Things have been going pretty well for us this transfer window. We have managed to sign Declan Rice, a right profile 24-year old with loads of experience and hungry to achieve more. I don’t know if Rice would be able to fix the problem Thomas had last season, but we have tried to address it. We have got Timber, which allows us the flexibility to use White as CB if and when needed. Last season, we ran out of ideas and bodies when both Tomiyasu and Saliba were out, injured. We had to play Holding because White couldn’t be shifted to CB, and Kiwior is still raw to adapt to the style of play Arsenal does. We have also addressed Xhaka’s immobility with Kai Havertz. Despite his Chelsea’s performances, I am hopeful on this. Kai will prove to be a much better player for us, and will certainly have more runs in him than Xhaka.
We have stop gaps in other places, Tierney is a very decent defender if Zinchenko get injured (again), Nelson/Jesus can cover for Saka at RW, Trossard provides a cover for Martinelli and can play up top too. We have ESR in the mix this season, who can cover for Odegaard. We have a solid, young team who just finished 2nd and is going to fight till death to improve it. They are going to play at the grandest of the stages in Champions League and I’m sure players who fought to get the #10 and #7 shirts at Arsenal would want to prove they deserved it.
So, what is this reality check?
First, we are playing in one of the toughest leagues in the world. Second, last season was a transitional/poor season for most of the top 6 and they are aggressively fixing their problems. Third, it’s not a one-game-a-week for us and Mikel is not very good at rotation I’m afraid. Lets get into the details.
First point is evident. It doesn’t matter if you are Manchester City, Liverpool or Arsenals of the world, you are not guaranteed to win against the likes of Brentford, Brighton or Wolves. Even a newly promoted side like Forests can restrict City to share points. We didn’t make it last season not because we lost to Man City or Liverpool, but because Everton beat us, Brentford restricted us to a draw at home and we couldn’t get past the Southampton defence twice. There’s no guarantee in March 2024 that a team which sits on top can easily beat a team fighting for relegation. This is what makes Premier League exciting and is something you can’t do much about, than to concentrate on your game and improve as much.
Second point is concerning.
- Liverpool – Last season Liverpool fell of the cliff after Mane left. They had a very old and tired midfield too. They have let go Firmino, Milner, Keita and Chamberlain while strengthening their midfield by getting deals done for Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. Again, the same philosophy as ours, bring in young legs but experienced. I’m sure Klopp would be serious to get back into the mix after having missed the Champions League spot.
- Man City – Well, Man City have only brought in Kovacic as of now and half of their title winning team is off to Saudi. That’s a good news till you check that Pep is still there and he can build a team from scratch whenever he wants. All the money that is coming in, he will use it to fix what’s getting broken. They have unlimited money and one of the best managers in the world.
- Chelsea – The best transfer for Chelsea has been their manager. They have brought in Pochetino, who is great in building a solid team playing a definitive football. All the talents in the world and they were poor because there wasn’t anyone to manage them. Now, they have one and they have let go of the players that weren’t performing in their system. Mason Mount, Havertz Pulisic, Koulibaly, Kovacic, Mendy are all gone and it’s the last transfer window that will help them. The likes of Mudryk from last season are going to improve, and there recruitment is still going on. I personally think they will be the ones to watch out for, and are going to make life tough for everyone around.
- Man United – Well, Ten Hag is doing what Arteta has done at Arsenal. He is another non-emotional manager, has let go of De Gea and replaced him with Onana. Maguire has already been stripped of captaincy and he has brought in Mason Mount from Chelsea to strengthen his midfield. United are in Champions League, they have added motivation to invest and ETH is a very capable manager in building a team which can fight. They are going to be a pain in the arse, as always for us Arsenal.
- Newcastle United – They are the new addition in top 6. David Howe has gotten them the Champions League spot, after bringing the likes of Guimaraes. They are yet again in the market trying to improve on their 4th place finish, and has already brought in Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. Another oil money club to fight against, with virtually unlimited money and a manager who has done pretty well after taking over a relegation fighting Newcastle a year and half back.
- Tottenham – Well, they are going to be sh*t always, so nothing to worry about them.
It’s not going to be easier this season, that’s for sure.
Coming to the last point – we are all aware of Arteta’s stubbornness in playing a fixed starting XI, with last 10 minutes subs. It has it’s Pros and Cons. When these players play together regularly, they develop a chemistry and understanding about each other’s game. Also, a winning team is very high in confidence and any changes to it likely causes a small disruption. However, not all players are built like Saka or White, and playing them week-in, week-out can cause them fatigue and injuries. We have seen Partey broken, we have seen Saka not playing to his best, and we have also seen what happens when a player not rotated enough comes back in the fold when one of such cases happens (with Holding).
I’m in the favor of sticking to a playing XI but not that rigidly. It’s as simple as subbing out Saka a little bit earlier if we are 2-0 up against Forest. Showing a little bit of confidence for the bench players against the bottom half teams can keep these players fresh for the important games.
This season is going to test Arteta on his rotational skill. We are going to play twice a week and it’s not like no one would care this time. He will have to manage players in a way that they do not get injured, do not get stale, do not feel dejected; all while keeping them motivated for every minute they play.
