Zach
?
You mean Leno nut nut!
Marc, you backed Raul and Emery militantly, which is why you weirdly have so much invested in a Mikel fail.
Not happening I’m afraid.
“Arteta admitted that he failed Ozil and give it a few months and he will admit that he failed Pepe, another of our more creative players“ That’s funny Pierre, because Arteta also said he did all he could with the player and offered numerous olive branches and opportunities for him to succeed and he hasn’t. If I remember rightly you claimed Arteta to be lying through his teeth on that one, and with why he was omitted. So in the kindest way possible do jog on that you now want to use what Arteta says verbatim. Only issue Arteta has… Read more »
Pedro
You don’t half bite easily
I do.
Marc
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1360705/Barcelona-line-up-January-transfer-Shkodran-Mustafi-Arsenal
Zach
I’d bite their hand off.
Zach, late Christmas present there
Charlie “If I remember rightly you claimed Arteta to be lying through his teeth on that one, and with why he was omitted. So in the kindest way possible do jog on that you now want to use what Arteta says verbatim.” The “i failed Ozil” comment is probably the most honest thing that Arteta said in the last 6 months . As for arteta offering Ozil olove branches and numerous opportunities…..that is obviously bullshit , doesn’t need a lot of working out does it considering he hasn’t been given a single opportunity since lockdown. And before you do the… Read more »
‘As for arteta offering Ozil olove branches and numerous opportunities…..that is obviously bullshit ‘
Pierre offering his feelings on something he has zero insight on.
Highbury
Under normal circumstances I’d agree but there could be a spark behind the smoke – Barca are broke and if they need players getting ones available on a free might make the decision for them.
“Mesut is still a part of the team and trains with us,” Leno told BILD .
“He is absolutely professional, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
I don’t get why anyone would think Ozil’s ever going to kick a ball for us again.
And it doesn’t matter who the manager is – he’s already out the door. I’m waiting for the club to tell him not to bother turning up for training.
Pierre, not sure Leno was going to come out and butcher a teammate. Not how it works.
Pedro
“Pierre offering his feelings on something he has zero insight on.”
Not really a lot of insight needed is there.
Started every league game prior to lockdown.
Not one minute on the pitch post lockdown , Arteta citing ” footballing reasons”
Yep….numerous opportunities….
““He is absolutely professional, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.””
Marc say’s
“Pedro is easily the best of what is an outstanding number of Arsenal blog writers”
It must be a real shock to some that people say things they don’t mean to be polite on occasions.
Of course, Charlie has done a nice little side step by making it an Ozil conversation, when in fact it was about Eriksen joining the club.
Pierre
What about the reports of Ozil missing online meetings during lockdown and not following the clubs training instructions?
Marc, the training staff all knew the pattern… lots of effort, then the niggly ‘injuries’ start, then the focus went… then Arteta dropped him… then things got worse.
He missed Zoom meetings and didn’t do his homework. Now he’s the social manager.
Marc
What about what happens on the football pitch on match day instead of worrying about stupid online meetings.
You will admit , the online meetings (if true) haven’t exactly been a success going by the drab, sterile, unimaginative football we are witnessing.
Picking a player based on name, regardless of how they behave, is not how you build a football club back to the top.
Pedro
Zoom meetings are bullshit, it should be about results and performances on the pitch..
Why would anyone put greater importance to poxy zoom meetings (whatever they are).
No wonder the football is so crap.
Pierre
I think Ozil’s fallen out of love with football – I think it’s been a number of things but the biggest was probably the German FA’s treatment of him after the World Cup debacle which was disgusting.
He still thinks of himself as a footballer but only because it’s been a part of his identity for so long he doesn’t really know what else to describe himself as.
You really need to let it go, accept he’ll be gone in the summer and that’ll be that.
Pedro
“He missed Zoom meetings and didn’t do his homework”
Marc
“What about the reports of Ozil missing online meetings during lockdown and not following the clubs training instructions?”
This is hilarious ….i thought Arteta said he was dropped for “footballing reasons ” ..not on the ability to log in to a zoom meeting.
Pierre, it doesn’t matter what you place importance on. It’s what the coaching staff think is important.
You make no exceptions at the highest level, it’s a simple as that.
