No fucking way. No one has forgotten the last time we played City and Etihad. Man City took the lead in the 9th minute when Erling Haaland scored from the centre of the box. We took the charge and played some attacking football thereafter and Calafiori levelled up from his left footed shot from outside the box of an assist from Gabriel Martinelli in 22nd minute. We kept playing some good football till the half time. Things changed a lot in those extra minutes. Guess who was the referee? Michael Oliver!
Oliver decided to award a staggering 10 extra minutes for the first half. Gabriel Megalhaes scored a brilliant header first and just before the extra time ended, Oliver gave a very controversial second yellow to Leandro Trossard to send him off. Reason being, Trossard cleared the ball after a challenge on Bernardo Silva within a fraction of a second after Michael Oliver had blown the whistle. The same referee who had not given a second yellow to Mateo Kovacic in a previous encounter between the same teams because he didn’t want to influence the game badly, gave a second yellow for Arsenal because the player kicked the ball in less than a second before the whistle was blown. Also, we haven’t seen a yellow for kicking the ball away after that day.
We were down to 10 men and we had a whooping 45 minutes to play against a lethal attacking Man City. Mikel went full Mourinho and substituted Bukayo Saka with Ben White at the start of second half.
In the 65th minutes, Myles Lewis-Skelly got his first yellow card in Premier League without even making his debut. Imagine the hate from Michael Oliver for a player in red and white that he awarded a yellow for a player on the bench. It was not like MLS was fighting someone, or causing any trouble. He was shouting to his team mate. Yes, everyone on the touchline shouts. Every god damn fucking minute of the 90.
Anyways, it was a day of attack and defence. Gabriel gave his best while City attacking every other minute. We kept our cool, never looked nervy and with some luck, we managed to keep our 2-1 lead till the 90th. There were 7 extra minutes awarded to the game and we all knew what was coming after seeing that. John Stones scored the leveller for City in the 9th minute of 7 extra minutes and the scoreline read 2-2 at the end. Haaland believed, after the game, that he was the descendent of King Leonidas of Sparta and started giving lectures to Mikel Arteta to stay humble. After a 2-2 draw. At Home. Against a 10-men Arsenal. With Michael Oliver as their 12th man. He might be the most lethal striker on the planet, earning more than anyone else in footballing world, but that age showed in his behaviour.
Team News
We are playing City again, tomorrow. At a very crucial time when we need the win to keep ourselves in the title race. And this time, the war is at our home, and without Michael Oliver. We have not forgotten and we will add to their miseries.
Myles Lewis Skelly red card was rescinded so he is available to play. Raya missed the Champions League game against Girona with a muscular injury and will be assessed before the game. I don’t want to see Neto between the sticks, he was very poor and lacked confidence in our last game and we need David Raya back to calm the defence down.
The usuals, Ben White, Tomiyasu, Saka and Jesus will be missing out the game. Saka is the one we will miss the most, as he has been prolific on that right side and he has always been the main figure in big games. Hopefully, Nwaneri won’t let us miss him after his brilliant Saka-esque goal against Girona. I am hoping Raya starts in the goal with a back 4 of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori. We will most likely see a midfield of Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice. Nwaneri should start at RW, Martinelli on the left and Havertz in the middle.
No show (yet) in transfer window?
Well, we haven’t done anything at all in the transfer window so far. Only a couple of days left before it shuts down, and we went to Aston Villa in the pursuit of Ollie Watkins with 60m GBP which was rejected. So, we have the money but we are looking for a profile. 60m and some change would get you Sesko, or Mbeumo but Arteta likes players who can do the defensive job and I don’t see him getting an outright predator anytime soon. Watkins bid was a strange one, we need it more than ever but no one would have expected Mikel would go after him after showing so much trust in Havertz.
In the press conference today, here’s what he had to say when asked about bringing a striker –
It doesn’t depend on us. We have the intention, purpose and ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really strong, and we are actively trying to do that.
source : Arsenal.com
This confirms the club and the manager are aware that we are lacking up top. With only 2 days left before transfer window shut, we will know whether it’s just intention or if we do something in real.
Right, that’s me done. It’s going to be a great watch tomorrow, and I am pretty sure we will come out on top. We need the bragging rights for next 6 months, and I mean a 3-0 win bragging right, not a 2-2 at home against a 10-men bragging right.
