I really think we can win today. It's all about remaining focused now and showing that the team can take in the pressure of this final game. Everton will put up a fight, initially, until we start scoring. And then they will gradually cave in. But we have to score at least 2 goals in the first half for any of this to happen.
The amount of fight Everton put in will be linked to how much we are showing Everton how much we want to win today. If we play today with the appetite of a 5 week hungry tiger who are determined to win, we should be able to handle Everton.
If we start showing some doubts it may invite Everton back in.
The fact that the team are playing at home is going to help a lot with the home supporters giving that extra push to get this needed win over the line.
Was just listening to 5live and they were interviewing City and Arsenal fans. Well played to the Gooner who slipped in a '115 questions' during his contribution.
It's expecting to be 25C by KO. Obviously excited for the game but also looking forward to seeing how many of the Invincibles will be attending as they've all been invited. It's an end of season celebration, whatever happens. We better win though!
A bit sad that on the cusp of our final game of the season and with a EPL trophy in attendance at the Emirates, looks like only 1 or 2 added comments since I went to bed yesterday...
Anyway, WHU side bar talks the talk incl Charles W citing they got 2 at the Emirates so why not... yup, let's hope so but we must get the work done in the 1H...
Wouldn't be funny if both games remain a draw after 70 , or 80 ,mins.... that will be immense pressure& stress on the pitches AND frankly everywhere around the 🌎
Wonder if Arteta would tweak the starting 11 like Jorginho in for Partey. Bet he'd persist with Trossard on the left though.
Less than 12 hours to go! Let the countdown begins... 💪💪💪
One final point from me on Raya - if we do eventually buy someone even better then great- we will be an even stronger team! In the meantime the meanest defence was not coincidental - that requires a strong keeper as well as great defenders and defensive midfielders
I thought when Raya joined, he was on a par with Ramsdale and could not understand why he was bought. Now, I realise he is worse. The Golden Gloves means he's the best?! On that reckoning, Pickford is the second best keeper in the Premiership...... Now, this comment will go down badly with those who think Arteta can do no wrong, tough! He has an appalling record with keepers. Leno over Martinez, then had to buy Ramsdale. Then Cana recommended Raya ( remember he also recommended the great Runarsson), so Ramsdale was ousted-why? Because Raya has a "better distribution!" Yes, a few kicks go straight to Havertz, many go out of play. Examine his record compared to Ramsdale who perhaps had 4 or 5 games last season where he was dodgy. Raya- first goal against Spurs at home, Lens away, Chelsea away, Luton away ( 2 goals), Porto away, Bayern first goal with his mad dash to the centre circle, Spurs away first goal. Also his inability to claim crosses- Newcastle, Bayern (away) and the fact he never lets his intentions known to Saliba and Gabriel. In all, he does not fill me with confidence and is average. He has been responsible for more goals against than Ramsdale and the latter had the donkey Holding for the last 10 or so games last season. Raya has had the best central defenders in front of him and has still shown his vulnerability. This will come back to bite Arteta next season and finally the penny will drop and he'll be on the look-out for a new one - yet again!
"Since Odegaard’s permanent arrival from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, no pairing has been as consistently in-tune as the Norwegian as a right-sided No 8 and Saka on the right wing.
They rank first and second for passes made in the final third and chances created between two players for Arsenal. Saka has found his skipper 235 times, with Odegaard going the other way 195 times. Odegaard has created 22 chances for Saka, with the winger creating 18 chances in return — the highest combination of chances created between two players across the Premier League this season.
In the Premier League, Odegaard ranks first for chances created from open play (81), shot-creating actions (205), through balls (39) and passes into the penalty area (120), and second for total chances created (94), progressive passes (324) and expected assists (10.5). Saka ranks first for expected assists (10.7), third for chances created from open play (68), shot-creating actions (183) and passes into the penalty area (70), and fourth for total chances created (88)."
I appreciate that this is my way of dealing with probable disappointment but I'm trying not to imagine us winning PL tomorrow. I'm focussing on enjoying the day, pre match BBQ and drinks, wearing my Bergkamp shirt, clapping and cheering the team during and after the game and then going to the pub to raise a glass to the club, reminiscing on a wonderful season.
To go into the last match with the outside possibility of taking the title is clear progress. I'm reading about a lot of recognition from the press, applauding Arsenal for not making it another City procession this season and acknowledging that we are of a standard and quality to be worthy title winners.
I'm already getting a sense that most football fans are done with City's dominance under the shadow of financial shenanigans. The majority of fans will welcome Arsenal's ascendancy which is approaching.
I wonder if the big summer story is Pep bailing out of City? He must surely see there are major storms ahead for the 115ers and now would be a great time to go with his personal rep at an all time high.
