Well happy Thanksgiving to all my American brethren.
What do we Arsenal fans have to be thankful of? Absolutely nothing.
I hate life right now.
… but, we do have a tasty away clash against Molde tonight. The Europa League is my escape. It’s where my dreams of progressive one-touch football go to play out at level 11.
The coach did a pretty extensive press interview, clocking in 18 minutes of chit chat. He looks pretty relaxed, which is nice to see, BECAUSE I AM NOT RELAXED.
Most of the press questions were around Nicolas Pepe. I love how critical journalists can be about football, preparation, subs, tone, jacket choice… but they are all totally fucked if someone else asks the one question they had prepared for the interview.
Anyway, it was interesting how adamant the coach was about Pepe’s inclusions (all four times he was asked about it). He aggressively shot down the idea that his career was over with the sort of face a Spaniard gives you when you reach for the ketchup during a fine dining experience.
“Absolutely not, it’s not about that and I don’t like that type of statement,”
“I will give Nico my full support all the time. He knows the things he has to improve but again we all know his qualities.
“He has some responsibility, and I have a lot of responsibility, to get the best out of him. I cannot fault his effort at all. There are certain aspects he can do better because he has the ability … but to say there is a threat to finish his career here, it’s not at all like that.”
The player made a mistake, showed remorse, and he’ll be going right back into the starting 11 to prove himself.
That’s good news. Arteta went to great lengths to say that the responsibility of his career is on his shoulders. I’m very unsure where we’ll land with the player. He cost £72m but he plays like he’s come out of the U18s. He offers no cover on the right, his touch is often fat and heavy, his decision making is slow, he runs with the ball too much. Everything in his game needs to speed up and he needs to find intensity for the full 90. He’s been so awful, you almost have to wonder whether AMN should be put in the side to cover for the lack of help Hector receives.
Back to Nico. What better place to show the world what you can do than the greatest of the European competitions?
There was also a bit of a rewind on Folarin Balogun. The manager admitted the club has reopened contract talks because the player is showing something he wasn’t before. I have no idea what that means specifically, but I’m assuming the attitude slipped last summer when there was a lot of back and forth over whether he should have gone to Sheffield United.
Tonight would be a great moment to see whether he can translate U23 performances into a big boys competition. He certainly looks the business. He’s more of an all-action striker than Eddie. He can run with the ball a pace, he’s strong, he loves a low shot like Nik Anelka. The question is, as ever, can it translate? He ‘looks’ like he could be the Aguero Mikel doesn’t have. COULD. I said COULD.
I suspect tonight was originally going to be full-on kids, but I wonder if we’ll see more senior players on account of some of the dismal football. The club is going through a weird transition midseason as we hopefully begin to move away from 3 at the back. We don’t exactly have an easy set of Premier League fixtures to test and learn, so tonight might be a good place to start.
There’s talk that William Saliba will leave in January. I really hate the idea that he’s going back to St Etienne. Why would you go back to a subpar league that’s comfortable? Go to a club in the Premier League. Leeds, West Brom, Brighton, and Burnley could all do with reinforcements. Why head back to an oven that only half baked you last time?
Some additional unwanted news, it appears our most creative player, Bukayo Saka, is out of contention for this Sunday. I have no idea about Thomas Partey, but you’d imagine Mo Elneny is also out. It’s not looking good.
Finally, Diego Maradona. One of the most joyous footballers ever to grace the game passed yesterday, probably because he just enjoyed the good times a little too hard.
He told the Gallaghers that if they left his party with any of his women, he’d have them both shot.
60 years of living life like Diego, or like you, sitting there, reading a blog with your avocado on whole-grain toast. You big joke.
