Arsenal and Chelsea shared the spoils in West London, with both teams unable to secure a win despite Arsenal initially taking the lead.
Arsenal started on the back foot as Cole Palmer forced David Raya to make a superb save just three minutes into the game. The Blues continued to dominate the opening exchanges, while Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to settle down.
Aware of Arsenal’s threat, Chelsea sought to strike first and created several good chances in the opening half hour. Minutes after Gabriel Martinelli had a tame shot saved by Robert Sanchez, Kai Havertz thought he had opened the scoring, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to a marginal offside.
The Gunners began to dominate possession in search of a breakthrough, but the opener eluded them before halftime.
After the break, Chelsea came out fighting and nearly broke the deadlock through Wesley Fofana, whose header went just wide—a warning sign for Arsenal. Moments later, however, Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal with a fine finish from a tight angle.
Arsenal’s lead was short-lived as Chelsea soon found an equalizer through Pedro Neto, restoring balance to the game.
Both teams had further chances to score a potential winner, including a strike by Nicolas Jackson that was ruled out for offside and a last-second miss from Leandro Trossard, who not only fluffed his chance but took the ball away from Havertz as well.
All in all, an entertaining game and one in which Arsenal can consider themselves unlucky not to have picked up all three points.
The Premier League hasn’t been this exciting in years. Only 1 point separate 3rd and 9th and only four points 3rd and 13th.
Chelsea is 3rd this week but can be 10th next week.
We should have been up there competing with Liverpool but sadly we are also-runs currently.
Funny to think the Liverpool and Chelsea managers didn’t need to write off and give away an entire squad worth more than 500 million, then spent more than 800 million in new players or take 3 years to start competing.
They took the jobs and we have started to see results immediately. No infinity phases, no rebuilding or renovation.
Arteta and Edu have duped the Kroenkes. They are better politicians than at football.
Sometime guys just say things for the sake of just talking. Can you tell me how many managers Chelsea have sacked the past 6 years? I will think it’s up to about 5 different full time manager including a legend in Frank Lampard. They invested over a billion in the team and you come up here to run mouth like you cannot put things in context.
Yet they have won the CL in the same time as Arteta as been here spending the same amount of money ,1 fa cup with players when he took over .
Pep lite going 9 points behind a manager that’s never managed on these shores .
No trophies this season ,move this clown on and his supporters.
Move him on and his supporters? Right! Like you have the right to tell anyone not to support the team, I am as angry as any Arsenal player that’s seeking for accountability in our team, but some of you guys makes it look so easy sitting in your couch. Talking about Liverpool couch as if he’s won the EPL already
The sad part is that you think you have said something clever.
What does Chelsea sacking countless managers have to do with their current manager abilities or his results this season? How are the two related?
In my post I have mentioned Liverpool and Chelsea managers why have you ignored the Liverpool manager in your kind reply?
Can you tell me how managers Liverpool sacked in the past 6 years? Just so your reply and logic can have any sense.
👍👍👍👍👍
HH
Can’t mention Liverpool as it doesn’t fit the narrative.
Arsenal spent 800 million, gave Arteta total control to build his hand picked squad; yet still failed to win the league or a single trophy so far with his handpicked squad.
The excuses are Saliba injury cost us the title that year, and Odegaard’s injury will cost us title this year. Or refs, VAR, etc….
Adversity has shown Arteta is unable to adapt tactics and overcome obstacles, looking every bit the checkbook manager and less a tactician.
We have to be perfect nearly, getting 3 points from almost every game.
Yet some will celebrate top 4 now, the same ones who chastised Wenger.
So is top 4 considered successful under Arteta? Is it a trophy? Because it’s likely a top 4 trophy is all Arteta will achieve this year with Arsenal unless we see ruthless changes.
Replace Jesus with a legit striker and Arteta admit he was wrong.
Is it a coincidence that it’s the exact individuals that have been hoping for Arteta to fail because he has out lived their sensationalistic hope and doom prophecies since 2020? Always hanging in the shadows waiting for any opportunity to try to justify their personal disdain towards the manager.
Guys, there is enough objective critic of Arteta this season instead of your deep rooted dislike / petty grudges against him. You lot couldn’t wait for him to fail so that you can soothe your little fragile egos even if that is counter productive for Arsenal.
You guys have suggested all sorts of managers throughout the last 4 years and where are they now? The list of manager recommendations from you guys has been endless throughout since 2020 but when they tanked at their new clubs you go quiet and move on to the next shiny mee thing.
Again, there are more than enough mature criticisms of Arteta so far this season but going on about the same old talking points that are at least 4 years old just shows the petty personal grudges against Arteta that you guys can’t seem to shake off after all these years.
🤦♂️
No grudges, just consistency regarding managers. Top 4 wasn’t good enough for Wenger at the end, Emery sent packing as well.
Yet with Arteta the standards change? He should be judged differently?
Why should he be immune from the criticism and standards the previous managers faced?
Interesting to see how goalposts moved with Arteta. It’s not hatred towards Arteta, it’s accountability and consistency in applying similar standards to the managers.
Rather than attacking comments, ask yourself why things are applied differently with Arteta.
Why say top4 wasn’t good enough for Wenger, Durand? He finished outside for 2 years in succession. Emery, when it was easier to finish 4th and not disappear without trace in the E L final, managed to miss both of those objectives. Let us not forget his league position and the real possibility of it getting lower before he was sacked. There was mutiny in the ranks.
Of course Arteta is accountable, but not to us. We can have an opinion about a game or run of games, but it is the board and ownership who he has to answer to in the long term. I am sure they are keeping a close eye on what is going on and will act in the best interests of the club if they think Arteta can’t find a way to navigate through a tricky period without it then becoming a major problem. Are we really at that point?
Of course Arteta should not be without criticism but nothing over the last couple of weeks has been proportionate to the problems faced within the squad over a period of several weeks. The knives are being sharpened before he has had a chance to show he is capable of retrieving what has been extremely difficult period. At the moment, a large number of comments bear the same hallmarks as the ones made before Arteta made great strides. It had been quiet on the ‘accountability’ front when we were winning. Fandom is a fickle creature.
