… aaaaaand we’re back here at Agenda FM and today we’re talking about the top 4, kids, and tactical innovation.
Spurs beat Manchester City.
United beat Leeds.
Wolves are level with Leicester.
The top 3 won again.
The only club to get a bloody nose this weekend was West Ham United against Newcastle.
So what have we learned?
Well, the Spurs result was probably the most interesting.
In the moment, I was panicked, I took a time out, cried a bit, but after taking a beat, I’m a little calmer about it.
The ‘Conte is Elite’ fans were quick to call time on Arsenal’s season after the result, pointing to the Italian as the genius behind that result, but scratch beneath the surface and I just can’t have that. Antonio is a world-class manager, no doubt, but he’s not getting world-class performances out of this current side. Beating City is a valuable 3 points, but frame it up against their 3 losses to Chelsea and getting beaten by Wolves and Southampton, and you get the measure of the team. City battered Spurs despite playing badly, and they were beaten by 3 goals that came from 4 shots on target. It would have been 4 goals from 5 had the disallowed goal been allowed to stand. That’s not managerial genius, that’s Harry Kane shop windowing himself to a side that he really, really, really wanted to go to last summer. No one scored 75% of their shots against the best defence in the league, that is an aberration and so, so far from sustainable.
Again, big reminder here, Spurs sit 8th, but they are 3 points away from Arsenal. For me, they are still the biggest threat to our top 4 hopes. One slip and they are right back in… and there will be a slip, because that’s the Premier League.
‘HARRY KANE IS SOOOO ELITE’ was the cry after the game, and look, he truly is elite, but this season? Not so much. Big thanks from Agenda FM to Rich in the comments for these stats.
LG COMMENT OF THE DAY
Kane isn’t the best attacking midfielder or striker
Kane
1882 league minutes
7 goals
2 assists
Goal contribution every 209 minutesSmith Rowe
1380 minutes
9 goals
2 assists
Goal contribution every 125 minutesLacazette
1122
3 goals
5 assists
Goal contribution every 140 minutesSaka
1741 minutes
7 goals
4 assists
Goal contribution every 158 minutes
Arsenal fans have a habit of looking at everyone else’s grass and commenting on how lush and green it is… even when that grass is mottled, covered in dog poo. We’ve scored 5 more goals than Spurs and conceded 5 less. Harry Kane is the boogeyman everyone fears, but he’s been very poor this season because his head has been turned.
It was also amazing after the Brentford game to read people lamenting the Brentford performance and the fact that Saka and ESR had to bail us out with individual brilliance.
Ok… so on the performance. We played a deep-block against a team that had no interest in coming at us. We had 24 attempts at goal, 8 shots on target and we registered an xG of 1.89 according to Scott at Crab Stats. What more could you want from the performance bar a clean sheet?
Now let’s talk about relying on ESR and Saka… they ARE the players we rely on, that is the plan, that isn’t an accident, it shouldn’t be seen as problematic that our number 7 and 10 are doing elite bits in games. That is what they are their for, that is why they have those numbers, those are the players Arsenal put their chips on. If you are asking why we’re relying on young players at this stage of the season, you missed the whole strategy.
Instead of asking if we should be relying on young players like this, the better comment should be, wow, it is phenomenal that ESR are Saka have better goal contributions than Harry Kane with less minutes… the future is very, very bright.
I also wanted to talk more about the general oddness that I see around Arsenal performances from people STILL grinding an axe about the project with 15 games to go.
⚽We rank 3rd for shots p/g (15)
⚽We rank joint 3rd for shots on target p/g (5.2)
⚽We have kept the 3rd most clean sheets (11)
⚽We have the youngest squad in the league (24.5)
Our players are delivering output like the above after only 20 games. We don’t have a proper striker yet. I’m honestly not sure how anyone can be posting on #ArtetaOut.
