Arsenal FC | 2020/21 Season

[The Viper]

Arsenal's starting line-up today (average age 25 years, 42 days) is the club's youngest to have won a PL game since Sept 2012 (24 years, 266 days in 6-1 win Southampton)

 

[Mamoon]

I really hope we can win Europa. The only real threats I see are Spurs and Man U. If we can somehow overcome one or both as required, we will win the trophy and secure Champions League next season.

But, he cannot be naive like he was against that Greek side last season.

That would be great but I am more interested in Arsenal qualifying for the UCL by finishing in the top 4, not be sneaking in through the back door by winning Europa.

I believe it can be achieved within the next 2 seasons.

 

[MenInG]

For Arsenal fans it was the end of a desperate 56-day wait for a Premier League victory; for Chelsea fans the perfect way to ruin a Christmas break.

Frank Lampard's side would have gone second with a win at the Emirates but instead turned in a poor display in a 3-1 defeat that leaves them outside the top six.

Lampard called out his side for lacking energy and desire, while Mikel Arteta admitted that his Arsenal side "have let the fans down for many weeks."

So where do they go from here?

'It doesn't get any better on Boxing Day'
Arsenal had not won in the Premier League since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty beat Manchester United at the start of November.

The Gunners had only once had a longer run without a win in the Premier League, going eight games winless until Paul Merson secured victory at Maine Road in January 1993.

They had also only won two of the past 17 league meetings against Chelsea but shrugged off all that baggage to open up a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka.

"It is a really special day," said Arteta. "It doesn't get any better - Boxing Day, playing a London derby at the Emirates and winning the way we've done it.

"We were really disappointed and frustrated with the results, not so much with the performances, but the results.

"The players were suffering, our fans were suffering and hopefully this is a turning point and will elevate the confidence of the team because I know that they can play at this level."

 

[Hasan123]

Some winnable games coming up, a chance to build momentum and for the likes of ESR and Martnelli to get some good performances to build their confidence.

 

[topspin]

That would be great but I am more interested in Arsenal qualifying for the UCL by finishing in the top 4, not be sneaking in through the back door by winning Europa.

I believe it can be achieved within the next 2 seasons.

Same here but that is the best we can wish for this season because there's no way we're finishing top 4. Even a top six finish looks unlikely.

 

[topspin]

I hope Aubameyang can get back to form. I would like to see him replace Lacazette and being paired up with Martinelli instead.

We will also need Ozil's creativity in midfield. If these two can click then we will be able to finish the season well.

 

[Mamoon]

“Relegation dogfight”

 

[Saj]

Sometimes you have to win ugly and tonight was one of those occasions.

Job done and it eases the pressure on the manager and the players.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Saka is an incredible talent - hope Arsenal have him signed up to a very long contract.

 

[Hasan123]

Saka is an incredible talent - hope Arsenal have him signed up to a very long contract.

He signed a long term contract a few months ago . How closely do you follow Arsenal lol?

 

[Mamoon]

In my view, Arteta should mould him into a LWB. Tierney is good but he is an LB.

LBs are not useful anymore. It is all about having flying, explosive full-backs.

Saka can be Arsenal’s Alphonso Davies.

Need a similar player on the right side as well. Bellerin is not good enough.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal will prioritise offloading players in the January transfer window, says manager Mikel Arteta.

Midfielder Mesut Ozil, whose deal expires in summer 2021, has been left out of the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squads this season.

Defenders Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac have barely featured in the league in 2020-21.

"We cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions," said Arteta.

"There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave, and that is the priority.

"Then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help."

Who could be on the move in January?
When asked about reports that Bosnia-Herzegovina left-back Kolasinac is close to a return to former club Schalke, Arteta said: ""The numbers we have in the squad at the moment are really big, but we cannot confirm anything yet."

Arsenal have three first-team players out on loan - centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos is at Stuttgart, while midfielders Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are at Atletico Madrid and Hertha Berlin respectively.

The Gunners are 13th in the Premier League after 16 games, following back-to-back victories over Brighton and Chelsea that ended a run of seven matches without a win.

They host 19th-placed West Bromwich Albion on 2 January (20:00 GMT kick-off).

 

[topspin]

In my view, Arteta should mould him into a LWB. Tierney is good but he is an LB.

LBs are not useful anymore. It is all about having flying, explosive full-backs.

Saka can be Arsenal’s Alphonso Davies.

Need a similar player on the right side as well. Bellerin is not good enough.

Agreed, not only is he a poor defender but his crossing and passing just isn't good enough.

For now would you opt for AMN over him?

 

[Mamoon]

Agreed, not only is he a poor defender but his crossing and passing just isn't good enough.

For now would you opt for AMN over him?

For now maybe, but in the long run, AMN will be a useful squad player at best.

I hope Arsenal can sign Tariq Lamptey. He is the real deal. This kid is going to be an 80m+ player in 4-5 years.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is joining Schalke on loan for the rest of the season after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said offloading players was the January transfer window "priority".

Bosnia-Herzegovina left-back Kolasinac, 27, began his career with the German side before moving to Arsenal in 2017.

"We cannot sustain the numbers we have in certain positions," Arteta had said earlier on Thursday.

"There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave."

He added: "That is the priority. Then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help."

Kolasanic has made 113 appearances for Arsenal and was part of last season's FA Cup-winning squad.

This term, he has started only one Premier League match but has featured in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

Arsenal technical director Edu said: "Sead needs to be playing regularly, so we have decided together that a move back to Germany with Schalke will benefit him at this moment."

Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi has also barely featured in the league in 2020-21, while German midfielder Mesut Ozil, whose deal expires in summer 2021, was left out of the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squads this season.

Who could be on the move in January?
Arsenal already have three first-team players out on loan - centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos is at Stuttgart, while midfielders Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are at Atletico Madrid and Hertha Berlin respectively.

The Gunners are 13th in the Premier League after 16 games, following back-to-back victories over Brighton and Chelsea that ended a run of seven matches without a win.

They host 19th-placed West Bromwich Albion on 2 January (20:00 GMT kick-off).

 

[Hasan123]

For now maybe, but in the long run, AMN will be a useful squad player at best.

I hope Arsenal can sign Tariq Lamptey. He is the real deal. This kid is going to be an 80m+ player in 4-5 years.

Some reports in the British press say that Arsenal will target Lamptey if Bellerin leaves. I think Bellerin would like a new challenge and Arsenal will sell for the right price.

I wouldn’t mind Max Aarons.

 

[Mamoon]

Some reports in the British press say that Arsenal will target Lamptey if Bellerin leaves. I think Bellerin would like a new challenge and Arsenal will sell for the right price.

I wouldn’t mind Max Aarons.

Aarons is good but I think Lamptey has a higher ceiling.

Him and Saka can form a fantastic pairing as RWB and LWB.

These are the type of smart signings Arsenal need to make.

 

[Hasan123]

Aarons is good but I think Lamptey has a higher ceiling.

Him and Saka can form a fantastic pairing as RWB and LWB.

These are the type of smart signings Arsenal need to make.

I was of the mind Saka would be better off at LB but he is impressing on the right wing. He has a goal or assist in every game he has played on the right. I think he is better off playing on the wings.

Aarons is more realistic as Norwich would not ask for ridiculous money. If Brighton get relegated, we maybe able to get Lamptey for a decent fee.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], I don't know how much you follow articles in the British media. But what do you make of reports of players being against Arteta? Today an article came out saying a unnamed player had an argument with Arteta that players are treated differently. There has been speculation that their is a leak amongst the players. Ozil has been named a potential leak, Willian and Luiz have as well. Do you think Ozil or another senior player are intentionally leaking things out to cause unrest and put pressure on Arteta?

 

[Mamoon]

I was of the mind Saka would be better off at LB but he is impressing on the right wing. He has a goal or assist in every game he has played on the right. I think he is better off playing on the wings.

Aarons is more realistic as Norwich would not ask for ridiculous money. If Brighton get relegated, we maybe able to get Lamptey for a decent fee.

Saka is a talented player who will do well in multiple positions but in the long run, in my opinion, his best position would be an explosive LWB. He can be an Alphonso Davies type player.

Arsenal need a goal threat on the right wing. Someone who can contribute 15+ goals per season.

 

[Hasan123]

Saka is a talented player who will do well in multiple positions but in the long run, in my opinion, his best position would be an explosive LWB. He can be an Alphonso Davies type player.

Arsenal need a goal threat on the right wing. Someone who can contribute 15+ goals per season.

I don't think Arteta long term plan is to play 5 at the back. Tierney is the long term left back. Saka will play on the wings.

We are being linked with Julian Brandt. Would be a quality signing imo.

 

[Mamoon]

I don't think Arteta long term plan is to play 5 at the back. Tierney is the long term left back. Saka will play on the wings.

We are being linked with Julian Brandt. Would be a quality signing imo.

Tierney is a good player but he is an old fashioned LB who are slowly becoming obsolete in the modern game. It is all about having wing backs now.

Julian Brandt would be a smart signing. His career has stalled at BVB but he can be a good player in an advanced CM position in a 433 system or as a CAM in 4231. He can also be used effectively in a diamond setup.

He is not quick enough to play on the wings.

 

[Hasan123]

Tierney is a good player but he is an old fashioned LB who are slowly becoming obsolete in the modern game. It is all about having wing backs now.

Julian Brandt would be a smart signing. His career has stalled at BVB but he can be a good player in an advanced CM position in a 433 system or as a CAM in 4231. He can also be used effectively in a diamond setup.

He is not quick enough to play on the wings.

Tierney can get up and down the wing. He is a very good crosser of the ball as well. Also has character and leadership as well. I would stick with him at LB.

The rumours are certainly hotting up in terms of Brandt. Personally feel if if will happen, it would be in the summer. He is versatile player. I could see him doing well in the Premier League.

 

[shaykh]

If the news about Holding getting a new contract is true this is one of those examples of why it’s one step forward two steps back ...

If Arsenal are serious about being a top 4 side then the majority of these players need to be moved on ...

Leno, Tierney, Gabriel, Saliba, Mari, Guendouzi, Partey, ESR, Nelson, Martinelli, Auba are the only players worth keeping and even that is generous ...

But extending the likes of Holdings contract isn’t a good sign ...he’s Newcastle’s level ...

But anyhow it seems Arsenal fan ambitions are aligned with mediocrity now so in that sense it’s fine ...

 

[Mamoon]

If the news about Holding getting a new contract is true this is one of those examples of why it’s one step forward two steps back ...

If Arsenal are serious about being a top 4 side then the majority of these players need to be moved on ...

Leno, Tierney, Gabriel, Saliba, Mari, Guendouzi, Partey, ESR, Nelson, Martinelli, Auba are the only players worth keeping and even that is generous ...

But extending the likes of Holdings contract isn’t a good sign ...he’s Newcastle’s level ...