But SueP, you seem to forget that the “Wenger out brigade” were saying just that when he was finishing in the top four, three and two, while also winning fa cups and without the kind of financial support that MA has received.
Durand is correct when he says Arteta has been judged quite differently to both AW and UE in my opinion.
I agree that Mikel has made enormous strides both on and off the pitch and the club is better off for that – but at some time, we have to see trophies, as that was the marker that was used to judge both AW and UE.
They all had injury problems to contend with, they all had fixture pile ups and they all inherited problems.
Where I believe I differ from Durand, is that I see a fully fit MA squad as being able to challenge for the PL.
Up until the Bournemouth game, we were on track, now it’s up to MA to manage the situation we find ourselves in and, at present, he isn’t doing that.
I’m hoping he will of course and I see no reason why he shouldn’t. But the proof will be in the pudding, so fingers crossed.
Durand, if I’ve got it wrong regarding our views, I apologise, but you and I have ALWAYS maintained that managers should be judged equally and fairly… the goalposts have been moving on a regular basis, but if the final outcome is the PL or CL, does it matter?
If there is no success, then MA has to be judged accordingly, no excuses!!
Ken1945
I didn’t follow JA back then. I put my oar in during the closing weeks of Emery’s tenure. I just responded to Durand’s post regarding top4 which, in my view wasn’t taking into account not finishing in 4th for 2 years which was a step back from many, many years of CL football. I honestly don’t know how I could have judged Emery’s year and a bit any differently. He and Wenger were both very successful in their own right, so was it really unreasonable not to at least question their future?
The only difference regarding Arteta is that he had no previous background as a manager to compare his record to, so he was a complete unknown quantity, having let AW go, and sacked Emery, there must have been some soul searching going on at Board level. I was won over by Arteta, as I am sure you will remember. It was difficult at times and I did wonder if I was backing the wrong man and came close to throwing in the towel just before his 2 years were up.
I just felt that Arteta needed time to see if the plan-cum-process was going to work out and there was no sign of a player revolt or any briefings against him by “sources close to the club”. I was loathe for another manager to get the boot and then put the club in limbo again.
I am like you, insofar as I think Arteta can turn it around, but I dread the negativity that has been steadily building up lately, without, it seems to me much recognition of the heavy injury list and red cards. You are absolutely right that it is down to Arteta to justify his position and to put us back on track. I really do think it is far too early for MA to be at the head of the sack race
And @SueP.
Arteta is being judged differently to all the other managers because of the way he came on and absolutely / completely changed our trajectory as a club. We had become a joke club that everyone was making fun of nearly everything season. The team / players that were left for Arteta were embarrassing us every season with the never ending embarrassing scoreline: 5-2, 5-3, 6-1, 6-3, 4-0, 3-0, 10-3 on aggregate etc.. I had lost my sense of pride as an Arsenal fan back then.
Other club fans, pundits and even managers would even feel sorry for us after these embarrassing scores. We had become such a weeping boy club that I completely became numb. Couldn’t banter with anyone because there was nothing to brag about everyone season apart from going on about being one of the biggest club in England and globally. How we played beautiful football. How we were not a sugar daddy club. How had the best stadium in London. How we were th best at promoting young players. How we were the only club with a Golden EPL title (Invincibles). Blah blah.
We were doing all that bragging while struggling to keep our Top 4 position nearly every season. We went 9 years without a single trophy too..
😩
Sue,
Of course Arteta is accountable to the fans to a certain extent, they pay there money and expect to see trophy’s at the end of the season.
So, I think it’s a bit of an insult to the paying fans to say that Arteta’s not accountable to the fans in some ways, because he is.
Only Wenger and Emery were accountable to the fans.
To a certain extent only Derek. We are merely lifelong supporters who have very little say and the notion that we do can only come to some sort of fruition, if as fans/supporters we withdraw our support at fixtures or hire light aircraft to fly over the Emirates. That would make the club react because of the possibility of financial loss (I had enormous respect for Arsene Wenger by the way and what he did for Arsenal. I was one of the lucky ones to see scintillating football under his tutelage so I’m not being flippant)
@Durand
I am okay with constructive criticism. But you people never do that. You have had this same irrational, biased, grudge ridden animosity toward Arteta for years now. Just always hanging around in the background every single season waiting for any opportunity to regurgitate the same tired / recycled Anti Arteta talking points. Even when we are doing well from 2022/23 to last season 2023/24 you the usual suspects have continued to stink out the whole place with your never ending grude grievances.
And I will be that even if he won the League or CL titles you lot will still find something to downplay or try to negate that. You just move the goalpost so amazingly and never admit to your own doom and gloom predictions / prophecies you all of you have treated us too since 2020.
And if Arteta failed to challenge for the title or CL this season then I will be the first to let him know about my frustrations. And if he dares come up with this nonsense Top 4 is like a trophy mentality / attitude then I will be turning up on match day protesting and calling for his firing. Can’t be going back to such embarrassing times..
And with wenger I held on for more than 10 years in hope that he would resurrect his old fire to get back to being a hungry / competitive manager. But it was not meant to be. I accepted that I was wrong and delusional for thinking that wenger would curb his own ego / pride and try to adapt / evolve with the ever changing world of football. But I never got to the level of complete disrespect for wenger that the “Anti Wenger” bridge stooped too.
Same with Emery. I never stooped to the level that the Anti Emery loonatics stooped to. Calling him all sorts of derogatory names.
And I will also never stoop to the over the top Anti Arteta level of agenda that you lot have kept pushing for since 2020.
Just know that..
Durand,
Sadly your wasting your breath, as there seem to be a lot of fans that are so loved up with Arteta, that he could take us down a division, and these
Arteta loveys as I call them would find an excuse for him.
Your right, there seems to one rule for Arteta, and a completely different rule regarding our earlier managers.
Just watch the Arteta Loveys come out and attack my comments.
Why are you trying to create divisions. None of us are loveys or haters. We ate all Arsenal fans and all entitled to our opinions whatever labels you start using to divide us.
Admin Pat,
I’m not trying to divide anyone, I just get tired of seeing fans defending Arteta, but some of them were calling for the head of Wenger and Emery.
Different rules for Arteta though.
