Arsenal FC | 2023/24 Season

[Mamoon]

No Arteta on the touchline for the Villa game makes me feel a bit uneasy. His energy and passion has a huge impact on the team, but they can also use this as a motivation.

Circle back to January 2022 when Arteta was unavailable for the City game and Arsenal used that occasion to produce one of their best performances of the season at least in the first half.

Arteta will prepare the team well and he will take his absence into consideration while preparing the team.

Arsenal should put the Aston Villa drama to an end at least for the time being and come away with all three points. Would love to Martinez cry as usual.

Emery is a good guy and no ill feelings towards but he also needs to be reminded why he is managing Aston Villa not Arsenal.

 

[Technics 1210]

I know you are in a lot of pain and it hurts like hell, but such results show real character of the team. Luton made life very difficult for Arsenal but Arsenal still found a way.

Must sting like a bee to see Declan Rice play for Arsenal but it is what it is.

Why would I be in pain? Arsenal fans like you celebrating a victory over Luton show who is really in pain and in need of hope. Just like Arteta, celebrating the last goal and getting booked for it.

As usual no answer other than Luton made life difficult. Typical, always focusing on the symptoms and not cause.

Fact is, Luton should not have made life hell for Arsenal. Anyone who understands football will know this.

But carry on celebrating like Arsenal have beaten a top tier PL team!

It's in the bag.

 

[Mamoon]

Why would I be in pain? Arsenal fans like you celebrating a victory over Luton show who is really in pain and in need of hope. Just like Arteta, celebrating the last goal and getting booked for it.

As usual no answer other than Luton made life difficult. Typical, always focusing on the symptoms and not cause.

Fact is, Luton should not have made life hell for Arsenal. Anyone who understands football will know this.

But carry on celebrating like Arsenal have beaten a top tier PL team!

It's in the bag.

Playing Luton at home isn’t easy. Anyone who understands football will know this.

Everyone thought they would go straight back down but they will survive.

Arsenal conceded two goals from set-pieces. It happens. Arsenal is still the hardest team to score off from open play.

Arsenal is a top-tier team. Arteta has made Arsenal a force again and will make Arsenal champions. There is no doubt about that.

 

[Technics 1210]

Playing Luton at home isn’t easy.

Based on what? That a home team has an advantage as the home support is the 12th man?

You have never been to a football game, but maybe you should have a look at Luton's PL record, oh wait, not much to reflect on other than Luton has played 15 games in the PL, and won just 2.

But carry on with playing Luton at home isn't easy to cover the cracks over Arsenal's fragile defence.

 

[Mamoon]

Based on what? That a home team has an advantage as the home support is the 12th man?

You have never been to a football game, but maybe you should have a look at Luton's PL record, oh wait, not much to reflect on other than Luton has played 15 games in the PL, and won just 2.

But carry on with playing Luton at home isn't easy to cover the cracks over Arsenal's fragile defence.

The “fragile” defense has conceded the least number of goals in the league along with Liverpool and Newcastle.

It is hugely entertaining.

Arsenal will win the PL under Arteta and there is nothing that the haters can do other than hate.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Based on what? That a home team has an advantage as the home support is the 12th man?

You have never been to a football game, but maybe you should have a look at Luton's PL record, oh wait, not much to reflect on other than Luton has played 15 games in the PL, and won just 2.

But carry on with playing Luton at home isn't easy to cover the cracks over Arsenal's fragile defence.

I think based on Luton not losing to Liverpool as well as not losing by more than a goal, which suggests at home they are difficult to beat

 

[Technics 1210]

The “fragile” defense has conceded the least number of goals in the league along with Liverpool and Newcastle.

You didn't just say that did you? No one is expecting a 7 goal feast between Arsenal / Liverpool!

Yet this same defense you allude to let Luton score 3 goals.

Look, no matter how you spin it, yes 3 points is 3 points, but in any normal world, Arsenal should have routed Luton, which is why the scoreline exposed Arsenal more than it did Luton.

But keep celebrating a last minute win over relegation contenders!

 

[Mamoon]

You didn't just say that did you? No one is expecting a 7 goal feast between Arsenal / Liverpool!

Yet this same defense you allude to let Luton score 3 goals.

Look, no matter how you spin it, yes 3 points is 3 points, but in any normal world, Arsenal should have routed Luton, which is why the scoreline exposed Arsenal more than it did Luton.

But keep celebrating a last minute win over relegation contenders!

Arsenal conceded 2 goals from corners (which can happen to anyone) and 1 due to a GK howler. The defensive solidity is not a perception, it is backed by stats.

Routing a relegation-contender doesn’t build character but winning the way Arsenal did the other not only builds character.

 

[Technics 1210]

Arsenal conceded 2 goals from corners (which can happen to anyone) and 1 due to a GK howler. The defensive solidity is not a perception, it is backed by stats.

Routing a relegation-contender doesn’t build character but winning the way Arsenal did the other not only builds character but also makes haters like you cry and moan about flukes which makes it sweeter.

I will make it easy for everyone.

