Let’s talk young players.
William Saliba had a run out in Europe against Galatasaray. It’s interesting to actually watch his impact on a game over a 90 versus the curated hype videos. His passing is fantastic and fairly measured. I don’t think he’s quite as ambitious as Ben White, but he has that in locker. I think his best attribute is his calmness in one vs one situations, he’s certainly no lunger. The thing he needs to work on is his passivity as a defender, I don’t mean fighting players or standing up for himself, I mean that fire that Gabriel and White have to snuff out danger and rifle into the back of players with a press as soon as a pass moves. That’ll develop, no doubt, but I think he’d have arrived there faster if he’d taken a loan in the Premier League. I’m still caught in two minds as to what was best for him… but really, hard to argue that 40 games with Marseille is better than 12 with Arsenal. He’ll come back ready to bang.
I also took in some of the U23 game against Brighton. The kids did a really good job. It’s clear that Balogun and Patino are miles ahead of everyone. Balogun pulled off an outrageous piece of skill to win a penalty and his execution was cold as ice. He’s quite a way off fighting for a first-team place, he needs a loan in Championship where he’ll get minutes, accrue some battle scars, score some goals, and adapt to the physicality he’s really lacking at the moment. Patino is a dreamy player, his movement is outrageous, he’s 3 seconds ahead of everyone else, and his passing range is simply stunning. U23 looks too easy for him. His launched pass is a thing of beauty, you just can’t believe a man of that size can hit the ball with such power. The reality is he’s a little light for the Premier League right now. A bit like Billy Gilmour was last season. He needs to fill out if he’s going to endure the rigours of the league. But he’s still very young, that’ll come, and I’m sure that’s why he’s not on the bench right now.
All three names I just mentioned are going to the first team at some point. Arsenal has so much talent coming through. The best thing about this summer strategy is the more chances we give to young players, the more elite young players will be willing to push for a move. There’s a reason Haaland went to Dortmund. He knew they’d develop him, we need to be that club for the Premier League when everyone else is sticking to older.
Arteta took a serious tone in the press conference. I think he’s likely acutely aware that there has been a little bit too much joy from the fanbase this week and the players could easily slip into complacency. Beating Spurs won’t feel quite as special if we drop 3 points at Brighton away. They are a good side, they’re where they are in the league because they deserve it, Arsenal needs to show up with energy and purpose.
The good news is Bissouma is going to be a late shout for selection. It’d be nuts for Potter to risk one of the best players in the league so early in the season, but we’ve seen crazier things. If he’s out, that’s good news for our day. They just aren’t the same team without him making things tick over.
We’re without Xhaka. His injury is serious. Young players need to step up. Thankfully, the choice this season isn’t Ceballos. The man who will likely land the nod is Sambi Lokonga. I think we’re all on board with that power move.
Some Arsenal Stats through Week 6 thread
Arsenal Final Third Entry Passes per 90, – 2021-2022
I think Partey can handle duties as the main guy getting the ball forward with the support that Arsenal has been able to add behind him. pic.twitter.com/MaFSGfzbyU
— Scott “says soccer” Willis (@oh_that_crab) October 1, 2021
As you can see from Scott’s thread, Granit Xhaka is pretty decent at a few things, and knocking the ball into the final third is one of them. Sambi isn’t quite there yet, but he’s close. He has to use this next three months to adapt to the pace, sharpen his game, and make the time count. What I love about the Belgian is the ambition in his passing. He doesn’t take the easy option. He’s also far more mobile than Granit, his movement after he passes is so smart. There will also be minutes for AMN, another player that needs to make this bad news work for him. If he’s called upon, he needs to find that semi-final concentration. It’s great to have him back in contention, but this is last chance saloon, we need the best he has to offer.
The goalkeeping questions keep cropping up in the pressers. Bernd said he didn’t know why he was dropped. He’d clearly missed the regression in his passing, the lack of dominance in his box, and the mistakes. Also, Arteta said that he’d spoken to the player, which I believe. Bernd only has himself to blame here. This #1 position is now Aaron’s to lose. Let’s hope the England back-up keeper makes it count again.
