Brighton is a tough team to play against. They play high intensity, positive game and have Europe in mind. Having played 3 less games than Tottenham, who sits at the 6th position, Brighton could overtake them with a win. They are in a happy place but they know things can turn bad towards the end of the season, and won’t really be wishing to leave it to that. They will fight, and they will make things tough for us.
Today’s game comes with a relief for Arteta, both Solly March and Webster are ruled out of game and we are back in fine form. Saliba and Zinchenko are ruled out for the season, but Kiwior didn’t disappoint and Tierney is as good a player at LB. He might come up short in his midfield abilities, but I’m of the belief that a defender’s first priority is to defend well. Anything else is extra.
Having said that, I would really like him to excel in the three games left. Rumours about him leaving (or sold) is not a good news for me, I don’t know if we need to splash another 60m for a LB when we already have a lad covering it and doing well whenever given a chance. It would be like creating a problem and then fixing it.
For the rest of this season, we don’t have anything to win or lose now. I’m a generally optimistic person but everyone and their dog knows City are not going to drop points, and are not going to give away their 1 point lead with a game in hand. We feel the Liverpool’s frustration, in a short amount of time they have overtaken the title race. No doubt we have thrown it away ourselves by sharing points against the likes of West Ham and Liverpool after going 2-0 up, and against Southampton at home, but Pep is showing to us how hard it can be for any other team. Not only does he prepares his team tactically, he engrains in them a tough, winning mentality which allows them to perform at the top when needed the most.
It was nice till it lasted. It leaves us to the last three games, and I’m looking forward to finishing our season with 3 wins, and 90 points. It will keep the confidence high, make the incomings in the summer easier and gives us the confidence to pick ourselves up and retry again next season.
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Back to the game, I’m expecting a a back 4 of White, Kiwior, Gabriel and Tierney. Jorginho would probably keep his place after a good game against Newcastle. Xhaka starts because he always do. We would see Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli behind Jesus, but I would personally like to see Eddie given a chance today. We are at home, we are playing Brighton and Eddie can do a job.
Trossard would like a game too, but unless we play in 2 competitions, I doubt we will see much of him. Mikel has his favorites and there is nothing wrong in that if it works. The only problem is, it don’t keep people happy. We need a strong bench, but good players don’t like to settle on the bench. A conundrum Mikel has to overcome, and we still have ESR and Eddie waiting, Balogun, Lokonga and Tavares returning, Saliba and Tomiyasu injured.
I would love to see a clean sheet. It felt sh*t to David De Gea winning the golden glove. I wouldn’t have mind if it was Ederson or Allison but lol.
Right, a short one today. Lets beat them seagulls and continue the quest of being the best out there. If you are saddened with missing out the trophy after being top of the table virtually the whole season, here’s some positive – we will be playing in Champions League next season, we will be fighting again for the trophy, Spu*s might not even make to Europa and London is red through and through.
#COYG
Kroenke, ‘Two devastating, pathetic chokes in consecutive seasons.’ Emotive language indeed.
We certainly ran out of steam but we pushed City and have comfortably finished second. Do you honestly think that KSE will be unhappy with the progress this season and if they were, would they be providing sufficient funds(reportedly) to improve the quality and depth of the squad this upcoming TW?
You mention the supporters- Arteta’s name is chanted passionately every game. Now some of this is due to club loyalty for sure but only a fool would say that wasn’t due to a appreciation of his work and the way the team is playing.
Arteta will be under review (aren’t all managers?) and I think KSE will be giving him maybe a B+/ A-. I appreciate that you would probably give him a much lower grade. What would you give him?
