Nwaneri outperforming Vieira isn't big news. Not many people rate Vieira although he's an underrated player.
Nwaneri outperforming our elected captain, who was talked about as Arsenal's best/most important player, who's supposedly our heart and soul, who's supposedly a big difference maker and a massive leader.
As I said a while ago, when Saka comes back to the team, some tough decisions will have to be made. By the end of this season sure, if we can protect Nwaneri a bit and still win, it would be great. But what do we do at the start of next season?
For me, he's already superior than our £240k-£300k pw captain. From next season on, it will be a travesty to bench him and give him the random cameo. We have to think progressively and a few steps ahead. We should sell Odegaard while his stocks are high and before he gets benched by an 18 yo.
Just imagine the talking point of Arsenal having Ode on the bench for Nwaneri. Nobody would care if we're winning or not, the spotlight would be on our bench and Ode sitting there. There will surely be pouting and unhappiness. Drop in form, drop in value. Think ahead for once and do the right thing.
We're talking about an incredible talent and he's our own Hale-ender. We have to present him the same platform to succeed as we did with Bukayo. Just look at where Bukayo is right now quality wise. This will be Ethan in a couple of years.
I understand your thinking but for Arsenal to ‘cash in’ on their captain would send shock waves through the squad. If it was just about footballing matters, I can rationalise it but on a personal level, I think he’s too popular and influential off the pitch for it to be a goer.
The fact is we need an additional AM not one less, although we’d get good money that we could reinvest I suppose.
Problem on here Raptora is that you’ve been banging the anti Odegaard pretty relentlessly for a while and this is yet another line of attack on him.
As demonstrated by how insignificant Ode's contribution to this whole season has been, like literally insignificant, I think you can say I've had a solid point this whole time. Like, Ode hasn't stepped up for shit. He's just another cog in the system, so replaceable. Just look at Ethan already more influential off the bat.
I do think that it’s important to acknowledge that there will almost always be more space to play in, in last 25 minutes of games. Earlier in matches a fast break is the only other time there feels like there is a similar amount of space.
Obviously with our first choice front three out, we’re lacking in pace to exploit a ‘turnover’. It’s where Liverpool in particular have one of over us.
I’d very much hope that whoever we get in this summer that they are great on the break.
This season for all our difficulties, whether it’s red cards, injuries or a slightly misguided transfer policy, we’re still in the race for the top two tournaments. But by far the biggest plus is that we have two outstanding young players who have, in a matter of months, cemented themselves in our first team. Both are a joy to watch and injuries aside, we’ll have many years of appreciating their talent.
Tactical nuance notwithstanding, would like to see we attack with more pace especially when facing "lesser " opponents... the 2nd Merino goal is case in point.
For some reasons, once the ball makes it out of Gabriel &Saliba, our MF still appears to like to hold onto it and recycle until ..... well, like yesterday, many eventual final balls still fell short anyway So, what's to gain from being "patient" which Arteta talks about from time to time.
To a layman, it'd seem we like to play safe ie risk averse. But then, we'd give up on some of our strengths like pace , and perhaps an advantage that the low block hasn't formed properly....
The commentators were all praise for Sterling the entire game. His runs down the channels, etc. I personally thought the effort was there, but he’s lost that spark, that sth special in the timing of the end pass / shot. I mean, I always thought sterlings shot taking was a bit sketchy. Kinda like how Jesus is. The power / consistency / timing of the shot taking, just isn’t there vs what you see with players like Tross, Saka / elites. It comes back to the summer. Comes back to buying a cup keeper who was cup tied and last minute trolly dash which fetched you Sterling. Edu failed the club and the club failed its players and managers miserably.
But the squad has great togetherness, nonetheless. These guys really have a great bond. They back eachother. I wish we were seeing more output from Ode, and had seen more output from Martinelli before his injury. But we have to do with what we have right now. We have solved our right wing for the next decade. Maybe Saka can also move centrally in the Ode spot in the future if Odes output doesn’t improve. But the summer will be the real demonstration of what this club will be able to achieve in the coming seasons. This season, we will need to be unbelievable lucky, plucky, and ballsy to get sth.
Frankly the midfield need to play much better against west ham
We know the front line is makeshift but the midfield has no excuse. I don’t think any of our midfield 3 played well and with our frontline how it is the midfield need to step up and carry them. All 3 were loose but Ode was the worsts if the 3. Has to do much better
Calafiori’s contribution in the buildup for 2nd goal was top notch. The way he held that pass to let Trossard come back from an offside position was impressive! In the first half sterling was offside a couple of times in similar situations.
While MLS brings a lot more of defensive stability, Calafiori adds a bit more of fluidity. He would be an interesting option in false 9 position probably.
Observed yesterday that Nwaneri has that Ronney physique needed at this age to perform in a physical league.... we had several good but slender kids who couldn't cut it in recent seasons. Skills aside, fortunate that both Nwaneri and MLS have great strength 💪💪
There was a particular play where he received the ball, rode a tackle, physically shrugged of another tackle from a Leicester player then delivered a low cross field class to sterling.. that was simply class... At this point, he looks like the most technical player at the club, everything he does is with conviction.
