Well lovely Arsenal people, after six years of Mikel Arteta and £1 billion spent we had one shot on target at Anfield. I do not want to hear about other teams’ magic. When will a player in our team produce a moment of magic that wins an important game? I like our squad. We have very good offensive players, yet we opted for the same old with Martinelli. The guy is not good enough, it is clear to see and after eight signings, including Piero Hincapie, we still do not have a proper left winger.
Tactics and team selection questioned
A lot of difficult questions need answering. We gave Leandro Trossard a pay rise to not play him. We opted for Max in the 90th minute, hoping he would win a penalty again. We played for corners from kick off. We just gave them the ball. Viktor Gyokeres was awful, but when we opted for him, did anyone see what his strengths are? They are putting the ball in the back of the net, not hold up play, not creating chances. We opted for three defensive midfielders and four centre backs in defence, not good enough. David Raya was beaten from 35 yards out. It is embarrassing.
I am not listening about injuries, no way. William Saliba had an injury before the game and we played him. Mikel knew it, look at how fast Cristhian Mosquera was up to enter, and fair play to him he did actually do well. But a manager who overuses players got another key player injured. It is on him and nobody else. We could have played Ethan in the 10, Eberechi Eze on the left and Noni Madueke on the right and been exciting, been adventurous. Instead we played Mikel Merino, who was awful, but my goodness Martin Zubimendi…
Arsenal’s title hopes in doubt
I already miss Thomas Partey. Liverpool dodged a bullet there. The guy is supposed to control games, yet he gave away the ball and silly fouls so many times. You know how to prevent their goal? Do not take the guy out when you are behind and you cannot win the ball. But no, we opt for the lucky wondergoal. They deserved to win, because they simply wanted it more. Fortune favours the brave. They made changes first, they tried to tilt the game in their favour and they won. We lost the title at the Etihad two seasons ago, when we were defensive again.
Mikel is not the guy. The only lucky thing is him being in charge of this great football club for six years without anything to stand for it. Imagine if we backed with these amounts of money a manager who had ambition to play attacking football. We might actually win something. We are finished, I am finished. Arteta Out. I never wanted him and six years later I am sadly vindicated. We will never win the title hoping others fail. Last season Manchester City fell off a cliff, what did we do, let it slip. It is time to leave Mikel.
Certainly some controversial issues raised. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Konstantin Mitov
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Stop listening to the clueless pundits like Carragher and Neville, mate. Look at the game and trust your own eyes and instinct.
Both teams were (perhaps too) cautious, which I assume is due to this being so early in the season and both are looking for their fluidity and trying to integrate new players. Neither created much, but why is it Arsenal is the big culprit? Even Slot is saying the same thing I am saying here.
Liverpool is playing at home and supposedly defending their title? I didn’t really see them wanting it more, than perhaps a 10 minute spell in the second half.
When do we create these magic goals? well, what about Rice’s 2 free kicks against Real?
On spot, Liverpool the home team had 3
Liverpool is able to buy arguably 2 best players in their position with extraordinary price tags, yet their net transfer is much less than Arsenal. We bought many aged average players with zero resell value. Most baffling is paying 50mil to Chelsea flop. So, its almost 200mil down the drain. It shows how much we are lagging behind Liverpool in overall management. Where Liverpool is generating 40-50mil for their flops and academicians, we could only manage cheap loan deals for our established first team players. So no matter how much hopeful we can get its fact that we are far behind both on and off the pitch.
We had game changers on the bench, Merino with all due respect looks like he isn’t match fit Martinelli seems like he forgot how to play football and yet we have Odegaard Eze and Dowman on the bench. Arteta wasn’t brave you don’t go to another man’s patch and expect to go away with something if you not brave. Today like so many other times Arteta showed his hand or his lack thereof I am sorry but I am with Konstantin I too believe Arteta cannot take us to the promised land
Actually, I saw a Liverpool that was scared, and were ” hedgy” toward the Gunners.
But found out that their fear was unnecessary after all.
Koen, Liverpool at home and you sense they are too conscious, afraid of loosing, then you go for the ‘throat’ man! They were there for the taking, why the Handbrakes?
Nothing controversial Kons. You wrote the truth and the truth hurts. Nothing more to add, you mentioned all the ills. Arnie adjusted to the EPL like a duct to the water and Enzo is not far behind. This year it will be Liverpool vs Chelsea for the EPL. We will not focus on the domestic cups – as they do not bring in much money, will get into the UCL quarters max and will earn something there. End of the season when Stan enquires what we won, Mik will the reply “The Emirates Cup”
Thanks Koen, you said everything if Arsenal were fortunate to have won the game yesterday Arteta would have been the right man in the right place. If we look back when struggle to qualify for champion league people were quiet leave that we are even celebrating now with others, people are not appreciating Arteta.
Kons is right about Arteta. I believe we should be getting a new Manager now before it’s too late. £1 billion spent and nothing to show for it. I would be fuming after yesterday if I was SK.
Also we must take into account the players. The promises made to them especially Nwaneri and Skelly. So far those promises have been broken and we all know what happens when promises are broken?!!
Martinelli, if he cares and loves Arsenal which he says he does, he should have the decency to admit to Arteta his is not the one and it’s time to move on. Merino should be saying the same – use the others and I’ll sub when required.
So far what a waste of £300 million this year!
“So far what a waste of £300 million this year”
One loss against the champions and some of you are sounding pathetic as usual. If Arsenal didn’t sign, you guys would be being the hell out of him. I have a question for you Laura, would you ask Arteta not to use you if you were Martinelli or Merino?
It’s too early to sound like a broken record, your emotions means absolutely nothing. I have been an Arsenal fan for so many years, I have been through a lot from rival fans but I cant give up already, just 3 matches into the season.
I also believe Arteta isn’t the man to win us trophies but wasted 300 million? Get a hold of your emotions mate.
Yes, it is money wasted. If the team is set up top play pass-pass-pass only, then from where will Gyoks get the service he needs? 55M wasted here.
Eze on the bench when creativity is most required and then played LW instead of CAM – another – 60M wasted. Was there no better upgrade over Noni for 50M? And what are his returns in 3 matches? Zubs- 65M for the horror show against Liverpool? A semi fit Partey is more effective than a fully fit Zubs. The positives are Mosquera and Kepa who are really good for the transfer fees paid.
You’d better check about Trossard’s pay-rise before publishing the article, because his contract will still expire at the end of the season according to Transfermarkt
As for the narrow defeat, it’s not extraordinary since we’ve never won at Anfield since 2012
Better judge Arteta after the season ends
We do but people still find silly excuses to defend the undefendable.
Judge Arteta at the end of …… how many seasons? 6?
The man’s got all the support and he’s not as yet very convincing.
We have been judges for the past 5 seasons, same results every other season
@Gai I know Liverpool wasn’t exceptional on the day, and the free kick they scored can happen. Actually the two teams were very cautious in their approach. But if Arteta had been a little bit brave with his selection the match was winnable for Arsenal.
