Arsenal FC | 2022/23 Season

[Amjid Javed]

Brighton and Brentford away are not easy games, then there is the game with Arsenal

For Arsenal it's obviously the City game and ourselves that are where they could drop points

City ain't dropping any points, add to that it's clear Arsenal have a mental block vs man city so they know they won't get anything from that game.

Title race is done

 

[Amjid Javed]

Takes years to build such units.

We have the unit in place, sadly the lack of squad depth in certain areas and mentally weak mindset under pressure means this group of players will always be runners up.

 

[Rana]

It was good whilst it lasted boys

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Arsenal Remaining Fixtures:
- Southampton (Home)
- Man City (Away)
- Chelsea (Home)
- Newcastle (Away)
- Brighton (Home)
- Nott Forest (Away)
- Wolves (Home)

The ones underlined are easy wins, but Arsenal has the harder remaining fixtures compared to Man City. Yes, even though Chelsea are doing awful at the moment, because its a London derby, you never they could pull of a very upsetting result for Arsenal, in the same way West Ham drew with Arsenal. But still, I think Arsenal will beat Chelsea.

Brighton is in very good form at the moment, and obviously Newcastle and Man City Away are tough. That Newcastle Match will be high pressure, especially since what happened last season

Manchester City Remaining:
- Bayern (UCL)
- Sheffield United (FA Cup)
- Arsenal (Home)
- Fulham (Away)
- West Ham (Home)
- Leeds United (Home)
- Everton (Away)
- Chelsea (Home)
- Brentford (Away)
- Brighton (Away)

Again, the ones underlined are easy wins imo, Man City usually thrashes Chelsea, Fulham will be tricky, but havent been good in last few matches.

But Brighton Away is a very tricky match, and it could be the vital shock result that will happen in order for Arsenal to win the league. Brentford could get a point (or three) against City too.

I know a lot of Arsenal fans will be thinking to get just a draw from Etihad, but in my opinion: If Arsenal are truly champions and truly the best team this season, then they need to be winning these big matches and beat Man City Away. This is what other winning teams have done in the past. Otherwise, if that match is a draw, or if Man City wins, Then Manchester City are deserving winners, and I would say will win the league, and a treble is on for them.

 

[topspin]

Out of all our first team players, Odegaard is mentally weakest I reckon. He's good but he won't reach that KDB level if he's going to get outmuscled so easily in midfield.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Out of all our first team players, Odegaard is mentally weakest I reckon. He's good but he won't reach that KDB level if he's going to get outmuscled so easily in midfield.

Said this all last season, and the club goes and makes the guy captain. Guy becomes a ghost when going gets tough.

Worst thing is now he's an autopick players like ESR are getting no game time and will probably end up leaving now.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

City ain't dropping any points, add to that it's clear Arsenal have a mental block vs man city so they know they won't get anything from that game.

Title race is done

I get from your perspective why you would feel like that but if they don't drop a single point that will have meant they eon 14 PL games on the trot

Obviously they are very capable of that but I just feel those Brighton/Brentford are tricky and they will drop points somewhere

I even fancy you to get a result at the Etihad

 

[Amjid Javed]

I get from your perspective why you would feel like that but if they don't drop a single point that will have meant they eon 14 PL games on the trot

Obviously they are very capable of that but I just feel those Brighton/Brentford are tricky and they will drop points somewhere

I even fancy you to get a result at the Etihad

If you look at City's run ins of last 8 or 9 games for last few seasons they rarely drop many points. Also if you look at fixtures left you would expect them in form they are in to win them all. Brighton maybe trick but city should still win it. Also I think Brentford won't have anything to play for last game so city should win that as well

 

[IMMY69]

An interesting conversation forwarded to me:-


Pep started in 16/17 with a team that was one season away from winning the league with 100 points. They also spent over €500m to get there.

Arteta started in 19/20 with a team that only has 1 starter remaining. They haven’t even spent €500m yet.

The project is incomplete.

If John Stones is injured for City Rico Lewis, Bernardo Silva, and Kyle Walker can fill in as an inverted fullback, and they had Cancelo earlier in the season.

If Zinchenko is out, Tomiyasu has to fill in, but that’s not his game, nor is it Tierney’s.

The project is incomplete.

City have Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and oftentimes Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, or Jack Grealish on the bench.

When Mahrez, De Bruyne, Rodri or any of their other top players are out, they have equally as good players to come in and replace them.

Their project is complete.If Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji get injured for City, Laporte, Stones, Ake and Walker are right there ready to fill in.

If Saliba and Tomiyasu are out for Arsenal, Rob Holding is the solution.

The same applies with Zinchenko and Tierney.

The drop off is just too much.

But but they weren’t that bad! Bro, come on, you’re analysing their individual actions.

You are NOT taking into the account the fact that Zinchenko would complete double the amount of passes Tierney did, and the same can be applied for Saliba.

THEN the overall team improves.

 

[Firebat]

Very damaging result yesterday, I'm still very very disappointed. The players have come on leaps and bounds ability-wise, but the same old mental midgets. Of all the players to bottle it, I never thought it would be Saka. Still in disbelief.

Only hope is to get something at the Etihad and maybe hope they drop a few points as they fight on multiple fronts.

 

[Amjid Javed]

An interesting conversation forwarded to me:-


Pep started in 16/17 with a team that was one season away from winning the league with 100 points. They also spent over €500m to get there.

Arteta started in 19/20 with a team that only has 1 starter remaining. They haven’t even spent €500m yet.

The project is incomplete.

If John Stones is injured for City Rico Lewis, Bernardo Silva, and Kyle Walker can fill in as an inverted fullback, and they had Cancelo earlier in the season.

If Zinchenko is out, Tomiyasu has to fill in, but that’s not his game, nor is it Tierney’s.

The project is incomplete.

City have Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and oftentimes Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, or Jack Grealish on the bench.

When Mahrez, De Bruyne, Rodri or any of their other top players are out, they have equally as good players to come in and replace them.

Their project is complete.If Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji get injured for City, Laporte, Stones, Ake and Walker are right there ready to fill in.

If Saliba and Tomiyasu are out for Arsenal, Rob Holding is the solution.

The same applies with Zinchenko and Tierney.

The drop off is just too much.

But but they weren’t that bad! Bro, come on, you’re analysing their individual actions.

You are NOT taking into the account the fact that Zinchenko would complete double the amount of passes Tierney did, and the same can be applied for Saliba.

THEN the overall team improves.

