Are you saying that one of the best managers in the world, who is highly paid and is surrounded by a team of staff, studying and implementing the best football for one of the biggest teams in the world, wouldn’t have thought about the over-reliance on Martin Odegaard and couldn’t have guessed it that it could derail our season if our Captain was injured / unavailable for only a few games? If so, I don’t agree with you.
I was able to guess that we would be in a mess if the only creative player in that midfield gets injured. I was shouting for a competition for Odegaard and I was calling out of us selling Emile Smith and loaning Vieira without replacing them with a like-for-like player. Unfortunately, we are in the same situation where Odegaard is out and we have to play 3 defensive minded players with a back 4 largely consisting of CBs. If your argument was that Nwaneri will cover that position, we haven’t seen him given starts in the Premier League yet. If you thought Declan Rice would suddenly start making those visionary passes to our front 3 like Ode used to do, I don’t know what to say except you were deluded just like our manager.
We are void of any creativity. 90 mins, and we don’t see a string of play that can result in a goal. Set pieces have been saving us from long, but since when scoring on set pieces evolved into the best way to win a game? Since when you could predict there won’t be an injury to a player who is going to have to play PL, CL and some of those Carabao Cup games? Since when a player (Rice, Partey, Merino) who has played as a defensive midfield starts scoring suddenly and creating chances on a regular basis?
By the way, the solution to this problem isn’t to buy another defender.
It was clear as a day we needed creative and goal scoring heroes. Odegaard was brilliant for most of the last season but he had a bad run of games towards the end and we struggled. We saw what would happen to us if our only creative force goes out of form or injured. We had the trailer and we still gave importance to it. Rather, we made ourselves weaker by selling ESR who wanted to stay, and loaning Vieira who was fit and showed some courage.
I was also calling out for a CF. We had some discussions around the goals scoring distribution between the front 3, and Odegaard. It was all well and good but we guessed what would happen if one of the players of that group stopped performing for a period. Now, everything is broken with no Ode and Martinelli losing out on his form with Kai Havertz getting hardly 10 touches in games.
Bukayo Saka is from a different planet. He will always be good.
Someone should own this mistake of missing out on planning. If it was Edu or Mikel, it’s for the club to figure out. I don’t think the club was not interested in putting more money, because we still bought a LB when we had Zinchenko and Timber and we got a midfielder when we had Rice who could have played that role. We neglected the attack, pretty well knowing what could go wrong…
… and we are exactly in that situation where everything is going wrong.
It’s a different discussion of whether we are still in the title challenges. Bournemouth first made it difficult for us when we lost but they also beat City, keeping us in the race. We have a 7 point difference to the leaders Liverpool but that’s still fixable. We need Odegaard as soon as possible, and we need to get on the winning wagon. Last season, we played some fantastic football under Mikel and we haven’t been able to reproduce that till now. You may blame it to the unavailability of players but there’s a reason why you have 24-man squad and why the club allowed shelling 50m for back up players. I don’t have a problem if Mikel decides to go full Mourinho and keep stacking defenders till he gives us 3 points every week.
If he don’t, questions will be asked about the plannings, the money we have spent, the usefulness of the likes of Jorginho and Sterling, the injury records of Tomiyasu, the red cards and everything else. Right, that’s all I have to say after the dismal performance in last few weeks and I seriously hope we get back to winning ways.
See you on Champions League night.
Guys,
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Sorry Ambarish, but you lost me at “one of the best managers in the world”…by my estimation, he’s not even in the conversation…beyond that, we’re clearly in agreement when it comes to the reap what you sow narrative, unfortunately I highly doubt that situation can be properly rectified during the season…I guess we could make a bold move or two come January, but that’s typically not our MO and the options at that time aren’t always the best…with that in mind, those in the “know” have actually suggested that MA’s next planned move involves another defender…if that were to be the case I can only hope that would trigger some sort of ultimatum from ownership, but I doubt he would take any such threat seriously considering the ink isn’t even dry on his new contract…onwards to Chelsea, who now sit above us in the table, for a very important fixture where only 3 points will do
Good post Ambarish; it highlights the feelings of LIR really well.
