SOKRATIS SNITCHING?

by .

Bukayo Saka, you absolute beauty, rocking New Balance like peak Aaron Ramsey. The young superstar inked a new deal with New Balance and immediately leveled the brand up about 15 points. Good for him, let’s hope the new boots bring him many goals and many assists FOR ARSENAL SPECIFICALLY.

Let’s continue the news… Dino Mavropanos landed Rookie of the Month in Germany. That’s a nice accolade. No one saw his resurgence coming, bar the might Sven (gone too soon). It’ll be nice to have more centre-back options for next season. It really is imperative we don’t renew contracts of players that’ll stifle minutes of players that have high ceilings.

Talking of summer… there are reports that we’ll enter the battle for Hakimi this summer. One can dream. Think we need to be realistic which market we play in when it comes to right-backs, I have my doubts it’s for someone of his quality and price. Still, nice to be linked.

The focus this week is all about Olympiacos in the away leg. We head to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium to take on a side that’ll likely contain Sokratis. He’s been giving them all our secrets apparently.

‘let them fuck it up themselves’

… is probably the gist.

The game plan is clear. We’ll need two goals and a clean sheet. That’ll make the return leg comfortable, and honestly, for once this season, it’d be nice to just do things the easy way. Don’t get sent off, don’t play headed through balls to the opposition, don’t pass to their strikers, and take your fucking chances.

Last season, Auba missed an absolute sitter in the last minute of extra time, and we limped out of the competition. He really needs to pull out the big guns and give us some of that Auba magic. He’s finding form of late. I loved his goal at the weekend, but we need more of that.

Each game we progress in is another chunk of change that supports a better summer in a pivotal transfer market. I think the semi-finals is more than realistic, and providing we avoid a British team, there’s a good chance we do something interesting. The worry is Spurs or United over two legs. I tend to fancy us in a final.

We have to beat the Greeks though. They’re smashing it in the league this season, sitting pretty at the top by about 400 points, so this is basically a Champions League Group Stage game. It will be a tough game. I think we’ve lost 5 of our last 10 against them. I remember one of their centre backs (Morrocan?), a bald chap, having a worldie against us when they knocked us out of the Champions League way back when. We don’t need any such reruns on Thursday.

Also key for Arsenal… we need to put on a show against Spurs who have their leg as the home fixture. That game always has a residual impact on the mood of the fans. If we win the two games, everyone is happy, we lose, and everyone goes into pitchfork mode which will make it very tough for Arteta in the ground next season.

My view on the manager is this close of season is about fan capital building. If he puts on a good show, snatches some exciting wins, and progresses in the Europa, the atmosphere next season in the ground will be sexier. If we clunk to the end of the season, it’ll be tough for him.

Let’s see what he had this week. One final trophy to player for, let’s make it simple.

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Zimmie2652

Going

Zimmie2652

For

raptora

Bitch gonna snitch.

Zimmie2652

The

Zimmie2652

Tr4phy!

Press Box Gooner

trophy?

Zimmie2652

Raptora almost jacked up my first CL entry. Thanks dude. LOL.

Crimson

Hakimi too replace Bellerin sounds tasty. Roughly the same fees. As much as I love hector its probably best he goes.
Amavi on a free would also be a good move as back up to KT.
But rumours are just rumours.

Sid

The Saka photo has too much light

Dream10

Anyone watch Sociedad and Oyarzabal? Seen his name mentioned. Looked lightweight against Man Utd in the Europa League

Tom

Sid
If you just signed a lucrative shoe deal you’d be radiating all kinds of photons too
Funny but the yellow hoodie on yellow background would be my obvious sticking point,
but what do I know.

Tom

NLD is for bragging rights, EL is for all the marbles.
Win in Europe and losing to Spuds won’t mean much after a week or two.

TeeCee

According to Transfermarkt and another couple of websites, Mavropanos is out of contract this summer? Doesn’t matter how well he’s doing if that’s true!

Valentin

Did we not extend Mavrapanos by a year or two prior to sending him on loan?
Anyway I do not believe that Mavrapanos or Saliva will ever play for Arsenal as long as Arteta is in charge.
Same with AMN who has made it clear that rotting away on the bench is not something he intend to do, but Arteta does not see him as a midfielder.