But anyhow it seems Arsenal fan ambitions are aligned with mediocrity now so in that sense it’s fine ...

Holding is a homegrown player with excellent attitude. He is a very useful squad player.

He is not someone who will throw tantrums after being benched for 3 months and mock his manager on social media. He will try to do his job in a professional manner when he gets a chance.

Every team needs squad players like him especially in defense. You cannot have starting material only.

There is a reason why SAF kept the likes of Wes Brown and John O’Shea at Man United for 10+ years....

 

[Mamoon]

Tierney can get up and down the wing. He is a very good crosser of the ball as well. Also has character and leadership as well. I would stick with him at LB.

The rumours are certainly hotting up in terms of Brandt. Personally feel if if will happen, it would be in the summer. He is versatile player. I could see him doing well in the Premier League.

Tierney is weak. He needs put on muscle because he is easily shrugged off the ball.

He will never be explosive and dynamic like Saka.

 

[Hasan123]

Tierney is weak. He needs put on muscle because he is easily shrugged off the ball.

He will never be explosive and dynamic like Saka.

Saka qualities are of better use on the wings.

I would keep Tierney as LB. He has a lot of qualities I like and the ones you are referring that Holding has, Tierney has and he is a of higher quality than Holding.

 

[Mamoon]

Saka qualities are of better use on the wings.

I would keep Tierney as LB. He has a lot of qualities I like and the ones you are referring that Holding has, Tierney has and he is a of higher quality than Holding.

Not suggesting Tierney should be sold, but I think he is someone who can be upgraded on it Arteta decides to use Saka as a LWB.

 

[Hasan123]

Not suggesting Tierney should be sold, but I think he is someone who can be upgraded on it Arteta decides to use Saka as a LWB.

There are other positions that need upgrading before left back.

 

[waleed88]

Transfer season starts today. Time to sell that dressing room cancer Ozil.

 

[shaykh]

There are other positions that need upgrading before left back.

Bizarre frankly...Mamoon wants to keep Holding but feels Tierney isn’t good enough ...

Tierney is pretty much your only full back that would get into a top half team in the Prem ...

 

[Mamoon]

Bizarre frankly...Mamoon wants to keep Holding but feels Tierney isn’t good enough ...

Tierney is pretty much your only full back that would get into a top half team in the Prem ...

Read my post again. Never said he should be sold, but I would prefer an explosive LWB over an old school LB like him.

He is an excellent squad player though.

 

[sadida97]

Tierney is a good player but he is an old fashioned LB who are slowly becoming obsolete in the modern game. It is all about having wing backs now.

Julian Brandt would be a smart signing. His career has stalled at BVB but he can be a good player in an advanced CM position in a 433 system or as a CAM in 4231. He can also be used effectively in a diamond setup.

He is not quick enough to play on the wings.

+ he is tall and can head the ball as well... how many times have we seen tierney and saka crossing with no one at the end...

 

[Hasan123]

Bizarre frankly...Mamoon wants to keep Holding but feels Tierney isn’t good enough ...

Tierney is pretty much your only full back that would get into a top half team in the Prem ...

Tierney will be the number 1 left back. I would look at getting an attacking midfielder and a striker, then concentrate on the defensive areas.

 

[IMMY69]

Tierney has arguably been our best player along with Sakha...

He is a fantastic player and should be our number one left back (injury permitting) for the foreseeable future..

 

[IMMY69]

and what a great solo goal by Tierney ��

 

[The Viper]

Arsenal are winning 2-0 so far against West Brom.

Tierney and Saka with the goals.

 

[Rana]

Saka is our best player. Gem of a talent. Best natural talent I have seen emerge from Arsenal since Van Persie

 

[shaykh]

Saka is our best player. Gem of a talent. Best natural talent I have seen emerge from Arsenal since Van Persie

You actually have a good young core if you choose to utilise it ...Saka, ESR, Gabriel, Saliba, Guendouzi, Tierney and Martinelli are all quality players ...

 

[Mamoon]

Oh no, it is a relegation dogfight.

Sack Arteta.

 

[Firebat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Influential.<br><br>&#55357;&#56396; <a href="https://twitter.com/kierantierney1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieranTierney1</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bj5zG1kM8J">pic.twitter.com/Bj5zG1kM8J</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1345673759017975814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shaykh]

Good performance that ...

I got slammed for suggesting the Brighton game was rubbish ...the difference was night and day...

Mamoon’s squad player Tierney again showing what a good player he is ...

That said I do find it amusing how much louder Arsenal fans have become ...banter is less fun when a fanbase has no expectations ...now the top 4 chatter is starting up again ...

 

[shaykh]

Oh no, it is a relegation dogfight.

Sack Arteta.

You have still lost 8 of your first 17 games...stop acting as if Arteta has done a good job ...It’s improving but still nothing to suggest you’ll progress and be challengers ...

 

[topspin]

Good performance that ...

I got slammed for suggesting the Brighton game was rubbish ...the difference was night and day...

Mamoon’s squad player Tierney again showing what a good player he is ...

That said I do find it amusing how much louder Arsenal fans have become ...banter is less fun when a fanbase has no expectations ...now the top 4 chatter is starting up again ...

Pundits started this talk but no we won't make top 6 imo. Best we can hope for is to finish in the top half of the PL and win Europa so we can play Champions League next season.

 

[Mamoon]

You have still lost 8 of your first 17 games...stop acting as if Arteta has done a good job ...It’s improving but still nothing to suggest you’ll progress and be challengers ...