Just watched the Manure v Chavs 1:1 draw. VN has Manure playing quicker football and much better at stealing the ball back, but there have a long way to go to be up there challenging.
I know nothing about Amorin, Manure’s new manager, TRVL do you have any thoughts?
VN we all know and hate, but I fear he will be a good assistant the players can resonate with as being a United legend, which cannot be said for MA being an Arsenal legend, as he was just Mr Average who took a pay cut to wear the shirt.
He was for 3 seasons only a 1/7 for assists and goals where he’s scored a career total of 31 from the penalty spot, with I believe 16 of his 41 goals for us for us, and thus making it 1/11 for open and set piece goals.
Can’t blame him for wanting out from Moyesyball where he only just fit dated Wengerball. Nowhere near our Wenger title winning sides.
Inter next where their form is decent with the winning their last 3 games with a health 12GD compared to ours of a measly 6GD.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=intermilan+form&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#wptab=si:ACC90nzx4YT13NPNyZqcoQU9lIebIFeLj_A5U1oZ6a7-rX4jQsy_67MUsH_2OHbWaUJ2qa6wuN95RypAozxwgm-vkgHF2SkKHCu0nx7oTNELydstT1vq9mOHfl3IhWLmgB5kUQwizfmzCYNS99d6nIrx0GlxJXI6ou-nUolR0_IoPYUkILFSeSqCt7Gu-DJggHs7ILqVR3TS6YgP-WXELednuCUIFKtktTKKWcUmI8WJb8K1me4YUwTL0Bzl8oxYzSqlLyMEC91I
The Chavs looked ok but dipped in form being more wasteful in from of goal than of late. If we lose the midfield like we did against Newcastle all game, then we can forget any points, let alone 3.
I can’t see Ode being effective if available. He is a player that needs game to get up to speed being the all action player he is. I’d say we need Ethan’s gifts but not sure he’s ready for a full battle at the Bridge.
It’s one of those games that has the potential to make his nut or set him back for the season. Right now his confidence is high for good reason. Tough decision to make for this kid.
What would you do TRVL? KP? Marc? Ambarish, Hoopah: Play or bench?
Bench for Milan for sure.
Tony—Ruben Amorin was the Sporting manager who toyed with MA two seasons back, when they knocked us out of the Europa…here’s a few quotes that might highlight the differences between himself and our current skipper:
(1) “Amorim is known for his communication skills, and tactical knowledge and flexibility”
(2) “an enthusiast of spectacular, offensive football, with lots of goals, domination and control”
(3) “Amorim’s team use interchanging movements to distract the opposing defenders and create space for the attackers to exploit”
(4) “Amorim is often credited with rejuvenating Sporting CP by promoting young talents, instilling a winning mentality, and developing a versatile and cohesive style of play”
(5) “his message is clear and it is easy to understand”
(6) “he still believes football only makes sense if those watching are thrilled by it”
(7) “Amorim has consistently emphasized that he refrains from engaging in discussions about referees with the media”
now this doesn’t mean that his managerial style will translate in the PL, but it does make me a little envious…it likely will take some time, as United are a shit show, but if he can find a way to replicate his success at Sporting, who hadn’t won a title in some 20 years prior, it could make life much more difficult for us in the coming years…I guess only time will tell
(he was on my list of potential Arteta replacements, along with Slot, Gasperini and DeZerbi)
Wow! Thanks TRVL. As I was reading your list I saw it’s everything MA isn’t, and exactly what we need.
With VN at the least as a forwards’ coach Manure most likely have found what they need after too many years in the managerial wilderness.
I’ve give them 4 TWs in the next 2 years to improve and clear out non performers and they will be up there each year for a few seasons. until the break the chain gain like after Red nose.
Amorim is a significant upgrade on EtH. When we lost to Sporting over 2 legs, he tactically dominated Arsenal’s excuse for a manager. He’s inherited an awful squad of misfits but I hate to say that Manure will start to improve as a result of his joining them.
(8) Amorim prefers to play a central 3 at the back with 2 wing backs joining midfield / attack. That would suit our team but is ignored by El B.