It’s quite incredible that Arsenal went all in on him. Probably the greatest ‘nearly signed him’ of the last century. Imagine Diego ripping it up in North London in the 80s? It would have been spectacular. I think we also tried for Platini? We’d have lifted the European Cup with those two in the side. Maradona tearing it up at The Wag Club with Spandau Ballet, Martin Kemp reworking the lyrics of GOLD to celebrate a league title win, I would LOVED to have seen it (Kev K emphasis).
I do find the football cultural police a sight to behold on the internet. The people that brought you ‘defensive midfielders are for thugs’ and ‘touchline passion from managers is bad etiquette from a bygone era’ are now trying to push the idea that it’s uniquely English to have a shared hatred for a player in the tribal game of football. I especially love the idea that these total bores, particularly the English variety, think it’s uniquely sophisticated to be able to brush off the Hand of God as a positive.
The same folk will enthusiastically share articles from painfully hip Square Space websites that trace the origins of violence from fans at the Argentinian Superclásico to early years consumption of folk music from the Andean hills.
‘Their violence is just, you know, better’
Jokers.
It’s ok to be bitter about football.
If you’re not still seething about Stephan Henchoz in that 2000-01 cup final, who are you?
Right, short one today. See you savages in the comments section.
Tierney. Are you fucking kidding me. What’s the point of that!
Why are we playing Tierney?
Floppy is really poor GK. Poor judgement
It’s not a pointless game. If we win this then the next two games we should see more young players.
I don’t understand why Arteta subs in Tierney.
Tierney played 90 mins of all 3 Scottish games, then Leeds and now a pointless 15 mins. If he gets injured we have to play kola. Absolutely pointless…and still no balogun.
Leaving Nketiah on is dumb
KT on???
Come on…. we need him for the Wolves game.
Arteta really does not need to be protecting a lead vs a pub team. They really do not look like scoring as they are tired.
This really shows how risk averse he is, even in games like this.
anybody got a good stream? Finally a player on the pitch I want to see and my stream dies!
Oh Im back. And another player on I want to see.
Finally, Balo replaces Eddie.
Balogun has arrived!!!!!
Balogun like 5 secs after coming in looool
Eddie learn a thing or two.
Baleogen!!!!
Sorry Eddie
Balo scores. Eddie must be worrying.
The Gun has arrived.
chuffed for Balogun
Well done Bsligun!!!!
Hardly on the pitch and he scores!!!
Pierre will be proud!
That single arsenal fan don’t look that thrilled. Lol.
I don’t think he’s meant to be there!!
Pierre going to go mad. Get in Balo
Solo Gooner still rocking.
DB10
Bringing on Ceballos and Holding is exactly the same.
Arteta’s going to get a damn good thrashing in the first knock out stage vs Villareal anyway.
Lovely touch and finish.
Well played by Smith-Rowe as well
Crikey my spelling is off.
Balogun
Balogun done more in 3 minutes than Laca has in 3 weeks.
Told you about Balogun
Is somebody reading Grove commentary to Arteta ?
Balosdeep.
Apparently they’re good friends so u never know Eddie might b happy for him
Test
I hope people realize that we’re playing Molde. This weekend is going to be a different test.
Good shit. Team looked really happy for Pepe and Bolaguns goal.
Great finish by Balogun, I can definitely see why we don’t want to lose him. The way he created just enough space to get his shot off was top class.
Haha nice one Sal
Balosdeep
I hope people realize that we’re playing Molde.
Are you not happy for the youngsters???
Marc
Shhhh. You are going to get Pedro upset!!!
If we carry on.like this when sterner teams come, it will be a mountain to climb.
I am still worried about the Wolves game this Sun. They are a level above Molde.
I still don’t like Holding.
DB10
It’s an artificial pitch as well – why risk an injury?
Aren’t we now guaranteed top of the group as well?
Does the fact that Nelson played 90 mean he’s not playing against wolves? Hope not. Better than bloody Willian.
Gazzap
Saka’s out injured, Pepe’s banned and they said earlier Willian’s got a knock.
We could be really light on wide players come the weekend.