One step at a time.

Arsenal will progress under Arteta, making the UCL and eventually be title challengers. This whole process will take about 3-4 years.

Arsenal currently is where Liverpool were under Klopp in 2015. Expect Arsenal to be a one of the top sides by 2023-2024, and I hope you will be around to have your humble pie.

He is a top manager in the making and you are wrong about him. Do not take my word for it and you won’t, but time will teach you a footballing lesson with a bitter aftertaste.

 

[Mamoon]

Good performance that ...

I got slammed for suggesting the Brighton game was rubbish ...the difference was night and day...

Mamoon’s squad player Tierney again showing what a good player he is ...

That said I do find it amusing how much louder Arsenal fans have become ...banter is less fun when a fanbase has no expectations ...now the top 4 chatter is starting up again ...

Tierney is a good player, he is a good LB. but my preference is a more dynamic, flying wing back, someone who can consistently do what Tierney did last game.

I am looking at the type of impact Alphonso Davies has had at Bayern and Hakimi has had at Inter. Such players change the dynamic of the entire team and how you set up.

I believe Saka fits that bill, but if Tierney can continue like this, great.

 

[shaykh]

Tierney is a good player, he is a good LB. but my preference is a more dynamic, flying wing back, someone who can consistently do what Tierney did last game.

I am looking at the type of impact Alphonso Davies has had at Bayern and Hakimi has had at Inter. Such players change the dynamic of the entire team and how you set up.

I believe Saka fits that bill, but if Tierney can continue like this, great.

Saka as a full back is wasting him ...he’s excellent there but he’s excellent wherever he plays ...you should keep him on the right wing ...

 

[Mamoon]

Saka as a full back is wasting him ...he’s excellent there but he’s excellent wherever he plays ...you should keep him on the right wing ...

I want Arsenal to target better goal scorers on the wings. Eventually look to have someone like Sterling, Salah, Mane etc. on the flank to compliment Martinelli as a wide forward.

Not necessarily of their class but someone who can score 20+ goals a season (across competitions) from out wide.

Saka is a very good creator but I doubt if he has that many goals in him.

 

[shaykh]

I want Arsenal to target better goal scorers on the wings. Eventually look to have someone like Sterling, Salah, Mane etc. on the flank to compliment Martinelli as a wide forward.

Not necessarily of their class but someone who can score 20+ goals a season (across competitions) from out wide.

Saka is a very good creator but I doubt if he has that many goals in him.

We’ll agree to disagree on that one...play him on the right consistently and he will create and score goals ...

 

[shaykh]

Saliba is off to Nice on loan ...such a bizarre situation ...

An odd one in the independent ...suggestion that Nelson could be moved on along with Willock ...Willock I understand but Nelson is a weird one...

 

[Mamoon]

Saliba is off to Nice on loan ...such a bizarre situation ...

An odd one in the independent ...suggestion that Nelson could be moved on along with Willock ...Willock I understand but Nelson is a weird one...

Reiss Nelson has never impressed in an Arsenal shirt. He has been the weakest young player in the squad. Perhaps he needs more development. He looks so timid whenever he is on the pitch.

With Martinelli back from injury, ESR stepping up and Saka going from strength to strength, he is going to get enough minutes to develop at Arsenal.

It would be surprising if he is sold though. Getting rid of permanently could backfire in a few years like Gnabry and Malen.

Wish Saliba could have been loaned to an English or a German club. Perhaps no concrete interest.

 

[Hasan123]

Reiss Nelson has never impressed in an Arsenal shirt. He has been the weakest young player in the squad. Perhaps he needs more development. He looks so timid whenever he is on the pitch.

With Martinelli back from injury, ESR stepping up and Saka going from strength to strength, he is going to get enough minutes to develop at Arsenal.

It would be surprising if he is sold though. Getting rid of permanently could backfire in a few years like Gnabry and Malen.

Wish Saliba could have been loaned to an English or a German club. Perhaps no concrete interest.

Saliba wanted to go back to France. Also Nelson can be a good player but Arsenal fans act as though he is a world beater. Not fully convinced by him.

Apprentley if we pay the money, Buendia will join us. What do you think about him?

 

[Uzi]

Arsenal for the title?

 

[Mamoon]

Arsenal for the title?

They will challenge in 2023-2024.

 

[Mamoon]

Saliba wanted to go back to France. Also Nelson can be a good player but Arsenal fans act as though he is a world beater. Not fully convinced by him.

Apprentley if we pay the money, Buendia will join us. What do you think about him?

He is a very good option. The type of smart signing that will elevate the team.

Knows English football, physically strong, technically very good and the type of player who could be sold for a profit after 3-4 years.

Between him and Brandt, I would probably choose him but I won’t mind either.

No more loans please.

 

[Hasan123]

He is a very good option. The type of smart signing that will elevate the team.

Knows English football, physically strong, technically very good and the type of player who could be sold for a profit after 3-4 years.

Between him and Brandt, I would probably choose him but I won’t mind either.

No more loans please.

I'm not fully convinced by him but he has some good statistics in terms of chances created.

I haven't heard anything about loans in. We aren't in for Isco on loan now.

 

[Hasan123]

Extremely strong rumours that Mesut Ozil will be joining Fernabache. This saga looks like it is finally ending. Arsenal need to have a replacement lined up.

 

[waleed88]

Extremely strong rumours that Mesut Ozil will be joining Fernabache. This saga looks like it is finally ending. Arsenal need to have a replacement lined up.

