HUNGRY STRIKERS AND TASTY CARROTS

by .

Well, well, well… all those United fans laughing at our FA Cup situation, only to go and get knocked out by Middlesborough with a full-strength team?

Quite spectacular, wouldn’t you say?

The dream that Manchester United would just find a fancy manager and all their ills would be solved was painfully naive to start with. What you’re seeing up there is the output of 8 years without a philosophy. There are few people better in world football at reinventing clubs and putting in place all the necessary pieces needed to have a vision, but Ralf Rangnick isn’t going to be able to deliver that in 3 months, no way.

His philosophy requires 24 players to put their bodies on the line for the good of the team. It’s about pure aggression, relentless work ethic, and a dedication to the system. His success has largely come from unearthing talent, training them up under his coaching philosophy, and gifting them the platform to go on to greater things. He did it at Schalke, Hoffenheim, and later at Red Bull. He doesn’t believe in stars, he makes them.

He doesn’t have that at United. He has aging legends that literally can’t do what he requires of them. That is made worse by the reality most of them don’t want to do it. His young players think they are superheroes. The players that will do what he asks aren’t good enough.

Then he has to put 11 on the pitch and hope it works.

The only thing getting them through games at the moment is individual talent. Will that last? Who knows. When belief dips it’s very hard to get it back.

I think the era of ‘just add a new manager and it’ll all be better’ at the top end of the game has come to an end. Tuchel went to Chelsea and they are still the 3rd best team in the league by a margin. Conte doesn’t have a quick fix at Spurs and has spent his first 3 months there making sure everyone knows. Everton is a mess. Leicester is now a mess. Villa couldn’t recover from Grealish. The Premier League is harder than ever and it’s getting harder and harder to ‘just throw X manager into the mixer to sort it.’ The gaps between the teams are smaller, everyone has money, the managerial talent is far, far better.

Rangnick hasn’t been the silver bullet United fans hoped for. Antonio Conte spent most of his press conference lamenting the way Spurs go about transfers. He then said that his new signings would need time. Then he said, “The path in front of us is long.” West Ham went to extra time in the FA Cup to Kidderminster Harriers. Chelsea went to extra time with Plymouth Argyle. Both played first teams.

Remember a few days ago and everyone was absolutely sure we had no chance at top 4 because everyone else would get their shit together? Well, here we are, things aren’t that simple.

The biggest concern we have heading into the Wolves game in 5 days’ time is the lack of Tomiyasu in training ground pictures. He has issues with his calf, the club obviously don’t want to make it worse, so I’d assume he’s either camera shy, or a very big doubt for the Wolves game. No doubt Bruno Lage is planning for Cedric Soares, because if he’s on the right, we are painfully exposed.

The good news for the first game back is we will have Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka back in the middle. Those two haven’t had a lot of games this season, but they are without doubt the best partnership we have. The Xhaka brain farts always wait in the wings, but remember, he was part of a midfield that helped control Manchester City for most of the game, he’s more than capable of doing a job against Wolves.

The big question going regards goals. We are now creating enough chances. We output the 3rd most shots per game in the league and hit the target more regularly than all but 3 teams, that stat needs to convert into more output.

Gabi Martinelli wants reportedly wants the #14 shirt. Well, let’s see the goals if you want to take on that sort of responsibility. Mikel Arteta should use the number as a carrot, set him targets, make him hungrier than he already is. If we’re going to do something in the league this season, which we are more than capable of, we need players like Gabi to step up against rock-solid defences like the one Bruno Lage has put together at Wolves.

I also hope Arteta is working on Eddie Nketiah. He’s told us all season he delivers in training, is the consummate professional, and has what it takes… yet he gives no minutes. The occasional crumb he’s thrown is then microscopically analysed by fans and everyone says he’s shit. Fans are shit. I am shit. I do it. But beneath the misses, there is a player who broke the England U21 goal-scoring record.

More goals than DCL, Tammy, Kane, Theo, Welbeck, and Connor bloody Wickham. I’m not even talking just goals here, because appearances matter… he scored more goals per game, 0.94, which is outrageous. Only Mark Hately has a better goals-per-game and he played about half the amount of games.

There’s a player there. The question is: Is Eddie another Said Berahino? Or is he going to be spoken about in the same breath as Tammy and DCL for elite-level potential?

One thing is for sure: This massive deal he’s currently chasing isn’t going to come if he continues missing sitters. This starter position he’s looking for isn’t there at Palace, it isn’t going to be there at Newcastle, and who cares if it’s there in Germany because £90k a week won’t be with him.

