The Europa League last 32 kicked off to a fairly muted start.
Arteta rolled with the same line-up he used against Leeds United at the weekend. On reflection, that might have been a mistake. I felt like the game was leggy at times and we certainly lacked the zip we saw in our last 3 league games.
That said, the approach to the game could have been tactical. Arteta doesn’t have a one-size fits all and he’ll adapt to the moments. My assumption is that the lack of intensity might have been a choice. We totally controlled the game from start to finish. Arsenal didn’t need to fly at them and I suspect coming out of the first leg unscathed might have been on the minds of the coaching staff.
There was a lot of whining after the game, which I found odd. Not only did we control the game, we also had a lot of very big chances we fluffed. Odegaard had his most impressive game so far. He was very influential and he opened up Auba’s game with quick thinking and quality final balls. On a normal day, we don’t miss those chances… it happens. I’m not sure blaming Arteta for Auba missing those chances is sharp analysis.
I also found it horrifying to read people taking jabs at ESR after the game. The currency on the internet is to be the first for everyone so you can say, ‘I called ESR a fraud’, and it’s fucking embarrassing. Even though it was a quiet game, his running and off the ball movement was essential to all the good bits that happened yesterday. He can’t have a 9/10 every game, but just having him that 11 is so, so important. Perhaps some of the noise was shaped by the handball, which felt pretty harsh to me, but there we are.
We responded quickly, which was what was needed. A quick pass from Odegaard that found Cedric in space on the left, his accurate cross found Saka who finished with a fairly simple tap in.
Subs were questionable again, not because they were the wrong bodies, but because they came so late in the day. But, if you thread the decisions through the idea of total control, you can see why he maybe erred… because Gabi and Pepe aren’t exactly controllers in big moments.
I’d have started with them, particularly Gabi who deserves some minutes. There was still time to see a bit of Willian and Mo, but this time, they were only given 3 minutes. Safe bet. Subs are an art, it’ll take time to master them, but at least they didn’t cost us anything this time.
1-1 in an away leg on a European night isn’t a terrible start. I don’t think Benfica are very good and if we replicate that performance in the next game, we’ll cleanly win the game. We will need to be at our best though.
My thought are on Sunday. That was basically our first team out there. What is Arteta going to do against Manchester City? Surely he can’t go with that starting 11 again? Who comes in? Control is absolutely essential against the most dominant team in the league… but hey, if there’s any team he’s going to have a clue against, it’s City, so let’s see what happens.
Right, short one today, if you haven’t already, take a listen to the podcast I did with Touchy Gooners below.
Socrates
Mate, I still enjoy reading the comment section, especially when it goes off topic and people are just getting along talking about a subject they have in common.
Hardly do i read comments that make me dive down to the text paragraph to vent or rant at them. But I do my part, because I’m part of the blog and we all have to occasionally chip in with something 😅😅 even if it’s not interesting.
China1February 20, 2021 07:32:14 My only guess with arteta is he didn’t join a major club until he was 27 or so and he’s at pains to see 19 year olds getting lavished with praise at this level when he didn’t get that much admiration even when he was the team captain. I’m honestly not sure what else it could be that seems to bother him China There’s something there with certain young players, without doubt, but he played for psg and rangers as a young lad and Everton are no small club. They were in Europe for most of… Read more »
Tony
If ralf rangnick comes in, I wouldn’t mind having him as the head of football. He is someone with a short and long term vision that would revolutionize the club.
We never seem to act when the time is right. Look at chelsea, tuchel was available and the next thing you know, lampards out the door.
We need to be ruthless like that. Change course when something isn’t working.
China
I think it’s more do with favourites. He has players that he likes and players that he considers outsiders. AMN, Martinelli, Guen and co are in that bracket.
Nothing wrong with having favourites but there comes a point when logic has to make way to likability.
My balls are killers anyone like to smell?
I think that the final mass clear out of players will take place this summer and that should generate a considerable transfer budget albeit that most players on the list will sell for modest transfer fees in £10-20 million range. My guess is that the following players will leave: RUNARSSON probably on loan [By all accounts Okonkwo in U23s is outstanding GK prospect] CHAMBERS. No logic in keeping him KOLASINAC Probably released on freebie to get wages permanently off books. TORREIRA GUENDOUZI WILLOCK MAITLAND-NILES NELSON LACAZETTE NKETIAH or BALOGUN I have omitted from list of departures Ryan, Luiz, Ceballos, Odegaard… Read more »
Tony
Good morning.