Alhumdulilah! This is indeed a blessing

 

[MenInG]

ARSENAL TAKE OUT £120m BANK OF ENGLAND LOAN

Arsenal have taken out a “short-term” £120million corporate loan from the Bank of England to help offset the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During August, the Premier League club announced plans to make 55 roles redundant across several departments because of the financial damage suffered during the coronavirus crisis.

The majority of Arsenal’s players had also earlier agreed to a 12.5 per cent pay cut to help keep other staff at the club keep their jobs.

On Thursday, Arsenal confirmed the club were utilising a Bank of England scheme to bring in significant additional revenue, with matches at the Emirates Stadium now once again being played behind closed doors.

 

[shaykh]

I find it amusing how Arsenal fans are angry at Balogun’s agent ...

According to Fabrizio Romano Balogun has 15 offers on the table including Arsenal ...the agent is doing what he should be doing which is getting the best deal for his player ...

And Romano adds that Balogun wants playing time...which he isn’t getting at Arsenal ...and which evidently other clubs will offer...this guy isn’t even getting played over a dud like Nketiah ...

If you weren’t going to play him then you should have sold him to Brentford last summer...

 

[Mamoon]

I find it amusing how Arsenal fans are angry at Balogun’s agent ...

According to Fabrizio Romano Balogun has 15 offers on the table including Arsenal ...the agent is doing what he should be doing which is getting the best deal for his player ...

And Romano adds that Balogun wants playing time...which he isn’t getting at Arsenal ...and which evidently other clubs will offer...this guy isn’t even getting played over a dud like Nketiah ...

If you weren’t going to play him then you should have sold him to Brentford last summer...

Balogun is a talented player with more upside than Eddie, but the problem with these young footballers in this player power era is that they have no patience.

Nowadays, the ball is always in the court of the player and his agent, and ultimately they get what they want in terms of transfers.

No one is prepared to grind anymore and wait for his opportunities. Every teenager feels they are entitled to get playing time because they are talented.

If he wants to leave he is of course free to do so, and if he becomes an immediate starter at another club and becomes a big player, well done to him. However, some times, haste doesn’t always bear fruit.

That is why Saliba now finds himself back at a moderately successful French club just because he wasn’t patient enough to wait for his chance.

It was said that top clubs are making a beeline for him, but if that was the case, he wouldn’t be at Nice today, and if he doesn’t improve his attitude, no top club will come in for him. Arteta will give him another chance in the future, but he will have to be patient and let the manager decide what is best for the team.

Patience often brings rewards, and is that is Smith Rowe and Saka have exhibited. No tantrums, no moaning on social media, no potshots at the manager. Just pure hard work in training and now it is in their hands to keep their place in the starting XI for years to come.

Balogun will get his chance at Arsenal in the future. Lacazette will be sold soon and Aubameyang will soon be a spent force, and if Balogun continues to impress in training, he will get his chance in due time.

 

[shaykh]

Balogun is a talented player with more upside than Eddie, but the problem with these young footballers in this player power era is that they have no patience.

Nowadays, the ball is always in the court of the player and his agent, and ultimately they get what they want in terms of transfers.

No one is prepared to grind anymore and wait for his opportunities. Every teenager feels they are entitled to get playing time because they are talented.

If he wants to leave he is of course free to do so, and if he becomes an immediate starter at another club and becomes a big player, well done to him. However, some times, haste doesn’t always bear fruit.

That is why Saliba now finds himself back at a moderately successful French club just because he wasn’t patient enough to wait for his chance.

It was said that top clubs are making a beeline for him, but if that was the case, he wouldn’t be at Nice today, and if he doesn’t improve his attitude, no top club will come in for him. Arteta will give him another chance in the future, but he will have to be patient and let the manager decide what is best for the team.

Patience often brings rewards, and is that is Smith Rowe and Saka have exhibited. No tantrums, no moaning on social media, no potshots at the manager. Just pure hard work in training and now it is in their hands to keep their place in the starting XI for years to come.

Balogun will get his chance at Arsenal in the future. Lacazette will be sold soon and Aubameyang will soon be a spent force, and if Balogun continues to impress in training, he will get his chance in due time.

Stop bringing up Saliba ...his situation isn’t remotely comparable ...

He was as stated plenty of times a top player in Ligue 1...he didn’t sign with the premise that he would be joining your U23’s...he got shafted pure and simple ...

As for Balogun ...its more similar to the Sancho situation ...a player who believes he’s good enough for first team football and wasnt given it so moved elsewhere ...which has worked out for him ...

Playing Nketiah over Balogun consistently must have been the final straw ...and his agent is doing the right thing ...why rot in the U23s when there are clubs offering better terms ...

We have a similar issue with one of our U18’s with Leipzig offering a contract to one of our prospects ...would love him to stay and bide his time but can’t blame him if he decides to reject our contract ...not all agents are Mino Raiola ...so making the agent the bad guy in the Balogun thing is just stupid ...

 

[Mamoon]

Stop bringing up Saliba ...his situation isn’t remotely comparable ...

He was as stated plenty of times a top player in Ligue 1...he didn’t sign with the premise that he would be joining your U23’s...he got shafted pure and simple ...

As for Balogun ...its more similar to the Sancho situation ...a player who believes he’s good enough for first team football and wasnt given it so moved elsewhere ...which has worked out for him ...

Playing Nketiah over Balogun consistently must have been the final straw ...and his agent is doing the right thing ...why rot in the U23s when there are clubs offering better terms ...