Bob-ever since we were easily bested on Sunday social media outlets and the like have been eagerly postulating such claims, which is more likely a byproduct of our PR team wagging the fucking dog than a credible statement of our true intentions…as a general rule, major business being conducted early in any window isn’t part of our organizational DNA, so to think that 2 highly prized assets would sign on our dotted line, without our having to pay way above the number, seems incredibly far-fetched…it’s far more likely we will continue to allow these stories to proliferate, regardless of their legitimacy, and we might even lob a couple of lowball offers into the ether, then when they invariably sign elsewhere or stay put the very same aforementioned outlets will spew nonsense about how we were serious contenders but that it was too rich for our blood or we couldn’t compete with the oil-rich/”cheaters” clubs or we were stymied by the fact we had to sell off some assets first or the clubs in question weren’t acting in good faith or, and worst of all, we found “better” alternatives, who just happen to be on nobody’s list of desirable options with vastly lower price tags…that said, I’m certainly not holding my breath, as I very much doubt we’re the kind of “serious” club who names their highest priorities then gets them over the line in a timely fashion…ultimately I would be over the moon if we managed to get two seminal readymade targets, re-upped Saliba and Saka, brought Balo back into the fold, sold off Xhaka, then brought in a manager who had the tactical acumen to take this project to the next logical level
TRVL -‘we will continue to allow these stories to proliferate’ – not sure how much control the club has over these stories. Just as Liverpool have been experiencing when it comes to getting top targets in, we have a budget( a very reasonable one, I’ll grant you) and if a price of a player goes above it, we’ll walk away rather than try and match a Chelsea or whoever. We might find United with a new owner outbid us an Caceido or Rice, just like Chelsea did with Mudryk. City look like they’ll have a couple of CMs leaving. I remember a few months ago Wrightie was wetting his pants at the name(probably Rice) who was keen to join us if we made CL. There is talk of Caceido having a clause in his new contract that would have an impact on a bid this summer, whatever that may be!
Untold has often kept a list of players named as targets for Arsenal in the summer window, it usually reaches over 100 – should we believe that Arsenal are manipulating these stories or is more a combination of journalists needing to write something and agents trying to drum up interest? Without a doubt we are now a very attractive proposition for some of the best players available, a competitive team who looks like will improve naturally through experience and the addition of 3 or 4 upgrades.
Watching Arsenal frustratingly drop points in recent weeks highlighted more than ever where we can improve. Let’s see how we get on with our top targets but they’ll be other quality players who we will certainly sign in CM, maybe RB/RCB and RW/CF. You don’t have to be a blind optimist to see our potential and now with CL money coming in, we can step up even more.
Bob-the club can’t necessarily “control” these stories, but they can dispute their respective claims if they so wished, which certainly isn’t unheard of…since our move to the Emirates, we’ve been a cake and eat it too club when it comes to media/organizational transparency related issues, in that Wenger’s beyond reproach posturing gave off the impression that the club had no backchannel relationships with the journalist/pundit/gossipmonger classes, which was clearly disingenuous based on what transpired surrounding both RVP’s and Sanchez’s respective exits and when it came to rumours regarding potential targets that Arsene dismissed at the time then later “bragged” about…with this in mind, I would suggest that MA has tried to adopt a very similar hypocritical disposition, as evidenced by his overtly passive aggressive man/asset management practices and his post-match excuse-laden diatribes…whether it’s done to control the narrative, deflect attention, encourage season ticket re-ups and/or to simply quell the short-term concerns of those from within the fanbase matters not, as all that truly matters is that there was an intentional/orchestrated attempt(s) to deceive the fanbase for primarly selfishly motivated purposes and not with the greater good in mind…of course, not everything needs to be played out in the public realm, but for a team supposedly trying to reinvent it’s organizational wheel, a good starting point would be to stop leaning into the same old disingenuous cultural narratives that have plagued this club for far too long…Cheers
Hi Bob
We started the season like a train. The sequence of fixtures all went our way, we sustained few if any serious injuries pre WC and the team was playing beautifully. In those few games where VAR and the general breaks seemed to go against us, the team showed resilience and fight. They seemed to get stronger and more coherent with each game, and Eddie provided something new when he filled in for Jesus.
The season hinged on establishing and losing that 2 goal lead at Liverpool. I think they pulled one back to make it 1-2 at half time. That was the acid test for the team and the manager. How best to control the game to secure all the points. Arsenal failed (and the bin dippers should have won), and they repeated the failure at W Ham. Two draws that felt like losses, followed by something even more egregious at home to Southampton. There was evidence that maintaining leads had been learnt by the time Chelsea and the Barcodes came along. But the buck stops with Arteta for those 3 drawn matches. Underwhelming game management, defensive fragility and panic. All hall marks of late Wengerism being served up again. And Sunday’s result? Where did that come from? It’s hard to fathom that Arteta got so many things wrong against Brighton – selection, mental and physical preparation and an appalling inability to get back into the game. It happens, right? But we were awful.
So yeah, let’s hope that our money grubbing owners fully review the season and decide to take action. I’m not holding my breath.
