Maybe it’s just because I generally despise later season international breaks, but I feel like this could make our run-up far more problematic. The only tangible benefit to our early Europa exit was that it should have afforded us a considerably less condensed schedule, thus making it more and more likely that we could field our ‘best’ 11 for each and every remaining League fixture. If there were no breaks, I can’t imagine that we would be playing 4 matches in 13 days between April 16 and 29th. I guess the one saving grace, so long as no further setbacks occur during the break, (knock on wood) is that this might allow those with nagging injuries or worse, like Saliba, extra time to mend, as we can’t be relying on Holding to get the job done, regardless of the fact he performed rather admirably in Saliba’s absence.
Of course, I wouldn’t be quite so rattled if it weren’t for the fact that I’m totally convinced that if we look this gift horse in the mouth, we might not be in a similar position again. This certainly doesn’t mean that we won’t be playing meaningful late season matches in the foreseeable future, but to think we could have another sizeable lead so late in the season seems at best wishful thinking or at worst rather delusional. The planets have aligned for us in a way few have ever previously encountered, minus LC, and as such if we don’t stake our claim now I believe we will forever regret it.
Man City – will always be in the hunt, if not the presumptive favourites, so long as the ownership and Pep remain fully committed, unless they’re severely punished for their laundry list of transgressions, which I very much doubt.
Liverpool – with Klopp at the helm and attractive football on offer, they will remain a constant threat for trophies. They’ve made some long-game acquisitions over the last 18 months, who should come good next year and beyond, so if they can shore up their midfield and find a consistent CB partner for VVD, the future looks bright.
Chelsea – regardless of the coach in charge, as I’m not convinced Potter will survive the off-season, they will invariably return to prominence, as they have the financial wherewithal to compete with any and all comers. Although the results have not been forthcoming this season, they have done exactly what I had hoped we had done when Arteta was hired, invest heavily in young blue chippers, then allow them to grow with the bevy of talented in-house up-and-comers. They might be two years away from competing for the title, but with the right tactician they should eventually present serious problems for everyone in the PL for years to come.
United – I’m a big proponent of what ten Hag’s brings to the managerial table and I find it difficult to not see his squad make strides every season, so long as they continue to find creative ways to score goals, which means they can’t afford to lose Rashford unless they find a like-for-like replacement. If they’re able to raise some funds through the selling off of some players in the summer, like Harry, Elanga, McTominay, among others, and a new ownership group emerges, who spends anything like Chelsea, I think Hag will be able to acquire his most preferred targets. If these things transpires, they will undoubtedly complete their transition from pretender to contender.
Newcastle – they’re a rather interesting experiment, in that they have the resources, but not the requisite cachet to lure top, top talent, at least not quite yet. I don’t mind Howe, but they might have to make a big splash in the managerial market in order to change this narrative. In the meantime though, they will continue to play good enough defence to challenge for the top 4-6, but they will struggle to find the required amount of goals to turn the proverbial corner, unless Isak continues to stay healthy and score with the kind of frequency he’s displayed since his return from injury.
Spurs – they could be on the outside looking in, especially if they decide to hold a fire sale and offload the likes of Kane and Son. That said, if they do hire the aforementioned Nagelsmann, their downturn could be relatively short-lived, as he’s proven his ability to turn things around in short order, regardless of whatever transpired prior to his arrival.
Furthermore, every season a team or two emerges who vastly overachieves and negatively impacts the aspirations of those who were considered early season favourites; for a perfect example one needs to look no further than the likes of BHA, who not only survived a managerial change, they actually have thrived in it’s wake. If there isn’t a mass exodus of sorts at Brighton, they could be a real thorn in the sides of those mentioned above.
So, we better make hay before this incredibly fortuitous window closes. Not to mention, if we find a way to hold off the likes of City, it just might allow us to shake our almost two decade long mediocrity-laced narrative thereby allowing us to attract the kind of players needed for us to remain relevant over the long haul.
Cheers!
TRVL
Mate sorry but you’ve got one item in the above massively wrong.