We have a similar issue with one of our U18’s with Leipzig offering a contract to one of our prospects ...would love him to stay and bide his time but can’t blame him if he decides to reject our contract ...not all agents are Mino Raiola ...so making the agent the bad guy in the Balogun thing is just stupid ...

Comparable or not, it was said that top clubs are making a beeline to sign Saliba. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a big fat lie.

Top clubs weren’t interested, or at least they weren’t offering him first team opportunities. That is why he has been dumped in Nice.


If Balogun is the next Sancho and has no patience to wait for his chance at Arsenal even though he is only 18, then good luck to him. I hope he makes it big wherever he goes.

I am not blaming his agent. My point is that in modern football, agents and players have excessive power, and these players after conned by their own agents for monetary gains.

Not saying Balogun’s agent is dictating terms for his own pocket, but teenage players are way too impatient these days.

 

[shaykh]

Comparable or not, it was said that top clubs are making a beeline to sign Saliba. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a big fat lie.

Top clubs weren’t interested, or at least they weren’t offering him first team opportunities. That is why he has been dumped in Nice.


If Balogun is the next Sancho and has no patience to wait for his chance at Arsenal even though he is only 18, then good luck to him. I hope he makes it big wherever he goes.

I am not blaming his agent. My point is that in modern football, agents and players have excessive power, and these players after conned by their own agents for monetary gains.

Not saying Balogun’s agent is dictating terms for his own pocket, but teenage players are way too impatient these days.

Nice was not the only offer on the table ...Fabrizio Romano for instance said Milan made a bid among other clubs ...Nice is where Arsenal chose to send him ...

As for Balogun why should he be patient when Nketiah is ahead of him ...I’d see your point if it was Lacazette ...

It’s absurd to compare him with Saka and Martinelli considering they have actually been given opportunities...

And it’s a mess by the club ...if you were going to continue not playing him ...then you should have sold him rather than let him run down his contract...rather than reject the offers that came...

 

[Mamoon]

Nice was not the only offer on the table ...Fabrizio Romano for instance said Milan made a bid among other clubs ...Nice is where Arsenal chose to send him ...

As for Balogun why should he be patient when Nketiah is ahead of him ...I’d see your point if it was Lacazette ...

It’s absurd to compare him with Saka and Martinelli considering they have actually been given opportunities...

And it’s a mess by the club ...if you were going to continue not playing him ...then you should have sold him rather than let him run down his contract...rather than reject the offers that came...

If Milan made an offer and Arsenal refused, it means that Milan weren’t willing to make him a starter which is my point.

Saliba right now is not going to start at any big club, and his terrible attitude is not helping his cause either.

Instead of throwing a tantrum and making a backward step in his career, he should have exercised patience because his chance would have come. Luiz, Mustafi and Sokratis will not be around for long.

He will still get his chance at Arsenal, but he is now back to square one basically. He will have to prove himself in training when he comes back and show professional attitude without moaning on social media.

Had he done it the first time around he would now be close to getting his shot instead of getting dumped in Nice, and if he shows such attitude again, he will be permanently sold to some small club in France.

Balogun should look at Saliba and learn to be patient. It is better to wait for your chance at Arsenal than to make a switch to some relegation battling club with a 30k stadium.

Thousands of teenage players will kill to get a chance to play at a major premier club, but then you have guys like Saliba and Balogun whose level of entitlement is sickening.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], I am massive Arteta fan but he has messed up the Saliba situation.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], I am massive Arteta fan but he has messed up the Saliba situation.

I would have agreed with you had Saliba not mocked him on social media. This type of attitude is not acceptable especially in a young player who has achieved nothing yet.

Instead of moaning, he should have continued to work hard in training and his chance would have come.

3-4 months on the sidelines and he started crying, and now he finds himself at Nice after we were told that several big clubs are ready to offer him first-team opportunities.

Hopefully this will be a humbling experience for him. He is a talented player but he needs to build character.

 

[Hasan123]

I would have agreed with you had Saliba not mocked him on social media. This type of attitude is not acceptable especially in a young player who has achieved nothing yet.

Instead of moaning, he should have continued to work hard in training and his chance would have come.

3-4 months on the sidelines and he started crying, and now he finds himself at Nice after we were told that several big clubs are ready to offer him first-team opportunities.

Hopefully this will be a humbling experience for him. He is a talented player but he needs to build character.

Lol which top players will take a youngster on loan? Arsenal wanted to loan him and not sell him so don't get why you keep saying which top team wanted him.

He was told straight away he wasn't ready and it doesn’t seem we had a plan for him. So he has a right to be annoyed as he chose Arsenal ahead of other clubs.

 

[Mamoon]

Lol which top players will take a youngster on loan? Arsenal wanted to loan him and not sell him so don't get why you keep saying which top team wanted him.

He was told straight away he wasn't ready and it doesn’t seem we had a plan for him. So he has a right to be annoyed as he chose Arsenal ahead of other clubs.

Saliba didn’t choose Arsenal ahead of major clubs. Arsenal didn’t face much competition for his signature. He didn’t have any offer from European heavyweights.

If he was annoyed at not becoming an immediate starter at Arsenal in spite of the fact that he is only 18-19 with just two stop gap seasons at the top level, then it says a lot about his attitude.

If Saliba is so sought out by the top clubs as some claim, they would have jumped at the opportunity of taking him on loan with an option to buy. He is clearly not on good terms with Arsenal and this is a window of opportunity for a the big clubs to swoop for him.

