Manchester City are applying the dark arts, even on international duty. Last week, Rodri tried to break the ankles of Odegaard in an unprovoked assault in the Spain game, today, Kieran Tierney had to go off after more of the same.
That’s what scared teams do.
Hopefully it’s nothing too serious for Kieran Tierney and he can shake it off for next week.
… but dearest Rodri, what becomes of you? You dare to challenge our faith in the principles of sport? You try to shatter the bones of our footballing disciples? The people will not stand for it… and the gods? Nay. They shall have their say. We the people shall pray that your sins are met with the strictest punishment and we will trust thy holiest of processes.
Thomas Partey has done his standard routine of going to Ghana in March and damaging himself. He was kept out of the starting 11 with a knock, but sent home with an issue. Luckily, Arsenal had a member of the medical staff with him, so here’s hoping he’s ok.
What a giant waste of time these international breaks are. Breaking important players at the most important part of the season is beyond dim. But here we are, doing it every year and no one seems to care.
Arsenal head into that Leeds game with some pretty chunky issues:
William Saliba won’t play – we’d have heard if he was fit, so write him out of the starting 11
Tomiyasu is out for the season, we only have Ben White, he’s played a lot of minutes, that’s a lot of pressure we’re putting on those hamstrings that had him in and out of the side this time last season.
Thomas Partey has a problem. Last season, at this exact time, we rushed him back into the team, and that was it for him and our top 4 hopes. I have my doubts we’re going to risk him against a team like Leeds.
The good news for Arsenal is Leeds have been rudderless since they sacked Jesse Marsch. Gnonto picked up an injury and Tyler Adams is also out. That leaves them very vulnerable to Arsenal. They are hot garbage with it comes to defending, so I’m not too worried about the result. Though Jorginho against at team beastly in transition without the safety net of Jorginho is a concern.
The big one is Liverpool. We know that they have big capabilities when they fancy showing up. Will Klopp derailing our title push make him frisky? Maybe. But… look at their fixtures.
They return to City away – no preparation time
They then travel to Chelsea away on the Tuesday – no preparation time
One would imagine Wednesday will be a down day for the team. Giving them 3 days to recover and prepare to play a team that has no discernible pattern of play. That’s a big ask for a team that still starts James Milner.
The main worry is we’re asking Rob Holding to handle Darwin Nunez. The striker has been a car crash in front of goal all season, his control and ability on the ball is deeply questionable, but physically, he’s pure Adebayor and he finds space over and over again. We need the Bournemouth Liverpool, not the United one.
Ok, short one today, see you in the comments. x
Arsenal threw away an 8 point cushion in 2002/03…. That was the catalyst for our 49 game unbeaten run, and Gold PL Trophy….The only one in existence. There’s a huge difference between coming up short with an ageing squad at the end of a cycle….. Vs coming up slightly short with the youngest team in the league… I made this point at the end of last season, but few wanted to hear it. Providing Arsenal continue to recruit astutely, and also recognise when’s a good time to dump their stock on players…. There’s no reason we can’t produce a competitive… Read more »
CG must have missed the ACTUAL sporting lisbon game – where injuries and a beyond lucky worldy led to pens… oh but its a results game got it – like with wenger or ya Zidane winning the champions league with a club that literally owns it.
Northbanker, agree. A while back I promised myself I would ignore him, I recommend that approach!
Pierre / Dissenter
You are both right. You never know which Liverpool turn up but they have the sniff for 4th place in their nostrils. As that game plays out before ours, if City fail to win I think it will give our players a huge lift. To go ten points clear would be a real psychological advantage and put City under pressure with all those fixtures they have piling up. As you say Pierre, it could be pivotal.
Rich I don’t believe Arteta deliberately initiated a siege mentality, it’s not his way. Instead I think he adapted to one because the Club was – and still is – besieged. By whom? Well, for a start by biased referees, the north v south divide. By Clubs envious of Arsenal prestige. By clubs grown used to Arsenal paying too much for tansfers in, and for accepting too little for transfers out. And by Clubs keen to keep the Club out of the elite. The only way to deal with that is for the Club to win, and keep winning. Freshness… Read more »
seems like many supporters would rather just have us win every game all the time by a mile than watch a competition and give credit where it’s due.
our europa KO was far from disgraceful and anyone trying to make that point simply has an ax to grind, and one that’s been worn down way too far for it to ever work again
They should have included Frank McClintock and Ray Kennedy on the Mural.