Looking at the Spud’s and saying “their downturn could be relatively short-lived,” is actually the complete wrong way to look at it. They aren’t having a downturn they’re returning to their normal position the recent period in the top 4 hasn’t seen any trophies, the “greatest” striker ever waste the best part of his career and managing to spend a billion quid on a toilet seat stadium.
There’s a reasonable chance they’ll drop out of the CL this season and struggle to get back in it.
I do love a St Totteringham’s Day.
The rest of what you say I’m pretty much in 100% agreement with!
what an insightful summation of our current and future prospects LOL…it’s been kind of quiet on here lately so I felt it necessary to respond to my own posting for ego’s sake
some might view what I’ve postulated as a tad negative, in that we have the same opportunities as the other clubs mentioned, at least in theory, to make significant additions/subtractions in the off-season, but I’m still not totally convinced in our ability to properly redress the holes in our lineup…in fact, and based on their moves thus far, I’m not even sure that those in charge actually see what I and many other astute observers see when it comes to our squad construction related issues…that said, in my estimation our highest priorities should include shoring up our DM depth, which means finding someone who can learn and grow behind Partey, and finding a truly seminal player to finally replace Xhaka
in regards to the former, I’m not looking to replace Partey, so Rice is out of the equation…all the chatter surrounding this particular player and the fact that he’s homegrown means that any successful suitor will have to pay well above the number…this would be a double whammy of sorts, as Partey makes too much to be a backup and his age and injury history will negatively impact his market value, so to make this work we would likely have to sell him for less than he’s worth then significantly overpay for Rice…this isn’t even taking into account the fact that we gave Jorginho a multi-year contract, which was deeply concerning to me at the time and even more so moving forward
I would suspect that Partey will remain for at least next season, as his contract expires in June of 2025, Jorginho will spell him at times, whether for load management reasons or against lesser foes, and Elneny will be the 3rd wheel…this is what concerns me about MA and Edu’s squad construction methodologies, as this isn’t good enough to REALLY challenge on multiple fronts and no one except a relatively unknown prospect would enter the fray with these dynamics at work…not to mention, it appears that they don’t have a lot faith in their on loan or in-house academy pieces, which is a little disconcerting considering how long they’ve been here now, and I’m not sure anyone presently in our employ have an eye for future talent…should be interesting
as to the latter, I’m still not convinced that Xhaka will either be shipped or have his role substantially reduced, which is absolutely crucial in order to unlock our full potential…having someone who can breakdown defences, provide consistent service and shoot from distance, would open things up for everyone in the final third…Marts, Saka and Jesus would see considerably more 1 v.1’s, which is something they all thrive on, and it would likewise afford both Zinchenko and Ode more time and space on the ball at times
currently Xhaka takes up no one’s attention, which should have already easily yielded him double-digit goals and assists, but he has 4 and 5 respectively…of course, I’m not so obtuse as to not understand that he’s certainly not the liability he once was, but that doesn’t mean that we’re still not unnecessarily settling…the fact that his market value has actually increased for the first time in more than a half decade means that we should react accordingly and finally cash in, which are words I thought I would never utter…talk about a fucking gift horse…this is such an unlikely scenario that it actually might allow us to reinvent our horrifying narrative when it comes to all things asset management related…Cheers
Great comprehensive post, TRVL, which leaves little to add other than my Xhaka thoughts mirror yours in that he should have been benched this season just from the attitudes from opponents who gave him no mind even when he’s in their penalty area. This should tell a manager all he needs to know.
I’m in 2 minds re Rice. I think he can be entertained in our starting 11 by playing 6 and Partey playing 8. Partey currently plays 6 & 8 with Xhaka off on his walkabouts. I think Rice can be coached to fit our system and possibly has the chops to finally be our defensive Vieira replacement; for his 6 duties only. Rice is an intelligent player being asked too much by Moyes and being let down by his team mates as his tries to get box to box. Even Messi couldn’t contribute much too improve the Hammers under Moyes.