However, clearly, he has not attracted their interest because as I said before, this type of attitude, especially in young and unproven players, doesn’t fly at any club.

There is no justification for his remarks on social media. There is no point in blaming the club for it because it reflects his own character.

 

[Hasan123]

Saliba didn’t choose Arsenal ahead of major clubs. Arsenal didn’t face much competition for his signature. He didn’t have any offer from European heavyweights.

If he was annoyed at not becoming an immediate starter at Arsenal in spite of the fact that he is only 18-19 with just two stop gap seasons at the top level, then it says a lot about his attitude.

If Saliba is so sought out by the top clubs as some claim, they would have jumped at the opportunity of taking him on loan with an option to buy. He is clearly not on good terms with Arsenal and this is a window of opportunity for a the big clubs to swoop for him.

However, clearly, he has not attracted their interest because as I said before, this type of attitude, especially in young and unproven players, doesn’t fly at any club.

There is no justification for his remarks on social media. There is no point in blaming the club for it because it reflects his own character.

It's been well reported a lot of top teams wanted him and he chose Arsenal.

He is extremely highly rated. Arsenal spent 30 million on him. He shouldn't expect to start every game but at least be given a chance. Arsenal clearly spent that money on because after finishing with St Etiane on loan they would have wanted to play him.

Arteta has played a back 3, he could have easily given Saliba some games on the right side of a back 3 . He would have had enough protection. Also Arteta wants us to be a team who are dominate and attacking . Saliba has excellent recovery speed which means the team can push up the pitch and allow the RB to get forward knowing they have someone who can cover them. Also Saliba is very good at distributing with the ball. Something which Arteta wants from his CBs. Luiz and Mustafi are gone at the end of the season, so why give them treatment over Mustafi. Holding is not good enough to be a regular starter and yet he has been given better treatment than our 30 million pound CB.

I do back Arteta like you, but this situation has been handled awfully by Arteta and the club.

 

[Mamoon]

It's been well reported a lot of top teams wanted him and he chose Arsenal.

He is extremely highly rated. Arsenal spent 30 million on him. He shouldn't expect to start every game but at least be given a chance. Arsenal clearly spent that money on because after finishing with St Etiane on loan they would have wanted to play him.

Arteta has played a back 3, he could have easily given Saliba some games on the right side of a back 3 . He would have had enough protection. Also Arteta wants us to be a team who are dominate and attacking . Saliba has excellent recovery speed which means the team can push up the pitch and allow the RB to get forward knowing they have someone who can cover them. Also Saliba is very good at distributing with the ball. Something which Arteta wants from his CBs. Luiz and Mustafi are gone at the end of the season, so why give them treatment over Mustafi. Holding is not good enough to be a regular starter and yet he has been given better treatment than our 30 million pound CB.

I do back Arteta like you, but this situation has been handled awfully by Arteta and the club.

Which top clubs wanted Saliba and what were their bids?

Arsenal today is not in a position where they can nab the elite talents ahead of other clubs. They don’t have the financial muscle nor the attraction that the European heavyweights have.

Saliba might be an Arsenal fan but it means nothing when it comes to choosing which team to sign for.

If Saliba had offers from major clubs on the table and he choose Arsenal, then it means that he did it because he and his agent felt he would get more playing time at this stage.

Saliba is highly rated, I agree, and I think he can be very good in the future if he works on his attitude.

However, some people are acting as if he turned down Barcelona, Madrid, Bayern, Milan, Liverpool, City etc. to be at Arsenal because he is a fan. Yeah I don’t think that happened.

Should Saliba have featured more this season, probably yes, but that doesn’t justify his comments on social media. Nothing does.

He clearly has an attitude problem and those attitude problems cannot be swept under the carpet because Arteta didn’t give him as much playing time as he deserved.

 

[Hasan123]

Which top clubs wanted Saliba and what were their bids?

Arsenal today is not in a position where they can nab the elite talents ahead of other clubs. They don’t have the financial muscle nor the attraction that the European heavyweights have.

Saliba might be an Arsenal fan but it means nothing when it comes to choosing which team to sign for.

If Saliba had offers from major clubs on the table and he choose Arsenal, then it means that he did it because he and his agent felt he would get more playing time at this stage.

Saliba is highly rated, I agree, and I think he can be very good in the future if he works on his attitude.

However, some people are acting as if he turned down Barcelona, Madrid, Bayern, Milan, Liverpool, City etc. to be at Arsenal because he is a fan. Yeah I don’t think that happened.

Should Saliba have featured more this season, probably yes, but that doesn’t justify his comments on social media. Nothing does.

He clearly has an attitude problem and those attitude problems cannot be swept under the carpet because Arteta didn’t give him as much playing time as he deserved.

I don't know their bids but I know City,United, and Spurs were certainly interested.

I think you are making too much out of the social media comment . He is 19, he will do stupid things. Hopefully he learns from that .

So he came to Arsenal to play and Arteta tells him straight away he isn't ready. Yet he continually plays Mustafi and Luiz who will be gone at the end of the season . And Holding who is an inferior player.

 

[Firebat]

I don't know their bids but I know City,United, and Spurs were certainly interested.

I think you are making too much out of the social media comment . He is 19, he will do stupid things. Hopefully he learns from that .

