Arsenal FC | 2023/24 Season

[Amjid Javed]

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.

Excuses come from those who don't want to face up to reality.

Or the so called "positive fans" who think it's haraam or your not a real fan if you call out or criticise the team. So the excuses are rolled out.

Also a lack of standards is also why excuses are rolled out

Deep down the cheerleaders know this team is not winning title so saying their is multiple agendas is a coping mechanism.

We all know who are prime culprits with the excuses

 

[Technics 1210]

I've taken the bait...

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.

Taken the bait?

This sort of opening gambit is akin to claiming Arsenal have a rock solid defence, yes, you are now being defensive.

The Arsenal fans you know might be level headed, but certain fans here have been claiming the title was, is, and will be - in the bag.

The same fans who think Luton result was a sign of Arsenal improving yet failed at the deep dive analysis - Luton equalised twice within 5 mins, and lead 3-2 too. Yes a sign of some amazing Arsenal defending against a team that is fighting to avoid relegation.

Arsenal are not improving since the ousting of Wenger. Arteta was hailed as the messiah based on one fact - he was the under study of Pep. Arteta has not only been schooled by Pep, but now by a former Arsenal manager too - Emery.

Arteta is a mediocre Manager. He is easily the most melodramatic manager in the EPL, one who is only good at dancing on the sidelines then complaining to the media when he doesn't win. A proper sook. This guy was thinking about leaving Arsenal when he choked the title last season. He is mentality, tactically, and astutely, unfit for the job.

As for VAR, this is a poor excuse. Every team has suffered the wrath of VAR, and like DRS, the process is not at fault, but the Technology. Using 24 FPS cameras along with lack of angles (number of cameras) will never suffice and will always create gaps in replays, however, there is no need for VAR if players are clinical in the first place. Though the conspiracy against Arsenal is real according to some fans, just read some of the comments in this thread.

The only way, by some miracle, Arsenal win the PL, is through attrition, not Arteta.

 

[MK7Z]

Taken the bait?

This sort of opening gambit is akin to claiming Arsenal have a rock solid defence, yes, you are now being defensive.

The Arsenal fans you know might be level headed, but certain fans here have been claiming the title was, is, and will be - in the bag.

The same fans who think Luton result was a sign of Arsenal improving yet failed at the deep dive analysis - Luton equalised twice within 5 mins, and lead 3-2 too. Yes a sign of some amazing Arsenal defending against a team that is fighting to avoid relegation.

Arsenal are not improving since the ousting of Wenger. Arteta was hailed as the messiah based on one fact - he was the under study of Pep. Arteta has not only been schooled by Pep, but now by a former Arsenal manager too - Emery.

Arteta is a mediocre Manager. He is easily the most melodramatic manager in the EPL, one who is only good at dancing on the sidelines then complaining to the media when he doesn't win. A proper sook. This guy was thinking about leaving Arsenal when he choked the title last season. He is mentality, tactically, and astutely, unfit for the job.

As for VAR, this is a poor excuse. Every team has suffered the wrath of VAR, and like DRS, the process is not at fault, but the Technology. Using 24 FPS cameras along with lack of angles (number of cameras) will never suffice and will always create gaps in replays, however, there is no need for VAR if players are clinical in the first place. Though the conspiracy against Arsenal is real according to some fans, just read some of the comments in this thread.

The only way, by some miracle, Arsenal win the PL, is through attrition, not Arteta.

Wow just wow. Who do you support by the way?

 

[Technics 1210]

Wow just wow. Who do you support by the way?

I support my local team, Brentford, because I was born in West London, and still live in the same hood. I have supported Brentford all my life, never gave up, even when they were languishing in the 3rd Division (long before the PL existed), even when they lost a record number of play-offs. I am a season ticket holder, not a glory supporter, and I was there when Brentford beat Arsenal 2-0 in their first ever PL game.

Why do you support Arsenal? Or rather, why are you a fan of Arsenal? Yes there is a difference between a supporter and a fan.

 

[IMMY69]

Taken the bait?

This sort of opening gambit is akin to claiming Arsenal have a rock solid defence, yes, you are now being defensive.

The Arsenal fans you know might be level headed, but certain fans here have been claiming the title was, is, and will be - in the bag.

The same fans who think Luton result was a sign of Arsenal improving yet failed at the deep dive analysis - Luton equalised twice within 5 mins, and lead 3-2 too. Yes a sign of some amazing Arsenal defending against a team that is fighting to avoid relegation.

Arsenal are not improving since the ousting of Wenger. Arteta was hailed as the messiah based on one fact - he was the under study of Pep. Arteta has not only been schooled by Pep, but now by a former Arsenal manager too - Emery.

Arteta is a mediocre Manager. He is easily the most melodramatic manager in the EPL, one who is only good at dancing on the sidelines then complaining to the media when he doesn't win. A proper sook. This guy was thinking about leaving Arsenal when he choked the title last season. He is mentality, tactically, and astutely, unfit for the job.

As for VAR, this is a poor excuse. Every team has suffered the wrath of VAR, and like DRS, the process is not at fault, but the Technology. Using 24 FPS cameras along with lack of angles (number of cameras) will never suffice and will always create gaps in replays, however, there is no need for VAR if players are clinical in the first place. Though the conspiracy against Arsenal is real according to some fans, just read some of the comments in this thread.

The only way, by some miracle, Arsenal win the PL, is through attrition, not Arteta.

Taken the bait as in trolling all Arsenal fans.

Anyway, not really sure what we're debating here...
I suspect your posts are more aimed at the usual person who doesn't know his backside from his elbow

 

[KingKhanWC]

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.

Arteta is a schoolboy compared to Klopp, he will come nowhere near Klopps trophies at LFC with Arsenal.

Jesus has a -13 expected goals stat, since joining the PL. This is pathetic. Any sane manager would know this and buy an elite striker or a top class one at the very least. Striker is only the priority now as he has been exposed for failing to get one.

Im not sure any £100 million striker will want to the move to Arsenal, unless you can name a few?

 

[Technics 1210]

Arteta is a schoolboy compared to Klopp, he will come nowhere near Klopps trophies at LFC with Arsenal.

Jesus has a -13 expected goals stat, since joining the PL. This is pathetic. Any sane manager would know this and buy an elite striker or a top class one at the very least. Striker is only the priority now as he has been exposed for failing to get one.

Im not sure any £100 million striker will want to the move to Arsenal, unless you can name a few?

Even Amazon Prime has a number of docs on Liverpool, and in particular Klopp's success.

Watch Champions. Liverpool Football Club Season Review 2019-20 | Prime Video

Liverpool FC, Champions! At the end of the 2019/20 season, Jürgen Klopp's Reds ended the club's 30 year wait for the title in the most relentless fashion, winning the Premier League by a massive 18 points.

watch.amazon.co.uk

Not even a trillion dollar company is interested in Arteta's Arsenal, but I guess you got to win something to even be considered for Amazon Prime!

 

[Technics 1210]

My bad, there is All or Nothing series on how Arteta bottled and choked the league last season. Definitely in the Nothing camp

 

[KingKhanWC]

Even Amazon Prime has a number of docs on Liverpool, and in particular Klopp's success.

Watch Champions. Liverpool Football Club Season Review 2019-20 | Prime Video

Liverpool FC, Champions! At the end of the 2019/20 season, Jürgen Klopp's Reds ended the club's 30 year wait for the title in the most relentless fashion, winning the Premier League by a massive 18 points.

watch.amazon.co.uk

Not even a trillion dollar company is interested in Arteta's Arsenal, but I guess you got to win something to even be considered for Amazon Prime!

Its pretty silly to bring in Klopps name when discussing Artetas buys/tactics.

If I could, I'd bring Mamoon to Anfield on December 23rd. According to him Arsenal are the better side so should win. Its going to a sight to behold

 

[MK7Z]

I support my local team, Brentford, because I was born in West London, and still live in the same hood. I have supported Brentford all my life, never gave up, even when they were languishing in the 3rd Division (long before the PL existed), even when they lost a record number of play-offs. I am a season ticket holder, not a glory supporter, and I was there when Brentford beat Arsenal 2-0 in their first ever PL game.

Why do you support Arsenal? Or rather, why are you a fan of Arsenal? Yes there is a difference between a supporter and a fan.

Its quite simple really.

1st team i ever watched. Was the double cup final vs Sheffield Wednesday early 90s.
Supported them ever since.

Call me what you want. Glory supporter etc etc don't really care. It's been Arsenal for 30 years.

 

[MK7Z]

My bad, there is All or Nothing series on how Arteta bottled and choked the league last season. Definitely in the Nothing camp

Firstly if you don't think Arsenal have improved under Arteta then I seriously doubt your footballing knowledge.

Secondly if a trillion dollar company is your barometer of success then maybe that's Brentfords best chance and they can do a rendition of the lame gimmick songs they play after a win. Like sweet Caroline.

Lastly... It wasn't the season we came 2nd that the documentary was recorded. So please at least make it remotely accurate to have some basis.

 

[MK7Z]

Arteta is a schoolboy compared to Klopp, he will come nowhere near Klopps trophies at LFC with Arsenal.

Jesus has a -13 expected goals stat, since joining the PL. This is pathetic. Any sane manager would know this and buy an elite striker or a top class one at the very least. Striker is only the priority now as he has been exposed for failing to get one.

Im not sure any £100 million striker will want to the move to Arsenal, unless you can name a few?

Just like any 100 million midfielder didn't wanna join the mighty Liverpool. Let's not do this... You won't win

 

[Technics 1210]

Embarrassed yourself here didn't you.

Firstly if you don't think Arsenal have improved under Arteta then I seriously doubt your footballing knowledge.

Secondly if a trillion dollar company is your barometer of success then maybe that's Brentfords best chance and they can do a rendition of the lame gimmick songs they play after a win. Like sweet Caroline.

Lastly... It wasn't the season we came 2nd that the documentary was recorded. So please take your trolling elsewhere or at least make it remotely accurate to have some basis.

I bet you have not watched the AoN S1 on Arsenal.

And no, a Trillion Dollar company is not my barometer of success, read what I posted carefully.

Here it is again, Arteta is a mediocre manager and mustn't be compared with other managers, especially ones who have won the CL in the same time frame.

As for Brentford, I bet you thought I was going to mention 1 of the top 6 PL teams, I guess you have to rethink your comebacks, even though Arsenal are interested in Toney.

 

[Technics 1210]

Its pretty silly to bring in Klopps name when discussing Artetas buys/tactics.

If I could, I'd bring Mamoon to Anfield on December 23rd. According to him Arsenal are the better side so should win. Its going to a sight to behold

Arteta cannot even be compared to Thomas Frank let along Klopp!

 

[Technics 1210]

Its quite simple really.

1st team i ever watched. Was the double cup final vs Sheffield Wednesday early 90s.
Supported them ever since.

Call me what you want. Glory supporter etc etc don't really care. It's been Arsenal for 30 years.

At least now I know next time you use subject and object pronouns like 'we' and 'us', it is not because you have an affliliation/connection with Arsenal but because your closest claim to Arsenal is the telly.

