Pep Guardiola used to notice that when Man City scored, there would be one opponent his assistant would not celebrate against.
This was not just Mikel Arteta being respectful to a side he had played for. The Spaniard had captained Arsenal and was truly hurt by what he saw on the pitch and the stories he had heard.
On his first day as manager, he promised to reach those previous standards again and that he would not tolerate anyone not following his principles. Even as our skipper, he used to take it upon himself to go above Mr Wenger and call out his peers if he saw standards slipping.
Was he just a smart man telling a fanbase what they wanted to hear though?
Arteta rebuilt the standards at Arsenal
Sometimes in life, you have to go through adversity to reach the good times.
Rock bottom for the Gunners was a second consecutive eighth-place finish, meaning zero European football in the red half of North London for the first time in a quarter of a century.
Some owners would have sacked the boss, but instead Josh Kroenke, Edu, BFG and Arteta sat down and evaluated all departments of the club.
The priority was to fix the defence, meaning Arsenal would slowly develop the habit of being able to fight and grind out wins if needed. Previous versions of the team would not have had the mentality to do that and would have been bullied.
Gooners saw that players were fighting for the badge, and a connection between the two was rebuilt, with the Emirates the loudest it has been since it was built. It regressed at times this year, but that was only because of understandable anxiety.
Yet as Arteta always reminded us, it was hard to compete with his mentor from the Etihad and their unlimited resources. The apprentice had learnt that top-level sport could be decided on the smallest details.
Instead of concerning himself with matching his rivals, what could his squad do better than the rest? Is that not the idea of coaching?
Arsenal’s mentality monsters became immortal
World-class delivery at set-pieces, check.
The best set-piece coach in the world, check.
Old-school defenders, check.
A unit willing to get back into their shape, check.
Because it is not always a style easy on the eye, our coaches have never got enough credit for how much hard work and practice that takes.
Use corners as an example. We did not just rock up to a game once and happen to be good at it, we worked, and worked, and worked, and worked.
The last thing Arteta had to prove was that he could get over the line.
It would not have been a disgrace if he could not. Not everyone can.
Yet on the biggest stage, with the lights shining bright, he fulfilled his promise. He took the club back to the top of English football. With that hurdle cleared, the next title race will feel a little less stressful.
This week, he and his players became immortal. They have become legends.
If they win nothing else, no one can take away their part in our proud history.
They will live forever.
On behalf of everyone at JustArsenal, with a tear in my eye, thank you, Mikel Arteta.
Dan Smith
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Arteta has brought back the faith to every one of us – his players, the fans, the Board and all the staff. What a fantastic achievement. He has shown how much he loves his club and all in it.
I truly believe this is just the start. We have the next Pep by the name of Arteta!
I remember watching him play for Arsenal. And what a player he was. On leaving no- one ever thought he would be back as the Manager doing such an awesome job. Arsenal are so lucky to have a gem like him – priceless.
Lastly, to all those doubting Thomases. Never doubt again!
Arteta deserves all the plaudits, he has transformed the club and now we reap the rewards. He has learnt along the way from his mistakes and has grown as a result of them. Yes, he has been backed by the club patiently and yes, in some people’s minds it has taken too long. However, we are Champions now and hopefully there is much success to follow.
Now I’ve been one of Arteta’s biggest critics over the years, there’s no denying that.
I always thought that while the team were very consistent in finishing 2nd 3 seasons on the trot, I never thought it as big of a deal as some.
But that said, you can see the overall improvement to when he took over, and the fact he’s got Arsenal challenging on a regular basis, is so good to see.
I still don’t like the gimmicky side of him, regards Win the Dog, the light bulbs, the pick pockets, you’ll never walk alone, the removal of the tunnel at the Emirates, just gimmicks in my opinion.
But credit where credit is due, he’s built a squad that if most are kept and added to when necessary, this side can hopefully go on and win trophy’s on a more regular basis.
Lets face it, if we have to wait another 22 years, quite a few of us JA’S won’t be here to see it😂.
It’s so nice to be able to say again, Arsenal Premier League Champions. Let us hope we can add another saying in 10 days time. COME ON YOU GUNNERS.
Derek, Arteta has under achieved for 3 years (Arteta has said that himself) that is a fact. Fact is he has done it now. We can all be happy in that.
Really!!!!
You guys can’t just help it, can you?
So he should have won it two or three times in four years???
Ridiculous and hypocritical!!!!
Chronicles, you had to know that was coming. MA should be ashamed that we weren’t invincible at least 2 of those seasons.
After that wobble I came on here and said this was the time for Arteta and the boys to stand up and show what they are made of. My goodness how they showed everyone. I criticized him also for many of his decisions.
Today I am a very proud supporter. We shut up so many people. For me Arteta now has the chance to write his own story of greatness with this team because that’s how good he is and has proven it. The support going forward will be amazing towards the boss and this will lead to more great memories!!
I will admit there was a period this season when I started to doubt after a few weird substitutions and poor results, but I’ve long defended him also – because he is an Arsenal man through and through. There are of course coaches out there with more gongs, that would attract some fans, but I was satisfied when he was picked for the role because he is one of us. I understood his vision and that it would take time to achieve. I thought most of his controversial big decisions (like sacking Auba) were right through the lens of building a stronger and more resilient Arsenal.