I have the same concerns.
Stroller
You forgot Elneny.
Arsenal are never going to improve if Arteta’s “modus operandi” continues to be …Luiz,Bellerin and Xhaka slowly passing the ball backwards and sideways amongst themselves up until the point that they then give the ball away or pass it to a colleague who is immediately closed down by the opposition and forced to begin the cycle once again. With the introduction of ESR,Saka and now Odergaard there are certain occasions where the ball is moved around at the right pace and with the right intent but these moments within the game should be seen to be the majority of the… Read more »
Winthorpe
I would offload Elneny, but Arteta continues to use him so I omitted him from list.
All the players listed are either loaned out or not getting game time in first team. So they are
clearly unwanted.
I have also not listed Saliba. It is still unclear whether there is a pathway back to first team squad for this player.
The first time I saw Martinelli, I said to myself “Wow, this kid is special” Yes, he has his flaws and apart from his obvious talent and insatiable appetite to win, the kid has that special ingredient that makes me believe he will go on and be a superstar, whether it’s with us or another top club. You see, Martinelli frightens opponents. When he gets the ball, you expect something to happen. On top of this, he fights like hell for his team. Ok, he may have got out of position once against MU the other week but he fought… Read more »
Stroller
Yes we keep hearing our squad is too big but Arteta really only uses about 18 players regularly
Laca makes the list but Elneny doesn’t..
JamieFebruary 20, 2021 09:31:20
Laca makes the list but Elneny doesn’t.
I was thinking that
Laca is old. He is still worth something. He has only one year left in his contract.
Leno is a very good short stopper. But his ball delivery is so boring. He needs a lot of time to decide. After that, his long ball still landed no where close to our player.
Without Partey, Xhaka is back to the version that Marc hates..
I think that Lacazette will be sold on three counts.
First because he will be in final year of contract next summer and there well still be demand
for his services in £20-25 Million price range
Second he will have reached his 30th birthday and his performance level is no longer at top
level.
Third I think that Arsenal will want to freshen up strike force with younger players who
will add more energy and will cost less in wages.
“The first time I saw Martinelli, I said to myself “Wow, this kid is special”
Brought a big smile to my face when I first clapped eyes on him.
Martinelli, Saka, MO, KT, ESR, Partey, Pepe, Azeez are the future and of the right age to develop together. Certainly some talent pool.
The manager that does that and add whatever is missing will be firmly on the right road to challenging for top honours again.
Light at the end of the tunnel me hopes.
Tony
Dont forget Balogun and Holding
The makings of a great side there
Winthorpe
They fit along with Gabriel and Saliba.
What manager wouldn’t want to mold them into a team?
Bet Overmars would be happy to apply his Ajax experience, bring Bergkamp with him, and would be sure to know who to replace Bellerin with.
There are some excellent options out there that if brought in now could make a difference by the end of the season.
Arsenal is a job too soon for Arteta. He chose the baptism by fire route and sadly got burnt.
Tony
Well he’s certainly got a great core of supremely talented young players to build a dynasty around.
There does seem to be an agenda against Arteta. The team he sent out should have won that game at a canter but our most potent weapon fluffed his lines. To be fair it can happen to anyone, we move on.
Agree the comments in social media against ESR shows how fickle some fans can be. The players are not automons FFS.
This match (and without Tierney and Partey too) shows we’re going in right direction, squad still not right, needs a few goings and comings, (maybe two more transfer windows) so more than happy with the big picture 🙂
Are they free Sid?😏
Arsene…..Oops!, I mean, Le Professor. No, I think what it is is that despite the obvious talent in the squad, there is something that doesn’t sit right with many fans as to how Arteta is going about things. Decisions have been made and continue to be made that don’t make sense. The next two games are massive, yes, even tomorrow’s. Team selection will be pivotal and although I don’t expect us to beat MC, I do expect us to put up a good show, irrespective of the crunch game against Benfica. To be honest I’d love to see Martinelli start… Read more »
Ems,you left out Bell end.Pretty sure this summer the Barca bandits will be sniffing about for the DNA.Bite their hands off.& prof 99% of social media are clueless dildos.