Also, I am pretty sure non of those players and the manager has forgotten the child-like behaviour from Erling Haaland and the cunt-like behaviour from Bernardo Silva. I want to see them faces sulked, embarrassed and hopeless.
#COYG
VAR just fucked up again.
They really need to get their shit together.
Good One Ambarish. Liverpool winning makes it more spicier.
This ref is staggeringly useless – I amazed he hasn’t been been offered a Cabinet position by Starmer.
Troy Deeney’s on a UK celebrity quiz at the moment and you’ll all be amazed to know he’s a thick cunt.
Who’d have guessed?
at first I thought it rather interesting that Watkins was subbed at half, as I wasn’t watching it with the sound on, but once I saw that he might have tweaked his groin it likely meant something completely different…surely we wouldn’t take on another injured player, especially at that price…maybe MA told him that he had to prove that he was all-in by faking an injury in the first-half lol?
btw Emery’s side has struggled for results following CL fixtures, as they haven’t won a single one this whole season, which either speaks to their depth or Unai’s unwillingness to rotate properly.(we know all too well about that situation)…I would suggest the latter on this ocassion, as they were a much better side in the second 45…he likely felt that he had to start Ollie considering the circumstances
TRVL
Another interesting thing is that Villa are bringing in Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
It doesn’t make sense to get 2 forward players when only of yours left..
Morning all
Another Hale Ender lost to Manure.
Man Utd transfer statement makes clear where Arsenal messed up with CB Ayden Heaven
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-ayden-heaven-transfer-34596224
Watching the Pool game yesterday it looks like Pool’s name is on the PL trophy. B’mouth had 2 shots hit the uprights in an end to end game. It could have gone either way but Pool just edged it with the luck of the Irish in keeping a clean sheet.
I’ve watched a few games where Slot’s marauders have won games they should not have with yesterday adding to that tally. When that happens to teams they normally lift the PL trophy and that’s my gut feeling for Pool this season.
TRVL
MA has pretty much acknowledged no one is coming today or tomorrow. Never was because the players MA wants don’t want to play for him.
MA has stated that he’s going to have a big summer TW, which has spurned my above thinking. MA softening the the zero action in this TW.
Looks like Zubi, and the obligatory defender MA has to buy. Will Saliba go in the summer? Partey and Jorginho will need replacing as will Jesus and Sterling. Will White still be our level after his injury, as he was struggling before and Timber is better.
Has Rice & Merino blocked Ethan for the 8 slot even though Nwaneri is levels above with little ceiling? Will Skelly name the LB his with KT signing a pre-contract with Celtic? Cala is not the level to win top honours as our first choice LB but good for the rotational back up.
Whatever happens with MA we are still going to need a 9 and 8. How has Wood gone under our radar? A £25m Kiwi Journeyman with 17 PL goals this season for Forest this season with Havertz a paltry 8 for £67m and £300K+ a week.
We should be looking at Gibbs-White, Semenyo, Wood, Kluivert, Isak, Palmer and others who we should have bought before their PL clubs bought them, as it shows us up for spotting talent.
Now MA is going to be in charge of the summer TW? What do they smoke or eat at KSE?
Doesn’t KSE understand anything about PL transfers? If they give the keys to the war chest to MA, they clearly haven’t learnt from the last 5 years with our current unbalanced squad with 5 left backs and 4 DMs but still no elite 8 or 9 et al.
My gut is telling me a score draw this evening with a feisty game that could ignite into a red card, so we’ll need to keep our discipline.
We need Rice at 6 all game with Ode, Ethan in midfield with Rice in front of our back 4.
I’d play Partey at 6 if I’m honest because if rice plays, he will venture into his delusional 8 and false 9 slots leaving us exposed at the back. Partey reads the game better than Rice at DM and in the final 3rd.
Reality is Kia can’t jump and needs 3 good chances to score where Rice also needs 3 or 4.
What do you guys feel about the City game with tactics and chances to win?