Imo using 3 DM killed creativity in Arsenal flow. I though Nwaneri signed a new contract to deputize for Odegard when injured. EZE also imo has enough Epl experience to fit in almost immediately.
Now we are doing catch-up after 3rd game not a good feeling. Madueke did well in Saka’s absence but same can’t be said of Matinelli who imo stayed too long on the pitch. .
Exactly, we needed the Gaffer to be brave, as is now we are set up not to loose,. We lost four games last season and had 14 draws, yes FOURTEEN draws!!! I’d rather we win 10/14 and loose the four. That’s 20 points more and you win the league!
It’s easy to question manager’s decisions when things go wrong. We have played one of the most beautiful futbol under Arteta. How do u expect a team the didn’t have their best defender [Saliba] best creative midfielder [Ordegaard] best winger [Saka] and our Havertz who has already gelled with the team with his movements both with and without the ball?
No team in the world can survive missing their key players at every department of the pitch and still rain the same. It’s true we brought in quality legs, you will agree that u may have squad and not a team cos it takes a while for players to understand each other. Zubimendi is a top player who will be instrumental to our success. Partey didn’t really give us his best until his final two seasons. Remember where Arteta is taking this tram from and now we have a world class team take it or leave it, that’s the fact. PSG won UCL after so many so near attempt, same with Man City. Arsenal’s time is very very very close.
If we sack Arteta now, it won’t be different form what happened to us during mid-2000s cos Arsenal was then becoming a team to reckon with in Europe but the Emirate project took us back 15 years futbal wise.
Arteta should be left with this team as I am so convinced that the long awaited and deserving successes will come
Going by our logic, what’s the point of signing players like Eze, Madueke and Zubimendi if there’re not good enough to fit in seamlessly when the others are injured?
*your
Players need to time to work together effectively as a team. That’s not easy and takes time even for the best players.
The fact that you are asking this question suggests you have never played a team sport at any level and have little understanding.
This was Eze’s first game with his new team. The other two have played only a handful of games together.
One narrow, tad unlucky loss from the most difficult away trip of the season has provoked so much hysterical defeatism. Get a grip on yourselves. What makes you convinced this Arsenal side are head and shoulders above all rivals they can just go and pluck a PL and ECL like picking best fruit from trees? Get Real.
There’s a lot of teams with at least as much cutting edge quality players. What I saw Sunday is we are well equipped as a squad to push Liverpool all the way in the PL by focussing on depth rather than invest £100M in basket of fragile eggs. We certainly were’t bettered by Liverpool. With Izak in building, Liverpool certainly have more open play cutting edge than us, but our strength in depth and extra options might allow us to finish top. As a group we are certainly hungry enough.
Nor am I a defender of all Arteta tactics and decisions, i’m always posting top draw analysis of what can be better, such as now Eze in the building Rice doesn’t need to be in that forward area of pitch trying to be Eze, Rice skills better suited behind Zoob, and Zoob better being Rodri or Wurzll, not screening the defence. Also for two matches running our left side has been a mess, with Maddy and Nelly passing forward to Ricky who’s further wider and forward than they are.
though i’m not going over the top on Merino playing being negative and cowardly, he’s experienced, big, strong, scored how many goals for us last season as well as those two stonking assists away at Real Madrid. Cowardly, defensive and negative you reckon?
And I will confess I have zilch interest in winning an FA cup or league cup, those are meaningless trophies in this day and age. Neither of those count as a trophy winning season. The only trophy is the PL title. And once you have won a couple of those, a side will want to cement their legacy with at least one ECL.
“When will a player in our team produce a moment of magic that wins an important game?”
Declan Rice’s masterclass against Real Madrid was only last season you know?
Well written article in my view. Flatteries tend to seriously misinform planning and give confidence to unproductive modus operadi.
May be the many new players are still finding each other from their different backgrounds. That considered, we aren’t as yet convincing as far as any serious is concerned this week.
How bad will a disruption from a Lookman’s addition to this squad cause to the point where we never even look into him?
What kind of chaos and upheaval will his directness, lethal foots and crossing abilities cause to this Arsenal squad that a player begging to leave his club wasnt snapped up by an Arsenal team who needed his exact skillset to progress??
How bad does Martinelli needs to be before Arteta bench him and let him become an understudy to someone better than him??
A 10 man Newcastle squad played to win and almost got a result against Liverpool.
We set up not to lose, and ended up with nothing, exactly what we deserved. Starting Merino over Eze or Odegaard was a mistake, simply can’t defend it.
A PL player the caliber of Eze “not ready” is a joke. Arteta deliberately snuffed any creativity with his set up.
Why would he deliberately set up his squad to deny any creativity Durand?
Ken1945
Because Arteta is risk averse Ken, he sets up not to lose rather than setting up to win.
All the quality and talent we have, and we have 2 creative players (Odegaard and Eze) starting on the bench.
Starting Merino was defensive; none of the midfield had the creativity we needed, and that was evident in our play. Possession to control the game, but unable to use Viktor G because we lacked the creative players in midfield.
We see it over and over again, we don’t show up to attack directly when playing rivals away. Instead it is the same endless side and back passes, playing on the back foot, and lacking creativity and any sharpness in the attack.
Even against a weakened Utd we showed up defensively. Compare the shots on goal and shots on target; we were set up to defend not attack.
I don’t know Ken, but he did. Arteta set up the team not to lose, that’s not a mentality that would win you the league.
100%
Ken, please explain the rationale behind Arteta’s selected midfield and its attacking potential?
👍Durand
Some good points and some stupid ones.
I suggest you check out as I stats before calling him out.
Martinelli should have been sold 2 years ago. He will end up finishing his career on loan like most of the players we hang on to for too long.
That mf out fought Pool for 70 minutes and the subs opened it up for them.
Our service to Gyok has been crap all season but that’s what having a poor manager does for you. I have called for him to go for 5 years .eventually the light will dawn on his fan boys
Your last line. They won’t see the light, they live in the dark.
A missed opportunity against a Liverpool side that has been far from convincing in their 3 league matches yet, wjth a measure of good fortune have amassed 9 pointsA Liverpool team which w ill be stronger for the recruitment of Issac and probably Marc Guehi.At this stage of the season i will refrain from passing judgement on the performance of our newcomers other than to highlight the excellent performance of Young Mosquera who,along with Timber and Calafiori certainly looked the part.A point at Liverpool would have been satisfactory as far as i am concerned, but unfortunately you simply cannot legislate for your keeper being beaten from a 28yard free kick.
It seems every setback means it’s open season for certain people to pile in with their unreasonable narratives.
This is a poor article written in really bad faith. Arsenal have lost one game by a single great goal against one of the best teams in the world. Yet people are moaning and whining as if Arteta stole their teddy bears.
Simplistically blaming Arteta for injuries is quite ridiculous. The fact is that in previous seasons Arsenal haven’t had the squad to rotate players whilst maintaining the required standards to challenge for the PL. Arsenal currently have a number of first team players out with injuries. This is a simple fact and yet people seem to be suggesting that this is irrelevant.