From BBC (where you lifted your line above from): https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/luton-town

Luton 3-4 Arsenal: Key stats published at 22:46 5 December​

• Arsenal had 52 touches in the opposition box against Luton this evening, their highest tally in a Premier League away game since September 2016 (55 vs Hull City).
• Arsenal conceded three goals in a Premier League match for the first time this season, shipping as many goals tonight as in their previous six away games this term. Meanwhile, Luton scored three goals in a top-flight match for the first time since April 1991 (3-3 v Chelsea).
• Arsenal conceded twice from a corner in this match, the first time they’d done so in a Premier League match since August 2017 against Leicester City (a match they also won 4-3). They’d only conceded one corner goal in the league this season before tonight.

 

[MenInG]

Like it or not Arsenal are HUGE contenders for the title this year.

 

[Mamoon]

I will make it easy for everyone.

From BBC (where you lifted your line above from): https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/luton-town

Luton 3-4 Arsenal: Key stats published at 22:46 5 December​

• Arsenal had 52 touches in the opposition box against Luton this evening, their highest tally in a Premier League away game since September 2016 (55 vs Hull City).
• Arsenal conceded three goals in a Premier League match for the first time this season, shipping as many goals tonight as in their previous six away games this term. Meanwhile, Luton scored three goals in a top-flight match for the first time since April 1991 (3-3 v Chelsea).
• Arsenal conceded twice from a corner in this match, the first time they’d done so in a Premier League match since August 2017 against Leicester City (a match they also won 4-3). They’d only conceded one corner goal in the league this season before tonight.

I didn’t read about this match on the BBC. There is no need to when I watched the game.

Let me make it easy for you too - Arsenal is fighting for the title and it is something you didn’t expect or anticipate under Arteta hence the bitterness.

Arsenal took all three points. They were challenged and pushed to the limits but they fought through.

£105m for Rice seems like a Black Friday Sale. Best £100m any PL club has ever spent in a very long time.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

It seems such a strange thing to criticise Arsenal for winning it late on away to a newly promoted side, all seasons will have results/performances like this

I mean last year didn't City drew 1-1 away to Forest? And as mentioned this season we've seen Luton hold Liverpool to a draw

Of course Arsenal would have preferred a nice comfortable 4-0 win but football doesn't work like that, if you aren't in peak form then the priority is to just find a way to win and move on to the next game and Arsenal managed to do that

If the follow it up with a good result against Villa (avoiding loss and above would be a very good result) then it keeps them in a very good position heading into the busy festive period

 

[The Bald Eagle]

David Raya's mistakes could cost Arsenal the Premier League title, says Chris Sutton on It's All Kicking Off... but he does pledge to write a letter of apology if the Spaniard proves him wrong!​

Chris Sutton has told Mail Sport's It's All Kicking off show he fears David Raya's errors could cost Arsenal the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta has kept faith with the Spanish goalkeeper since replacing England international Aaron Ramsdale earlier in the campaign.

But Raya was at fault for 2 goals in Arsenal'S 4-3 win at Luton Town on Tuesday night. He allowed Elijah Adebayo to out-jump him and score, before seeing Ross Barkley's shot squirm underneath him.

Afterwards, Arteta looked uncomfortable as he refused to discuss the goalkeeping situation.

Source : Daily Mail

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Everything going Arsenal's way at the moment. But mistakes like that in crunch games can become too hefty for them. Arsenal living dangerously at the moment let's see what's in store for them.

 

[MenInG]

Mikel Arteta said he had three great goalkeepers and was happy with the goalkeeping situation in general at Arsenal.

On his continued selection of David Raya ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, the Spaniard added: "There is no debate when you look at his [Raya's] form and what he has achieved since he has been with us. He has been really impressive.

"We have to support our players and protect them and get the best out of them. Every player deserves right support and right love."

 

[MK7Z]

This Raya and Ramsdale debate is so big because Ramsdale is English and potentially in line to become the next number 1. They cant have that can they

Ramsdale made countless errors last season. Also shots he should have saved. United at home comes to mind, the Martinez header. Also he was poor in the 3-0 at home to Brighton. I can name others.

Even the goals against Fulham earlier this season he was poor. He was poor against West Ham in the cup.

I think Raya has made major errors but having said that its not as though Ramsdale has been clean. As long as Arsenal stay top I couldn't care less.

One thing is for sure. Raya is better with his feet. Ramsdale looks like he is running on a treadmill before he kicks it.

Bare in mind Ederson is not an amazing shot stopper but look at them.....

 

[KingKhanWC]

Liverpool are just as average defensively as Arsenal, only difference is Allison usually bails Liverpool our with number of chances you concede.

Yes game at Anfield will be tough.

Arsenal have tough games vs Villa, and Brighton before that

I agree Liverpool will also concede, it could be a straight shoot out. Although Liverpool have improved their defence this year. I think Alison will be back by then. Should be one of the games of the season.

Huge few weeks for Arsenal, win all 3 v Villa, Brighton and LFC, you'll be strong fav for the titles.

My predictions.

v Villa - 1-1
v Brighton - 3-1
v LFC - 2-4

 

[Amjid Javed]

Villa are very attacking at home, so it should make for an open game. Arsenal need to assert control in midfield on Saturday, that is something they didn't do away to Chelsea or Newcastle away this season. If the midfield gets over run like it did at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal will get hammered.