Marc
I totally agree.
Completely unnecessary.
It really looks like he doesn’t trust the team to win it.
The benidorm beach bum has has had a result against the mighty molde
First time we’ve won first 4 in Europe.
First loss in 12 Euro home games for Molde.
Pepe, Nelson with good performances.
Good night.
Glad that we won this game.
Totally expected vs a pub team.
I am far more concerned by how we will show up vs Wolves who are going to be far more dangerous (can’t believe I said this but shows how far we have fallen).
We get to play the kids for the last two games surely
Qualified and guaranteed top with that goal difference
I told you, Arteta is a genius 😴😴😴😴😴😴
Tidy performance and pleased to see Pepe respond in a positive manner. Take some positives from this, but overall there remains much work to do.
Balogun’s first senior goal let’s get him tied down to a contract.
Some good stuff from the youngsters tonight. It is only Molde, but given how shite we’ve played in the league for the past month, it couldn’t hurt to give them more playtime in the league.
Best game I’ve seen Pepe play in an Arsenal shirt. Almost zero Gervinho moments.
‘ Benidorm beach bum’ 😂😂
Balogun unleashed at long last …great to see..
Willock showing what a class player he is tonight ..played more of a holding role in the first half and then a couple of assists in the 2nd half…
Would be great if we got Villareal eventually
How good and consistent is Tierney though? He’s going to be a legend
“Would be great if we got Villareal eventually”
Why?
A word on behalf of Pepe: no winger plays consistently well in front of Bellerin. Think Gnabry, think Ox, think…well, think whoever you like. Hector is a prima donna. He flounces, he loves himself, he wants to be the centre of attention. And in that respect, the team-mate in front of him is his biggest rival. What a contrast to Tierney on the other side. Saka has blossomed in front of the Scot. No flouncing from him. And so, too, would Pepe blossom if he switched places with Saka. So, please, some Club make an offer for Bellerin in Jan… Read more »
Really hope Nelson playing the full 90mins doesn’t mean we get to see Willian on Sunday, I’d cry.
Good 2nd half, good result. Happy for Balogun, has a bit more about him than Nketiah for me
Laca is totally lost right ow. No confidence on the ball. We have several players capable of playing quick fast balls into penalty spot/arc and neither Laca nor Eddie are able to handle them. Sometimes it has to come in strong and they don’t have the first touch or confidence to make the necessary quick decisions.
Receeding/ Eagke
I’ve got Sociedad, Roma and Rangers to win left on my ACCA. Got a healthy cash out too, give me some advice man, have to snap the losing streak
Bati
Saka’s injured, Pepe’s suspended if Willian’s fit he starts unless we move Auba wide again.
Eddie getting the usual abuse from le groaners…..no surprise there..
He had the same problem tonight that Aubameyang has suffered from this season.
He was consistently making the run for the early ball across the face of goal and it never came as our wide players frequently checked back…his link play was good though but i dont suppose he will recive any credit for that..
Yes these are young inexperienced players but they would literally have given it a better shot than the first team who have been woeful. How does arteta transfer some of this attitude to the first team now?
Great to qualify this early so more kids can get minutes in the last 2 games. Pepe and Nelson good, Eddie and Laca completely useless. That’s what I don’t get, at least Pepe has some outstanding qualities and even if he doesn’t play well he usually pops up with a goal or assist, despite that he’s only had 2 starts in the PL while Laca, Eddie and Willian are running amok with shit displays and keep getting picked, hope that changes after his suspension, we’re in desperate need for end product. Nice to see Balogun get some limited minutes and… Read more »
Good night at the office given we’ve won, kept a clean sheet, scored 3 and a nice confidence boost for the youngsters, especially Nelson.
Not much to bemoan other than the fact that it was against Molde rather than actual PL opposition.
Bati not so sure about Rangers, other two have an 80% chance which is good enough.
Cash out still there?