I’ll give Arteta a C – no plusses or minuses. Were I his teacher (he’d learn a lot from me!), I’d say on his report card…
Decent course work throughout the year, albeit not the quickest learner, only to become complacent by shitting and pissing his trousers at exam time. Would benefit from re-enrolling at a spanish school this summer where his oeuvre might be more appreciated and his evident incontinence tolerated.
In essence Bob, we confounded a lot of people and got closer that we have for many years. I get that. But you and I know we had enough to get over the line. I was looking forward to my kids asking me about how it felt compared to 89.
Kroenke, I respect your opinion but I think it’s too harsh. Your focus feels too centred on where things didn’t go well rather than the season as a whole. I think we were lucky to be able to pick a settled first 11 up until January but for the pivotal moment came when both TT and Saliba were injured in the same match – our defensive stability and overall cohesion suffered considerably. Our CM has always been a weak link against stronger opposition and Saka could have done with more rests.
We need to try and pace ourselves like City but that of course is much easier when you have more depth. Buying in players like Caceido and Rice who are extremely capable in more than one position would mean that if we do have multiple injuries in one area we would be able to cope much better. Upgrading, Holding, Lakonga, Xhaka, Nelson would enable Arteta to rotate more. Arteta has certainly made mistakes, his in game management is still average for example.
It’ll completely be his squad come the start of next season, can’t wait to see what we can do. I’ve, for the most part, really enjoyed this season and I’m not willing to dwell upon our ultimate failure to overcome City, one of the most dominant teams in my lifetime.
TVRL – do you seriously think Arsenal should comment about transfer stories? I got a little lost reading your post but I certainly felt the passion. Which big club operates better than us? What lessons could we learn from them? Arsenal stories are voraciously read by hoarded of supporters and the journalists know that. My point is that there’s no value in comparing us to say Brighton , who can operate under the radar in a way that a club with the global fan base of a club size of Arsenal can’t.
Actually Bob,I was going to ask the other lads but seeing as your last post referred to it I’ll ask you first. Would still be delighted to hear what others think. There’s been a lot of talk amongst Arsenal fans lately, understandably, about the strength of man city. Many are claiming them to be the greatest club team etc. In my lifetime there have been four footballing dynasties in England though I accept that within each there was a lot reconstruction. They were liverpool( late 70″s early 80’s), fergies utd, Mourinho/ Abramovich ‘s original Chelsea and now City. My question obviously is which of the 4 were the most difficult to defeat in a title race? This has nothing to do with knocking or supporting Arteta btw,genuine question. When I started thinking about it I realised that the financial might of each was only part of the challenge presented. Influencing officials (fergie), dominating the domestic market,history, status etc.
Yet for me the answer was actually quite easy in the end. Fergie’s utd had more stacked in their favour than any other club in the history of English football ( Herb will correct me on that I’m sure!!) So in short I actually have increased my appreciation for what Wenger did in those glorious early years. What do you guys think? Are city as big an obstacle? Bigger? Or am I getting nostalgic?? Bob?
Speaking of getting nostalgic it looks like Xhaka’s on his way. There’s no doubt last year was his best ever season in an Arsenal shirt but I could never bring myself to see him as anything other than a relic of a failing Wenger,a reminder of how he had totally lost his touch in the transfer market. I’m glad he’s going,that chapter took too long to bring to a close but his durability was impressive if not frustrating. Hopefully 2 new quality midfielders are now inevitable………..but I wouldn’t want my life depending on it!
Almunia, it’s hard not to get affected by recency bias, that’s for sure! City 5 out of 6 takes some beating (8 out of 12); United (8 out of 11; 4 out of 5 twice), Liverpool (10 out of 15). All dominating forces- take your pick! Nostalgia can get you too, mind!
We went toe to toe more with United, though let’s not forget Anfield 89, as if!
Honestly can’t pick one, I’ll stay on the fence if you don’t mind!
Bob
What would be an unacceptable finish to next season that should demand Arteta’s sacking?
I ask because you strike me as another of the many fans we have who are all too happy to just make excuses.
I’ve wanted Xhaka gone for years but I almost has a sense of disappointment that he’s possibly going ( emphasis on the word almost). A quality upgrade would soften the blow!
Xhaka leaving will make my day he’s never been the right fit for the PL – he should have gone to Italy 5 years ago the slower pace out there would suit him to a tee.
Marc, one person’s ‘excuses’ is another person’s reasoned thinking! If he loses the dressing room, in other words the players don’t play for him anymore then he should go.
If we start going backwards.