That said, Rice has publicly verbalized he wants to leave West Ham in the summer, and that we are his preferred destination. Edu has announced he’s currently working on the coming TW, but said that before, so we’ll see how that pans out and who ultimately makes the buying decision. We have got Partey thank to Edu putting his foot down: Arteta wanted the flashy tricked up french player (?) managed by his avarice laden brother.
However, if we wanted to to have an equally good young 6 PL tested, then I’d fancy Onana from Everton who cost them around £33m. The few times I’ve seen him both Junior and I have commented on his raw abilities. Of course, we have Kiwior; a natural 6 as well to improve, who is very pacy with good distribution or will have once he’s up to PL speed. if we were to consider Onana and Kiwior being the back up 6, Rice is a luxury we can’t afford or need right now. I would imagine Onana to cost around £40+m but Everton do have money worries having squandered so much over the last decade on average or below par talent.
What will also make the summer TW interesting is if De Zervi goes to Spuds. Poor BHA will have a fight keeping their best players, so will that mean Caicedo will be available even though he’s recently extended his contract? I’d still fancy Kiwior and Onana and spend big on an 8/10 naturally talented in both positions, as Ode is – another ambidextrous and interchangeable, pacy player on the left to mirror Ode on the right.
Basically, what we’ve been missing when Xhaka plays.
Finally, I’d see Partey as our Cantana, as far as the youthful side of our starting eleven. I’d extend his contract on a lower wage to help bring Kiwior and Onana on in their games, and to be a back up for whoever is playing 6 for a couple more years. His experience is too valuable to lose. Maybe Partey will go the way of Kolo Toure and coach after playing; it’s very clear Partey has the respect and love from the dressing room.
Have a good one…….
thanks* to improve*If we were*
Houssem Aouar + flashy French midfielder Arteta wanted in place of Partey.
De Zerbi
Tony-don’t get me wrong, I believe that Onana has a high ceiling, albeit I do worry that his Vieira-esque stature has led some to prematurely refer to him as the second coming…I just don’t think he can be had for less than 50, as I see several prominent teams in the mix should Everton get relegated or go all scortched earth come the summer…plus I think the fact that we gave Jorginho some term and assurances severely complicates matters, as I don’t think Onana has any interest in coming to North London simply to watch from the sidelines, unless he’s being offerd an astronomical wage bump…I truly believe that Arteta/Edu made their proverbial bed in January, combined with the ridiculous Elneny re-upping, so our best bet might be going hunting for gems, like BHA, in the hopes that whomever we unearth wii be primed to start the year after next…of course, everything I’ve said is off the table if we intend on selling Partey this off-season, which I think would be a serious mistake
if we’re going to splash the cash it should be further up the pitch where our Swiss miss currently plies his trade…I just so wish we had made a preemptive strike move for Nkunku, as his positional versatility and knack for goals are just what is needed, unfortunately he will be wearing Chelsea blue next season…take care
as a follow-up to my earlier concerns about us potentially moving on from Partey, I think it’s important to note that “he has actually only lost one game in the Premier League when starting this term – winning all but three of the 23 matches he’s featured in”, which is a rather astonishing fact…so unless we’re looking to poach both Caicedo and MacAllister from the Amex and reinvent our engine room, with both Partey and Xhaka on the outs, I would rather we focus our energies and resources on replacing the latter with someone of consequence
btw Partey missed 19 games his first season and 14 in his second, but only 4 this season, although he’s come off the bench on a handful of ocassions for load management purposes, so it’s clear that something has been sorted out…I think sometimes it’s difficult to shake the stigma of a missed game narrative, so people have a tendency to simply ignore the emerging facts…that said, with my luck, I’ll go out on a limb then he’ll miss the next couple of matches due to this supposed minor knock he took during the international break…have a good one
Hola todos
Sorry I’m a bit out of circulation at the moment (renovating one of my houses in time for the invasion of Ingerlish Tories/Tourists/Terrorists) .
Just watched the women’s team beat Bayern 2-0 in the CL, progressing to the next round 2-1 on aggregate. That after demolishing the spuds on Saturday in the WSL. Good times. What a terrific team, sound coaching staff and how pleasing to see an Arsenal team fight like tigers in Europe. Two brilliant goals, especially Maanum’s. Worth a look lads.