Why is it that arsenal are sold a process, but every other team has managers that are expected to get the thing working right away?
Where’s the process at West ham, villa and Everton?
We weigh up the other managers with apples, but arteta gets grapes as his makeweight? Why is arteta being handled with the kiddy gloves? He’s managing arsenal FC.
Socrates
Your right why should Arteta have as much time as he wants to use the club for his CV.
Emery didn’t get more time and currently he did better than this clown.
On Thursday they could have won the game but obviously Arteta has no faith in his players to express themselves and go to win the games.
We simply cannot wait three years in hope he will come good, because to date he is clueless
SpanishDave
“Arteta has no faith in his players to express themselves and go to win the games”
So true.
It’s his teaching methods that I’m questioning.
Kris I am just reporting the fact. The reason so many fans criticize Xhaka is because he has made our game slow and boring in the past. It gives the opponent time to set up the defense.He has improved a lot while Partey was controlling the midfield. But last game, he has to carry the midfield load. Our midfield became slow and boring again. Our offense looks much better though. Yesterday, I have watched Leeds game. They moved the ball very quickly from back to front. That is so enjoyable to watch. I admit Arteta has a better defense than… Read more »
Kris
Have you forgotten that Xhaka told the fans to Fuck Off????
Xhaka is arteta’s main man, that means he’s allowed to flip off the fans who pay his wages.
We’re also supposed to forget that he flipped off the fans otherwise we’ll be accused of being negative.
How xhaka is still at the club is a mystery itself, but until that gets questioned we will be in this mire for a while yet, where all standards and principles are forgotten because the good looking Spaniard has convinced people that he’s actually a good manager.
OTD 1999 – Arsenal 5-0 Leicester.
Anelka hatrick, Parlour brace, and just the 4 assists for Bergkamp.
Anelka in almost unstoppable form, but already looking moody in perhaps a prelude to his departure that summer.
Anonymous CommentatorFebruary 20, 2021 11:44:21
Why is it that arsenal are sold a process, but every other team has managers that are expected to get the thing working right away?
Where’s the process at West ham, villa and Everton?
AC
Bullshit
Liverpool, spurs, Southampton, Manchester United. All long winded routes to relative levels of success
West Ham’s form is an unexpected bonus. There was never anywhere near any expectations on Moyes Everton have money and ancelotti. Not a novice with over half a squad of over paid underperforming misfits to deal with. Their board rooms are settled when Arteta has had to work with Raul fucking things up and now Edu who’s also a novice, months after getting rid of 3 managers as well as mislintat Villa’s manager was only expected to beat the drop. The fact that he’s done such a great job in such short space of time doesn’t change that there is/was… Read more »
Xhaka is useless always will be. No other team in this league has a static mule like him in their midfield. Not one.
Only at city and Chelsea is immediate success expected and even then, Pep was given a season and £300m to find his feet
This Tuchel character looks a right fucking cock, and a whining one at that
Anonymous CommentatorFebruary 20, 2021 12:40:16
Xhaka is arteta’s main man, that means he’s allowed to flip off the fans who pay his wages.
We’re also supposed to forget that he flipped off the fans otherwise we’ll be accused of being negative.
The fans deserved to be told to fuck off. Booing their own player off the pitch like a bunch of self entitled morons. The only other fanbase i can think of that treats their players as badly are at Real Madrid
Southampton has just scored a nice goal.
Minamino with a quite brilliant goal there. saints 1 up
Winthorpe, the fans can boo whomever they want. If a player constantly plays like crap, he needs to be made aware of it. If Xhaka doesnt like it, he can take his talents elsewhere. I used to boo the TV whenever that muppet Eboue would run aimlessly forward and flop into the box for no reason. I absolutely hated the sight of him.
Chelsea is missing a striker who can score goals. They pass the ball around beautifully but can put the ball into the net.
Not sure why Tuchel would leave jorginho out of the chelsea side .
He is the master at controlling the game, i expect to see him on pretty soon in the 2nd half.
