I think I maybe took the misery a little bit too far on the post yesterday. We beat Leeds, a game most of us didn’t fancy, and I dominated the post with my concern over David Luiz and Willian.
It’s time to pick up the mood.
When things go well, you might as well enjoy them, because massive games like Manchester City are usually only a week or so away.
We’re playing in Rome on Thursday in a huge night out against… Benfica. Usually, we land a slightly easier tie in the last 32 of this competition, but to be honest, a night out in a nice stadium against a team with a name of prestige is good for the moment.
I genuinely think one of the first European games I ever remember Arsenal playing in was Benfica.
It felt sexy then and that sheen with Benfica has never worn off for me… even though they’re not the force they once were. The Portuguese side finished 2nd in their group to Rangers. They won 3 games and drew 3. Not exactly impressive when Poznan and Liege made up the other seats. They’re a long way off their best, sitting 4th in their league 13 points off the top of the table… which is pretty bad by their usually high standards.
The hope we all have going into the game is that some of the decisions made in the week will be remedied with the correct selections for that starting 11. This isn’t a small game. It’s a chance to win a place in the next season’s Champions League. I would like to see a good side rolled out.
That will hopefully mean minutes for Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe.
Where he makes up the starters elsewhere will have a slightly different spin on things. We shed a lot of players in January, at the same time, it’s also pretty clear that we’re trying to shove a few other names out this summer. Does he continue to give minutes to players he doesn’t want? Or does he opt for something new? Is there any point in Reiss starting?
Whatever he does, it’s important that we use Thursday nights to maintain momentum. A win doesn’t usually matter, but I do think a loss can sometimes rattle the vibes around a club.
I would quite like to see Odegaard continue to build his fitness. Pablo Mari and Cal Chambers should be finding some minutes. It might also be interesting to see Flo Balogun in the side. At the minute, it seems like Arteta is unwilling to invest minutes in someone that might leave, if he’s so confident he’ll sign, is it time to let him shine again?
I certainly don’t want to see Tierney and Saka starting…
Our two Premier League games that are wedged between these Europa games are quite mega.
Manchester City is this Sunday. They are back to peak Pep-ball and they’re the only truly scary team in the league.
Then we have Leicester the Sunday after. They could be in the title race. I’m not sure they are, but they’ve certainly been excellent this season and for me, it’s a real winnable day out if we turn up.
Going away to Italy and then following that up with Greece is really, really rough… but we’ll have to deal with it. All four of those games are important. Arteta and his staff are going to have to be very, very cute with how they organise squad rotation.
You’d ideally like to take that first half against Leeds into the 90 and come away with a big lead… but to achieve that level, you need to play too many senior players to give yourself a chance on Sunday against a City side that has a day more to prepare and a short bus ride to contend with.
Overall though, we have to head into this next batch of matches feeling pretty positive. That Leeds game wasn’t a fluke, it had been brewing, as I had written in the weeks preceding.
We’re starting to look like a clever side with exciting attacking instincts. There’s still lots to do, obviously, but the coaching is starting to kick in, and it’s hard to ignore that it’s quite innovative. Even when our xG was low against Villa, you could see that the passing patterns and positions were finding weren’t far off where we needed to be.
This squad is young. ESR, Saka and Odegaard are very, very junior. They will work out a rhythm over the next few weeks and the attacking football on show will speed up and the finishing will start to happen.
Of key importance to all of that is ensuring that we still defend well. Tony Adams advertised once again why he doesn’t have a big job in the game with this comment.
‘We saw how fragile they are defensively. The defence has always been the weak link. As the sporting director of Arsenal, you wouldn’t be getting Ødegaard in, you’d be getting good, strong defenders into the team instead.’
There are only three teams in the league that have conceded less than us this season. I think in all comps we’re joint tied with Chelsea for the best defence in the league. Conceding hasn’t been a problem, size of defender isn’t an issue, nor is ability. Tony Adams is falling back on 2018 complaints.