Any news on Partey?
Really enjoying reading everyone’s stuff. The tension is gradually building as this weekend approaches.
KP-it’s clear that MA was incredibly fearful about the notion of Partey picking up an injury while on international duty as we sent a member of our club physio team with him on his African adventures…now his very presence might be the reason why he didn’t participate in their 2nd match, after he supposedly suffered a “small” injury in the 1st affair, but nothing defintive has been offered up since that time…here’s hoping that it was just a precautionary measure and he will be good to go this weekend
I’m actually more concerned by Saliba’s status, not because I feel like he’s a more important player, but due to the potential length of his absence…we know that Tomi has been shelved for the remainder of the season, so the possibility of losing another defender for an extended period makes me cringe…I don’t know about you, but if I was an opposing manager I would be salivating at the prospect of seeing Jorginho as our deepest lying midfielder and Holding manning the RCB position…fingers-crossed that more positive information will emerge in the coming days
TRVL + KP – I’ll go out on a limb and risk poster’s curse, and say that both Partey and Saliba will be back either Saturday or more importantly the 8th when we go to L’Pool where we will struggle if both Saliba and Partey are out. Can you imagine Jorginho and Xhaka midfield, especially as Diaz is back for Pool after a 5 month injury lay off: Diaz is going to be fit and hungry after a couple of games. Let’s hope he’s short when we visit.
If there is any doubt for either for the Leeds Game, then they should be rested to start at Anfield.
Judging by what’s on offer on the Internet, Rice is coming in the summer. I think there are too many stories popping up weekly for it to be solely click bait. When MA’s mind is set only Edu can dissuade Arteta after a battle of one mind.
The tension is rising as the pressure mounts to Saturday’s game where so much relies on securing 3 points from each game. Leeds won’t be easy, as they are very mobile, and especially quick in midfield (groan). Us playing a high line with with the less mobile Holding is asking for trouble unless Kiwior gets the nod for his pace, but I feel that would be a big mistake because on the 2 showings (U23 & Sub appearances)I’ve witnessed, he doesn’t look ready. Certainly not for the Bin Dipper’s game. Kiwior should be able to handle the tricky Bamford or at least it’s a test I think he can come through using his blistering pace – club record holder for fastest sprints I believe.
It’s all pure conjecture at the moment and will be until around 8pm Saturday evening our time. Then the real agony or ecstasy feelings will prevail and the tension will be at ‘Fever Pitch’ levels until we net first or in this house it will be.
Just who is going to be playing over the weekend is anyone’s guess, as the gamesmanship news tidbits filter out from the spin doctors of each club in contention, to win something this season – if only a place in Europe next season.
If Saliba is out then we should go to a back 3 with a 3-5-2 to cope with the zippy Leeds midfield. I’d put Saka and Martinelli as the 2 up top rather than keep Saka in his usual RW role. If I were MA, I’d send out a tactical formation Leeds weren’t expecting. Add pressure to Leed’s defender Ayling early as he likes to collect yellow cards with a penchant for red cards.
No point on discussing our midfield- what will be, will be with the usual suspect’s name first on the team sheet: the mighty goal & assist machine: Xhaka.
If we keep Rodrigo, Summerville & Bamford quiet at the back and Gnonto & Harrison the assist kings form this season from being fed through the channels and break aways, we should be good for the 3 points.
That’s my initial thoughts for Leed’s visit Saturday on a game we should win even with Saliba and Party. If injuries continue to mount up then Arteta & Edu’s squad management has to be seriously questioned if we miss out on the league title this year.
How would it look if we were the front runner all season only to be pipped by City because of injuries? Not good optics at all. A sackable offense in my mind because it will be a repeat of last season poor squad management that put us 5th when we were dead certs for 4th.
Time will tell.
Good to hear you getting your hands dirty, KP, what’s the in colour this season: a shade of pastel? In there main I don’t like tourists, especially the C+ demographic football shirts’ brigade types who think Spain & the Balearics are their back yards to play in. I’m the same here, I prefer quiet local areas less frequented by the masses. Is it all yuppies renting or ………………?
