Don’t say it…
Don’t say it…
Don’t say it…
Don’t say it…
Don’t say it…
IT WAS A GAME OF TWO HALVES!
Yes. Yes it was.
A lot of Arsenal fans were furious at half time. We hit the target once from 7 shots. The football was slow and ponderous at times. It looked like the start of an episode of ‘oh wow, how did we botch that.’ I wasn’t too concerned. If we had last seasons Auba, he’d have finished 2 of his three good chances. If we have David Luiz of Chelsea, he’s hitting the target with his header.
The second half saw a different vibe. The passing kicked up a notch, our front four took control of the game and we started finding the target. Our break came shortly after Lacazette was denied by an elite save from Darlow.
Cedric defended a long ball by heading calmly to Lacazette just outside our box, he played in Partey who broke the press, moved left and curled a 40-yard pass into the path of Auba (fast release). Our out of form captain powered into the Newcastle box, he faked right and smashed home from 8 yards into the inside post.
Auba had the assist to the assistor for our second. He gave the ball to ESR who drove at Newcastle’s full-back, turning him inside out before passing to Saka who comfortably blasted across Darlow into the bottom corner. A thing of beauty.
Our third goal saw Saka with the pre-assist. Cedric did well to get on the end of it, he kept the ball in play by a whisker, but found Auba with deadly accuracy for the tap-in.
The game finished with another clean sheet. This time, we were able to finish them off in the 90.
So what did we learn?
Smith Rowe is starting to look like the real deal. There’s obviously a long way to go for him, he’ll still have to prove his fitness, and work his way out of an inevitable slump… but right now. Wow. What a great player he looks. There’s so much to like. His touch is sublime, he can receive the ball on the half-turn, and he has explosive pace combined with tight control. He has been ruthlessly efficient since he started his run and you feel he has the air of a player that is going to be a big deal.
Saka feels like a veteran in our side because he’s so consistent. He had another great game. He’s starting to impose himself in games. He has that weird knack of being a bit of a silent assassin on the pitch, he glides, like Pires… he doesn’t make mistakes, and he’s very patient. His stats are starting to reflect his importance in the side, that’s good news.
Our problems are now squarely sitting in midfield. We’re just never going to be an elite side with Granit Xhaka in the team. Sure, the second half was good, but it’s really difficult for me to get behind the long-term partnership of Partey and Xhaka. We shouldn’t have to have counter-weights for painful weaknesses. Granit did not have a bad game, his second half was nice, but against a proper team, you know he’ll be found wanting, or at least threatening to be found wanting.
That said, Thomas Partey is a fucking dream. I remember working in a factory when I was young. I thought the babes in there were true babes… then I’d head into London town and realise the truth. We’ve been looking at factory babes in midfield. Mo and Xhaka look sexy together when we have injuries, but put them in All Bar One in Fenchurch Street next to Thomas Partey in his Top Shop stilettos and you suddenly realise what you’ve been missing. He’s press resistant, his off the ball movement is elite, he defends, he releases fast, he can drive a team. 36 of his passes were FORWARD. We need to get him a partner like Bissouma so he can truly flourish.
I was starting to worry about Auba. He hasn’t looked the player he was last year. What did spur me on though was that he was missing chances, versus not being the right place to get them. He’s a top pro, he proved that in the second half when we saw a bit of the old Auba. Hopefully he’s found his shooting boots in time for our two HUGE games against United and Southampton. Let’s see…
Finally, a word for the defence. We’re the 4th best in the league now. When we could boast that last time, we weren’t able to attack. Now we have a solid foundation, and we’re having 20 attempts at the opposition goal. This is where we need to move to as a football team. Two or three additional players in the right posisitons that can offer us true quality in the final third and we’re cooking. Shout out to Cedric, he made a cheeky backheel I rated and his delivery was excellent. Also, big high gives to Holdinho, another solid game.
Last word goes to Lacazette who wiped snot off Willian’s face. That was to brotherly love, but also, very grim. Tissues next time.
Ok… now listen to my podcast. Johnny is back. It’s a cracker. Enjoy!
Hasn’t Cedric been able to cover left back for previous teams?
Not so comfortable with the idea of Mari at left back, pace is usually a pre requisite for a marauding full back position, would we have to alter our style slightly to accommodate him there? AMN played some very good games at left wing back last season, he was out of game practice and rusty his last game there. I still think he can be counted on either FB side.
