Well, football gods aren’t treating us well so far this year. We started well against Brentford with a 3-1 away win but then gave away the advantage by drawing to Brighton at home. Newcastle beat us 2-0 at Emirates in the first leg of Carabao Cup semi final, we then lost to Man Utd at home in a penalty shootout which ended our FA Cup run. We did beat Spurs in the North London Derby but Emery made sure we grieve again against Villa. We are plagued with injuries with Bukayo Saka side-lined for a very long time, Jesus as well.
On one side, we have been out of FA cup and Carabao cup looks almost impossible since we have to visit Newcastle in the second leg and they have a 2 goal advantage. In the Premier League, we have been giving away points and chances to catch up to Liverpool who are sitting on a 6 point lead to us and got a game in hand.
On the other side, we are sitting 5th in the Champions League table with 13 points in 6 games and we have next two games against Dinamo Zagreb and Monaco. These are relatively easier games, though European nights are very unpredictable. A win against Dinamo today will make it easy for us to qualify for knockout stage.
William Saliba will miss the game due to the hamstring injury he picked up last week and it would take couple more weeks for him to recover. Calafiori and Nwaneri were back in training but they will need another evaluation before the game. The usuals – Saka, White, Tomiyasu, Jesus remains unavailable.
Arteta in his press conference gave the reason for playing Partey at RB – unavailability of players. Now I can understand that, when Timber was injured and we didn’t have anyone to play on the left. Recently, MLS has been sensational in the LB position and Timber is back at RB, but he has got another problem with Saliba’s injury. Take it with a pinch of salt but some of the publications were reporting that he might try Declan Rice at CB. Rice was playing in that position at West Ham academy. I would take that over playing Thomas Partey at RB.
Here’s what Mikel had to say about playing Thomas at RB.
I had no choice, I didn’t have another right full-back, just Jurrien, nobody else. Who plays when Jurrien isn’t available for his load is too high? The other day was the first time [he moved Jurrien to centre-back] but in relation to the way we have to play, we cannot have a right-footed player defending a right winger. I didn’t have another right-sided centre-back.
source : Arsenal.com
RW is another problem. Martinelli is not cutting it and I have no idea why we got Sterling in first place. A sane manager would send him back to Chelsea and recall Nelson.
Right, I am looking forward to the game. Mathematically there are 16 other clubs competing for top 8 with us, and a win today will make it smaller.
Lets do it. #COYG
Good stuff guys I said my thoughts during the game. We got lucky in a game we should have won 4:0 as Pool or City would have done with their goal mongers.
Lucky seems to be MA’s middle name, although I’d hazard a guess that AF would say Cnuty is a better fit and many would agree. Any other offerings? KP? Something Latinesque colloquialisms, petetre?
City now still misfiring a little, at times are only 6 points and 5GD behind us with only 7 points between us and 7th. We lose to City and the gap is one game, mounting the pressure back on hapless MA to keep up or at least 4th+.
Girona away next Wednesday night, then City home Sunday, and 2nd leg EFL against Newcastle away, looking to get back from a 2-goal deficit.
LCFC away on the 15th completes the next 2 weeks games.
For me I’m guessing: WLLW leaving City only 3 points behind us and closer on GD.
What do you all think?
Ambarish it’s very easy to blame the owners for not sanctioning buys but that’s least if the problem. the squad assembly is lopsided with too many defenders. Let’s not fool ourselves MA considers Kai as the tall striker that we are all calling for.nits another matter that he is not scoring and have never been a striker. MA is talking about signings only when we lost Saka and he is feeling the pinch as he was our first attacking outlet. Saka was expected to score 20+ goals and since his absence MA is nervous about who will fill that gap.
Coming to ref and the same narrative of Arsenal bias, if there is any semblance if such a thing why doesn’t AFC complain to PL. There are only two options either you lodge a formal complaint with dossier if evidence of bias or shit uo and carry on. This narrative after every game on Refs is frankly childish. With no formal complaint being raised against refs the chatter is only from fan base. Iam gearing this northern bias again Arsenal from the 90s. Nothing has changed which means it’s more of a fan base chatter than anything else. As I said you ask fans of any football clubs they will point to enough instances to say that ref is biased against their club. If there is any evidence supporting this all clubs by now would be up in arms. Now and then every manager makes a statement in the press but then it fizzles out. An exception is probably the Liverpool one when the audio tape got leaked other than that in my 25 yes if following Pl I haven’t seen any serious complaint by any club tool today against the so called Ref bias.
Why don’t we break the bank and get Isak or Kluivert or both and play Kluivert at 8?
Pay off Havertz while auctioning him off, sell Jesus if he actually returns injury free, and give Sterling back, and we are good up top and better when Saka returns.
Isak 9, Kluivert 8/false 9, Marts LW and Saka RW with Ode in support and we might just overtake Pool. Partey and Rice share 6. Sell Zinny and KT to balance the checks and that would be a great window for us.