Rich

Mavropanos contract runs with Stuttgart until this summer

He’s signing on with Arsenal until 2023

Guns of SF

Valentin

Why do u think they will not play under Arteta?

shad

Hoping we can unleash Martinelli. That’s all I ask.

shad

Whatever happened to Gabriel?

I hate Green Bay

Who thought yellow on yellow was a good idea?

Kroenkephobe

Pedro – Last time it was Europe (Benfica) followed by PL (Leicester) you predicted two victories. I was an unbeliever but it happened. I’m past looking logically at this team at the moment so I’m left to irrational superstition.

So get back on here man and write the words “I think they’ll win both games”. That might be our best hope. Oh, and if you can add “Kane for a red card after 5 minutes for two diving yellow cards” , that’ll do nicely.

Kroenkephobe

Has the ref’s name been released for the NLD? I can’t say there’s any I prefer, but there are several I’d not like to see.

Globalgunner

Sokratis just have to tell his new pals to rile up Xhaka and soon we will be down to 10 men in reality not just practically

Valentin

Guns of SF, Arteta has already stated that he wanted another CB, when they already have Saliba and Mavrapanos to come back from loan, that would make 6 CBs not including the one coming via the academy. So I fully expect both of them to be sold or going again on loan. Regarding Saliba, it is clear that there is bad blood and animosity between them. Despite his allegation to give people a clean slate, everybody knows that Arteta is not the forgiving type. Neither will back down. My view is that AMN, Saliba, Mavrapanos, Guendouzi, Nkethia, Willock, Nelson will… Read more »

englandsbest

I am being what most would call ‘unrealistic’. A gut feeling tells me Arsenal will reach the final, and may win it. No, not may, will.

Danny+S

I’d like to see Gabriel and Mari at CB together. Gabs pace and Maris leadership would be a great combo. Sadly due to them both being left footed and having 2 CB the same foot is apparently now a crime, I doubt we will ever see it under Arteta.
I bet he would play Cederic next to Mari before he played Gabi there.

Danny+S

Englandsbest

If by some miracle we avoid MU and spuds we will win it 100%.

Danny

Bye bye Juventus

Chris

Distinctly unimpressed with Pirlo’s performance as Juve coach thus far.

Vintage Gun

“Hoping we can unleash Martinelli. That’s all I ask”

The name sounds vaguely familiar…

Dissenter

“I am being what most would call ‘unrealistic’. A gut feeling tells me Arsenal will reach the final, and may win it. No, not may, will.”

Your gut must be filled with unique Arteta-flora
Take a probiotic of reality

Ernest Reed

“My view on the manager is this close of season is about fan capital building. ”

Bang on, Pedro. The best way to keep supporters off your back is to simply win. It would not be unfair to suggest that if supporters were in the stands this season, Arteta would be hearing it often and loudly.

Ernest Reed

“Has the ref’s name been released for the NLD?”

You just have to know its going to be the Idiot Dean, Kroenkephobe.

Ernest Reed

“Same with AMN who has made it clear that rotting away on the bench is not something he intend to do, but Arteta does not see him as a midfielder.”

After watching him this past Sunday against Newcastle, he’s not a midfielder either Valentin.

salparadisenyc

Rabiot… so over rated.

China1

Hah Danny agreed

Zimmie2652

Rabiot is so incredibly slow and ponderous, more so than Xhaka.

China1

Martinelli? Who’s that?

Biggles

Dear Pedro,

Would still like to know what you think the point of no return for Arteta will be, since nobody believes you can be rational towards him.

Love Biggles xoxo

Tony

“Mikel Arteta set to give Edu new transfer task as Arsenal face striker exodus

Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun could all leave Arsenal this summer leaving Edu and Mikel Arteta tasked with finding a replacement in the transfer market”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-news-arteta-edu-23638143

Why let them go and have to buy replacements.

Neither player has had enough game time to make a decision, especially Balogun who has had even less than Eddie.

