I wrote a 500 word article about the things Pep taught everyone around him and then it hit me that you can’t beat him to his own game, so I started fresh.
Two managers, playing the same brand of football with equally technical players drilled for years are set to face each other in a major cup final for the first time and we will see who outclasses whom. Both of ’em have been fighting for the Premier League with Mikel falling short of his guru every single fucking time – but could this be a season where he can win the title and a beat him in a cup final? It starts today.
First, you can’t beat Pep to his own game. If Mikel has a game plan totally based on what Pep taught him during his City game, it’s not going to end well for us. He has to ‘unlearn’ some of that, take a leaf out of Wenger’s attacking football, score a couple and park the fucking bus like Mourinho used to. If you can’t score one, you have your own set piece strategy, make use of that. I won’t mind us winning 1-0 from a corner because it has been ages since we won something of importance.
Some Pep v Mikel stats
Ever since Mikel took over as Arsenal manager, we have faced City 12 times in the Premier League, Pep won the first 7, while in the last 5 games – Mikel won 2 and we have shared points the other 3 times.
In the FA cup, Mikel beat him in the 2020 season semi finals when we went ahead to win the only title under him. We lost to them 1-0 in 2023 though in the 4th round.
In the Carabao Cup, we only faced City once where Pep outclassed Mikel in a thumping 4-1 win in 2020.
The only other game where they both faced wach other was the 2023 community shield which ended in a 1-1 draw and we won it with penalties but I don’t give a fuck about it. Let Pep count it as a major trophy because he believes it counted as a quadruple for him.
9 wins for Pep, 3 for Mikel while they both shared points for the other 4 times. Mikel has been able to get points of the City in recent years so it’s not as bad as it looks. There’s a chance today.
Team News
We look fine. Except for Odegaard and Timber, everyone is available while both of them will be assessed before the game. I think Eze will play ahead of Ode even if the captain is fit but we do need Timber to make it. White had looked rusty, I love him but I have more confidence in Timber recently.
Kepa has been the keeper of the Carabao Cup. The tradition calls him to play today while a team that’s looking to win a trophy should play the best XI available. Is Mikel picking up Raya ahead of Kepa – it would be an interesting decision from him. I would go with Raya. There is no need for emotional crap when there’s a trophy on the line. Pick your best XI and Kepa will get his medal if you win.
Gyokeres is certainly starting for me. I won’t mind if we go with Madueke in place of Saka since the starboy has struggled a bit recently form-wise.
Wrapping Up
Right, a win today will boost the confidence of the lads and will motivate them to win some more. We are doing well in all 4 competitions and today could be a deciding factor of how we end up in PL, CL and FA Cup.
We are already competing with City in the Premier League – 9 points difference with 7 games to go and City has a game in hand. There is an Etihad visit lined up for us, so they are still in the mix.
In the FA cup, there is a very high probability that we would face them in semis or finals. They play Liverpool while we are against Southampton in the Quarter Finals.
Today’s not the end of it. It’s only the beginning and whoever wins it, will count it as first and use it for motivation for the rest of the season.
See you during the game.
On another note, BBC and Netflix have ruined the Peaky Blinders movie. It’s shite.
City are fortunate that it was Havertz that was gifted that opportunity…if they don’t figure out their backline and continue to leave players onside, we should get some more chances like that…lord knows we usually need more than the average side in order to convert them into goals
still can’t figure out why more teams haven’t adopted the PSG tactic when it comes to our set pieces
Hip should no better…too early in the match and too high up the pitch
Ooooo.. Haaland doesn’t miss most of that.
We need Martinelli if you are open to counter attacks and long balls. Gyokeres is not that fast and Trossard has got little legs.
Cheating cunts…
Guardiola has out 4 players up top to kill any passing spaces. Raya / Gabriel / Saliba has no other option than to go long.
Ben White might not be the best choice against Doku
Silva being captain is getting lot of latitude from referees in general
Its very niggly and both teams making the most of any contact.
Just a slightly bad first touch or Gyokeres could have converted that.
Hoopah
Not sure Mosquera is a better option at RB.
When did they change the laws so fouling Saka isn’t a foul?
Ake joins the top 3 cunts list
Exactly, that was a 100% foul on Saka.
Ambarish
Problem is that list has about 35 names on it.
Stalemate so far… City had 5 min of positive moments, we are OKish so far.
I would bring on Martinelli for second half and let him run riots.
Trossard has been quiet.
We’re looking too eager to get rid of the ball and so cannot keep possession. Players need to be a bit braver about taking contact and trying to beat their players.
Passing also needs to be more accurate in and around their area.
This game has a community shield type feel to it. Both teams know it isn’t the main prize.
Not a card ?
This is where we’re missing an Ode or Eze – not just the creativity but the ability to hold onto the ball.