The author brings up the season we drew away with MC, but disingenuously ignores the previous season when we tried to take on MC and got blown away.
What manager is being referred to that would have transformed this club? All of the managers that were suggested when Arteta became manager have had their ups and downs and none of them have overseen a transformation in similar circumstances.
The author is claiming he is finished. That’s absolutely fine. Fans who are going to be overly reactive and start throwing tantrums every time things don’t work out are not helpful for sensible discourse. What is much more useful is proper analysis and constructive criticism.
So, what you are really saying is Arteta can not get it right? Well I never!!!!
“Arsenal have lost one game…….” in 6 years??
Just hoping MA doesn’t read comments and he reads on Arsenal fans comments. Those other ones will certainly mislead him.
The bot will never understand its not just one game. Its 6 years of same old.
Ever since Konstantine appeared on JA, he’s been “finished” with The Arsenal.
I thought he had gone away to earn his badges and return ready to take over the reins, such has been his condemnation of AW, UE and MA.
I have disagreed with David over his unblinking refusal to see anything wrong with Mikel Arteta, but his post above is one I support in the most part.
My only criticism of the starting eleven, was the inclusion of Merino, while Eze sat on the bench, apparently not match fit!
I find that hard to swallow and, once he came on, even more baffling!!
The criticism regarding Saliba is also nonsense, as it was made clear that Saliba himself said he was fit enough to start and he should be the one facing the wrath of the fans, not Arteta!!
Why anyone should think liverpool were “there for the taking” after winning their first two games, playing at home and against the club that they couldn’t defeat last season, is also a mystery – are we forgetting how our win against manure and the first half performance against leeds was greeted with derision by the same fans who then said this is our best chance to defeat the PL champions!! 😂
I’ll wait and see how the remaining 35 PL games go before becoming as hysterical as dear old Konstantine is.
Ken1945,
I can’t agree with you regards Saliba’s injury. Of course he’s going to say he’s okay to play. Having several players out injured already this season, and then Arteta decides to take the gamble on Saliba, you bet it’s down to Arteta.
Until Arteta stops this over cautious approach, we’re winning nothing.
So you think that Arteta didn’t ask Saliba if he was fit then?
If MA can’t trust a professional player of the statue of Saliba, then who can he trust?
That’s just it Ken1945,
Do you really think that Saliba was going to say anything different. Aside from that, Arteta should have aired on the side of caution, knowing that we already have several players missing through injury. Was it worth the risk, of course it wasn’t.
So why aren’t you blaming Saliba instead of Arteta?
The medical team would also have had an input and assessed the situation, so why aren’t you blaming them instead of Arteta?
Have you forgotten that Arteta was getting his squad ready for the game against the PL champions?
Take the blinkers off for once and THINK about the situation.
Ken1945,
It’s got nothing to do with the blinkers as you call it. Yes the player and Medical staff would have had their say, and yes they’re to accountable.
But like it or not the final decision was with Arteta. And as I said earlier, with us already being without several players through injury it was a no brainer to have aired on the side of caution on this occasion. And that’s got nothing to do with blinkers, it’s just good old fashion common sense.
Really Ken?!!😒
Take Saliba’s word and assume the team has invested millions in a medical team that can actually give a more credible prognosis?? It shows of Arteta’s inability to work with multiple factors/teams. Must be the reason our injuries continue piling up, if the only consideration is asking the players how they feel
So why didn’t the medical team stop Saliba from playing then?
Of course they would have assessed the situation and they and Saliba would have advised Arteta.
I didn’t realize that I had to spell it out verbatim, but there it is and so now, perhaps, you can explain why the millions spent on our medical team allowed Saliba to start the game?
Ken so you think that the best Arteta can do as a manager is to ask players if they are fit. Not surprised that our injury list is growing after every match. A player got injured during warm up and you go ahead to play him only for the player to aggravate the injury and some are busy defending the coach. Artet’s judgement is too poor to say the least.
For goodness sake!!
This isn’t Hackney Marshes football!!
Saliba went in during the warm up and had to have been assessed by the medical team.
If they thought he wasn’t fit, they would have said so.
But they thought he was OK and Saliba did as well, that’s why he started the game.
Mikel Arteta has to rely on his back room staff and his players, as, believe it or not, he was preparing his squad to play the PL champions at Anfield.
If anyone is to blame, it’s the medical team and Saliba – but if you want to carry on blaming Arteta for it, that’s your perogative.
@ken1945 – spot on. This pathetic anti Arteta approach is just ridiculous.
It’s beyond me too
👍 ken1945
Ken1945,
You just said it, he was preparing them to play against the PL Champions. Which makes his decision even more questionable.
No point in risking what is a key player for us in one game that if bad enough could cost us his services for whatever amount of games.
And all because he would have taken a completely unnecessary risk. A risk that lasted just 5 minutes. I hope the risk was worth it.
What you are insisting on does not make sense. Many players get through games with knocks here and there. Is a manager supposed bench every player who has some kind of discomfort before a match?
Anyone who has played sports at any level will know that you can manage some injuries and get through matches.
@David, in game management should be put into consideration. You could sense Liverpool were there for the taking, go for it. You can only be cautious when you see you are being outplayed and the logical thing to do is play safe which was not the case on Sunday
Though have been a fan of Arteta but yesterday game was utterly a mess and out of plan. You don’t win playing cautious or not trying to loose. He came with the mindset of a draw and not to win.
Last season, had the 14 draws we had which most of them were from winning positions, were all winning or at least half of them won, what do you think 🤔 would have been the fate of the title? But because of over caution, we lost entirely.
There’s no rationale playing such a crucial game that could decide title earlier without a creative midfielder, just defense mindset. What’s the use of signing Eze, if you are to bring him past 70 minutes or even Odegaard. Why Merino when Nwaneri was on bench, no creativity, no fluidity, no hunger for winning. Madueke happens to be the liveliest of the attacks. Then you bring in Dowman, expecting for last minute penalty. Fortune favours those who position themselves for it, supposedly.
Another issue the manager is having is not making changes earlier enough, why wait till 70 minutes plus before making the changes?
The guy matter don tire person, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Correct, last seasons draws were nearly ALL from winning positions. Which proves, the tactics didn’t work last season, of keep what we have got, instead of going for the jugular. And this season, playing for a draw in difficult games, is probably going to be our downfall again. When will people wake up, smell the coffee and realise, TACTICS are killing us. Rather than attack, we play for corners. Rather than push teams back, we keep possession to not lose it, but guess what we lose it far too often, not trying to lose it. Our tactics are poor and we are not cute, in what we do.
It seems every setback means it’s open season for certain people to pile in with their unreasonable narratives.
This is a poor article written in really bad faith. Arsenal have lost one game by a single great goal against one of the best teams in the world. Yet people are moaning and whining as if Arteta stole their teddy bears.