China1

Tony for Balogun I am disappointed as I think he’s just been poorly handled. We’ve asked him to sign a new contract but without bothering to sell any sort of serious dream or plan to the kid. Sit on the bench like Martinelli and hope one day you get lucky with injuries isn’t exactly an exciting idea for a big prospect Meanwhile for Eddie I’m torn. I think he’s the kind of player who did enough at youth level to say he could do things in his career but he’s physically and technically far far away from looking like a… Read more »

China1

biggles the answer is when we are ejected from the football league and dissolved as a football club!

Gonsterous

Eddie will be around in a couple of seasons. He’ll play for a mid table team (maybe arsenal then lol), as he will have matured by then, not world class (like Anelka was for bolton), just in and around, occasionally scoring goals and winners. That’s his level. Martinelli on other hand, will most likely join a mid table team from us, and then be bought by chelsea or utd. Or he may leave arsenal to juve for a free, and then come back to the PL to play for chelsea or utd. Difficult to predict where balogun will end up.… Read more »

Gonsterous

I don’t really know where arteta can strengthen the squad this summer.A MF sure, other than that, it’s mostly to add depth. He has a world class striker in Auba, who is not playing in the correct system. World class shot stopper who is being forced to play to his weaknesses World class MF in partey who can’t survive 60mins cause arteta needs him all over the pitch. World talent wingers in pepe and saka, who can only improve. Great prospects in saliba, ESR and Martinelli. Above average CBs in mari, Gabriel, and Holding maybe a new RB but we… Read more »

Gonsterous

If I was mikel, I would get saliba, guen, and torr back and use them as back ups in cups and rotation. Give our own players game time as well as help increase their value.

Though I have a feeling the rookie will make a rookie mistake and instead of being grounded and realistic, he will try to shoot for the stars again, publicly asking kroenke to spunk the cash so we can get more 30 year olds and loan other average players.

Sid

PedroMarch 10, 2021 03:18:48
Biggles, I don’t follow the sheep and I’m usually right. At what point will your lying eyes catch up to the truth?

👏👏👏 this man deserves a Grammy

Max

Gons
Sounds like a plan, will Arteta go for it though? Hmm

Gonsterous

Max I think that depends on what arteta sees as the short, medium and long term goals for the clubs. If he wants shortcut solutions, like willian, and luiz then it’s not going to bode well for the club in the long term, because they will have no resale value and we will eventually have to replace them. This isn’t city with the unlimited finances and 50m player in each position. If he indeed cares for the club, then we would go about setting a good scouting team and look to bed in promising youngsters that have potential and help… Read more »

Tony

Chaina
“Tony for Balogun I am disappointed as I think he’s just been poorly handled. We’ve asked him to sign a new contract but without bothering to sell any sort of serious dream or plan to the kid. Sit on the bench like Martinelli and hope one day you get lucky with injuries isn’t exactly an exciting idea for a big prospect”

Totally agree.

Not generational is it?

More like no clue rookie!

Tony

Gons
Been enjoying your posts recently but have a question for this thought:

“If he wants shortcut solutions, like willian”

Shortcut solutions when Willian has a 3-year deal?

The Willian deal shows Arteta’s insecurities and lack of ability to improve people like Martinelli in wanting experience ahead of youth.

Also shows Arteta is poor at player assessments both in the squad and TWs.

In sum, Arteta is a cheque book manager and pale imitation of his master: Pep.

Tony

Not sure we’ll see the usual “Players already on their holidays” type of games to the end of this season.

All will be playing to get a larger share of the TV money and finishing positions’ payouts with the way most clubs currently haemorrhages money.

I think the run in will be far tougher than of pre pandemic years.

Tony

“Biggles, I don’t follow the sheep and I’m usually right.”

Oh Purleeeaaasssee

Gonsterous

Tony

It’s sad to think that emery did more for the youth than arteta at arsenal.

Gave saka his debut.
Gave guen his debut and recognized his talents
Gave martinelli his debut
Gave ESR his debut in the first team
Gave Nketiah his senior debut.

Emery had arsenals long term goals at mind when he was manager here.

Gonsterous

I think emery also gave AMN his debut and improved iwobi that we managed to get a good amount for him.