He captained us through a challenging period. He always stayed passionate about the club, and when he was given the chance to rebuild it in his own vision, was backed with resolve and trust from proper, serious owners. He never gave up, even when the struggle was real, because he believes in the long game. Making Arsenal a force to be reckoned with for years. Kept the faith, instilled that faith in the players, and kept relentlessly improving, at least as best he could in his particular role.
He asked us to “trust the process”. While all of us will have had questions about that at times, he proved that placing our faith in a young, unproven manager who is one of us – passionate about Arsenal – was the right call. And now he has his just reward.
I have been critical of MA’s tactics despite wanting him to succeed as a guy who took a pay cut to leave Everton to join us in his playing days.
He has brought in his own ethos of no passengers and a heavy defensive work ethic from everyone which should be applauded.
Now that he is delivered the Ist title after a long time. Thanks Mikel. I was so happy last night.
I would like him to start playing more expansive football next season regardless of whether we win anything next season.
When you can keep Arsenal at the top of the league for 4 seasons in a row and then finally crown the efforts with a PL Championship, then you are a very good manager, indeed.. Arteta has always had a stubborn, determined approach to things though, where some of us fans want it otherwise. Arteta has learned a bit from past mistakes and is now really emerging as a successful manager. “The winner is always right”, as I usually say. We all hope that Arteta is now in charge of a new golden period for Arsenal FC.
It’s quite interesting, now that the initial euphoria has started to die down, to see some of those who gave MA a pounding week after week, sub after sub, signing after signing, style of play etc starting to acknowledge what the vast majority of Gooners knew, it was only a matter of time.
I am certain they will be back next season, criticising his every decision and will even start having a go at his team selection for the CL final!!
At least these last 24 hours have seen everyone together, but, to prove my point, just go back to read some of the comments during the Burnley game.
I really think we are going ro to get the monkey of our backs and win the CL and what a season ending that will be.
always said mate , get over the line and no one can say anything
I remember some fans praising 8th and 5th and say winning isn’t everything
Bottle this feeling up because there is nothing better then winning
So true Ken. Some people didn’t realise the job Mikel had to do to get us back challenging for the PL. It may have taken him a bit longer than he thought it would, but it’s happened and well deserved imo.
Hopefully we can carry on with the CL in just over a weeks time and the following seasons.
@Herr Drier
Many are very aware of or have an understanding of how hard Artetas job must be. No one made him take the job. He’s highly paid. And has been given the time, resources and support to do it. All of which takes a good chunk of the burden off his shoulders. Even then, he still has to be sure enough in his own abilities to get the job done. Get it wrong, you’re criticised. Get it right, you’re praised. That’s the game. And everyone who steps into it is well aware of this ahead of time. Just sayin…👍🏾
This is disingenuous. Many of the “criticisms” were no more than personal insults or disparaging comments. It is also the case that context is ignored. For example people say X has been spent whilst ignoring that fact that several other other teams have spent similar amounts or more and some of those teams were in much better shape than Arsenal when Arteta became manager.
didn’t you call someone an idiot earlier ?
I’ve been called vile which I consider to be worse and by the same person who calls me cringe and says Sue hates me. That nice isn’t it?
but I’m not complaining about personal insults lol ?
Why bring it up?
because he’s calling personal insults disingenuous yet using personal insults
so im pointing out the contradiction lol
This is your thing isn’t it? Taking things out of context to try and score points.
I was referring in this case to the “criticisms” directed at Arteta.
Dan here likes to do this whenever people question narratives. Bring up an unrelated situation or quote out of context just like a journalist.
just explained lol
you not understanding or accepting it isn’t my issue .
if you did I wouldn’t have to point it out m
Would be like me saying I hate people who litter then thrown a can of coke onto the floor and not the bin
What I indicated was that the narrative was disingenuous partly because some of the so-called “criticisms” just amounted to insults. Maybe it’s you that needs better understanding.
Dan, and you’re not whiter than white when it comes to name calling.
@David
No more or less “disingenuous “ than the vile treatment AW got from fans on here. When the other top 4 clubs were spending high and beating us bad, poaching our players with higher wages. And AW had to take a back seat to the building of a new stadium. With limited funds to buy quality players. All the while keeping the team in the top 4.
So because people directed abuse at Wenger it is fine to do so against Arteta?
@David
Reading is fundamental. But comprehension is key…🙄
nah context is clear
you said Many of the “criticisms” were no more than personal insults or disparaging comments
so I’m simply pointing out isn’t that what you do ?
What were the contexts?
FFS David!!! On a day like today you have to start a row. Give it up!!!
Here they all come acting like butter would t melt in their mouths
Cannot stand people that start rows then play the victims , vile behaviour,nearly as bad as trying to get people banned for having an opinion.
Nothing more than point scorers .
Utter cringe .
He started the same yesterday yet you attributed to me something I did not even say.
I was sure this guy will try to ruin celebration mood in here to score cheap non existent points and he did not disappoint.
Take this David, us who have been most critical of Arteta enjoy this the most because it the only thing we have been asking of him his whole tenure.
Now we don’t have any reason to criticize anymore. We have gotten what we wanted.
I think David, you are the worst poster on here. There is NOTHING WRONG with an opinion that you do not like what is going on because you want the best for your team. What is worse is the people like you who just can not respect criticism. WHEN IT IS CALLED FOR!!!! Its a pity we are not all so perfect like you make out you are. Sad.
Actually, opinions should be grounded in reality rather than rantings and ravings that make little sense.
You have no business calling me worst anything.