 

[MK7Z]

More like Toney wants to join Arsenal and has said as much on podcasts.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Just like any 100 million midfielder didn't wanna join the mighty Liverpool. Let's not do this... You won't win

We never wanted him, it was a tactical move to make Chelsea pay more. Szlobo is far better than Moises and Rice and 30odd million less.

Ill be in the hospitality box on the 23rd at Anfield, you're welcome to pop in

 

[IMMY69]

We never wanted him, it was a tactical move to make Chelsea pay more. Szlobo is far better than Moises and Rice and 30odd million less.

Ill be in the hospitality box on the 23rd at Anfield, you're welcome to pop in

Get me a ticket too please

 

[MenInG]

We never wanted him, it was a tactical move to make Chelsea pay more. Szlobo is far better than Moises and Rice and 30odd million less.

Ill be in the hospitality box on the 23rd at Anfield, you're welcome to pop in

Thread is about Arsenal

Lets keep cross chat about other clubs off this.

 

[Mamoon]

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.

I clearly said that it wasn’t his fault only. It didn’t say that he had no role in it. However, putting all the blame on him is disingenuous because we cannot ignore the role Gabriel and White played in helping Villa score.

Zinchenko isn’t a great defender and we all know that but that doesn’t mean he needs to be scapegoat every single time. Arteta accepts him in spite of his defensive mistakes just like Klopp access Trent because you have to look at the overall package.

Zinchenko is very valuable for Arsenal in possession and a key cog in Arsenal’s attacking patterns.

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.

There is a difference between bad results and bad performance. City had a bad performance and a bad result while Arsenal had a good performance but a bad result.

Yes I’m aware that ultimately, only results count because performances don’t win you points, but you cannot overlook performances and focus on results only because there is always something to take or learn from every game.

It was one of those results that would be different 9/10 times if Arsenal play the same way. It is important to brush it aside quickly and focus on the next games because they are coming thick and fast and there is no time to dwell on results.

 

[Mamoon]

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

After getting booted by PSG and Arsenal, two clubs who will always be much bigger than Aston Villa, I’m happy to see that a middling manager like Emery has found a middling club to call home. It is a match made in heaven for sure.

Emery is probably the best manager around for any club that has no hopes and aspirations to win the league before the start of the season. This is exactly the environment that he thrives in.

He just couldn’t handle the pressure of PSG (where he was expected to win the league every year) or Arsenal (where he was expected to rebuild the team and win them the league down the line).

Villa will never start a PL campaign with the ambition to go all the way. Their target would always be a top 6-7 finish at best, and this is perfect for a small manager like Emery who doesn’t have the character and the personality to manage big clubs, big expectations and big egos.

 

[Mamoon]

My bad, there is All or Nothing series on how Arteta bottled and choked the league last season. Definitely in the Nothing camp

This is beyond embarrassing.

First you claimed that no billion dollar company is interested in covering Arteta’s Arsenal but a trillion dollar company like Amazon has already produced a documentary on Arsenal.

Then, in order to cover up your embarrassment, you decided to throw in the bottled and choked the league last season jibe but the Amazon documentary covered Arsenal’s 2021-22 season where they finished 5th and were never in contention for the title.

That is the pull of Arteta and Arsenal. Amazon is happy to cover them when they are not even fighting - or expecting to fight - for the title.

If I were you, I would see myself out of this discussion now. It is always important to do your homework and get your facts straight before trolling and taking shots because it can get embarrassing very quickly.

 

[Mamoon]

Arteta is a schoolboy compared to Klopp, he will come nowhere near Klopps trophies at LFC with Arsenal.

Jesus has a -13 expected goals stat, since joining the PL. This is pathetic. Any sane manager would know this and buy an elite striker or a top class one at the very least. Striker is only the priority now as he has been exposed for failing to get one.

Im not sure any £100 million striker will want to the move to Arsenal, unless you can name a few?

Klopp has no legacy in the PL. He is about to enter his 9th year and has won 1 title only. I would back Arteta to win more PL titles than Klopp by the time he is finished at Arsenal.

Klopp is no barometer for success and no benchmark because he has not been successful.

When you look at the quality of players that Klopp has had at his disposal, winning 1 league in 9 years is a a failure.

Arsenal now has the pull to attract any player in market as long as Arsenal can pay the fee. Same was said about Rice and how he wouldn’t go to Arsenal after Bayern and City came in for him.

Arsenal has the money and the pull to sign someone like Osimhen or any other world class striker that becomes available next summer.

Jesus was signed for £45m in 2022 and it was a very good price for someone like him. You will not sign Mbappe or Haaland for that price. At that point Arsenal were rebuilding in all areas of the pitch and signing one £100m player wouldn’t have been the smartest thing to do.

Spending big isn’t always the solution as we have seen with Chelsea or even with Darwin Nunez at Liverpool who has never looked like the £85m player that Liverpool paid for.

Arsenal did very smart business in summer of 2022 and the signings of Jesus, Zinchenko and integrating Saliba propelled Arsenal as title challengers and now the the addition of Rice and one top class striker next summer will help Arsenal go to a different level.

You look at Chelsea and Man United and you realize that Arsenal have been very smart and strategic with the way they have spent money and built their squad.

Both teams were in better position than Arsenal 4 years ago and now the are much worse off in spite of spending more money than Arsenal.

Arteta and Edu have done a fantastic job and they don’t get enough credit for it but there is no point in blaming rival fans when even a lot of Arsenal fans are too blind to see the work they have done and where they are taking Arsenal.

 

[Technics 1210]

This is beyond embarrassing.

First you claimed that no billion dollar company is interested in covering Arteta’s Arsenal but a trillion dollar company like Amazon has already produced a documentary on Arsenal.

Nowhere did I mention a Billion dollar company.

The embarrassment is on you, and anyway, its not like you have seen the AoN season on Arsenal's humiliating season.

Not even Arsenal's glory supporters are interested, then again, there hasn't been much glory for Arsenal.

 

[Mamoon]

Nowhere did I mention a Billion dollar company.

The embarrassment is on you, and anyway, its not like you have seen the AoN season on Arsenal's humiliating season.

Not even Arsenal's glory supporters are interested, then again, there hasn't been much glory for Arsenal.

You did.

Even Amazon Prime has a number of docs on Liverpool, and in particular Klopp's success.

Watch Champions. Liverpool Football Club Season Review 2019-20 | Prime Video

Liverpool FC, Champions! At the end of the 2019/20 season, Jürgen Klopp's Reds ended the club's 30 year wait for the title in the most relentless fashion, winning the Premier League by a massive 18 points.

watch.amazon.co.uk

Not even a trillion dollar company is interested in Arteta's Arsenal, but I guess you got to win something to even be considered for Amazon Prime!

As I said before, your best course of action now is to quietly see yourself out because you are embarrassing yourself further by continuing to dig when there is nothing left. It would be far less embarrassing if you admit what we can all see - you have had an absolute mare and you will use this as a learning experience to do your homework before trolling.

First, you completely forgot that Amazon Prime has already covered Arsenal but you quickly realized it afterwards with the "my bad" cover up. However, you made it worse when you forgot that they covered the 21-22 season not the 22-23 where Arsenal "bottled" the title.

In other words, you made two attempts to mock and troll Arsenal. The second attempt was to mitigate the self-caused embarrassment of the first attempt but you only ended up making it worse. This is why it is imperative to do your due homework before trolling otherwise it can backfire in spectacular fashion as we have seen here.

To answer your question, I and all other Arsenal fans watched the Arsenal documentary and it was fascinating. It showed us the man Arteta is behind the scenes, how he operates, how he thinks and what values and culture he is building at the club. There is more to every manager that what you see in press conferences and what you see on the pitch and Amazon helped Arsenal fans, and football fans in general, see a side of Arteta they hadn't seen before.

The Aubameyang episode was particularly insightful because Arsenal fans were very keen to see what happened behind closed doors and how defiant Arteta is when it comes to maintaining certain standards in the dressing room. No one is exempt from adhering to those standards - not even the club captain and the best player at the time.

Furthermore, the documentary also showed how much faith the Arsenal owners have in Arteta. The bit with Josh Kroenke and Arteta was fascinating - the owners of the club never doubted Arteta's capabilities as a manager and had full faith in him turning things around even when the results were at their lowest ebb and Arteta has repaid that faith.

The Amazon documentary was very well executed and helped Arteta gain more popularity amongst the Arsenal fans because they learned to look beyond the results on the pitch and saw the man that he is. It also opened up Arteta to footballers and other managers. This is what Declan Rice had to say after he signed for Arsenal:

Rice watched Arsenal’s All Or Nothing documentary on Amazon and, like everyone else, was impressed at Mikel Arteta’s passion and knowledge. “I’m so excited to work with Mikel,” said Rice. “You see with the Amazon stuff how he works with his players, not only as a coach psychologically, but how good he is with players, how he improves players. He’s a massive factor in why I’ve come here. I know he’s going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve now got more levels to go up in my game and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to the next level.”

Amazon approached Arsenal for a documentary in April 2021 when Arsenal were 9th in the PL table and signed an agreement with the club in July 2021 to cover the 2021-22 season. Arsenal had finished 8th in the PL the season before but that didn't discourage Amazon because they knew the pull Arsenal and Arteta has and they knew that they were going to make money out of this.

Arsenal's position in the table had no bearing on their belief that working with Arsenal was going to be a commercial success. I guess this is the difference between Amazon, one of the most successful companies in the world and an online troll who thinks that:

Not even a trillion dollar company is interested in Arteta's Arsenal, but I guess you got to win something to even be considered for Amazon Prime!

If Amazon had people like you running their operations, Amazon today would still be a startup out of a garage and "amazon" would be best known for the tropical rainforest in South America.

 

[Technics 1210]

You did.

No I have not.

I understand it has been a tough few weeks, but fabricating words only serves to prove your desperation here.

Though one thing is for sure, you have been hurt by the lack of interest on Arsenal FC from Amazon! Your essays on repeat are always a sure sign.

Love it!

GOAL!

 

[MK7Z]

@Mamoon Dont take the bait. This is blatant trolling

Shows how much Arsenal live in oppositions heads rent free when one defeat when we did not even play badly has bought them all out in full force.

I guess losing to Sheffield United must have hurt so projecting and diverting towards the gargantuan club that is Arsenal is only natural.

 

[Technics 1210]

I feel empathy for true supporters of Arsenal FC – AJ as an example. This guy has a true affiliation with Arsenal, a genuine connection; the passion is real, his views exhibit true love for a club coupled with a deep dive critical analysis and an understanding of the game that is beyond the millennium generation.

It is a pity however that Arsenal glory fans who pass themselves off as supporters by paraphrasing BBC analysis as their own opinions. This is what glory fans do, support a team based on success, who their friends and family follow, or, what's on TV - (through no thinking of their own).

The only one who has been spot on with Arsenal predictions, analysis, and insight, is Amjid Javed, simply because he is a genuine supporter of Arsenal and not some arm chair glory fan who was following Arsenal because he liked the colour of Arsenal’s kit on a CRT Television back in the 90s.

Respect to @Amjid Javed

 

[Saj]

I still feel there are too many players in the Arsenal squad who go missing when the team really needs them.

Perhaps a lack of leaders also.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I still feel there are too many players in the Arsenal squad who go missing when the team really needs them.

Perhaps a lack of leaders also.