Arteta may have learnt the discard useless players habit from pep, because if you think about it, over the years, pep has discarded many expensive players and caused lots of loss to barca and city, buying, re buying and discarding till he can pull off tiki taka, we are not in that position financially yet arteta keeps trying get players thrown out for a small fee

Gonsterous

Tony

I have no doubt arteta is a cheque book manager, hence why he thought it would be easy to manage arsenal or any club, since the only solution for him is to have a system and then continuously keep.buying a player till they fit into that system.

Tony

Gons
Totally agree.

I can’t for the life of me understand Arteta;’s reluctance towards youth players, especially Saliba as he looks to have a high ceiling with the right coaching.

I feel it’s down to Arteta being too scared and lack of experience playing youth in the PL.

Gonsterous

It’s why he’s such a slow learner and keeps playing to his players weaknesses. Take ESR out of the equation and arteta ball becomes dull and boring again.

Also putting saka on 35k was bad move, when the likes of Luis and William command a huge Sum and martinelli is on 90k, eddie and co on 30k. Sooner or later, it’s going to make our best player on the pitch unhappy and May even contribute to his performance.

Tony

Gons
If you write a list of what Arteta does right, it would be a very, very short list, which obviously includes his extremely poor decision making process, in-game management, team selections and tactics incorporating the handbrake and slow transitions from defense to attack.

Goobergooner

Pedro, this is late. I’m trying to catch up the last few posts been a busy week 😂 “I guess that’s why we don’t have a Don at the club anymore. It’s also why I don’t care for Unai Emery, he knew why he was at Arsenal, so fuck him.” Don’t get me wrong here. I didn’t want Emery either. But I just don’t get the ‘agenda’ here. Emery deserved a shot because he had won 3 successive Europa league titles with Sevilla, and despite losing the title at PSG he also won everything else and then the title for… Read more »

Goobergooner

What I am not trying to say with the above is that emery doesn’t deserve criticism.

He needed to be sacked. Most likely earlier.

But it’s just bullshit you can hate the man just because he didn’t do what we all wanted/anticipated.

Captain Tierney

‘Meanwhile for Eddie I’m torn. I think he’s the kind of player who did enough at youth level to say he could do things in his career but he’s physically and technically far far away from looking like a senior PL player. Zero presence, physicality, poor first touch and no stand out features outside of work rate poaching and pace. But I suspect he will be a late bloomer. When he’s 25 my hunch is he’ll be a very effective PL goal scorer. I’d be very tempted to put him on a longer contract and loan him out and only… Read more »

I hate Green Bay

Really struggling with the Telegraph crossword this morning.

Goobergooner

Ihgb,

Whatcha stuck on mate?!😂

Pierre

Emery’s problem was he didn’t address the areas of the team that needed addressing…defence and organisation. He thought he had it sussed during the early unbeaten run and then made very poor decisions , he decided to flex his muscles and marginalise Ramsey, Ozil and to a lesser extent , Lacazette, …this was a big mistake. Arteta immediately addressed the weaknesses and we were better organised and better defensively and results were good. Sadly Arteta never learnt from Emery’s mistakes and decided to flex his muscles after the first lockdown, and made many poor decisions that affected our performances, and… Read more »

Arsnil

So nobody saw this second coming of Mavropanos then? Any of us who backed his case in the past were accused of banging on and being deluded. He’s just another case of a young talented lad who never got a proper chance. That’s bad enough but to have other older and clearly less talented players take the position you should be in us just falling and desperate for your confidence. How much longer will Balogun and Martinelli wait patiently at the end of the queue
I’m delighted for Mavropanos and just sad that he’s not strutting his stuff with Arsenal.

Sid

Diet Peps benefitted from Freddie Lu’s immense coaching and restructuring

Kroenkephobe

Ihgb

Here’s a suggestion – stop reading and subscribing to the rabid, swivel eyed loony hate rag that is the daily pretoriagraph. Guardian crossword is easier and the content is slightly – only slightly – less right wing. Both are shit for football coverage.