Villa will start quickly, so Arsenal need to be ready for that. I do think we will get at least a point from the game though.

I can see ending 2-2.

 

[Amjid Javed]

It seems such a strange thing to criticise Arsenal for winning it late on away to a newly promoted side, all seasons will have results/performances like this

I mean last year didn't City drew 1-1 away to Forest? And as mentioned this season we've seen Luton hold Liverpool to a draw

Of course Arsenal would have preferred a nice comfortable 4-0 win but football doesn't work like that, if you aren't in peak form then the priority is to just find a way to win and move on to the next game and Arsenal managed to do that

If the follow it up with a good result against Villa (avoiding loss and above would be a very good result) then it keeps them in a very good position heading into the busy festive period

Arsenal had quite a few flakey performances against newly promoted sides last season, also failed to beat relegated Southampton home or away, so this is why there would have been criticism in regard to how team conceded goals.

We scored plenty of late winners last season as well and ultimately it accounted for nothing.

Bournemouth and villa games being prime examples of scoring late winners and it was hyped as sign of champions.

One poster even got so carried away and said it was in the bag.

Arsenal play villa, brighton, Liverpool and West ham in next 4, so we will see then after 19 games and a busy Xmas period how well we are doing.

If we get results at villa and Liverpool that will be seen as a statement of intent.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Villa 1 - 0 Arsenal

Going down a goal early at Villa Park is going to hurt, the crowd and the Villa players will find an extra 10% energy.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Early goal for Villa, ball played into vacant left back area (Zinchenko) no where to be seen, then to allow a cross and turn and shot. Pathetic defensive effort all round from back 4

1-0 mcginn

 

[Amjid Javed]

Villa 1 - 0 Arsenal

Going down a goal early at Villa Park is going to hurt, the crowd and the Villa players will find an extra 10% energy.

Pathetic goal given away defensively

 

[KingKhanWC]

Pathetic goal given away defensively

It is now a fascinating match. Arsenal as an XI are more than good enough to come back and win. It will come down to Arteta's game plan now. Imo Arsenal need to be patient, let the Villa run around chasing possession, this will open up the spaces to attack their goal.

Will be Villa run out of steam early, they gave it all v City.

 

[Amjid Javed]

It is now a fascinating match. Arsenal as an XI are more than good enough to come back and win. It will come down to Arteta's game plan now. Imo Arsenal need to be patient, let the Villa run around chasing possession, this will open up the spaces to attack their goal.

Will be Villa run out of steam early, they gave it all v City.

Villa look compact like they did vs City and will look to break on counter and transition ball into spaces between Arsenal fullbacks. They have already exposed crychenko non existent defending

 

[KingKhanWC]

Villa look compact like they did vs City and will look to break on counter and transition ball into spaces between Arsenal fullbacks. They have already exposed crychenko non existent defending

Agree, chenko is a liability here, already on a yellow now.

Villa organising to keep it tight . City only managed 2 shots on target v Villa, both from Haaland in one move. Arsenal must take any chances they get.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Agree, chenko is a liability here, already on a yellow now.

Villa organising to keep it tight . City only managed 2 shots on target v Villa, both from Haaland in one move. Arsenal must take any chances they get.

Saka and oddegard should have done better with chances they just have got.

Crychenko on yellow is a disaster. Tomiyasu injured and kiwor isn't really a LB.

Arsenal need to take these chances and not give Villa a sniff

 

[Amjid Javed]

Oddegard should have buried that another chance missed

 

[KingKhanWC]

Saka and oddegard should have done better with chances they just have got.

Crychenko on yellow is a disaster. Tomiyasu injured and kiwor isn't really a LB.

Arsenal need to take these chances and not give Villa a sniff

Much better from Arsenal but agree you have to take one of those chances.

Villa will tire for sure.

Lets see if Arteta changes the system or some players at HT.

This match will open up in the 2nd half, plenty of time to get back into it.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Much better from Arsenal but agree you have to take one of those chances.

Villa will tire for sure.

Lets see if Arteta changes the system or some players at HT.

This match will open up in the 2nd half, plenty of time to get back into it.

Arsenal need a goal early in 2nd half.

Jesus has run around like a headless chicken and Martinelli and saka need to be more clinical here.

Villa will get chances in 2nd half and the way Arsensl make mistakes it could be 2-0 and game over.

The Chelsea, Newcastle away games were poor and this 1st half here has been same.

 

[Amjid Javed]

What an earth was that attempted free kick by saka

 

[Amjid Javed]

70 mins gone and no subs, Arteta / coaching staff being poor with changes as per usual

 

[Amjid Javed]

80 mins of toothless attacking from Arsenal so far

 

[Amjid Javed]

3rd big away game this season after Chelsea and Newcastle and yet another woeful performance

Still have to play Liverpool, City, spurs, Brighton and United away still

 

[Mamoon]

Martinelli is crap. He should be next on Arteta’s hit-list.

A totally average player with poor decision-making and no consistency whatsoever.

 

[Technics 1210]

Normal services have resumed.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Also our away record has been extremely impressive so this is going to be a real blockbuster game...