Only real leaders in side are saliba and Rice.

Biggest scapegoat on Saturday should be the captain oddegard for missing 3 great chances in game.

Leadership / strong mentality comes when you know if you fail you will be made accountable. Sadly their are to many "protected" players who go missing and just don't get scrutiny at the club.

Celebrating "progress" rather then asking why "top 4" and a "title" have been bottled in last 2 seasons is why the mentality will keep being weak.

Current Arsenal team is like the pre-2003 Chelsea team, good players, but a weak mentality and a manager not good enough under pressure

 

[Amjid Javed]

I feel empathy for true supporters of Arsenal FC – AJ as an example. This guy has a true affiliation with Arsenal, a genuine connection; the passion is real, his views exhibit true love for a club coupled with a deep dive critical analysis and an understanding of the game that is beyond the millennium generation.

It is a pity however that Arsenal glory fans who pass themselves off as supporters by paraphrasing BBC analysis as their own opinions. This is what glory fans do, support a team based on success, who their friends and family follow, or, what's on TV - (through no thinking of their own).

The only one who has been spot on with Arsenal predictions, analysis, and insight, is Amjid Javed, simply because he is a genuine supporter of Arsenal and not some arm chair glory fan who was following Arsenal because he liked the colour of Arsenal’s kit on a CRT Television back in the 90s.

Respect to @Amjid Javed

Thanks, sadly to many fans just want to be fashionable by being so called "positive" and just go with the "poor standards" the club has set. Rather than being honest, calling things out when they need to and most of calling for accountability.

Every fan wants their club to do well, difference is the "standards" a fan holds their club to.

That's why I don't gey carried away with this "progress" era. All big clubs are ultimately judges on what they win.

 

[topspin]

I still feel there are too many players in the Arsenal squad who go missing when the team really needs them.

Perhaps a lack of leaders also.

Particularly Odegaard

@Amjid Javed

 

[topspin]

Only real leaders in side are saliba and Rice.

Biggest scapegoat on Saturday should be the captain oddegard for missing 3 great chances in game.

Leadership / strong mentality comes when you know if you fail you will be made accountable. Sadly their are to many "protected" players who go missing and just don't get scrutiny at the club.

Celebrating "progress" rather then asking why "top 4" and a "title" have been bottled in last 2 seasons is why the mentality will keep being weak.

Current Arsenal team is like the pre-2003 Chelsea team, good players, but a weak mentality and a manager not good enough under pressure

Bang on.

There's a recurring pattern with Odegaard in particular with his non-existent leadership and weak mentality. This review of Odegaard's performance against Villa epitomises this:



Source: https://www.90min.com/posts/aston-villa-1-0-arsenal-player-ratings-9-12-2023

That last sentence is a damning assessment of his weak mentality. He doesn't want to stand up and take responsibility. There's no way he should be captain of this Arsenal side.

He actually doesn't want to get involved when Arsenal's backs are against the wall. He goes missing in tough away fixtures and also when he's up against more physical sides.

Most of the the time he's only good when the game is in the balance team or when the team is in front.

I've seen enough of Odegaard to say till now, he's been overrated and is Arsenal's footballing version of mental midget, Asad Shafiq.

I wish we bought Maddison. I don't want to ever hear from Mamoon "Who's Maddison"/"Maddison is a nobody".

 

[hassan918]

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe could make his first appearance since October in Tuesday's Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven.

Source: BBC

 

[shaz619]

After getting booted by PSG and Arsenal, two clubs who will always be much bigger than Aston Villa, I’m happy to see that a middling manager like Emery has found a middling club to call home. It is a match made in heaven for sure.

Emery is probably the best manager around for any club that has no hopes and aspirations to win the league before the start of the season. This is exactly the environment that he thrives in.

He just couldn’t handle the pressure of PSG (where he was expected to win the league every year) or Arsenal (where he was expected to rebuild the team and win them the league down the line).

Villa will never start a PL campaign with the ambition to go all the way. Their target would always be a top 6-7 finish at best, and this is perfect for a small manager like Emery who doesn’t have the character and the personality to manage big clubs, big expectations and big egos.

Well sure, am sorry Emery is not managing Arsenal this season then.

 

[shaz619]

Arsenal were playing much better when the end result was guaranteed, the spineless team always thrives when the heating is off; unfortunately they got smashed to bits by the bigger club. Squeaky bum time has arrived for their delusional fans, I look forward to the meltdowns.

 

[shaz619]

What ego’s require management at Arsenal the bunch of pansies are always crying for most of the season due to their lack of self esteem, they know they are rubbish and need to be motivated, there is no pride to put on the Arsenal shirt. The club has lost its aura due to cowardice and support for spineless football.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe could make his first appearance since October in Tuesday's Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven.

Source: BBC

Ideal game to get his match fitness, he needs to stay fit for once

 

[Mamoon]

Well sure, am sorry Emery is not managing Arsenal this season then.

But Arsenal fans are very grateful because they have already seen what Emery is capable (or not capable) off when he asked to run a big club that has bigger aspirations than Aston Villa.

Aston Villa is in a good moment right now and they should enjoy it, but everyone knows that Aston Villa will never be one of the top clubs. The failures of a club like Arsenal tower above the success of a club like Aston Villa.

Arsenal finishing 5th this season will be a monumental failure, but Aston Villa finishing 6th would call for a celebration. That is the difference between the two clubs.

Emery was given the same job as Arteta was - he had to rebuild Arsenal and make them title contenders again because a club like Arsenal has to fight for the title every season. Emery failed at his job and he also failed to sell himself and his ideas to the Arsenal board which is why he wasn't given the time that Arteta got. With Emery, the club had no direction and no one could see what he was trying to do and what his long-term plan was; with Arteta it was clear from very earlier on.

As far as managing egos are concerned, Arteta banished club captain and its best player Aubameyang in 2021. Aubameyang was in his prime and one of the best strikers in the world and most managers, including Emery, wouldn't have had the guts to take him down like Arteta did.

That was the moment where Arteta took full control of the club and the board backed him to the hilt because they saw that he is no ordinary manager. If Emery had such guts, he would still be at PSG or at Arsenal.

If both Arteta and Emery are in the market today, everyone knows who the European powerhouses would want to run their club.

 

[Mamoon]

Bang on.

There's a recurring pattern with Odegaard in particular with his non-existent leadership and weak mentality. This review of Odegaard's performance against Villa epitomises this:

View attachment 140026

Source: https://www.90min.com/posts/aston-villa-1-0-arsenal-player-ratings-9-12-2023

That last sentence is a damning assessment of his weak mentality. He doesn't want to stand up and take responsibility. There's no way he should be captain of this Arsenal side.

He actually doesn't want to get involved when Arsenal's backs are against the wall. He goes missing in tough away fixtures and also when he's up against more physical sides.

Most of the the time he's only good when the game is in the balance team or when the team is in front.

I've seen enough of Odegaard to say till now, he's been overrated and is Arsenal's footballing version of mental midget, Asad Shafiq.

I wish we bought Maddison. I don't want to ever hear from Mamoon "Who's Maddison"/"Maddison is a nobody".

Maddison

First, Arsenal should have signed the relegated player instead of Havertz but Havertz has given on hell of a shut up call to his detractors. Boy did the player of the month for November feel sweet.

Arteta is not a fool - he knew why was Havertz was struggling at Chelsea and he knew what he needed to do to get the best out of him and he is doing it now and this is only the start.

He also had the option to buy Maddison instead of Odegaard but he didn't because he knows something that impatient Arsenal fans don't. He is one step ahead of them and they don't realize it. Odegaard is one of the best players in the world; Maddison is not.

Put both on the market today and no big club would opt for Maddison over Odegaard. Ask Pep who he would want to replace De Bruyne in a couple of years and he will not pick Maddison.

As far as captaincy is concerned, it is not that big a factor on the pitch anyway. It is not cricket. The manager is in charge not the players who wear the armband. Rice will captain Arsenal one day whether Odegaard stays in the long-term or leaves, but it is not that big a problem.

 

[shaz619]

But Arsenal fans are very grateful because they have already seen what Emery is capable (or not capable) off when he asked to run a big club that has bigger aspirations than Aston Villa.

Aston Villa is in a good moment right now and they should enjoy it, but everyone knows that Aston Villa will never be one of the top clubs. The failures of a club like Arsenal tower above the success of a club like Aston Villa.

Arsenal finishing 5th this season will be a monumental failure, but Aston Villa finishing 6th would call for a celebration. That is the difference between the two clubs.

Emery was given the same job as Arteta was - he had to rebuild Arsenal and make them title contenders again because a club like Arsenal has to fight for the title every season. Emery failed at his job and he also failed to sell himself and his ideas to the Arsenal board which is why he wasn't given the time that Arteta got. With Emery, the club had no direction and no one could see what he was trying to do and what his long-term plan was; with Arteta it was clear from very earlier on.

As far as managing egos are concerned, Arteta banished club captain and its best player Aubameyang in 2021. Aubameyang was in his prime and one of the best strikers in the world and most managers, including Emery, wouldn't have had the guts to take him down like Arteta did.

That was the moment where Arteta took full control of the club and the board backed him to the hilt because they saw that he is no ordinary manager. If Emery had such guts, he would still be at PSG or at Arsenal.

If both Arteta and Emery are in the market today, everyone knows who the European powerhouses would want to run their club.

I don’t think Emery did a horrible job at Arsenal, and it’s silly to judge him on that alone. Good managers are able to adapt and build on their experiences so hopefully he continues the good work, it’s our best start since the 1930’s. Why are Arsenal fans like you so upset that he’s doing a good job? we were fighting relegation last season and now can start to dream about a top four finish. Villa hasn’t invested as much as you guys have but we all know which club has the bigger guts, and this 6-7 club just smashed you but that’s not a shock to me, there’s a big gulf between teams like Arsenal and Manchester City.

 

[shaz619]

But Arsenal fans are very grateful because they have already seen what Emery is capable (or not capable) off when he asked to run a big club that has bigger aspirations than Aston Villa.

Aston Villa is in a good moment right now and they should enjoy it, but everyone knows that Aston Villa will never be one of the top clubs. The failures of a club like Arsenal tower above the success of a club like Aston Villa.

Arsenal finishing 5th this season will be a monumental failure, but Aston Villa finishing 6th would call for a celebration. That is the difference between the two clubs.

Emery was given the same job as Arteta was - he had to rebuild Arsenal and make them title contenders again because a club like Arsenal has to fight for the title every season. Emery failed at his job and he also failed to sell himself and his ideas to the Arsenal board which is why he wasn't given the time that Arteta got. With Emery, the club had no direction and no one could see what he was trying to do and what his long-term plan was; with Arteta it was clear from very earlier on.

As far as managing egos are concerned, Arteta banished club captain and its best player Aubameyang in 2021. Aubameyang was in his prime and one of the best strikers in the world and most managers, including Emery, wouldn't have had the guts to take him down like Arteta did.

That was the moment where Arteta took full control of the club and the board backed him to the hilt because they saw that he is no ordinary manager. If Emery had such guts, he would still be at PSG or at Arsenal.

If both Arteta and Emery are in the market today, everyone knows who the European powerhouses would want to run their club.