From what I understand, the thing he’s really chasing is minutes, he just wants to play.

Making it at Arsenal is his best bet. Signing a new deal with the club would be the sharpest move. But he only gets that opportunity if he makes it count. To make it count, Arteta is going to have to give him a run of games. There’s no choice unless he thinks it’s a good idea to bench him until needed, which is a recipe for a miserable player, and a shit output.

The only good thing to come of having two strikers with deals running out is this: They both don’t score goals, if they want the promised land deals + minutes, that’ll have to change, because I don’t think the options they want are on the table with their current output.

‘Oh you’re polishing a turd of a situation here Pedro’

Maybe, or maybe I just have the performances of players with limited time on their deals seared into my brain.

Serge Gnabry, a nobody in world football, had 1 year left on his deal, no offer from Arsenal pending, went to the Olympics and destroyed it. Refused Arsenal when he returned. Now at Bayern, one of the best forwards on the planet.

Aubamayeng, heading into the last year of his deal, ups his output, leadership, and impact on the Arsenal squad. A consummate professional, the most clinical finisher in the league. Gets his mega deal.

Pre-deal: 29 goals

Post-deal season 1: 15 goals

Post-deal season 2: 7 goals + shenanigans (half season)

Mesut Ozil, the season before his deal was up:

Pre-deal -1 season: 12 goals, 14 assists.

Pre-deal season: 14 assists, 5 goals.

Post-deal season 1: 3 goals, 6 assists.

Post-deal season 2: 1 goal, 3 assists

Nothing makes you hungrier than the thought of going hungry.

I’m far more certain of high-performance with a deal running out than I am of a decent output after a fat deal has been signed and the Pina Coladas and Fortnite on the Xbox come out.

Our strikers gotta eat next season, how nice they eat is up to them.

RIGHT, that is me done, see you on the other x

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Graham62

Dissenter

Talent is easy to spot.

The kid should be a target.

Habesha Gooner

Is Spence the kid who gave Martinelli a hard time? He could be a useful backup to tomi, if so.

AFC Forever

Nigel

Agree. I was pleased when Emery left. After the embarrassing ELF when Chelsea should have won by six, the team tanked. Record shots on our goal. Once a manager loses the changing room he has to go. Our play without the ball was shocking. It doesn’t always work out. The hardest job in football is rebuilding. Anyone can walk into a successful team and manage. Artetas doing a great job, it’s not as easy as the armchair amateur fans think.

Dissenter

I wondered why Boro would send a talented player on loan to Forest who may be in the running fir those promotion play off spots.
Then the commentator mentioned that Neil Warwick [former Boro manager] had said that Djed is one of those players “that needs an arm around the shoulder”

Killroy-TM

Getting paid 7mil to leave the Arteta process, coming off the bench at a massive club with history. Having a chance adding to the trophy cabinet this season. Being in the CL place now NOT 2 points of or within splitting distance. PEA must be thinking he is dreaming or the footballing Gods are smiling on PEA. Looks like the fallout with Artits resulted in the generational one doing him a favor.

Dissenter

We do need to scout the lower leagues properly
Lots of good young players in the championship , England is surfeit with top talent at the moment.

WengerEagle

Most feeble attempt at retaining the Cup ever maybe.

4-1 absolutely flattered Leicester, easily could have been 5 or 6.

WengerEagle

Jaysus these lads being interviewed are just kids, 20 and 21.

Still remember how weird the feeling was seeing players born the year after me, by now I’d be a seasoned vet.

It’s a strange transition going from footballers being grown men and guys you look up to as kids to being a grown man supporting a bunch of virtual kids when you’re older.

AFC Forever

WE

I agree. Leicesters defending was really poor today. The occasion seemed to get to them. Thank god we’ve got fans back in the stadiums, it makes it so much more real.

AFC Forever

Senegal going for their first AFCON trophy. Will they do it? They’ve deserved to be in the final. I can’t take to Egypt, I certainly don’t like Salahs constant simulation.