So he came to Arsenal to play and Arteta tells him straight away he isn't ready. Yet he continually plays Mustafi and Luiz who will be gone at the end of the season . And Holding who is an inferior player.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is very clear if u understand french:<br>- I didnt train for 6 months in france<br>- when i came AFC was finishing their szn so i trained alone<br>- After holidays i played in friendly but lacked fitness, physicality & pace<br>- So mikel told me I wasn’t ready <a href="https://t.co/Yp8XnTnG9k">https://t.co/Yp8XnTnG9k</a></p>— Zee &#55357;&#56524; (@GuendouZee) <a href="https://twitter.com/GuendouZee/status/1347539367997403137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mamoon]

I don't know their bids but I know City,United, and Spurs were certainly interested.

I think you are making too much out of the social media comment . He is 19, he will do stupid things. Hopefully he learns from that .

So he came to Arsenal to play and Arteta tells him straight away he isn't ready. Yet he continually plays Mustafi and Luiz who will be gone at the end of the season . And Holding who is an inferior player.

He wasn’t ready. He missed more than half of 2019/20 and played only 17 matches. He was injured.

When he came to Arsenal, he certainly wasn’t up to speed both physically and mentally. If Arteta had thrown him into the first team right away and he would have struggled, the same people would have said that he mistreated him and didn’t allow him to ease into a new environment especially with him lacking match-fitness.

I am surprised you don’t see anything wrong with him stated on Guendouzi’s Instagram account that he is locked up at Arsenal.

So this guy came to Arsenal at the age of 18-19 with no match fitness, and after a few months on the sidelines, he has the nerve to state on social media that he is “locked up”.

Well he can enjoy his freedom at Nice now.

 

[Mamoon]

This loan move to Nice does nothing to his career. Arsenal have not loaned him out because they wanted to; they have loaned him out because of his tantrums.

The reality is that staying at Arsenal at this stage was more beneficial for him. Training with the players, understanding Arteta’s tactics, understanding the league etc. would do him more good than taking a backward step and playing in Ligue 1 again.

If he had put his head down and worked hard, he would now be getting his opportunities alongside Smith Rowe, who clearly didn’t throw a tantrum over getting shafted for Willian and instead worked hard in training to win Arteta’s trust.

Saliba is now back to square one and when he returns to Arsenal, he will once again need some time to acclimatize to the environment and win the trust of Arteta.

He put his career back by a good year just because he couldn’t exercise patience and decided to mock his manager on Instagram and instead of impressing him on the training ground.

 

[Hasan123]

He wasn’t ready. He missed more than half of 2019/20 and played only 17 matches. He was injured.

When he came to Arsenal, he certainly wasn’t up to speed both physically and mentally. If Arteta had thrown him into the first team right away and he would have struggled, the same people would have said that he mistreated him and didn’t allow him to ease into a new environment especially with him lacking match-fitness.

I am surprised you don’t see anything wrong with him stated on Guendouzi’s Instagram account that he is locked up at Arsenal.

So this guy came to Arsenal at the age of 18-19 with no match fitness, and after a few months on the sidelines, he has the nerve to state on social media that he is “locked up”.

Well he can enjoy his freedom at Nice now.

You do realise he actually has more top level flight experience than Gabriel? He was more ready than Gabriel.

I get he wasn’t fully upto speed but he needed games. We could have played in the EL groups stages and Leage Cup . But if Arteta thought he wasn't ready straight away, he should have sorted a loan out earlier rather than leaving it till the end of the window and then the loan being messed up due to paperwork issues.

No I said he should have not done that but he is 19, he will make mistakes.

 

[silentkiller187]

The way arteta has dealt with the ozil, guendouzi , Saliba shows he really is just a PE teacher only good enough to put the cones out. Should have stuck to coaching he has No man management experience ,no pr skills what so ever it’s clear he is out of his depth, brilliant viewing tho and will carry on bringing in the revenue for AFTV So I can see why the fans want him to stay.

 

[Kroll]

Now that Kieran Tierney has settled in and his injury worries seem to be behind him, he's starting to show the player that he was at Celtic and why Arsenal remained dogged to sign him.

KT has been excellent over the past month and once again was one of the best players on the park against Newcastle today in the FA Cup. His energy levels and desire to get up into attacking areas was amazing culminating in an assist for Aubameyang deep into extra time.

He might not be the best technically, but his no nonsense and smart play has already helped transform Arsenal over the last few weeks. A lot of Arsenal fans are already talking about him being a future captain and its easy to see why.

There was some doubt about his offensive play but he's now showing that side of his game with his assists and the mount of chances he's creating for his teammates. He's also fulfilling his defensive duties quite well.

There was a lot of doom and gloom at Arsenal earlier on in the season but young players like KT, Saka and ESR are helping propel Arsenal forward.

A lot of comparisons are being made between KT and Robertson as both are LB's and Scottish internationals. He's not at Robertson's level yet but that's nothing to be discouraged about as Robertson's the best LB in the Premier league and one of the best in the world.

Nevertheless, KT has a great attitude and work ethic. He's not the type to be dyeing his hair blue and wearing multi-coloured boots while strutting about the middle of the pitch. He seems determined to make the most of his opportunity after coming down to London.

I feel that Tierney's only going to get better and will be one of if not the main shining beacon in the Arsenal team for the remainder of the season. Trust me on this.

 

[hitthestump]

I know Willian's individual stats are woeful but i'd love to see a comparison of what the team has produced with him on the pitch compared to when he's not there.

It's always seems like the team play noticeably improves when Willian isn't around.

 

[Firebat]

Napoli have made Arsenal's Scotland defender Kieran Tierney a long-term target after missing out on the 23-year-old at the start of last season. (Telegraph)