You can’t erase history, it doesn’t matter where Villa are in the table they are a pillar of English football. Without Wenger, nobody would care about Arsenal and your shameless fans betrayed him. It’s only now after all these years you can celebrate being number 2, congrats.

 

[MK7Z]

I am sorry the way and reason I support and Love Arsenal does not meet the requirements to support a Football Club.

If only I was born within a 2 mile radius. If only Arsenal had been relegated at some point in the last 30 years then me supporting them would be accepted because we would have been through some rough times otherwise you are not a real supporter.

I wish I was one of the 60,000 fans who go to the emirates. As obviously they are the real Arsenal fans and nobody else is worthy if you dont have a season ticket. By that opinion arsenal only have 60,000 odd fans.

Or maybe work and life commitments force people all over the globe and the only way they can watch and support a team is via a Tele? Maybe people make career moves to give their family better lives rather than live in the glorious lovely sought after West London just so that they can boast their support for their local team on a forum to make themselves feel better.

Have a good day folks. I will happily continue to watch football on TV. What a peasant fake glory supporting fan I am. Shame on me.

 

[Mamoon]

I feel empathy for true supporters of Arsenal FC – AJ as an example. This guy has a true affiliation with Arsenal, a genuine connection; the passion is real, his views exhibit true love for a club coupled with a deep dive critical analysis and an understanding of the game that is beyond the millennium generation.

It is a pity however that Arsenal glory fans who pass themselves off as supporters by paraphrasing BBC analysis as their own opinions. This is what glory fans do, support a team based on success, who their friends and family follow, or, what's on TV - (through no thinking of their own).

The only one who has been spot on with Arsenal predictions, analysis, and insight, is Amjid Javed, simply because he is a genuine supporter of Arsenal and not some arm chair glory fan who was following Arsenal because he liked the colour of Arsenal’s kit on a CRT Television back in the 90s.

Respect to @Amjid Javed

Yes, the same Amjid who claimed that Arsenal will never progress and fight for the title under Arteta. He wanted him sacked in 2021-22.

These are his "spot on" predictions:

May 2022:

13 loses last season, 13 this season in PL. pathetic stuff from a clown novice manager, yet the club give him a new contract. Arteta already shown he cant handle europa and PL in his 1st 18 months in charge. Should have sacked if he was actually at a club with an standards.

The manager who can't handle the PL finished second last season and pushed City all the way and is once again fighting for the title again.

I know Arteta critics like you, him and others make fun of him for "bottling" the league last season, but in August 2022, none of you would have expected Arsenal to finish 2nd and fight for the title and you cannot deny it.

Similarly, you, him and others never thought Arsenal would be where they are today 2-3 years back when you expected Arteta to be sacked by this time. Again, it is something you can downplay now but cannot deny it.

May 2022:

Also you think jesus and dybala or any other players like tielemens etc.. are going to join us in the europa league? )

Two months later, Jesus joined Arsenal.

These are just two posts. I can go on, and on..........and on because I have an entire collection on my fingertips.

Amjid, you and other Arsenal critics went through the following stages of embarrassment.

Claim 1: Arsenal will not make the top 4 under Arteta
Claim disproved

Claim 2: Arsenal will not fight for the title under Arteta
Claim disproved

Claim 3: Arsenal will not be able to secure big signings under Arteta
Claim disproved

Claim 4 and Claim 5: Arsenal will not win the league under Arteta and will not make an impact in the UCL
Both these claims will be disproven soon and then goalposts will shift again because you, him and others don't have the balls to admit that Arteta proved you wrong.

When Arsenal win the PL with Arteta, which will happen very soon, you lot won't have the balls to admit that you were wrong about him. Instead, the narrative will change and it will suddenly become a fluke, or because City and Liverpool were dealing with injuries, or it won't be a big deal because after all the time and investment, Arteta had to win the league.

However, as we have seen with Chelsea and United who have comfortably outspend Arteta's Arsenal and are nowhere near, spending money is not the answer. Spending money on the right players and effective squad-building is what wins you the title and Arteta is doing that.

Both Chelsea and United would have been in much better shape right now if Arteta was their manager. Who cares about the Arsenal critics who can't digest the fact that Arsenal are back as title contenders, but it is very disappointing to see certain sections of Arsenal fans undermining Arteta because they don't realize the gem they have at their hands.

Apart from 1-2 managers who are not attainable for obvious reasons, not a single manager would have done a better job than Arteta at Arsenal over the last 4 years. Arteta is doing a fantastic job and he and his Arsenal team are only beginning. The potential growth of both Arteta and Arsenal is scary. Arteta is giving a lesson in management and coaching to those who have been doing it for decades and Arsenal are on the cusp of a very special period.

 

[Mamoon]

You can’t erase history, it doesn’t matter where Villa are in the table they are a pillar of English football. Without Wenger, nobody would care about Arsenal and your shameless fans betrayed him. It’s only now after all these years you can celebrate being number 2, congrats.

What does "without Wenger" even mean?

You can use this logic for everything and anything. Without Messi, Ronaldo fans wouldn't be crying themselves to sleep every night. Without the takeover, City would still be a smaller club than Aston Villa.

Without Sir Alex, Man United wouldn't have had the success they had for 2 and a half decades. Without Klopp, Liverpool wouldn't have achieved what they have achieved in the last 8 years.

Aston Villa is a great club for sure, but is it bigger than Arsenal? No they are not and never will be.

Aston Villa have a dusty European trophy and that merits a lot of respect, but Arsenal have twice as many first division titles and twice as many trophies overall and their is no comparison between the two in terms of brand value and global reach and this gap will only get bigger in the future unless there is a takeover at Aston Villa.

As far as Wenger getting betrayed by the fans, it is not black and white. Wenger was finished and Arsenal needed a new direction but it wasn't handled with grace and dignity. Arsenal have a lot of toxic fans and we can see that even today and even on this forum.

Wenger left at the right time, the only mistake was preferring Emery to Arteta back in 2018. Arteta should have been hired right away and those 1.5 years with Emery wouldn't have been wasted. Nonetheless, I'm happy that the board rectified their mistake very quickly.

 

[Mamoon]

As I have many times, Arsenal is on the cusp of something very special and they have been building for this period. The 2024-30 period will be very similar to the golden period under Wenger (1997-2004) where Arsenal picked up three league titles.

In the 2024 to 2030, expect Arteta to win at least two league titles with Arsenal and that is more than what Klopp has managed or will manage at Liverpool.

History will look back at three pivotal moments that made Arteta and Arsenal and shaped their journey:

1. The board sacking Emery in 2019 and giving the job to Arteta, quickly realizing that they made a mistake by opting for the former in the first place. Arteta was always going to be the man to rebuild the club after the Wenger era. Luckily, the board didn't made the same mistake multiple times like United did post SAF otherwise today, Arsenal would not be fighting for the title.

2. Backing Arteta in the Aubameyang saga and giving him a new contract when the club had hit rock-bottom and a lot of fans wanted him gone. That was a real boss move by the board and give Arteta so much belief and confidence. Arsenal have been on an upward swing ever since he got a new contract and their is newfound belief and optimism at the club.

3. Signing Declan Rice was a huge moment for the club. By far the most important and powerful signing in the Emirates era. He is exactly the player, the personality and the leader that the club lacked for so many years. Not only did Arsenal sign Rice, they signed him by bodying Man City in the race for his signature which was a serious power move. Signing a player like him and for such money was unthinkable even a year back because Arsenal neither had the resources or the pull - the gravitas - to make a statement signing like this.

These three moments will shape Arsenal's destiny over the next few years and I urge all Arsenal fans to throw the criticism of the rival fans in garbage bin and gear up for what is going to be a wonderful period in the history of Arsenal.

 

[Mamoon]

Next summer, Arsenal need to address three key positions.

The goalkeeping situation must be addressed for good. Stick with either Ramsdale or Raya or bin both and find a new long-term keeper with character and quality.

Sell Jesus or Eddie and sign a flagship number 9 who has a bigger nose for goal than both of them. A 25+ goals striker is essential.

The Martinelli position needs to be upgraded. I understand this is not a popular opinion and a bit of a touchy subject because he is a fan favorite and is pretty much a homegrown player, but Martinelli is not the player his fans think he is or can become.

He just doesn't have that intelligence and awareness and you cannot really coach these qualities. You either have them or you don't. He has a lot of good qualities for sure. He has pace, he is direct but his decision-making is clumsy, he has no weak foot and most of the time he is dribbling in a straight line and is never in complete control. His finishing is good but not great enough to mold him into a lethal number 9.

He is very reminiscent of Theo Walcott. Arsenal fans should not get attached to any individual player as long as Arteta is at the helm because is ruthless and has no problems discarding any player if he can find a superior alternative. Therefore, I will not be surprised if Martinelli is the next victim of his wrath.

 

[topspin]

Maddison

First, Arsenal should have signed the relegated player instead of Havertz but Havertz has given on hell of a shut up call to his detractors. Boy did the player of the month for November feel sweet.

Arteta is not a fool - he knew why was Havertz was struggling at Chelsea and he knew what he needed to do to get the best out of him and he is doing it now and this is only the start.

He also had the option to buy Maddison instead of Odegaard but he didn't because he knows something that impatient Arsenal fans don't. He is one step ahead of them and they don't realize it. Odegaard is one of the best players in the world; Maddison is not.

Put both on the market today and no big club would opt for Maddison over Odegaard. Ask Pep who he would want to replace De Bruyne in a couple of years and he will not pick Maddison.

As far as captaincy is concerned, it is not that big a factor on the pitch anyway. It is not cricket. The manager is in charge not the players who wear the armband. Rice will captain Arsenal one day whether Odegaard stays in the long-term or leaves, but it is not that big a problem.

What are you smoking

Maddison has not only proven himself as the superior CAM, he's also been the best CAM in the PL his season so far. This is an undeniable fact. He just needed to move to a better club. But even at Leicester with lesser players around him, he was superb. There is no doubt he would start ahead of Odegaard if Arsenal had both of them in the squad. Anyone who disagrees with this is delusional.

Odegaard has been exposed for his weak mentality and non-existent leadership on the pitch. He goes missing in:

1. Big away matches
2. When Arsenal's backs are against the wall
3. When he's up against more physical teams

I stand by my original point of view. We shouldn't have bought Havertz, instead we should have spent an extra £10m to buy Maddison and Kudus who were both sold for £40m each. The latter would have been a direct replacement for Xhaka.

If we had a midfield of Rice, Kudus and Maddison, I'm certain the PL this season would belong to Arsenal's but for some reason you think blowing £70m on a player who blows hot and cold is money better spent.

You just never learn do you.

 

[shaz619]

What does "without Wenger" even mean?

You can use this logic for everything and anything. Without Messi, Ronaldo fans wouldn't be crying themselves to sleep every night. Without the takeover, City would still be a smaller club than Aston Villa.

Without Sir Alex, Man United wouldn't have had the success they had for 2 and a half decades. Without Klopp, Liverpool wouldn't have achieved what they have achieved in the last 8 years.

Aston Villa is a great club for sure, but is it bigger than Arsenal? No they are not and never will be.

Aston Villa have a dusty European trophy and that merits a lot of respect, but Arsenal have twice as many first division titles and twice as many trophies overall and their is no comparison between the two in terms of brand value and global reach and this gap will only get bigger in the future unless there is a takeover at Aston Villa.