Simplistically blaming Arteta for injuries is quite ridiculous. The fact is that in previous seasons Arsenal haven’t had the squad to rotate players whilst maintaining the required standards to challenge for the PL. Arsenal currently have a number of first team players out with injuries. This is a simple fact and yet people seem to be suggesting that this is irrelevant.
The author brings up the season we drew away with MC, but disingenuously ignores the previous season when we tried to take on MC and got blown away.
What manager is being referred to that would have transformed this club? All of the managers that were suggested when Arteta became manager have had their ups and downs and none of them have overseen a transformation in similar circumstances.
The author is claiming he is finished. That’s absolutely fine. We don’t need fans who are going to be overly reactive and start throwing tantrums every time things don’t work out. What is much more helpful is proper analysis and constructive criticism.
You’re post was so good admin posted it twice .
Have had to read the article again ….. now I’m happy there are people out there who truly care for and sincerely love this club.
The author (is it Konstantin Mitov?) is one of such honest and genuine Gooners!!
Whatever the thoughts are on the free kick, lucky, goalkeeper error, brilliance etc. You can not go into a game, with a £1 billion+ squad, looking to get a 0-0 draw. Even at Anfield. Nobody in their right mind can think that is a good tactic. Nobody in their right mind can think that kind of attitude is going to win the premier league.
It’s simple, win UCL or EPL. If not, time for him to go. It’s just one loss, I’m not panicking. But this guy Arteta, have to wonder what he’s offering. The football is not exciting to watch, no silverware. He’s not the only manager who can finish 2nd in EPL with 1bill spent. Poor approach to an important match against a Liverpool side that was not so great and even played conservative AT HOME which rarely ever happens, because they were well aware of their own deficiencies.
Our chances of winning the Premier League will not improve with Liverpool signing Isak lol
We are all right according to some, he will need time to integrate and get used to Slots tactics. Which God knows hoe many phases that will take.
I wouldn’t worry about Isak going to Liverpool.
Slot can’t play Ekitike and Isak at the same time so they are going to have to share. Ekitike is going to love that!!
Personally I think Isak has made a mistake. He has given up a definite 90 mins playing time in the Prem as well as the Champs League, with the possibility of not playing at all in some games.
All title challengers should be very worried with Isak signing. Their defense is awful but it looks like they are going to have a very scary offense. If Salah, Isak and Ekitike clicks together its game over for the rest.
But our defence is scary?🤣
Lets see what happens with Trossard today despite his pay rise, because Brentford and Galatasaray are sniffing!
After yesterdays fiasco, I wouldn’t be surprised if he says yes to Brentford! I would!
That would mean even more reliance on Martinelli 🫣
No, it means Eze, who we all know is so capable of playing a full 90 mins and dangerous with it. Madueke is versatile so can be used for either wing and we have Max Dowman for Saka’s side. And not forgetting Nwaneri if we have to pull him out of Midfield, if he ever gets that promise from Arteta of playing Midfield!!
We do not need Martinelli!
Perhaps the odd “Boo” here and there at the Emirates if he plays again may get the message through to Arteta?
Like for like replacement was what Arteta needed to do with the selection yesterday starting Eze from the left and Nwaneri through the middle, that would have been more adventurous and explosive but he over-thought his decisions and second guessed and went for caution.
He should have gone for caution in the second half after we might have scored a goal or two, then he would have brought in Merino and Odegaard for Nwaneri and Zubimendi.
It’s not looking good but it’s not the end of the road.
There are many more games to play and I hope he learns from his mistakes.
That’s a excellent post SJ!!
Could have said it any better!
Arteta must admit he made a “terrible” mistake yesterday and going forward, build a great team with the men he asked for and got!
Let’s see a new and unpredictable Arsenal!
No more draws or losses.
Laura,
You say that Arteta must admit he made a terrible mistake yesterday. Apparently he felt we deserved more from the game. How deluded can you get. 🤦♂️
13 years since we last won at Anfield in the PL, yet some of our fans are happy with how we played/the result.
Liverpool haven’t been at their best, although that will now change with the players they’ve signed today. We could’ve made a real statement winning and going top, but no, Arteta had other ideas…
Wow, with all the money spent Liverpool should win the quad or serious questions need to be asked!
I prefer to see this line up against Nottingham Forest, if no further injuries –
Gyokeres.
Eze. Odegaard. Madueke.
Rice. Zubimendi.
Calafiori. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
Arteta’s excuse for yesterday:
“With the absences of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, he lacked the personnel.”
What an insult to the other squad members.
You chose them Arteta. Are you now saying they are not good enough?!!!!
Have the guts Arteta to admit that you got it wrong yesterday like everyone else is saying as well as the Press. We can’t all be wrong!
No wonder you have the reputation of being the “Moaning Minnie of Football” Is it never your fault?!!
👍
Well said Laura. 👍
harsh, and true
Arteta is a stubborn and proud fellow. He never admit getting anything wrong and that’s why arsenal will not win a major trophy under his guide. Well done, Mr. Know it all
Good shout SJ for Forest.
Once Saka is back I would go:
Raya
Gyokerez
Madueke, Eze, Saka
Rice, Zubimendi
Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie
Then sub in Dowman, Nwaneri, Skelly, Timber or Mosquera and keep those goals coming in.
No more sitting back defending if we are winning. We keep attacking until the end.
We have a squad now that can do this.
Raya further forward than Yok? that would be courageous.
I’m not liking Hinky compared to a certain crazy spud centre back. Don’t know if Twitter experts ever exaggerate, but Hinky picked up fifteen reds and 52 yellows in last three seasons. That won’t help.
Moon Girl,
Some people collect stamps, it would appear he collects cards.😂🤣👍
So you would replace Timber who is the best defensive RB in the League with our new recruit who is a left footed LB or LCB?
Mmmm and I thought Arteta was bad🤣🤣
Madueke replaced Saka pretty well. He had a pretty good performance.
Nwaneri would have be given the opportunity to replace Odegaard for at least 45 minutes before bringing in Odegaard early in the second half if Nwaneri had performed badly.
Liverpool have had their fair share of luck in the last year, continually winning in the last seconds, scoring a really lucky goal, their luck cannot continue, you cannot skate so close to the line and never fall off. I don’t know what happened with Declan Rice, was he forced to do those outswinging corners? Why?
Don’t hold your breath, Gmv8. No sign of their luck running out any time soon
Isak.
Gakpo. Wirtz. Salah.
MacAllister. Gravenbach.
Kirkez. VanDijk. Guehi. Frimpong.
Allison.
Arsenal pulled out of Isak chase ages ago, calling him over priced for what you get, and far too injury prone. On that basis Liverpool have been very very very stupid in the transfer market today.
Great trade for Newcastle. Isak is not worth 70m more than Wissa. Also think Pool overpaid for Wirtz – he’s surely not worth 60m or twice the price of PL-proven Eze!
Here we have a Sensible Gooner!!