Aussie gooner..
“Can you honestly not see the the gulf in class between Martinelli and Nketiah or are you just being obtuse? ”
As i have pointed out , i have never mentioned their levels or class differences, i said that young players who have limited game time find it hard to make an impact and that implies to Martinelli, Nketiah and Willock.
Some have likened him to ronaldo previously and today, maybe you should question them not me..
Aussie gooner
” I bet if you were a football manager and had a choice between the two I know which one you would choose!”
I would choose them both , Martinelli on the wing and Eddie up top .
I think they would link well together .
Pierre just commented in a slip up that Eddie was somehow a player equal to Martinelli. And now he is defending it to the end of the earth. Anyway either we will sell Eddie or he will turn out to be just a “good enough for midtable” striker we didn’t sell at the right time. He actually tries and puts in the effort. I just don’t think he is good enough for a top team which we are aspiring to be. Martinelli will become world class because of his sheer will. He isn’t as refined as saka in technical ability… Read more »
Lazio supposedly in contact with AFC about taking Mustafi. I guess he will be another we will be losing on a free.
£35m we paid for him, our record defensive buy… and absolutely nothing to show for it.
We are Champions League elite on throwing money away aren’t we?
WOB,
After the Martinelli “fucking he’ll” he should not only be homegrown player, he should be a prime minster. Even K Tierney was impressed lol.
Özil, Sokratis, Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Danny Welbeck… and most likely Mustafi…. all leave the club on a free. That’s £200m+ worth of talent there with no return at all. That’s before we count.the cost of wages.
Nketiah will go if we get a good enough offer for him. I think the same goes for Maitland-Niles, Chambers and Nelson. I have a feeling one of them will go this month.
No from me for Morgan Sanson. They only Marseille player we should be going for is Boubacar Kamara.
Now Ozil gone, Pierre targeting Martinelli in fear of being ahead of his new pet Eddie.
The young Chelsea right back James was so calm and assured, playing so well until Martinelli happened to him and now looking so nervous and looking over his shoulder every time his near the ball. This boy will be Martinelli victims for many years, I can’t wait.
Habesha
“Pierre just commented in a slip up that Eddie was somehow a player equal to Martinelli.”
And how did you come to that conclusion
Maybe they cant countdown in the contracts department as they only seem to negotiate with a player once their in the final year of a players deal.
strict rule you get down to two years you sign a new deal or your sold.
and nobody from the age of 29 gets a 4 year contract!
Leeds
That’s a reflection of how badly the club has been dealing with player’s contract. It seems that they are continue doing this The Balo’s contract is another example. By this Summer, quite a number of players’ contracts will be down to one year left. If the club doesn’t act, they will all run down their contracts for a free transfer.
Time up
“Now Ozil gone, Pierre targeting Martinelli in fear of being ahead of his new pet Eddie.”
“Fear”?
Just being realistic on Martinelli’s chances in the near future
Not that difficult to work out is it?
I think they will both have limited time in the league and both may struggle to have an impact on the league.
One thing we will all be grateful for once this Ozil business is officially over is the mass exodus of this toxic fanbase.
Leedsgunner, an excellent post. That list is damning. Its a testimony to the chaos at the club. In any other walk of life those responsible would be named and shamed. Not so at Arsenal. Not a word. It’s beyond negligent.
Any link/time of Martinelli’s fucking hell?
Pierre
Let it go
We all know you loved him but it’s over now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2C5TjS2sh4&ab_channel=Roxette
Pierre suggesting we offer Balo £60k is in keeping with him suggesting we should’ve offered Saka ‘£120k a week at the very least’ last summer.
Good thing he’s pretend-negotiating these contracts in his bedroom.
£60k a week*
Does that qualify him for homegrown status?
Yep. Pretty much. Free food as well
Özil, Sokratis, Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Danny Welbeck… and most likely Mustafi…. all leave the club on a free. That’s £200m+ worth of talent there with no return at all. That’s before we count.the cost of wages.
Goodness lord.
I reenmber flipping out when we gave AC Milan a prime Flamini for free
By the summer Arsenal will have let go Sanchez, Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, Wilshere, Sokratis, Mustafi, Mkhitaryan and Welbeck in the past three years
Money spent on fees: £190m
Money received: £0
Spain without the S
Perez £15m loss as well.