EB
“I don’t believe Arteta deliberately initiated a siege mentality”
Agreed. What he has done is completely changed the atmosphere around the club. He’s made huge changes at London Colney and created a culture that reflects the history of our club. Players are reminded of our historical achievements and the importance of a team culture; not just the players. It is this ‘unity’ as Arteta calls it, that drives this impressive team spirit and culture. It’s not about a siege mentality, it’s about everyone pulling in the same direction and having the same pride and purpose in what they do.
Tom,…. when you can’t defend your past bad takes, you resort to comments like when you called me and someone else misogynists, out of nowhere, while we were only discussing Arsenal… The next time that I embarrassed you about your love for Murdick, you tried to insult me by saying that I make my living as a janitor, as if that’s something someone should be ashamed of, …..of course it only made you look even worse…. And people called you out for it. You never respond about football because you don’t have a leg to stand on… Just look at… Read more »
Mysticleaves – there’s only one manager got free rein at Arsenal the man who the board relinquished control to. The Robert Mugabe of football managers
Nope CG isn’t a troll… he actually believes what he writes… he has been on here too long..
Basically he is an old School AKB who crawled so far up Wenger’s ass… he can’t get out to see the light.
Have some respect for the great freedom fighter uncle Bob
Guns of Hackney on the other Hand is an old school Wob anti- establishment punk rocker. Who will just never be happy about anything no matter what unless we win almost every game and every trophy. Not so subtle difference.
Either way you look at it… some people don’t know a good thing when you got it because they are too far gone with a different agenda. . And will argue against any kind of success, no matter the evidence smacking them in the face like Sid’s longstuff.
This current side is still in development stage & is not yet the finished article either on a football level / style or squad.That hopefully will be realised in the next 1 to two seasons as part of the process.Continued success,should we achieve it,is the next level.For example Wenger for all he’s greatness never retained the title or won. a CL.These would be our next targets IF we achieve the title this year.I’m no longer inc topTeams / squads usuall have a shelf life of around 4 seasons.Then it needs to be refreshed.This was the genius of Ferguson.
A few thoughts about Tom – he appears to get triggered around piss takes of Tottenham. AFC’s post got a similar response from Tom as he had also provided to Pedro. It is very strange as Tom continually appears to misjudge the ethos of the site. The site isn’t neutral and doesn’t declare to be either but neither is it bent out of shape like the hate spewing Spurs Fighting Cock.. Tom tries to shape the site to his agenda and always fails. Tom will also resort to demands of proof of his utterance. This is a fairly safe option… Read more »
“you never respond about football because you don’t have a leg to stand on… ” Nigel: just watched Chelsea play and Mudryk was the worst player on the pitch Me: that’s funny Nigel because I just read the reviews and he was the second highest rated after Havertz. Nigel, after thinking about for a day or two: Tottenham Tom loves him some Mudryk and says he’s been Chelsea’s best player. Face it Nigel, you’re a gas lighting troll whos been trying to ingratiate himself to Pedro by policing his blog, and all you ever got in return was a mild… Read more »
Even though AFtv is doing a good job keeping fans informed and excited.. I miss not seeing
Claude anymore, he was a true fan of Arsenal football club.Cant wait until Saturday, which will fingers crossed bring great results to AFC.
Don’t come on here very often any more but I’m now 100% behind my team and Arteta.
I came on here back in 2017 as a passionate WOB.
God those were awful times, seeing a club lose its identity under a manager who had had his time.
Those that criticise now should just get lost as far as I’m concerned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PXxMID6XBc
Apparently Matty T is having a baby Girl.. haha I was like why is this in my Arsenal news feed? all it said was gender reveal.
MG
“””Nope CG isn’t a troll… he actually believes what he writes… he has been on here too long..Basically he is an old School AKB who crawled so far up Wenger’s ass… he can’t get out to see the light.”””
Correct Answer
If A.Wenger had suffered defeats to
Lisbon
Villarreal
Olypiakos in the 3rd rate Euro tournament
I would want him replaced as well.
I am surprised, Arsenal supporters are turning up their noses up to 3 time CL winner ZZ in light of Munich upgrading Nagelsman to CL winner Tuchel.
But as I always say, each to their own.
CG.. time to sever the cord .. man. Enjoy Wenger for what it was.. and move on. We could be seeing the birth of a similar era and your gonna miss out on enjoying the ride.
Some of you guys are worse than snot nosed children.
People come here to discuss football, and enjoy the game day experience.
But all we have recently is the constant tit for tat personal attacks and pathetic agendas.
It’s so obvious that the posters who are never here during the game are most active prior and post game attacking the comments and opinions of others.