Doesn’t surprise me in the least that it’s your choice for so-called news! 😜 The thinking but naive reactionary’s Daily Mail.

The Bard

I agree with all the gloomsters. The club has been in terminal decline since we sold Martin Hayes to Celtic in 1990. Arteta knows nothing. Why aren’t we playing all the talented youth players. Can’t believe we sent Saliba on loan and sold Emi instead of Leno. We should have stayed at the old Highbury. I blame climate change and the introduction of decimalisation.

Emiratesstroller

Arsenal are unlikely to qualify for Europe next season, which I think is a good thing as I have expressed on several occasions in the past. The club has struggled to cope with playing on Thursdays and Sundays not least because of the fixture scheduling in EPL. However, Arsenal do need to sort out carefully their transfer planning for this summer. It is imperative that the club “improves” its starting X1 and that means upgrade in at least 3-4 positions. If we don’t play in Europe then I believe that the size of the squad itself can also be reduced.… Read more »

Jamie

Hard to believe anyone genuinely believes being out of Europe next season is a good thing for the club.

We’re on track to lose £200m over 3 seasons. Forgoing EL revenue (£30m?) doesn’t marry up with the need to ‘upgrade in at least 3-4 positions’.

We simply can’t afford not to be in Europe, imo. And we also need to trim the squad. We should be walking to the semis at a minimum. That we’re struggling in the early rounds with senior players is worrying.

Kroenkephobe

Hi Bard

Nice one. I had to read the sentence about MH twice for the ironyometer to kick in. I think covid has made everyone a little more pessimistic but things are on the up (at glacial pace) and we’re nowhere near as bad as we have been at various points since post ww2! I think the club does itself no favours by being so opaque and secretive.

Strange player Hayes. A potential fan favourite who suffered from not being as technically good nor committed to the cause as Rocky.

Davey

is it me or does Merse look older by the day? Soon he won’t look out of place in an old age peoples home wearing a nappie

Sid

Diet pep signed the wrong Dane

Goobergooner

Bard,

I took you seriously, until you started your overly sarcastic posts while propping up our worst season in quite some time.

If we were actually winning I’d take your over confidence; but it’s actually quite the contrary.

We suck this season. Worse than we did under Emery.

Hip hip hooray for the hipster manager achieving worse than Emery.

Gonsterous

Sid

Are Norwegians regarded as danes? I’m confused.

Need an explanation for free please.

Goobergooner

Hahaha gons I was thinking the same thing

SpanishDave

Gonsterous
Norwegian, Swedish, and Fins are known as Vikings.
The Danish were historically Danes but the invaded us at the same time as the Vikings.
The word Viking means pirate from old English which is Anglo Saxon.
We have a little of all this blood in us.

Mb

I will choose Freddie over Mikel any day.

The Bard

Goobergooner, trying to lighten the mood mate. These are not times to be wailing about underperformed football teams. There is more serious stuff going on. I dont have a problem with constructive criticism but very little of the negativity on here offers viable alternatives. I’ve posted before the jury is out on Arteta. He needs a bit of time. Lets see how the summer window and the early season goes before calling for his head.

Le Sauce

Quite interesting from diamond eye …
https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1070208043?-19387:844

Le Sauce

‘My personal opinion remains that Matteo would still add some extra qualities to Arsenal’s midfield, like Lucas could. Their market values increased hugely after their debut season.’
Therein lies the issue.

Le Sauce

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sven-mislintat-arsenal-transfers-aubameyang-23659202

This ones for Valentine and Pedro.. I thought Don Raul signed all the dross except Guen and Saliba?

Sid

@Gonsterous, European tribes are confusing, angles, saxons,
I was impressed with how Ragnar invaded that island, did his homework well, knew the inhabitants have never won any fight.

Le Sauce

“The team went unbeaten in 22 games in all competitions, made it to the Europa League final and finished fifth with 70 points.

“You can say that’s not good enough. But many teams would love to finish fifth now”

Diamond eye is on to something with this comment. Probably a know nothing

Goobergooner

The bard,

Can’t knock you for that mate.

I’m one of those gloomers (don’t mean to be, just how I feel about the current situation *covid doesn’t help haha*). Just seemed to come across a little condescending.
Didn’t mean to take it out of context.