If Balogun leaves Arsenal he is going to regret it. Auba is well over 30. Lacazette is 29 and linked heavily away from the club. I reckon despite his purple patch now, the club will sell him in the summer… Nketiah’s eager and liked by the manager but in no way consistent… also linked away from the club however on loan. If Balogun signs the contract he will get the security of a long term contract with guarantee of playing time in the Europa League and the cups. If he does well, he knows that there is a clear progression… Read more »
Pierre June 10, 2020 09:28:17
120 grand a week was the reported wage for Odoi.
We should offer Saka that amount at the very least .
To lose him so early on in his career would be criminal.
—
You’re an incredibly dumb man, Don.
Are you obsessed with me Jamie.
Pretty sad that you you spend your day trying to regurgitate my old comments on a regular basis
It says a lot about the type of snide person you are..
Must be a pretty sad person who would spend their day looking through comments of a year ago and the best they can come up with is
“We should offer Saka that amount at the very least .
To lose him so early on in his career would be criminal.”
Sad….
Don –
Searching for it on Google took 10 seconds. Anything beyond being elbow deep in a blocked toilet is probably too technical for you though.
You were wrong, Dissenter didn’t quote any figures, but Pierre did as I said. Embarrassing about-face. You have an underdeveloped brain.
The lesson to be learned from watching Leicester City last night is not to make constant team and squad changes as Chelsea did in summer, but devote time to building stability and team understanding. Arsenal are probably four or five players short of a half decent squad. The priorities for me once we have offloaded deadwood are recruiting in next two three transfer windows. Goalkeeper – Second String Right Centre Back – First String [assuming Saliba fails to make grade] Left Wing Back – Second String Creative Central Midfield – First String Centre Forward – To replace Lacazette if Arsenal… Read more »
Pierre and Don combining their two half-brains.. cute.
One triggered because his old commentary has come back to haunt him again, the other keeps sneaking back on here after being banned a dozen times at least. Have some dignity and delete your account. Even Bam eventually got the message.
Wilko, Jamie thinks you are someone else because you are behaving like someone else who gets banned here under new names.
No abuse or name-calling. Really simple.
He was the incredibly charming Quantam Leap of late, adorable how he keeps rolling out these new Monikers when he’s banned and not projecting and calling anonymous internet strangers losers.
Jamie,
I think you should excuse Pierre as he’s in one of those grieving staged after Ozil departure. It’s not as easy as some think.
This should help,
soaking your bottom in a warm bath several times a day, particularly after a bowel movement, to relax the muscles in your anus
WE, yep. Bang on. Back in the bin until next month. Weirdo
Jamie
“One triggered because his old commentary has come back to haunt him again”
My advice to you, is get a life…..
I’m sure you can find something in the last year that’s a lot better than me saying ” pay Saka what he’s worth”.
So predictable. Called Aubergine out after his first couple of posts, can spot that asshole from miles away even when he does his easing in period with a new name trying to act like less of a shitcunt. Complete retard.
Telling who Pierre clings on to as well.
Pedro
Poor chap has some of the worst little man syndrome I’ve ever seen, doubt he leaves the house much bless him.
Gave the podcast a listen by the way, good work as always.
Freddie
Between his ranting and Pierre’s infatuation with Nketiah+Willock+Ozil and his desperate need to tell us all the time how retarded our football takes are on here the Blog’s been close to unreadable of late.
I am grad that the transition of power of our neighbour is peaceful.
WE
Stop being a typical le groaner……………………..
Obviously i miss all of this which is a shame as i love a good fight but i have no idea who you’re all talking about
Martinelli’s swearing – what’ interests me is a lad who is a native S American Portuguese speaker having only been in the UK a couple of years has a reaction to a bad challenge by swears-ing in English. The normal reaction would be to swear in your own language. So his English has really come on!