“he insisted that while he’s confident the club are doing all they can, it’s ultimately not his call”
“We have the intention, purpose and ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really strong, and we are actively trying to do that.”
note how in the first quote it clearly tries to shield MA from any blame should no one of consequence arrive before the window closes, yet in the second quote, MA uses “we” not “they”, so he wants you to know that if something were to transpire, he was an integral part of the process…you can try, but you can’t have it both ways…maybe he was just being cheeky and the first quote was actually referencing the other sides/players who haven’t yet accepted one of our last minute shite offers
speaking of offers, I think it’s important that we keep it real when it comes to Ollie…just focus your attentions squarely on his CV and don’t get caught up with the fact that he scored a vital goal for England or that he’s a boyhood fan or even that he has potted 6 in 10 outings against us…he has two years of real statistical consequence, last season, when he had 19 & 13, and in 2019-20, when he potted 25 in the Championship…keeping in mind, he turns 30 this year
now it’s not that I think he’s a scrub…I like many aspects of his game, including a couple that fit our present script, such as his high press capabilities, and lord knows his in-game body language is infinitely better than our gangly thumbsucker, but he’s simply not world class…now if we’re fully committed to the notion of recruiting Sesko, or the functional equivalent, come the summer and this is simply us overhauling the position over 2 windows, then I’m certainly not opposed, so long as we don’t pay above the number for his services and he passes a medical with flying colours(groin)
Tony—I wouldn’t go anywhere near Wood…there’s a reason why no team of consequence has ever employed him…he’s one of those big body grinder-types that finds a way to contribute on typically lower scoring sides, for whatever reason…on this Forest side his numbers have largely seen an uptick because he’s oft-times left uncovered, as they shoot from distance more and he finds openings by coming into the box late when they counter with pace…I can see him as the second coming of Weghorst, who couldn’t even buy a goal when he got his shot at United…all that said, I still might prefer him to Havertz up top, but that’s not saying much
on the other hand, I do favour a few of your other suggestions, as I’ve been impressed by Semenyo and Kluivert, minus his shocking miss against Pool today when they were only down 1, but I still want to see more from them before making a sizeable investment…of course I’m a huge supporter of Isak, as I think he’s the best option out there…against Fulham he was incredibly unlucky with a beautiful strike from distance that hit the bar…another player I’ve been keeping a close eye on is Baleba from BHA, who’s looks to be one for the future, too bad we’ve burned our bridges with them…as for Palmer, he’s never coming here, well at least not this version…maybe when he’s old or becomes fucking useless, as that’s our sweet spot when it comes to Chelsea
I will be intrigued to see how MA sets things up against a very beatable City side…if he goes full-Pulis, he’s misread the room… we need to impose our will for once and if we can’t do it this season, then when? all that said, if he thinks we aren’t getting anyone of substance he might go for it so as to prove we have the requisite horses, otherwise he’ll likely bully-ball the shit of this one and look to score late, which is when City appear most vulnerable this season…regardless Ethan had better be properly incorporated within the gameplan, unlike in his previous few starts…as I’m writing that I quickly realize there’s a good chance he’s not even in the starting 11, which wouldn’t be a good look…Cheers
TRVL
To me he’s another Giroud. Can do great things from time to time. Ollie is a bit pacier than our gregarious Frenchman was but they both employ bullyboy antics and decent in the air.
If Ollie was a stop gap to be our eventual back up, for say £50m, I’d say it was worth exploring.
That can’t happen because we had a bid for £60m turned down. Should have started at a cheeky £45m citing age and injuries lowering his value. Buy him injured for £30m? Villa are investing in players, so cash might be tight.
Man Utd complete Heaven deal
Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven has completed a mid-season move to Manchester United, who fought off reported interest from Barcelona. The centre-back has been an unused sub for the Gunners on a number of occasions, but comments from his new employers appear to hint at more action.
“We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United.” United technical director Jason Wilcox said: “He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad.”
Ready to join their first team squad? Unused sub for MA speaks as to why his head was turned by Manure. That, and playing for a successful manager would have done it. Be part of a real Ratcliffe revolution and not just part of an unending & unsuccessful process.
Teenage star Heaven has also thanked those who helped him break through at the Emirates Stadium before his move. “As a North London boy, I lived the dream of training and playing at Hale End and London Colney, as well as making my professional debut in the League Cup,” he said. “A big thank you too to Arsenal fans.”