As far as Wenger getting betrayed by the fans, it is not black and white. Wenger was finished and Arsenal needed a new direction but it wasn't handled with grace and dignity. Arsenal have a lot of toxic fans and we can see that even today and even on this forum.

Wenger left at the right time, the only mistake was preferring Emery to Arteta back in 2018. Arteta should have been hired right away and those 1.5 years with Emery wouldn't have been wasted. Nonetheless, I'm happy that the board rectified their mistake very quickly.

It’s the truth your best years are in the 2000’s under Wenger and his invincibles the current lot don’t compare I liked watching that team and not the spineless XI you support now and glorify them for being no.2, without Wenger nobody would dare say Arsenal are as big as Villa let alone commit the cardinal sin of assuming they are a bigger club, if that was in doubt the record was set straight more recently.

With the backing Arteta has had should have won you a few league titles by now, but I still think no.2 his a big deal, clearly Arsenal fans are happy with that

 

[Technics 1210]

Yes, the same Amjid who claimed that Arsenal will never progress and fight for the title under Arteta. He wanted him sacked in 2021-22.

These are his "spot on" predictions:

Predictions are not just about being spot on, but also about how many times a prediction is spot on.

AJ has been spot on more times with his predictions and analysis than you have when it comes to Arsenal FC, and by a country mile.

You also had the audacity to palm off Wenger's reign - which undoubtedly was the pinnacle of Arsenal FC, and even neutral fans will admit that Wenger's Arsenal was light years ahead of Arteta's rancid tenure - but no, someone who has never attended a football match (you) claims Arteta's reign is better than Wengers.

Your entire premise behind Arsenal bagging titles left right and centre under Arteta is based on the one notion that Arteta is the next Pep simply because he was 2IC under Pep. Grab a history book, many 2ICs have failed as managers.

And remember, Arteta was contemplating his future at Arsenal at the end of last season when he bottled the title - doesn't sound like his loyalties are in the right place anyway.

 

[Amjid Javed]

mamoon is so desperate he's digging up posts from years ago to try and make a point. The guy who when Emery was sacked, he wanted Mourinho to take over not going to even waste my time with your nonsense

 

[Mamoon]

What are you smoking

Maddison has not only proven himself as the superior CAM, he's also been the best CAM in the PL his season so far. This is an undeniable fact. He just needed to move to a better club. But even at Leicester with lesser players around him, he was superb. There is no doubt he would start ahead of Odegaard if Arsenal had both of them in the squad. Anyone who disagrees with this is delusional.

Odegaard has been exposed for his weak mentality and non-existent leadership on the pitch. He goes missing in:

1. Big away matches
2. When Arsenal's backs are against the wall
3. When he's up against more physical teams

I stand by my original point of view. We shouldn't have bought Havertz, instead we should have spent an extra £10m to buy Maddison and Kudus who were both sold for £40m each. The latter would have been a direct replacement for Xhaka.

If we had a midfield of Rice, Kudus and Maddison, I'm certain the PL this season would belong to Arsenal's but for some reason you think blowing £70m on a player who blows hot and cold is money better spent.

You just never learn do you.

Maddison is not the best CAM in the league. Never was and never will be. He is a good player but he is not that good. Secondly, anyone who thinks he is better than Odegaard is clearly delusional.

Ask any top club to choose between the two and every top club would go for Odegaard. If Arteta wanted Maddison or thought he is better than Odegaard, he would have signed him by now. He was there for the taking.

So Havertz has gone from a "complete failure" to someone who "blows hot and cold". I see that as an improvement - the next step wpuld be to admit that he has been a very good signing and Arteta saw something in him that the impatient fans did not.

 

[Mamoon]

It’s the truth your best years are in the 2000’s under Wenger and his invincibles the current lot don’t compare I liked watching that team and not the spineless XI you support now and glorify them for being no.2, without Wenger nobody would dare say Arsenal are as big as Villa let alone commit the cardinal sin of assuming they are a bigger club, if that was in doubt the record was set straight more recently.

No one can deny what Wenger did for Arsenal. He was the one who solidified Arsenal as the third biggest club in English football. However, Arsenal were bigger than Aston Villa before the Wenger era as well. Apart from the 1981-83 period, Aston Villa achieved nothing since the early 1900s and 1910s.

With the backing Arteta has had should have won you a few league titles by now, but I still think no.2 his a big deal, clearly Arsenal fans are happy with that

How and why? The PL is a very competitive league. Almost every big club has a lot of money to spend and when Arteta took over, Arsenal were in shambles and nowhere near to fighting for the title.

Klopp took 5 years of investment and squad building to win the league. Arteta is on the same path and there is no doubt that sooner or later Arsenal will win the league with Arteta. Arsenal and Arsenal fans are not happy with being number 2. This is why Arsenal didn't sit on its laurels after last season and went ahead and spent big money in the summer.

Arteta has raised the bar and the standards of the club again. The standards that were lowered in the last few years of the Wenger era where finishing 4th was seen as an achievement. Arsenal had lost the ambition to win the league and Arteta has brought that ambition back.

Today, Arsenal not winning the league is seen as a disappointing outcome for the fans but that was not the case in the last few years of the Wenger era. Emery was brought to rebuild the club and raise the standards again but he failed miserably because he doesn't have what it takes to manage big clubs.

Success doesn't come overnight - it takes time. Pep took 7 years to win the UCL with Man City in spite of already boasting a title-winning squad.

Arsenal is on the right track with Arteta and they are not behind the schedule either. The state at which Arsenal were and the level of competition around Arsenal, it was always going to take all these years to assemble a squad that will fight and eventually win the title.

 

[Mamoon]

Predictions are not just about being spot on, but also about how many times a prediction is spot on.

Good. so we have gone from "he is always spot on" to "he is sometimes spot on". I see that as an improvement.

AJ has been spot on more times with his predictions and analysis than you have when it comes to Arsenal FC, and by a country mile.

Keep telling yourself that. He falls in the same camp of impatient fans who thinks Arteta hasn't got what it takes and wanted him sacked long ago. Arteta getting sacked in 2020 or 2021 would have only made things worse for Arsenal. Arsenal would have had faced the same turmoil that Man United have had post SAF and thankfully, the Arsenal board had more sense and vision then the ignorant fans who cannot see beyond their nose.

You also had the audacity to palm off Wenger's reign - which undoubtedly was the pinnacle of Arsenal FC, and even neutral fans will admit that Wenger's Arsenal was light years ahead of Arteta's rancid tenure - but no, someone who has never attended a football match (you) claims Arteta's reign is better than Wengers.

Again - putting words in someone's mouth because you know you have lost the argument. (1) No one has ever claimed that Wenger's reign was a failure and (2) no one has ever claimed that Arteta has already done better than Wenger.

What Wenger has done for Arsenal and the legacy that he has built will always be there. No one can take that away from him. He is to Arsenal what SAF was to United and what Cruyff was to Barcelona. However, nothing lasts forever.

After Arsenal paid off its stadium debt by 2013 and finally had the financial capability to sign top players and compete in the market, it became very obvious that Wenger no longer had what it takes to win the PL or take Arsenal deep in UCL. It was time for the club to go in a new direction with a fresh, new manager at the helm. Wenger had clearly lost the burning desire and desperation to win.

Wenger left at the right time but he didn't leave in the right manner. He copped a lot of insult and abuse which were uncalled for because regardless of how frustrated Arsenal fans were by the lack of winning mentality and lack of hunger and desire to win the league, his great work and sacrifices for the club cannot be undermined.

Your entire premise behind Arsenal bagging titles left right and centre under Arteta is based on the one notion that Arteta is the next Pep simply because he was 2IC under Pep. Grab a history book, many 2ICs have failed as managers.

Arteta has already proved that he is more than just a number 2. He has already proved that he is a world class manager. He is already well beyond the stage where he has to prove his credentials as a manager to anyone. The work that he has done at Arsenal and how has taken a team in absolute shambles to title contenders speaks volumes about his capabilities as a manager.

Anyone who thinks Arteta is just another number 2 clearly has no idea about him and his journey in football. It was obvious from day 1 that he will be a top manager one day just like it is obvious that someone like Xabi Alonso will also be a top manager while ignorant fans like yourself will brush him aside as just another number 2.

Arteta has the credentials to be a top manager because of the early footballing education that he received (La Masia), his position at the pitch (there is a reason why majority of the successful managers are CMs/CDMs), and the learning experiences that he had from Wenger and later Pep.

A lot of number 2s are number 2s because they don't back themselves to be number 1s. Arteta was a number 2 for Pep with the sole intention of gathering experience to become a number 1 in the future. At City, he had an important role and was more than just a Pep's assistant - he worked closely with individual players as well and the likes of Sterling, Sane, De Bruyne have all credited Arteta with their development.

Arteta had a burning desire to be a manager and all the experiences that he has had in football has shaped and moulded him for success as a manager. His story and journey are not comparable to your regular number 2.

And remember, Arteta was contemplating his future at Arsenal at the end of last season when he bottled the title - doesn't sound like his loyalties are in the right place anyway.

Arteta hates losing and wants to win at all costs. He has no problems betraying his players or being nasty because he will do whatever it will take to win. This is the mentality and ambition that Arsenal lost in the second half of Wenger's rain who was too rigid with his principles and doing things the right way only, while Arteta would go to any lengths to win things.

When you are a competitive individual like him, you hate losing and you take no pride in finishing second. It is not surprising that he had second thoughts about his future at Arsenal after the heartbreaking end to the season at Arsenal, but his loyalties and heart are in the right place which is why he stayed at Arsenal - and rejected PSG's advances - because he has unfinished business at the club and he is not going anywhere until he win numerous trophies for Arsenal and cements his legacy.

 

[Technics 1210]

Good. so we have gone from "he is always spot on" to "he is sometimes spot on". I see that as an improvement.

The problem is you have to be spoonfed with the obvious.

Predictions by definition have a success rate, otherwise they are not predictions.

You say you had a great education, but remember, education teaches you how to memorise information, not how to apply it.

I skipped the rest of your essay.

Wenger - daylight - Arteta.

 

[Amjid Javed]

The standards are so low for certain fans that if they had their way the statues of Henry and wenger would be taken down and replaced with Arteta and havertz.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Arsenal linueup to play against PSV in EPL tonight

 

[Amjid Javed]

Bang on.

There's a recurring pattern with Odegaard in particular with his non-existent leadership and weak mentality. This review of Odegaard's performance against Villa epitomises this:

View attachment 140026

Source: https://www.90min.com/posts/aston-villa-1-0-arsenal-player-ratings-9-12-2023

That last sentence is a damning assessment of his weak mentality. He doesn't want to stand up and take responsibility. There's no way he should be captain of this Arsenal side.

He actually doesn't want to get involved when Arsenal's backs are against the wall. He goes missing in tough away fixtures and also when he's up against more physical sides.

Most of the the time he's only good when the game is in the balance team or when the team is in front.

I've seen enough of Odegaard to say till now, he's been overrated and is Arsenal's footballing version of mental midget, Asad Shafiq.