Stroller, You just show your ignorance if you think that Morgan Samson is an obscure player. He has been playing for Marseilles for years. Also his name was not plucked out of thin air, he is a player whom Aston Villa is rumoured interested in buying at a cost of £18 millions. For that price, we could sell Xhaka for more or less the same amount and ending up with a better player. Right now I would trust Aston Villa scouting department more than your opinion. Habesha, Samson is a player who if surrounded by better player will elevate his… Read more »
Nelson, I mentioned that a while ago keeping Sokratis in the hope that we would get a fee in the Winter transfer window was a stupid move. Instead we wasted half a season of wage on a player we were not even trying to convince to extend. Posturing to get a fee has to be combined with realistic expectation, otherwise Arsenal ends up ridiculous and out of pocket. Raul did the same thing about the Ospina reduction fee. We initially refused to negotiate. In the end we had to back down anyway but the extra cash (£150k), we got did… Read more »
“Agree, but it won’t happen as history tells us that Arteta would rather play the likes of Mustafi than Saliba.”
Arteta believes Saliba is not ready Yet and don’t think Mustafi has even played 90 muns in the league so not sure what history ur talking about
WE
Till a couple of years ago Le Grove was like a daily ritual, used to trawl through the comments almost everyday. These days weeks pass by and I don’t even bother reading the blog or comments. Well all good things must come to an end I suppose. That dozens of regular posters have been banned or driven away doesn’t bode well for the blog, has made the place less interesting.
So the scared little man has finally left the building.
May he suffer the consequences of his ignorant and despicable ways.
Goodbye Mr Trump and good riddance.
Edu has used up eight technical director’s lives already. He has to be on his last chance saloon.
He’s lost Arsenal so much money with his poor decisions and lack o mettle.
Hate to be a LeGroaner but yeah the comment section has gone the way most content on the internet has gone over the years. Which is say, it’s gotten much worse. Hard to say if that’s due to the team having a few down years, or if people in general all over the world have gotten shittier and it’s bled over to affect this space. Probably a little of both. Maybe if the some of the more frequent posters were funnier it would help, feel like some of that mirth is missing compared to some years ago. And I don’t… Read more »
Martinelli is Italian
Dissenter, I think that this is the first transfer window where Edu has been in charge. Clearly beforehand he was Raul’s patsy and even after Raul’s removal he was treated as the junior guy in the relationship with Arteta. The fact that he had the courage to overrule Arteta over Partey may means that he suddenly been liberated and be willing to be much more Pro active. Unless we can hire immediately an experienced quality DoF willing who can work with Arteta, Edu should be given at least two transfer window to show what he can do. It looks like… Read more »
Luteo Guenreira, that’s absolute nonsense.
‘THIS PLACE IS THE WORST’ yet you’re on here commenting.
There’s very little abuse on here, conversation is pretty high level unless Sid is about, and it’s good healthy debate both ways.
If you want humour, bring some yourself.
Glad to see the club is finally doing what they should have done 2 years ago and clearing out deadwood. The mood should start to really take off soon with the hangers on being dissipated. My only fear is the inevitable announcement of a new deal for Xhaka, but overall I’m confident at the end of the summer TW we could see a completely new look side. I really didn’t think Arteta had it in him to change but looks like either through luck or good judgement he’s turning a corner. Just really need a back up for ESR or… Read more »
Unbelievable save my Emi #soldthewrongkeeper
Pedro
Easy cowboy, I never said this place was the worst, I still read your posts and like your content, but the comment section has been neutered for a variety of reasons, one distinct reason being brought up by TR7 just above. I’m not informed nor invested enough regarding football to lead discussion around these parts, and I never pretended I was. Sorry I guess? And regarding humour, are you just going to ignore all those jokes I used to post on Fridays? Some nerve, guy.
I think blog is different, not worse, since Wenger left because most of us agreed he needed to retire but its been civil war on here past couple of seasons. No more agreement about manager and no agreement about players buy/sell.
And i dont know about rest of you but covid lockdowns have completely fried my brain and all my regular activities leave me feeling completely indifferent. There is no joy anymore and watching sports is a chore, not excitement and i think there are a lot more angry people out there.
Valentin It is far fetched to think that all the players ahead of sanson are making the wrong runs. Instead his passing ability isn’t as good as you mentioned. I think we need either another all rounder like anguissa or a highly creative CM like aouar. That way partey isnt the only one to mark. I agree it is a good price to get sanson at that price but I think we need a higher caliber player than him. I wouldn’t mind him as a rotation option though. And he is better than all our CMs bar partey. But I… Read more »
Valentin “The fact that he had the courage to overrule Arteta over Partey” How do you know this? Arteta has always praised Partey, in fact, he has just said how much we have missed him and what a special player he is. It is high time we all put our grievances away and got behind Arteta and our club. There has been so much crap we have all had to put up with but it seems some of us will never be happy until we win the Champions League. Look we are where we are. Arteta has sorted out the… Read more »
Anyone seen enough of Otavio Edmilson of Porto? We have been linked with him. He has a 6 months left on his contract and porto fans speak highly of him. Leicester, AC Milan and Sevilla also credited with an interest in him.