The big issue is where though. A return to Bayern probably doesn’t appeal but would be an obvious move at present
A return to Barca would appeal personally but they are arguably in a worse mess with the mortgaging of their future revenue and the bribery charges still to be heard.
Perhaps he might even fancy a project team or the PSG job
A break is possible Rich and now would be a good time for him to do that while he watches what unfolds ahead with the various changes and legal issues ahead. Maybe become a pundit - multiple languages and some one who really does understand the game - how powerful would that be?
They are both project strikers and I think Arteta will still want Havertz as his first choice no 9. However both give rotational and tactical options with Kai being able to switch to a left 8 or even an old style 10 in a 4-4-2. I’d be excited with either of them joining us from what little I’ve seen of them.
However I believe we have a much better player fast developing at Hale End in Chido Obi. He will be in the u21s next year and knocking on the door of the first team the year after
Chido outmusles the Uxx teams but doesn't necessarily tanslate similar performances to the EPL in near future
Eddie used to break most scoring records incl for Englan Uxx yet quite far off at EPL level. From highlights, Chides shots look quite weak and can't imagine could trouble most EPL keepers. Long way to go.
I hope you’re right about Chido but we must accept that it will be a big test for him to come up against a defence that matches his physicality which at the moment does not exist at U18 level.
I know it’s a long shot but Xavi Simons is the player I’d be really excited to see at Arsenal although I’m sure City would be keen to if he was being sold.
We absolutely must ensure Chidos progress is unhindered and he gets opportunities equivalent to his probable progress. Same is true of Nwaneri and MLS.
I believe Arsenal will win the title today.
Really looking forward to today!!
I really think we can win today. It's all about remaining focused now and showing that the team can take in the pressure of this final game. Everton will put up a fight, initially, until we start scoring. And then they will gradually cave in. But we have to score at least 2 goals in the first half for any of this to happen.
The amount of fight Everton put in will be linked to how much we are showing Everton how much we want to win today. If we play today with the appetite of a 5 week hungry tiger who are determined to win, we should be able to handle Everton.
If we start showing some doubts it may invite Everton back in.
The fact that the team are playing at home is going to help a lot with the home supporters giving that extra push to get this needed win over the line.
3-1 win to The Arsenal.
COYG!!!
Was just listening to 5live and they were interviewing City and Arsenal fans. Well played to the Gooner who slipped in a '115 questions' during his contribution.
It's expecting to be 25C by KO. Obviously excited for the game but also looking forward to seeing how many of the Invincibles will be attending as they've all been invited. It's an end of season celebration, whatever happens. We better win though!
Excited for today. The gobshite pikey lost and i'm filled with 'you never know'..... COYG
FAVORITE GOAL?
Mine is the third goal against Chelsea [Kai Havertz] - because of THAT PASS from Martin Odegaard.
Sumptuous.
A bit sad that on the cusp of our final game of the season and with a EPL trophy in attendance at the Emirates, looks like only 1 or 2 added comments since I went to bed yesterday...
Anyway, WHU side bar talks the talk incl Charles W citing they got 2 at the Emirates so why not... yup, let's hope so but we must get the work done in the 1H...
Wouldn't be funny if both games remain a draw after 70 , or 80 ,mins.... that will be immense pressure& stress on the pitches AND frankly everywhere around the 🌎
Wonder if Arteta would tweak the starting 11 like Jorginho in for Partey. Bet he'd persist with Trossard on the left though.
Less than 12 hours to go! Let the countdown begins... 💪💪💪
One final point from me on Raya - if we do eventually buy someone even better then great- we will be an even stronger team! In the meantime the meanest defence was not coincidental - that requires a strong keeper as well as great defenders and defensive midfielders
I thought when Raya joined, he was on a par with Ramsdale and could not understand why he was bought. Now, I realise he is worse. The Golden Gloves means he's the best?! On that reckoning, Pickford is the second best keeper in the Premiership...... Now, this comment will go down badly with those who think Arteta can do no wrong, tough! He has an appalling record with keepers. Leno over Martinez, then had to buy Ramsdale. Then Cana recommended Raya ( remember he also recommended the great Runarsson), so Ramsdale was ousted-why? Because Raya has a "better distribution!" Yes, a few kicks go straight to Havertz, many go out of play. Examine his record compared to Ramsdale who perhaps had 4 or 5 games last season where he was dodgy. Raya- first goal against Spurs at home, Lens away, Chelsea away, Luton away ( 2 goals), Porto away, Bayern first goal with his mad dash to the centre circle, Spurs away first goal. Also his inability to claim crosses- Newcastle, Bayern (away) and the fact he never lets his intentions known to Saliba and Gabriel. In all, he does not fill me with confidence and is average. He has been responsible for more goals against than Ramsdale and the latter had the donkey Holding for the last 10 or so games last season. Raya has had the best central defenders in front of him and has still shown his vulnerability. This will come back to bite Arteta next season and finally the penny will drop and he'll be on the look-out for a new one - yet again!