Merino.. What a difference it made when he was introduced.
I don't care that he's never played as a CF, and I'm not suggesting he's even that good or a long term solution, but he's a physical presence and a focal point up front - something arsenal haven't had since Giroud.
It's one game but, we looked so much more balanced with Merino in the middle and Trossard wide.
Arteta may have stumbled on a solution here. If it's short term, who cares.
What a vital 3 points....but wtf was Arteta doing by leaving Raheem on the pitch till the 65th minute.....delighted for Merino...and Nwaneri....what a talent we have there....awesome.....hopefully we'll keep this going......delighted 👍
Obviously I’m coming from a place of bias but I still can’t understand why Chido Obi would go to United and their grease fire of a current club. Isn’t he seeing how the pair of Nwaneri and MLS are thriving by taking their opportunity … surely he’d have been given a chance with our current striker crisis. I know Arsenal pays as well as anyone in the youth ranks.
I can understand money but I can’t see lack of confidence a the top level … despite their current status they are still a brand. Not as if he went to Leyton Orient
I am hopeful Merino could be our new Giroud !! We got rid of him and never properly replaced him after spending fortunes he went on to have great career elsewhere, We and MU also never replaced Welbek come to think of it, hindsight is cheap but come to think of it what MU have got now in particular is evidence of how this football business work or rather does not work, like many other things in todays world !!
New post.
Nwaneri outperforming Vieira isn't big news. Not many people rate Vieira although he's an underrated player.
Nwaneri outperforming our elected captain, who was talked about as Arsenal's best/most important player, who's supposedly our heart and soul, who's supposedly a big difference maker and a massive leader.
As I said a while ago, when Saka comes back to the team, some tough decisions will have to be made. By the end of this season sure, if we can protect Nwaneri a bit and still win, it would be great. But what do we do at the start of next season?
For me, he's already superior than our £240k-£300k pw captain. From next season on, it will be a travesty to bench him and give him the random cameo. We have to think progressively and a few steps ahead. We should sell Odegaard while his stocks are high and before he gets benched by an 18 yo.
Just imagine the talking point of Arsenal having Ode on the bench for Nwaneri. Nobody would care if we're winning or not, the spotlight would be on our bench and Ode sitting there. There will surely be pouting and unhappiness. Drop in form, drop in value. Think ahead for once and do the right thing.
We're talking about an incredible talent and he's our own Hale-ender. We have to present him the same platform to succeed as we did with Bukayo. Just look at where Bukayo is right now quality wise. This will be Ethan in a couple of years.
Nwaneri is not ready to depose the Captain.
He is still a solid choice up top, but do not get ahead of yourself.
I understand your thinking but for Arsenal to ‘cash in’ on their captain would send shock waves through the squad. If it was just about footballing matters, I can rationalise it but on a personal level, I think he’s too popular and influential off the pitch for it to be a goer.
The fact is we need an additional AM not one less, although we’d get good money that we could reinvest I suppose.
Problem on here Raptora is that you’ve been banging the anti Odegaard pretty relentlessly for a while and this is yet another line of attack on him.
As demonstrated by how insignificant Ode's contribution to this whole season has been, like literally insignificant, I think you can say I've had a solid point this whole time. Like, Ode hasn't stepped up for shit. He's just another cog in the system, so replaceable. Just look at Ethan already more influential off the bat.
Ok
I do think that it’s important to acknowledge that there will almost always be more space to play in, in last 25 minutes of games. Earlier in matches a fast break is the only other time there feels like there is a similar amount of space.
Obviously with our first choice front three out, we’re lacking in pace to exploit a ‘turnover’. It’s where Liverpool in particular have one of over us.
I’d very much hope that whoever we get in this summer that they are great on the break.
This season for all our difficulties, whether it’s red cards, injuries or a slightly misguided transfer policy, we’re still in the race for the top two tournaments. But by far the biggest plus is that we have two outstanding young players who have, in a matter of months, cemented themselves in our first team. Both are a joy to watch and injuries aside, we’ll have many years of appreciating their talent.
Tactical nuance notwithstanding, would like to see we attack with more pace especially when facing "lesser " opponents... the 2nd Merino goal is case in point.
For some reasons, once the ball makes it out of Gabriel &Saliba, our MF still appears to like to hold onto it and recycle until ..... well, like yesterday, many eventual final balls still fell short anyway So, what's to gain from being "patient" which Arteta talks about from time to time.
To a layman, it'd seem we like to play safe ie risk averse. But then, we'd give up on some of our strengths like pace , and perhaps an advantage that the low block hasn't formed properly....