The big question is whether we can defend well when we’re opening up teams. The first half against Leeds seems to be how they want to go about it. Just nullify the opposition so they can’t attack in the first place. Manchester City has been doing that all season, I’d imagine that’s the path we’re going to take but on the cheap.
The Arsenal project is on the right path, what Arteta needs to do is navigate the next 6 weeks really well to stop the bi-weekly crisis sessions a particular section of the fanbase seems to revel in.
To keep the noise to a minimum, generally, you need to see good football, young players starting, combined with high energy output.
Let’s see what this week holds, could be exciting.
P.S. Le Grove fave Marco Rose landed a job at Dortmund next year. You see that? I’m getting better at this manager scouting malarkey.
It’s hard to watch that shocking performance by Riley. How can you not get angry? It wasn’t as if it was one decision, Riley did everything he could for Man Utd. Was he scared? Paid off?
What is even more alarming is that someone decided he had the right attributes to become head of all referees at PGMOL, and then wonder why VAR is operated & the referees make so many mistakes.
Btw all the talk of luiz extension has been ‘updated’ in the ‘press’ looking like nothing til the summer at earliest, but we all know how trustworthy most sport journalists writing these kinds of articles are
Graham62
“Imagine if Collina has referred that game at OT, Arsenal would have won it 100%. Utd would have had 2 reds and probably we’d have gone unbeaten for another 50”
Great referee. I would like to find out what made Mike Riley behave like that.
China1
What’s your email pal?
I’m in a writing mood
People on here need to chill and get a sense of humor.
Every topic can be joked about says my guy Ricky Gervais and I’m with him on this.
Actual death threats are written by hopeless cunts.
Pedro still drunk on the coolade….. I’d gladly eat humble pie if / when proved wrong. Renewing Luz is a joke, continuously playing Willian is a joke, keeping faith in this “process” is a joke.
I was an avid wenger out in the day, we have slid so much further down since those heady days, now we should “celebrate” wins that we used to expect, I guess that makes me an entitled plastic fan.
Utarse
What’s your point? You wanted wenger out? That’s great. I’m sure everyone you share that with finds you impressive.
Another who clearly abhors a convincing arsenal win/performance.
Always seems to be the “avid” Wenger haters.
TomFebruary 16, 2021 15:24:09
Those penalties stats are maddening. I’m writing a strongly worded letter ( some call them death threats) to PGMO and don’t care what people , and especially Pedro, think.
The one I wrote to Mike Dean clearly worked didn’t it.
😂
This is only a couple of hours old and it’s already aged terribly
It’s a bit boring here when we win isn’t it?
I prefer it being boring.
Ideally we get peak boredom after benfica with Willian not getting any minutes and no gaffs from luiz.
A man can dream.
Blackstock great post mate. The hysteria on here from time to time is amazing. It makes me wonder whether some on here have ever watched a game.
AFC Forever
Easy to answer that one.
1. He was scared and consequently bottled it.
2. He was a shite referee.
3. It was at OT.
4.The Fergie factor.
It seems ages ago now but it still angers me to this day.
Graham, I watched Gary Neville doing one of his Sky shows with Rooney. They were laughing about how horrible they were to referees. Neville even admitted he gets a bit embarrassed looking back at how they behaved. It worked though. We were too nice; in that game, at OT we should have surrounded wet Mike Riley and then rolled up our sleeves and kicked them back. Paddy should have taken out Nistelrooy with a two-footer head high.
Ufraud
“I was an avid wenger out in the day, we have slid so much further down since those heady days, now we should “celebrate” wins that we used to expect, I guess that makes me an entitled plastic fan.”
Ufraud , the poster who supposedly had 2 season tickets but refused to attend matches for years whilst Wenger was in charge out of protest for the quality of football on offer..
Could be another case of ” be careful what you wish for”
Seeing Reyes in those clips brought a lump to my throat.