What do we want tomorrow? A full force game of the new Artetaball. Nice passing combinations, some long balls, some sharp counter-attacks, some great stuff around the box… and contributions from everyone. This is a big day. The pressure of consistency is on. Are we up the challenge? We’ll see.
Tune in after the game tomorrow for an On The Whistle with Johnny and Matt. Have a great night.
First question that comes to mind 9is where was the consistency? We looked nothing like the team that beat the Spuds in 30 minutes. Stats read like this: Shots On Target: BHA 4 vs Arsenal 2 Shots off Target BHA 14 vs Arsenal 5 Blocked shits: BHA 4 vs Arsenal 1 Possession BHA 58% vs Arsenal 42% Corners BHA 8 vs Arsenal 6 I was hopeful all week after the NLD trying to see the good in the team rather than the bad in Arteta. We had no Europe game and a week to prepare with no injuries. So what… Read more »
Tony, luckily arsenal had less blocked shits 😂
Nigel I wish I had something to gloat about but I don’t
Unfortunately my boy Sambi had a bad game. We also didn’t win. I don’t take anything out of yesterday’s game except I’m very happy with a clean sheet. 1 goal conceded in the last 4 league games is fantastic. Long May that continue. Especially considering 2 of the back 4 are new as well and may need more time to totally adjust. If they are keeping clean sheets this readily so far that is *extremely* encouraging. Ramsdale as well has also been class.
Goober, yes, he is,
You are on here slagging the club. China couldn’t praise us after spurs.
What is the point?
Hahaha
You’re a funny man Pedro.
I don’t really mind the off performance yesterday. I said before the game my only priority was the points. I had a feeling we wouldn’t be as good as vs Spurs. Just because we were awesome once doesn’t mean that’s now our daily level. I don’t mind performances being a bit mixed but winning breeds winning and momentum is massive in football. Plus getting a win when you don’t play well is also a critical skill. So my priority was just get a win by hook or crook then hopefully the next game we’ll see another nice performance. 0-0 isn’t… Read more »
Goober, maybe, but I’m serious about giving benefit of the doubt the youngest team in the league.
As am I. But the coach is the problem
Pedro.
I really really think you need to go back and search for my posts after the Spurs game.
Please do it then come back and tell me I didn’t praise the club.
I lay nothing but praise at the team for the NLD. I described the auba goal as one of the most satisfying moments of the past ten years in this club. I lavished praise widely on every single player and I even said Xhaka had an unusually (lol) good game.
But don’t take my word for it, go and search for my comments.
Thanks!
China, maybe I’m wrong, but weren’t you chastised for picking on players post NLD?
ES you gripe because I correct you. Leno’s attitude as you stated otherwise wasn’t and isn’t healthy. Why because he told the club he wanted to leave before the season ended? Is that healthy to you? Sounds like a spoiled brat used to getting his own way and wanting out at the first sign of having to fight for his place. Ramsdale may have a lot to learn but he doesn’t seem the type to buckle after what he’s been through in the past few years. I don’t see him griping like a stuck pig Leno’s doing on a daily… Read more »
I think you’re confusing my Spurs reaction with what I said a few days ago which is that we shouldn’t act like just because the Spurs game was immense that it’s job done and success for Arteta now. Which is true. The league is 38 games. We’ve played 7 and are so far midtable. We’ve been absolutely fabulous in only one match this season. Are there lots of things to be optimistic about? Yeah I like the defensive unit at the moment. We’ve got loads of quality kids who I back and always cut some slack (unlike the older heads).… Read more »
Pedro I was absolutely not
I said the whole team was fabulous against Spurs
I’ve been unusually positive in 80% of my posts all week because of the feel good factor of that game. I absolutely LOVED it
The auba goal was a happiness I haven’t felt from arsenal since van persie scoring against Barca way back when
I think most people on here like our players. There will always be one or two in a squad you don’t like, but that’s the case with every iteration of the team. It’s not about the players. For me personally it would be a lot easier to buy into a “project” if there were actual targets attached to it. Otherwise, it just becomes a way to avoid accountability. And every time the club has been asked about that, they just talked about investing in youth. That should be a means, not an end. If I remember correctly Solskjaer got slagged… Read more »
Disappointed but not entirely unexpected. Brighton are a well coached team with some good players. We don’t want to hear it but we’re at that level at the moment albeit with a much higher ceiling. How young was our starting line up there!