The commentators were all praise for Sterling the entire game. His runs down the channels, etc. I personally thought the effort was there, but he’s lost that spark, that sth special in the timing of the end pass / shot. I mean, I always thought sterlings shot taking was a bit sketchy. Kinda like how Jesus is. The power / consistency / timing of the shot taking, just isn’t there vs what you see with players like Tross, Saka / elites. It comes back to the summer. Comes back to buying a cup keeper who was cup tied and last minute trolly dash which fetched you Sterling. Edu failed the club and the club failed its players and managers miserably.
But the squad has great togetherness, nonetheless. These guys really have a great bond. They back eachother. I wish we were seeing more output from Ode, and had seen more output from Martinelli before his injury. But we have to do with what we have right now. We have solved our right wing for the next decade. Maybe Saka can also move centrally in the Ode spot in the future if Odes output doesn’t improve. But the summer will be the real demonstration of what this club will be able to achieve in the coming seasons. This season, we will need to be unbelievable lucky, plucky, and ballsy to get sth.
Sadly, Sterling lost way more than some sparks...
Frankly the midfield need to play much better against west ham
We know the front line is makeshift but the midfield has no excuse. I don’t think any of our midfield 3 played well and with our frontline how it is the midfield need to step up and carry them. All 3 were loose but Ode was the worsts if the 3. Has to do much better
Haha yeah Giroud was a slug! Would Merino be faster than havertz? I totally agree though that having that presence up top turned the game for sure.
Also my bad still getting used to the comments section on substack, was meant to reply directly to AH.
Gotta say it is a step up from before Peds!
Between Merino and Trossard, would start Merino any day ... Trossard and Nwaneri pick themselves to conplete the front 3 under current circumstances
Calafiori’s contribution in the buildup for 2nd goal was top notch. The way he held that pass to let Trossard come back from an offside position was impressive! In the first half sterling was offside a couple of times in similar situations.
While MLS brings a lot more of defensive stability, Calafiori adds a bit more of fluidity. He would be an interesting option in false 9 position probably.
Always amazing who isn't here after a big win, stinking out the place with their negative comments.
Noted.
I am so, so, so happy about today. Merino, what a star. BUT ETHAN, what was that?
Like Rooney bursting onto the scene. And he's ours!
Observed yesterday that Nwaneri has that Ronney physique needed at this age to perform in a physical league.... we had several good but slender kids who couldn't cut it in recent seasons. Skills aside, fortunate that both Nwaneri and MLS have great strength 💪💪
There was a particular play where he received the ball, rode a tackle, physically shrugged of another tackle from a Leicester player then delivered a low cross field class to sterling.. that was simply class... At this point, he looks like the most technical player at the club, everything he does is with conviction.
This kid is magic
And he played 90 minutes. That should sink in.
Liverpool are going to feel the pressure and drop points today.
COME ON!
Let’s go
Merino.. What a difference it made when he was introduced.
I don't care that he's never played as a CF, and I'm not suggesting he's even that good or a long term solution, but he's a physical presence and a focal point up front - something arsenal haven't had since Giroud.
It's one game but, we looked so much more balanced with Merino in the middle and Trossard wide.
Arteta may have stumbled on a solution here. If it's short term, who cares.
13 games left, all to play for.
Only part I'd disagree with is that havertz has that presence Giroud had to some degree
Giroud was about 30% slower than Kai overall, but hear what you're saying
YES ALEX! Agree
Sterling is almost at 700 career games if you count all the cups, premier league and England
He is shop worn and has lost that edge.
He is done as a top player.
He is 30 years old, he is too old to play as a winger
Mo Salah is 32
Consider tho-- Mo is an 'all-time great'.
Raheem was 'very good' on a great team.
What a vital 3 points....but wtf was Arteta doing by leaving Raheem on the pitch till the 65th minute.....delighted for Merino...and Nwaneri....what a talent we have there....awesome.....hopefully we'll keep this going......delighted 👍
who cares how it happened, just be thankful it did!
Obviously I’m coming from a place of bias but I still can’t understand why Chido Obi would go to United and their grease fire of a current club. Isn’t he seeing how the pair of Nwaneri and MLS are thriving by taking their opportunity … surely he’d have been given a chance with our current striker crisis. I know Arsenal pays as well as anyone in the youth ranks.
Was it a greedy agent or family?
Really weird
Arsenal not fussed he left btw
Lack of self confidence to succeed at the top level
and/or
Money
I can understand money but I can’t see lack of confidence a the top level … despite their current status they are still a brand. Not as if he went to Leyton Orient
Both he took 30k a week to go there we offered 12k pure greed
Good riddance
Can’t blame him then! Real shame he didn’t give it a couple of more years with us.
Fore real?
Wow.
Anyway don’t wanna be hard and judgmental on a kid … but it’s a damn shame …
Thanks for the info
I am hopeful Merino could be our new Giroud !! We got rid of him and never properly replaced him after spending fortunes he went on to have great career elsewhere, We and MU also never replaced Welbek come to think of it, hindsight is cheap but come to think of it what MU have got now in particular is evidence of how this football business work or rather does not work, like many other things in todays world !!