WengerEagle

AFC Forever I feel like Egypt will shithouse it, they remind me of the Italians in Europe a bit in that they always rise to the occasion during AFCON (x7 times winners) and they beat two superior sides already in Ivory Coast and Cameroon through pen shoot-outs. Very strong mentality despite their lack of talent outside of Salah. Whereas Senegal have traditionally been the opposite, flatter to deceive in spite of their abundance of talent. Never won it as you say, those mental scars run deep and unless they get off to a flying start today and score early enough… Read more »

raptora

Barça president Joan Laporta on Ousmane Dembélé: “If we have to pay Dembélé until June 30th, we find it logical what Xavi says about using him”, he told Movistar. 🔴 #FCB “Let’s hope Ousmane behaves professionally”, Laporta added. @barcacentre Xavi: “I would like to ask the fans to please stop whistling at Dembélé. He is one more in the group – they did it today, now please stop”. 🔴🇫🇷 #FCB “We need to support our team, our players”. How can other clubs have issues with players but still doing what’s needed because said player could still help them when the… Read more »

Tee

“Does Laca score the goal Iheanacho just scored ? Probably not”

Of what use is the quality of the goal after the battering and pummelling?

Tee

Raptora, “”.How can other clubs have issues with players but still doing what’s needed because said player could still help them when the time comes, yet our man child just shuts the door and that’s it. No compromises. You fuck up, you are out. It’s such an inflexible and old style approach that is used by people with self-esteem problems when they need the respect of everyone around them. And it doesn’t work.” You ate too full of shite. This is another of your epic goof. They tried to sell him but failed. We wanted auba out and Barca came… Read more »

raptora

Tee,
Xhaka’s middle finger happened under the previous manager you dumb cunt!

Nigel Tufnel

Do we think Tielemans is checked out mentally? Not looking good lately. Also had that game where he gave away two penalties I think on boxing day.

Not the best sign from a guy either looking for a move or raise.

I know we had a guy here who always wanted him from way back…

Tee

“Xhaka’s middle finger happened under the previous manager you dumb cunt!”

If you ain’t a dumbest cunt you should know that besides that, xhaka shouldn’t be nowhere near our team but he is still there.

Only am idiot like you wouldn’t see what you are driving at. You were on here asking why kolasinac wws given chances to play but here you are exposing your inner bitter hatred towards Arteta. Busted flush

raptora

“If you ain’t a dumbest cunt you should know that besides that, xhaka shouldn’t be nowhere near our team but he is still there.”

What the fuck are you?

Tee

“What the fuck are you?”

Clear yourself and stop acting like an imbecile. In your attempt to do your usual madness in here, messed up.

William went against the e.ruke of the team and still played. Ozil was given a clean new slate until he finally messed up.

Posters can complain about no replacement for auba but you trying to make auba sale all about Arteta like you always do shows how agenda driven you are.

Isn’t it funny that you suddenly got your voice back after the Burnley match

Tee

High time a stay away from your mention before you draw me to your lowest of low of school.of thought.

Graham62

Watching the AFCON and in particular Elneny.

Very impressive.

Working his socks off.

0-0 at HT. Mane missing early penalty.

Killroy-TM

At the business end of the season, could Auba have helped us, could a loan of Morata have helped us looking at our Stryker situation, no doubt even if they would come off the bench and score. In the present situation you need to have so many things fall in place that is beyond believe, no injuries, no suspensions and plenty of goals from the two 3 goal strikers and more from the midfield. Good luck with that if we are finishing without CL football no incoming elite strikers and CAMs in the summer TW.. For 7mil PEA would have… Read more »

Pierre

AFC forever “Agree. I was pleased when Emery left. After the embarrassing ELF when Chelsea should have won by six, the team tanked. Record shots on our goal. ” Will just point out that we had more shots at their goal than Chelsea had at ours, so I’m not sure where the “record shots on our goal” comes from.. Possession stats, Passing accuracy and passes were even, plus I’m sure that in the first half we were denied the usual penalty when Lacazette was brought down, in fact we were the better team in the first half . Lost the… Read more »

AFC Forever

Kilroy + Rap All this revisionist stuff about Auba is just noise. It’s Bollocks even.You both know that. Nobody knows what he would have contributed had he stayed.. What we do know is he had been playing poorly. He was missing chances he would normally bury. He was turning up late. He did so for the NLD which is shocking. We also know he was supposed to be team captain; that comes with responsibility. It also a fucking privilege!!! He let the young players down. Based on what we KNOW from this season, he wasn’t contributing on AND off the… Read more »

Killroy-TM

Here is another twist in the upcoming summer TW and our search for a striker. In trying to get Dusan V. our elite TD Edu didn’t detect that he was used by Dusan’s agent to negotiate a better deal with Juve.