I wish we bought Maddison. I don't want to ever hear from Mamoon "Who's Maddison"/"Maddison is a nobody".

He went missing at back end of season when it mattered most an Anfield and at eithad. Also look at how many times he gets dragged off in games. Does any other "captain" get subbed off as much.

Both him and Zinchenko are just over hyped players and just cheerleaders that most of current fan base with low standards, love to get behind

 

[shaz619]

No one can deny what Wenger did for Arsenal. He was the one who solidified Arsenal as the third biggest club in English football. However, Arsenal were bigger than Aston Villa before the Wenger era as well. Apart from the 1981-83 period, Aston Villa achieved nothing since the early 1900s and 1910s.

How and why? The PL is a very competitive league. Almost every big club has a lot of money to spend and when Arteta took over, Arsenal were in shambles and nowhere near to fighting for the title.

Klopp took 5 years of investment and squad building to win the league. Arteta is on the same path and there is no doubt that sooner or later Arsenal will win the league with Arteta. Arsenal and Arsenal fans are not happy with being number 2. This is why Arsenal didn't sit on its laurels after last season and went ahead and spent big money in the summer.

Arteta has raised the bar and the standards of the club again. The standards that were lowered in the last few years of the Wenger era where finishing 4th was seen as an achievement. Arsenal had lost the ambition to win the league and Arteta has brought that ambition back.

Today, Arsenal not winning the league is seen as a disappointing outcome for the fans but that was not the case in the last few years of the Wenger era. Emery was brought to rebuild the club and raise the standards again but he failed miserably because he doesn't have what it takes to manage big clubs.

Success doesn't come overnight - it takes time. Pep took 7 years to win the UCL with Man City in spite of already boasting a title-winning squad.

Arsenal is on the right track with Arteta and they are not behind the schedule either. The state at which Arsenal were and the level of competition around Arsenal, it was always going to take all these years to assemble a squad that will fight and eventually win the title.

Only for Arsenal fans that’s the case in their deluded world, and that early dominance is enough to cement Villa in footballing folklore well ahead of Arsenal, our legacy and roots are deeper and richer then that of Arsenal even without the modern success, 10 more FA cups wont change that. Villa were pioneers of football, and let the weekend beating be a reminded of our superiority. And don’t talk about Wenger when you don’t put respect on his name, we allowed Dean Smith to leave with honour, you couldn’t do that for Wenger.

How much more time does his holiness Arteta deserve? And you can’t consider no.2 a failure when you’ve celebrated that more than any other Arsenal fan I’ve seen

 

[shaz619]

Arsenal couldn’t win the top European trophy with a Wenger, but they’re going to do it with an Arteta

 

[shaz619]

Arsenal linueup to play against PSV in EPL tonight

View attachment 140107

Arteta is still shook from the good hiding he got from Villa and Emery

 

[Amjid Javed]

Yes, the same Amjid who claimed that Arsenal will never progress and fight for the title under Arteta. He wanted him sacked in 2021-22.

These are his "spot on" predictions:

May 2022:

The manager who can't handle the PL finished second last season and pushed City all the way and is once again fighting for the title again.

I know Arteta critics like you, him and others make fun of him for "bottling" the league last season, but in August 2022, none of you would have expected Arsenal to finish 2nd and fight for the title and you cannot deny it.

Similarly, you, him and others never thought Arsenal would be where they are today 2-3 years back when you expected Arteta to be sacked by this time. Again, it is something you can downplay now but cannot deny it.

May 2022:

Two months later, Jesus joined Arsenal.

These are just two posts. I can go on, and on..........and on because I have an entire collection on my fingertips.

Amjid, you and other Arsenal critics went through the following stages of embarrassment.

Claim 1: Arsenal will not make the top 4 under Arteta
Claim disproved

Claim 2: Arsenal will not fight for the title under Arteta
Claim disproved

Claim 3: Arsenal will not be able to secure big signings under Arteta
Claim disproved

Claim 4 and Claim 5: Arsenal will not win the league under Arteta and will not make an impact in the UCL
Both these claims will be disproven soon and then goalposts will shift again because you, him and others don't have the balls to admit that Arteta proved you wrong.

When Arsenal win the PL with Arteta, which will happen very soon, you lot won't have the balls to admit that you were wrong about him. Instead, the narrative will change and it will suddenly become a fluke, or because City and Liverpool were dealing with injuries, or it won't be a big deal because after all the time and investment, Arteta had to win the league.

However, as we have seen with Chelsea and United who have comfortably outspend Arteta's Arsenal and are nowhere near, spending money is not the answer. Spending money on the right players and effective squad-building is what wins you the title and Arteta is doing that.

Both Chelsea and United would have been in much better shape right now if Arteta was their manager. Who cares about the Arsenal critics who can't digest the fact that Arsenal are back as title contenders, but it is very disappointing to see certain sections of Arsenal fans undermining Arteta because they don't realize the gem they have at their hands.

Apart from 1-2 managers who are not attainable for obvious reasons, not a single manager would have done a better job than Arteta at Arsenal over the last 4 years. Arteta is doing a fantastic job and he and his Arsenal team are only beginning. The potential growth of both Arteta and Arsenal is scary. Arteta is giving a lesson in management and coaching to those who have been doing it for decades and Arsenal are on the cusp of a very special period.

So you went and took one of my quotes about Arteta not being able to handle europa / other cup competitions and league at same time.

Your whole justification is that Arteta finished 2nd and that's proved me wrong, really shows how low your standards are.

I made that quote and I was correct.

What did Arteta do in the europa league last season? He got embarrassed by sporting Lisbon.

What did Arsensl do in the league they bottled it. That's fact. Just like your "oh it's in the bag" comment and then you dissapeard after because you could take the humilaton.

Let's deal with facts rather then your deluded fantasy

In last 3 seasons

Arteta got to a EL semi final, then got tactically schooled by Emery. Arteta using a false number 9 and got shown up.

Season after, humilated exits in FA Cup and league and bottled top 4.

Last season, went out of all the cups, to "focus" on the league and bottled the league.

So my point that Arteta can't handle multiple competitions holds true because he won Nothing.

Don't talk about balls and people being man enough to speak up and admit when they are wrong, when Arteta ultimately at pressure end of last 3 seasons has failed.

All your so called "Arteta will do this, Arteta will do that" bhangra has yielded nothing.

When at end of this season Arsenal end a 4th trophyless season in a row, let's see where your balls are and what excuses you come up with.

I deal with facts, managers at big clubs are judged on trophies.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Anyone would think Arteta won the treble last season and not Pep.

The fact "fan boys" now worship players and managers over the actual club is hilarious.

Anyone would think the club's called "Arteta FC"

When he is sacked or leaves because he's found to not get the team over line and win titles and trophies. I hope those "fan boys," go with him.

 

[shaz619]

Anyone would think Arteta won the treble last season and not Pep.

The fact "fan boys" now worship players and managers over the actual club is hilarious.

Anyone would think the club's called "Arteta FC"

When he is sacked or leaves because he's found to not get the team over line and win titles and trophies. I hope those "fan boys," go with him.

This weird behaviour is more associated with non-British football fans from the Indian subcontinent. Where it becomes more about individuals and not the team, loyalties switch based on where x is going to next.

Normal Arsenal fans over here rarely react this way.

 

[topspin]

Maddison is not the best CAM in the league. Never was and never will be. He is a good player but he is not that good. Secondly, anyone who thinks he is better than Odegaard is clearly delusional.

Ask any top club to choose between the two and every top club would go for Odegaard. If Arteta wanted Maddison or thought he is better than Odegaard, he would have signed him by now. He was there for the taking.

So Havertz has gone from a "complete failure" to someone who "blows hot and cold". I see that as an improvement - the next step wpuld be to admit that he has been a very good signing and Arteta saw something in him that the impatient fans did not.

Re-read what I said. I said Maddison has been the best CAM in the league this season. No one can deny this. If you don't agree with that, you've either not watched him or you have to be lying through your teeth.

In terms of Maddison vs Odegaard. Let's take it back from 21/22 as this was Odegaard's first full season in the PL. Comparing the two, I would rate their showing since then as follows:

21/22 - Maddison
22/23 - Odegaard
23/24 - Maddison (best CAM in the league this season)

The only reason why Odegaard outperformed Maddison last season is because the latter was playing for a dead Leicester team. As @Amjid Javed has mentioned above, when it mattered at the back end of the season, Odegaard went missing.

If I had to name the prime culprit as to why Arsenal have missed out on their objectives after bottling top 4 and title race in the last two season, it's Odegaard. Whether it be tough away games, physical teams or when Arsenal are trailing, he goes missing because he doesn't want to get involved. He's a mentally weak player, who you've acknowledged in your previous response isn't fit to captain the side. His non-existent leadership is clearly affecting the team.
Odegaard is also the biggest culprit for his national side after seeing them miss out on a Euro play-off place. This is unforgivable when you have a relatively easy group and Haaland in your team.

As for Havertz, I acknowledge that he's been in good form in recent games however for a player who blows hot and cold, I very much doubt he'll justify his £70m price tag. You and I know both know that money would've been better spent if Arsenal had spent an extra £10m and bought Maddison and Kudus for a total of £80m. You don't want to address this point because deep down you know if we had a midfield of Rice, Kudus and Maddison, we would win the league this season. In this scenario, only major injuries to key players would stop Arsenal from falling short. Unlike Havertz and Odegaard, Rice and Maddison are natural leaders in the team who can be relied upon to step up to the challenge at all times.

 

[topspin]

He went missing at back end of season when it mattered most an Anfield and at eithad. Also look at how many times he gets dragged off in games. Does any other "captain" get subbed off as much.

Both him and Zinchenko are just over hyped players and just cheerleaders that most of current fan base with low standards, love to get behind

That last sentence is exactly what every Arsenal fan should be saying. For me these two in particular are the ones who have and will continue to hold us back.

 

[IMMY69]

This thread has become a bit of a joke...

It reminds me of the arguments in the school playground during break time when I was a child...

There is a sheer lack of perspective from fans of Arsenal and then those non Arsenal fans are jumping in to exploit it.

A true fan understands that Odeguard is not one of the very best midfielders in the world, that Havertz has a long way to go to justify his pay tag and may never even get there... that Zinchenko is not a good left back and Arteta is a young, inexperienced coach that is still learning the job. The list goes on...

However, and in spite of all this, one can still see improvements in the team, the way we play and our defensive strength which for around 10 years was our weakness.

Do Arsenal fans want more? Of course they do but most can see the improvements and anyone who knows the game will tell you that we're just two or three players short of being amongst the current best sides in the world...

We're literally one striker and a creative midfielder away away from being the very best... it's cruel what happened to Timber but these things happen so I won't hold the management accountable for that position.

Arteta has made mistakes, of course he has, every manager has in their career... but he has to be given credit too for creating a side that is finally able to compete and, just like eith the players we have, there is potential too in Arteta to become a better manager.

So as a lifelong Gooner I support this team and all the players, as well as the manager and reserve my judgment until the end of the season.

 

[Mamoon]

The problem is you have to be spoonfed with the obvious.

Predictions by definition have a success rate, otherwise they are not predictions.

You say you had a great education, but remember, education teaches you how to memorise information, not how to apply it.

I skipped the rest of your essay.