Remember, we’re at the start of a cycle, most of the teams around us are entering peak or exiting it, there might be a shift of the world order at some point and we need to be there to pick up the pieces. Liverpool is not what it seems and when they have to renew, it’ll be very interesting to see how that goes. Pep G exiting City will be very difficult to manage because he keeps them to a standard that is too high to maintain under new leadership, then you have Chelsea who are clogging, Spurs who are going to have to deal with Conte for the next 18 months, and United which is a basket case.
For once, we seem like a normal club, capable of being dependable.
A few injuries could change the impression there, but overall, we’re in good shape. I’m going to the Wolves game this week, that really is a huge evening. It’s a #Top4 six-pointer for me. You know I really, really rate Wolves. They are more than capable of damaging us if we’re complacent… but win that, and that feels like a mini Cup Final down. That puts us in good shape to hit Watford hard after the break. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.
Arteta went straight for the home fans after the press conference, talking about the Saka and ESR song the fans were belting out during the game. Again, I keep on saying this, but Arsenal fans have been MASSIVE (IRL) this season. The club was really worried about how the toxic online atmosphere of the summer would impact the players that didn’t really like playing at home. Well, they need not have worried. Our home fans have to be considered the most improved this season. The fans are there win or lose, creating noise, backing the young players, building fan > player relationships. That backing is worth xG, nay, it is worth points. This is not normal Arsenal fan behaviour, I sat in toxic stands during project youth, having to listen to our own supporters abusing Theo Walcott at corners. We’re a different breed now, we care about the project, and it’s paying dividends.
Remember, it is easy to be there when we’re winning… the measure of a fan is how they behave when times are tough. How did we behave after the three losses at the start of the season? We backed the boys.
It was also interesting to hear Arteta talk about that mythical week after the first 3 games. He talked about it again after the game. You kind of get the impression that the break was amazing because he learned who was in and who was out with regards to the project. I suspect that impacted how we operated in January with the exits. But however you cut it, the club has been very together ever since.
I wanted to talk about Xhaka, not the captain issue because that is irrelevant. I wanted to talk about Arteta moving him up the pitch. It’s interesting, it feels like we’re preparing for life without him. He plays further up the pitch and makes us less predictable to play against. Ideally, we’d have a more mobile midfielder occupying that role, someone that can do some damage with final ball passing and late runs into the box, but it’s interesting that it’s working now, even with Granit in that role.
What I like about all these things is there’s clearly a plan of where the club is going. There have always been reasons we don’t just play like City and they become clearer every time we tweak the system. This summer is going to be another round of hyper-specific signings, I just hope they land with the same impact, especially the striker.
I don’t want to go too deep here… but fuck me, refs, what are they like? I’m still struggling to come to terms with that handball yesterday not being given in our favor. I watched McTominay of United get away with some horrendous stuff today. That Everton non-penalty. It’s a fucking shambles. What makes me laugh about Jon Moss is how arrogant he was about being awful. The man isn’t fit enough, he’s not mobile enough, and he’s not good enough. We need a clean sweep at the top with refs, accountability should be the name of the project.
Right, that’s me done. See you in the comments. Watch the damn podcast.
Bankz is here for the tr4phy again
Let’s do this!!
Groovey pls pls stay off!
4th
Clean sweep.
(((BOOOOOM))))
Normalcy has returned.
European places
Great read. Like the idea of a proper plan after a time of total confusion for the club, and what the young players are bringing. Goes without saying, just hope it keeps going and the fans in the stadium keep onside. They are not the finished article but are showing a lot of qualities and character. But a clean sweep of refs, agree, much needed , but the media silence of the true issues, and the treatment Utd got today was exactly why we won’t get that, Mike Riley has always made sure they keep on the right side of… Read more »
Auba scored two for Barca so doubtless the usual suspects will tell us that Arteta was an utter fool not to keep him, and even worse, to let him go on a free transfer. They will ignore that, without him, the team is a team, not a one-man show.
Wilshire has signed for Danish superleague club Aarhus
Hellooooo
Aarhus?……… in the middle of our street.
Aarhus? Wow. I’ve been there a couple times, lovely little city.