A real confidence boost knowing you have knewbs handling the TW business, but then to many this comes as no surprise.

Time Up

Egypt playing a young midfielder 23 yo with no international experience to mark Mane as they run out of full backs. And he’s keeping Mane quiet so far.

Talk about disrespect.

Killroy-TM

Don’t care if PEA would regain form just his runs and presence on the pitch could create concerns in the minds of defenders. However now we have his replacement a DUCk, sure it can score a goal but highly unlikely.

raptora

The certainty is we’ll be 0-0 like we were vs Burnley, and with 25 mins to go, we could have had Auba coming in. Auba could still contribute quite a lot. We’ll see how he does at Barca and have a talk if he’s done or not. 5 goals from him by the end of the season could have meant so much for us. It’s quite certain.

AFC Forever

Pierre

The record shot me on our goal, if you read properly, was not about the Europa Final. Which we were outplayed in.. It was about the terrible defensive set up under Emery. I went to most of the home games, including Frankfurt which was half empty with protest signs everywhere. I get frustrated with this agenda stuff because it’s like flat earth syndrome. For fucks sake under Emery we could not stop a 2 year old having his nappy stolen. Embarrassing how soft we were.

Bob N16

Kilroy, Edu and Arsenal forced Juventus’ hand. Arsenal clearly that we had a chance of getting Vlahovic, Florentina got their money, Juvencio got their man but had to pay more and earlier than they’d liked. Worth a try I’d have said, showed we had ambition and I’m confident we’ll spend bit this summer.
The relative success of last summer’s TW should I think give Edu some residual respect but I guess if you’ve already made up your mind….

Time Up

I wish Elneny would play for us like that.

Having great game there.

Senegal underperforming, missing setters.

WengerEagle

Like your stuff normally Raptora my man but think that you are dead wrong on Auba, he’s long been cooked.

And it’s always easy to say that if Auba was there we could have won the match when in reality, he hasn’t made much of a difference at all now for x2 seasons. The players that are missing are always made out to be better than they are.

WengerEagle

Getting rid of Auba was not a mistake, not replacing the void at all was though.

WengerEagle

We’re a week into February and Messi has just scored his 2nd league goal of the season, SECOND.

Even given he has been playing pretty well for them and been more of a creator/has hit the woodwork a record number of times that is still a bizarre stat to be reading given he was a goal a season machine for the past x13 seasons.

Time Up

I do not rate Arteta, but one thing he got right, changing Uncle Arsene’s culture and kick out Ozil, his mates and Auba.

Time Up

WE,

I think Eddie is better than Messi. He scored lovely hat rick against Sunderland.

WengerEagle

Have to feel a bit for Mane with the pen miss and Senegal.

Said before the game that I fancy Egypt to shithouse this. Pens again looks likely.

AFC Forever

Time Up

Yes. Without discipline you have nothing. I’ve worked in the game, you cannot allow indiscipline. It lowers the other players performance levels. It’ saps energy. It affects training. It’s always about the ‘group’ the collective. For years we complained about the cultural problems, we really can’t have it both ways.

Tom

Senegal/Egypt AFCON final pretty much sums up international football for me; the last thing we need is more of it.

raptora

“Getting rid of Auba was not a mistake, not replacing the void at all was though.”

Well that’s the issue I have with it anyways.

Tee

“Don’t care if PEA would regain form just his runs and presence on the pitch could create concerns in the minds of defenders.”

Like his runs and presence has been creating concerns this season in minds of defenders.

It’s high time people stop revelling in the past and face the presence. Past auba was one of the best in EPL while present Auba isn’t doing it as far as this season EPL is concerned.

My only concern is that we failed to buy or loan a striker and/or cm

AFC Forever

Tom

Yes agree. It’s been a poor AFCON. quality wise. Egypt remind me of the Greek team that won the Euros.

Tom

Does anyone really believe Auba’s punishment would’ve been the same had he been on 20 goals for the season with Arsenal firmly in control of CL places.?
This question for the none negotiable faction of Legrove

Tee

“I think Eddie is better than Messi. He scored lovely hat rick against Sunderland.”

Lol. You don’t mean this man.

bacaryisgod

love today’s podcast., plus Pedro’s rocking the retro Amish look circa ‘1985’s Witness’

WengerEagle

No Tom but the fact is that if you are playing out of your skin and are vital to the team then you get away with more and have a longer leash, that is life.