You have criticised the pattern of play without acknowledging that several of our creative and attacking players have been out with injury or out of form for a significant part of the season
You claim that Arsenal should have one of the titles in the last few years just because. No analysis. No consideration of the competition or the issues that the squad has had to face. You claimed repeatedly that Arsenal would win no major title with this manager until late in this season.
The other so-called fans you align with call the manager substandard and rubbish players they don’t like when things aren’t going well.
A couple of seasons ago Arsenal won 16 out of their last 18 games and just missed out on the PL only to be labelled failures.
You are now just jumping on the bandwagon because Arsenal have won.
I am pretty sure that if Arteta had left last season and Arsenal ended up winning you would have claimed that the only reason they won anything was because they got rid of the manager.
Don’t worry mate, you have knowledge and understanding. In addition you are very enthusiastic and a real fan. It’s never easy not to be mainstream I know it very well 👍
Sad but true DP
😂
@ NYG
Nothing disingenuous about this post. You said it as it is just like I do. You have to be thick-skinned to take up the manager’s post.
I would say the greatest achievement of MA is not the PL title this year but uniting our fanbase towards a common goal. This includes embracing other fans with differing views which is done by most bar a handful.
Only disagreement with you is on the other post of bringing AW into the conversation. Different era and different achievements. Nobody in our history is likely to be derisory of the achievements of our legendary former Frenchman manager (MA included). Maybe if AFC win the PL & CL under MA, he will write his own history for himself.
@Indian Gunner
I mentioned AW and the vile abuse he got from the fanbase. In comparison to what some in here say about Arteta. My point was, that no one is above criticism.
NYG, quite a few on here had no idea of the job he had to do when he took over. The club was in a mess. Some of the players didn’t give a toss. Taking the p*ss out of the way that Emery spoke, not giving 100% in games.
Yes no one made him take the job, but it’s the job he wanted above anyother club. As for being highly paid, he’s earned that wage of a basic £10m per year with a £5m bonus if we qualify for the CL by sorting out the mess, getting us back to actually challenging for the PL title (and now winning it) and taking us further in the CL than we could imagine with a fairly inexperienced manager. Money, doesn’t matter how much you earn, doesn’t relieve pressure or help to relieve depression.
It’s in The Arsenal DNA to give managers time and support, there’s only 2 in my lifetime that haven’t been given time and one of those, Rioch, was just used by the club.
@ HD
Agree with most of your post.
IMO, AW was a good manager till 2013. He should have departed in 2014 after winning the FA cup as he bought players with the inappropriate mental character to progress. I have said this before many times.
IMO.
AW’s best period: 2006 – 2013. Stadium building and paying off debts whilst selling your best players.
AW’s 2nd best period: 1996 – 2005. Changed the game. Achieved a lot but could have achieved more like CL.
AW’s worst period: 2013 – 2018. This is where I believe he had lost direction despite winning 3 FA cups.
And then there are those like me, who thinks we should have won the league these last 3 years at least once and our manager failed to. My argument was another manager would have? I see NO problem with that at all because there is plenty to back it up.
Bang on Reggie
Manager failed or did the players fail…
HD – I believe it was that stiff wind at Anfield that made us draw instead of win or it might have been the beef burrito that Big Gabby had before we drew at Chelsea. The point is there are many reasons, some controllable and some not, for why we did not win the league in the prior seasons, the same as there are many for why we won it this season and “got over the line” this time. All you can do is your best and then hope the cards fall your way. If your best is good enough, sometimes the cards get you over the line, sometimes they do the opposite.
BB, 💯%. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t. This season we’ve profited with things go our way, while the previous 3 seasons they haven’t.
For each season the appropriate thing should be to assess things and consider how things can be improved.
To just say “ the manager failed” does not make sense and is one of the reasons, some of the so-called fans who are now saying they are celebrating do not deserve any respect in my view.
It is very difficult to win a PL title. Some great teams haven’t been able to do it. The last few years have seen Arsenal go up against teams with two of the greatest managers in the last two decades. When Arteta became manager Arsenal were well behind MC and Liverpool. The team needed overhauling before it could become competitive.
The impact of injuries has also been massive. Even the likes of MC have had to spend hugely to remain competitive in the PL. Liverpool spent more than they ever had and are grateful to make the CL.
Most independents are praising the job that Arteta has done. Yet we have the same sorry bunch talking about Arteta “failing”.
Luckily you’re respect means Fck all .
Same as you long winded 😂
David, I concur with you 👍
@Reggie
RealTalk…👍🏾
Any possibilty that we might have been cheated out of the title two or three times recently?
Ken, you surprise me, its not so long back that you had a dissenting voice and have been very critical of Arteta. You have been critical and judgemental of Arteta. Its only been this las season, you have changed a bit. And I thought you respected peoples opinions the same or different than yours but it seem like you are being just a tad hypocritical? I am surprised. But hey, we are all happy now.
And Ken, I can only speak for myself but I base my opinion on what I see. If I see negative, I will say negative. If I see positive, I will say positive. But then again, I suppose, with the exception of David, most people do.
Reggie, I’ve just read this and if I’m the Ken your referring to, then I’m surprised at your post.
I was very critical of Mikel when he first came to our club and, along with other self minded fans, pointed out the many instances where he was judged differently to both AW and UE.
He did indeed take us backwards and those 8th 8th and 5th positions are testimony to that.
He also alienated me with the way he treated players and made them scapegoats for his own mistakes.