Winthorpe, the fans can boo whomever they want. If a player constantly plays like crap, he needs to be made aware of it. If Xhaka doesnt like it, he can take his talents elsewhere. I used to boo the TV whenever that muppet Eboue would run aimlessly forward and flop into the box for no reason. I absolutely hated the sight of him. Bollocks The fans can boo whoever they like but the question is wether they SHOULD do. And who decides what’s crap? You? 😂 The majority of fans would never behave like that towards their own player, just… Read more »
no winthorpe you’re griefing. liverpool under klopp 15/16 – 8th 16/17 – 4th 17/18 – 4th 18/19 – 2nd 19/20 – 1st do you see the difference between that and us over the same time period? 2nd 5th 6th 5th 8th how clear of a regression needs to be painted? we’re gonna finish worse than 8th this season with footballing giants west ham, everton and villa ahead of us. man united 5th 6th 2nd 6th 3rd spuds 3rd 2nd 3rd 4th 6th these are teams who arrested regression with new managerial appointments regardless of the outlay required to get rid… Read more »
VAR referee having a shocker in the Saints vs Chelsea match. Can’t believe the drop in refereeing standards with zero ramifications. Quite a joke.
used to boo the TV whenever that muppet Eboue would run aimlessly forward and flop into the box for no reason
Haha
What a pillock. Who sits booing at their tele like a 6 year old at the pantomime.
winthorpe defending xhaka stinking up the place and flipping off the fans.
alright i’ll talk with other folks now.
do you see the difference between that and us over the same time period?
Ac
1) the season isn’t over
2) klopp inherited a squad which had just finished 2nd and should have won the league
3) he got £140m for the sale of coutinho alone. Arteta has had £75m.
Anonymous
The 2nd in a normal season would have been a 4th or a 5th.
Ac
You’re moving the goal posts
We are talking about being given time to build
Which klopp was. Now you’re dropping emery’s average league form like it serves your point; let me help you out here, it doesn’t
Le Grove gives so much to us all. An extended family get together for true blood Gooners. We have to thank Pedro for the efforts, for all he does. That’s why am appalled at the level of bending of the facts , both in the main and the posts by Pedro. Arsenal fared poorly against Benfica who were no great shakes. We scrapped with a 1-1 draw in a game we should have won on canter. Regarding domination of Benfica without winning is akin to ‘ if my uncle had balls , would have been my aunt ‘ Sorry to… Read more »
Winthorpe
Liverpool would not of sacked a manager that had just come 2nd the previous season, get your facts straight.
Solakjaer at United has a net spend higher than any other club in the world yet finished 6th last season.
That’s your example? Keep trying kid
Winthorpe Xhaka took over a minute to exit the pitch with 2:2 score when Arsenal needed the win. For someone who likes to throw “obviously you never played the game “ around as much as yourself, complaining about fans booing him for that is quite hilarious. You know how refs hurry players off the pitch when they perceive slow walking subs take advantage of the 30 seconds allowed to exit the pitch, well in Xhaka’s case the ref did nothing that’s how obvious it was he was acting against his own clubs self interest. I’m not one of the Xhaka… Read more »
The VAR decision making is going from bad to worse. Chelsea ought to be down to 9 men!
The technology is sound and a benefit to the game as a whole, but the rules need sharpening up and more crucially, the incompetents using it need replacing.
these are teams who arrested regression with new managerial appointments regardless of the outlay required to get rid of current managers.
we’re basking in the regression presented by arteta.
Ac
Really?? The regression was under Arteta? Sorry, we’re we not 11th when he took over?
worse yet, spuds are objectively failing on their targets this season and they’re still ahead of us after their form has gone out the window. arteta isn’t even going to match last season’s finish exclusively because emery started the season and got results that arteta proved he wasn’t able to get this season. AC Oh piss off! You’ve got to be on a wind up. Emery had the worst start to a season for 40 odd years then Arteta comes in and beats every big team in the premier league bar spurs, wins the fa cup and the community shield… Read more »
“Le Grove gives so much to us all. An extended family get together for true blood Gooners. We have to thank Pedro for the efforts, for all he does”
I would like to second that. It is really helpful during this pandemic where people are locked down at home or some recovering from COV-19 in bed. This blog gives us a pastime to kill off some boring time. Again, thank you Pedro!
AC
One of the few posters seemingly left on here that sees the continued slide towards mediocrity that so many on here are apparently oblivious to.