Auba was neither of those things since he signed on in 2020. We have in fact most of the time looked better in his absence since then. He was a £350k a week passenger that stopped scoring goals which is the only reason he was overpaid in the first place.

AFC Forever

Tom

You Arteta Out boys are so predictable. No point bothering to have sensible conversation. It’s the last thing you want. You just want to make everything about one man. You’re like a bunch of stalkers. It’s weirdly obsessional. If Arteta like Calzone pizza, you lot would spend months telling us what’s wrong with it!!! You all know it’s true.

Rambinho

Raps

If you think the reason we drew 0-0 with Burnley is cos we didn’t have Auba coming on for the last 25 mins you’re not really understanding our issue.

We couldn’t break Burnley down cos we had zero presence or influence in midfield.

You seem to have a fetish for ex players and managers pretty weak.

WengerEagle

Agree on AFCON though, it’s been a shite tournament quality-wise. No stand-out team or player even really aside from maybe Aboubakar.

Time Up

This AFCON final so boring, if they play another 3 days, no one going to score.

Tee

“Does anyone really believe Auba’s punishment would’ve been the same had he been on 20 goals for the season with Arsenal firmly in control of CL places.? This question for the none negotiable faction of Legrove” I don’t think so. But Ferguson made a mess of Beckham despite his gracious touch on football. Irrespective of your talent, a manager with his salt would still want to stamp his authority on the team. Question for you – wouldn’t you have complained of Arteta using auba instead of martinelli, if at the end of the season we end outside top 4 with… Read more »

AFC Forever

WE

In all seriousness, I wonder what went wrong with Auba? As you say he was top quality. It doesn’t matter how good you are if you have a bad attitude you will underperform. He went to AFCON & was caught partying & picking up girls. Wife problems?

Tee

*worth his salt*

Tom

AFC ha ha, first off I’m not Arteta out. I’ve never been.
Second, I’ve stayed out of the Auba in/out convo entirely and it’s quite telling that my first comment on the subject would get the sort of response from you, especially one that doesn’t criticize Arteta’s decision.

As you were.

Time Up

Mane should’ve second yellow for a dive. Salah is no show.

The two worst players by far.

AFC Forever

If Egypt win this on penalties it will sum up AFCON for me.

WengerEagle

AFC I honestly think most of Auba’s issue stems from a physical decline and I am surprised that most seem to associate it with him going off the rails. He has always been carefree and a bit of a free spirit/pretty far from your model pro. Nobody used to care though given he was good for 30 odd goals a season. Since 2020 he has never looked as physically sharp or quick and I think as he was always extremely reliant on his pace and movement rather than having the ability to create his own chances like a Benzema type.… Read more »

AFC Forever

Tom,

There must be another Tom then?

raptora

My problem is that we’re going to rely on Laca and Eddie to bring much needed goals. Let’s see how good we do.

WengerEagle

If Senegal blow this now it will be so depressing.

AFC Forever

We

That’s an interesting take. You are right, 30 plus players who rely more on initial speed off the mark tend to wain. The very best work harder not less. Look at Ronaldo, it’s not luck he’s still performing. I bet he wouldn’t turn up late for a derby game!!! Top professional.

Who was it who said the harder he practices the luckier he gets?

So you might be right. Combination of things including listing desire.

It’s why I admire Ronaldo. He’s worked hard to still be performing, he’s the ultimate professional.

Tom

AFC , no, same one.
£500 to your PayPal account if you can produce a single comment of mine agitating for Arteta’s sacking.

Calling out your bs double standards is not the same as wanting him gone.

AFC Forever

WE, we said they would shithouse it!!!

AFC Forever

Tom

What double standards? I’m always consistent. You’re the one with the BS mate.

Tom

WEagle, I disagree. I don’t think Auba’s age is the main factor in his slump.
Less big chances created, more defending asked of him, and generally less enjoyable all around football on the menu.

Tom

“You’re the one with the BS mate.“

Says the guy who just claimed I was Arteta out but can’t prove it.

G8

Eygpt shithousing their way to become African champions
Carlos Queiroz copying his country experience of Euro 2016 ,
Senegal deseve this but its football!

Time Up

0/0 after 120 mins as expected. Pens now.

Poor finishing is the highlight of a poor AFCON.

AFC Forever

Tom

Read your Auba comment. Making excuses for his poor attitude. He’s team captain. He’s earning £300k per week. He knows we have the youngest team in the league. You don’t turn up late for a NKE because you don’t like having to defend.