Don’t know why I bothered to read this to the end - what utter bollocks
and breathe...
"Since Odegaard’s permanent arrival from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, no pairing has been as consistently in-tune as the Norwegian as a right-sided No 8 and Saka on the right wing.
They rank first and second for passes made in the final third and chances created between two players for Arsenal. Saka has found his skipper 235 times, with Odegaard going the other way 195 times. Odegaard has created 22 chances for Saka, with the winger creating 18 chances in return — the highest combination of chances created between two players across the Premier League this season.
In the Premier League, Odegaard ranks first for chances created from open play (81), shot-creating actions (205), through balls (39) and passes into the penalty area (120), and second for total chances created (94), progressive passes (324) and expected assists (10.5). Saka ranks first for expected assists (10.7), third for chances created from open play (68), shot-creating actions (183) and passes into the penalty area (70), and fourth for total chances created (88)."
https://archive.ph/apOWr
We must ensure full concentration to beat Everton first and foremost. I can’t imagine if somehow the Cheaters drop points but then so do we… ?!
I appreciate that this is my way of dealing with probable disappointment but I'm trying not to imagine us winning PL tomorrow. I'm focussing on enjoying the day, pre match BBQ and drinks, wearing my Bergkamp shirt, clapping and cheering the team during and after the game and then going to the pub to raise a glass to the club, reminiscing on a wonderful season.
To go into the last match with the outside possibility of taking the title is clear progress. I'm reading about a lot of recognition from the press, applauding Arsenal for not making it another City procession this season and acknowledging that we are of a standard and quality to be worthy title winners.
I'm already getting a sense that most football fans are done with City's dominance under the shadow of financial shenanigans. The majority of fans will welcome Arsenal's ascendancy which is approaching.
Aah 'God's' shirt. I'll be wearing mine. WHAT a PLAYER that man was.
Mine just says ‘Genius’!
I wonder if the big summer story is Pep bailing out of City? He must surely see there are major storms ahead for the 115ers and now would be a great time to go with his personal rep at an all time high.
The big issue is where though. A return to Bayern probably doesn’t appeal but would be an obvious move at present
A return to Barca would appeal personally but they are arguably in a worse mess with the mortgaging of their future revenue and the bribery charges still to be heard.
Perhaps he might even fancy a project team or the PSG job
A break is possible Rich and now would be a good time for him to do that while he watches what unfolds ahead with the various changes and legal issues ahead. Maybe become a pundit - multiple languages and some one who really does understand the game - how powerful would that be?
So who would it be Zirkzee or Sesko as our new 9. Newsnow seems to suggest we are hot in trail of both. Who would you prefer?
They are both project strikers and I think Arteta will still want Havertz as his first choice no 9. However both give rotational and tactical options with Kai being able to switch to a left 8 or even an old style 10 in a 4-4-2. I’d be excited with either of them joining us from what little I’ve seen of them.
However I believe we have a much better player fast developing at Hale End in Chido Obi. He will be in the u21s next year and knocking on the door of the first team the year after
Chido outmusles the Uxx teams but doesn't necessarily tanslate similar performances to the EPL in near future
Eddie used to break most scoring records incl for Englan Uxx yet quite far off at EPL level. From highlights, Chides shots look quite weak and can't imagine could trouble most EPL keepers. Long way to go.
I hope you’re right about Chido but we must accept that it will be a big test for him to come up against a defence that matches his physicality which at the moment does not exist at U18 level.
I know it’s a long shot but Xavi Simons is the player I’d be really excited to see at Arsenal although I’m sure City would be keen to if he was being sold.
We absolutely must ensure Chidos progress is unhindered and he gets opportunities equivalent to his probable progress. Same is true of Nwaneri and MLS.
The city vs Westham game will be another one where only one side wants to win
Well summarized Rich
They don't have a manager to be accountable to, most of their players are probably going to head to vacation directly from the away trip
It's official, Raya has won the golden glove award. Well done to Raya!
To have won it so soon is a credit to him but also to his defence to. Benny, Big Gab and Big Bill have been monsters this season.
This will do Raya a world of good.
Looking forward to seeing him do what he can do on Sunday.
And looking forward to see if he can progress from his current level next season.
Link:
https://www.arsenal.com/news/raya-golden-glove-its-collective-thing