Bring it on

Poor performance, the so called impressive away record?

Lost away to Newcastle and Villa and drawn vs Chelsea in the 3 big away games this season

 

[Amjid Javed]

There is no doubt about the fact that Arsenal is a better team than Villa and Arteta is a better manager than Emery.

Very few Villa players will start for Arsenal and there is a reason why Emery was booted out by the club while they never even thought about removing Arteta regardless of the criticism by the impatient fans.

Well done on yet another clueless post!

Villa have now won 15 PL games in a row at home.

Mediocre performance from Arsenal, let's hear your excuses

 

[Amjid Javed]

Massive game coming up on Saturday. A chance to remind Emery why he is best suited to be a big fish in a small pond and didn’t have what it takes to manage Arsenal.

Emery and Martinez getting owned by Arsenal over the weekend would be just perfect.

Well done - yet another reality check for you.

Arsenal ain't winning anything under Arteta this season.

Clueless performance from Arsenal today, just like the Newcastle game and the vast majority of Chelsea game to

 

[Amjid Javed]

Normal services have resumed.

This is why I haven't got carried away this season.

Certain posters haven't learnt their lessons from last season @Mamoon - where was the defence on the goal?

Arsenal are tough to score against in open play

 

[Mamoon]

Normal services have resumed.

What normal service would that be? VAR cheating to beat Arsenal?

Good job. They are 2/2 this season.

 

[Mamoon]

This is why I haven't got carried away this season.

Certain posters haven't learnt their lessons from last season @Mamoon - where was the defence on the goal?

Arsenal are tough to score against in open play

Tough to score against in open play doesn’t mean you will never concede a goal.

Arsenal were cheated by VAR today just they were against Newcastle.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Tough to score against in open play doesn’t mean you will never concede a goal.

Arsenal were cheated by VAR today just they were against Newcastle.

Stop talking. Arsenal were toothless going forward.

Where was Zinchenko on the villa goal? You like to call players useless

Where were Artetas tactics to out master Emery, sometimes you need to learn to

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Match Report

Full time score Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal.

A hugely frustrating night for Arsenal but what an evening for Aston Villa.

They move a point behind the Gunners thanks to McGinn’s early goal.

Arsenal grew into the first half and started the second brightly, but then the game dwindled for them as Villa regained the defensive discipline that served them so well from kickoff.

Odegaard, in particular, will feel he could have done better with a couple of chances at least.

Saka had sighters, while Jesus was quiet. The late disallowed Saka goal will be debated but Aresenal were not up to the task.

Villa are two points behind leaders Liverpool and five clear of Manchester City in fourth spot.

Source : Al Jazeera

 

[The Bald Eagle]

O man! The VAR controversy cost Arsenal today. Should have been more clinical too today. Anyways still a long way to go in EPL title race.

 

[Technics 1210]

What normal service would that be? VAR cheating to beat Arsenal?

Good job. They are 2/2 this season.

Havertz effort was ruled out for handball, called by the ref, confirmed by VAR, yes VAR was cheating and Arsenal were robbed off a solitary point.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal put in another pathetic away performance like this at Anfield on 23 Dec and they are getting smoked

 

[Amjid Javed]

What normal service would that be? VAR cheating to beat Arsenal?

Good job. They are 2/2 this season.

Stop deflecting from yet another poor performance, where was Zinchenko on the goal?

What we're Arteta's tactics today?

 

[IMMY69]

Stop talking rubbish. Arsenal were toothless going forward.

Where was Zinchenko on the villa goal? You like to call players useless

Where were Artetas tactics to out master Emery, sometimes you need to learn to

Aj,
I am not going to reply to your posts, ever again.

Ciao

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

O man! The VAR controversy cost Arsenal today. Should have been more clinical too today. Anyways still a long way to go in EPL title race.

How is it controversial?

The ref gave the decision, it was the correct decision, VAR confirmed it was correct

You can't call it controversial just because you wanted it to be a goal

Having said that, the handball law is a joke and should be amended

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Tough to score against in open play doesn’t mean you will never concede a goal.

Arsenal were cheated by VAR today just they were against Newcastle.

Cheated? Howay man

Both decisions were correct

Also, if VAR didn't exists the end outcome is the exact same. Goal for us and no goal for Arsenal

 

[Amjid Javed]

Aj,
I am not going to reply to your posts, ever again.

Ciao

Why? Because reality has hit home.

Maybe you and mamoon at somepoint will stop getting carried away.

You mentioned about Arsenal's away form being good, reality is if you look at teams we've played we've beaten bottom half PL teams and the big games Newcastle, Chelsea and now Villa performances have not been good enough

 

[MK7Z]

I think the penalty should have been given. Palace got one earlier.
Also intentional elbow on Eddie was a red.

The goal according to the rules was the correct decision however how the ref called it live I have no idea.

Having said that I thought we played well without scorong. Martin was guilty today.

They goal was pathetic from Zinchenko. How somebody has such poor positional sense I don't know. He did it again an got away with it.

I would have been happy with a draw but oh well on to the next one.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I think the penalty should have been given. Palace got one earlier.
Also intentional elbow on Eddie was a red.

The goal according to the rules was the correct decision however how the ref called it live I have no idea.