In hindsight you could probably have made a sub earlier and we can’t keep on playing ESR, Saka week after week. They’ll burn out mentally.
I was brushing my teeth when Auba scored against Spurs and needless to say I resembled Ian Wright for the following 5 minutes
Orgasmic goal
Pedro
I’m sorry if I don’t live in your rose tinted castle where we are top of the table and arsenal under arteta can do no wrong.
Poor me, I’m so miserable for hating arsenal being in 12th position.
10 in 21. Wow. way to go.
You want to climb table, you pick up points.
You want to make excuses, you stay stick in mid table.
Simple AF.
Agree, Tony! Leno doesn’t want it
It’s scary looking at this team and wondering where the goals are going to come from.
We have now scored 5 goals in 7 games. If that doesn’t scream mid table.
Of course Pedro will say it’s 5 goals in 3 games. I don’t want to be the one to tap him oh his shoulders and go, “you know what mate,…”
So we’re still a mid table team at this time. That much is clear.
The verdict is still out on the manager for me. You don’t win the league playing as we did against Spuds. You win it by squeezing 3 points away against teams like Brighton.
This squad needs further investment next summer. Most of all we need to find consistency and a way of playing that can make the individuals secondary.
Pedro how tall are you?
I just saw a guy who looks EXACTLY like you walking around a shopping mall in my neighborhood. He was about 6’4
If you’ve come all this way to shank me for criticizing the club then let me tell you IT AINT WORTH IT!!!
China, open the door
Pedro,
‘Palace
Villa
Leicester
Watford
Need 10 points from that lot.
If we get 10 points from those 4 games, I’ll book and pay for a nice meal out in NYC for you and your girlfriend. I love your optimism but there’s no way we go 3 wins and a draw against those 4 teams. If we do, I’ll be so excited that I won’t even mind seeing the restaurant bill!
The supreme leader is vertically challenged, he had a tough time in school, think of a midget Harry Kane
Raptora
Has a mirror. And shows the mirror in the face. Under those circumstances that should have been the end of the arguments.
But schizophrenia is real putting your face up the backside and come up with shitty 💩💩💩 counters trying to salvage the prejudices.
Never let a man buy your girlfriend a meal, she will be his next meal
Any news on Saka’s injury? Anything serious? Has Arteta strategically pulled him from the English squad yet? Like Fergie used to do all the time…
Damn Sid, be quiet!!!!
Seriously Sid-I’m in L.A and Pedro is way better looking than me anyway (even with a couple of those dodgy haircuts). No threat.
Parking the bus vs bottom tablers has to be the limit.
10 points out of 12 is the new top of the table since boxing day.
It will fizzle out like a fart
bacaryisgod
Your cover’s been blown! 😂😂😂
On second thought, errr, sorry maybe that’s what you were looking for?! 😂😂😂
The longer Diet Pep is at Arsenal the more damage will be done,
The North London farmers know this, that why they let us win the derby
Nothing but 4 wins out of 4. That has to be goal.
No excuses Arteta…
Playing once a week and the players still can’t be bothered to turn up.
The current mentality at arsenal FC.
10 points out of 12 for the next 4 games will be amazing and would make me a firm tets believer
Let’s get through Paddy first though
He has palace looking not too shabby
They should have won against Brighton
10 points from 12 would be a very decent return but I don’t think that will happen since we struggle so much for goals. One half against Spurs aside we simply do not score PL goals.