No trophy’s in five years, here’s to the next five years folks.
From one extreme to the other with the last two comments and I’m sure Durand will be able to answer himself with regards to the ridiculous and point scoring childish accusations.
SueP thanks for your measured reply.
There are quite a few new posters on JA from Wenger’s last few seasons (at least in name) and a lot who have left as well.
During my time here, I have given my honest opinion and been proven right and wrong in equal measures.
What I always find amusing, is that we all think we’re right and very rarely change our views.
Some will claim they do and rant on and on, condemning those who they say don’t.
Durand and myself, from the very beginning, wanted the same criteria applied to MA as AW and UE and continue to believe that’s the right thing to do.
If any of the above sounds irrational or unfair, can I ask you why?
I’m not “loved up” with MA, but I think he’s making progress…. but how do we measure it?
On the field results?
Off the field results?
Trophies achieved?
League positions?
All the above were used to measure both AW and UE and that’s how I’m going to measure MA at the end of the season.
I understand you sticking to your beliefs.
All I have tried to reflect upon is Arteta didn’t have an obvious body of work to show off. We knew Emery and AW from what they had achieved, hence I gave a fair degree of leeway to Arteta on his managerial learning curve
It’s fair to say that Arteta is not the rookie but neither is he highly experienced, but he should have enough about him now to be called out. I just think it’s gone rather over the top at this point in time
What season Ken1945,
season 5,6,7,8,9,10. What phase will Arteta be in then.
DEREK, This current season and I thought I’d made that point.
If MA keeps us in the CL and we win one of the two domestic cups (or both) I will say that is a successful season… as that’s what I thought when AW was doing the same thing.
Winning a trophy doesn’t mean it’s been a successful season of course, look at manure and what happened to their manager!!
As for phases, no-one mentioned this when MA took over, but it seems to have been adopted as a measuring stick.
I don’t recall any other manager being judged in phases, but that’s by the by.
I was told by HD that one never had a open bus parade for finishing fourth, but I’ve always seen it as AW saw it and, surely, that has to be the minimum achievement for MA this season?
If he does that, I’ll continue to support him, just as I did with Arsene.
Waffle. Chelsea spent how much money? And Poch had them clicking at the end of last season so both Maresca and Slott inherited a good thing, meanwhile Arteta inherited a shambles so cut it out
These guys know that. They just have this never healing grudge or agenda against Arteta as a man because of the decisions he took in his first full season. They have been pushing these same tired talking points since 2020. And even when we started doing pretty well in the last 3 seasons they have continued to parrot these anti Arteta talking points. They couldn’t wait for Arteta to fail so that they can soothe their “Doom and Gloom” prophecies that they all predicted from about 2020. They have been waiting for any moment to say “I told you so”. Came up with all kinds of talking points “Chequebook manager. Arteta will never be a Top 4 manager. He will never come anywhere to making us a title challenging team. He will get us relegated. He is a middle table manager. Championship level manager. Will never attract any good players to Arsenal because he can’t deal with big name or talented players blah blah”.
These are the kinds of people we have been arguing back and forth for for about 4 seasons now.
🤞👍
Mac,
That was five seasons ago. How long do Arsenal fans have to wait for trophy’s.
I’m not saying its right, but I could give you examples of clubs sacking their manager even when they’ve won trophy’s. And I’m sure you know who I’m talking about.
And here we have a manager, five years into his tenure and still no trophy’s. And don’t give me but were in whatever phase crap that Arteta peddles, complete clap-trap.
And before you say, but he won the FA Cup, that was with partly Wenger’s and Emery’s squad, so don’t even go there.
DEREK, I assume you go to our games, so let me ask you this:
Since MA became manager (not coach) have you seen better football, exciting football, organised football and has the atmosphere in the ground changed for the better?
Ken1945,
Unfortunately, I don’t get to games any more for one reason or another. But I was a regular under the George Graham and Arsene Wenger era’s.
The atmosphere under Arteta is good and the football is good to a point. (Well the previous two seasons anyway).
But the football we played under Wenger was streets ahead of this lot.
And I will add, that Arsenal in there pomp under Wenger would have beaten the current team, without breaking sweat.
sorry to but in, Ken1945, but is Wenger in his pomp relevant to Ken1945’s comments, Derek?
It was the most amazing football and and a privilege to witness but that was then and this is now.
Sue,
My point is that back then we really had a quality squad, not the overhyped one that the current fans talk about.
Just compare the squads, and I defy anyone to tell me that this squad is as strong.
So what?
Different times, different dynamics
All you do is constantly bash Arteta. Aren’t you bored with it yet?
I presume most who post on JA are adults and are more than able to make up their own minds. It is almost akin to attempted brainwashing 🙂
I haven’t read anywhere that fans are saying the football under AW in his pomp is comparable to what MA is producing today… but, as a fervent Arsene supporter, the football his team produced in the last two years of his time as manager, bears no resemblance to the team we have today either.
Of course The Invincibles would best today’s squad, but so would today’s team beat the class of 2016 – 2018.
So, from your reply, it seems the only thing your missing is trophies – did you feel the same from 2005 until 2015?
Ken1945,
In Wenger’s first eight years at the club, he won 3 Premier Leagues and 4 FA Cups, which I believe bought him a bit of time if he was then to have a lean spell concerning challenging for more trophy’s. Let’s say 2 maybe 3 seasons at a stretch.
Then having not challenged for the major trophy’s it was time to look else where for a new manager.
I believe that Wenger actually stayed 10 years to long at Arsenal, all the control that he had he started to find it a bit much to contend with.
But having said that, I must admit that with the financial constraints that he had to deal with, he still managed to keep Arsenal in the top four more often than not.
And he also continued to win the FA Cup along the way. Something that the current manager can’t seem to manage. Because he thinks that we’ve got bigger fish to fry.
Really, when your team has been starved of success for such along time, you should take any competition your in seriously.
And to think, that there were those in the media, and certain fans accused Wenger of not taking the FA Cup seriously at times. Well it makes you wonder how many times Arsenal would have won the FA Cup if he had.
And in answer to your question, yes I did get frustrated with him when Arsenal were not challenging for the major trophy’s, but like I said, he still won the FA Cup along the way. And lets not forget his good record overall, gets him a lot of goodwill.