Our creativity issue is temporary, just like Ozil’s career at Arsenal… once he’s gone, we can move on and sign someone that’ll move us in a more modern direction.
Pedro
Arteta’s somehow got himself this “non negotiable” tag when the truth is they are no more than a set of standards all members of staff are expected to maintain.
I don’t see it as a big deal – I’ve worked at company’s that have next to zero standards and one’s that have very high expectations.
The ones with the higher expectations have been the better company’s to work for.
The hypocrisy of Pierre is unreal… Calling it Le Groan… when he is the biggest moaner on here lately. Anyhow.. I will be so glad when Ozil finally fucks off. It’s unreal how much we have to talk about a player that hasn’t done anything significant on the pitch for 3 years under 4 different managers. But I’m sure Ozil had nothing to do with any of that.. victim of circumstances.. managers just couldn’t appreciate his pre assist to the pre assist to the assist. I’m fully on the Sboz train… Martinelli, Sboz combo for the future wouldn’t hurt. Both… Read more »
Marc
“You really need to let it go, accept he’ll be gone in the summer and that’ll be that.”
As i said the conversation was about Eriksen,.
What happens is , i make a pefectly legitimate point as to why Eriksen would be a good signing,, which obviously means he takes Ozil’s place as our best playmaker .
Charlie , yourself and pedro make ot about Ozil..
Eriksen would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal.
Pierre
Thrilled to have you here as chief of Arteta truths. You’ll have to forgive me, but it appears a lot like the apparent “lies” coincide with your own opposing views. What are the chances….
Look Pierre, Arteta is quickly becoming a subject worth ignoring when you reference it. It was curtains the day he dropped Ozil, and ever since it’s been a bit of an embarrassment from you if we’re talking truths.
Pierre “This is hilarious ….i thought Arteta said he was dropped for “footballing reasons ” ..not on the ability to log in to a zoom meeting.” You’re either being thick or trolling – during lockdown there was no group training so the meetings were there to cover off the aspects that could be dealt with. What signal does it send to the youth players if one of the senior players who’s also the highest paid player at the club say’s “fuck you” to the manager when it comes to basic expectations? What next “I’m not in the mood to play… Read more »
Here’s mid west keeping the Ozil conversation going when it wasn’t him.
Pierre
I only responded to one of YOUR comments about Ozil – what CC or Pedro says is down to them.
Here’s mid west keeping the Ozil conversation going when it wasn’t him.
____________
I believe I said Ill be glad when it stops… feel free to stop talking about it anytime.
“Charlie , yourself and pedro make ot about Ozil.. Eriksen would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal.“ Now you’re talking bollocks Pierre, I’ve made one comment about Eriksen and it was: “Will be wildly unimpressed if Eriksen rocks up at the Emirates, have never rated him. He’s a static set-piece merchant. If Inter want Xhaka then give us money and we can use that towards the likes of Aouar. Of all the swap possibilities out there that has to be one of the shittest.” Nothing to do with Ozil. Eriksen is a player I don’t rate at all, he’s not… Read more »
CC, Eriksen too beta for me. Reminds me of Denilson in character.
Charlie
As you neatly side stepped the Eriksen /coutinho question…how about a reply to my earlier comment
“Maybe you can explain the difference between Eriksen (who you think is rubbish) and coutinho ( who you want Arsenal to sign) , both are very similar players and both have struggled at their clubs .
Is coutinho classed as ”overpaid rubbish and bang average ” .due to limited game time “.
Charlie
Yiur original comment
“I’m not sure how anyone, except Pierre who loves overpaid rubbish, can spin Eriksen as an exciting signing. Was bang average at Spurs for a year, move to Inter and has barely managed 900 minutes football whilst being on an alleged 250k a week.Danpak Ozil.”
Pedro
I’ve never rated the guy, Spurs fans always used to hold him up against Ozil and it was never a thing. Then you’d hear about him getting the ‘100 mil to Real’ newspaper bollocks. That’ll be why he fucked off to Serie A for 19 mil and has 900 minutes to his name almost a year later? He’s the very definition of beta.
–
Pierre
Hahahaha yea, lemme breakdown why Coutinho is better than Eriksen. After that I’ll go over why I think Lewandowski is superior to Patrick Bamford.
Marc
So you think zoom meetings can be construed as “footballing reasons”
You’re struggling mate.