Having said that I thought we played well without scorong. Martin was guilty today.

They goal was pathetic from Zinchenko. How somebody has such poor positional sense I don't know. He did it again an got away with it.

I would have been happy with a draw but oh well on to the next one.

In tightly fought bigger games, they tend to be settled on fine margins. We were clinical enough and gave a cheap goal away.

With Tomiyasu injured this month then away at Asia cup in Jan / Feb it means crychenko will keep being used at LB and will keep being a liability

 

[MK7Z]

In tightly fought bigger games, they tend to be settled on fine margins. We were clinical enough and gave a cheap goal away.

With Tomiyasu injured this month then away at Asia cup in Jan / Feb it means crychenko will keep being used at LB and will keep being a liability

Yea you keep reminding me and I keep ignoring it on purpose about Asia Cup and Zinny

It's one of those things you hope will go away if you just ignore it. But the reality is Zinny is the weak link in this team. Ben White didn't cover himself in glory either.

I'm not mad at the performance but at the end of it the fact is we got nothing.

I don't think Unai tactically did Arteta. Even Sunday league footballers know to attack Zinchenko's side or play it over the top on that side.

Havertz did well I thought. Rice was industrial.
I think the Skipper was below par today.

I maintain what I said about Liverpool, it'll catch up with them soon. They got the luck with ref today and we didn't.

Also this may sound odd but to get Everton, Villa, Newcastle, Brentford and pool in a couple of weeks out the way at this point in the season is not a bad thing. All been hard grounds for Arsenal in the past. I know we play spurs city and United away yet but those are tough games home and away always.

We have a tough end to the season but we've gotta somehow stay in the mix until then and see if we learn from last season. If we haven't it's time to reassess and have some difficult ackward conversations about the future. But that's a long way to go... Lets hope for the best

 

[Firebat]

My head is still spinning, can't believe we lost that. So many chances missed, so much dominance wasted, so sloppy and terrible in the final 3rd. And of course another VAR special.

What a missed opportunity, should've dispatched them. This club man

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

My head is still spinning, can't believe we lost that. So many chances missed, so much dominance wasted, so sloppy and terrible in the final 3rd. And of course another VAR special.

What a missed opportunity, should've dispatched them. This club man

I get it's frustrating when you lose, we just got beat 3-0 away to Everton and will probably in all likelihood lose to Spurs, it's never a good feeling but surely you can at least look at things logically

Please explain to me how it was a VAR special?

 

[Firebat]

I get it's frustrating when you lose, we just got beat 3-0 away to Everton and will probably in all likelihood lose to Spurs, it's never a good feeling but surely you can at least look at things logically

Please explain to me how it was a VAR special?

The ball is crossed in, Havertz heads towards goal, Cash blocks with his arm. Then the spillage occurs, hits Havertz chest, hits Cash's hand, then finally it touches Havertz hand before its slotted home.

So Cash handballs it twice, once as his arm blocks a shot at goal, before Havertz does.

Somehow in the absolute melee of all the bodies and skirmish with the ball, the referee standing far away behind Zinchenko miraculously sees the Havertz handball only, and VAR backs him up.



But I'm not a rules expert. If the rule really does say that the defender can handle before the attacker does and it's not a penalty and still a disallowed goal then fair enough, well done VAR. I can only laugh at what a pathetic rule that is and the superhuman vision of the ref, give him a pay raise.

Regardless, we should not have had to rely on that. We should have put the game to bed far earlier.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Blaming VAR is a cop out. Arsenal had so many clear cut chances, they should have won at least 1-3.

Blame the manager who failed to bring in a top class elite striker because they thought he could win the league like Pep did with City without one.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

The ball is crossed in, Havertz heads towards goal, Cash blocks with his arm. Then the spillage occurs, hits Havertz chest, hits Cash's hand, then finally it touches Havertz hand before its slotted home.

So Cash handballs it twice, once as his arm blocks a shot at goal, before Havertz does.

Somehow in the absolute melee of all the bodies and skirmish with the ball, the referee standing far away behind Zinchenko miraculously sees the Havertz handball only, and VAR backs him up.

View attachment 139930

But I'm not a rules expert. If the rule really does say that the defender can handle before the attacker does and it's not a penalty and still a disallowed goal then fair enough, well done VAR. I can only laugh at what a pathetic rule that is and the superhuman vision of the ref, give him a pay raise.

Regardless, we should not have had to rely on that. We should have put the game to bed far earlier.

The handball law is absurd, that much I agree with and it's something they need to look at and amend however as the law stands currently the correct decision was made

From a defensive point of view, when it comes to conceding a penalty the ball hitting the arm isn't automatically a penalty, the referee has to consider things like are the arms in a natural position, proximity, has it deflected off a body part, any impedance etc etc

So we can rule out a penalty because none of those imo and obviously the referees opinion applies, and I think any sensible Arsenal fan would agree with that too

Now, when it comes to scoring a goal, the law is very straightforward, any contact with the arm prior to scoring a goal will result in the goal being disallowed. There is no consideration for the arm being in a natural position, proximity, impedance etc etc. It's a simple as, contact and disallowed. (See the 4th Bournemouth goal being disallowed against Man Utd today).