Bati
I like Sociedad and Roma to win, wouldn’t be that confident on Rangers winning though Benfica are very good and ran them close with 10 men for the most part last month.
Missing Darwin Nunez but they have Everton and Waldschmidt that can cause havoc.
Ah never mind, Rangers goal lol.
As you were mate.
Leave it out Pierre!!!
Eddie missed a gift of a header.
He was also nowhere to be seen when Pepe made a couple of runs up the flank in the second.
There were a few times when he needed to be in the box and he was 20 yards behind.
He’s a championship striker.
You have to feel sorry for a few posters here, their dream of a 0-0 or wet dream of a defeat being shattered in the second half.
We’ve seen 26 minutes of Balogun, he’s 19.
Remember Eddie coming on and grabbing a brace once.
Both have been prolific at youth level
None of us know how they’ll develop over the next 36 months.
Not sure why there’s such a rush to see who can get the hottest take in?
Players develop at different rates, not sure many would have picked Calvert-Lewin to have had the upturn in productivity that he’s had,
Both our promising young strikers, get behind them both.
Weagle
Keep your filthy lips away from the Gers. 😏 unbeaten in 21 right now and looking busy. Streak will end soon of course, hopefully not tonight to scupper Bati’s coupon tbf.
You see the Aouar drama?
Benfica have a lad in the middle called Gabriel who looks very classy. Some brilliant touches and cute moves through a packed midfield
Thank you, Rich for your level headedness
Charlie
6 foot 1 as well, nice physical profile and looks a baller.
No, did he not sign a new contract in the summer just gone though? He cause a ruckus at training?
Receding HairlineNovember 26, 2020 19:55:54
“Would be great if we got Villareal eventually”Why?
———-
To smash Emery
Rich The problem with Eddie is he doesn’t have any outstanding qualites, pace, heading, physicality, hold up, great shot, dribbling etc, he’s not above average in any of those aspects, the only thing he’s really good at, at least in lower level games is poaching and that’s simply not enough unless he’s absolutely world class at it and it doesn’t look like he’ll be that either. More a Francis Jeffers than a Inzaghi. Martinelli is levels above Eddie in every single aspect of the game, we’ll see about Balogun. Just not very impressed with Eddie so far, and he has… Read more »
A good solid win and into the last 32.
Plenty of positives, the negatives we know already.
The youngsters have staked their claim very impressively, and a few of the seniors must now be aware their time is done.
As long as Arteta learns and builds on this we will have have few complaints, but the metric is the PL.
Beating Molds is good, if we see a repeat in the NLD, then we can start to believe.
*Molde
Spot on Freddie re Nketiah.
Doesn’t look cut out for the top level in senior football, will likely end up in lower leagues or abroad somewhere like Turkey/Greece as Akpom and Afobe have ended up.
Weagle
Not sure the details of it but he refused training or to be subbed on or something and Juninho (not the manager oddly?) put the hammer down and he’s out the squad for the weekends game.
That’s the fractured Twitter ramblings I read anyway. I’m sure the truth is somewhat different, but maybe he’s throwing his toys with Jan approaching?
Do you know the lad at Benfica? He’s looked good this half, and Benfica clearly have some technical operators which makes them easy on the eye when they get going.
I think martinelli is more of a generational talent than Arteta is a generational coach, and I pray tets doesnt fuck it up.
If martinelli had got that header Eddie got today it would have been in.
Charlie
I don’t no but from watching the game as you are I picked up the same impression of him, looks slick and composed on the ball and can weave his way out of traffic.
On Whoscored he seems to have a decent rating. One to keep an eye out for maybe although he’s 27 so not exactly a kid.
Re Aouar, one can hope. Gut feeling says that we won’t see the lad in an Arsenal shirt though.
Good.
We should beat Wolves too.
I hope Arteta is learning not to be so controlling. He was certainly quieter which is a fantastic thing.