With internationals, then all our games are late ones. I get to watch no live arsenal matches in all of October.
Cunts
Yesterday, was more an indication that Partey and Sambi weren’t used to playing together. The only way they are going to get over this is to play together.
As an Arsenal supporter, I want to see Arsenal improves. Last season, the performance was up and down. We all blamed it on the players. After money has been spent in the last TW, we thought that the team performance should be more stable. Instead, we are still see this big drop in performance from the NLD to yesterday’s game. There are people who called other supporters blind. If they don’t see that there is a problem with Arsenal, instead we should all just shut up, I can’t see Arsenal can return to its former glory. We should find out… Read more »
Good point Leeds! In fact, I’m so confident we’ll not get 10 out of 12 (although I would love it) that the offer of dinner has about a 5% chance of happening-feeling pretty safe on that one.
Tony
You need to grow up and stop constantly referring to me in your posts.
Frankly I am not interested in your opinions about me or for that matter your life history.
This is a Football and Arsenal website.
Nothing would fascinate me more than a good old fist fight between 2 senior citizen, who have a healthy bank balance and an Oliver Twist background.
The only thing I can find out now is that the team needs a true leader who can perform under all conditions and who can lead the team to fight. We found out yesterday that Auba is not a leader.
Spurs …Brighton…where’s the consistency??
Do me a favour!
Spurs were awful….utterly woeful, for 30mins, Brighton weren’t. What consistency are you looking for?? The opposition always as bad as Spurs were?. Had Brighton been that bad we’d have won the game in the 1st half again!
If the opposition isn’t terrible Arteta’s rarely takes the points. Even against teams like Norwich and Burnley.they had to miss a number of chances for us to win.
Sid
This is not a fight.
Bluntly I am not remotely interested in what Tony writes or says, but it is difficult not to
pick up comments about me.
When I post on this website I attempt to keep strictly to commenting on football matters and
it is rare for me to react negatively or personally to other posters on website.
The only occasion I have done so is when there is a continuous flow of negative posts about
the team, manager, individual players or personalised attacks.
We all know auba is as finished as his hairline, auba was the reason we weren’t threatening in attack, no one to hold up, once pepe and laca came the game changed, my poorest player was odegaard,
Yes Distanced hairline.
Ødegaard has really disappointed me yesterday. I was hoping that he is a leader in the team After all, he is the captain of his country. Instead, he played like the disappearing Ozil.
Arsenal had a poor game yesterday and the most glaring problem was the lack of pass completion. Far too many of our passes went astray.
Clearly Brighton put our young players under extreme pressure throughout the game and perhaps the weather conditions were also a factor, but the performance was disappointing.
Stroller
“The only occasion I have done so is when there is a continuous flow of negative posts about
the team, manager, individual players or personalised attacks.”
Which is 99% of the time..
“””EmiratesstrollerOctober 3, 2021 07:24:56
SidThis is not a fight.””””
I had a plan to start Sid boxing promotions LLC, sell tickets to Le grovers, some good money to be made.
What exactly are Arteta’s methods? Can someone please explain to me why, after winning four games in a row and confidence was up, he sets up a team to nullify the opposition, rather than scare them? Tierney is a prime example of what can happen to a player when you’re asked to hold back on your natural instincts. He doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. From bombing forwards and creating havoc on the left side he now spends most of his time jogging up and down or pstopping and going backwards. His engine has been removed. The picture of… Read more »
I wonder what Brighton’s pass completion rate was yesterday compared to ours. We were both playing in the same conditions you know!
Graham62 Hope yo ur son enjoyed try e game as much as possible yesterday, given the weather and the result. I got bloody soaked. A few Arsenal fans got arrested in the queues for the Brighton bound trains after the game, and sadly some homophobic chanting towards the Brighton fans, which I hoped we had moved on from in 2021. As for the game itself I have mixed views. On one hand I see it as a point gained as Brighton were the better team and could have won it with more cutting edge. I really like their left back,… Read more »
“Nothing would fascinate me more than a good old fist fight between 2 senior citizen, who have a healthy bank balance and an Oliver Twist background”
HAHA Sid!!!