As I said the last time, it’s going to be a tough season for the Manager, having to manage the team in two important competitions while improving on the last season’s performance; players after staying on top of the table for around 30 weeks and not winning; fans because we have seen improvement and the frustration and anger has changed to hope.
Right, see you in the comments.
Ah thanks, Almunia
Really heartwarming piece about LB. I don’t think his retirement even got a mention over here so I’m really grateful. ‘Liam has his place in Irish (and I’d say Arsenal) immortality’. Too true. He’s only 8 years older than me which is wild. I hope he still keeps popping up for the big occasions.
Catcher in the Rye still amuses me. It’s a bittersweet story with some sad and sinister undertones. Salinger produced so few stories.
I appreciate your philosophy about where the club is. From my narrow (and admittedly jaundiced) perspective, it’s a win-win. We either do well and win trophies or we face setbacks and legohead faces the consequences. ‘I’ll buy that for a dollar’ as they said in that Robocop film.
Bob if you’ve not seen it, there’s a film version of Cannery Row with Nick Nolte as Doc. I once visited Carmel and Monterey driving between LA, and SF.
Thanks for the tip Kroenke, not sure the film could possibly be as good as the book but I’ll see if I can find it. I travelled down to Monterey when visiting family in San Fran – I seem to remember there was a sculpture and a cannery which had been converted.
Bob
I see what you mean. Books come first and normally exceed films (although the film of Cormac MacCarthy’s ‘the Road’ is almost as good as the novel in my opinion.
I would say that there are some pleasing visuals in the film. Lots of fish tanks and strange looking beasts in formaldehyde jars in this cavernous marine biologist’s shed. Plus some humourous interactions between NN (Doc) and the local lads who bug him to shit but ultimately save him and allow him a shot at lurve. Here’s a link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannery_Row_(film)
I hear what you both say about Steinbeck but for me his best is ‘Grapes of Wrath’ – a powerful dustbowl depression era novel with a terrible twist. I was going to make a shit joke about the best book ever written about haemorrhoids but Steinbeck (and I) deserve better.
Literary discussions far more interesting than whether we’ll sell Holdinho!
Almunia
Just started a 7 week journey of Europe and the easiest way to get in and out of Europe to the USA is via Dublin as Dublin is the ONLY airport in Europe where you go through customs and immigration for the US in Dublin. The advantage the plane can use any gate at the destination airport as you have already gone through US immigration in Dublin. The advantage you don’t have to fight long queues at the international arrival in the US.
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Spent 5 days in Dublin and 2 days in Belfast, Titanic museum is fantastic. Left for Seville and experienced a 25C temperature swing, not to my liking. Where in Ireland are you located?
Bob
LiR might equal Pride and Prejudice, but it’s relentless Crime and Punishment reading LG. Pedro as the murderous, bullshitting protagonist Rodion Raskolnikov, wracked with guilt and driven to madness.
That ‘let it go’ philosophy lasted about as long as one of paranoid Spursy Pedro’s u-turns didn’t it.
Hi Killroy
Do keep us posted on your grand tour around Europe. I think you’ll last longer there than Arsenal when their CL campaign gets going! Have a good one mate!
Very sad news about Trevor Francis rip. Reading the tributes online he seems to have been from the humble footballing stock that I was mourning earlier. I have more memories of the manager than the player but he will be forever immortalised for me in the only fools and horses theme tune. Only 69. Sad stuff.
Bob,
I have never read Cannery Row,will put that right asap. Was actually making my way through one of those 100 books you need to read before you die lists and I got stuck,for the 2nd time actually, on Catch22. I can’t get past the first 30 pages or so. Is it actually worth it? Getting v fussy as I get older!
Tony,
You’re flat out,it’s both by necessity and I suspect a little by choice,you’re a doer. You know what works best for you. But for me now,from here on in,work is a distant second in my priorities. I’ll be professional to a fault,but I’ll draw strict lines between work and family. Maybe in my line of work the rewards aren’t are good for those who go above and beyond, but I’d suggest it’s more a personality thing,I’m getting more selfish,family first,end of. My dad was more like you and was ways v happy so whatever works!
KP,
Got to find you a link to that Brady documentary. I’ll have a look.
Almunia, I remember when I was a kid I kept a scrapbook of Arsenal clippings, one that stands out was when Francis scored a hat trick for Birmingham and Supermac scored one for us 3-3.
Couldn’t make it through Catch 22 either! Cannery Row easy read and short if that helps!
Kroenke
Speaking of films and books that equal each other Tinker Tailor and Day of the Jackal are bloody good films and great books.
Bob
Its strange how some books are just hard work for some people – I’m a huge fan of Stephen Kings Dark Tower series re read all of them several times (over 1.2 million words across them and I don’t know whether that includes the last entry to the series) so when the Game of Thrones TV series came out I thought I’ve got to do the books – can’t get through more than a couple of dozen pages.