What do you think LIR? I’m sure if we threw 110m at Newcastle they’d nibble, and 70m for Kluivert where B’mouth would be biting our hands off for the money, as they are a poor club income wise, but playing exciting and intelligent football. Forest are a tough team to beat this season and B’mouth made it look very easy yesterday.
Tony – a rheotirical question. Say iam a Kluivert or an Isak if MA comes calling would I be interested in joining knowing the track record or MA and his setup? Sure as a striker I will get some chances purely due to possession percentages but do I really want to play for MA as an attacking player?
Madhu
It’s the question elite players are asking themselves and declining MA.
A man can dream, though 😉 as Gooners it’s all we have🙏
So true Tony.
https://youtu.be/TnLeb_HH-1E?si=xQHanCG5xcWM-_to
If you want to see a properly justified red card, check out the second half of County’s game yesterday against Y Bala. Oh, and 5 goals in a strong 3-2 victory.
Thanks KP will look later. Good to hear all your clubs did you proud this weekend.
Madhu
Not blaming the owners at all, but they should have stopped a manager to hoard defenders. They should have also stopped the Havertz move if the manager wasn’t sure if he is midfielder or a CF.
Of course they will not sanction another move because they have had done many of those in last 3 years, and we are playing catch up.
“sell Jesus if he actually returns injury free”
Too much optimism, Tony?
Ambarish that’s correct. You wonder no why Edu resigned. Atleast in my mind I am clear that Edu and Arteta were not on the same page and the casualty was Edu . He also got a good offer and he left. No in the current setup if you can call that who will challenge Arteta?
Rice sending off v Brighton …joke decision
Trossard semding off v city …joke decision
Saliba sending off v Bournemouth..joke decision
Penalty against us v Brighton..joke decision
Sending off v wolves …joke decision.
It is understandable that questions are being asked as to why Arsenal are on the end of these decisions on a regular basis , even opposing fans are starting to question if there is an agenda against Arsenal.
If other teams had received reds for similar incidents then there would be no argument as the same rule would apply throughout the league , but unfortunately all those incidents I’ve highlighted have only applied to Arsenal this season
No other team has received a red for kicking the ball away , another team has received a red for being the last man 50 yards from goal , no other team has received a red for a trip 90 yards from goal , and no other team has conceded a penalty for a clash of heads after the defender has made contact with ball.
In fact I would go as far as saying that over the past 30 years I doubt if and of these incidents have resulted in a red or a penalty..
Of course Howard Webb will find a way of justifying the decisions as he always does but any honest supporter of football would question as to why such big decisions are going against Arsenal that will probably eventually derail our title bid.
Wicksy
The Rice decision is one we can’t complain about – that was a 2nd booking.
The MOTD pundit team – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy – not exactly what you’d call 3 staunch Gooners all called the red card ridiculous and also commented that the 2nd yellow for the Wolves player was probably worse.
What I did miss during the match yesterday was the reaction of one of the Wolves players when the red came out – complete shock.
I look at it this way the new laws are just that: new, and will be interpreted within a large scope until the process has been used enough for the VAR refs to get used to the images on screen, as they are obviously different to real life eye tests, in real time.
It all very well blaming VAR but look at the level of dark arts now used in the game and especially for set piece free kicks and corners. The blocking off and holding could give a penalty each time.
I imagine the stress the VAR guys are under is immense watching the reviews knowing several 100 million people are watching wanting different outcomes. Then there is the need for speed so the game isn’t disrupted. I wouldn’t wan to do it.
I think VAR and refs this season have improved, but are still not up to the rugby union TMO adjudicators, who also still drop the odd clanger, but it’s very difficult when around 17 tangled bodies are in the way of sighting the ball. My only small gripe is the TMOs now tell the ref of every infringement off and on the ball, which can get irritating if it’s a nothing infringement because 3 points can virtually be scored from anywhere from say 70 meters.
We got the points and kept pace with Pool, at least, so no harm, no foul really, especially if it makes MA’s life more difficult because he’s had the luck of the Irish this season. It will be a good learning curve for Lewis who is really making the shirt his own. I much prefer Skelly to Cala. Skelly is far more cultured at such a young age, as is Nwaneri. MA just doesn’t see it the way LIR do. As TRVL says why did we buy Merino and Cala?
If we count today over, then we have 4 more TW days. Trolly dash in the bargain basement or another raid on City or Chavs rejects? What do we think?
Ambarish I always have blind hope just in case; then I feel my tell-it-like-it-is posts are legitimized. Unlike other blogs we tend to be level headed here, where although our critiques seem negative, they are truthful because MA makes it so.
If MA won the PL we’d all hold imaginary hands and sing kumbya swaying in our chairs thinking positive things about MA and eating humble pie that’s been in the cupboard for nearly 6 years.
Our existence in the top 4 from now on is going to be very fragile starting with City at the weekend.
Can’t wait for that game……..
Ok, the thinking positive things about MA is a big stretch.
Marc
Both were letter of the law decisions where VAR has the autonomy.
Spuds losing to this season’s even bigger losers, Leicester. 7 minutes left. A gift that has been giving for months now. The joy of Levy and Postecoglu.