Danish league a massive step down though, surprised he didn’t pull a Ramsey move and go to the SPL (Celtic?).
He should’ve decided to be a Hibee. Edinburgh > Aarhus. Just saying.
I think it was Pierre who suggested that Odegaard could possibly replace Xhaka, allowing ESR to play AM and link up with Saka more. I’d be happy to see that.
I went yesterday . Bugger Xg it felt like a 4-0. Very impressed with Partey and in fact 9 of the started woukd get 7 although Ramsdale has little to do . Lacazette is way past his sell-by date and Xhaka gave his usual inconsequential meh performance he always does . The best role for him at Arsenal is to go to Roma . I was just thinking in the past ten games he has played Oarteg has played better than Xhaka has ever played in five seasons
Sorry not Oarteg – Partey
Englandsbest,
Well said….
we’re gonna have people here crying every time Aubameyang scores, like earlier today and going over the whole history after every goal he scores.
They need to get a life …. and watch our boys play.
Jamie
Glad to hear from you that the Danish league is a massive step down from PL, Jack may do well there. I hope so, a young player of great potential ruined by Wenger overplaying him, and encouraging him to take needless risks.
If he becomes a star at Aarhus, I hope you forgo the temptation to tell us that Arteta made a huge mistake sending him there
Poor Jack. How did no one in the EPL, Championship or Scotland or La Liga want him? Excuse me but Danish league? Holy shit…
Partey has really upped his game since a few weeks before going to Afcon..
Best we’ve seen of him, by far. Great yesterday. I was complaining earlier in the season, so happy he’s proving himself now we need him most.
Our boys are really playing for each other. Some credit to Arteta.
Bob The issue with Odegaard dropping deeper is that he favours the right side of the pitch, cutting inside onto his left foot. Partey also favours the right side. We tried Odegaard on the left earlier in the season when Xhaka was out, he didn’t play well, and his confidence dropped through the floor. When we played him deeper against Liverpool in the 0-2 league cup loss, he was probably our best player on the day, but that was from the right. He could do it, his use of the ball is outrageous, he’s such an intelligent player, but we’d… Read more »
Kane is absolutely the best all around player this league has to offer, regrettably, and that’s why City were willing to pay 120m for his services. Anyone comparing him and Laca on bases of this season alone is either trolling, which is fine, or is a complete dufus and has no business spending time commenting on football matters. But Twitter is the perfect place for this sort of analysis and that’s why I’m not on it. If Spurs pip us to the CL spots it will be largely because of Kane. If Arsenal fail to make top four, for which… Read more »
“We don’t have a proper striker yet”
According to Rich’s stat, the above statement is false.
Tom, it’s not twitter, it’s Rich.
I’m a danish gooner and kind of Aarhus GF-fan (my second team). Jack in Aarhus is fantastic news. He will fit in. You will all see It will be good for Jack and for GF. COYG
KSDH
eb –
“If he becomes a star at Aarhus, I hope you forgo the temptation to tell us that Arteta made a huge mistake sending him there”
This statement might’ve made even a little sense if it was Arteta who ‘sent’ Wilshere anywhere. He was released under Emery, donkey.
Rich, fair analysis but I’d like to think that Odegaard and Partey are sufficiently capable of accommodating each other’s strengths to make it worthwhile. It would mean Xhaka was not in the starting line up and ESR could play closer to Saka with Martinelli resuming on the left.
Another alternative is to try Martinelli in the middle instead of Laca.
Aubemayang.The next stick to beat Arteta with.Don’t you know it.A few of the Bedwetters prob creamed themselves at the thought of his two goals being weaponised.At Barca he has a point to prove.At Arsenal he couldn’t give a f** k.Not because of tets though.That’s just who he is.