Wenger - daylight - Arteta.

My bad. I always forget that I need to dumb down my posts to make them comprehensible for you so that you don't have to skip my essays. I will keep that in mind for the future.

 

[Mamoon]

This thread has become a bit of a joke...

It reminds me of the arguments in the school playground during break time when I was a child...

There is a sheer lack of perspective from fans of Arsenal and then those non Arsenal fans are jumping in to exploit it.

A true fan understands that Odeguard is not one of the very best midfielders in the world, that Havertz has a long way to go to justify his pay tag and may never even get there... that Zinchenko is not a good left back and Arteta is a young, inexperienced coach that is still learning the job. The list goes on...

However, and in spite of all this, one can still see improvements in the team, the way we play and our defensive strength which for around 10 years was our weakness.

Do Arsenal fans want more? Of course they do but most can see the improvements and anyone who knows the game will tell you that we're just two or three players short of being amongst the current best sides in the world...

We're literally one striker and a creative midfielder away away from being the very best... it's cruel what happened to Timber but these things happen so I won't hold the management accountable for that position.

Arteta has made mistakes, of course he has, every manager has in their career... but he has to be given credit too for creating a side that is finally able to compete and, just like eith the players we have, there is potential too in Arteta to become a better manager.

So as a lifelong Gooner I support this team and all the players, as well as the manager and reserve my judgment until the end of the season.

Odegaard is one of the best midfielders in the world without any doubt. He had one of the all-time great PL seasons last year for a midfielder. He is only 24 and captain of both club and country. He is not the best midfielder in the world for sure and there is room for improvement, but he is one of the great players in the world in his position and the bar to be considered one of the best must be ridiculously high if Odegaard doesn't qualify.

Odegaard, along with Rice, Saliba and Saka, are one of the handful Arsenal players who are genuinely world class. Agree with everything else that you said.

As far as Zinchenko is concerned, his defending is circumspect and everyone including Arteta knows that, but he has a very important role in the team and a key cog in terms of attacking patterns and how Arsenal recycle possession. Timber will probably displace him in the long-term, but it is understandable why Arteta preferred him to Tierney in the short-term.

 

[Mamoon]

That last sentence is exactly what every Arsenal fan should be saying. For me these two in particular are the ones who have and will continue to hold us back.

The only player who is holding back Arsenal the most is the Brazilian Walcott (Martinelli).

This guy has 2 goals and 2 assists in the PL so far and we are in December. One of those assists (N Forest) was a total fluke where he was trying to do the roulette but couldn't control the ball as always and it ended up perfectly for Eddie.

Saka and Odegaard might not be as prolific this season as last year and a lot of it has to do with how Arteta has set the team up this season, preferring defensive solidity over free flowing football, but those guys are technically at a different level to Martinelli and are heavily involved in the play.

Martinelli is mostly on the periphery and his decision-making is and always will be circumspect. He almost always chooses the wrong option when he has time and space.

Sooner or later, Arteta will realize that Martinelli is a player that Arsenal can easily upgrade on. Lets not forget that he initially preferred ESR to Martinelli before ESR ran into his injury woes and he tried to sign Mudryk who would have displaced Martinelli in the long-term. Therefore, it will not be surprising if Martinelli is the next player to face Arteta's wrath and gets discarded.

Arteta targets one player every season and chucks them out with no mercy. Martinelli could and should be next line because he is not good enough. He needs to be replaced with a more technical and intelligent player who is not reliant on pace only and running in straight lines with no weak foot.

 

[Mamoon]

Re-read what I said. I said Maddison has been the best CAM in the league this season. No one can deny this. If you don't agree with that, you've either not watched him or you have to be lying through your teeth.

In terms of Maddison vs Odegaard. Let's take it back from 21/22 as this was Odegaard's first full season in the PL. Comparing the two, I would rate their showing since then as follows:

21/22 - Maddison
22/23 - Odegaard
23/24 - Maddison (best CAM in the league this season)

The only reason why Odegaard outperformed Maddison last season is because the latter was playing for a dead Leicester team. As @Amjid Javed has mentioned above, when it mattered at the back end of the season, Odegaard went missing.

If I had to name the prime culprit as to why Arsenal have missed out on their objectives after bottling top 4 and title race in the last two season, it's Odegaard. Whether it be tough away games, physical teams or when Arsenal are trailing, he goes missing because he doesn't want to get involved. He's a mentally weak player, who you've acknowledged in your previous response isn't fit to captain the side. His non-existent leadership is clearly affecting the team.
Odegaard is also the biggest culprit for his national side after seeing them miss out on a Euro play-off place. This is unforgivable when you have a relatively easy group and Haaland in your team.

As for Havertz, I acknowledge that he's been in good form in recent games however for a player who blows hot and cold, I very much doubt he'll justify his £70m price tag. You and I know both know that money would've been better spent if Arsenal had spent an extra £10m and bought Maddison and Kudus for a total of £80m. You don't want to address this point because deep down you know if we had a midfield of Rice, Kudus and Maddison, we would win the league this season. In this scenario, only major injuries to key players would stop Arsenal from falling short. Unlike Havertz and Odegaard, Rice and Maddison are natural leaders in the team who can be relied upon to step up to the challenge at all times.

Again - Odegaard is one of the best players in the world. Maddison is not. You can offer both to Barcelona, Real Madrid, City, Bayern, PSG, Juventus etc. and none of these clubs would pick Maddison over Odegaard and you know it. Maddison is a good player but Odegaard is simply better and it is not even up for debate. You are more than welcome to order a Maddison shirt and support Spurs if you are so upset over Arsenal missing out on him and preferring Odegaard to him.

As far as Kudus is concerned, I don't care for these black African players who are mostly age-cheats with the added inconvenience of the AFCON. Like Pep, I would prefer Arteta to stay away from these players. These players from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast etc. are age-cheats and it doesn't get talked about enough.

You can't convince me that Partey is only 30 with the way his body is falling apart. He is at least 34-35 and same goes for Kudus who is definitely not 23 only. Lets not forget that if Kudus was as good as you think, he wouldn't have gone to West Ham and would have been snapped up by a big club instead.

I'm very happy to see Arsenal sign Odegaard and Havertz. Odegaard is one of the best players in the world and Havertz has the potential to be one of the best players in the world and at Arsenal, he has the right environment and the right manager to get the best out of his abilities.

 

[Mamoon]

So you went and took one of my quotes about Arteta not being able to handle europa / other cup competitions and league at same time.

Your whole justification is that Arteta finished 2nd and that's proved me wrong, really shows how low your standards are.

I made that quote and I was correct.

What did Arteta do in the europa league last season? He got embarrassed by sporting Lisbon.

What did Arsensl do in the league they bottled it. That's fact. Just like your "oh it's in the bag" comment and then you dissapeard after because you could take the humilaton.

Let's deal with facts rather then your deluded fantasy

In last 3 seasons

Arteta got to a EL semi final, then got tactically schooled by Emery. Arteta using a false number 9 and got shown up.

Season after, humilated exits in FA Cup and league and bottled top 4.

Last season, went out of all the cups, to "focus" on the league and bottled the league.

So my point that Arteta can't handle multiple competitions holds true because he won Nothing.

Don't talk about balls and people being man enough to speak up and admit when they are wrong, when Arteta ultimately at pressure end of last 3 seasons has failed.

All your so called "Arteta will do this, Arteta will do that" bhangra has yielded nothing.

When at end of this season Arsenal end a 4th trophyless season in a row, let's see where your balls are and what excuses you come up with.

I deal with facts, managers at big clubs are judged on trophies.

You along with other Arteta critics wouldn't have expected Arsenal to fight for the title under him because you didn't even expect him to be good enough to help Arsenal into the top four. If I had asked you in July 2022 about your predictions for the season, you would have never said that Arsenal would be fighting for the title and miss out by a whisker after leading the table for 10 months.

Therefore, Arteta has already proved you wrong and surpassed your expectations. Therefore, you should have courage to admit that you were wrong about him. You can't shift the goalposts just because you don't want to admit that Arteta has done better than what you expected him to do.

I agree that ultimately, Arteta will have to take Arsenal over the line in either the PL or the UCL to validate the time and investment. However, it doesn't happen overnight. It is a long-term process and when Arteta took over Arsenal in December 2019, the club was in shambles both in terms of the players that they had, the football that they played and the culture that was imposed on the club.

You look at where Arsenal were when Arteta took over and where Arsenal are today and there is a world of difference. You cannot downplay all of that just because Arteta has not won the PL yet and with the way things are progressing and the trajectory of the club, it is very obvious that Arsenal will win the league very soon.

2020-21 (Arteta First full season):

Arsenal finished 8th with 61 points

2021-22 (second full season):

Arsenal finished 5th with 69 points

2022-23 (third full season):

Arsenal finished 2nd with 84 points

As you can see, the club is trending in the right direction. Every season under Arteta has been better than the previous one in terms of progression. This is exactly the journey Liverpool had under Klopp from 2016 to 2020 before they won the league.

Under Arteta, Arsenal have gone from a team struggling to stay in the top 10 to a team fighting for a UCL spot to a team that is now fighting for the title. The next step would be to actually win the title.

You can't discount everything that he has done just because he hasn't won the league yet. If Arteta leaves or is sacked before he wins the league, I will be the first one to admit that he didn't deliver as per the expectations and failed to justify the hype. However, I can guarantee that if he wins the PL, you will not have the courage to give him credit and admit that you were wrong about him - you will downplay his success because it is what he was supposed to achieve after all the time and investment. This is what toxic agenda looks like - if you are going to be so critical, it is important to also have the courage to appreciate and give credit where it is due and this is the courage that you lack.

 

[Mamoon]

Only for Arsenal fans that’s the case in their deluded world, and that early dominance is enough to cement Villa in footballing folklore well ahead of Arsenal, our legacy and roots are deeper and richer then that of Arsenal even without the modern success, 10 more FA cups wont change that. Villa were pioneers of football, and let the weekend beating be a reminded of our superiority. And don’t talk about Wenger when you don’t put respect on his name, we allowed Dean Smith to leave with honour, you couldn’t do that for Wenger.

How much more time does his holiness Arteta deserve? And you can’t consider no.2 a failure when you’ve celebrated that more than any other Arsenal fan I’ve seen

You have to be deluded beyond measure to argue that Aston Villa is bigger or were bigger than Arsenal at any point. Arsenal is twice as big as Aston Villa both in terms of overall trophies one, the brand value of the club and the overall stature and respect that both clubs command in English football.

Arsenal is one of the most respected institutions in English football and amongst the top 4-5 biggest clubs in English football. Aston Villa for all its roots and traditions do not belong in that league. One of the biggest in English football for sure, but not comparable to Arsenal in any measure.

The only thing that Aston Villa has over Arsenal is the European Cup, but in spite of the European Cup, Arsenal carry far more respect and appeal on the European stage. Arsenal didn't just overtake Aston Villa in the modern era. They were always bigger. What the modern era did was increase the gap between the clubs.

I really like Aston Villa, it is a great club that commands a lot of respect, but such deluded outlook leads to unnecessary and over the top criticism of a beautiful club like Aston Villa and you have to blame fans like yourself for putting your club in such a position that will only invite unneeded criticism.