I get sick and tired of these parasites having excuses made for them. Auba is the only one responsible for his bad attitude. He was the same for Gabon, chose to party.

AFC Forever

Senegal players look nervous. Don’t blow it.

AFC Forever

*NLD

Nigel Tufnel

Kiljoy, Your quote: “Here is another twist in the upcoming summer TW and our search for a striker. In trying to get Dusan V. our elite TD Edu didn’t detect that he was used by Dusan’s agent to negotiate a better deal with Juve.A real confidence boost knowing you have knewbs handling the TW business, but then to many this comes as no surprise” Do you know what a twist is? Because that’s not a twist. Get a dictionary. It’s a miserable hater who constantly rips our club. Again you have no idea how the world works. You’re like a… Read more »

Samesong

Well done Senegal.

Nelson

Sadio Mané didn’t bother to look at the GK. He was so sure of his shot. Unstoppable.

AFC Forever

That Sane penalty was ballsy!! Great technique, unstoppable.

raptora

Gabaski MotM like in the semis. What a player!

WengerEagle

Glad to see Senegal outshithouse Egypt, 1st ever AFCON title which is astounding for a country that has such a strong football culture.

Major_Jeneral

Well-done Senegal.

Major_Jeneral

Amazing fact. Senegal plays Egypt again next month for a qualifying spot in the next world Cup

G8

✌✌🤘

Rich

Gutted for Elneny, he played well throughout, he certainly won’t have done himself any harm in attracting suitors.

No idea why Salah didn’t take an earlier penalty, the most experienced player at the top level in the Egypt team.

WengerEagle

It’s an ego move to have your best taker and star man on the 5th pen, should always be the first taker and set the tone imo.

Seem to remember Ronaldo also didn’t get to take a penalty in the SF pen shootout of the 2012 Euros vs Spain.

Killroy-TM

Going into the January TW, knowing Artits is not going to play one striker, and has two strikers that will be on a free in 6 months, putting all the eggs in one basket for Dusan and they were played and it went pear-shaped. Our elite executive management not having a backup plan, finds itself now in the totally fucked situation we’re the two available strikers will look out only for themselves because unless they are injury free their free transfer is in danger plus Arsenal has no trophies to play for, why should Laca & Eddie risk a lucrative… Read more »

Tom

So I wrote this: “I don’t think Auba’s age is the main factor in his slump. Less big chances created, more defending asked of him, and generally less enjoyable all around football on the menu.” And AFC read it and posted this: “Read your Auba comment. Making excuses for his poor attitude. He’s team captain. He’s earning £300k per week. He knows we have the youngest team in the league. You don’t turn up late for a NKE because you don’t like having to defend.” But apparently I’m the one you can’t have a reasonable debate because I’m so obsessed… Read more »

raptora

We know how it goes Tom. Better things to do than go in to endless arguments. I say my thing, then I move on.

englandsbest

Tom

You don’t need to name him to blame him.

Nelson

Killer-roy

I agree with your view. No way Eddie and Laca would risk getting injury. I want to see whether Arteta tries to train Martinelli as a striker. Currently, we need his output on the left wing. I still think we should give it a try. I don’t trust Eddie He doesn’t have the ball skill nor the physical power.

Tom

EB, for your benefit here’s a list of all things I criticized Auba for:
-being late to NLD
-not participating in the team’s cooldown and speeding off in his Ferrari afterwards.
-his Ferrari wrap
-his hair extensions
-robbing Odegaard of a goal and missing sitters

Here’s a list of all things I criticized Arteta for in his handling of Auba:
———–

No wonder you and AFC seem to see eye to eye on things.

Tom

“.Question for you – wouldn’t you have complained of Arteta using auba instead of martinelli, if at the end of the season we end outside top 4 with auba stinking the place up?”

Sorry Tee, mised your question somehow.

Answer: If by that you mean persisting with a player firing blanks and keeping another on the bench in perpetuity, then yes.

Rich

There’s a serious lack of striker options: Haaland + Mbappe are both highly unlikely. Isak, we’d be punting big on potential (maybe we will) DCL, he’s been injured half the season, can’t say I’d be overly keen. Osimhen – The guy at Napoli wants €120 million, and is reportedly as stubborn as a mule,. Dybala is 28, he’s a good player, but the age would put me off investing in another giant contract. Jonathan David, I’ve seen little of him, but Lacazette came with a much higher pedigree, and struggled to convert his Ligue 1 form into the PL. Toney,… Read more »