If the so called "project" is incomplete because the comparison to City then reality is that the project will remain incomplete forever. Why? Because no club in PL is going to have a squad depth like man city. Even when Liverpool went toe to toe with Man city they didn't have that luxury of player.

Arteta in his 3.5 years at club and has signed over 20+ players in thar time and has more than enough time to build decent squad depth. Will it be to the same standard as Man city? No

Could the depth be better then it is right now? Yes it can.

Why does the squad not have that additional depth needed?

Quite a few factors.

1) Not moving on mediocre player - elneny, holding, Nketiah etc. Arsenal have had plenty of time to move such players on look at better options. But the old excuse, they are honest pros and don't complain etc..

2) Mediocre back up players and having to fix the problem with such players. Every season Arsenal have a certain budget they can spend and have priority positions they need to spend each window.

We signed Tavares (not good enough) then had to spend mors money to get zinchenko. Which meant less money to spend on real squad area priorities.

We signed lakonga (not good enough), we gave elneny new contract, then signed jorginho. The final signing again to fix a poor transfer mistake.

We have signed Vieira 30 who looks a waste of money, any probably need to sign someone better in summer. Add to that it's limited ESR game time who is likely to leave.

Kiwior looks awful as well, another wasted signing and probably again will need to be addressed in the summer.

All these fixing of mediocre signings means less money for the sort of players this club needs to move on.

Even thought xhaka has been half decent this season you think there are many clubs going to be after him? I doubt it.

The club has done well to build a good starting 11, plus maybe one or two players who are similar standard on the bench (trossard / Tierney)

It's no shock the club keeps going out of cups etc. Each season because Arteta and edu have failed to build proper depth and they have had plenty of time to do so. How many 1st choice targets has Edu manage to sign.

So the person that wrote that post talking about lack of squad depth doesn't have a leg to stand on. Barring the "already PL proven" signed players the club has signed in last 2 or 3 TW, all other signings have either been flops or liabilities because they can't stay fit.

The club can't afford no more mistakes in TW, problem is neither edu or arteta ever get made accountable for the lack of squad depth as club hides behind the low standards its set each of the last few seasons

 

[IMMY69]

If the so called "project" is incomplete because the comparison to City then reality is that the project will remain incomplete forever. Why? Because no club in PL is going to have a squad depth like man city. Even when Liverpool went toe to toe with Man city they didn't have that luxury of player.

Arteta in his 3.5 years at club and has signed over 20+ players in thar time and has more than enough time to build decent squad depth. Will it be to the same standard as Man city? No

Could the depth be better then it is right now? Yes it can.

Why does the squad not have that additional depth needed?

Quite a few factors.

1) Not moving on mediocre player - elneny, holding, Nketiah etc. Arsenal have had plenty of time to move such players on look at better options. But the old excuse, they are honest pros and don't complain etc..

2) Mediocre back up players and having to fix the problem with such players. Every season Arsenal have a certain budget they can spend and have priority positions they need to spend each window.

We signed Tavares (not good enough) then had to spend mors money to get zinchenko. Which meant less money to spend on real squad area priorities.

We signed lakonga (not good enough), we gave elneny new contract, then signed jorginho. The final signing again to fix a poor transfer mistake.

We have signed Vieira 30 who looks a waste of money, any probably need to sign someone better in summer. Add to that it's limited ESR game time who is likely to leave.

Kiwior looks awful as well, another wasted signing and probably again will need to be addressed in the summer.

All these fixing of mediocre signings means less money for the sort of players this club needs to move on.

Even thought xhaka has been half decent this season you think there are many clubs going to be after him? I doubt it.

The club has done well to build a good starting 11, plus maybe one or two players who are similar standard on the bench (trossard / Tierney)

It's no shock the club keeps going out of cups etc. Each season because Arteta and edu have failed to build proper depth and they have had plenty of time to do so. How many 1st choice targets has Edu manage to sign.

So the person that wrote that post talking about lack of squad depth doesn't have a leg to stand on. Barring the "already PL proven" signed players the club has signed in last 2 or 3 TW, all other signings have either been flops or liabilities because they can't stay fit.

The club can't afford no more mistakes in TW, problem is neither edu or arteta ever get made accountable for the lack of squad depth as club hides behind the low standards its set each of the last few seasons

Your reply is exactly the half glass empty approach.

If we can never compete with City then we shouldn't hold out any hope

 

[Amjid Javed]

Your reply is exactly the half glass empty approach.

If we can never compete with City then we shouldn't hold out any hope

My reply is that there simply shouldn't be any excuses at all.

Like I said 3.5 years is plenty of time to build a squad. Every TW the club wastes money fixing mediocre signings from previous windows, which means all priority positions don't all get filled.

Until certain individuals are made accountable things won't change, like I said the club doesn't do that.

That's the simple reality of this club. Do you think Arteta or Edu are going to be challenged if now finish 2nd?

No they won't, the fact club settles for mediocrity means we will always be runners up.

I want my club to show ambition, show accountability, thats what breeds winning

Look at last two performances players getting arrogant after 30 mins, why? What have you achieved?

If these players had won trophies I'd understand the arrogance. That mentality comes from the club where If we fail this season, the club will say oh don't worry Top 4 was the aim.

Loser mentality, so no wonder the club fails under pressure, no accountability.

You look at any sport, or business work place etc. People excel when high standards are expected or people are challenged on what they are doing.

This club doesn't do that.

Look at all the Sucessful Arsenal teams of the past. One thing the club always had was high standards and if they were met they were made accountable.

 

[IMMY69]

My reply is that there simply shouldn't be any excuses at all.

Like I said 3.5 years is plenty of time to build a squad. Every TW the club wastes money fixing mediocre signings from previous windows, which means all priority positions don't all get filled.

Until certain individuals are made accountable things won't change, like I said the club doesn't do that.

That's the simple reality of this club. Do you think Arteta or Edu are going to be challenged if now finish 2nd?

No they won't, the fact club settles for mediocrity means we will always be runners up.

I want my club to show ambition, show accountability, thats what breeds winning

Look at last two performances players getting arrogant after 30 mins, why? What have you achieved?

If these players had won trophies I'd understand the arrogance. That mentality comes from the club where If we fail this season, the club will say oh don't worry Top 4 was the aim.

Loser mentality, so no wonder the club fails under pressure, no accountability.

You look at any sport, or business work place etc. People excel when high standards are expected or people are challenged on what they are doing.

This club doesn't do that.