If we finish 3rd say and Liverpool return to top form and we get through the knock out phases, I imagine I’d be okay with that.
Bob, not being able to come to a decisive conclusion on that question is perfectly Understandable. I can’t quite put my finger on it but fergie’s utd are a anathema to me,always have been,hence they are my pick. A West Ham supporting friend of mine with a few years on me loathes Liverpool with a passion that is a level above all the others. Perhaps it’s a generational thing? I certainly think that some of our younger fans who see City as an insurmountable obstacle could benefit by seeing how even those aforementioned dynasties were eventually toppled. Not even the Romans ruled forever!
Hi Almunia
That question about dynasties has got me thinking. Pretty galling, but wholly accurate, that we don’t feature. I think back to a time when football was slightly more financially egalitarian which is, arguably, when teams did best to stand out from the rest.
It pains me to say it but it should be Liverpool by that yardstick. Moreover, they had a shit load of European success until their self inflicted behaviour brought it to an end in Heysel.
Sorry Almunia. I know that Liverpool reside in the 13th circle of hell for you.
PS On balance, just about right to exclude late 70s Forest from the discussion.
Marc,
I have to confess I could never understand what managers saw in Xhaka. The ‘Wenger signed him as a box 2 box player’ story used to disgust me. Had he really sunk that low in his recruitment? I choose not to believe that story now. But,yes,it’s hard to feel sad at Xhaka’s departure. Actually Switzerland really has not been a happy hunting ground for us has it? Xhaka, Senderos and Djourou off the top of my head. And you know that corrupt prick who sent off RVP at the Nou Camp? You guessed it,Swiss.
KP,
I nearly had the cheek to include Kendall’s Everton,one of my favourite non Arsenal teams as you know but they simply weren’t around long enough,same as Forest. Revie’s Leeds would have to be in the conversation but they were before my time.
You’re right really,when you add European glory to domestic dominance that Liverpool team really were kingpins. But there was just something about OT in Fergie’s pomp,you knew you would be beaten by fair means or foul,the outcome always seemed pre determined to my cynical eyes!
Bob
Fair comment. I am harsh on him, harsher than Emery, and harsher than I’ve ever been about any Arsenal manager (although late Wenger ran him close). I don’t like him (based on the little I see of him) and I like his touchline antics and media stuff even less. He’s over-confident, overrated, stubborn and self absorbed in my opinion. He comes over as what Argentines would call ‘pecho frio’ (a cold chest, in other words aloof and lacking in human warmth). It’s prejudice on my part because I’ve never seen him display any genuine humanity. He doesn’t move me.
I know this isn’t a key selection criterion to be a football manager but given all his other manifold weaknesses as a manager, it makes it difficult to support him. He spoils my enjoyment of Arsenal unlike any other manager we’ve had. You won’t be surprised to know I adored George Graham, the antithesis of Arteta as a man and leader.
Bob
So finishing 5th or lower would be unacceptable?
Bob-my apologies for veering too far afield,,,I had a singular train of thought when I first started to respond then I got a bit too caught up in my feelings, which led to a more convoluted take…my underlying point was that I still don’t see much of a tangible difference between our club under MA and those latter years with Wenger in charge…this applies to our tactical rigidity, our settling transfer nature/January window miscues, the seemingly endless excuses, the missed opportunities, piss-poor asset management and the monopolistic managerial practices…as such, I don’t believe that we can achieve the highest of heights under MA’s tutelage
as to the questions you’ve posed, I would respond in this way, of course organizations don’t tend to directly respond to transfer rumours, but very few, if any, have quite so many targets being bandied about, which is likely due to the fact MA appears determined to perpetuate the whole “top secret” Wengerian transfer initiative, so it lends itself to a whole host of unsubstantiated guesswork …now this would be much easier to digest if the ultimate reveal was better than expected, but in most cases the exact opposite applies
as to your second question regarding the operating practices of other “big” clubs, I could name a whole host of better run organizations who have rightfully achieved much higher heights over the last decade or so…each has done so by committing to at least 2 of the following organizational tenets, hiring the best available management team based on your collective objectives, spending wisely, more often than not, regardless of the sums involved, and/or developing a definitive culture then rarely if ever deviating from this course…we’ve failed on all 3 accounts since we relocated to the Emirates…as such, I still see Arteta and Edu as short-term placeholders, who should be thanked for their efforts then suitably replaced by those with the requisite acumen and nous required to properly complete this highly nuanced process