To the tune of Lou Bega, Mambo Number 9

ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, GABRIEL JESUS IS OUR NUMBER 9

Do you like?

No?

Should I shut down the blog after that suggestion?

Whatever.

Arsenal rattled 5 goals past Nurnberg, Gabriel Jesus was at the centre of a lot of the goodness, scoring his first with an awesome run and near-post finish. His second when he charged at the near post and scored with his head. His 3rd came from a near-post run and a lovely finish. He was also in the right position to force their defender into an error after Eddie hit the underside of the bar. Some say one of those goals was scored by Nurnberg. I refute that.

The game was super rusty in general. We went two goals down from two strikes. Matt Turner didn’t really live up to the hype in regards to his shot-stopping, allowing a long-range effort to swerve past him. The second goal they scored was more of a finish, but still not sure that performance will instill much fear into Ramsdale.

Other notable performances? Mo Elneny came on, took the game by the scruff of the neck, and scored a fucking SCREAMER. Say what you will about the Egyptian, but that form is fresh off the back doing exactly the same after our three losses in the Prem last season. He’s a good player and he showed he’s going to be more than capable of rotating with whoever our pivot is next season.

It’s early days for judging new signings, but Marquinhos looks physically at Premier League level, and he was an absolute terrier when he came on. He might get shipped out on loan, but I liked the look of him, he’s hungry, that’s what I loved.

Hector is going to get moved on, he’s not the ticket.

Ainsley started, is there a way back for him as back up right back? Doubtful. Which is a shame.

Kieran Tierney went off before 45mins was up. We really, really, really need to secure a very good left back for next season because KT will always break. Lisandro Martinez is still in the mixer, he is the chosen one, if it’s not him, get Zinchenko in the red and white.

The big talking point?

Gabriel Jesus.

He gave me all the sexy feels rocking that #9 shirt.

Things I like:

Elite movement

• Pace
• Connectivity
• Powerful pressing
• Energy
• Superb finishing
• Leadership
• The unique ability to create something out of nothing from a standing start. Suarez-like in that respect

He also scored a header to put my Tall Boy Summer ideas in the bin.

There was also more chatter on the story we’re all hating at the moment.

The club involved apparently knew of player assault allegations last autumn.

I’m going to give you the club thinking on the issue, not from first-hand accounts, but how businesses have to think about these things.

* Before I get into this, my thoughts are with the alleged victims. It is brave to come out against powerful footballers. Especially considering how grim football fans are, especially in England. They deserve their day in court if the evidence is there. *

The club in question has legal and ethical issues.

Legally, you can’t sack someone based on allegations. Presumption of guilt because the internet demands it isn’t reality nor should it be, we’ve seen enough cases go the other way lately to throw caution to the wind before weighing in as judge, jury, and executioner.

A club can suspend a player, but usually, there will have to be some clear indication that the party is guilty. Either because they own it or there is enough evidence to support a suspension.

CR7 was accused of quite the crime in 2009. That case was re-upped, it was an allegation, but a judge threw it out.

Yves Bissouma was accused of a crime last October, after an 8-month investigation, no charge was forthcoming.

Both played.

Benjamin Mendy was only suspended when he was charged.

Mason Greenwood was suspended without charges, but there was online evidence from his victim that made his position untenable.

A basic judicial principle in England is you are presumed innocent until found guilty.

There are ethical issues involved here and there will be consequences for the club in question.

If you play an alleged serial rapist while you wait for charges, then the player is charged, you will be eviscerated by your fans, by the papers, and all manner of organizations who will call you irresponsible and the protector of a predator.

It’s lose/lose for the club in question.

Suspend a high-profile name, damage your short-term goals, waste huge amounts of money, and the player is innocent… you have butchered a career out of caution.

Play a high-profile monster and charges come, you have propped up a disgusting human.

This is a decision that will require sound leadership. If I were to put money on it, I’d say that the club will wait until there is a charge and hope the name doesn’t get out.

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