Look at all the Sucessful Arsenal teams of the past. One thing the club always had was high standards and if they were met they were made accountable.

But it would be foolish to change things at this stage especially when we have CL football and a whole summer to buy the right players.
Foolish is putting it mildly, it would be simply stupid to change things now.

 

[Amjid Javed]

But it would be foolish to change things at this stage especially when we have CL football and a whole summer to buy the right players.
Foolish is putting it mildly, it would be simply stupid to change things now.

I understand your optimism that CL football will in theory bring in better players.

Here's a few questions for you.

1) Do you Trust Edu to be able to get 1st choice / Big transfers done in summer?

2) we've had CL before under these owners and as a club in general how many elite players gave we signed during those CL years?

3) what's the club Target next season? Do you think of the club ends trophyless against next season any one is going to be made accountable?

I said someone has to be made accountable, doesn't mean the sack. In regards to your comment about change would be foolish.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I understand your optimism that CL football will in theory bring in better players.

Here's a few questions for you.

1) Do you Trust Edu to be able to get 1st choice / Big transfers done in summer?

2) we've had CL before under these owners and as a club in general how many elite players gave we signed during those CL years?

3) what's the club Target next season? Do you think of the club ends trophyless against next season any one is going to be made accountable?

This could only be the manager or possibly any sporting director. You cant be suggesting the manager should go?

 

[IMMY69]

I understand your optimism that CL football will in theory bring in better players.

Here's a few questions for you.

1) Do you Trust Edu to be able to get 1st choice / Big transfers done in summer?

2) we've had CL before under these owners and as a club in general how many elite players gave we signed during those CL years?

3) what's the club Target next season? Do you think of the club ends trophyless against next season any one is going to be made accountable?

I said someone has to be made accountable, doesn't mean the sack. In regards to your comment about change would be foolish.

AJ, are you serious?

 

[IMMY69]

This could only be the manager or possibly any sporting director. You cant be suggesting the manager should go?

I'm this close to giving up on this thread....

One poster claimed the title was in the bag and the other can't see the improvements and asks silly questions.
And these are supposed to be Gooners

 

[topspin]

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION]

I agree that someone has to be held accountable but I really hope at the same time you're not being too harsh on Arteta here. During his era as Arsenal Head Coach, we have yet to spend in excess of £50m on a single player. This has meant the club have had to contend with inexperienced players because there's no way you can buy proven and established players for an average of £50m each, unless they're within one year of their contract.

I feel sorry for Mikel because he deserves better than these owners. I don't think he can do much more at Arsenal. If he wants to win PLs and UCLs, he'll need to go elsewhere who can offer him more funds.

If we don't win it this season, I'm not sure Arsenal is right for Arteta. He's proven what he's capable of with limited funds and inexperienced players.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I'm this close to giving up on this thread....

One poster claimed the title was in the bag and the other can't see the improvements and asks silly questions.
And these are supposed to be Gooners

Please dont, its nice to read see sensible Arsenal fans.

Arteta is still learning tactics but his style of football, similar to Man City has been implemented quickly and worked well.

Will the board back him and reward him in the summer with £150-200 million? If so and if he can bring in a top defender, a top no.10 and another striker, another run at the title is very much on.

 

[Firebat]

I'm this close to giving up on this thread....

One poster claimed the title was in the bag and the other can't see the improvements and asks silly questions.
And these are supposed to be Gooners

There are others still left!

Arteta and Edu are not going anywhere at the moment, they fighting tooth and nail for the title with a club that has won 4 leagues in 5 years spending a billion, with the youngest squad in the league that Mikel himself has coached to this level. Saka, Martinelli, Saliba, Gabriel, Ramsdale, Odegaard, White, even Xhaka or Jorginho were not at this level before Mr. Arteta got his hands on them.

That's what people mean when they say that no one expected us to be in this position. Because our squad on paper was not at the level to challenge, but Edu saw the potential in these players when he bought them and Arteta has coached them to a new level. One would only expect that to continue.

 

[Firebat]

West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice would prefer a summer move to Arsenal, with Newcastle also interested in the 24-year-old. (TalkSPORT)

 

[Firebat]

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION]

I agree that someone has to be held accountable but I really hope at the same time you're not being too harsh on Arteta here. During his era as Arsenal Head Coach, we have yet to spend in excess of £50m on a single player. This has meant the club have had to contend with inexperienced players because there's no way you can buy proven and established players for an average of £50m each, unless they're within one year of their contract.

I feel sorry for Mikel because he deserves better than these owners. I don't think he can do much more at Arsenal. If he wants to win PLs and UCLs, he'll need to go elsewhere who can offer him more funds.

If we don't win it this season, I'm not sure Arsenal is right for Arteta. He's proven what he's capable of with limited funds and inexperienced players.

Why must people think this is the peak? That it's all downhill from here? That we're the Leicester with our 1 in a million chance and we blew it, so back down to mediocrity we go? Come on. You're sounding like Neville at the end of last season, saying scraping 4th is the most Arteta can achieve at Arsenal and that's the ceiling. Anyone celebrating right now that we've secured CL by about 30 points? No.

These players, this manager, this club is on the way up, not down, regardless of whether we end up bottling it this season or not. It's clear as day.

In fact, I wrote as much in numerous posts when we bottled top 4 last season while everyone was calling for Arteta's head. Am I a genius, or in hindsight was improvement actually quite predictable?

 

[Amjid Javed]

This could only be the manager or possibly any sporting director. You cant be suggesting the manager should go?

I'm suggesting that some one needs to be made accountable if the club is not winning trophies in next few years, that's what all big clubs do. You think if Arsenal don't win league this season, and next season win nothing that's acceptable?

 

[Amjid Javed]

There are others still left!

Arteta and Edu are not going anywhere at the moment, they fighting tooth and nail for the title with a club that has won 4 leagues in 5 years spending a billion, with the youngest squad in the league that Mikel himself has coached to this level. Saka, Martinelli, Saliba, Gabriel, Ramsdale, Odegaard, White, even Xhaka or Jorginho were not at this level before Mr. Arteta got his hands on them.

That's what people mean when they say that no one expected us to be in this position. Because our squad on paper was not at the level to challenge, but Edu saw the potential in these players when he bought them and Arteta has coached them to a new level. One would only expect that to continue.

No expected to be in this position?

Where would you expect Arsenal to be after a manager has been in charge after 3.5 years? The relegation zone?