But I saw enough at the end of the season where we finished 5th, that made me realise what he was trying to do and I changed my view of him, whilst not forgetting those episodes I mentioned in my second and third paragraphs.
From the following season (after finishing 5th) he had my full support and I challenge you to find any instances where I haven’t backed him up.
There have been individual games, such as Wolves, where I criticised the absolute mess out on the field, but I defy anyone to say they’ve not been critical at individual moments in any season, including the very one where we became champions of the PL.
I certainly have and our second half performance in the cup final was one of those instances, but to say I’ve only changed this last season is absolute nonsense.
I can remember agreeing with HH in those early years and explaining to him, just as it seems I have to do with you, why I changed my point of view.
It was because I could see what he was trying to do, what he wanted to install in the players and what he was asking from the fans and I understood and became a staunch backer.
So I ask you to go back and find where you think I have been hypocritical and haven’t supported MA these last four seasons and why you also think I don’t respect others opinions regarding MA.
In fact, Reggie, as I’m typing this, I’m getting more and more offended with your insinuations and I’m calling this particular post of yours at 4.51pm complete and utter BS, that’s my opinion and I say it as I see it as well.
Again bang on Reggie
There seems to be a group that think that their opinion should be followed ,a lot of pressuring of other fans to change their minds .
Seems to be a few that actually think they run JA ,personally take it as a pinch of salt been
On here to long to know how fans like to operate.
While it would seem DK, there are still some fans blind to what Mikel had to do to bring The Arsenal back to actually challenge for the PL.
As the old saying goes: There’s none so blind that cannot see.
Lols
No need to wait for next season Ken, it’s already started.
lest we forget…this also about Andrea Berta aka Big Berta.
best thing our owners did bringing him in
amen
Worst thing they did was sacking David Dein – agree with the Berta statement.
@Ken1945
Exactly…👍🏾
Ken1945,
Totally agree, getting rid of David Dean was when the rot started to set in.
|
Ken 1945 – I agree.
Our younger gunners don’t necessarily wish to relate to the security blanket, or impact of DD. For the young gunners what happens today holds more weight than the underlying story behind How we arrived here.
ie Youngers vibe is towards a (*winners theme) and less so to the Storyline(s) we still remember as salient parts that lead up to this theme.
Indeed, instrumental in all our titles from 89 and perhaps to 2004. He deserves a statue if you ask me. Probably one of the biggest resources we have had in our club.
The best thing our owners did was bank roll the club to success?
What’s the other options???
Post *
@ RF
Agree with you on AB.
Great article Dan. Really enjoyed the read.
I must say though, I do find it unnecessary to bring up the negative criticism some fans( myself included ) expressed about Arteta and the teams tactics and performances during various matches. As I recall, those comments were countered at the times they were made. And we moved on. That being said. No one is beyond criticism. And everyone is not of the same mind set, one man’s disappointment is another man’s jubilation. And I feel, respect should be given to both. Especially, since we all share a common interest. The best for our beloved football club AFC. Just sayin…👍🏾
I didn’t bring anything up mate
i don’t few criticism as negative
if a team fails point it out , if they succeed , use the same energy and celebrate lol.
@Dan
I didn’t single you out mate. I appreciated the article, then went on to comment about the above comments dumping on past critics.
Just imagine the comments if we hadn’t won the PL again though NY_Gunner.
It was already there when the team was announced for the Burnley game.
Just go back and read some of the comments my friend, the negativity started then.
100% NY👍. SHALLOW IF YOU ASK ME.
Big Ups to Unai Emery and Ashton Villa. Europa League Champs…👍🏾
@ NYG
I am not sure if what I am saying is correct in accordance with the rules:-
If AV loose to Man City and Liverpool win their last game, it would mean AV are in fifth place. If Bournemouth avoid defeat in their last game, then Bournemouth would get CL football next season as AV have qualified by winning the EL.
Bournemouth have been brilliant and they deserve it.
IGL – If Bournemouth does not lose or alternatively Brighton doesn’t get 3 pts at home from MU, then they will finish 6th.
If Brighton does win and Bournemouth also loses at Forest, Brighton will be 6th.
Because AV will finish no lower than 5th, the 6th place club will also get CL football due to AV automatic qualification.
@ BB
Yes of course you are right. They have to also finish 6th.
but mate if Villa finish 4th , 6th won’t be enough for CL
just to clarify
Now it’s getting complicated🤣.
simply peeps ( had to explain that my brother and mum and they had the pen paper out )
the only way 6th qualify for the CL is if Villa finish 5th
( so Villa need to lose and Liverpool win)
so if Villa finish 4th , the extra UEFA spot goes to Germany I think ?