He did SJ but Saka is soooo good at taking corners. With Eze and Gyoekers both up front and being fed from both sides watch those goals pop in.
Yes Odegaard and Nwaneri sharing tactics together so when they sub each other all hell can still be let loose.
Its not rocket science is it?
If we can get it right why can’t Arteta?!!
As we haven’t seen what you propose in action, how can you say you’ve got it right?
The prem league tittle is all over with Liverpool signing Issak and Guehi makes them unstoppable. Arteta had a chance yesterday to make a statement but bottled it as usual and played 3 defensive midfielders with the intention of just not getting beat will never win anything under him he has to go now plus take into account the board have backed him to the hilt and still cannot deliver silverware!
After the goals for Arsenal last season, and the two brilliant assists for us in the Bernabéu, are you calling Merino a defensive midfielder?
21 years without a Premier League title, never won the European Cup, only appearing in one final nineteen years ago – when did Arsenal fans become such entitled impatient glory hunters?
Just a few years ago we couldn’t compete with the top 5, we were annually brushed aside and pillaged by ManC, Chelsea, Liverpool – is such progress in such short time not good enough for you?
Moon Girl you said it in your piece. 21 years since we won the Premier League Title.
And then you go on to call us entitled, and impatient. Oh my word, just how patient do we need to be. 🤦♂️
How long did it take pool to win the PL?
How long did it take city115, chelski?
Newcastle, spuds?
What about manure?
That’s how long a fan has to be patient for, just as Gooners were during the 70′ and 80’s.
Ken1945,
You can mention as many teams as you like and go back as far as you like. Do you really think that the teams you talk about never had fans that reacted in exactly the same way as our teams fans do.
There’s nothing entitled about it, this manager has been backed to the hilt this summer. He’s now in his sixth season, and he’s still persisting with this slow sideways football, keeping his creative players on the bench. Playing not to lose rather than playing to win.
Yes you can look at a lot of clubs that haven’t won the League for a long time. But as an Arsenal fan, there the only team I care about. And I think that I and a lot of other fans have been patient in waiting 21 years and counting.
And to think on this forum the other day, a poster actually called Arteta and I quote, a tactical genius. Really!. Would you say his formation against Liverpool was anywhere near genius standard.
Let’s have a look at some of those fan bases shall we?
City115 we’re recording crowds of over 30, 000 when they were in the third tier of English football.
Pool fans consistently filled Anfield when they were in the second tier.
Same goes with Newcastle regarding full houses and the same went for the spuds when they dropped down to the second tier along with manure.
During those seasons I mention above, these clubs weren’t finishing 2nd in the top tier of English football, or getting to the semi final of the top European trophy, but they supported their clubs through thick and thin.
All I read from you, is negativity, even after three games, of which we won two and lost to the current PL champions at their ground.
Do I think MA is a tactical genius?
No, but I think he’s got other assets that make him a top manager, as our progress from five years ago to today is testiment too.
Did he select the wrong starting eleven against pool?
From the stick Odegaard has been getting from you and others, I’d have thought that one would have been a positive for you – I would have played Nwaneri and Eze, but I’m not with the players during training etc am I?
Believe it or not, I’m also an Arsenal, but I take an interest in what our opponents are doing in order to have a balanced view when comparing what we are doing versus them.
That way, I think I can look at our defeat against pool with a more even outlook than just moaning all the time.
Call it moaning if you like Ken1945,
And yes those teams fans still supported their teams as you rightly say. But don’t tell me that there wasn’t fans saying the same things that fans of Arsenal have been saying.
And yes it’s one defeat in three games. That’s not really my issue, the issue for me is the continued boring negative side to side slow play that Arteta constantly uses.
It’s been reported on here that Madueke was even being encouraged to pass it back rather than taking on the left back whom he was clearly getting the better of.
You can accuse me of moaning as much as you like, but I say it as I see it. And what I see I don’t like. And I’m certainly not in the David’s of this world of being positive for positive’s sake.
21 years and counting, we’re not entitled at all. We see a manager who’s been given the tools to have a real crack at the title, and then he puts out the 11 that he did on Sunday hoping not to lose rather than trying to win.
Good luck Gyokeres, playing in that side with no service is going to drive you to the funny farm.
So, as it was 0-0 until that wonder strike in the 83rd minute Derek, did Slot play for a draw, hoping not to lose rather than trying to win at Anfield?
Of course you have your opinion, but others see it differently, yet you accuse them 5being Arteta yes men!!
Get a grip man, we’re all Gooners and I see you as the anti David… neither of you can or want to see anything positive or negative.
It’s just as predictable as night following day, or visa versa!!
Ken1945,
Unless my memory’s bad, where have I ever accused anyone of being an Arteta yes man.
I would suggest that you refrain from your silly comparisons. I make balanced assessments of games and matches as I see fit. That I disagree with your criticisms has nothing do with your discussions and disagreements with others.
I have never been relentlessly positive or negative on this site so the nonsense really has to stop.
A lot of rubbish as usual.
I find your reference to me disagreeable. I assess things and make my comments as I see fit. You on the other hand rarely see anything positive. You are negative about the way the team plays, denigrate the manager and any players you don’t like. You sometimes do this on a daily basis.
Can you give even a single example of my being “positive for positive sake”? Otherwise you ought to revise what you have written. Also, keep my name out of your discussions with others.
David,
Here’s an example of you being positive for positive sake.
Having played the previous three rounds in the league cup and scoring 12 goals with said ball.
We then lose the first leg at home to Newcastle 2-0. And Arteta came out questioning the ball that was played with, and remember the same ball that we scored 12 goals with in the three previous rounds.
On about four different articles the following day, you tried to put a positive spin on what Arteta said in four different ways.
In fact I wasn’t the only poster to pull you up on it. One poster even said that you were starting to embarrass yourself with your continued spinning of what Arteta said regarding the ball.
And another said you were digging that hole bigger and bigger. So I’m not the only one who notices.
And as for you not liking me using your name, well that’s fair enough. I’ll abide by your request. But here’s a request from me, stop calling people names in your posts.
So this is what you come up with. Remarkable. Were you patting yourself on the back for that one?
Some journalist spins a comment to make a headline and you fall in line simply because you think it makes Arteta look bad.
Have you listened to what Arteta said? If so, and you believe that the headline was correct then that’s up to you and those like you.
Why don’t you quote what Arteta said rather than what you believe he means?
Derek, iirc it was a different ball that was brought into the semi final. Pep also had a slight dig about it.
When we played Chelsea in the quarter finals of the CL in the 03/04 season Jen’s Lehmann also blamed the new ball that was brought in for the first goal Chelsea scored at Highbury.
Surely ken, you haven’t forgotten 1970/71, our fabulous start to the decade?😁
Not at all OG especially as I was at the lane that night!!
It is what happened after that up and until Anfield and GG that I’m referring to… as you well know my friend!!