The club has set such low targets that fans like you excepted 8th places finishes and bottling top 4 as ok. Arsenal should never have been in that position in 1st place.

Any manager / team set up at Arsenal, united, Liverpool, Chelsea or man city would be expected to be challenging for league and trophies 3 years into a so called project.

The fact club settles for low expectations, clear filters through to players as they were getting arrogant in lady few games and haven't even won titles.

 

[Amjid Javed]

There are others still left!

Arteta and Edu are not going anywhere at the moment, they fighting tooth and nail for the title with a club that has won 4 leagues in 5 years spending a billion, with the youngest squad in the league that Mikel himself has coached to this level. Saka, Martinelli, Saliba, Gabriel, Ramsdale, Odegaard, White, even Xhaka or Jorginho were not at this level before Mr. Arteta got his hands on them.

That's what people mean when they say that no one expected us to be in this position. Because our squad on paper was not at the level to challenge, but Edu saw the potential in these players when he bought them and Arteta has coached them to a new level. One would only expect that to continue.

Edu saw potential in players, you mean he went after primary targets and failed.

Wheres the potential in tomiyassu, lakonga, tavares, Vieira, kiwor. Whole reason there is a quality drop off from 1st 11 is the garbage squad players signed who have then in some cases had to be retified with other signings.

This is point I was making these poor transfer decisions means there are still holes in squad which then end up having to be fixed over priority signings

 

[Amjid Javed]

I'm this close to giving up on this thread....

One poster claimed the title was in the bag and the other can't see the improvements and asks silly questions.
And these are supposed to be Gooners

Stop acting like a snowflake fan, fans are allowed to constructively criticise. Why do think the team is so mentally weak because they are wrapped in cotton wool.

Did you see Pep criticising KDB, Diaz etc.. his players desire early in season?

Why because its called make people accountable and having high standards

Over at Arsenal, oh don't worry we made top 4 and we will be in CL to make up the number next season let's celebrate

Loser mentality.

 

[Amjid Javed]

AJ, are you serious?

Answer my questions. Or you going to keep making excuse

Oh well year 4 of project said we should be doing this...

If Arsenal bottle the league this season and win nothing next season that is acceptable is it?

I'm supposedly half cup full when I want club to win trophies and if they don't then questions have to be asked why

 

[Amjid Javed]

[MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION]

I agree that someone has to be held accountable but I really hope at the same time you're not being too harsh on Arteta here. During his era as Arsenal Head Coach, we have yet to spend in excess of £50m on a single player. This has meant the club have had to contend with inexperienced players because there's no way you can buy proven and established players for an average of £50m each, unless they're within one year of their contract.

I feel sorry for Mikel because he deserves better than these owners. I don't think he can do much more at Arsenal. If he wants to win PLs and UCLs, he'll need to go elsewhere who can offer him more funds.

If we don't win it this season, I'm not sure Arsenal is right for Arteta. He's proven what he's capable of with limited funds and inexperienced players.

Arteta not getting players he wants is on the board and the owners. Whilst I understand Arteta would have a say in the signings, it's Edus job to get those players in.

Limited fund is due to problem ive already highlighted having to fix poor previous transfers tavares, lakonga etc. The club is not helping it self by continously going back to fix self inflicted problems 1st before address priority issues in squad.

In summer we need 2 midfielders, in reality you will probably see us signing another CB or full back to rectify yet more poor transfer decisions.

Fair play to Arteta this season he's done best he can with squad he's been given.

I do trust Edu to get whats done for club to advance to next level.

 

[Amjid Javed]

To many snow flake fans getting over protective when questions are asked of the team.

We are playing 1 game a week. So why after 30 mins of last 2 games has intensity dropped so much.

Why is Jesus been taken off so early what are you saving him for? He's gets a weeks rest in between games.

Why is the captain bottling 50:50 challenges and going missing?

Why are subs only made from 70 mins onwards?

Why are certain bench players not been trusted?

Because "players are over achieving" the mentality can't be questioned as its stupid questions or it's seen as negative **

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta not getting players he wants is on the board and the owners. Whilst I understand Arteta would have a say in the signings, it's Edus job to get those players in.

Limited fund is due to problem ive already highlighted having to fix poor previous transfers tavares, lakonga etc. The club is not helping it self by continously going back to fix self inflicted problems 1st before address priority issues in squad.

In summer we need 2 midfielders, in reality you will probably see us signing another CB or full back to rectify yet more poor transfer decisions.

Fair play to Arteta this season he's done best he can with squad he's been given.

I do trust Edu to get whats done for club to advance to next level.

*meant to say I do Not trust Edu

 

[IMMY69]

Please dont, its nice to read see sensible Arsenal fans.

Arteta is still learning tactics but his style of football, similar to Man City has been implemented quickly and worked well.

Will the board back him and reward him in the summer with £150-200 million? If so and if he can bring in a top defender, a top no.10 and another striker, another run at the title is very much on.

Well we spent 72m on a dud when we weren't even in CL football so I expect these owners to open up the purse strings the next window opens up. If they don't, and we don't improve the squad then it's going to be uphill next season with usual top 6 clubs strengthening not to mention Newcastle who have extremely deep pockets.

But I'm really happy with Arteta at the moment. Does he make mistakes? Of course he does. He's young and still learning.

Any posters who think he doesn't criticise or corrects his players privately, not in front of the cameras, is deluded.
You don't marginalise and then remove Auby if you don't have conviction and are weak.

I'm holding out for next season, and if existing players continue to improve then we should be in good shape to kick on and compete again. Meanwhile, let's see how this season ends

 

[IMMY69]

Why must people think this is the peak? That it's all downhill from here? That we're the Leicester with our 1 in a million chance and we blew it, so back down to mediocrity we go? Come on. You're sounding like Neville at the end of last season, saying scraping 4th is the most Arteta can achieve at Arsenal and that's the ceiling. Anyone celebrating right now that we've secured CL by about 30 points? No.

These players, this manager, this club is on the way up, not down, regardless of whether we end up bottling it this season or not. It's clear as day.

In fact, I wrote as much in numerous posts when we bottled top 4 last season while everyone was calling for Arteta's head. Am I a genius, or in hindsight was improvement actually quite predictable?

Amen

 

[Amjid Javed]

Video online now of a young Arsenal fan (girl) mascot - asking for shirt to be signed outside dressing room and not a single player including captain having decency to even say hello.

Pretty poor stuff, fact players can't even shoe time for young fans.

Video is on daily mail.