I thought Villa were definitely confirmed for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, so that their Premier League status makes no difference in any possible way, especially in relation to other clubs in the mix.
they are …..if Villa finish they are in CL and so is 6th
but if they finish 4th ….6th is Europa
trust me , Villa have to finish 5th for 6th to get CL
I can explain why but just look at it like that
Dan, I’ll accept your always reliable knowledge😇.
well I wouldn’t go that far lol
but yeah
Villa 5th means 6th – Europa
Villa 4th means 6th – CL
if anyone wants to know why I can explain but it’s boring lol
Dan,
So for the benefit of the English game, should Aston Villa throw their next game. To ensure we get the extra place. 😂👍
depends how much they like Cherries or Brighton? lol
plus Liverpool would have to win
i assume Villa don’t care put it that way
@ DS
I got that bit. That is why MC need to beat AV. Liverpool need to win to finish 4th on GD.
yes mate
I know mate
just don’t listen to some on here
they will just make things up lol
no peeps
if Villa finish 4th 6th Is Europa
if Villa finish 5th 6th is CL
Villa have to finish 5th for 6 th to be enough for CL
just stick with me and others will just copy and pretend they knew lol
to clarify everyone if Villa finish 4th 6 can’t qualify for CL lol
Make your mind up, you keep changing what position makes the CL.
no I been consistent all the way through lol
Villa have to finish 5th for 6th to be in the CL
it’s not about right or wrong , it’s factual
it’s very simple ….Villa have to finish 5th for 6th to be enough for CL
4th won’t be
I made one typo but have done everything to simplify it
Villa have to final 5th for 6th to be in CL
Not what you posted at 1:31pm.
yeah that’s what a typo means
read 3-44, 2.35. 13.17, 12.47 lol
honestly peeps ….Villa have to finish 5th for 6th to be enough for CL
No, a typo means spelling a word wrongly, eg when you spell ‘allot’ instead of a lot.
nah
a typo can be just getting the wrong word in the wrong place
I’m going to be accused of arrogance but it’s not my fault those who try to troll me are wrong lol
anyways , now you know
Villa have to finish 5th for 6th to be in CL
not my job to educate you but based on my theory about you and how many times I have corrected you about your lack of Arsenal knowledge…….look up
Lexical Substitution
or just ask Google / any AI device
lots of different versions of typos
You really do need to look up the definition of the word ‘typo’ to see that you are wrong.
Who is going to accuse you of being wrong and who trolls you ?
My lack of knowledge about The Arsenal 🤣🤣🤣. You really need to put that crack pipe away fella.
you proven it over and over lol
can’t change that
you want me to pick an example ….my fave was when you made up the man of the match thinking no one would notice confirming you hadn’t even watched it lol
you have become my fave reader
you always respond and yet get everything wrong lol
And I admitted I got it wrong, something you’ve always failed to do and could learn by.
Funny how you could never tell me which Arsenal player got put on his arse by a proper Gooner while on the Tuesday Club.
and don’t forget you forgot how many European finals we had been here
here’s a good point , why are you only focusing on my mistake then and not the others who wrote numerous times the wrong
if you didn’t have an agenda or were not lonely lol ?
I’m going to leave you now but honestly dude look up Lexical Substitution or Arsenal history lol
not the same as not knowing how many finals though is it lol
like most should know that
and difference is I didn’t mention it …you just put out things and hope no one notices
you want a third example ……
I heard Odegaard is out for the season and straight away I’m like boo he made that up
can you not see already I have said three things you got wrong
So I forgot how many European Finals by one. Whoopie. I was there for the vast majority of them, but when you get to my age things do go amiss.
Here’s another 3 questions for you. Early this century the club had to pay a fine. Who did they have to pay, how much did the have to pay and what was the reason for the fine ?
dude not going to spend the night debating with you because your lonely lol.
I answered the query ….Villa finish 5th and 6th will be enough for CL
we are the Champions ….he happy lol
The awkward moment when you, of all people, reckon I’m lonely 😂🤣😂🤣.
The fact of the matter is you got it wrong @1:31pm and can’t, yet again, admit you made a mistake. Be a man for once and admit it.
I know and I can just imagine you were like yes ….I can use this and this can be my Thursday night and then I said oh typo and your like oh no ….how else can I get his attention
I got to go right predictions but I’m sure someone will pay you attention lol
Well your imagination smacks of LSD.
Still can’t answer any question I ask you about The Arsenal I see Daniel, and you reckon you can educate me 😂😂😂
IGL – An additional caveat is that AV must finish 5th as opposed to higher is also necessary in the scenario I provided. Sorry for not originally giving quite the whole story. Seems a rather silly rule with 5th getting automatically qualified this season.
IGL – That is, if AV finishes 4th then the sixth place team goes to CL, whereas if AV finishes 5th them the sixth place team goes to Europa. Sorry, I must still be hung over from the title triumph. 🤦♂️
Oops, another correction, if AV finishes 5th then the sixth place team goes to CL. Sorry for the confusion. Not my day.
IGL – Sorry for the incorrect info I passed your way trying to be helpful with regard to Bournemouth’s situation. I wasn’t, of course, just making things up, I simply wasn’t up to doing the full accurate analysis at the spur of the moment and I apologize.
btw IGL – I try not to be so arrogant as to think I am always correct and that, along with not being very sharp this morning, is why I continued to review and correct my responses which were only meant to try to be helpful.
@ BB
I think that post of mine has caused too much head-scratching.
no mate
if Villa finish 4th 6th won’t qualify for the CL
only 5th place for Villa can 6th be enough for CL
IGL, I think you’re right. Hopefully Bournemouth do manage to qualify for the CL, as they deserve it.
Herr Drier,
We do love an underdog in England, and Bournemouth, with its tiny ground, might be seen as an underdog, albeit an overachieving one (if that’s possible) that plays such beautiful football worthy of the Champions League.
IGL, we certainly do. Back in the days of the European Cup I loved seeing what are now smaller clubs getting through to the final. Sadly these days I very much doubt we’ll see that happening again.
My post was meant for Jax, not IGL.
