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.
Commentators think City fans are roaring.. if there was one lol
Tactic seems for Saliba to physically restrain Haland . He is strong enough
City are boxing us in.
We are playing so much in our own half, which usually do not ends well if you are against City..
Mikel needs to find a way and there’s not much time.
We’re so cautious and careless when we get possession. I’m starting to wonder if Cunteta is using this game as a dress rehearsal for what he hopes will be a nil nil in the league game at their place.
Haaland almost got what he wanted.. Saliba was clever.
Well a goal was coming but the 2nd major mistake from the keeper.
Won’t be seeing him again in an Arsenal shirt.
There you are, game gone. Told ya, we needed Raya.
Fucking awful 15 minute passage of play. Arsenal got what they deserved there. Pure shite.
Don’t worry Wicksy will be on in a moment and tell us Arteta’s schooling Pep.
Tuchel would be smiling in the stands.
Kroenke
Its almost as if Arteta’s half time team talk was to hold on to what we have.
Its almost as if we have a manager who bottles the big occasion.
And unlike us when we get ahead, City will maintain pressure. Terrible tactics from Stubborn.
Game over.
Bring me the cunts head.
Bring in Downman of you don’t have an option. Havertz has been shite.
And while I type this we are 2-0 down.
Riley got a second goal just loitering around the goalkeeper.
Gyokeres style goals
This has Arteta written all over it. He’s put this caution and stage fright into the player’s minds.
Useless fucking wanker.
“He’s put this caution and stage fright into the player’s minds.”
100% accurate and not the first time.
White showing some balls
If we could get a goal back in the next 5 then we have a chance.