@JWL, those are symptoms of a decrease in testosterone, hang in there.
AFC
“My biggest gripe was always a lack of creativity in the team. I felt it was bizarre leaving Ozil out, not because it was Ozil but because this team needed a link player, a number 10, someone who moves the ball quickly. The emergence of ESR has resolved that issue although we lack cover there.”
Exactly..
I’m glad you said that and not me…
Subjects that should be made illegal.
Martinez
Ozil
Arteta out
Xhakas shitness
The constant bickering, it’s tiresome and boring
Habesha
A lot of these rumours could be because he is another Brazilian and Edu is well connected in that respect. Players who play in Portugal have done well in the Premier League and settle quickly which is a bonus.
Since Ramsey left we have lacked a quality attacking midfielder who can finish. In the days of Wenger, we had an abundance of them, third man runners who could make well-timed runs and finish. So interest makes sense.
Brothers and Sisters,
Skysports are reporting we have enquired about loaning Martin Odegaard from Rel Madrid,bet Ceballos is chuffed.
Green Bay
Well said.
Thank you, Sid. Hope you keeping well.
S23
Interesting News. As I just said above, we definitely need an attacking midfielder. Could be an interesting couple of weeks.
This could be decent transfer window if we get rid of ozil, papa, mustafi, loan for Saliba, and buy an creative player so esr doesn’t breakdown this season from over use.
AFC absolutely spot on but I’m afraid with Val it’s a mute point I’ll keep on saying that this guy isn’t an arsenal fan. Even after a win he’ll never ever say anything nice about the team but bring up something about Arteta or any player he doesn’t like and he’s out like a dog to a bone it’s tiring sometimes but I don’t expect anything less, Bamford was actually better tbh
I’m surprised other teams haven’t tried playing without a striker , similar to city .
It gives them more control in the game and basically leaves the opposition centre halfs redundant..
I wonder if Arteta has ever considered it as City still seem to create enough chances , mind you they do have Debruyne.
Well this is interesting. I didn’t think odegaard would be available to us but I would be delighted with him. He is very talented. We can wait for Buendia while Smith rowe and Odegaard hold the creative for then. This transfer window might go better than I expected.
Creative fort till then*
Raulishus
You nailed it. There are a few trolls like him. The stuff they makeup and try to present as fact is quite something.
I think it shows Arsenal are on the right track. You can see the signs that the team is developing, that soft underbelly has gone. Still a work in progress, as we all know, but getting there. It’s also nice to see young players coming through.
From ESPN:
Arsenal’s pursuit of Houssem Aouar is set to be complicated by the Lyon midfielder’s desire to wait for interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona to materialise this summer before deciding his next move.
Read get you shitty squad in order before I even consider entertaining a move. That problem of who will come to Arsenal in the summer will persist. Only way out I can see is win the Europa League and offer CL football.
Martin Ødegaard has asked to leave Real Madrid. A return to Real Sociedad is ‘very advanced’, it’s the team he wants to join, but this time the loan includes an option to buy. [@Kike_Marin_]
pierre To play that way you need good movement and runners who can actually finish. Look at the way Barcelona used to play with Messi as a false nine but boy could he finish. The days of the big centre forward have gone because it is all about movement now. The Wenger teams of old would have players like Pires, Freddie etc making runs while Henry would cut in from wide positions. There was no fixed centre forward, as such. Look where Aubamayang has been playing. I think Arteta is going that way but it needs acquisitions because we don’t… Read more »
ESR and Odegard together..
Hold on. Hold on
Wait. NDKSCK JUST WAIT A MINUTE. OMG
City need a striker on. So many chances but no natural finishers on the pitch.
Hard to believe it’s still 0-0. Villa are a decent side, no doubt about it.