Tom I know you hate context, and that you regularly love knocking one out over opposition players and managers. The simple point is that “This Season”, we have 4 players who have been more productive than Kane. I know that’ll hurt you, I know how much you love the Spuds No9, and love standing up for their manager. But in spite of your love affair, and yesterday declaring Kane not just the best striker, but possibly the best attacking midfielder in the league as well… 🤮, on an Arsenal blog We’ve got a 2 x 20yr olds + 21 year… Read more »
My worries around Thursday & wolves surround the PGMOL appt.Naturally they’ve arranged for Our nemesis Atkinson to get the shafting job.The dodgy stats should go through the roof after he’s finished with us.
There is one thing Laca tops Kane at, which I never thought would’ve been possible considering what a diving cunt Kane has been over the course of his career………and that’s going down in agony and holding his lower leg.
Rich how true” you tend to see things from our rivals perspective on a regular basis,even our biggest rivals”……….hence I give you TottenhamTom🤫
The jump in production from ‘Saka and Emile Smith-Roooooowe’ has been brilliant to watch this season.
2 great goals yesterday, ESR looks so good and continues to remind me of a younger Paul Merson with his ability to carry the ball and finish with aplomb.
Saka,, like ESR, is adding goals to his game and not necessarily yesterday but in general has the knack of popping up with an important goal still even if he hasn’t appeared to have been involved in the game heavily.
3 Arsenal players to start for Marseille. Sister club confirmed lol.
Imagine taking context and nuance tips from someone who said 4th would be overachieving , 5th-6th hitting par, and 7th a slight underachievement upon which Arteta should be fired.
8th was also in the “slight underachievent” category.
I think smith rowe and saka are on same level as foden so sensational
2 goals for Auba.
great call to get rid…
”8th was also in the “slight underachievent” category.”
Has Pedro used that one on his Twitter feed yet?
Probably not.
Tom, gotta sting that you’ve been going at Rich all season and all season he’s been right.
Pedro, no idea what you’re talking about.
Bad day for Brendan, I understand Tom
Pedro, a world of difference between having your head turned by another clubs interest, which happens in this league on the regular no matter what players involved in those situations might say, and a chairman of your club reneging (allegedly)on a gentleman’s agreement to let you go to a CL club.
Not to mention having three different managers in a span of 10 months and playing good chunk of this season under one that lost the dressing room ten games in.
#context
Tom, only context I need to read about is how are our players stacking up to one of the Premier League greats.
Pretty good considering the problems we’ve had, shame you aren’t as thoughtful when explaining away Arsenal issues.
Tom,
I sort of admire your consistency when it comes to your take on things- seeking to highlight a negative angle against anything Arsenal, in this case Laca, suggesting he dives more than Kane. It’s your default position.
It’s a wonder why you devote so much time and energy on the team who you purport to support when most of your posts attempt to portray Arsenal in the worst possible light. It takes all sorts, I suppose.
YEA, Brenda just keeps on breaking my heart. But I do find some solace in Conte in Kane now so I’m coping , barely.
How about those Wolves thought?
6 points out of CL places with two games in hand on United in Lage’s first season and without spending any money on new shiny players.
Some might even call it generational.
In all fairness to Tom there’s a fine line between love + hate, and hope + despair.
The biggest pessimists are usually the biggest internal optimists, it’s the untapped potential that drives them crazy, they can see how great things could be, and it’s that despair that drives them nuts.
I get it, I just draw the line at having a love affair with the Spurs manager or their No9
Interesting take Rich. Not sure about the biggest pessimists/ internal optimist thought.
Completely agree about your Spurs take though.
Pedro, I love your writing style and I never miss a post, even if chose not to comment. Entertainment value a solid ten out of ten.
Credibility and context ?
LOL!!!!!!
Wow, a post not containing terms like:
“upwards trajectory”
“Youngest team in the league”
“2 points off 4th”.
There is not one Arsenal fan who would not wish to have Kane on this Arsenal team.
Not one stat can change this.
Imagine Wolves going from 13th to 4th . That would be almost as big a statement as Arsenal beating Toney-less Brentford at home 2:1.