He was a super player and we all remember his two goals against Chelski in the FA Cup in 2004.
I kind of agree with Pierre. The jury is still out on martinelli. I remarked to an associate over a year ago that I thought Saka was the superior player between the two and I’ve not changed my mind. Martinelli is a lot better than he’s currently displaying. Thats clear. It’s not obvious to me that his game doesn’t need a lot of improvement though. He’s not good enough on the ball to start anywhere for us as things stand. We’ve progressed a lot at the business end of the pitch and if martinelli doesn’t start getting game time and… Read more »
Olis
Not everyone can be as hilarious as some of your posts.
Not sure you meant it though.
NelsonFebruary 16, 2021 15:43:32
The other day, I have asked Tom whether he has also sent an “angry letter” to Arteta. He denied it.
Did you seriously ask that and meant it?
Let’s see, the guy who never wanted Arteta sacked and demanded no player sold would actually write a death treat to the manager of a club he supported.
Yea, that makes sense.
Winthorpe
The only market this summer will be from clubs with wealthy backers, and Bayern Munich
The rest will be loans, and free transfers
Football finances are completely decimated
Sam Allardyce on Ainsley Maitland-Niles: “He has got legs, energy and covers a lot of ground. He’s got quality on the ball, work rate and a lot to offer in midfield. I’m hoping we’ll see a lot more of that in the weeks to come.”
Sam is right when AMN’s mind is not wandered away from the pitch.
Windthorpe I’m not agaist Martinelli at all , the opposite in fact, I just think klopp calling him the talent of the century has raised expectations too high … Martinelli has done no more or less under arteta than players like nelson, willock or Eddie… Martinelli needs to be given a go up front…all his best work previously has been in the opposition box.. I feel he is being set up to fail playing on the wing. If it was a 4-3-3 then playing on the left would be fine as there is not as much defensive duties in your… Read more »
Klopp is trying to sign Martinelli, of course he’s gonna say he’s better than sliced bread.
Martinelli is coming back off a big injury
It’s not uncommon for players to need time to find some rhythm again
He’s 19, there’s no rush
Saka’s 5 goals, is as many as every other teenager combined in the PL this season
It’s rare that teenagers consistently influence football games
Martinelli has talent, hopefully he developed over the next 24 months, into an internal successor to Aubameyang
There’s no rush to jump to definitive conclusions
ESR has 4 prem assists since January already
More than mount, foden, martial, mane, James Rodriguez, Allan St maxim, salah, Ziyec, Podence, havertz, Hudson odoi, iwobi, Mahrez, Bernardo silva, cenigz under 😂 and some wanted us to sign him, Ross Barkley, Wilfred Zaha, N’Dombole,
Just saying
One lesss than sterling, Maddison and firminho
Just hearing that xhaka received racist threats that likely came from Arsenal season ticket holder .
I can think of one season ticket holder on here who has a particular dislike for Xhaka ….he wouldn’t would he?
Pierre Sorry. I wasn’t saying you were against Martinelli but I thought I’d read that you were not as convinced with him as some other of our home grown players Wether you did or not I still feel Saka and now Esr are better all round footballers. Martinelli may have his role to play but all of his best attributes are based either on his mentality or athleticism and not his footballing ability. Now don’t get me wrong. He knows where the goal is and players like Lampard and CR7 became world class through their athleticism and elite winning mentality.… Read more »
Tom It was all for good fun. I just realized it was for Dean and not for Arteta. Sorry. ______________________________________________________ Tom February 8, 2021 14:26:41 Mike Dean and Jonathan Moss should both get themselves larger size shirts to hide those spare tires around their waist. Not a good look for the most watched league in the world. Or better yet, they should be cast in another lord of the rings sequel with minimal make up required, just throw some fake hair on their feet if needed, but probably not. —————————————————————————————– That prompted me to post this —————————————————————————————– Nelson February 8,… Read more »
Rich
If he’s not getting game time I worry he will get left behind. Is this Arteta being careful with him or is this Arteta doing what he does with Pepe and amn and Saliba?