Tony, TVRl – Chido obi and Heaven going to Man U is a big loss and I am really pissed with Per more so than MA. Kreonkes don’t understand the importance of Academy as they are not used to that concept in US sports. It’s way different than a draft. I cannot understand how you can complaint against lack of funds yet no utilise the abundance of talent that our academy churns out. One of the important aspects of any manager should be his ability to integrate academy prospects unit first team. MA has shown no ability to do this. Even with MLs and Ethan his instincts is to use some one like sterling or William but not these home bred talents. What a pathetic manager and state of affairs. I am incensed at this. Look at the talent that have been allowed to go out. Willock, ESR in the recent past. Don’t tell me that aren’t better than Merino. If they are allowed to express themselves and playing regularly with superior team would have made them even better than what they are today. Yesterday ESR made a run from midfield stealing a ball from Newcastle and from the edge of the box shot with his left which was just saved by Pope. Don’t we think we need such forceful runs in our team instead of regimented backwards and sideward movements.
Today what happens how knows what MA has in his mind. He will put some square pegs in round holes. I don’t hold my breath on him. I have lost all confidence in his ability to protect any Arsenal interests. If you cannot promote and protect your homegrown kids then whats the point. Where is our DnA?.
I am fuming at the news of Heaven. What message does it send or others. What is F is Per doing? Why is he in the academy of he cannot stop this nonsense.
Today’s really difficult to call we’ve been unconvincing for most of the season and losing our best player has really blunted our attacking play, our defence is one of our strengths but the number of injuries hasn’t helped there either. At left back I really don’t know who I prefer Calafiori or Skelly but having 2 good options is a nice problem to have.
What really makes today difficult to call isn’t Arsenal though its City who have not only not been anywhere near as good going forward this season but have picked up a habit of being able to lose to anyone and throw away winning positions that in previous seasons would have seen the opposition begging for the result to be called at half time.
There’s also likely to be some anger carried over from the last game on both sides so it should on paper be a good match for the neutral.
I felt the same Marc so why I’m going for a score draw. I think we will see a red card today probably for 2 yellows, so hope it’s City.
Madhu
That is unfair to Per. On the one hand Per needs to be complimented for developing talent at the Academy.
But prodigies , as they come of age want to accelerate they development. But with El B being a total basta**d , they have no option but to move elsewhere or rot here.
Chido was scoring upto 6 goals for the U-21, so he was clearly being that level. Heard that he is already regularly training with the first team under Amorim . Mind you not an occasional outing to be thrown in like a doggy bone.
Chido was beyond that level
Tony
Don’t even tempt fate on the card front!
Just watching a replay of England’s loss to the rampant Ireland.
Same shit different day for England but good rugby played.
Spuds 1:0 up against Brentford
Outside of the Calafiori / Skelly debate I’d say that’s the strongest lineup we can put out with Saka injured.
Our bench on the other hand is incredibly light on attacking options.
Alpha Tross nowhere to be seen in the line up. Neither first eleven, bench, not list of injured/suspended.
Line up is out.
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, MLS
Odegaard, Partey, Rice
Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Subs – Neto, Kiwior, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Tierney, Jorginho, Merino, Sterling, Nwaneri..
Kroenke
The BBC is showing Trossard starting on the left wing?
Good to see MLS starting. Trossard starts ahead of Nwaneri probably because of his experience in big games…
KP / Marc
Yep, looks like Trossard is starting on the left while Martinelli plays on the right.
ManU 2nil down at home to Palace.
They really are a shitshow.
Ambarish
How you doing mate?
Sorry all. I must’ve seen an anti-Belgian, reform party version of the line up!
confirmed lineup:
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabs, Skelly, Partey, Rice, Ode, Tross, Marts, Havertz
not surprised that MA’s not starting our most clinical finisher and he likely has Marts playing on his wrong side to accomodate Tross…Skelly ahead of Cala raises even more questions about our summer window, which is no slight towards the kid
Marc
That Manure’s poor form continues makes that FACup setback even more annoying.
Looking for a fighting, aggressive, high energy win this afternoon with Gabriel and Saliba giving that noncey Norse a fucking tuning. Don’t care how big a win, JUST FUCKING WIN!