Pedro, I thought Arsenal were a little under cooked yesterday due to the lack of matches they’ve played over the last month. Their slickness and zip was a bit off. That’ll get better with more games. But, just when I was saying I wished ESR would cut in from the left and then, 1 bloody nil. And just when I was thinking Saka’s not having his greatest game, then boom and an astonishing accurate finish that most people would have had blocked by the defender. Two examples of the phrase form is temporary, class is permanent. On the pod last… Read more »
Benjamin, Kane in an Arsenal team- what a ridiculous thought! As likely as Tom, Graham62 and CG volunteering to be Arteta’s gimp.
@Bob N16
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2944794/Tottenham-hero-Harry-Kane-pictured-celebrating-Arsenal-s-Invincibles-Premier-League-title-win-10-year-old-2004.html
Yes Benjamin, ancient news though!
Top 4 battle is on overpowered level. It’s gonna be quite a brawl, lots of teams picking up form at this moment in time
Wolves looking like a surprise threat for example
Tom, I know it’ll pain you, but this blog has nailed the project better than most. I don’t think it’s ever been as credible as an outlet as it is now. I know that, because people tell me when I meet them at the ground. People aren’t here for entertainment, because that’s not the style I write it, they’re here because it’s the most accurate representation of the club.
You can scoff at it, but you know it’s true
Spudnik, I didn’t feel that… though it felt tougher than Wolves because they didn’t come to play. It’s hard to get pace in a game that is being slowed down on purpose.
The output was bang on though. I can’t wait to go on Thursday.
Aren’t you meant to be a bit biased to the team you support not breaking your back to shit on them at every and any opportunity?
Is this something to do with franchise supporters not getting the one love one club mindset?
Say what you will about the Wolves players but they’re not hypocrites.
Won three important points against Leicester today and almost zero celebrating.
‘ Interesting take Rich. Not sure about the biggest pessimists/ internal optimist thought.’
Agree with Bob on this one rich. You just get arseholes that are contrarian for the sake of it and are ultimately trolling genuine supporters.
Tom, goes again.
even when that grass is mottled, covered in dog poo, with a naked homeless person on it.
Pedro
Yuck…… That’s pretty poor. The Arsenal Foundation works to combat homelessness and even that great altruist Mesut Ozil gave part of his wages towards feeding people. Ironically, your comment was funny up to the point that you were talking dog shit. But taking a pop at people who don’t have shelter is crass. Don’t go down that road please – that’s the sort of bollocks that others would write on here.
‘ But taking a pop at people who don’t have shelter is crass. Don’t go down that road please – that’s the sort of bollocks that others would write on here.’
Warning trigger alert!!! Kronke is officially triggered. Step away from the keyboard and report the comment to the nearest administrator.
This is unfortunately the world we live in.
Rich or poor, sheltered or unsheltered, this happens in all walks of life in all countries around the globe. Are we not permitted to reference these facts now in fear of offence?
Kroenke, last week you were asking me to imagine a man I don’t know with his penis out, over my shoulder, pissing on my food. Some people have had bad experiences with bullying and I nearly asked you to think about your words when talking to me about such a crass piece of copy…
… but then I realised it was a metaphor and you shouldn’t get offended by such things.
‘You’re such a fucking wanker crapping on about Ben fucking White all the fucking time and how long you’ve absolutely fucking loved him you miserable bed-spunking cretin. I bet you were really in love with him at Southampton, Brighton and Leeds. That makes you a fucking saint/seagull/leeds fanboy in my book. Imagine jizzing your bed every night thinking about Ben in his Soton, Brighton or Leeds strip? It’s sick man. Why don’t you fuck off to St Mary’s, Amex or Elland fucking Road and fulfill your Ben White fantasies you fucking weirdo.’ … bit of casual homophobia a few weeks… Read more »
Tom
Who appointed Wolves as the fun police?
Celebrate a win, or don’t celebrate a win, this is a nothing story that the media have given legs.
Neves was probably annoyed they’d lost, and Arsenal players celebrating irked him, which is understandable with competitive people.