Winthorpe Yep, Saka and Smith Rowe are technically better players, than Martinelli probably because they came through the academy. At the end of the day Arteta has to try and win football matches and the reason why players like smith rowe and saka are starters and players like Martinelli, eddie and willock are not is because they have done the business on the pitch… Willian will drop further down the pecking order the more he fails to deliver , of that I’m sure . My comment when Martinelli first came into the siďe that he is a bit of a… Read more »
What i will say and have said often is that Martinelli inside the box has more composure than when he is outside the box , and that is unusual, although since returning from injury has tended to snatch at his chances .
Pierre
That’s a very good point. However I disagree that he hasn’t done it on the pitch. He has. Way more than Willian ever has. I understand they are different types of players.
I just worry that Martinelli isn’t up Arteta’s street
Everything is fine
Would anyone go with Aubameyang, Martinelli and Balogun as our three CF options for next season?
Martinelli replaces Laca and Balogun replaces Nketiah
Personally if we think the key to our team playing well consistently is confidence I would say we need to keep winning in the EPL.
If we lose badly to the likes of Man City and Leicester I think that could derail our season more than losing to Benfica… although given our place presently in the league, winning this competition might be our best chance of playing in Europe next year.
Losing any of these games from now on has long reaching consequences.
Barc’s penalty kick looks the same as Luiz’s fault.
The technical ability of these players is ridiculous. What a goal by Mbappe.
Pk used his hand to pull PSG players two times and received no yellow card.
Pool got an away goal.
Pool scores another goal. Every goal was result from an error of opposing team.
Kylian Mbappé is the world best player. He scores again.
Barcelona getting kicked out of the champions league. Kylian Mbappe is a devastating player. He is going to be the heir to the throne. Sancho and Halaand aren’t close to him. They are great but he is out on his own for any player under 23.
Game over for Barc. Gave up 3 away goals.
Hatrick!!! You cant not be a fan of Mbappe.
The interest in signing Messi this summer has got to be for marketing.
Football god yes but his time is up now.
Mbappe’s shot is so accurate.
“Yep, Saka and Smith Rowe are technically better players, than Martinelli probably because they came through the academy.”
Of course, because Brazillians are known for their poor technique.
Pool’s got a lucky win. Both golds were set up by Leipzig defenders.
I wouldn’t say Messi’s time is up. He needs to be a creator now. He needs to be in a team where he can play as a N 10. Playing Busquets in a team having Messi is suicide. They needed someone to do the dirty work for him. Busquets and pique are done. Messi has still got vision better than anyone in the world of football. He has a wand of a left foot. But he won’t work out in a team like Barcelona from now on.
Disagree on the rotation for Thursday. I want to see a strong team. Little chance of beating city and the league is done. Should be aiming to win the europa as it’s the only way back into Europe. Green shoots but still not convinced
Vintage “Would anyone go with Aubameyang, Martinelli and Balogun as our three CF options for next season?” Absolutely! I can’t understand why some on here are throwing shade on Martinelli! He has had a serious injury and very limited exposure to the first 11. Balogun, unfortunately, has even less exposure! This is Arteta’s responsibility. Both these players should be fully integrated into the first team squad and be enjoying considerable playing time. Instead Balogun is likely to leave and be found tearing it up at another club next season and Martinelli will continue to lose confidence warming the bench. What… Read more »
Wenger an absolute criminal for passing on Mbappe because he wouldn’t swerve his family a few million.
Nelson
I watched the second half,……….did you?
I thought Liverpool looked sharp and hungry.
Not many teams could do what Liverpool did tonight.
Despite recent poor form, still a formidable side.
Some people who post on here are idiots.
Mbappe did not come to Arsenal, because we could not afford him and not because we failed
to grease the palm of his family.