Derek, you have to remember though that only in a small number of those seasons were we truly challenging for the title (as opposed to finishing in top 4) whereas we have done so for 2 of the last 3 seasons. Of course we don’t want to miss our best chance(s) which have come to pass for whatever reasons you want to point to, but perhaps it’s not best to go strictly by whatever set of numbers and instead have a little more patience with the situation. That said, I believe that MA must be subjected to close inspection especially this season and imo regardless of the result and even without the knee jerk emotional reactions, yesterday was troubling from the outside looking in.
Bruised Banana,
I will take what you said on board.
As long as it’s not the Titanic 👌
Bruised Banana,
If our team don’t start producing more effective attacking football, our side could end up like the Titanic. Sunk without an Iceberg in sight.
The Iceberg in this story would be a certain Mr Arteta.😂🤦♂️
But there are so many differing stories of what caused the demise of Titanic to become reality and many have nothing to do with the conduct of its captain.
Pedro.
Gittens. Palmer. Neto.
Enzo. Caicedo.
Cucurella. Colwill. Chalobah. James.
Sanchez.
And your point is SJ not in the same league as Liverpool team! Arsenal should have gone all out for Issak sacrificed Madueke and Gokyeres as already clear to see Arsenal have wasted there money on a couple of duds when we will ever learn keep buying from Chelski 130 million for Issak is a steal and wins them the prem league again Arteta has to go 5 seasons and delivered nothing!
Mark, I believe your assessments of Gyokeres and Manueke are premature and will ultimately be incorrect. I would be interested to know on what bases you have made your assessment.
The early history of Bergkamp and Henri were less productive than Gyokeres.
Once both players have settled in and their teammates (and manager) become accustomed to their styles of play and play to thei strengths, they will prove they are far from “wastes of money” and a “couple of duds”.
Haaland.
Doku. Silva. Cherki.
Reijnders. Rodri.
AiitNouri. Akanji. Dias. Lewis.
Trafford.
Gyokeres.
Eze. Odegaard. Saka.
Rice. Zubimendi.
Calafiori. Gabriel. Saliba. Timber.
Raya.
We’ve scored six goals in three games , four from set pieces, just one created with a pass and one was down to the determination of Gyokeres to create his own scoring opportunity. We make so few clear cut chances and are completely over reliant on corners bailing us out. The squad clearly has the talent but it’s also clear that the system is stifling the ability and creativity that’s obviously there. I just hope Arteta can figure it out but I’m not optimistic.
I believe this season Arteta has nowhere to hide.He has no option but to perform,Orelse he won’t be babysat by the Kroenkes after such an investment.
My problem with MA has been on two fronts,1.team selection 2.Timely &Proper substitutions. According to me,he still got it wrong on both fronts yesterday.
Another challenge we have is the number of injuries to our top players ,its wanting and Arteta must adjust somethings to alleviate this.
If we can’t keep Timber,Saliba,Maghaeles,Saka,Odegaard &Havertz fit, then what we did inthe summer transfer will count for nothing.
The ball is firmly in Artetas Court.Show us you are capable.No more excuses.
This should be Arteta’s last season if he does not win a trophy.
His only excuse that might save him is injuries to most of the players of which we are already getting with Havertz, Saka, Saliba, White and Norgaard, that is 5 players out just inside 3 matches.
At this rate we might just get more injuries plus Arteta still playing with a rigid slow style and getting his team selection wrong, I’m not optimistic for any title this season, unfortunately.
Gyokeres – ISAK
EZE – Gakpo
Odegaard – WIRTZ
Saka – SALAH
Rice – MACALLISTER
Zubimendi – GRAVENBACH
CALAFIORI – Kirkez
Gabriel – VANDIJK
SALIBA – Guehi
TIMBER – Frimpong
Raya – ALLISON
Thanks for the write up, no flattering just point blank truth I don’t give a damn whatever the enemies of this great club and Arteta’s worshippers and defenders are saying. I’m of the opinion that MA should be shoved out now before it’s too late because we are neither going to win the Epl nor CL this season with Arteta being at the helmns of affairs – Mgr. Chelsea sacked and sacked and ended up with 2 Continental trophies also played in some finals within Arteta’s 5 years trophyless reign. The Kronkes should investigate Arteta over his romance with Chelsea. For those defending Arteta saying that he preferred Sesko to Gyokeres my question is what has Sesko done better than Gyokeres in his immediate past season and present.? Taking a clue from that I can then say that Arteta is fighting Andrea Berta by his tactics and antics that has seen Gyokeres being a lone ranger upfront. How can a CF be scoring goals when a rigid Mgr. prefers sitting back in matches and be fielding wingers that hardly crosses ball to him neither do the midfielders send through passes to him. For the past 5 seasons we have seen all that Arteta can offer the is not going to win any major trophy with him as manager.
I agree 💯 with you Okey. Arteta will use his tactics to frustrate Gyokeres to get back at Berta. How can a striker score goals without a through passes from his midfielders and crosses from the wings? A clear case of this was Martinelli who refused to play Gyokeres on in a match against Pool.
So Martinelli has been told by Arteta not to pass to Gyokeres, because Berta signed him?!
So Arteta will lose matches, simply because he doesn’t want Berta to be seen as a success?
What an utter load of complete BS!!
Do we really have so called fans who think this is the case?
No wonder we are the laughing stock with other club’s supporters!!
Arteta must have been fuming when Gyokeres scored two goals against Leeds then!!
Who says Arteta wanted Sesko before Gyokeres?
Sesko demanded too much and the CLUB walked away.
Gyokeres went on strike, left his girlfriend (apparently) turned down money (along with his agent) and refused to talk to any other club.
So why on earth would Arteta want to pee off a player with that kind of commitment just to get at Berta?!
If you want to have a debate about Arteta’s credentials, then let’s do it, but for heaven’s sake stop making fools of yourselves, claiming Arteta wants to discredit Berta!!
We are fast becoming the most ridiculous set of fans in the world, let alone in the PL.
👍ken1945, some of these Arteta haters are really going off the deep end
It’s getting bloody ridiculous BB and I haven’t got the time or the energy to argue with such nonsense my friend!!
Henson Gunner,
Now you will know from reading my posts I’m not Arteta’s biggest fan, far from it actually. But not even I can go along with your assumption that Arteta’s trying to sabotage any signing of Berta’s.
With Arteta’s need for a tangible trophy this season, that really would be cutting off his nose to spite his face.
And not even I can accuse Arteta of that. I’ve just felt a combination of posters jaws dropping to the ground hearing me say that. 😂🤣👍
Stop pretending. You, Mr Gunner and Mr Joseph are all cut from the same cloth. You make similar bizarre arguments.
For the past 5 seasons we have seen all that Arteta can offer the club is not going to win any major trophy with him as manager.