Uwot?

Bit of a negativity love in from the usual suspects.Perhaps just sharpening their knives for a warm up pending next two results I’m betting.

Sid

Diet pep fanboys already trying to twist the blame on fans

Habesha Gooner

As of now we would need to sign A CM, a CAM, RB and a LW in my opinion if Lacazette, Eddie, Bellerin and Balogun leave. Martinelli can backup Auba at C.F and we would phase out willian while making nelson the backup at LW. We would also need to sign Ryan permanently and we also need a backup LB. That also would mean we would have to put up with Xhaka and Elneny for another season as squad players. There are assets to sell this summer. Eddie, AMN, Lacazette, Chambers, Guendouzi, Torreira and maybe willock. We just have to… Read more »

China1

Uwot? Arsenal are in 10th after 27 games. I’m fairly sure there’s more than enough ammunition to shoot at Arteta irrespective of the next two games? Or should the fans only comment based on recent form? Our last game was a draw at Burnley…

China1

Not in the EL next season means Positives – less games Negatives -circa 30m in revenue lost. That’s like selling a few of our fringe players for free… -even less prestige -no back door CL route -the too many games issue is largely a moot point because the first 70% of matches are against pub teams that shouldn’t require more than a few first 11 players to supplement. That we don’t rotate enough is entirely the managers choice and fault. We have lots of fringe players who can’t get minutes in the PL, if you take the EL away they… Read more »

Pierre
Uwot?

China.As I’ve stipulated many times before but I’ll repeat.He ( Arteta) inherited a shit show.Not only does he have a rebuild job but it’s been made much worse with the clearing up operation.This regrettably with the ridiculous contracts their on takes time.ex ozil.So how long should it take 12,18 months,24 what’s the bar or the more difficult question .what’s realistic?

Sid

Prince Harry failed to attend classes on having a stiff upper lip

Rjm

I’m not sayn I’d like to see a Chelsea situation with our managers cause of the financial cost but I think Lampard and Arteta are comparable. They took a gamble on a rookie….it was clear it wasnt working……..they’ve corrected the error and some!. Why cant the people who run our club see this is not working with Arteta? .They only have to look at the table…… If they had changed 6 weeks ago we might have a chance of CL….too late now. If he pulls a rabbit out like b4 and wins Europa then he gets another season….otherwise he shd… Read more »

La croqueta

Whats realistic is we have one the most expensive front lines in Europe. Let alone the prem. Whats realistic is that the 3rd biggest club in English history should be above spurs west ham and flipping Leicester city. Whats also realistic is that.. we were better off supporting freddie. An actual Legend who needed encouragement and support from fans. He loves the club. And we just stood there and watched these players down tool him. Forget Emery. You don’t like him fine. You never wanted him fine.. but freddie. FREDDIE. They had the nerve to down tool an Acual bonefide… Read more »

salparadisenyc

Le Sauce,

Agree that Mislintat interview by Honigstein very solid, a real window into whats transpired.

La croqueta

Actual*

Uwot?

La croquets.I take your point.I get the frustration.But Whats the time frame to achieve all you want.Is it this season.like straight away?

China1

Uwot nobody minds arteta battling through the difficult bits of his job with a few bumps and scars along the way Clearing out ozil and chums, winning the FA cup etc. all necessary and not easy. He’ll get credit for that which he has earned What he doesn’t get is a free pass for making loads of dumb and baffling mistakes left right and center that defy even basic explanation And the list is seriously long. If he was getting almost all the basics right this season but we still weren’t quite there I doubt many of us would be… Read more »

China1

Not everything arteta inherited was a mess. -He inherited two good keepers and sold the better one. -he inherited an awesome winger in Saka but didn’t start regularly putting him on the wing until Christmas -he inherited enough money to buy Gabriel and Mari but Luiz has been a regular player this season, giving away penalties reds and the like – he chose to bring in Willian and that’s been a car crash which he keeps digging in for rather than picking the (at least) 3 superior wingers we have -he inherited Martinelli but fook that kid because reasons -he… Read more »

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