 

[The_KING]

Video online now of a young Arsenal fan (girl) mascot - asking for shirt to be signed outside dressing room and not a single player including captain having decency to even say hello.

Pretty poor stuff, fact players can't even shoe time for young fans.

Video is on daily mail.

I felt really sad for the little girl. She was looking up at the players hoping that they would say hello and they didn’t. It sums up modern footballers. The disconnect between footballers and fans is larger than ever.

 

[MenInG]

Video online now of a young Arsenal fan (girl) mascot - asking for shirt to be signed outside dressing room and not a single player including captain having decency to even say hello.

Pretty poor stuff, fact players can't even shoe time for young fans.

Video is on daily mail.

The father of an Arsenal mascot has said his daughter had a "lovely time" after the players were accused of "blanking" her during a shirt signing before a Premier League match.

Arsenal's senior men's team were criticised after the club's Twitter account posted a video of them with the mascot before their 2-2 draw with West Ham United on Sunday.

In the video, which has been viewed more than 7.7 million times, the team's manager, Mikel Arteta, followed by numerous first-team players, sign an Arsenal shirt for the mascot.

But the players were criticised by many viewers who felt they had "blanked" the schoolgirl mascot, who was still smiling for most of the 1 minute 49 second clip.

However, the girl's father tweeted on Tuesday: "My daughter had a lovely time as mascot for Arsenal.

"There was only a small window to meet the players and she enjoyed it very much.

"Ødegaard is her favourite player so to hold his hand onto the pitch was very special."

A spokesperson for Arsenal told Yahoo News UK that the clip was just a small part of the mascot's matchday experience, in which she met the players again in the tunnel, walked out on to the pitch with captain Martin Ødegaard and was on the pitch before the match with the team.

In the video, almost all of the players appeared to sign the shirt without saying hello to the girl or making eye contact with her.

The video was posted by Arsenal's official Twitter account at 1.29pm on Sunday, just before the team's crunch game at the London Stadium.

The club posted the video with the caption, "Making memories with our mascot".

However, many social media users were quick to criticise the apparent lack of interaction in the video.

One wrote: "Look how much hope and adoration she has in her face and how much just a smile, nod and/or hello would have made her day."

Another posted: "Are you actually kidding. Not one interaction with her. Entitled, overpaid and rude."

One Twitter user wrote: "That’s poor from them. Doesn’t take much to say hi or at least smile."

Another said: "Interaction with the girl makes memories not just signing a shirt."

Read more: Video of Arsenal team signing young mascot's shirt divides opinions

The players who signed the shirt included England star Bukayo Saka, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, captain Ødegaard and Swiss international Granit Xhaka.

Among those to criticise the players was TV presenter Nick Knowles, who tweeted: "I suggest Arsenal you get her and her family back and give your players another go at being decent human beings - admittedly they’d have to be coached into it but it might be something that sticks with some of them if it’s pointed out."

Former Scotland and Rangers footballer, now talkSPORT Breakfast host, Ally McCoist, said: “I thought it was shocking, I’ve been saying for a while now the gap between a footballer and the fan is bigger than it’s ever been.

“That was agony watching that, I was watching it thinking someone must give her a pat on the head or something, but nothing.”

However, others pointed out that the shirt signing was only one part of the matchday experience.

Videos posted on social media showed the players acknowledging the same girl, as well as a host of other mascots, in the tunnel before walking out for the match.

On Twitter, actor Billy Dunmore posted: "My younger brother was a mascot for Arsenal. This is just one part of the whole experience.

"Once the players are settled, the mascot meets them all, has chats and gets pictures."

Arsenal players have been praised this season for their interaction with mascots, with Ødegaard hailed just last month for giving his training jacket to one before a game against AFC Bournemouth.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/arsenal-players-blanking-mascot-shirt-signing-110403651.html

 

[in_cutter]

Reading and hearing that Saka is ‘tired’, ‘fatigued’. The guy is 21. Not 35. Poor excuses. Form comees and goes.

 

[topspin]

Why must people think this is the peak? That it's all downhill from here? That we're the Leicester with our 1 in a million chance and we blew it, so back down to mediocrity we go? Come on. You're sounding like Neville at the end of last season, saying scraping 4th is the most Arteta can achieve at Arsenal and that's the ceiling. Anyone celebrating right now that we've secured CL by about 30 points? No.

These players, this manager, this club is on the way up, not down, regardless of whether we end up bottling it this season or not. It's clear as day.

In fact, I wrote as much in numerous posts when we bottled top 4 last season while everyone was calling for Arteta's head. Am I a genius, or in hindsight was improvement actually quite predictable?

I also rated Arteta's achievements last season because he was significantly impacted by the injuries that hit the squad after the international break around March/April time last year.

If we don't win it this year and Arteta doesn't get the financial backing, he may as well leave and go coach a team who'll offer him more funds. He deserves to be winning titles and competing for the CL (at the very least).

Ever since he got appointed as Head Coach, no one has been brought in for more than £50m. Our record signing was for this amount when we signed Ben White.

There's only so much Arteta can do when he's got to contend with these financial constraints. The lack of squad depth and inexperience in the side will force him to leave.

The club is clearly short of ambition and that's evident by the fact that we've got trash like Rob Holding in the squad. Last summer I made it very clear that he was part deadwood that needed to be disposed of as a matter of urgency. This guy lost the plot in that North London derby at Tottenham. After that game he should never have played for Arsenal again.

In January we had a great chance to mount a serious title challenge but like [MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] I was sceptical about whether the transfer business was anywhere near enough. We needed much more than Trossard and Jorgino. We needed proper CBs, but we brought Kiwior.

How much more can Arteta put up with this? Imagine if he leaves, that's the long-term project gone to dust.

 

[topspin]

Arteta not getting players he wants is on the board and the owners. Whilst I understand Arteta would have a say in the signings, it's Edus job to get those players in.

Limited fund is due to problem ive already highlighted having to fix poor previous transfers tavares, lakonga etc. The club is not helping it self by continously going back to fix self inflicted problems 1st before address priority issues in squad.

In summer we need 2 midfielders, in reality you will probably see us signing another CB or full back to rectify yet more poor transfer decisions.

Fair play to Arteta this season he's done best he can with squad he's been given.

I do trust Edu to get whats done for club to advance to next level.

I agree with this post in its entirety (and I knew you meant to say Edu can't be trusted in the last sentence).