Graham62
I find Pools played better in the game against Leicester City. before they gave up those 3 goals. Today, I find both Firmino and Thiago Alcântara are quite slow. The team has more energy after they sub in Oxlade-Chamberlain and Shaqiri.
Messi’s a great player who is being let down by his teammates.
If it was up to me in the summer I would sell in the first tranche Elneny (£7m) Torreira (£20m) and Guendouzi (£25m+)
I believe my valuations are realistic. If we did achieve it what one player would you buy and why?
Leeds Add Lacazette to that list We got him for some 46 million odd million, then proceeded to buy a more expensive striker 6 months later because he just isn’t that good. To think we pay 180k weekly wages for such a limited striker. Laca’s premier league stats for the past 3 season are in the same class as Chris Wood playing for a limited Burnley. Problem is Chris Wood coast Burley only 15 million and he takes home about 50k weekly. There’s talk of Odsonne Edouard could be bought for as little at 15 million this summer because he… Read more »
*Problem is Chris Wood cost Burley only 15 million and he takes home about 50k weekly.
Dissenter
In my second tranche I would sell Strikers.
Lacazette for £20m (At. Madrid tempted?)
Nketiah for £20m (West Ham?)(Newcastle?)
I like Eduard at Celtic too. Good age and attitude… although I’m sure there are other good candidates out there.
Am I alone in wanting to keep back Tierney and Partey for EPL opposition rather than for them to play them in the Europa League?
https://www.planetfootball.com/videos/watch-arsenal-loanee-william-saliba-displays-brilliant-footwork-against-psg/
Mark
Are you seriously basing Saliba’s performance level on a 5 second clip, which does not show
his defensive qualities under “pressure”?
I have watched 2 games in which he played and whilst he has potential I am yet to be convinced that he is defensively strong enough to play in EPL.
Arsenal do need a “top quality right centre back”. It remains to be seen whether he is a
genuine upgrade to Holding in that position.
Word on the street is that we’ll be offering lacazette a new contract.
Not really sure what signings we’ll be looking to make if that’s the case.
How many vacant squad places will there be if these alleged contract renewals go through?
We weren’t even able to register everyone this season.
ET so two games is enough to judge someone definitively? If you’re going to criticize someone for basing their opinion off very little I wouldn’t be so quick to mention you’ve only watched him twice…
Offering laca a new contract is pointless. He’s been on good form recently but he’s not the answer to any of our long term questions and he’s a depreciating asset. Apart from because Mikel likes to hoard, it’s hard to see why we need to keep him next season.
Auba, martinelli + whoever as third choice (nketiah, balogun etc) will be fine. If we could get 20m for laca that would be put to much better use towards a partner for partey or towards buying a playing which far more upside like odegaard
If we have auba and laca still in the team next year then it’s time for Mikel to admit he has no interest in developing martinelli
A brief look at the papers online this morning has offered little news of substance. Wenger offering Klopp advice is hilarious. Simple question from Klopp will put Wenger firmly in his place: “Arsene how many CL/EL cups have you won? ES was correct Mbappe was never going to come to Arsenal no matter what we offered his family. I felt is was just a glorified PR stunt at a time the fans were becoming angry at the club’s and Wenger’s poor dealings in the TWs (last minute trolly dashes) and a nice jolie in the South of France for Wenger… Read more »
China, why would he have no interest in developing someone he just gave a 5 year deal?
Pedro why would he keep picking Willian?
China, different questions.
Why would Arteta give up one someone he gave a 5 yr deal?
Arteta is very proactive at cockblocking players who for whatever reason he has an issue with Last season fans were gaining over martinelli. 5 mins later he was made a squaddie until he had his long term injury for reasons unknown to anyone apart from Mikel Meanwhile at CF we have martinelli and ball fun both as high potential options who have played how many minutes there combined this season? On the wing, Saka, Auba, Pepe, Willian are all ahead of martinelli in the pecking order. If that bunch only Saka can dependably offer more off the wing. It’s unclear… Read more »
Tony,
One of the better posts I’ve had the pleasure to read, Well done!