The weekend beating reminds Aston Villa of its superiority? What superiority? Arsenal is still sitting above Aston Villa and will remain above Aston Villa just like it has for the past 40 years. That is what superiority means.

The expectations and demands of the two clubs sum up everything. Aston Villa will be delighted with a top 6 finish while Arsenal fans will be disappointed with finishing 2nd.

This is why a small manager with weak character and mentality like Emery is thriving at Aston Villa because the club and the fans will never demand or expect him to fight for the title. He was crapping his trousers at PSG and Arsenal because the expectations and the demands were too big for a small man like him.

To answer your last point, Arteta needs to win the title within the next 2 seasons because over the last 12 months or so, Arteta has finally managed to assemble a squad that is capable of fighting for the title. Arsenal is now back as a full-time title contender and now he has to take the team over the line. However, we cannot downplay the work that he has done so far because he took Arsenal from a team that was struggling to finish in the top half to a team that is now fighting for the title.

This season has proved all those critics wrong who claimed that last season was an aberration and Arsenal will be struggling to get into the top four this season. Arsenal will now fight for the title every season. No one is celebrating the second place finish - the celebration is for the progress and trajectory of the club, but now 2nd place finish will not be considered good enough because the next step is to win the league and there is no doubt that Arteta will make it happen.

 

[Mamoon]

Arsenal couldn’t win the top European trophy with a Wenger, but they’re going to do it with an Arteta

What does that even mean?

Mourinho in his prime couldn't get Chelsea over the line in Europe but a flop manager like Di Matteo won Chelsea a UCL. Wenger was a great manager but he failed in Europe. A lot of managers would have won a UCL with the 2001-2005 Arsenal team. Wenger's failure to get Arsenal over the line in Europe is the reason why he pales in comparison to managers like SAF and Pep.

As far as Arteta is concerned, the main priority has to be to win the league. The league is the true litmus test of the capabilities of a team and its superiority unlike the UCL whose knockout nature leaves plenty of room for upsets and shock results.

A team that finishes 5th or 6th in the league can go on to win in Europe that season, but you have to be the best or close to being the best to win the league.

I would obviously love to see Arsenal win the UCL but if I have to choose between the two, I would go with winning the league because it is a true reflection of how good a team is.

 

[Mamoon]

Anyone would think Arteta won the treble last season and not Pep.

The fact "fan boys" now worship players and managers over the actual club is hilarious.

Anyone would think the club's called "Arteta FC"

When he is sacked or leaves because he's found to not get the team over line and win titles and trophies. I hope those "fan boys," go with him.

Again - Arteta didn't win the treble but he has already done more than what you expected or predicted him to. You never thought Arsenal would be fighting for the title under Arteta so he has proved you wrong already.

Now since you don't want to admit that he has proved you wrong, you have raised the bar by claiming that he needs to win the title to prove himself. This is called shifting the goalposts.

As I said, when Arteta wins the league, you still won't have the courage to admit that he has proved you wrong. You will change the goalposts again or will downplay the achievement by claiming that it is not a big deal after the time and investment.

 

[shaz619]

You have to be deluded beyond measure to argue that Aston Villa is bigger or were bigger than Arsenal at any point. Arsenal is twice as big as Aston Villa both in terms of overall trophies one, the brand value of the club and the overall stature and respect that both clubs command in English football.

Arsenal is one of the most respected institutions in English football and amongst the top 4-5 biggest clubs in English football. Aston Villa for all its roots and traditions do not belong in that league. One of the biggest in English football for sure, but not comparable to Arsenal in any measure.

The only thing that Aston Villa has over Arsenal is the European Cup, but in spite of the European Cup, Arsenal carry far more respect and appeal on the European stage. Arsenal didn't just overtake Aston Villa in the modern era. They were always bigger. What the modern era did was increase the gap between the clubs.

I really like Aston Villa, it is a great club that commands a lot of respect, but such deluded outlook leads to unnecessary and over the top criticism of a beautiful club like Aston Villa and you have to blame fans like yourself for putting your club in such a position that will only invite unneeded criticism.

The weekend beating reminds Aston Villa of its superiority? What superiority? Arsenal is still sitting above Aston Villa and will remain above Aston Villa just like it has for the past 40 years. That is what superiority means.

The expectations and demands of the two clubs sum up everything. Aston Villa will be delighted with a top 6 finish while Arsenal fans will be disappointed with finishing 2nd.

This is why a small manager with weak character and mentality like Emery is thriving at Aston Villa because the club and the fans will never demand or expect him to fight for the title. He was crapping his trousers at PSG and Arsenal because the expectations and the demands were too big for a small man like him.

To answer your last point, Arteta needs to win the title within the next 2 seasons because over the last 12 months or so, Arteta has finally managed to assemble a squad that is capable of fighting for the title. Arsenal is now back as a full-time title contender and now he has to take the team over the line. However, we cannot downplay the work that he has done so far because he took Arsenal from a team that was struggling to finish in the top half to a team that is now fighting for the title.

This season has proved all those critics wrong who claimed that last season was an aberration and Arsenal will be struggling to get into the top four this season. Arsenal will now fight for the title every season. No one is celebrating the second place finish - the celebration is for the progress and trajectory of the club, but now 2nd place finish will not be considered good enough because the next step is to win the league and there is no doubt that Arteta will make it happen.

It’s not just the trophies, I’m not using the European trophy triumph to justify Villa’s superiority don’t need to do that, Arsenal are well inferior in stature and legacy, you’re more comparable to the Blackburn Rovers or Nottingham Forrest, severe delusions of grandeur and especially foreign ignorance would make you see otherwise.

Small, weak and chicken hearted are the managers will all the resources and backing at their disposal, yet they choke winning positions. It’s embarrassing the leniency being afforded to this bloke. As for Emery we shall see, goals/aims naturally evolve with progress and good pro’s learn from experiences managing championship sized football clubs.

So after accepting second place last season, we will aiming to celebrate 2nd place this season to then

 

[shaz619]

What does that even mean?

Mourinho in his prime couldn't get Chelsea over the line in Europe but a flop manager like Di Matteo won Chelsea a UCL. Wenger was a great manager but he failed in Europe. A lot of managers would have won a UCL with the 2001-2005 Arsenal team. Wenger's failure to get Arsenal over the line in Europe is the reason why he pales in comparison to managers like SAF and Pep.

As far as Arteta is concerned, the main priority has to be to win the league. The league is the true litmus test of the capabilities of a team and its superiority unlike the UCL whose knockout nature leaves plenty of room for upsets and shock results.

A team that finishes 5th or 6th in the league can go on to win in Europe that season, but you have to be the best or close to being the best to win the league.

I would obviously love to see Arsenal win the UCL but if I have to choose between the two, I would go with winning the league because it is a true reflection of how good a team is.

What has Arteta done to be compared to Mourinho? unless you are comparing him to Jose taking United to 2nd place in the league.

You’ve never won the top flight European trophy ever, it ought to be up there with winning the league or at least a comparable achievement in the instance you finish 2nd again, it’s something more to celebrate

 

[Technics 1210]

The only reason why Arsenal are trending up in the PL under Arteta is simply because Chelsea and Man U are trending down, otherwise Arsenal would be fighting for top 4.

Plain and simple, attrition is Arsenal's saviour under Arteta.

 

[shaz619]

You have to be deluded beyond measure to argue that Aston Villa is bigger or were bigger than Arsenal at any point. Arsenal is twice as big as Aston Villa both in terms of overall trophies one, the brand value of the club and the overall stature and respect that both clubs command in English football.

Arsenal is one of the most respected institutions in English football and amongst the top 4-5 biggest clubs in English football. Aston Villa for all its roots and traditions do not belong in that league. One of the biggest in English football for sure, but not comparable to Arsenal in any measure.

The only thing that Aston Villa has over Arsenal is the European Cup, but in spite of the European Cup, Arsenal carry far more respect and appeal on the European stage. Arsenal didn't just overtake Aston Villa in the modern era. They were always bigger. What the modern era did was increase the gap between the clubs.

I really like Aston Villa, it is a great club that commands a lot of respect, but such deluded outlook leads to unnecessary and over the top criticism of a beautiful club like Aston Villa and you have to blame fans like yourself for putting your club in such a position that will only invite unneeded criticism.

The weekend beating reminds Aston Villa of its superiority? What superiority? Arsenal is still sitting above Aston Villa and will remain above Aston Villa just like it has for the past 40 years. That is what superiority means.

The expectations and demands of the two clubs sum up everything. Aston Villa will be delighted with a top 6 finish while Arsenal fans will be disappointed with finishing 2nd.

This is why a small manager with weak character and mentality like Emery is thriving at Aston Villa because the club and the fans will never demand or expect him to fight for the title. He was crapping his trousers at PSG and Arsenal because the expectations and the demands were too big for a small man like him.

To answer your last point, Arteta needs to win the title within the next 2 seasons because over the last 12 months or so, Arteta has finally managed to assemble a squad that is capable of fighting for the title. Arsenal is now back as a full-time title contender and now he has to take the team over the line. However, we cannot downplay the work that he has done so far because he took Arsenal from a team that was struggling to finish in the top half to a team that is now fighting for the title.

This season has proved all those critics wrong who claimed that last season was an aberration and Arsenal will be struggling to get into the top four this season. Arsenal will now fight for the title every season. No one is celebrating the second place finish - the celebration is for the progress and trajectory of the club, but now 2nd place finish will not be considered good enough because the next step is to win the league and there is no doubt that Arteta will make it happen.

I don’t get the fans like me, it’s just a bit a banter mate normal thing here not that deep lol you were giving it to Villa before the game and we beat you / gave some back so there’s nothing more to it, you lost on the day. I’m not here enough to consistently crucify your club (there’s Amjid for that lol) and I admired the old Arsenal / your success other then my own clubs and ahead of clubs like City would delight me

 

[Amjid Javed]

Again - Arteta didn't win the treble but he has already done more than what you expected or predicted him to. You never thought Arsenal would be fighting for the title under Arteta so he has proved you wrong already.

Now since you don't want to admit that he has proved you wrong, you have raised the bar by claiming that he needs to win the title to prove himself. This is called shifting the goalposts.

As I said, when Arteta wins the league, you still won't have the courage to admit that he has proved you wrong. You will change the goalposts again or will downplay the achievement by claiming that it is not a big deal after the time and investment.

Apart from winning an FA Cup with a supposed toxic squad and useless players, otherwise he's not won anything.

you keep wanting so called validation for Arteta based on what?

Any manager at big club is judged on trophies he wins.

Also I would expect any manager at a big club whose been there 4 years to have delivered a lot more then Arteta.

Has Arteta improved Arsenal season on season? Yes

Has he shown he can handle end of season pressure? No

Has he shown he can handle multiple competitions? No

Has he won a PL or European trophy? No

So for all the "progress" its yielded nothing.

Pretty much on a par with Rogers, poch in regards to poor end results.

Then you keep on yapping on about patients, 4 seasons is more then enough to start delivering.

The fact you and few others can't constructively criticse Artetas short comings at end of last 3 seasons says it all

Dont hype up best young manager when he has no achievements to show for it. If by miracle he wins a major trophy this season then he will deserve credit, until then it's just all hollow talk and hype.