I imagine Stroller to be tall and lean with an upright stance with steady but somewhat slow movement.
On the other hand, i picture Toney as short, stout with a slightly crouched posture and moderate fairly rapid attacks,
The fight will be ended by security in the organic veg section of Waitrose and declared a draw after medics give them the once over for fatigue.
The thing is, I watched Brighton get totally outplayed by palace in the week , with Brighton snatching a fortunate draw at the death. I think it’s fair to say that we were physically 2nd best against Brighton , as Brighton were against Palace.. If a team lacks physicality they will need to be technically better or they will struggle and technically we were found wanting.. It’s no coincidence that our 2 academy players had the best pass percentage , Saka and Smith Rowe were streets ahead of the rest when it came to ball retention and awareness of how… Read more »
Graham, I was wondering about KT too. He doesn’t seem happy but I’m not sure it’s automatically blame Arteta time. Is he carrying an injury, is his home life ok?
Pierre
There is little point in highlighting individual performances in yesterday’s game. The sad
fact is that most of the players underperformed.
My concern is that we are over reliant on youth in our team and that was exacerbated by the
loss of Xhaka.
We played yesterday with 10 youngsters aged 20-23. Personally I think that the lack of experience in team was a major factor in the performance.
The only thing to celebrate from yesterday was that we somehow got a draw and may even have nicked a win if we had a half decent striker
Ode and Auba were awful even by the standards of everyone else playing so badly around them
Brighton was at home, and up for the fight. We took a breather after a mountain of a performance at home versus Tottenham.
I’ll take that as an Arsenal fan… but like I said it’s four wins out of four for the next block of games.
If we do that we build up our momentum again.
I know guys like Diet Pep/Mourinho they have a way of sucking the joy at the work place.
Compared to guys like Wenger/Klopp
Diet Peps tactics are making all our FBs look bad.
Attack Arsenal on the flanks because the midfielders have JDP instructions to stick to their zone.
JDP with 40% ball possesion is charlatan tactics.
Someone tell Viera to unleash Zaha on the space between Tomiyasu and Benny Bianco
Quite simply the way teams play reflect their managers basic personality traits..
x 3 Examples of younger coaches.
G Potter and his superbly disciplined and organised Brighton side go hand in hand.
T. Frank and his effervescent and entertaining Brentford side go hand in hand.
(Nuno is dull and useless so its no surprise Spurs are the same.)
Arteta is a passive, cautious and a bland character, its then no suprise , we continue to play in this fashion into his 3rd season.
As for Tierneys regression,
Arteta was allegedly the coach who improved his players.
Thats what we were told and sold.
Eg Stirling at City.
Well he has not improved.
Leno
Tierney
MartinellI
Partey
Pepe
PEA
AMN
Willock
William
for starters.
Give him 12 months, and these new toys he has just purchased will soon be in need of repairs.
Bac I’ll go 50/50 with you on the dinner offer and throw in a bottle of bubbly
I’m closer in the east coast
Why aren’t you confident btw 😳
“We played yesterday with 10 youngsters aged 20-23. Personally I think that the lack of experience in team was a major factor in the performance.” Stop talking sense. A young team that has been put together a few weeks ago and we’re expecting them to go to a well drilled Brighton & win? This is why the moaners are playing a silly agenda game. I do not believe for one minute people who spend a lot of time forcing their opinion of how they are always can really believe a group of young players that have hardly played together can… Read more »
*how they are always right
AFC Forever I have to agree with you on that.
October 3, 2021 11:33:29
One incel racially offends Tomi and now it’s a symbol of all the “moaners”. What an embarrassing take even for AFC.
How embarrassing do yo have to be to take an incel opinion and throw it on top of a group of people like they have to do anything with that 1 single idiot. Give it a rest. How low can you get…