I’d be surprised if Neves + Wolves hadn’t at some point celebrated gleefully after a hard fought victory.
Rich, they literally celebrated the Spurs win!
Pedro, well, I’m here for the entertainment.
No offense, but I don’t need to read anyone’s take on what I saw during an Arsenal game.
Nor do I need an insider info on what the club is doing and why.
It’s pretty transparent and by enlarge I’m in board with and Arteta as well.
A bit of banter and some back and forth with yourself or few other who said Arteta was generational but treat him as if he were handicapped is just something to pass the time.
Tom, you seem to disagree with what is going on pretty hard for someone that ‘gets it’
It’s not banter when your first thought after an Arsenal win is to come on here and defend the honour of Kane and Conte.
Rambinho
No, it’s a world you choose to live in. Post something on here the next time you have some personal misfortune and I’m sure there’ll be a seriously long queue of people waiting to laugh in your face. Just banter right.
Pedro – kin ell mate. Here’s a virtual pick axe to help you dig an even bigger hole for yourself. Considering you like to cultivate a right-on image for yourself, you can be pretty tin earred at times. ⛏️
Pedro, again, what are you talking about dude? I actually lost $200 backing City to wipe the floor with fucking Spurs. But while I’m watching the game I’m thinking this was a mistake and this Beavis looking motherfucker is gonna beat City all on his own. Did I rage against Pep and City for playing straight into Conte’s hands like few on here did? Of course not, because I’m a fucking adult and I can give props where they truly belong even on Arsenal blog. And then I make an off the cuff comment about Kane and Rich the boob… Read more »
Pedro
Don’t be disingenuous. I wrote that little message to Nigel to parody his own lazy bullshit. It was written at him in his own style so don’t give me that.
In any case, why are you so put out that I wrote to Nigel? Surely the great man can defend himself?
K, it feels disingenous to me that you can write something dripping in homophobic dog whistles and call it parody, talk about a man bullying my lunch…. then take offence to a metaphor regarding greener grass.
I’ve cut my metaphor regardless.
Pedro why have you entertained kronke and his cancel culture on the blog. His approach is nothing short of embarrassing and it’s only offensive when he’s playing the white knight?
I am worried about top 4, Spuds mostly but Wolves if we don’t beat them. The worry for me on our rivals is that they click and go on a run – Spuds/Manure based on a few talented players and West Ham/Wolves based on team spirit. That against the realism of a slip up from us owing to the youngness and lack of experience of us. Having said that it should make games interesting and more fun this season owing to the fact that we create more chances We need to accept that the big 6 is gone with the… Read more »
Rambinho, it doesn’t really change the narrative of the blog, and if it truly does offend someone, then I don’t want to do that.
Though the complainant does have some explaining to do, because they seem to post far more egregious things on here regularly than their holier than thou comment would suggest.
Rich, Credit to you for having a great attitude about the team. This kind of attitude will actually help you enjoy this teams coming success. But you also provide great stats to back it up, Pedro style. There are some, an angry, loud minority, who suffer a bit at our victories and growth… when their past predictions of doom fall apart. They won’t be able to enjoy Arsenal with an open heart, unfortunately. Most of us are already enjoying the ride.. and we will continue even if we fall short of top 4. That may be why they seem so… Read more »
Pedro,
Thanks for reposting that rant. I got that for supporting Ben White, who’s been great for us, before and since.
Still bothers me that you told me not to use the word cretin, which is so perfect for the angry little keyboard haters who drop F- bombs on me all the time Lol..
I appreciate the compliance, Nigel
Nigel, Ben White has been awesome, surely he’s heading to the World Cup. I can’t be seeing McGuire there.
Pedro,
Cool. I think it’s a good move. You’re barking/dog whistling up the wrong tree though about Nigel. I challenge you to take issue with me at the time and in the right context if I say something in future that offends you.