And for those people who think that I’m always having a pop at Arteta, the reason is in 4 seasons Arteta hasn’t taken the League or FA Cup as seriously as he should. And he hasn’t got the success behind him to have any level of patience, that Wenger got from me.
Do you still think that the likes of your favourite “Brendan Rodgers” would have done much better than Arteta from the time you were suggesting them as the replacement for Arteta?
Chelsea has had to go through how many managers until this season? How much have they spent in the years since we appointed Arteta?
Arteta seems to have flattened this season but to bring up the likes of Chelsea as the template to go by tells me you are either just stuck in your never ending anti Arteta brain rot or you are just a typical sensationalist shallow thinker.
There is more enough objective critic to be aimed at Arteta this season, so much of it but you are still stuck in the 2020 talking point parrot mode..
🤦♂️
Goonster:
you know them and could just have made a painting of their faces with those words.
Brother. Some of us have been going back and forth with this same individual for at least 4 seasons now.
I can read them like a book. They never say anything profound. It’s the same old tired talking points every single season no matter how we are performing. Even when we were doing fairly better in the last 3 or so seasons these same individuals just kept / keep complaining about Arteta. It’s crazy.
I now hope that this would be Arteta’s last season with us. Then we could have a bit of sanity back into some peoples lives. They just seem to have this grudge or some sort of dislike for the guy. Nearly all their comments every season are negative, doom and gloom, pessimistic and dark towards this manager. It’s so energy draining trying to have a any objective discussion about Arteta because we are then lost in these petty arguments every season.
Right now should be one of those moments where we should be criticising Arteta and his team objectively because it’s warranted. But we can’t do that because we always have to be stuck in these personal gratification / egotistical petty mud throwing. People just keep airing their grievances and same old tired Anti Arteta talking points every season and it’s absolutely irritating.
Again we have more objective criticisms to point at Arteta right now that we should be discussing. But we always just seem to have the same old tired petty talking points being trotted out like clockwork every season.
As Lenny Hery would say back in the day “Shoot me now”. 😊😁
Why don’t you two paint a trophy so we can celebrate one?
You can talk and talk until your mouths become dry, but the fact is Arteta’s trophy cabinet is still empty and dusty. And it doesn’t look like it will change this season either.
@HH
You have been talking and talking for years and have absolutely added nothing to the conversation about Arteta. With the wrongest predictions you have made about Arteta since 2020 I find it difficult even take you seriously as an interlocutor.
We all want trophies but the way some of you have conducted and keep conducting yourselves every season is not conducive to any mature debate.
As I keep saying, there are so many things right now to objectively point out / criticise Arteta about but we can’t do that because we have the likes of you agenda ridden individuals that turn everything into petty irrational regurgitations. It’s tiring and brain damaging reading the same old over the top tired “Anti Arteta” talking points that you lot keep recycling each and every season. It does not matter if we are challenging for the title or not, you will keep finding a way to sneak in your tired overused grievance talking points with regards to Arteta.
Again, I just hope that this is Arteta’s last season at Arsenal. Then the likes of yourself will be much more happy. But I hope you yourself don’t recommend “BRENDON RODGERS” and all the other managers you have suggested since 2020.
🙏🤞👍
HH:
Is that in any way related to implying Arteta inherited a better squad than the other two did?
You seem happy with the trash Arsenal was, and hoped it continue under your favourite manager, signing rubbish players deliberately for self glorification.
He did inherit a good and capable squad contrary to what his fans always try to portray. They won him his only trophy.
Why were they given away for free then? Because he failed to win them over just like his predecessor failed. Arteta just like Emery before him lost that dressing room!!!
It was never a question of quality. Only this time the club chose to support the manager unlike how they failed Emery.
If you think that Arteta inherited a serious team then seriously have gone full cuckoo.
The same team that got Emery sacked and was in 14th place?
The same players that no one wanted to buy? If they were such a good team then how come no other serious team went for them? And once these amazing players were given away, what did they go on to do? Did they go to any serious club and resurrected their careers or they got exposed for being the mediocre players that they had become?
May be you should have volunteered as our Director or Football and duped other clubs to pay us for these superstars players we had back then. You seem to have the know how when it comes to player deals and transfers.
Put your CV forward to Arsenal. Edu the boogeyman has vacated the Director of Football position at Arsenal. Less talking and more action.
Come on the take on the challenge. Edu is gone now. Use your expertise in player sales, you are wasting your talent stuck on these online forums.
HH,
You’ve hit the nail right on the head there. When you listen to some of the dross that comes out of the mouth of Arteta, you wonder if even he believes half the stuff he comes out with.
I also agree with you on all this phase rubbish that he comes out with.
And one of his favorite sayings is, its the small margins, and he’s always proud of the boys. (It brings a tear to your eyes doesn’t it).
Well, I disagree with some of your comments.
The new Liverpool manager has done very well with the squad he has. It is important to recognise however that the squad was already one of the best in the PL and in Europe.
Chelsea’s squad was very expensively assembled and has quite a few talented top class players with potential to be amongst the world’s best. Pochettino had already managed to turn them into an effective team towards the end of last season and Maresca has done well to ensure that the team have progressed and remain competitive.
The squad that Arteta inherited was no where near the level required to compete effectively for major titles. It was necessary to rebuild.
Had wegeld on for the win against City, Liverpool and now Chelsea, we’d be having a drastically different season. This gives me hope that all is not lost. We haven’t been firing on anywhere near the cylinders we have in seasons past but still competitive
*we held
We are 10 points behind Liverpool already. I know that it’s still early in the season but that’s a massive uphill climb. That’s 3 games that liverpool have to lose while we have to win 3 (without dropping points).
Liverpool might also go through their own rot in the near future like We and Man City seem to be going through. But then we have a resurgent Chelsea, Spurs, and don’t forget Man City will definitely get out of this dip too.
The whole thing seems so surreal at the moment. This was supposed to be our moment to topple Man City but then we have self destructed ourselves.
I am so piissed offfff right now.
From what I can see there may have been some strategic considerations or financial responsibility concerns that impacted some of the decisions during the transfer window.