Unbelievable … it’s part the reason I now limit my comments here.
Not even worth the tedious childishness.
Gone are the days of actual adult conversations on opinions here.
“ Face it Nigel, you’re a gas lighting troll whos been trying to ingratiate himself to Pedro by policing his blog, and all you ever got in return was a mild acknowledgment the way someone might acknowledge dirt on their shoe.”
Couldn’t have been stated any better…
Liverpool home form isn’t actually that bad. They will be chumping at the bits to play us. As our record at anfield is appalling. In saying that. Is the season that we go anfield and come away with a 1-0 win.
this the the season that we go to anfield and come away with a 1-0 win.*
I’m so anxious for Saturday to get here, already.. by the end of the day we will know a lot more about the bigger picture.
Tom,
People are getting tired of your act. You can see it from all the comments lately.
You can hurl all the insults you want towards me… You’re on the wrong forum.
“Face it Nigel, you’re a gas lighting troll whos been trying to ingratiate himself to Pedro by policing his blog, and all you ever got in return was a mild acknowledgment the way someone might acknowledge dirt on their shoe.”
It’s even worse than this for poor Nigel. He’s constantly addressing Pedro in his posts while policing the blog at no one’s request, and the only replies he ever gets from Peds is warnings telling him to stop calling folk on the blog ‘haters’ or he’ll go in the bin. lol
Midwest
“I’m so anxious for Saturday to get here, already.. by the end of the day we will know a lot more about the bigger picture.”
Yes me too. We’re travelling up early to meet some friends who have tickets and have an early lunch. Hopefully, catch most of the City game. It’s possible to get a 10 point lead which could be season defining.
Any old timers remember the blogger with a very abstruse style who would constantly have long-winded arguments with gambon?
I think he was banned once and never returned.
The whole Spurs embarrassment is the result of a hire and fire mentality of a certain Mr. Levy. He was warned by Pochetino that a rebuild was required but decided he didn’t have patience for that because all he needed was a manager who ‘guaranteed success’. First up was a certain Portugese Mourinho, then an Italian Conte. It’s the same mentality a lot of fantasy football fans display. It doesn’t work at clubs that can’t buy success or dominate their leagues because it’s a money driven process. We’ve had 4 managers since Wenger arrived and won 11 trophies but Spurs… Read more »
AFC, Yeah anywhere from a 5 point to an 11 point lead.. with a real chance Pool could get some points. Big range… although City does have that game in hand as well.
Leeds could be dangerous if they get off the mark quickly. The two Leeds attacking Americans had a good International break.. Aaronson and Mckennie.. but also they played a lot of minutes. And Leeds defense is a sieve. but also, I’m anxious to see who is injured and available in our defense. … etc. Hate the waiting to find out.
Bertie
“”Wenger was wonderful but in modern football would be floundering . The game has moved on way beyond where he was””””
GoldenBalls has to get his very expensive assembled side to beat Lisbon, Villarreal and Olympiakos before I take you seriously .
“Any old timers remember the blogger with a very abstruse style who would constantly have long-winded arguments with gambon?”
Keyser
Jamie – were you the one who was sobbing on here the other day ? Quite timid I thought and now trying to bully someone.
Get some balls Jamie and get an original thought in your head
Midwest
The problem with Liverpool is they blow hot and cold. Mind you they’re well in with a shout for 4th but they really need to win at City to put pressure on Newcastle & the sorry Spuds. I might be hoping a bit too much but that’s football for you!!
Gone are the days of actual adult conversations on opinions here. – you’re having a laugh you melt ! It’s always been full of nutters shouting and screaming
Outside of Arsenal…. Leeds are one of the best watches in the PL along with Brighton. I liked Jessie Marsch, not sure why they sacked him, unless he’d lost a grip behind the scenes?… And Bielsa ball was pure chaos. They play with lots of energy, they absolutely dominated us in the second half at Elland Road. We edged the first half, but struggled to get out of our own half in the second, beat their press or sustain attacks. and were lucky to come away with 3 points, particularly with Bamford putting his penalty wide. Zinchenko was injured, and… Read more »
Arsenal 3 Leeds 0
City 2 Liverpool 2
Rich – Agreed I think Zinchenko gives us more control with ability to play a high line. Not gonna lie would be worried about Saliba being missing though as it looks likely. And I’m not a Holding hater ..whatver that means… he just has his limitations tracking back quickly on counter attacks and also it puts more pressure on Big Gabby to cover more ground. I do think playing Holding though is the right choice rather then go galaxy brain and try to move players around.