Noted🤣
Regardless of pro-Arteta OR anti-Arteta fanbase it is evident that our fans were never ever going to respond to (quite) the same stimuli. What is important is that we are [*all ] in a better place today with what unfolded after 22yrs of ridicule.
*Love or loathe Arteta tell us whether his team’s success and the global response has brought you to tears? Iv experienced GG’s title win and AW’s wins x3 but this one has overwhelmed me completely. It’s likely there’s more joy to come.
@waal2waal
Respect…✊🏾
@ W2W
Being critical of MA’s tactics does not mean we loathe him.
Everything else you said is absolutely correct.
As I said in a precious: MA’s greatest achievement is not the PL but uniting the fanbase.
IGL
Fact is winning the PL resulted in uniting the fans suggests the outcomes here are interdependent. To present one (outcome) without the other is a [*paralysis of analysis] – think again my brother.
W2W
There are only a handful who are still at odds with each other.
IGI I agree 100% with your last paragraph, but maybe it should read as 99 99%?
I’m not sure how much the TV showed after the Burnley game, but when MA was called upon to say his message to the crowd, the chanting of his name and song was absolutely incredible.
I thought he was going to cry, such was the overwhelming support – it made me have to gulp a couple of times I can assure you of that!!
Was his and Odegaard’s words broadcasted on TV?
Great Article Dan.
I must admit, I was unsure that MA could get us over the line
More than Happy to admit I was wrong.
COYG
Champions League Final next
As someone who persistently supported the team and the manager and occasionally had a few issues with some uncalled for criticisms, I feel it is now time to bury the hatchet. All of us had one desire: to see our club win. As is always the case, each of us expressed this desire in different ways. Some took the positive and optimistic approach while a few became negative, and times near hysterical! This is all understandable given that we express our feelings differently. Now is the time to move forward together as we strive to achieve more success. Upwards and onwards for all Gunners.
Well said David
Here is to a great Premier League season.
In fact we have been great for 4 years and I think most ppints over that time …yet only this season managed to get over the line
I’m years to come we will all look back at the progress and see how good we have been. .
Hopefully now the pmayers can take the winning feeling and add to their great mentaliry this season for when we pmay PSG
COYG.
@DR
Absolutely 100% correct.
Brilliant summing up as usual David.
I do hate to think, however, what the remarks would have been if we hadn’t won the PL, but, thank goodness, that scenario didn’t happen.
I think the “thank you” should go with the apologies for not believing in the team and Arteta @Dan
well by that logic , where is my apology lol
Well you’re one of the fans who were always waiting for something to go wrong and then say “I told you so”.
I remember the game against Man U at the emirates, you said that “the next 20 min of the game decides the tittle race” assuming that if we lost the game, the tittle was gone. Is that not doubting team and a negative take on the team that was having a 4-7 point lead at the time?
but why would I owe someone an apology?
by that logic , you said we win the league cup final …….apologise lol
Well Dan, the difference is, I backed the team because football is unpredictable. You were already preparing your ‘I told you so’ speeches every time things got tough. There’s a difference between being wrong about a final and constantly doubting your own team’s mentality.
And bringing up one cup final prediction isn’t the same as spending the whole season acting like the collapse was around the corner 😂
well wait now your changing it lol
so are you saying that people have to apologise for getting opinions wrong or not ?
spending the whole season like the world is collapsing…. so again let me prove that you made that up…..
my last 10 articles before Tuesday
It’s our destiny for Cherries to do us a favour -positive I would say ?
who’s our right back for Monday – nothing negative about that
Predictions – I predict an Arsenal win !
An article about sitting in the wrong end – so nothing negative about team
Palace having 10 million reasons to help us – not negative
Have Content Creators gone too far – me defending the backlash Arsenal get online
Me saying how that one decision at West Ham could change our history – postive
Spurs fans go too far – defending the Arsenal fan
Predictions – I predict Arsenal to beat West Ham
Time to Help Our next door neighbours – positive
yet you claim I have been spending the whole season acting like the collapse was around the corner 😂
so can you explain the last 10 articles ? ( can add more if you want )
so you either made it up or ( and this is what I think ) your a fan who thinks that if your a supporter your can’t say anything negative and can’t cope not hearing what you want to hear
@ DS
All the articles were good and incited debate with people of differing views. It takes time and effort and a forum for debate and should be applauded.
All I have to say to those complaining about the articles: If you feel you can do better, write an article yourself and then we can all debate it.
You listing random article titles doesn’t change the point I made lol. I never said every single thing you posted was negative. I said you’ve spent large parts of the season reacting like disaster was always one result away.
Half the stuff you listed has nothing to do with that argument. “Predictions”, “sitting in the wrong end”, “Spurs fans go too far” — what exactly are those supposed to prove?
The point is your overall energy whenever things got difficult was dramatic as hell, and now you’re acting like nobody can mention it because you found 10 article titles that sound positive 😂
And no, this whole “you think supporters can’t say anything negative” thing is just you inventing an argument nobody made. Criticism is fine. Acting like the club is collapsing every rough patch and then pretending you never did it are two different things.
I even made an example of one instance to prove this, against Man U you literally said “the next 20 min decides the tittle race”. And I remember you and RHS in agreement and him saying “We’re bottling it from here” and that you guys had seen enough.
Well the apology is not forced, I was just jokingly suggesting that maybe the team deserves some.
of course my last 10 articles matter if your saying I spent
….