Although we strengthened in defensive areas we haven’t improved in creativity or striking positions. Injuries have further contributed to an unbalanced team team at times.
But we should be doing better than we are doing right now. The team just seems to be very flat. Players missing easy chances that they would not have missed in the last two seasons. Player indiscipline (Red cards).
I think it’s all on Arteta because the players are good enough and just need to be recharged by Arteta himself.
Man City are going through a bad patch right now and we should be taking advantage. But it seems like Liverpool have taken their chance and taking advantage of the situation.
It’s really frustrating. We have not taken take full advantage when presented to us in manu cases with Arteta. He just about does the minimum in many given opportunities. Can’t seem to push himself or be more braver and going for it. It feels like we are left in limbo with our nearly there endings.
Maybe.
I think people have underestimated Liverpool because of the way they fell off during the last couple of years. The main weakness they appeared to have was in central MF and they have found solutions from within. This season although they have had injuries those have not been to players as critical to their setup as Arsenal and MC. They have pace up front and in Mo Salah they have one of the world’s great players.
Discipline may have been an issue for Arsenal but the two second yellows were at the very least controversial. In attack we do not have sufficient pace, power and precision through the middle with Havertz even though he does good work in other ways. We have yet to solve our left flank issue which may be partly related to the injury situation.
We also have limited options from the bench. Certainly Arteta has to work out solutions from what he has but it is also the case that various issues have made things more difficult.
fair comments
Sk,
You keep telling yourself that, and you might just to believe it yourself.
I keep on telling people that we won’t win any major trophy’s while Arteta is in charge. Wake up and smell the coffee, people.
I don’t think Arsenal were unlucky. It was, not for the first time unfortunately, poor finishing that did for them. Look at Arteta’s reaction to Trossard’s miss at the end of the game – banging the ground with his fists.
Nine points behind Liverpool now. Unless there’s a staggering turnaround in the fortunes of the two clubs, I don’t see Arsenal managing to catch up – but there’s always hope.
The result of not having a natural and proper striker. Look at Newcastle being carried by Isak, exactly the same way Aubameyang carried us for two seasons alone. Those 8th, 8th finishes would have been closer to relegation without Auba’s goals.
Trossard would have still tipped it beyond the ‘striker’ no matter who they were
you can’t ship the ‘striker’ around to where the ball falls, if it fell to our striker Havertz then fair enough, but it fell to our left winger
our left wing is Arsenal’s weakness, not striker
You mean Martinelli the LW who scored our only goal? I think Arteta is looking like the weakness so far this year.
He seemingly can’t manage adversity when a key player gets injured, only answer is play slower and more defensive.
Saliba went down and we lost the title shot. Odegaard’s injury and we have sputtered so far. Looking more like a checkbook manager and less like a tactician.
Ref’s fault? Players fault? VAR? Seems the team and Arteta are regressing this year.
Martinelli did score tonight, and should have scored earlier, massively overdue to finally actually convert
i see our left hand side as our underperforming weakness yet again this season, the spend on Merino and Calafiroio to correct that not yet working, still have Timber doing well, but goal output is massively disappointing
yes finally Martinelli scores but surely you agree that the output from our left is leaving us short, and worse allows oponents to overload the right knowing how one dimensional Martinelli is!
Arsenal1886
I agree Martinelli needs to step it up.
Perhaps if he had Odegaard on his side like Saka always does, and a consistent fullback. Saka has White, Martinelli has had Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, Kiwior, Timber, Calafiori.
These affect a player, not to mention they invert leaving the LW no support or overlap.
Arteta’s obsession with inverting LB has neutered our LW.
Also our attack has a toothless paper tiger in Jesus, and Arteta won’t leave Havertz in a CF but is obsessed with tinkering, playing him on the wings, a false 9, back in midfield.
Martinelli needs to step up I agree, but Arteta’s tactics are not helping our team either, hampering in fact.
Man City have Halaand and they still are also losing game this season. It’s more than a striker.
What if we bought that striker and he tanked? You just can’t be that simplistic.
It’s just that the team and the manager are going through a proper dip.
If we had bought that striker and he did not hit the ground running people would then look for something else to point at as the reason for why the team was not doing great.
Bertie,
I’m surprised that when Arteta hit the deck, he didn’t call for a penalty to be honest🤣
I think title is gone
Because we are 9 points behind Liverpool
We just now have to concentrate on cup games
And winning matches because now we have played with every big team
City
Liverpool
Aston Villa
Tottenham
Chelsea
Newcastle
To the contrary Kedar.
You forgot to mention that we only lost once in all those matches including City.That to me is a plus.
Although I acknowledge that we are off the pack for the Epl race,I am optimistic that with an addition or two offensively in January we may end up with something.
Kadar,
I don’t think the title has gone, I know the title has gone.
And deep down, so do the half glass full brigade.
Better performance today. All we need is a C.F who can score. If we ever get one with this team intact we will definitely do better. I hope it happens in January.
“All we need is a C.F who can score. “. That may well be true. After all, we’ve needed one for a while if we’re honest about it but the opportunity to get one is very limited (to the January window, as you say).
Of course, any team that’s willing to sell a quality player in mid-season will see Arsenal coming a mile off and extract a very big price from them if they can.
We have no choice but to get a quality attacking player or even two especially a C.F as we are seriously lacking in that area.
This will definitely come at cost because of our mistake in the summer transfer.
Orelse we may end up trophyless again.
True 131%
Bertie,
Don’t worry, we can always do what we normally do, and get one of Chelsea’s cast offs.
I do not have hopes on Mikel hiring a CF as he thinks Kai is one having helped CFC to the bank with 65million! Might end up with another defender for sure. Mikel dislikes attack – Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Nelson, Viera all gone with no replacements. Kai and Sterling – massive flops at CFC donning our colors! What a sad state of affairs.
It would require that his philosophy change, will Arteta change to incorporate a lethal striker and admit he was wrong?
I think it more likely he spends another 100 million on new wingers before he admits his mistake and plays a traditional striker.