I do think we will out score them something like 3-1.
Zinchenko gives us more control in games, his ability to get us up the pitch and keep us there is absolutely unmatched. Rich Agree. He’s doing for us what Thiago was expected to do for Liverpool only better. But we really do need a line breaker agaisnt a deep block A Santi style magic player I’m still hoping that ESR will be that guy for us. He’s got what it takes for sure to break open a tight defence with no ambition to leave their own third. I’d like to believe Arteta throwing down the gauntlet to him will light… Read more »
“Jamie – were you the one who was sobbing on here the other day ?”
Sobbing about what?
“Get some balls Jamie and get an original thought in your head”
😂 yeah ok mate.
Think it was you moaning the other day like a wuss
And today acting as a little parrot
Rich
Leeds do have a few key injuries. But agreed they play good football.
I think Marsch was sacked because of his inability to keep Leeds out of another relegation battle and inability to make them harder to score against. .
Maybe the expectations were too high for them, I don’t know, as their goal differential isn’t that bad, considering pretty much 9 teams are in a relegation battle this season.
“Think it was you moaning the other day like a wuss”
Thinking clearly isn’t for you lad.
The real Nigel Tufnel is a loveable moron who brags about how his amps go up to eleven while fake Nigel here at le grove is just a moron, it is disappointing.
That Matt turner baby shit is fucking cringeworthy
What happened to masculinity and privacy? Share the moment with your wife. It’s personal. Sad state of affairs man
Zinchenko has a big affect on how we play. I used to love how Cancelo helped City keep them high and was stunned they let him go as a consequence of signing Haaland. Perhaps that’s why Pep let us have the Ukrainian. Being able to have so many technical and attacking players on the pitch gives us a big advantage and Zinchenko is key. Technically he’s underrated. Anyone remember when Gary Neville criticised the signing, said he wasn’t a leader & not what we needed? Well 0 out of 3 is pretty good going. He’s proved to be one of… Read more »
Markymark – you spend too much time analyzing others and not nearly enough analyzing yourself.
Un- Not gonna lie.. I don’t understand the baby gender reveal thing.. either,
but that was one of his best punts this season.. hit that ball dead on. 😀
JWL – lol you’d be surprised
Un
Don’t know why you would have a problem with that, o ye icon of masculinity
I think you’re just envious because no one knows you. You need to set aside those weighty balls and chill out.
Matt Turner’s team mates seemed to enjoy it and the audience here thought it was cool.
Jamie – I’m withdrawing my comment re crying or sobbing – it was someone else . Still think there was a bit of parrot behaviour though . JWL has hit nail slightly on head
Liverpool getting some type of result at the Etihad gives us some leeway when we go to Anfield.
“Jamie – I’m withdrawing my comment re crying or sobbing – it was someone else .”
Apology accepted.
Jamie – I apologise for the crying or sobbing comment it wasn’t you. I seem to remember about 5 blogs back someone going into meltdown. Credit where credit is due I believe your various postings of Martinelli and Saka are unblemished
You got a double apology the blog timed out
Only one apology necessary, Mark. Good man.
No worries
Nigel – “Tom uses another name to defend himself…then hilariously denying it when I called him out.”
Is this a reference to me again Nigel??
DAZN YOUTUBE.. What a goal from maarnem. 1 1
2 0 come on you ladies
How come Nigel is getting all the heat lol…
Dissenter bro, I don’t think it’s very competitive and honest to give Arteta free reign for 5 years just because he won the league once. Everybody needs to be pushed and Arteta is no different.
What if he doesn’t win the league again and doesn’t come close to showing cognate progress in the UCL? You’d still leave him there because he won the league in 23? That would be very counter productive
Mystic I get the principle of not resting on our orsa and creating another Wenger That said, if a manager beats this juggernaut oil money doping city team to win a league title, playing the best football in the land …then that manager has special sauce. That’s the manager that you put your faith in for European competitions. It may not happen immediately but eventually he will break that duck too. Artea is not even fully formed as manager so think of how good he can be in 2-4 seasons, same as the likes of Saka, Martinelli and Ode. Good… Read more »
*I get the principle of not resting on our oars
Right diss. All cleared.
Pedro what did wenger do again? Lol
Guys can we stop commenting on what Gary Neville has said. Everyone knows what ever he says about anything never happens.
Never have I seen a time when someone points to something Gary Neville has said and goes “this is exactly what he said would happen”. Never happened!!!
Diss
No.
I just think certain moments should be private and kept with family. Would you post a video of your wife giving birth online? What about the conception of the child?