I like Eddie but he didn’t play well tonight and he is not showing he is more than one dimensional. .
@Freddie – I mostly agree with your take on Eddie for the moment at least. Lets all keep in mind how that poacher’s instinct is the ONE THING you cant teach! The boy is not done developing physically. AND let us all remember that strikers can be late bloomers too – think Vardy, Giroud, and plenty more.
What I really like about Martinelli is that he scores all types of classic CF goals despite being a slight 18 year old. He scored 3 headers last season, all really good ones too that Giroud would have been proud of. He scored that solo break goal vs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge showcasing his pace, ball control and composure to finish it off at the end. He scored a couple of Henry-esque right corner curlers opening up his body and finessing the ball, not an easy skill to perfect. West Ham goal and the Europa League one too vs Liege… Read more »
Weagle
His name is Gabriel Pires, lad needs to join us on that alone I think. Their number 27 has been lively, another good technician that ups the tempo well for them.
On Aouar…
I think he’s a summer pursuit still, not convinced he’s the sort Real Madrid are going to be gunning for at this stage. Would just love to see some intention from us in Jan to move the needle in the squad. Bruno had such a massive effect on United last season, no reason why we couldn’t hope for similar considering the dearth of options.
Freddie Ljungberg Kane wasn’t really on anyone’s radar at 21. Wright hadn’t turned professional until he was almost 22, and didn’t sign for Arsenal until he was almost 28 Vardy turned professional at 25 Juventus discarded Henry at 22, who originally told Wenger he couldn’t t play as a No9 Salah was dumped by Chelsea at 22. Aubameyang didn’t start scoring regularly until 24/25 The examples are endless. Eddie has been prolific right the way through youth level. There’s certainly no guarantee that’ll translate into the professional level. But it’s not unusual for a 21yr old striker to be raw… Read more »
Venga
Like I said, I’m happy if he proves me wrong, but no way should we allow him to develop in the first team when we can’t buy a goal at the minute. He needs a loan to a championship club that plays him week in week out.
Hopefully that can happen once Martinelli is back and Auba is moved to the middle permanently. That would make him 3-4 choice anyway depending on if we can get a buyer for Laca and what we do to replace him.
Btw Glen Kamara has done brilliant for himself since leaving us.
Nothing spells at Southend and Colchester, then found his feet at Dundee to be picked up by Rangers for 50k and become arguably the best CM in the league.
Hang in there Rangers…
Receeding
Cashed out as wasn’t too sure on Sociedad and just out the stake back on Rangers and Roma to win
Rich
And there are endless examples of players that didn’t make it, far more than that list. All of those that you listed also had some outstanding qualities.
If we’re ever going to go back to being a top club we need more than a trier, we need exceptional talent in almost every position but especially at CF.
Like I said I’m not saying we should sell him just yet but he also should never start in the league for us in place of Auba, neither should Laca btw. They’re just not good enough.
We shouldn’t write off Willock or Smith-Rowe. We’re a team in transition. The problem in football, managers don’t get enough time to work. And there’s not enough support for young players. Throwing a young player in, and saying, “you’re going to start the next 12 games” Is almost in possible, because fans don’t have the patience, and are far too knee jerk in their judgment. Imagine a bricky on his first day as an apprentice, his works a big off, and instead of correcting him, then working with him to iron out his flaws, and giving him time to learn… Read more »
What a goal
Amen Freddie
Rich
Just curious, is that bricklayer in your little example in a bricklaying league with the best bricklayers in the world and is displacing a proven world class bricklayer so he can learn on the job?
Shit analogy if I’ve ever seen one.
Roofe you beauty…
Should have all of Bamfords a thousand dollars by the end of the year if the betting gods keep smiling on me cuz don’t see how we finish above Leicester at our current rate
Charlie
If your boy Arteta doesn’t come through, I’m starting a Gerrard to Arsenal gonfund me based on cash won betting on Rangers😉