.the whole season acting like the collapse was around the corner
words are important
so I have presented evidence that what you said is made up
with respect dude , I have a rule that I don’t engage once someone has been caught making things up
so won’t be engaing
if we lose the CL final though by your own logic you owe us an apology lol
Your point is well made. Anytime Arsenal hit a rough patch there was an immediate questioning of mentality. We were told that if MC got within 3 points Arsenal would probably lose out on the title. Now we have a pretence of balance.
Some of us were told that we were toxic because we didn’t agree with those who called Arsenal bottlers.
😂
I never called anyone toxic for not saying we were bottlers ( I never called them bottlers )
I simply said some have toxic positivity which I maintain and stand by
There is no right and wrong in opinion?? You were not right and Dan was not wrong. Don’t be so self righteous. It doesn’t suit you.
There is alway one wise guy??? Well actually more than one.
A great week for the club ,long overdue ,unfortunately we’ve got a group of fans that want to score weird points and sour the mood .
Arteta done what he’s been paid handsomely for ,spending a fortune ,this was expected and it’s finally happened im not sure what the posters are trying to gain for starting these odd arguments.
Anyway well done to the club .
I wouldn’t say some fans are trying to score points or sour the mood. If you are aiming your post at me, I was just point out the task Mikel had when he took over from Emery. Yes he spent “handsomely”, but he earnt that by the money he earned the club by getting us challenging for the PL and our progress in the CL.
How are you doing Dan Kit? I was not aware of what a toll the lack of EPL title despite our infinite resources had on me.
Frankly now I am feeling like I have just sat after walking for 22 years! We win the CL and it will feel like a long overdue nice sleep.
HH, lovely description of a 22 year work out!! 😊
Your long wait is over and it could become even better, if we manage to get the monkey off our back and win the CL.
If that happens, it will probably the best few days I’ve ever known supporting The Arsenal, would you agree with that my friend?
A title after 22 years wait, add to that a CL trophy which all Arsenal supporters feel it should have our name also according to our club status? It will be the best year for me since I started supporting Arsenal.
Imagine the league title, the CL title and Spurs get relegated all in such quick succession. Are our bodies even capable of handling such happiness?
Yes, now I believe he should make a dynasty. It was a close shave because the fact he has failed to win anything this last 3 years, meant, the question marks were there, that he wasn’t upto the job of getting us over the line. If he hadn’t this season, I personally think he should have been sacked because we should have won something before now. BUT everything has changed, he has won the league, we have the finance, we have the momentum and we have the first of what should be many trophies. The football for me is a massive negative, i get very angry and frustrated by the way we are over cautious. BUT I also expect that to change now. We have a massive opportunity to dominate for two or three years. AND Arteta deserves his new contract. AND the Kronkes deserve the massive recognition of what they have done and the FACT they (not according to legend) very ambitious and listen to the fan base.
I took a slightly different view of the last 3 years based on the almost invincibility of Man City under arguably one of the best managers in history. The record is there for all to see. The one year that showed weakness in CIty, the injury crisis and some bizarre sendings off at the start of the season, completely scuppered it. Whilst credit can be given to Slot, he started his life at Liverpool following an impressive manager and a very good team indeed. He hasn’t kicked on this year, so getting it right is not a given. It could be argued that the continuity that Arteta has engendered is more successful in the longer term. Chopping and changing managers doesn’t guarantee success. West Ham didn’t value Moyes sufficiently and along with Spurs, who also hire and fire with regularity, & both are in the do do as one of them will drop out of the league
I am not disputing that Arteta needed to win the league this year. He had been steadily building and the investment in the summer ensured that at last there was a really competitive cohort rather than an 12 – 15 or so who were obvious starters. Injuries have also played their part, but the depth of the squad won through. In an earlier post, you felt there were other candidates who would have won. The truth is none of us know. It wasn’t long ago that Potter was flavour of the month. Of the recent names, Iraola, for example, has shown himself to be a very able manager. but as things stand, the prospect is that he will likely go to Palace, which isn’t a huge leap up the ladder from Bournemouth. There is no certainty about a change being for the best, although I do hold the view that hanging on ad infinitum isn’t the answer either.
It was definitely reaching the point that another luckless season would have had a material effect on Arteta’s ability to break through and what that would do to the players and whether they would look elsewhere . They want to be winners and the supporters want a trophy. Like you mentioned, winning the league has made a huge difference and your word, dynasty, is one that could materialise.
Arteta himself has admitted he was questioning himself. He has said he should have won at least one of the previous 3. He doubted his ability. What has changed this year? Liverpool have gone massively backwards and City are rebuilding. All which has helped. Are we better than the previous 3? I am not sure we are but we are more resilient. That needs to be built on now. Plus if we win the CL, forget completely about us not being much better. Because that would PROVE that we are, not opinion.
MA seems to be a perfectionist who will likely always believe he can do better. At least from what I can tell, his mentality reminds me of Alexis Sanchez but with better interpersonal abilities.
Great post SueP. I agree 100% with the overwhelming majority of what you wrote. The improved quality of the squad really got us through this season along with MA’s use of it. There were some very good additions who should be more comfortable in the attack given greater opportunity for effective training time. I expect team cohesion in attack to improve greatly. With regard to the idea of a dynasty, I believe that would be wishful thinking more than anything else. I’m not going to demand or expect it but I would hope for it as part of being a gooner. As we just witnessed, dreams can come true whether you have faith in them or not.
If it was up to you and your likes Arteta and a bunch of other managers would have been hired and fired. Given where Arsenal were we’d probably be looking at bringing in another manager having just failed to make the top 5 again.