When have you guys ever admitted that you were wrong throughout this Arteta tenure? You keep going about how Arteta has to admit that he was wrong. Same old “Arteta has to admit he was wrong” talking point has been perpetuated nearly every season under him. You guys are always asking him to Apologise or Admit that he had been or Is wrong about something. There is always some thing that you latch on every season demanding that he Admits his wrongness.
But how many times have you guys apologised or Admitted your overwhelming Wrongness about Arteta since you became Arteta bashers?
You are hypocrites that demand the others should Admit their wrongness while you yourself will never admit your wrongnesses.
Isn’t it?
Goonster, are you in any way suggesting that Arteta was right for not getting a goal scoring striker in the summer? It beats my imagination how we sheepishly support failure and mediocrity. Even the opposing teams and pundits admitted that arsenal needs a goal scoring striker except Arteta.
Those Arteta’s foot soldiers are not more arsenal than those criticizing his static formations and some of his decisions. No body hates Arteta as a person. One thing is certain. Every arsenal fan wants epl trophies because, it has been long. So, for you to expect everyone to think or see things the way you see them on issues concerning the club, is amusing.
Must we find excuses every year for our failures. We know where we are lacking yet, our coach finds difficult to address, why?
Calm down, you seem insane.
I merely apply the same standards to Arteta that were applied to Wenger and Emery. Why don’t you?
Did you defend Wenger and Emery as vigorously as you defend Arteta? Even Arteta admitted mistakes regarding players, when we point this out you deny reality and begin frothing at the mouth.
Why are the goalposts moved for Arteta? I’m Arsenal through and through first, before players and managers.
You clearly value Arteta more than an employee, which is your right. He’s just a manager, nothing more. How’s his CL trophy in 3 years prediction working out? In fact any trophy after 800 million and total control working out?
Blind faith is dangerous my friend, best to support the club above players and managers, but you are free to support who you choose.
Win a major trophy and I’ll apologize like you ask, until then I’ll call out his 800 million and empty cabinet with his handpicked players.
Because he was a massive Wenger basher ,and he wanted Arteta to do better to be proven right ,that’s what it boils down to .
Only have to look at his countless posts on this thread making hilarious claims .
I would move and ignore him .
Durand,
A well put and superb piece from you there. Which I totally agree with.
Its good to support your team and manager, but come on fellow Arsenal fans. Open your eyes and see what’s in front of you.
To keep backing him to save face, is laughable really.
DEREK, “Backing him to save face” is a ridiculous comment… are you trying to divide everyone again?
I’ll tell you why I’m backing him shall I? It’s because he has taken us twice within a whisker of beating the most expensively-assembled, most successful team in the world for a decade (with Pep Guardiola as their coach). That makes him the second best manager in the EPL (so far). You are obviously so full of hate for him you fail to see his qualities.
Should Man City sack Guardiola because he lost 4 games in a row?
Yes Admin Pat,
Your right he’s taken us to two second place finishes, (No trophy for that the last time I looked).
And let me get something straight with you, I don’t hate anyone. I don’t like him as a manager, I can’t comment on him as a person, but as a manager I don’t like the spin he puts on things that are clearly not true. But the word hate is a very nasty word, and something that I don’t have for anyone. So let me get that straight.
And as for your question as to whether Guardiola should be sacked because they’ve lost there last 4 games, of course not. The difference is he’s got all those trophy’s to back him up.
What has Arteta got, Win the dog, another club gimmick.
Goonster,
I’m not admitting to his or my wrongness.
I just want to know where the trophy’s are. oh sorry, I forgot he hasn’t won any has he, silly me.
Cliff, the way we play football at the moment our CF would have to be twice as quick as Usain Bolt, twice as tall as Haarland and have a brain like mystic meg, to guess where the ball was going. Our crosses are so poor. It is more than a CF we need.
Partey – Merino actually looked good
In them we have 2 CM that can play the Deep-Lying-Playmaker role – something Rice doesn’t have
Odegaard again our creative source
Where was Rice in Chelsea’s goal – that’s his zone to make sure outside shots are prevented or at least not that free,
He was absolutely out of position
That’s why I believe we are suited for a 4231 formation. Merino being left footed gives the base of our team the needed balance.
Odegaard is not yet up to speed but he will catch up.
Arteta should normalise pairing either of Partey or Rice with Merino.Then if Calafiori is fit he should start at left back to make us more fluid.
The title is not yet gone bro,we are still up their with the rest of the team trying to outdo each other.For the fact that Liverpool is leading with 9 points doesn’t mean they have won the league,it’s too early to predict the winner or losser,look at today s game with Ipwish vs Tottenham.Who could have thought they will win today.I think by February & March the title will be ticking between who is up their in either 1st,2nd or 3rd position.My take please.
Hard fought draw which we could have won. Saliba was offside for the last sec same for jesus on the earlier chance but my god what terrible judgment by trossard.
9 pts behind after 11 matchs look unsurmountable and unless we massively improve we have no chance. But keep in mind that Liv have had a very favorable fixture list and us a terrible one which skews the point diff.
Liv have played just 1 of the current top 10 away which is us when we were without 2/3 of our spine(Saliba, Odegaard, Saka) and 4 at home. by contrast, We have played 5 away and 2 at home 1 of them with 10 man for half the match.
*2 of them
It doesn’t matter if Liverpool go on to lose the rest of their games this season if we don’t win ours.
Hence why i said unless we massively improve
Title is gone as we will not go undefeated even if Pool drop points.
Its hard to see the likes of Saliba staying beyond summer. Why would he? 0 trophies despite spending 500 million and weve only challenged for the title once, last year. Fall to top 4 obscurity awaits..?
Typical doom and gloom after some bad results…results have not been forthcoming but performances have not been completely dire…and as some have pointed out, fixtures/pairings have been very less taxing for Liverpool than Arsenal and City…keep believing Gunners, we’re just a third of the way In, still a lot of plot twists and such to come
I’d take the result and look forward to a winning run post international break. I INSIST, the title race is far from over. We host Nottingham Forest next. COYG!!!
You INSISTED that last season and the season before that Vamos.
Hi Ken, much respect to you. I’m curious though about this response to Vamos, are you implying that he is wrong in his belief in the Arsenal and their ability to come good next season (even if this is the same sentiment every season)
Respect back – my comment to Vamos is because he was telling everyone exactly the same thing the last two seasons and then gave no reason as to why this didn’t happen.