TRVL
It’s not me who says ‘one of the best managers in the world’, rather the blind supporters who can justify everything Mikel does… It was a dig 🙂
Am I hearing correctly? Is bunga-bunga Edu leaving the club? Not enough coke, scrubbers, gin palaces and vol au vents I guess.
# 1 down, 1 to go
If the reports are to be believed, Edu is leaving Arsenal. That’s a shocking thing if Edu has taken that decision and show of intent if the club asked him to. In both cases, we need a stronger Technical Director, not a yes man to the manager.
There should always be check on a manager and TD is the best person to do so. Even Klopp’s request at Liverpool were sometimes denied.
Let’s see how it unfolds.
KP
I was only 2 minutes slower than you :))
Ambarish
Behave yourself.
“Best manager”…..
He is a cunt, a fraud and charlatan.
Talking of useless cunts, Edu is fucking off.
One down, one to go.
The cracks are appearing – truth be known the happy couple have been at odds for sometime.
Is this the beginning of the end for MA or has Edu been used as the sacrificial lamb to keep MA?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14037425/Arsenal-sporting-director-Edu-LEAVING-club-major-blow-Mikel-Arteta-loses-key-ally-masterminded-transformation-signed-Martin-Odegaard-Declan-Rice.html
Diamond eye or Raul anyone? Ok, I’ll get my coat…..
An outsider to take a punt on? Could he handle MA?
Paul Mitchell
A former professional English footballer who played for clubs like Manchester City and Wigan Athletic. After retiring from playing, he became the Head of Recruitment at MK Dons in 2010
Johan Lange
A technical director at Villa who was successful in building a squad that challenged for the top half of the Premier League.
https://resources.focusbusiness.school/the-10-best-sporting-directors-of-elite-level-football/
Includes the usual suspects…….
Just read Edu is moving to Nots Forest, so dropping a few levels to leave us, kind of makes you ask a host of questions about that move.
Was the tail wagging the dog at Arsenal where MA felt he was the boss……?
From the scraps I’ve picked up Edu leaving is a shock to the club so doesn’t sound like he’s been forced out. His new role is apparently overseeing the 3 clubs owned by the Forest owner so you could argue its the equivalent of leaving a larger company for a more senior role at a smaller company.
And of course Arteta is pushing to make sure he has a major say on who will replace him.
My guess is Edu knows what Arteta is and is making moves before Arteta starts laying the blame for what’s going to happen this season on Edu.
Our problem is Arteta will push someone who’s subservient to Arteta on the club which means when we come to replace Arteta we’ll have a second rate Tech Director heading up the recruitment.
does it come as a shock to anyone that this would be leaked at this particular time when it just so happens that Forest are sitting ahead of us in the standings…if I had to hazard a guess I would assume he was tired of taking the heat for MA’s transfer failures and not getting his flowers when things started to trend in a more positive direction…fact remains if we don’t get someone from outside the organization to replace him things will get worse before they get better…the last thing this club needs is another “yes” man muppet
Ambarish—my apologies…on first blush it appeared as if you were stating a series of commonly-held beliefs
Tony
Arteta was senior to Edu – of course he shouldn’t be but Arteta won’t have anyone inside who will undermine him.
Tony
Your list is way out of date.
Villa’s Tech Dir (Director of Football etc etc) is Monchi.
TRVL
Arteta will do everything he can to try and force a yes man on the club.
What would be interesting is if Josh went big and hired someone who won’t put up with Arteta’s shit – my guess is Arteta would find a way to leave whilst making it look like he was forced out eg not being supported in the transfer market etc.
Marc—if things go awry this season we’ll be caught squarely between a rock and a hard place…like you said, if Arteta leaves he will undoubtedly twist the narrative in just such a way that it will raise the ire of his choirboys, which could lead to some more fraudulent decision-making…even if that didn’t transpire, I’m deeply concerned that MA’s created such an unbalanced roster it might wrongly influence our future hiring practices…not to mention, we could very easily lose some key pieces, like Saliba, and be left holding the bag with a bunch of MA’s poor recruitment choices, unless Stan’s willing to eat some more serious financial losses…should MA stay and we brought in an outsider to replace Edu, who’s unwilling to kiss the ring, we could right things relatively quickly, as everyone and their fucking brother knows what’s really required here…maybe it would be best if Stan simply cut him off until the summer, so no further financial blunders are made between now and then, just in case change is in the air
An ex Brazil teammate of Dunga
Edu fought in midfield with a hunger
He’s sailed up the Trent
To a club that is bent
And a salary including more Bunga (err Bunga)
Marc
You’re right I was busy yesterday and posted without really looking. I like Monchi at Villa and before when we talked about him on LG.