Rambinho – you, on the other hand, think you’re a blunt instrument when you’re really just a woke, virtue signalling, right-on, guardian reading, snowflake, tree hugger! Phew, that feels better Rambinho – I can see why you get such pleasure from making up inane, meaningless insults.
Pedro
” I wanted to talk about Arteta moving xhaka up the pitch … Ideally, we’d have a more mobile midfielder occupying that role, someone that can do some damage with final ball passing and late runs into the box”
you mean someone like Joe Willock,
Anyone feeling bitter about our erstwhile striker banging in a hattrick today away at Valencia? And, partially, on our dollar? His attitude could have been much better this season but it does rather suggest that he was also badly managed.
Kroenke, I think we all got the context, especially Nigel.
Pierre, certainly not Joe Willock
K, you missed out ‘liberal’
What a win! Finally got home from camping and chucked it on. Was a fun game to watch. The young guns are just too good! The Smith needs to be starting more often. Laca digs deep and is a great team player. But far out. How did he forget how to score? It’s ridiculous actually. 2 of our strikers this season not hitting the net, yet we’re still in the hunt for cl glory. Definitely loving the new squad. Very keen to see what our striking options are come the start of the season. Was awesome hearing the Emirates crowd… Read more »
jamie
Use your noddle. Without the training period under Arteta at Arsenal, Aarhus would not have signed Jack.
Also the refs are fucking useless.
How we weren’t awarded at least 1 pen is ridiculous.
The handball is a farce.
We conceded a pen (or free kick just outside the box) when esr did the same thing. Can’t remember who against.
But that is clear as day misinterpretation of the rules against us.
Also I’d like to hope don Raul has been consistent in his views on that specific incident, that it was not a pen 😂😂😂😂
Haven’t we seen Gabriel score at least a couple of headers from near post corners during his time at the club.
Just think it might be a good idea for Gabriel to return to making those near post runs as he is virtually unstoppable if the ball is right..
The confusing part is who told him to stop making the near post run.
This is what the control freaks on the left don’t understand about free speech. Nobodies hurt feeling are more valuable than another’s, once you start banning offensive things, you have to pretty much ban everything, because all someone has to say is: “I’m offended” Then they can shut the conversation down, offence is always subjective If we’re not careful we’re going to become a humourless population who don’t know how to take a joke, are too scared to tell a joke, or make an analogy, and don’t know how to laugh at ourselves either. People have mixed up offensive words… Read more »
Pedro,
I think Southgate has a fear of changing the defense or keeper, especially since they’ve done a pretty decent job for him.
If he promotes Ramsdale, White, or any other defender, and we let in any goals, he’ll be skewered by the Northern and Manc media.
By all rights Ben White over most of the defenders, and Ramsdale for superior distribution could really improve the team.
Midfield is what let’s him down every time anyway, even with many good forwards.
Pedro ,
“Certainly not Joe Willock”
I doubt if there is a central mid who has scored as many goals as Willock in the last 12 months. In the premier league and thats with willock playing more of a holding role in the first half of this season.
eb –
You said Arteta sent Jack to Aarhus. He didn’t. You constantly get things wrong because you aren’t very bright.
Don’t worry, meet Rich. He just wrote a bunch of horseshit about how the term ‘virtue signalling’ was coined. Something about dopamine.
Guys Auba was never going to perform for us. We would have to tailor the way we play to suit him plus he would also have to give a fuck which he didn’t. Let’s move on and stop talking about him. Tbf Spanish league suits him at his age. Likely end up over here in MLS in a couple years.
Arsenal’s first goal yesterday shows the importance of the overlap.
Tierney doesn’t always have the energy to make the lung busting run , but this time he managed the overlap which inturn distracted a couple of defenders and smith rowe reaped the benefit and made the most of the space that opened up..
In the style of football that Arteta is looking to play it is vital that the full backs can get up and down the line as they can help break down packed defences .
Tom
Where on earth did you get this weird idea that fans are unbiased? Bias is almost a definition of fandom. Not just football fans, but ALL fans of ANYTHNG and ANYBODY.