I haven’t given up on the PL either, but I gave my reasons as to our not winning it the last two seasons.
Just saying it will happen season after season, while not recognising any shortcomings is meaningless… but I guess if it keeps Vamos happy, I should respect his view as well.
“Last two seasons”? Can’ t remember being a contributor on here two seasons ago. Back to the topic, my reasons for sticking with my belief in the team regardless of form or results are simple, maintaining identity and grit as well as playing with heart and love for the badge. Which the team has shown consistently even though all that is left is the end product which I expect they will turn around just like they did last season, when all hopes were lost in our bid to challenge for the title, forget about winning it. But like you said I didn’t share the same view, hence why I maintained the belief in them to turn things around, even though we eventually failed to clinch the title.
Lets say goodbye to the EPL crown, that is reserved for City or Liverpool. 2 points from a possible 12 is not champion’s material. Hopefully we finish in the top 4. Can say goodbye to the UCL too, if we cannot put to bed games like Shaktar or Atlanta , the UCL dream is over.
Our only hope is the FA and the League cup.
If we end up without silverware, the Kroenkes will say goodbye to Mikel for sure. It does not matter how you play, the 3 points matter most and we have not yet mastered the art of collecting them match after match. Mikel, good is not good enough after the massive investment in the last 5 years
Sick of this season already… too many false moments and hopes, bad luck, injuries and corrupt officiating. The media darlings and 115 charges FC will contest the title as we fight Chelsea for 3rd.
If Arteta would stop being so stubborn and buy a striker, Victor Gyokeres seems to be very effective against city, not only would we be able to take advantage of the countless opportunities, but also we wouldn’t have situations like in the last minute, where it’s a free for all, and everyone gets in each others way, they would know to leave it for the striker.
What’s the fuss about the title
Just win something for God’s sake
Win something every year,
Be it title this year, FA next year, CL upper year – just win something
That’s all
That was more like it. However, I think we can forget talking about winning the league. Is it impossible, no. Is it improbable, absolutely. The positives for me were the seamless but impactful way Odegaard makes a difference to the pressing and link up play, and I think that’s the best performance I have seen from Merino so far. The negatives were, Havartz was guilty of not closing down on Neto for their goal, and we still lack a cutting edge in front of goal.
The decision to play Rice did not pay off and I sincerely hope he gets a much needed break from international duty in order to recharge his batteries.Once again Saka was ineffective and surely Arteta must give him licence to interchange with Martinelli and Havertz to escape the clutches of his markers and to bring some variety and invention to our attacks.Our full backs were sound enough defensively but brought little to the party going forward.On a brighter note, I thought Merino did well when he came on and seems to be adjusting to the pace of the EPL after a sticky start.Unlike some others, I remain confident we can give Liverpool a run for their money as they have benefited from fortunate breaks in a number of matches I have seen and are far from invincible in my opinion.
Your last sentence Grandad? But so are we and we have a 9 point handicap. We are playing with no particular style or tactic. Our crosses are just hopeful lobs. I hope you are right but I dont see it. This season should be our final destination but I feel we have got off many stops down the line.
Not a bad performance. But I think our premier league season is sunk. Lacking a bit of quality again today, again but a good performance. We just don’t look convincing in attack, and unless we keep a clean sheet (which we are not) then we don’t look like winning.
Aside from our starters, who on the bench can come in to help attack and contribute goals?
Jesus is a paper tiger, Sterling is like Willian 2.0, and Merino more of a deep lying playmaker DM than a creative midfielder.
A 17 year old kid more likely to impact the game game than Jesus or Sterling. Not selling Jesus for the 33 million offer seems a real mistake. Forget ruthless, too sympathetic imo.
I never mind reading an honest appraisal of an individual match. What gets my back up is the long list of complaints from several people who were vociferously critical of Arteta – changed their minds for a couple of years when it looked promising, until a few weeks ago and now every shortcoming is being highlighted again.
As for the game today, I thought overall it wasn’t a bad performance. Not brilliant but as the away team I thought we had enough about us to have won. A close offside decision marked off a “good finish “ by Havertz. Martinelli scored a good goal and for Chelsea it was a powerful and well placed goal with plenty to aim at. That bit was disappointing. We need a goal like that
I doubt we can win the league but I am not writing us off yet. There is no doubt that the much mentioned injuries and ruddy annoying red cards stunted our progress, along with integrating new players which takes a bit of time.
The winners at the weekend – Liverpool- deserve to be top but they were lucky at the Emirates during our recovery spell. Confidence isn’t high and that has an impact on performance so an away draw wasn’t all bad. It’s what happens in the next few fixtures that will mark out our season more accurately rather than forensically dissecting this match.
Odegaard had an impact – not least because he is our talisman – and will only get stronger
We all discuss the possible twists and turns and this weekend has shown how volatile this season is becoming. It was a big deal that Forest were above us. Villa under Emery were outstanding and it’s gone rather quiet on the front, considering calls for a smash and grab for his services again
On another matter, I haven’t read anything from Herr Drier lately. Hope you’re ok
@SueP
What did you expect from the Usual suspects that are always hanging in the shadows waiting for their “I told you that Arteta was crap” moments.
It’s really tiring. As I keep saying. There is enough objective criticism of Arteta and the players right now but to always come in with the same old talking points we have been treated to since 2020 clearly shows that some just want Arteta to fail so that they can soothe their egos. They have been predicting doim and gloom for at least 4 years now.
Victor Osimhen was available in the summer.
Every man and his dog knew Arsenal needed a striker in the summer.
He is scoring goals at Galatasaray at the moment.
When you fail to plan, you definitely plan to fail.
I agree with Reggie that the main takeaway from this game is lack of quality to clinch the three points required. We’ll huff and puff, with “oh so close”, but too many opportunities will be lost, leaving us fans frustrated with, ” if only this and that had, or hadn’t occurred”. I’m resigned to settling for top four which looks like a dog fight in itself.
Osimhen is a hustler.
Osimhen will convert most of these chances our forward players miss week in week out. Osimhen is a predator.