It could be Wenger/Gazidis all over again. Will MA be part of the hiring interview process? Surely that is a board and owner remit to interview and select MA’s new boss after hearing MA’s thoughts?
The Mail is doing an eval on Edu’s signings: Edu Evaluated! Not MA & Edu Evaluated!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14038529/Arsenal-Edu-period-Gunners-Premier-League-title.html
Let the MA PR games begin.
As my link posted yesterday I’m not really up on elite or elite in the making TDs & DoFs. I know I could get very wrapped up in what is like to come next, so I’m going to apply my emotional handbrake and do my best to just comment lightly.
My hope is that privately Edu & the Kroenkes with their trusted board advisors have all discussed why Edu is leaving, which I imagine all points to MA and ultimately his lack of silverware with a £b+ squad.
The smart move would be to appoint a TD or DoF who MA reports and aswers to. That way it’s easy for Stan and Josh to issues the final curtain time for MA and their head of football does the rest including having our next manager waiting in the wings.
Perhaps put MA on warning by demoting him back to Head Coach when the new appointment arrives, that would very much set out the senior appointment demarcation line. Maybe MA would resign?
That would be the sensible business approach. The should look at the figures and ask themselves do we have value for money with our signings’ investments? Apart from Ode and Saka with Willie, big Gabs who else has MA improved their asset values? It’s reported that we’ve received a £90m offer for Saliba, I didn’t read who has made the offer, as it’s likely click bait for now, but probably comes from RM at the source.
I’m not sure anyone would pay more than we have for Rice. Is West Ham’s Kudus worth £90m? Not for me, my limited knowledge would see him around £50M including VAT.
This Internet says this: “What is the market value of kudus?
Transfer to West Ham: Fee could rise to €46m (£39.5m) with add-ons. £85m release-clause from 1. July 2025.”
West Ham have slapped a €100m price on Kudus.
To be honest I wish Edu well. I think he’s had a thankless task with MA feeling undervalued and perhaps taken for granted. I think Edu will do well in his next role and wonder if he can be the new Monchi in the next 18 months? I have no idea as I don’t know how say much he had in MA’s too many last minute buys, such as Sterling & Havertz.
Do you have a shortlist, Marc?
TRVL
Who would be your pick whom has the vision we need and the ability to deal with MA?
KP
Best I got today…..
We are saying goodbye to Edu
It seems without much of a to do
Because he’s off to a club places above us
Leaving MA in a rather big huff
And now MA knows what it’s like sinking in poo
LIR
Any thoughts on the Inter game lad’s
Also, read MA is looking to replace Martinelli next because he’s not improving. Wonder what Edu’s feelings on the wonder kid he signed? It’s hardly Marts fault he’s regressing, is it?
Some more light shed here but reports that the club know exactly who they need to buy so won’t miss Edu for a while. Sounds like some real PR BS. If they know who they needed, why didn’t they buy in the last TW?
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-edu-mikel-arteta-tim-lewis-b2641059.html
Wenger – Ivan G = El B – Edu. Wenger was a nightmare for Ivan and Arteta has been for Edu.
Bruno G had the pen in his hand to sign for AFC when El B phoned.
It will be interesting how Josh plays this – he used Edu to ring the changes.
Shame it wasn’t a face plant, but Jose’s failed knee slide is funny.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14036151/Jose-Mourinho-hilarious-celebration-late-winner-Fenerbahce-referee.html
Inter could be a tough game – they are currently near the top of serie A. Luckily we played Atalanta when we did – they have since kicked on and are the current in form team in Italy.
Match day post is live now.
Tony
This song has never been so apt.
https://youtu.be/m2zKdIcOV5s?si=039lhPbi18PStem1
Did you ever meet Gil?