This law was brought in a few seasons ago, initially it was any handball in the buildup, I recall a few goals being disallowed where it hit a players arm accidentally, play continued and then someone else scored but based on the law the goals had to be disallowed.

Because of how silly that was, they amended it, so it was now only if it makes contact with the scorer that it is disallowed. Which means, if say Havertz had left it and Nketiah finished it then the goal would have stood.

The law amendment meaning it is only the scorer and not the person before the scorer is an improvement but it's still ludicrous imo. They need to go one step further and essentially judge each incident on it's own merit, was it deliberate from Havertz or did he gain a significant advantage? Nope, therefore such goals should be allowed to stand.

However, until that change takes place it is the correct decision to disallow the goals.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Blaming VAR is a cop out. Arsenal had so many clear cut chances, they should have won at least 1-3.

Blame the manager who failed to bring in a top class elite striker because they thought he could win the league like Pep did with City without one.

Exactly, it's been a 3rd poor away performance in a big game this season after Newcastle and Chelsea. The team takes to long getting into the game etc. But supposedly this is "playing with more control" and "saving energy" for later in season.

For a team which has never been clinical enough in front of goal at pressure time, playing with less fluidity, less chances creation for so called "more control" is plain dumb

 

[MenInG]

Blaming VAR is something all teams are doing and it does hurt when tight decisions are not going our way.

 

[Mamoon]

Stop deflecting from yet another poor performance, where was Zinchenko on the goal?

What were Arteta's tactics today?

Firstly, the goal wasn’t Zinchenko’s fault only. Gabriel got turned inside out by Bailey and failed to close him down, White gave McGinn too much space to shoot. Should have stayed closer to him and could have blocked the shot.

It would have been helpful if Arteta was on the touchline. Please don’t tell me that his celebration against Luton merited a yellow card when others managers get away with 10x worse.

There is a clear agenda against him this season especially after he exposed the standard of referring and didn’t hold back. Their tears will be very tasty when Arteta lifts the PL.

Arsenal outplayed Villa thanks to his tactics. The players let him down today by not finishing the chances. He can’t finish for them.

Arsenal put in a much better performance at Villa than City did who got completely owned and humiliated.

Arsenal is still in pole position to go the distance this season in spite of Liverpool leapfrogging them this week but Arsenal are still the best placed team to win the title.

 

[Mamoon]

Blaming VAR is a cop out. Arsenal had so many clear cut chances, they should have won at least 1-3.

Blame the manager who failed to bring in a top class elite striker because they thought he could win the league like Pep did with City without one.

It is a bit rich coming from a fan whose manager has won the league only once in 8 years in spite of boasting some of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.

Everyone knows Arsenal needs a better striker. It is obviously the number one priority for next summer and Arteta and Edu will get the job done. A world class striker will arrive next summer.

Declan Rice was a more pressing need in the short-term and Arsenal badly needed a player like him that is why he was prioritized as the marquee signing last summer.

The next £100m signing for Arsenal will obviously be a forward.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Blaming VAR is something all teams are doing and it does hurt when tight decisions are not going our way.

I don't see all teams blaming VAR, Arsenal are definitely the loudest about it and that too over decisions which aren't even egregious

Also, it's not even a VAR issue, both decisions that has seemingly angered Arsenal fans were made by the on field officials

A lot stems from the behaviour of Arteta, particularly after our match, I called his behaviour pathetic and it was made worse by the club releasing a statement making him. All it did was embolden a fan base to run with this VAR agenda rather than accepting they weren't good enough, didn't create chances against us and couldn't take chances against Villa.

 

[MK7Z]

I get it's frustrating when you lose, we just got beat 3-0 away to Everton and will probably in all likelihood lose to Spurs, it's never a good feeling but surely you can at least look at things logically

Please explain to me how it was a VAR special?

What did you think of the blatant elbow on Eddie?

Again it comes down to the consistency. Palace got a penalty earlier in the day for a similar foul to the one Jesus appealed for.

The handbag rule is stupid. I don't think Arsenal can complain about the goal being disallowed. My main issue is how the hell the onfield referee called it. Surely don't guess a handball because VAR would pick it up if you didn't call it in any case.

Arsenal played better than a very good team at thier place and should have won. We didn't.
People think arsenal have a god given right to win every game otherwise it's bottling and an excuse to bash the manager.

 

[MK7Z]

Exactly, it's been a 3rd poor away performance in a big game this season after Newcastle and Chelsea. The team takes to long getting into the game etc. But supposedly this is "playing with more control" and "saving energy" for later in season.

For a team which has never been clinical enough in front of goal at pressure time, playing with less fluidity, less chances creation for so called "more control" is plain dumb

Newcastle was a poor performance. Chelsea 1st half wasn't great.

Yesterday was NOT a poor performance but a poor result.

 

[MenInG]

I don't see all teams blaming VAR, Arsenal are definitely the loudest about it and that too over decisions which aren't even egregious

Also, it's not even a VAR issue, both decisions that has seemingly angered Arsenal fans were made by the on field officials

A lot stems from the behaviour of Arteta, particularly after our match, I called his behaviour pathetic and it was made worse by the club releasing a statement making him. All it did was embolden a fan base to run with this VAR agenda rather than accepting they weren't good enough, didn't create chances against us and couldn't take chances against Villa.