Osimhen will score goals. We paid 65m pounds for Havertz. We paid 100m pounds for Declan Rice. I am sure Napoli would have accepted 80m pounds for Osimhen.
Arteta didn’t want him that much.
Quality STRIKERS are rare nowadays. You need them to make the difference in tight games. They force defenders to make errors. They create magic. Man city might not play well, but Haaland scores. Goals get you 3 points.
Osimhen was available in the summer. But Arteta and Edu had other priorities. We are struggling to score goals now.
Buying Osimhen would have brought about good competition in the attack.
Havertz would have been charged up for the challenge.
If ARTETA does not win the EPL or champions league this season. He should be sacked.
A Boy that was born in 2004(the last time Arsenal won the league), is old enough to get a lady pregnant and old enough to be a father in 2024. We are tired of excuses. We are tired of taking a step forward and 3 steps backward.
Trossard fluffing his lines at the end…..how fitting. Sums up our whole season: a day late and a dollar short. Out of the title race before Black Friday. Good thing we didn’t do anything stupid like buy a striker.
Buy a striker, buy a striker, buy a striker currently: either translates to sell Gabriel Jesus, sell Gabriel Jesus, sell Gabriel Jesus or keep paying him massively to play 10 games a season…
Ødegaard’s position was secured while he stayed injured – Nwaneri barely got a sniff of a reasonable game. Looks like some politics or Arsenal, seriously, is in need of someone who can come in immediately for that position… or a 10 isn’t actually needed for the way they want to play. 🤔 Maybe Nwaneri should be sold.
Saka’s position, too, needs some reinforcement… but he looks untouchable, too.
Arteta has been blamed both for rotating the squad too much that the team lacks identity, and for being too stubborn to change what isn’t working. Such a wonderful world.
I do think the likes of Nelson, Vieira, Lokonga, Marquinhos, Hein should be made away with to create space for new signings: new signings that can be expected to play, immediately; not those to be given five years to see if they improve.
In all, Arsenal is a team that has shown no one can blow them over: in injuries, poor form, harsh officiating.
* * * just by the way * * *
Caicedo would most definitely have won himself a red card had he been an Arsenal player. The first half, only, was enough for that to happen.
Cucurella, I think, was immense.
Saka is sharp, again.
It looked like the Chelsea players were scared of Merino.
Timber appeared to be playing through pains but the sheer determination to keep going, and make it look like nothing, was outstanding. The guy is a true baller.
. . . and Saliba, I think, should be more combative.
@ Thrill, I agree with everything you just wrote. I am not happy with the way this season has gone. The fact that Odegaard was out injured for a while and Arteta was not brave enough to start Nwaneri in those games is worrying. The optimism in me keeps diminishing by the day. 9 points behind Liverpool.
Arteta is too defensive and lacks the boldness to make important calls. If a player is good enough to make the match day squad, he should be good enough to be in the starting line up. I am not impressed at all.
We pay G. Jesus just to feature in the 10 games a season. I can’t remember the last time he scored a goal for Arsenal. He has been on and off. If Arteta trust G. Jesus, then he must play him more and see if he will deliver. If not, he should be sold in January.
What is happening with Arteta and his team this season? This was meant to be the season to finally go for the title and Champions league seriously. The team has looked poor so far this season, boring, very defensive etc.
We were so good defensively last season and the season before. But all of a sudden we are one of the worst defenses this season. We can’t score for crap and we are conceding in every game against small, medium and big teams.
I am not happy with the way Arteta / the team have applied themselves so far this season. We seem to be out of the Title race this early in the season. We are at least 10 points behind Liverpool already. What the actual fck?
Smh
This guy! You have spent the whole thread fighting against any criticism of the checkbook manager and here you come to agree with all the criticism you have been fighting against hopelessly for years.
So it is a valid criticism when it comes from you?
@HH
I am not a one trick pony like you guys. I will criticise Arteta or any other individual when warranted. That’s my personality. I hold no petty grudges against any player or manager as long as I see them progressing and working hard to make us better.
The difference between me and the likes of yourself is that I am objectively criticising Arteta right now because it is warranted.
But you guys just seem to have this obsessive negativity towards Arteta. You are always complaining, criticising and being pessimists even if we are doing well.
I know exactly what you @HH are more likely to say regarding Arteta. It does not matter if we are progressing, challenging for the time or not. You will always be on the “Arteta is the worse manager / individual” that has ever been associated with Arsenal kind of ridiculousness.
@HH. When you are always 99% negative when it comes to anything Arteta, you then you can’t compare your latest negativity towards him with mine. I know when to be objective. When to critical and when to give praise when warranted. You on the other hand are stuck in this robotic anti Arteta mode. So skewed to one end of the spectrum (Negativity) that when you are even making a fair point of criticism it won’t land due to your history. You have been a one trick (Negative) since 2020, so you can’t blame me for not taking your criticisms as objective. I can bet you that most of your comments on this site since 2020 have just been pure irrational negative criticism towards Arteta. It does not matter if we are doing well or not. You always have to sneak in your tired on loop negativity.
Wanna bet on that?
🤞👍
HH,
I’m in full agreement with you on Goonster, I nearly fell off my chair on reading his latest piece.
You can’t make this stuff up, you really can’t, unbelievable.
You really cant Derek! He really think only his criticism is valid by his reply above. This is a kind of person you don’t look at funny in public.
The performance of last night is encouraging. If we keep that shape for some time, we should be up there, forget about 9 points and Liverpool. We should instead focus on our own points – game by game and who knows.
I mean, we played well but not well enough to win. We missed quite a few chances and we need to improve our finishing in order to put teams away. Was impressed with the performances of Odegaard, the MOTM by a mile and so also Martinelli and Partey. Hope Rice is not forced to play through the pain and if he is not fully fit, allow him to rest and recover. Merino can very well deputise for him.
The only positive from the match, is arsenal has rediscover their rhythm and mobility due to the return of our talismanic captain, Odegaard.
The two new coaches at Liverpool and Chelsea did not need any rebuild or process. They hit instant progress with the team they inherited.
Surely, there is something wrong with Arteta, Edu, our former sporting director and ofcourse, arsenal.