All that finance you are talking about is partly related to PL placing and progress in the CL. However much the Kroenke’s may wish to spend they still have to abide by financial rules.
Saying you would have sacked him shows your lack of insight and highlights why people like you shouldn’t be in charge of serious decisions. This approach that you are so fond of is part what has caused so many difficulties for the likes of Chelsea and to a lesser extent MU. Spurs who have spent similar amounts in total transfer fees since Arteta became manager are fighting just to stay in the PL..
You are talking about “dynasty”. What exactly is the basis of this? That Arsenal have a good squad? So what about MC or Liverpool or even MU. Are Arsenal really so ahead of these other teams that it should be a given? Or are you now suggesting that Arteta has suddenly gone from someone you claim could never win a title to one of the best managers in history.
The extra spot goes to Spain not Germany.
yeah but goes to Germany or Portugal if Villa finish 4th
believe it was Portugal in the end
I believe MC will win regardless what AV have decided because MC were humiliated by the Cherries so they will want a win.
I would like to see the Cherries in the Champ because they have played so well this season so they deserve it.
Laura
Life is funny. Imagine I will be supporting Man City, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton this Sunday for the sake of Bournemouth and West Ham
As for the Anti Arteta. They will hide until Arteta loses a match. Hopefully not against Psg. These guys are so clueless, they can even criticise him if he rotates the squad and loses against Palace. Lol 😂😂
All of these non Arteta believers after this season are not TRUE GOONERS / FANS. Have the guts to admit you were wrong, take it on the chin and praise all of them. 3 times we all thought, some of us quietly!!, that they had blown it BUT they didn’t. That shows how strong Arteta and the Players are.
If you don’t believe, PLEASE DO NOT watch them play Sat week – The Champs Final! We do not need or want negativity.
You doubters could always support the Spuds next year – your negativity would be then warranted!!
What a knob
🤣🤣🤣
Arteta is the man. He has made Arsenal to be feared in Europe, just like Wenger did between 2000-2006. He is still learning in his first managerial season. If he is given more time, he will be the greatest Arsenal manager of all time.
Some of us were abused alot for supporting and sticking with him. He has justified us. But I understand frustrations from many gooners
Let me say this: There’s no available manager who can do what he has done. He deserves a new contract
Am happy. Congrats to all gooners. Psg next 😏😏😏
just remember this comment when I’m told …. who said that lol
I assume your referring to Freddy’s penultimate and last sentence in his first paragraph Dan?
He does seem to have overlooked a few factoids, including the one that it really isn’t MA’s first managerial season and he’s won just two trophies.
However, you can feel Freddy’s excitement and positivity coming through loud and clear and I can’t help but want to shake his hand!!
as long as your not denying in a few months that no one has said Arteta will be the greatest Arsenal manager of all time lol
are you going to Budapest ?
@Dan
Freddie has simply expressed a belief in Arteta’s potential – are you bold enough here to express whether you believe this manager has reached his limit or whether he’ll exceed expectations?
Here you logged (for future reference purpose) Freddy’s representation, his forecast of success for MA: But as a featured “scribe” here on JA are you bold enough to submit expectations of your own? YES/NO
I’ll offer mine – No dynasty talk from me what I do expect on 31st May (my birthday) AFC will be CL winners: After which we will do a better job than Liverpool did of defending the PL Title. I trust MA to achieve PL titles [*back-to-back].
No Budapest for me Dan – didn’t get a sniff of a ticket, but like hundred of thousands of other Gooners, will be watching it via the TV.
I’m giving up trying to remember who said what to whom about what, as they are only an individuals opinion and changes nothing at the end of the day.
My mate Phil is going to the CL final and reckons it cost him around the £1700 mark.
disgrace regarding the allocation
Dan
|
Wittingly skipping a question clearly flagged up and meant for you, means an adverse inference can be drawn. The inference is Freddy was being mocked (for his comment) and this is at a time WE ALL should be celebrating regardless of a fans opinion. *We ALL need to do better 🙂
?
I don’t know what you mean mate
you know I don’t read every comment made lol
Don’t you mean his first managerial job rather than season Freddy?
😂😂
LOL 😂😂 I will be doing the same – come on MC and Liverpool. Got to get those Cherries into the Champs League 👏👏
Don’t we just find these anti Arteta species hilarious . They go to matches cheering on the players not realising that the players want Arteta to stay as they believe he is the best manager and brings the best out of them. When they lose a game can these non believers honestly say it’s all Arteta’s fault and never ever the player(s)???
Our discipline record has been amazing this season. Is it true not one sending off, not one penalty given away? That’s a lot harder to achieve than it sounds.
Our work off the ball has meant just 25 goals conceded. Arteta’s team are “focus” monsters.
The one nil result at home to relegated Burnley doesn’t look much on paper, it was an excruciating watch second half, but still with that monster level drive and focus, games like that, results like that, is what winning things – and all the associated celebrations and kudos – is made from. We’ve learnt that lesson now, let’s not too quickly forget it.
If we had Slot then everyone’s criticism of the manager would be 100% justified. He took over a very good team put together by Klopp, which he wrecked and wasted 400 million! No-one can say Arteta did this! The money he spent has not been wasted. Look ant the players we have! At least Arteta put it right with the players when it did go wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. Pep did this season.
Read the press reviews. They now believe Arsenal can be the next MC – winning every season.