Pedro because he’s changed his mind or doesn’t consider him a priority. It’s not that complicated. Look at what has been happening in front of us and ask yourself if laca gets a new deal then where does martinelli get his minutes on the regular which he will need to kick on
Pedro you’re the one writing blog posts dedicated to how arteta insists on overlooking playing him in exchange for always falling back on Willian. Ask yourself how high a priority martinelli is to arteta when he has a full strength squad
All I know is that there are different reasons to sign a player. Since Martinelli is still so young, sign him for 5 years will protect his value. Arteta could easily sell him after a year or two.
China, he came back from injury and was out twice in a row.
Let’s see who starts Thursday
Arteta is now in the process of ruining Martinelli, its obvious to anyone that isn’t agenda-driven.
Emirates
“I have watched 2 games in which he played and whilst he has potential I am yet to be convinced that he is defensively strong enough to play in EPL.
I’m sure you would have said the same of Fofana
What does that even mean?…”defensively strong enough”
It’s not like we are anywhere near competing for a title.
If only Arteta gave Nelson or Gabi a fraction of the chances he keeps giving Willian.
If Gabi has a poor game, he gets dropped for three games, that’s the same treatment Arteta gave Pepe at the start if the season. It’s hard to build a rhythmn.
We need to start letting young players go out on loan more often. No one has going to get better sitting out on the bench.
As for Saliba, he has been making all those noises. I think he wouldn’t like to play for us. I would sell him to one of the club in France. I prefer to have a peaceful dressing room where every player dedicates to the cause.The club should not wait time to deal with an unhappy player.
# waste time
*no one is going to. get better sitting out on the bench.
It’s very very early days yet but if he continues to do well I would like us to try to land Odegaard either on another loan or permanently. Possible if Zidane leaves…
There’s another Norwegian we should try to sign… what about Sander Berge over at Sheffield United? They’ll be willing to do deals on their big earners… and they are expecting him to leave.
We should be right on this.
Nelson I’d prefer to have a manager who can deal with and get the best out of our young, precocious talent. Right now Arteta isn’t proving to be that type of manager as in the case of Saliba, Martinelli, Balogun, Guen, Reis and the players waiting to show what they can do, such as Azeez. Only Sake (given start by Emery) and ESR who Arteta was forced into picking through injury and suspensions. Looks like we have a good selection of youth that could save us the money we need to be smart with. After 9 years managing musicians on… Read more »
as not ad*
Really funny and promoting my happiness is seeing the Jose and Bale shenanigans.
They truly deserve each other and the damage they do to the Spud’s squad!
More turmoil down at the Spuds before we play them will do us nicely.
Emirates St “MarkAre you seriously basing Saliba’s performance level on a 5 second clip, which does not show his defensive qualities under “pressure”?I have watched 2 games in which he played and whilst he has potential I am yet to be convinced ” Are you for Real?? No, I’m not basing his performance level on that.5 second vid, I didn’t produce the article. I’m sure the guy who did added some stats or as well I’m not gonna check tho. That vid just adds fuel to the fire! You acting like Holding is gonna be doing that against PSG. Yeah… Read more »
Wenger offering Klopp advice is hilarious.
Tony
Why? After Ferguson he’s the most legendary manager of the premier league era. The man who transformed the English game. Why wouldn’t he give a younger counterpart some words of wisdom?