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

As an outsider I will firstly say this season is not over, far from it, I still think Arsenal will win the league. The last 2 games will imo work out to be a blessing in disguise, think they'll get a point at the Eithad plus think City drop points away to Brighton/Brentford which allows Arsenal a slip up at St James" Park if necessary.

Secondly, if I'm wrong about the above and Arsenal are beaten to the title then it's nothing to be ashamed about, bigger picture is that it's been an incredible season.

I can understand being close to the title and not getting over the line will hurt (I'm still haunted 27 years later) but go back to the start of the season and the majority of fans/pundits didn't have Arsenal finishing in the top 4, so to be in a title race and have it in their own hands in April is remarkable.

Arteta has done an incredible job and that too with such a young squad.

Regardless of the outcome of this season the summer will be important, Arteta needs to be backed to strengthen the squad, as he'll need it to navigate CL as well as another title challenge.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I agree with this post in its entirety (and I knew you meant to say Edu can't be trusted in the last sentence).

Come the summer man city, Liverpool, Man united, Newcastle are all going to be chasing midfield signings in the summer.

Players like caciedo, rice, Bellingham, macalister. MNS the first 3 will command big transfer fees and not only that but transfers will need to be wrapped up quickly before they are hijacked.

We will see the usual low offers from Arsenal or offers with unrealistic add ons, while City, Newcastle, Man utd (if they have new owners) will just pay what's needed abd get the job done.

Arsenal need to be buying PL proven players now, not these cheap imports with so called potential because its clear who ever is identifies these players doesn't have a clue.

Whilst in hindsight missing out on vlahavic, mudryk etc.. May have been a good thing it doesn't hide the fact the board and Edu dragged out these transfers and allowed deals to be hijacked.

Then we get the excuses on over paying, oh we didn't really want these players.

People then calling it a Edu master class because he signed 2 or 3rd choice players.

Last season and start of summer I was saying we should be looking at players like Trossard, Maddision, bissouma etc.. because these types of players are PL proven and would do a better job then the trash we have bough like Vieira, lakonga etc.

Edu seems to get a free pass from fans (expect me and you) where they ignore fact squad has holes in it still because of his transfer failings.

Our midfield is still dependant on partey staying fit and in form, how many TW has edu failed to address this problem.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I also rated Arteta's achievements last season because he was significantly impacted by the injuries that hit the squad after the international break around March/April time last year.

If we don't win it this year and Arteta doesn't get the financial backing, he may as well leave and go coach a team who'll offer him more funds. He deserves to be winning titles and competing for the CL (at the very least).

Ever since he got appointed as Head Coach, no one has been brought in for more than £50m. Our record signing was for this amount when we signed Ben White.

There's only so much Arteta can do when he's got to contend with these financial constraints. The lack of squad depth and inexperience in the side will force him to leave.

The club is clearly short of ambition and that's evident by the fact that we've got trash like Rob Holding in the squad. Last summer I made it very clear that he was part deadwood that needed to be disposed of as a matter of urgency. This guy lost the plot in that North London derby at Tottenham. After that game he should never have played for Arsenal again.

In January we had a great chance to mount a serious title challenge but like [MENTION=16]Amjid Javed[/MENTION] I was sceptical about whether the transfer business was anywhere near enough. We needed much more than Trossard and Jorgino. We needed proper CBs, but we brought Kiwior.

How much more can Arteta put up with this? Imagine if he leaves, that's the long-term project gone to dust.

The fact the club continues to address squad depth by giving extended contracts to players like Holding, elneny, Nketiah is just a cheap and safety 1st option.

Fans are like oh well if we buy replacements they will cost loads of money.

We can't sign top players to sit on the bench.

The fan base is so use to having mediocre squads that the though of having 17 or 18 players where you can rotate and there is minimal or no drop in quality is not allowed.

The club is looking to extend contracts for Nelson and xhaka. Why?

Nelson is decent at best, but makes no sense we need better option on right side to give competition for place to saka.

Xhaka, yes he's had 12 good months after 6 years at club, he is 30+ now is he realistically going to keep improving? How many clubs if he was put up for sale would want to sign him? And also most clubs won't want to pay that much money.

We saw roma offering around 11M for him a while ago.

It's literally time for club to be ruthless and move players on.

We couldn't even compete in 4 trophies this season, so without removing the garbage and getting 3 top class players in at least we will see club again sacrificing cups and then using excuses when seasons end trophyless because of clubs low standards some fans will dress it up as progress.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Well we spent 72m on a dud when we weren't even in CL football so I expect these owners to open up the purse strings the next window opens up. If they don't, and we don't improve the squad then it's going to be uphill next season with usual top 6 clubs strengthening not to mention Newcastle who have extremely deep pockets.

But I'm really happy with Arteta at the moment. Does he make mistakes? Of course he does. He's young and still learning.

Any posters who think he doesn't criticise or corrects his players privately, not in front of the cameras, is deluded.
You don't marginalise and then remove Auby if you don't have conviction and are weak.

I'm holding out for next season, and if existing players continue to improve then we should be in good shape to kick on and compete again. Meanwhile, let's see how this season ends

So your holding out for next season? So tell me how long this So called "process" at club is how many more years? When according to the "process" should club win the league or CL? And when does accountability take place?

So what is progress next season?

Any big Clubs success is based what they win.

All this Arsenal are ahead of schedule ** that fans are using as an excuse if we finish 2nd is laughable.

I'd like someone to show me this so called scheduled that Arsenal are on.

 

[IMMY69]

So your holding out for next season? So tell me how long this So called "process" at club is how many more years? When according to the "process" should club win the league or CL? And when does accountability take place?

So what is progress next season?

Any big Clubs success is based what they win.

All this Arsenal are ahead of schedule ** that fans are using as an excuse if we finish 2nd is laughable.

I'd like someone to show me this so called scheduled that Arsenal are on.

I have answered this already.

From my perspective, they have this summer transfer window and then next season. I would like them to be competing for the title and at least one trophy.
However, nothing is black and white, if I see progression in the squad and the players mentality then that's all anyone can ask for. However, if the squad isn't strengthened with quality players and we continue to show the same mentality towards the end of next season, then I'll be calling for changes.

By changes, it may not necessarily be change of head coach. Could be ownership or sporting director or, although more unlikely, the manager himself.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I have answered this already.

From my perspective, they have this summer transfer window and then next season. I would like them to be competing for the title and at least one trophy.
However, nothing is black and white, if I see progression in the squad and the players mentality then that's all anyone can ask for. However, if the squad isn't strengthened with quality players and we continue to show the same mentality towards the end of next season, then I'll be calling for changes.