Think you should check the VAR thread we have for this

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

What did you think of the blatant elbow on Eddie?

Again it comes down to the consistency. Palace got a penalty earlier in the day for a similar foul to the one Jesus appealed for.

The handbag rule is stupid. I don't think Arsenal can complain about the goal being disallowed. My main issue is how the hell the onfield referee called it. Surely don't guess a handball because VAR would pick it up if you didn't call it in any case.

Arsenal played better than a very good team at thier place and should have won. We didn't.
People think arsenal have a god given right to win every game otherwise it's bottling and an excuse to bash the manager.

Only saw the elbow incident once, looked like a red card to me but I also thought Bruno G was a red, Havertz against us was a red, Nketiah against Spurs too but none of them were given. It's ultimately a subjective decision, we've always had them and always will

As for the handball, I'm glad you agree it was the correct decision but are you genuinely trying to now say you are not happy the correct decision was made because you don't believe the referee could actually see it? Come on bro, you know how mad that sounds?

 

[MK7Z]

Only saw the elbow incident once, looked like a red card to me but I also thought Bruno G was a red, Havertz against us was a red, Nketiah against Spurs too but none of them were given. It's ultimately a subjective decision, we've always had them and always will

As for the handball, I'm glad you agree it was the correct decision but are you genuinely trying to now say you are not happy the correct decision was made because you don't believe the referee could actually see it? Come on bro, you know how mad that sounds?

Nah I'm definitely not saying that lol. I'm saying the Ref guessed and there's no way he could have been sure there was a handball. So what I'm trying to say is with it being a handball and the rule as it is it would have been ruled out anyway. The ref didn't have to guess. VAR would have rectified and this is one you couldn't blame the ref for missing but applaud VAR for doing it's job.

It could have got really messy if the VAR was unclear and they had to stick with the refs decision. The game is about goals.

Basically I don't belive he could have seen it.
That's just my opinion

To make it clear... the end decision was correct and the goal correctly stood as stupid as the rule is.

 

[MK7Z]

Correctly didn't stand sorry

Nah I'm definitely not saying that lol. I'm saying the Ref guessed and there's no way he could have been sure there was a handball. So what I'm trying to say is with it being a handball and the rule as it is it would have been ruled out anyway. The ref didn't have to guess. VAR would have rectified and this is one you couldn't blame the ref for missing but applaud VAR for doing it's job.

It could have got really messy if the VAR was unclear and they had to stick with the refs decision. The game is about goals.

Basically I don't belive he could have seen it.
That's just my opinion

To make it clear... the end decision was correct and the goal correctly stood as stupid as the rule is.

 

[IMMY69]

Someone please explain to me why Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty for a similar challenge and Arsenal weren't?

Why was the ref asked to see the monitor in the Crystal Palace game and not in the Arsenal game...

VAR aside, it was just one of those days yesterday when chances went begging... we are good for most parts and could and should have scored a few goals. But you had that feeling that it just wasn't going to be our day...

We play like we did yesterday and we'll win more games than not.

 

[MK7Z]

Someone please explain to me why Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty for a similar challenge and Arsenal weren't?

Why was the ref asked to see the monitor in the Crystal Palace game and not in the Arsenal game...

VAR aside, it was just one of those days yesterday when chances went begging... we are good for most parts and could and should have scored a few goals. But you had that feeling that it just wasn't going to be our day...

We play like we did yesterday and we'll win more games than not.

Apparently it's "subjective". All the phrases come out when a certain team is involved.

It is what it is.

Arteta charges have had no decision. They'll make him miss anfield away. Was predicted weeks ago

 

[IMMY69]

Apparently it's "subjective". All the phrases come out when a certain team is involved.

It is what it is.

Arteta charges have had no decision. They'll make him miss anfield away. Was predicted weeks ago

Well others will also say it evens itself out throughout the season... I think that was true when decisions were made by onfield officials. VAR has added a layer of inconsistency when it should have been the other way around...

Far too many inconsistencies with so many teams getting affected is unacceptable and destroying the game, no matter which team you support.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Firstly, the goal wasn’t Zinchenko’s fault only. Gabriel got turned inside out by Bailey and failed to close him down, White gave McGinn too much space to shoot. Should have stayed closer to him and could have blocked the shot.

It would have been helpful if Arteta was on the touchline. Please don’t tell me that his celebration against Luton merited a yellow card when others managers get away with 10x worse.

There is a clear agenda against him this season especially after he exposed the standard of referring and didn’t hold back. Their tears will be very tasty when Arteta lifts the PL.

Arsenal outplayed Villa thanks to his tactics. The players let him down today by not finishing the chances. He can’t finish for them.

Arsenal put in a much better performance at Villa than City did who got completely owned and humiliated.

Arsenal is still in pole position to go the distance this season in spite of Liverpool leapfrogging them this week but Arsenal are still the best placed team to win the title.

Once again you clearly didn't watch the game if you think Zinchenko didn't have some blame on the goal as well as rest of defence. 1st of all he's out of position as usual when Villa transition starts.