AFC I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I’m quitely betting on Arteta to prove Pedro right and do wonders for us. Just a hunch but I’m confident except he becomes complacent and over does it but the losing streak should have been a humble pie that things can go wrong quickly in football
MD_Gunner
“Read, get your shitty squad in order.”
You rarely have a good word to say, mate. One minute you say he is waiting for Real Madrid or Barcelona, then in the same sentence the claptrap above.
Raulishuss
Arteta inherited a shit show. Remarkable what he achieved in his first season.
He’s sorted us out defensively and that is the foundation of any good team. The creativity suffered and we are still short of quality. I think the acquisitions have been good and the academy has produced. Yep, I’m optimistic. too.
City don’t have their shooting boots tonight.
@Pedro
“Mo and Xhaka look sexy together when we have injuries, but put them in All Bar One in Fenchurch Street next to Thomas Partey in his Top Shop stilettos and you suddenly realise what you’ve been missing.”
Factory babes 😂🤣😂
I was Bennin up over your analogies today.
Great post.
Quality game of football.
Villa matching city blow for blow.
Watching Villa makes me sad. We have fans defending Xhaka and watching a Mginn, Barkley and Douglas luuz with grealish ahead makes me mad that we don’t have half the quality of that midfield. We need better.
Think it was Pierre who was bugging up mings what a dominant player he is holds the Astin villa back line and well too. Is he over his injury issues tho?
Grealish and a decent CM would make us title contenders next season. Grealish is world class.
Hebashe way to overreact partey alone is better than all Aston Villa midfielders. As a unit they work well tho
@AFC Look at the squad and who of them would fit into teams that are in the top 8. Anyone that would fit into Spuds, Chelsea, Villa? Don’t think so with the exception of perhaps Partey. The squad is a group of youngsters with potential under proper coaching and overpaid plops plus bench players for other teams. Arteta & Edu are responsible for several of the players and European football for Arsenal next season is only a dream. Call it what it is if it is a duck, walks like a duck then it is a duck. Arsenal have a… Read more »
Ruben Dias is easily the best defender that City have had since prime Kompany.
AFC,
It was widely reported that Arteta wanted both Aouar and Partey but that there was no way forward to get both. In the end Edu pulls the plug on the negotiation with Aouar which were going nowhere fast and bought Partey. Arteta then used behind the scene briefing to indicate that Aouar was his main target.
Partey is quality. But he is one third of a 3 man midfield. ESR is just beginning to show a bit of quality. During the season I would argue they have had a twice as much quality midfield as us. And now they will add Morgan sanson too. They have good dependable players. Grealish is world class though. We have Xhaka, Elneny and ceballos. Our midfielders lack dynamism and ability compared to villa midfielders.
What a finish from B.SIlva though. That is quality.
Valentin, you really are very amusing mate.
Grealish is class.
Add Grealish to our team and we could be back among big boys. A midfield of Partey and Grealish with Saka, ESR and Martinelli playing in front of them would be amazing. Grealish is an Arsenal fan too I guess.
VAR has made a mistake there surely?
I think we need to look at the free market this summer… Offer Fraser Forster as backup GK on a <£5M. (1 yr left). HG player Sell AMN. Bite off the hands that offers £15M Bin Kolasinac for free or £5M fee. Buy Tyrick Mitchell from Crystal Palace on a free as backup. He's very decent and is 21. HG Player too Sell Chambers for £10M with up to £5M in addons . Bin Luiz for free. Bin Mustafi for free Keep Mavropanos. Better defender & Passer than Holding Bring back Saliba (So 5 CBs: Gabriel, Mari, Holding, Mavro, Saliba)… Read more »
Val lmao. Such a sad cunt move on dude wait till we start losing or Leno makes a mistake or sumfin
I don’t know how people suggest grealish as a signing. He is world class already. And in a team owned by a billionaire that is spending money on villa. He is out our price range already. I think they will demand at least 80 mil for him. We can’t spend that considering where we are now.
Habesha, The issue at Marseilles is that they have not had a proper striker for decades now. Drogba being the last one. They relies on individual players such as Thauvin and Payet to create opportunities. I am not claiming that Samson is the best midfielder we could get, because clearly that’s not the case. I am just saying that his passing can be made to look worse than it actually is because the players in front of him don’t make the right kind of run. Some don’t even make runs, they are very static. The same way Lacazette was made… Read more »