Listening to some of you guys gives me real ‘Cult of Arteta’ vibes. Where you dem to be falling over yourselves to rationalize and justify everything he does. Like you like him so much you are incapable of viewing anything he does objectively. It was the same kinda vibe with Wenger. Is this just an Arsenal fan thing? I just don’t get the delusion , not with Wenger not now, not ever.PS. Holding is overated , not confident enough at present to bring the ball out most times. He’s improved, but squad player for me. We can and should do… Read more »
Winthorpe We’ll never agree here – we just differ in opinions. For his first 10 years Wenger was the legend you rightly say and brought to Arsenal what Europe was already incorporating into their diet and body maintenance systems. Wenger did not invent ir, he copied the best using such modern ways. England were far behind the top European teams. After 10 years Wenger had nothing new to offer and the PL teams had caught up. I’d hardly call Klopp a younger counterpart who has already won more prestigious trophies, such as below from Wiki: “Since taking over from Brendan… Read more »
Although Wenger would be about £100 million (got from us) worse off less what he would have got from RM or Barca.
I very much doubt Wenger would have lasted more than 3 seasons max at either club and then he would have been fin wished at the top level.
That is why he never took any of the elite club offers at that time if they were in fact real offers at the time.
Winthorpe
Mark
“You don’t know what you’re talking about”
Seems to be the other way round if you ask me. Similar to your Wenger statement above.
Did you get out of the wrong side of the be this morning? The mrs spurn your morning erection needs?
Clearly your brain hasn’t woken up yet..
Leeds
Finally someone agrees with me regarding Sander Berge.
Tony It’s 5 in the morning you old boot. My mrs wouldn’t wake up for Chris Hemsworth at this hour Onto football. There are only 2 managers in my lifetime who have cultivated teams that play the most attractive, intricate, one tough football. Who express themselves at peak levels of beauty, grace and control. Who scored the sorts of goals that are played on phones for years while all others are forgotten. That’s Pep’s Barca and Wengers arsenal. You claim he’s no pioneer. He was doing tika taka before pep had his first senior job at Barca. Weneger didn’t just… Read more »
Thanks Socrates
Dissenter
Don’t know enough of Sadar to give an opinion, but I agree with your earlier post re playing Willian in place of Gabs or Reis.
“If only Arteta gave Nelson or Gabi a fraction of the chances he keeps giving Willian.”
Tony
Klopp has one 1 title, 1 champions league. That’s it. You’re citing finals, Wenger has reached both finals and only poor finishing from his star striker cost him both days.
Every season a new team win the champions league. There will only ever be one Invincibles. Not klopp, fergie, Pep nor Jose could do it. Not with all the money in the world. Wenger did it on a relative shoestring while his rivals were blowing fortunes
Winthorpe
As I said we’ll never agree.
I CL trophy is better than the invincibles in my book- brilliant achievement, but not one that wins a trophy.
I’ve also always said that I prefer GG’s record in the time he did it compared to Wenger.
Again Wenger won a Euro trophy – Wenger never did this with any club.
Sorry mate we are worlds apart on this one, so best to keep to our own lanes with it.
China 1
If you read carefully what I posted I did not write off Saliba, but expressed the view that he was not yet ready to start in EPL. There are questions about this player’s performance level in the air.
We have spent a lot of money on Saliba based on his potential so let’s hope that he does make the grade.
Personally I don’t think that Holding is anything more than a good squad player and so we
do need an upgrade to start in right centre back position in team.
In the modern game a club needs a large squad of players to fulfil its obligations. You need to factor in form, injuries as well as rotation. Clearly Arsenal like most other clubs in EPL needs to have about 18-20 players who will get a significant amount of game time. However, when you have a large squad of players as we did have at start of this season there are going to be fringe players who are going to be disappointed. Arsenal wanted to shift out of club Ozil and Sokratis, but without success and ultimately they decided not to… Read more »
ES Not saying you are completely off on your assessment of Saliba not yet fit for the PL. However, Saliba could have been very close to being ready for the PL and 100% ready for the cups including the EL cup had Arteta decided that Saliba had the wrong attitude. If we had chosen say Rafa instead of Arteta or Carlo they would have handled things much differently according to their experienced gained during their career. I would have been happy with Rogers as our manager at the time and he’s proving his worth now. When he can sustain that… Read more »