The mind set of some posters really does baffle me. We are quite evidently heading to a mid table finish. That would not be tolerated by the vast majority (rightly so) with any other manager in change, but Arteta gets a free pass from Pedro and many others.
Matt
“The mind set of some posters really does baffle me. ”
It is all Wenger’s fault. He brain washed the fans to accept Top4 as the new trophy. Arteta is going one step further. idk where is the new goal post now.
Matt
Yeah I’m wondering if we’re in an alternate reality where arsenal fans suddenly grew to accept true mediocrity. Wenger getting fourth was deemed elite purgatory wasn’t it. Anyone remember that?
Winthorpe
You’re full of bullshit when it comes to all things Arsenal.
Matt
The reason that Arteta gets “ a free pass” from so many is based on four main reasons.
1. He played for Arsenal.
2. He coached under Pep.
3. He is intelligent and speaks numerous languages.
4. He’s Spanish.
Have I missed anything out?
Don’t be ridiculous
Arteta doesn’t get a free pass. He’s been heavily criticised by almost everyone on here, me included. There’s plenty to criticise but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t positives
Trying to pass off Emery last season as anything tiger than the worst period in recent history is beyond pathetic and so very transparent.
@Winthorpe
Not bigging up Emery, but wasn’t it Arteta who’s had the worst start to a campaign in 30 years? Pretty sure it was. I agree the football under Emery , especially his last 3 months, was fucking dire, but in fairness Arteta ball isn’t much to write hone about either
Jens Lehman goes in two footed on Arteta and Edu
Wow!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9281441/Lehmann-says-isnt-sure-whos-making-decisions-Arsenal-brutal-assessment-Arteta.html
Sane nhas been poor every time I’ve watt him for Bayern. Never thought I’d rate Perisic or Coman higher.
*watched
Arsene Wenger on bein sports reminiscing about the past and giving his football knowledge for free…
Looks more relaxed and enjoying his time in Qatar with Andy and Richard .
If Arteta doesn’t get to the final of the Europa and finishes lower than 7th in the league he needs to be fired end of the season.
There’s a yardstick to measure him by.
Frankfurt 2 up
We has been slowly regressing over a period of time but Arsenal’s real demise began when they gave Ozil a massive contract and brought in Mhkitaryan, and then 5 months later employed Emery… Which buffoons thought this would work , god only knows. We basically had 2 players being paid over half a million a week playing under a manager who had no respect or understanding of their style of play and despite them both figuring prominantly during our 21 match unbeaten run, they were hung out to dry by the manager (along with Ramsey) after the opening 4 monthsof… Read more »
Dinn: Last man, hand ball… Will it be a RED?
The sooner Mertesacker is appointed manager the better for club and fans
Pierre when we lose ” you deserve what you get by forcing wenger out and employing emery”
When we win ” told you Arteta would turned it around ”
You also said the answer was Ozil ..lol
You not fooling anybody Pierre
Nice try though !
Tyag Some of it has been dire. I don’t deny it. So have many of his choices since taking over. But we have to remember that he’s trying to completely route out the weak elements of the squad and recreate it to suit his vision. While doing this he’s draining the negative attitudes and changing the culture of the squad throughout the financial burden of COVID. In his first ever job. He’s got a lot more work to do now than if he’d taken over directly from wenger. If he fails to reach top four next season then I’m happy… Read more »
G8
I never said the answer was Ozil , I said it wasn’t the answer to freeze Ozil out, and i was proved right .
We are where we are due to poor decision making , first by the club for giving Ozil that contract, 2nd for
Both Chelsea and Real wants to sign Erling Haaland this Summer. If Chelsea got Haaland, they’ll challenge for this league. Arteta is a fan of Ceballos and suggested after signing Odegaard temporarily last month that he is open to the idea of keeping him at the Emirates beyond this summer. Edu is currently working on deals to make their moves permanent in the summer. It would help Real to land Haaland and also stop Chelsea to get stronger.
Make this happen, Edu!
2nd by the club for employing Emery.
3rd by Arteta for his poor decision making after lockdown , of which there are too many to mention .
Graham62
The reason that Arteta gets “ a free pass” from so many is based on four main reasons.