I’ll hazard a guess at a prediction: a rather comfortable 3:1 if Partey and Saliba play or 3:2 if both are out in a pulsating end to end game.
What say you lads?
I see that Manure’s coaching staff have concerns over Maguire’s defending should we start a #Maguire’sUnited’sbesdefender or something to try to convince Manure’s coaching staff, because they sound like they’re not sure. That’s there is some doubt.
Maguire is a legend in his own mind. I hope Manure keep playing Maguire for the comedy central he brings to football and defending like a tart!
Hi Tony
I think I have some good news as regards Leeds – their dynamic tackling US midfielder, Adams, is injured so Odegaard should benefit. We should have too much for them.
I tend to paint everything white in our houses. Cheap and easy and no intricate cutting in required between walls and ceilings etc. It also helps to create a minimalist feel which our stressed English friends find so soothing when they visit the seaside.
If you Google West Wales holiday cottages villa rose you’ll see the place.
Hi KP
That’s makes sense using white throughout the property. Easy to freshen up when needed. If I found the right cottage, it’s a beautiful 4-bed house up on the coastal hill with spectacular unspoilt views by the look of it.
Adams being out will be a big plus for sure, and I agree we should be too much for Leeds at the Emirates. Although knowing us, there will be some very tense moments where we make life difficult for ourselves at the back.
Wouldn’t you just love it if the Bin Dippers did a number on City right before our game leaving us 11 points ahead with City one game in hand with our win over Leeds. 🙂
Tony
K’phobe junior is convinced we’ll widen our points lead on City by the end of the weekend. An 11 point gap would be fantastic. Liverpool are much better now than they were at the turn of the year.
Yeah, that’s the place. Great in summer but very exposed to the elements in autumn and winter. Painting white paint on white is easy but soooooo dull.
Check out that Frida Maanum goal from last night. It gets better every time you watch it and the interplay leading to the shot is perfection. We have 2 Norwegian superstars at the club.
What a cracker and against Bayern so it even more feels good. Good result for our Women’s team to go through at Bayern’s expense.
https://www.goal.com/en/news/frida-maanum-arsenal-rocket-gunners-beat-bayern-munich-women-s-champions-league/blt03c8f7ccc318cf80
KP, I can imagine the biting winds in the winter, on that coast line. I bet you’d get some crazy good storm photos around the bay in the winter. The area would offer such stark contrasts on dark stormy days.
Ever thought of flying a drone around the area’s hot/beauty spots and making a short vid on Final Cut Pro or Window’s alternative to add to your very good pics, some Enigma perhaps mixed with the sound of the sea.?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIGNMULHmiE
Junior might like to run that project for you with your supervision, my 2 are creative that way because they’ve grown up with the also developing software.
It’s strange in a way because your property location is exactly as I imagine the place we end up in, in Southern France: semi rural with a village a few miles away and overlooking the sea on atop a bluff or some distance up a hill/mountain.
KP, I’ve been playing Schiller recently in my room someone recommended I finally got round to listening to. Kicks off at around 1:48. German artist. Very soothing considering it’s at just over 120bpm. Uses some very interesting sounds.There’s a Madonna collaboration you’ll recognise a couple of songs in.
Also, sounds great with headphones either IEM or OEM.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc6C_a1uUy8
TRVL, Just wondering what your musical tastes are?
Hi Tony
I listened to bits of that Schiller collection and was really impressed. As a kid, I used to love immersing myself in trance and techno type stuff with some chemical influences thrown in. DJ Shadow was a favourite.
When I saw that name Schiller, my memory raced back to Peter Schilling and ‘Major Tom’
https://youtu.be/KQRaj1vcnrs
Do you remember that tune? Quite haunting and evocative of the utter madness of the cold war. It had to be good to be considered a valid spin off of something by Bowie, for whom my respect continues to grow after his tragic death.
That suggestion about the drone is very prescient – we actually have a link to one and it really enhances the house and the area.