Marc
Two good examples. Tinker the film and the TV series were gripping. Different but similar. Gary Oldman was as good at capturing the essence of Smiley in the film as Alec Guinness was in the TV series. Le Carre would be my specialist subject if I was ever arrogant enough to try Mastermind.
Oh Almunia that reminds me – I read Le Carre’s (real name David Cornwell) autobiography, ‘the Pigeon Tunnel’ as my main book on holiday. I’m not a huge fane of autobiographies but always happy to make an exception for him. Plus some JG Ballard which always makes sense in Spanish holiday resorts.
From the Athletic an article about Arteta targets unpredictability as Arsenal’s tactics enter chameleon phase. So what is next? Arteta’s answer is to transform Arsenal into a footballing chameleon.
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Pep’s version of tinkering and over thinking. Be prepared for a season of Galaxie brain.
PS
Marc – I’ve always wanted to delve deeper into Stephen King’s work. Is it best to read his work chronologically or doesn’t it matter? I’m guessing he’s produced 60 plus novels in his time so I better get my skates on.
Killroy
A fucking chameleon with plucked eyebrows and whose only colour is black. 🖤⚫⬛
Kroenke
My mine thing with King is the Dark Tower series – tripped into it by lack of choice believe it or not. I’ve read a few volumes of his short stories which I’d recommend some are proper horror some aren’t even close plus some other stand alone books. There’s a huge amount he’s written that I haven’t even got close to.
The Dark Tower is a strange mix of genre’s – its something you’ll either fall in love with or hate massively. My only recommendation is I read the 2nd one first and got hooked, if I’d read them in order I might not have bothered after the first but if you decide to start them make sure you at least get into the 2nd one.
Killroy
For fucks sake – he’s already giving interviews about the squad with new additions not gelling until they’ve had 55 matches together – he’s not even just writing off this season with his record in Cup competitions he’s writing off part of 24/25 which of course will have to be extended because of new signings next summer.
It staggers me people fall for it so easily.
KP-here’s a good guide to follow when it comes to Stephen King—wade into his world by reading Night Shift, which is a collection of 4 short stories, which might of actually been published under his pen name, Richard Bachman—then to better understand his Sybil-like relationship with the world at large read The Dark Half, which was his demented attempt to come to terms with his aforementioned alter ego…in the author’s notes he paid tribute to the late Richard Bachman…to provide a little bit of balance to this undertaking, watch Shawshank Redemption and Green Mile, making sure to not watch them back-to-back…top it all off with The Stand…there’s other good works, including the Gunslinger 8 book series, but this should satisfy any curiosities you might have…Cheers
Almunia-thanks again for reiterating our concerns over a potential rehashing of the whole cult of personality narrative that became such a stumbling block during Wenger’s latter reign…it’s mindboggling to me that some can’t even fathom the obvious parallels…take care
Marc, I’d read and enjoyed the first two Games of Thrones and then bought 3 and 4. I got through 150 pages or so and was so confused, I then realised I was reading book 4 not book 3 – I gave up!
Killroy,
A thousand apologies, I missed your post directed to me,must have been composing one of my own at the time. I’m located in the south east of Ireland in a county called Wexford,about a 2 hr bus journey from Dublin. I’ve heard others comment on that arrangement that Dublin has with regard to US immigration, very handy indeed. A seven week tour of Europe sounds tremendous, hope you enjoy it greatly. I’m pretty sure Wenger Eagle ,of Dublin and le grove, has relocated to Seville,might be worth asking him for advice on places to go,he always seems most approachable to me.
I did warn you that irish rugby is a terrible financial investment, never back them at the world cups! Still I did say that I felt the French u-20’s were awesome so I can’t be too critical of our lads. If you’re a gambling man I would advice a few quid on the French in September.
As KP said,let us know how you’re getting on as your tour progresses. Best of luck.
Marc,
I may have recommended this to you before but if you’re looking for something in the fantasy genre(aside from the post Christmas table) my own favourite is assassin’s apprentice by Robin Hobb. It’s told over three trilogies with each trilogy telling a different story but important nonetheless to read them in order. Nothing to do with the computer game assassin’s creed btw. Otherwise the world of Raymond Feist is simply amazing, starting with ‘the magician’.
In 1984 my dad bought a vhs player with 3 videos. He never bought another one! So for three years(when we were able to buy some ourselves) we survived on ‘airplane 2-the sequel’, ‘mutiny on the bounty'(hopkins/gibson) and ‘day of the jackal'(Edward Fox, vastly superior to the later Gere/Willis effort). As a result I never bothered to read the Jackal and you have confirmed what I always suspected, that although books are superior to films,in this case the film was so good it actually did the book justice.
Also I stumbled across a 1990 film last week which I thoroughly enjoyed called ‘State of Grace’ featuring a young Gary Oldman,equally young Sean Penn and a not too old Ed Harris. Anyone with a dodgy stick/ box ( no metaphors pls) should check it out.
Bob,
Not just me with Catch 22 then. Good to know……
Would be well worth your while to revisit those GOT books or look into Hobb or Feist if you like the odd venture into fantasy.
TRVL,
I’m like KP,haven’t really found my way into the Stephen King world. Will take your advice,cheers.