Hi Wicksy
Apparently, Tony Atwood spontaneously combusted with rage in the Steve Bull (remember him? – terrific player) stand yesterday. I think Myles’s red will be reduced to a yellow, but thank fuck we managed to win.
Full credit to Tetsy and his genius use of the ghetto blaster. The technique from Ricardo to stick that goal in was impressive.
Tony PGMOL can help themselves like cricket and Rugby by televising the actual discussion between the ref and TV refs. For instance yesterday’s red card a lot of people thought it’s for preventing goal scoring opportunity or that its a foul play warranting a yellow. The actual call was that it was deemed to be a dangerous play studs up from ankle through to the feet. Now if the discussion between the refs were televised and if there is as a challenge as in cricket from Arsenal then there is no narrative of bias. It’s all out in open and you have choice to contest the decision. It’s all about transparency and I cannot believe that if all clubs demand for this why would the PL not relent. I would venture to say that players behaviour will improve as well. That’s surely the case in cricket.
Perversely, I can almost imagine that game finishing as a draw yesterday if MLS hadn’t been sent off.
How can Fat Ange keep his job after losing at home to Leicester?
They’ve taken 5 points from the last 10 PL matches – that’s worse than relegation form.
The Ref’s and PGMOL can rewrite / reinterpret the laws anyway they want but when everyone who follows football looks at a decision and says “what the fuck” they’ve got it wrong.
You will not see another red card given for a similar tackle / trip, if there is it’ll be overturned.
some really good points Tony regarding the more nuanced components of VAR…I agree with Madhu about the whole notion of injecting another level of transparency so as to rid themselves of any potential conspiratorial stench…why they haven’t done so by now needs to be properly addressed, as the replay gig has faced some similar criticism in the NFL, who did allow the public to listen in during the develpomental phase then dropped it once on the big stage…I would suspect it has something to do with not wanting to create a trial-like environment where every single word used could be twisted for someone else’s purposes…regardless, it’s an incredibly difficult undertaking which has been made exceedingly more difficult by the nonsensical manner in which they’ve implemented it…yesterday’s red card provided a perfect example of how things can get misconstrued when you don’t provide the necessary information…now to be fair the commentators did speak to the specifics but by that time many had already created their own narratives
KP, I do agree with your assessment, in that if it weren’t for the sending off(s) that match could have easily ended 0-0, as it didn’t look like we had goals in us and they were likewise quite wasteful whenever they made a rare push forward
I feel for Ange, even though I certainly enjoy when the Spurs are struggling…I like any manager who wants to bring an exciting brand of football to the PL, but it’s clear that the players have let him down, albeit this season their injuries surely haven’t helped…I wonder how much input he has when it comes to their recruitment practices, as there have been several acquisitions during his time that I don’t see as a good fit…even so, it’s up to him to make the necessary adjustments when things have gone pear-shaped…they could be on the precipice of a major overhaul, but I very much doubt it will remedy things so long as Levy is still in the catbird seat
I didn’t see
“why they haven’t done so by now needs to be properly addressed”
Because it would show them up to be the complete halfwits they are.
TRVL
The worst case of the fans not knowing the reason for something was Rice’s second yellow.
Where I sit you had a crowd of people all debating what was it for – I thought he’d kicked the ball away but its hard to tell from the upper tier, someone’s mate had sent them a text saying it was the tackle it went on until I got in the pub after the match.
Anybody who follows cricket will agree with me that decision review system has transformed the game and largely made it controversy free from umpiring perspective, while also empowering the teams to challenge a decision which they feel is wrongly given against them. The way they have been implemented brings in more transparency but also a sense of empowering the teams.
Admittedly football is way different to cricket but if properly implemented such a review system would do the same. Iam sure that a vastly popular sport with obscene amount of money gar beyond crickets resources can implement a largely transparent review system. Why it isn’t done is a mystery in itself. It’s for PL’s issue to resolve this iam sure the right push from all the clubs will force PLs hand.
While it might not completely since the refree narrative but surely it won’t be the center of all match discussions. Hell even Supreme courts decision are questioned and discussed after all this is a game. The ball is firmly with authorities and clubs to come up with an acceptable solution. What we have now is far from it which is puzzling.
Madhu
VAR was introduced because our ref’s are useless cunts. We then proceeded to put the same useless cunts in charge of the VAR.
Do you see the issue?
Hi Madhu
Agreed. Cricket and rugby make far more effective use of technology to help refs than football does.
It helps in the cases of these two sports that there were already values that called for respect for officials and their decisions, and that hasn’t abated. And rugby ought to be the toughest sport to officiate given that many tries are scored by masses of bodies bundling the ball over the try line and therefore largely blocking the ref’s line of vision.
The one thing that bugs me about cricket is when batters stay at the crease when they know they’ve nicked the ball on its way through to the WK. They hope by waiting that the umpire hasn’t heard/seen it and that the fielding side isn’t going to review. And don’t get me started on mankadding…
Football came at it the wrong way. VAR was borne out of huge discontent and mistrust. And the way it is set up means that the ref and the VAR judge are shit scared of contradicting each other.