GYOKERES – Pedro
EZE – Gittens
Odegaard – PALMER
SAKA – Neto
RICE – Enzo
Zubimendi – CACEIDO
CALAFIORI – Cucurella
GABRIEL – Adarabioye
SALIBA – Chalobah
TIMBER – Gusto
RAYA – Sanchez
Gyokeres – HALAAND
EZE – Doku
Odegaard – SILVA
SAKA – Cherki
Rice – REIJNDERS
Zubimendi – RODRI
CALAFIORI – AiitNouri
GABRIEL – Akanji
SALIBA – Dias
TIMBER – Lewis
RAYA – Trafford
Some good takes today, and Pedro’s sliding into a perspective a lot of us already get.
It won’t be 1-0 losses to the top six that finish Arteta — it’ll be the endless draws.
If he wants to show some real courage, he’s got to change things up against every team below 10th. Set us up to score goals, plain and simple.
For teams sitting 6th–9th, he can dial that bravery back a bit. And against the top five? Sure, go containment mode. But maybe the squad’s belief ends up forcing his hand.
pool create their own luck, by going for attacking formations, much like $h*tY did with their mass spend on top attacking talent, and put almost all teams to the sword by the 99th minute one way or another.
How many games have the scausers scored a winning goal in the last 10 minutes? Teams must learn this is the danger time, and must not let them anywhere near in that time.
If anything at all, yesterday match only strengthen my believe in this team. It’s easy to overlook injuries to key players, playing away at home of the defending champion and the quality of the opposition.
Arteta is passive, Yes, so also is Slot. Both took the caution approach though one is lucky. So if you’re complaining about the approach you don’t know more than the two coaches.
Embarrassing, some here stating opinion like facts. If you claim Arteta knew of Saliba’s injury earlier and you’re not part of the team then you’re speculating, an opinion not fact.
As for the fans, keep believing, this game has little influence on the league standing.
For those that doesn’t believe in the team or the coach, I feel sorry for you it must be exhausting to be in your position.
To the author, not really an author actually just another emotional fan, get a grip!!!
👍
But Arteta did say saliba ran his ankle in the warm up!?
So boring to watch Artetas conservative style.
He should have played Nwanieri or Eze instead of Merino, since Odegaard didn’t start. But more importantly, LET GO OF THE HANDBRAKE.
Gyokeres gets NO passes, central midfielders makes 0 runs into the box, and the controlling passive style is just soul-crushing to see.
Seems Arteta is more focused on not conceding, then scoring. Also, where’s the value for money for our supporters who’s paid to see them play?
I want Arteta out, and Fabregas in, as manager. Fabregas would inject Wengers philosophies with one touch soccer, freedom to play for technical players, and direct style.
👍🤏
Late in the queue Konstantine, but good to see you maintaining the rage and keeping the faith in an Arsenal beyond Arteta. As articulate as always without a doubt.
Gyokeres must learn to be untidy. Strikers in EPL quarrel frequently with defenders. Look Suarez Van Persie Rooney Haaland Drogba etc. Gyokeres tried to be amicable with VVD and at times I saw him asking apologies from VVD. Gyo my lad be untidy if you don’t want to be another flop. Respect is written on your arm not on your legs. Foul fairly within the boundary of the rule to dispossess the ball, imbalance defenders etc. I saw you trying to be a nice fella. No way lad. Go further the limit.
Yes and sub in Timber at half time or the other way round. Hincapie is a renown footballer and this is probably why Berta got him in. Great call. Watch this space.
Let´s breath through our nose a bit and take stock after
5 games, we have lots of players who need to adapt to the
premier leauge.. Zubi´s foul was clumsy..
Gyokeres – Havertz
Eze – Martinelli
Odegaard – Nwaneri
Saka – Madueke
Rice – Merino
Zubimendi – Norgaard
Calafiori – Skelly
Gabriel – Hincapie
Saliba – Mosquera
Timber – White
Raya – Kepa
Jesus
Trossard
Downman
Said and done SJ 🙂 Exactly how the line up should be going forward except or one.
Sadly I do not think Jesus will get back to how he was. Too many injuries and he is two years old. I think he would be better off leaving and playing for a small team back in his home country to re-build .
P.S. Martinelli is still being considered for a transfer as some windows in other countries are not yet closed and I believe he should go for his own better.
Eze – Trossard.
End of season Arsenal can find a replacement for Trossard as his contract expires or even in the Jan window if a good opportunity comes along.
I agree Jesus should be sold in the January transfer window.
Left to me, I will sell Martinelli too. He has had too many opportunities and failed.
A good left winger should be looked at in the January transfer window or summer because Trossard is aging and Martinelli is showing no sign of improvement.
I know 90% of fans are saying it is just the 3rd game, but we must now hope that Liverpool and Chelsea drop 3 points so we can get back on track with them because if they don’t Arsenal could end up kicking themselves if they lose the Prem because of this bad game. It is vital that we always win and never give an inch. We have seen what draws and loses do! Liverpool have realised they need to buck up their defence with another Transfer Window in Jan!
Truth remains that Arteta will not win us a major trophy. You know why? He is Mr. Know it all. Get this straight. In a game of football, one team must win or at best, draw. Many of us fans were not happy about the tactics Arteta employed. How can you as a coach always looking for draw against big teams? Can’t you be brave and go for winning? You have Trossard, Eze, Nwaneri and our 15 yo Dowman and decided to play 3 defensive midfielders and hope to win. Arteta is always afraid of big teams and it’s not good for the team. This same tactics of defending was what he played against Manu and we got away with it. Watch out, he is going to use it against Manc, Chelsea, and Tottenham. There’s no point defending him. We have waited enough. My regretis that the Kronkes will shake his hands and reward him with yet another contract at the end of the season.
Just remind me how many times we have lost against the teams you mention in the last three years?
Up until last Sunday, I make it zilch, but I could be wrong.
And how many trophy’s did that lead to Ken1945. 🤔
Come end of Jan, if there is no improvement I think J & SK will reconsider him as the Manager and may well look for a replacement then. The fans won’t put up with it either.
Arteta knows this and hopefully last Sunday will have taught him a serious lesson.
We will never know if the Board have already had a word with him.
Let’s see what happens against Forest.
My issue is them trying to close the gap of 3 points to be top again. We all know its not easy so we need Liverpool to have a hiccup as well as Chelsea and the other 4 teams on 6 points. We cannot afford to lose or draw another game if we are to snatch the Prem Title.
No they won’t
So Laura, if pool and chelsea lose their games after the international break and we beat Forest, will doomsday have been avoided?
Laura, are you suggesting that we need to have a 100% record from now until the end of the season?
Let’s see. You can’t keep spending money like they have with no results.
The players will want to move on as well as they want trophies. You know and have seen this season how players get out of their contracts!!!
Arteta is skating on thin ice at the moment with all involved.
Not with the Koronke Family
Trust he he finishes top 4 , they are happy
No am not saying that Ken. You have seen us win against the big boys in the last two seasons but still lost the Prem title because we couldn’t win against what we called the “average” team.
Arsenal have to win, win, win and get those points in to make it hard to be caught.