By changes, it may not necessarily be change of head coach. Could be ownership or sporting director or, although more unlikely, the manager himself.

Thank you, a good honest Answer.

Challenging for title again next season is a must. If we don't win the league this season then next season yes a Major trophy needs to be won (I don't mean an FA Cup or league cup)

Depend on how season ends 2nd or 1st.

Progression from here is either winning title next season or retaining the one won this season if it happens.

Also massive improvement in Europe and cups.

Only way to measure profession on mentality is to see how players fare in pressure situations and that ultimately is in title races or cup finals.

 

[MenInG]

Thank you, a good honest Answer.

Challenging for title again next season is a must. If we don't win the league this season then next season yes a Major trophy needs to be won (I don't mean an FA Cup or league cup)

Depend on how season ends 2nd or 1st.

Progression from here is either winning title next season or retaining the one won this season if it happens.

Also massive improvement in Europe and cups.

Only way to measure profession on mentality is to see how players fare in pressure situations and that ultimately is in title races or cup finals.

Which players should we get rid off before the next season?

 

[KingKhanWC]

As an outsider I will firstly say this season is not over, far from it, I still think Arsenal will win the league. The last 2 games will imo work out to be a blessing in disguise, think they'll get a point at the Eithad plus think City drop points away to Brighton/Brentford which allows Arsenal a slip up at St James" Park if necessary.

Secondly, if I'm wrong about the above and Arsenal are beaten to the title then it's nothing to be ashamed about, bigger picture is that it's been an incredible season.

I can understand being close to the title and not getting over the line will hurt (I'm still haunted 27 years later) but go back to the start of the season and the majority of fans/pundits didn't have Arsenal finishing in the top 4, so to be in a title race and have it in their own hands in April is remarkable.

Arteta has done an incredible job and that too with such a young squad.

Regardless of the outcome of this season the summer will be important, Arteta needs to be backed to strengthen the squad, as he'll need it to navigate CL as well as another title challenge.

Highly unlikely but I agree with the rest.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Which players should we get rid off before the next season?

A very long list!

Holding
Elneny
Tomiyasu (To injury prone)
Xhaka (upgrade needed)
Nelson (need a better right winger option to give competition to Saka)
Balagun (reluctant but he wants regular 1st team football)
AMN
Pepe
Cedric
Mari
Tavares
Runnarson
Lakonga
Viera

Being in CL next season and wanting to do well in cups as well, the above are not good enough

 

[MenInG]

A very long list!

Holding
Elneny
Tomiyasu (To injury prone)
Xhaka (upgrade needed)
Nelson (need a better right winger option to give competition to Saka)
Balagun (reluctant but he wants regular 1st team football)
AMN
Pepe
Cedric
Mari
Tavares
Runnarson
Lakonga
Viera

Being in CL next season and wanting to do well in cups as well, the above are not good enough

Realistically is it possible to offload so many players in a few months AND get replacements?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Realistically is it possible to offload so many players in a few months AND get replacements?

Half the players I named are currently out on loan and have no future at the club.

Midfield is the priority in the summer. Elneny, xhaka, Partey and jorghino are all over 30, lakonga simply isn't Arsenal standard. Of Arsenal want to go to next level and compete thar means improving midfield massively. Let's all be honest if partey is injured or out of form are midfield isn't good enough. The club need to sign 2 top quality midfielders.

We signed jorginho and hrs not going to get any better, nor is xhaka these guys have poor mobility in midfield and way Arteta wants to play we need upgrades.

Also players like holding, Nelson just need to be moved on no time for sentiment. Even Vieira is a waste of money. The fact that Arteta clearly doesn't trust him to replace oddegard is a huge warning sign for me.

Do I trust Edu to get rid of loads of players and get the "1st choice players" Arteta wants?

No! And this is where I have sympathy with Arteta. Their shouldn't be as many holes in squad depth as they are right now and that's down to Edus hit and miss recruitment

 

[Amjid Javed]

@MIG

Arsenal's squad next season should be something like the below

GK - Ramsdale / Turner

FBs - White / ZInny / Tierney / New RB signing

CBs - Gabriel / Saliba / New signing / kiwor

Midfield - Partey / Jorginho / 2 new signings

Attack Mid - oddegard / ESR / patino

Wide attackers - Saka / trossard / Martinelli / New signing

Strikers - Jesus / new signing / Eddie

5 or 6 signings needed in summer

 

[Firebat]

@MIG

Arsenal's squad next season should be something like the below

GK - Ramsdale / Turner

FBs - White / ZInny / Tierney / New RB signing

CBs - Gabriel / Saliba / New signing / kiwor

Midfield - Partey / Jorginho / 2 new signings

Attack Mid - oddegard / ESR / patino

Wide attackers - Saka / trossard / Martinelli / New signing

Strikers - Jesus / new signing / Eddie

5 or 6 signings needed in summer

I would honestly move Partey on too or at least make sure 1 of those 2 signings takes his place in the first choice XI. I'm very worried about being blindsided by some legal trouble he's got, he's walking on egg shells and could be done at any moment. Best to not have such uncertainty.

Also, if in need of more funds, we could also do with selling Eddie. 2 top strikers + Trossard who can fill in there too is enough IMO.

 

[MenInG]

Team news - Saliba & Zinchenko out
Arsenal v Southampton (Fri, 20:00 BST)

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says injured defenders William Saliba and Oleksandr Zincheckno will not be fit to play on Friday: "With William we have to wait a little bit more. He is not progressing as quickly as we had hoped. We have to be delicate. We want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the load. With the risk we would take at the moment that is not possible to do. Probably next week we will have a little bit more certainty. He is not ready yet to throw him on the pitch and compete with the intensity demanded in this league.

On Zinchenko: "We are not certain. It is a muscular injury and he needs some time to heal. We are not there yet."

==

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the atmosphere he expects at Emirates Stadium on Friday: "My players are really looking forward to tomorrow - to get the game we want and the result we want, playing in front of our crowd again.

"There are seven games left. We have four to play at the Emirates, which is a big thing and we are looking forward to it.

"It's a Friday night. It has to be electric. I want that crowd playing every single ball with our team. A full capacity, energy-wise, and everybody being very positive, pushing the team."