1. He played for Arsenal.
2. He coached under Pep.
3. He is intelligent and speaks numerous languages.
4. He’s Spanish.Have I missed anything out?
5. He’s a pretty boy.
6. That immaculate hair.
Nelson
Unless there’s some scandiwegian bromance between the two in which Haaland is attracted to playing in Madrid precisely because MO is (back) there. Given what they each offer, they could turn Madrid back into the best team in Europe.
As things stand, I’d love Oder to stay in N7 because he appears to combine so well with our players.
Nelson Rumours are that Mbappe is their first choice and will be selling peripheral players to get him. That means odegaard and Ceballos. Ødegaard will have a year left on his contract and real are over a barrel so I’m hopeful something can be done there for reasonable money. Not sure I’d spend more than 20m on Dani C. Even that seems a lot for a back up midfielder when we already have AMN or willock. Could be a big summer for us. I’d love to see us land Ødegaard, a cmf player and a right back to push bellerin… Read more »
Pierre
You is another bullshitter when it comes to all things Arsenal.
Winthorpe
I’m not saying Arteta doesn’t get criticised. Even Pedro criticises him in some of his posts, but the criticism usually ends with something like’ He needs to learn quickly’. Invariably even when he doesn’t learn and commits the same mistake, the criticism comes, but with the same sort of caveat – ‘he is too intelligent not to learn’. Did Emery get this same sort of patience and benefit of the doubt? Would any other coach get the same benefit of the doubt? The answer in case you’re wondering is no.
Yes Pierre, everbody in le grove said that Arteta got it completely wrong deploying his negative 343 tactics and starving the forwards from any chances apart from crossing the ball to no man land
Auba still suffering from that
He is still mismanaging players like Pepe and Martinelle
He gave Nketiah more chances than he deserved at the expense of Baloguns
He played saka as a left back
He played Laca as no 10
Ozil would have added nothing to creativity and it was the only thing he did right, got rid of him !
Lewandowski talking Chipo-Moting through the game yet can’t make play. First PSG then Bayern what do these clubs see in Chupo-Moting? 😂😂
Winthorpe
Dortmund has a history to sell their best player, PSG not so much. Chelsea needs urgently a world class striker and they have money.
The biggest shame was Arsenal turning into a feeder club which it became under Wenger.
Pierre No my friend, the real demise started long before that. All that the Ozil debacle did was confirm just how bad things had become. Where were you when, as a fan, you’d sit through matches, thinking “ here we go again”? The acceptance of where we were and what we’d become was the reason for our demise. Deep down every fan felt this. Yes, there was exhilarating football on occasions but, ultimately, we failed to deliver. It was like climbing Everest every season and then realising, half way up, we’d forgotten the bloody tents. It was infuriating because with… Read more »
That was a great run by AMN, shame the attacker fluffed his lines
RR
First PSG then Bayern what do these clubs see in Chupo-Moting?
Probably what Stoke City also saw in him. 💩
AMN having a decent game for WBA today playing as a leftie inside forward.
Lockdown has reduced me to watching a game between teams coached by Allardyce and Dyche.
A slow day…
WBA should be winning, even with ten men.
AMN playing well.
AMN has fast initial few steps. He can tip the ball away from an opponent.
That’s because AMN is a very good little player and it would be stupid for us to sell him.
Ainsley has been mismanaged by arteta, but nothing is new at the Emirates anymore.
He’s not the only one that’s been mismanaged either.
And it might turn out that we actually need him for the season run in if we pick up fullback injuries.
Actually having to cross fingers hoping that bellerin doesn’t get injured.
AC
Bellerin is a real conundrum.
Doesn’t look comfortable with the ball at his feet, doesn’t look comfortable when the balls not at his feet, doesn’t look comfortable when the balls in his hands( throw in), doesn’t look comfortable when the opponents are taking throw ins. Doesn’t look comfortable running forwards or backwards. Have I left anything out?
Why am I saying “conundrum”, I mean he’s a liability.
AMN is the only player I’ve seen deal with Adama Traore 1 on 1.
AMN us bang average. West Bromwich Albion are just about his peak level. In reality he is a championship player
Graham62February 20, 2021 17:22:42
AMN is the only player I’ve seen deal with Adama Traore 1 on 1.
Graham
Sorted out Mahrez Salah kdb and whoever played right wing for the chavs in the cup final too
This is the problem with these so called gooners here. They see with their own eyes just how good a player can be and let their prejudices and agendas supersede their eyes