He then makes no attempt to cut out thr ball when it's played back out wide, if he had defensive awareness he could have attempted to stop the pass or even put a tackle in. Ball then gets played into vacant left back area where Zinchenko should have been.

Villa battered man city end result 1-0
Arsenal wasted chances vs Villa end result 1-0

And your claiming some sort of moral victory based on performance. Fact is both sides lost.

Then as per usual Arsenal will do this, Arteta will do that..

Just hollow cheerleading as usual.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal across the season in big games have put in underwhelming performances in general.

Spurs - poor performance and lucky not to lose game in 2nd half

Man united - a pretty poor game for 90 mins, then scored 2 injury time goals

Man city - poor game with both sides cancelling each other out. Won by deflected goal

Chelsea - were poor for 75 mins, then 2 late goals and salvaged a point

Newcastle - created nothing going forward apart from a tame Martinelli shot

Villa - wasteful and not clinical enough.

Arsenal haven't put in a really good performance in any of the games mentioned.

All this nonsense about playing with more control etc. The team performances have not been good enough

 

[shaz619]

It was a shock to beat City, but not Arsenal.

Unai beating Arsenal fans to remind them of their true stature.

Squeaky time has come a little earlier than usual for you this season

 

[shaz619]

Arsenal across the season in big games have put in underwhelming performances in general.

Spurs - poor performance and lucky not to lose game in 2nd half

Man united - a pretty poor game for 90 mins, then scored 2 injury time goals

Man city - poor game with both sides cancelling each other out. Won by deflected goal

Chelsea - were poor for 75 mins, then 2 late goals and salvaged a point

Newcastle - created nothing going forward apart from a tame Martinelli shot

Villa - wasteful and not clinical enough.

Arsenal haven't put in a really good performance in any of the games mentioned.

All this nonsense about playing with more control etc. The team performances have not been good enough

They played well at Villa Park all things considered eventually but unfortunately, they lack the mental strength to dominate. Villa start fast and they exploited Arsenal’s nerves.

Arsenal need to show more heart and their delusional fans need to pipe down a bit, there is too much defence of their approach in high profiles games.

All is well as long as you win the FA Cup though.

 

[Technics 1210]

Some Arsenal fans can give Pak cricket fans a run for their money

- The establishment is against the manager
- The system hates the team
- Manager had right intentions but players are to blame
- Technology is biased against Arsenal
- Technology is to blame
- Manager punished for displaying relief vs relegation contenders.
- The media is against Arsenal
- The commentators are against Arsenal

So many excuses when the truth is Arteta is a mediocre manager and some delusional fans think he is the next beat thing after Pep cos Arteta was Pep's right hand man.

Absolutely love it.

 

[Amjid Javed]

They played well at Villa Park all things considered eventually but unfortunately, they lack the mental strength to dominate. Villa start fast and they exploited Arsenal’s nerves.

Arsenal need to show more heart and their delusional fans need to pipe down a bit, there is too much defence of their approach in high profiles games.

All is well as long as you win the FA Cup though.

I said before the game that Villa would start quickly and Arsenal had to be prepared for it, but just like Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge Arsenal were slow and sluggish.

Biggest issue with this Arsenal team is no killer instinct and isn't ruthless enough, the pressure of Liverpool going top and then Arsenal having respond got to the team. As soon as pressure increases these players fail to perform.

The fact as per usual the subs were made around 70 min mark was another usual ponderous and reactive measure from coaching team. No proactivity.

Emery made subs at right times to give Villa some energy and solidity.

 

[IMMY69]

Some Arsenal fans can give Pak cricket fans a run for their money

- The establishment is against the manager
- The system hates the team
- Manager had right intentions but players are to blame
- Technology is biased against Arsenal
- Technology is to blame
- Manager punished for displaying relief vs relegation contenders.
- The media is against Arsenal
- The commentators are against Arsenal

So many excuses when the truth is Arteta is a mediocre manager and some delusional fans think he is the next beat thing after Pep cos Arteta was Pep's right hand man.

Absolutely love it.

The Arsenal fans I know are extremely level headed.. no one thinks Arteta is untouchable...

But we're also pretty level headed and can see the improvements in our team and are willing to wait before calling for the manager to be changed...

We're playing good football and when we're not we're still able to get results (other then the two loses).

The fans know that Arteta was touted for the coaching role (even the managers job) and even held discussions with the board to take over once he stopped playing. He was actually going to take over immediately after Wenger's retirement and only a last minute u turn by the board meant Emery was chosen instead of him and Arteta then decided to join his old friend at City... so this argument that Arteta is only liked because fans have this unhealthy fascination with Pep and want his cloan is blown out of proportion.

Finally, the VAR has been inconsistent and there have been inexcusable decisions made this season. Just ask any Wolves fans.... also the Liverpool offside against Spurs...

Some absolute howlers which are not just talked of by Arsenal fans but pretty much everyone who loves the game. No one in their right mind thinks it's a conspiracy but one should be able to highlight issues no matter which team you support.
Naturally this thread will have more of it as it it's an Arsenal thread and the ones discussed involve an Arsenal game.