 

[Amjid Javed]

I would honestly move Partey on too or at least make sure 1 of those 2 signings takes his place in the first choice XI. I'm very worried about being blindsided by some legal trouble he's got, he's walking on egg shells and could be done at any moment. Best to not have such uncertainty.

Also, if in need of more funds, we could also do with selling Eddie. 2 top strikers + Trossard who can fill in there too is enough IMO.

Partey needs to be phased out as well, but he would be last on list to go, we Need to gey away from depending on him being fit and in form in order for us to play well.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Team news - Saliba & Zinchenko out
Arsenal v Southampton (Fri, 20:00 BST)

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says injured defenders William Saliba and Oleksandr Zincheckno will not be fit to play on Friday: "With William we have to wait a little bit more. He is not progressing as quickly as we had hoped. We have to be delicate. We want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the load. With the risk we would take at the moment that is not possible to do. Probably next week we will have a little bit more certainty. He is not ready yet to throw him on the pitch and compete with the intensity demanded in this league.

On Zinchenko: "We are not certain. It is a muscular injury and he needs some time to heal. We are not there yet."

==

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the atmosphere he expects at Emirates Stadium on Friday: "My players are really looking forward to tomorrow - to get the game we want and the result we want, playing in front of our crowd again.

"There are seven games left. We have four to play at the Emirates, which is a big thing and we are looking forward to it.

"It's a Friday night. It has to be electric. I want that crowd playing every single ball with our team. A full capacity, energy-wise, and everybody being very positive, pushing the team."

Zinchenko over last 5 years has missed same amount of time injured as Tierney, to many injury prone defenders in our squad.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "It's not fair"<br><br>Mikel Arteta responds to criticism of his players on social media &#55357;&#56492; <a href="https://t.co/D6Odn7n3yd">pic.twitter.com/D6Odn7n3yd</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1649316525747101698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Rana]

Win tonight should secure champions league

Let’s get this job done first boys

 

[Amjid Javed]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "It's not fair"<br><br>Mikel Arteta responds to criticism of his players on social media &#55357;&#56492; <a href="https://t.co/D6Odn7n3yd">pic.twitter.com/D6Odn7n3yd</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1649316525747101698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sore loser mentality, players if they are not doing well should be constructively criticised (no abuse). All this wrapping players in cotton wool is main reason they have this mental block when real pressure is on.

 

[Amjid Javed]

If you compare last season to this season and the progress

PL - Total Defeats 13 (this season 3 so far) - huge improvement

PL - Away Defeats 9 (this season 2 so far) - huge improvement

PL - Top 6 games
Played 10 - won 3 lost 7
Played 8 - Won 4 drawn 1 lost 3

All 3 of the above stats werent exceptable last season and they have improved massively last season.

Games in North East and west (Liverpool, City, United, Newcastle, man city)

Last season Played 5 - lost 5
This season Played 3 - lost 2 drawn 1

Games vs City / Newcastle.

Reality is that if we perform poorly in these games as well that's likely to cost us the league (so called fine margins)

So if we finish 2nd and people use excuses like we had young team, city have better squad, we havent spent as much money as City, we were expected to challenge and other nonsense.

The plain facts are the failure to massive improve on games in north West/ east will decide whether we win title or not.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Win tonight should secure champions league

Let’s get this job done first boys

Bro please don't tell me your celebrating CL qualification, we can't even handle europa league *

 

[Rana]

Bro please don't tell me your celebrating CL qualification, we can't even handle europa league *

Mate I’ll take CL any day

The ultimate competition. I recon we need an elite CF and we can compete with this squad. Our best chance to sign one is by making CL

 

[Amjid Javed]

Mate I’ll take CL any day

The ultimate competition. I recon we need an elite CF and we can compete with this squad. Our best chance to sign one is by making CL

I understand CL will allow us to sign better players, we definitely need 2 new midfielder as well, even then I can see us just making up the numbers in CL.

 

[Rana]

I understand CL will allow us to sign better players, we definitely need 2 new midfielder as well, even then I can see us just making up the numbers in CL.

There are seasoned competitors like RM, Bayern and City. We are not in their league but then there are others like Napoli, AC, Inter etc who can go far in the competition as long as they get a decent draw and decent second round/QF fixtures. We can definitely hope for the best

When we were playing CL regularly, in our last few years we just couldn’t get out of ties against Bayern and Barcelona unfortunately, that too when we were always handicapped with our shoe string budget. Arsenal clearly are more flexible now with money so I’m hoping we will make those important, big signings to compete

 

[Amjid Javed]

There are seasoned competitors like RM, Bayern and City. We are not in their league but then there are others like Napoli, AC, Inter etc who can go far in the competition as long as they get a decent draw and decent second round/QF fixtures. We can definitely hope for the best

When we were playing CL regularly, in our last few years we just couldn’t get out of ties against Bayern and Barcelona unfortunately, that too when we were always handicapped with our shoe string budget. Arsenal clearly are more flexible now with money so I’m hoping we will make those important, big signings to compete

Italian teams definitely got an Easy draw this season. Whoever out of City / Real get to final will win final easily.

Let's see if we get out of group stages next season lol.

 

[Rana]

Yep

Let’s gift 3 points to the relegation side and end our title run!

 

[Rana]

Omg what are we doing??

 

[ssuhaide]

Total bottle jobs. If they do not get 3 points then and lose to City next weeks its over

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Show some balls / Jorgino

 

[Firebat]

This is a textbook title race bottle. So pathetic

 

[Saj]

What the hell is going on - already 2-0 down.

All over the place.

 

[Rana]

The only fighter we have

Martinelli!!

 

[Firebat]

The only fighter we have

Martinelli!!

Martinelli is good, but it's all Saka mate. He's our only hope

 

[Firebat]

Fans are doing their part, the noise is deafening.

 

[Rana]

Who is this Phil Mitchell ref??

 

[Rana]

Every time SH go forward they look like they will score

Pathetic defending!

 

[Saj]

Back in it at 2-1 but defensively Arsenal have been all over the place again.

Ramsdale looking very shaky so far.

 

[Rana]

Martinelli is in that Champion form and mindset!

He is our key!

 

[Rana]

Theo Walcott the Umar Akmal of football

What a gifted player he was who didn’t do justice to his talent!

 

[Rana]

Viera needs to be subbed

Absolutely useless!

 

[Amjid Javed]

Absoloute shambolic 1st half, This is what happens when you persist with players like holding in the sqaud.

Vieira is one of the worst players i have ever seen at the club.

why is this fraud starting ahead of ESR.

Bottle jobs!