Glad you liked that Maanum goal. One of the best I’ve seen for ages. And the 5-1 thrashing of Spurs in the NLD was a treat. I sat and watched every minute of it last Saturday.
Sadly the tickets for the SWD against Swansea are all sold out. I was a bit slow off the mark but the games I’ve been to tend to be awful. Still a win would be good. Junior and I do have tickets for Blackpool away on 7 April. A chance to see Patino again (hopefully on a losing team!).
Top 10 recordings (if I could only choose 1 per artist—in no particular order)
Radiohead-Kid A
Reef-Glow
Blind Melon-Soup
Elbow-Seldom Seen Kid
Zeppelin-Physical Graffiti
Pink Floyd-Live at Pompei
Clutch-From Beale Street to Oblivion
Beck-Odelay
Jack White-Blunderbuss
Red Hot Chilli Peppers-Californication
my everyday listening is much more eclectic than this, as I have a rather vast library of offerings, but if I were stranded on an island and I could only take 10 this would be my wishlist…Cheers
KP-I was actually just listening to that Schilling tune…as for Bowie, like yourself, my appreciation for his music as grown in more recent years, as I started to reintegrate his tunes into my daily playlists following the release of his Black Star album…this work’s titular song and Lazarus were both incredible offerings and rather haunting considering the circumstances at the time they were being recorded
TRVL
I don’t know if you were on Le Grove much during the pandemic but Tony, Almunia and I and countless others used pop tunes to make up (largely) anti-Arteta ditties. Most of them sailed over the heads of the usual cabal of sycophants and they kept us amused during an underwhrlming summer transfer window.
Your mention of Odelai by Beck reminded me of one I made up to that track ‘Devils Haircut’. We always jokingly said they merited a greatest hits album (Now that’s what I call bollocks volume 99′).
The only stanza I can remember was
I got Arteta’s haircut in my mind
A piece of black lego that I cannot find
I think it was about the first and last time there was any originality and creativity on there and they spawned the brilliant Almunia satires that followed.
KP-I was only on LG for a cup of coffee, as Positive Pete took immediate offence to my verbal jousting, or should I say bitch slapping sessions, with all of his cronies/aliases/fluffer-mates, such as Nigel and Englands Best…I wish I was there for your musical repartee, as I would have undoubtedly chimed in…the only musical references I made on LG were directly related to my namesake, which I devised as an homage to one of our greatest ever players, Vieira, and a reference to Vera Lynn on Pink Floyd’s The Wall…much like the lyrics of this song, I openly wondered when I might meet again with the Arsenal of the pre-Emirates era
Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn
Remember how she said that
we wouold meet again some sunny day?
Vera, Vera, what has become of you?
Does anybody else in here feel the way I do?
I felt the sentiments were very apropos/analogous considering what had transpired in the years following the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Emirates
Leeds should be a doddle for us as they have 3 of their best players injured or not being able to play. As KP already mentioned Tyler Adams being one of them. To the 11 points ahead of City after 12 noon US EST. Will watch the City game at 7:30am EST on Peacock. To the title we’ll go.
Killroy-Adams missing out definitely will impact them, but more importantly, considering our potential injuries, Gnonto looks to be on the shelf too…this should be a cakewalk, but you just never know when you’re facing a desparate club
desperate
Morning all
Skimming through today’s online papers where I thought this was interesting because only 2 Arsenal players make the top 10s” KT for fastest defender and Gabby Martinelli for 5th fastest forward.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-fastest-players-season-29593784
Saliba is out if reports are correct with a continuing back injury. Ditto Tomi, but no other news which seems definite.
KP, You’ve got me with the Peter Scihilling; I hadn’t heard it although the name seems familiar outside of Bowies gem. I believe Bowie was a Dartford boy born and bred so as I was in the south east his earlier music was heard in the local places he played. Bowie and Jagger were close mates as the stories suggest, so Bowie wasn’t around for long in his pre Lzia Jones single days released under his Davy Jones moniker.
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/rediscover-david-bowie/
Even though I lived the other side of the Dartford tunnel at the time I never met Bowie or good to any of his gigs, something I regret greatly.