Laura – “We cannot afford to lose or draw another game if we are to snatch the Prem Title” I don’t know, I think maybe, just maybe, 111 points will be enough to do it.🤦♂️
Bruised Banana,
If we win the rest of our games and Liverpool win all but one of theirs, the points would be the same. 111 each. And then it would come down to goal difference.
I wonder! 🤔😂👍
Derek, yes, mention was not made that our total GD for those 35 games would have to be at least within 1 of LP and making sure we would win any other tie breakers. Having that 2 headed coin available also might be advisable.🤣
Try and convince the players to stay. Lets see if SK will pay want to pay them £400,000!
There will be quite a few takers out there wanting our players and when you are tempted with trophies/wins and you are winning nothing then hunger sets in.
Am starting to think that some people are now hallucinating!
Don’t pass the ball to Gyokeres because Berta signed him!! Thank God he did and didn’t go with Arteta’s choice – Sesko! In the 3 games he has played he hasn’t scored 1 goal.
And IF that is the truth, then we all know what Arteta needs to do – Don’t play Martinelli!!! just in case Berta cottons on!
Konstantin, are you me?
I actually thought before the game he would play Merino, and actually agreed with that in principle, but if you are going to go with that lineup you have to give it a chance to work.
With Saka out there is no pressure to stick to our normal formation or predictable lineup. Personally, what would have caught Liverpool out is playing Madueken on the left (who did as well as anyone) and Martinelli on the right, with the simple instruction to get to byline and get the ball into the box for Viktor and Merino.
I’m not saying it would have worked but it might have given us a chance and it might have put Szoboszlai more trouble than what he faced in the game.
If we feed Viktor he will score, but if we play like that he is going to look garbage. We didn’t get Sesko, so we can’t play like we did. Havertz would have played in this game had he been fit.
Last season Arsenal recorded a points total closer to the season we finished 8th than the first season we finished 2nd. That tells you everything you need to know about Arteta’s thought process. We only finished as runners-up last season because everyone was even shitter rather than us being good.
The Guehi to Liverpool transfer didn’t happen. So I heard.
Finally some good news but he could still join Liverpool in January and be there to help their campaign over the important final four months, so not too much damage done from their perspective. I doubt whether Arsenal will strengthen the midfield or bring in another strike come January so it looks like we are going to be stuck with Odegaard, Rice Zubamendi combination., with Merino hanging around. It doesn’t give me confidence.Nothing there to speed things up and create spaces for the tightly marked winkers and line striker.
I think its now time to move on from the Liverpool defeat. We have had some great comments and suggestions re this game AND we can’t change the score, so lets start being positive and move on.
Forest – Arsenal are very capable making this one a winner. I want to see more aggressive / attacking pieces taking place, longer balls and less of “here you have it, no you have it” when its in the box. Go for it – shoot!
Laura,
Good post. 👍
Thanks Derek.
Now come on everyone, lets get behind a fantastic team by being very supportive.
I’ve had my moan (LOL) now it’s time for me to be positive once again.
We got one of the best Champions League draws. Looking very good with the team we have of making it to the last 8 and hopefully onto the Final beating last year’s record of getting to the Semis (without a Striker, which we now have).
Lots of footy to look forward to.
COYG 🙂
Laura,
After reading your rousing speech, I’m thinking you should put your application in to be our new manager. You get my vote. 😂👍
Watch this space Derek. You just might see me in the dug out giving Arteta a few tips if he starts getting himself into a pickle 🤦♀️
🤣
Laura,
I’ll be watching. In fact I’m about to get my petition started. 😂
I’ll wave to you 😂
Laura,
What do you mean you’ll wave at me. I expect to be in your starting 11, or at least be on the bench.😂👍
Wow, some of the comments on here.
Boo one of our own players 😲.
We play for corners 😂.
Promises made to EN and MLS 😂
The managers fault that Saliba sprained his ankle 😲.
Should’ve have started a new signing 😂.
Seems like we’ve got a few managers and medical experts on JA 😂😂.
Unbelievable HD – let’s continue to call out these ridiculous thoughts for what they are… Absolute BS!!
Agreed Ken. There’s been Arsenal players I didn’t like, but I’ve never booed them, as that imo would have detrimental effect on the team.
I’ll always call out 🐂💩.
There now follows a sanity break in proceedings.
At the moment it looks like Liverpool and Arsenal are ahead of the rest, will be the top 2 given fair wind on injuries and luck. But a lot can change during course of a season especially when the top five from last season have made so many changes, so far little time in training and playing together, it’s still possible Man City and Chelsea finish as top two, if they gel and get a confidence bounce, whilst Liverpool see their lack of depth tested by an injury crisis.
Looking back at Sunday’s game, it certainly does not warrant so much doom and gloom about the performance from Arsenal. The narrative was shaped by our click bait enemies like Neville and Carragher – who controlled the microphones “Liverpool are there for the taking” Neville told us at one point – like a school kid jabbing his best mate Jamie in the kidneys in the cloak room. But at no point were they. The teams both prem superpowers put out each played so very well on the day to be impossible to play through, or even around. The highest level each has played this year so far. Arsenal actually went to Anfield, the Champions and controlled the match – a sight rarely seen – yet apart from a bit of Maddy on the right and Eze on the left when he came on, offered little cutting edge from open play – whilst Liverpool offered zero cutting edge from open play throughout. Yet again it comes down to set pieces, that pretenders to making history Arsenal are a tad too reliant on at this time of team development.
And that’s basically what happened. And absolutely no one knows what’s going to happen next.
Okay. Now let the hot air and click bait headings continue. Play nicely kiddies. 😇
Moon Girl, it’s taken me a while to get used to your style of writing and how you express yourself, but I think I’m about there now!!
I agree with you 100% regarding your views on the game and I had to laugh when those two “pundits” declined to comment on pool relying on a set piece to beat us at their own ground!!
If we can keep a clean sheet yes that would be perfect as well as very ideal. It will create a good “cushion” and apply untold pressure on the other teams to keep up.
It is a tall order BUT look at the players that are being brought in, and some at exorbitant prices, which now makes the Prem a tough league to be in, so we must go for the kill every time.
Derek, you will be my first selection AND I shall let you pick your own shirt No. with the exception of No. 7 😂
Laura,
Why can’t I have the number 7 shirt?.🤔
Hi Everyone. The Squad Arteta has put in for the Champs League. See link below.
https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/52280–arsenal/squad/
Laura,
Dowman is listed, but Lewis Skelly and Nwaneri aren’t. I t can’t be with them being classed as academy players can it. If so, how come Dowman’s listed. Or am I missing something.
Derek, it’s some weird rule that 15 year olds have to be named on the A list apparently. EN and MLS will be named in the B list. As I say, weird.
Herr Drier,
Thanks for the heads up.
No problems Derek.
Yes all very weird. N and S come under List B. Don’t ask me why. That’s UEFA for you!
Laura,
You didn’t answer my number 7 enquiry.🤷♂️
I didn’t see the No 7 enquiry. What did you ask?
Laura,
I asked why couldn’t I have the number 7 shirt.👍