Arsenal FC | 2023/24 Season

[topspin]

Aj, Topspin

Thing with Jesus though is that he's got a superb record in the Champions League...

If he's fit, does he start against Porto?

Very good point. Jesus should start upfront in the champions league. He’s earned his place in the UCL.

He’s a different player in this tournament. He’s got a bit more fire in his belly and you can tell he wants to go all the way in this competition.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Aj, Topspin

Thing with Jesus though is that he's got a superb record in the Champions League...

If he's fit, does he start against Porto?

Maybe, as he tends to perform better in Europe. Pretty much every game team has to be picked on form and merit and not reputation and favouritism. Fine margins tend to decide things, to many times selections have gone wrong

 

[Mamoon]

Jesus adds absolutely nothing to the Arsenal team and we have seen that in the last few games. They attack is more much fluid when he is not around.

His finishing is terrible and he keeps occupying spaces that other players should be occupying. On top of that, he is whiny and injury prone.

Arsenal are playing the best football they have played in years with Havertz as a hybrid target man/false 9 roughing defenders up and dragging them into uncomfortable positions.

Trossard is also back to his last season form and he doesn’t deserve to be benched when the good for nothing Jesus returns.

I hope Arteta doesn’t make the same mistake he did last season when he dropped Trossard when Jesus returned in Feb and Arsenal’s form tanked.

When Jesus returns, he should sit on the bench. There is no absolutely no reason to tinker with the current system as long as it is working exceptionally well.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Arsenal have made a stunning start to 2024 in the Premier League as they aim to win the title for the first time in 20 years.

The Gunners are in blistering form, scoring 21 goals in their five league games during January and February.

Mikel Arteta's side have recorded 5-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Burnley as well as beating Nottingham Forest 2-1.

The two most impressive results in the run have been a 3-1 home win against title rivals Liverpool and a 6-0 away thrashing of West Ham.

But what do the statistics tell us about Arsenal's record-breaking start to the calendar year? BBC Sport looks at the data.

On 5 January, Arteta said there was "a possibility" the Gunners may not sign any new players in the mid-season transfer window and so it proved, as the Spaniard showed faith in his current squad.

Later in the same month, Arteta said: "We have to share goals, and we are responsible for everything."

The Gunners were linked with Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen but when asked if he wanted a striker in January, Arteta added: "No, because I love the players that we have."

Regular striker Gabriel Jesus has been injured for parts of the season, missing three games with a hamstring injury.

He did feature in the first two games of Arsenal's current unbeaten run, scoring once and providing two assists, but has missed the last three with a knee injury.

Arsenal's other attackers have stepped up in Jesus' absence with Arteta's side in red-hot form. One surprise regular scorer has been defender Gabriel, who is a constant threat from set-pieces and has netted three goals in recent weeks.

Arsenal's current scoring run is their best in the Premier League era over a five-game period. In fact, the last time they managed more goals during five successive games in a league season was in 1935.

It still leaves them some way short of Chelsea's impressive haul of 29 in five games spanning the end of the 2009-10 season and the opening games of 2010-11. They ended a double-winning campaign with 7-0, 2-0 and 8-0 wins, and launched the next season with two 6-0 victories.

For the first time in their history, Arsenal have begun a calendar year with five successive league wins. The current streak is now their longest winning run in the league this season, improving their goal difference by 19 during this period.

The Gunners have scored five or more goals in back-to-back away league matches for the first time in the club's history.

Bukayo Saka's input has significantly improved during Arsenal's winning run. He has scored in four consecutive league appearances for the first time in his career, netting more goals across those four games (six) than in his previous 19 matches in the competition (five).

Meanwhile, Arsenal's 25 set-piece goals this season (including penalties) is their most on record in a single league campaign since Opta began recording such data in 2004-05.

The north London side have scored eight penalties in the Premier League this term, only netting more in 2006-07 (10).

Of course the most important statistic is that Arsenal remain two points behind leaders Liverpool with 13 rounds of games remaining. If they carry on their superb start to the year, Arteta's men might have something of huge significance to celebrate come May.

BBC Sport

The stats behind Arsenal's prolific start to 2024

It has been a dazzling start to 2024 in the Premier League for Arsenal as they aim to win the title for the first time in 20 years.

www.bbc.com

 

[MK7Z]

Jesus adds absolutely nothing to the Arsenal team and we have seen that in the last few games. They attack is more much fluid when he is not around.

His finishing is terrible and he keeps occupying spaces that other players should be occupying. On top of that, he is whiny and injury prone.

Arsenal are playing the best football they have played in years with Havertz as a hybrid target man/false 9 roughing defenders up and dragging them into uncomfortable positions.

Trossard is also back to his last season form and he doesn’t deserve to be benched when the good for nothing Jesus returns.

I hope Arteta doesn’t make the same mistake he did last season when he dropped Trossard when Jesus returned in Feb and Arsenal’s form tanked.

When Jesus returns, he should sit on the bench. There is no absolutely no reason to tinker with the current system as long as it is working exceptionally well.

I agree with not changing the team when you've been smashing teams up.

This 11 deserve their spots in the team as it stands but knowing that there are players waiting to come in should make sure standards are kept high.

That's part of the reason I keep going on about the players due back so standards and performances are kept up. No time for players to get complacent.

As for Jesus, I rate him. He's not a finisher but an excellent player. I'm not going to bother saying I prefer him to Havertz as that will start another pointless debate. Fans are allowed to have different opinions.

Jesus has been fantastic, absolutely brilliant in the champs league but he's become injury prone.

News coming out today that Arsenal won't go for Toney. I think he could do a job but certain things like his age and even attitude could put people off.

As long we have a plan for a proper striker next season I'm willing to accept that.

 

[topspin]

News coming out today that Arsenal won't go for Toney. I think he could do a job but certain things like his age and even attitude could put people off.

As long we have a plan for a proper striker next season I'm willing to accept that.

I would like to see Arsenal buy Isak as our number 9. I think he’s the best option available for Arsenal. A front three of Saka, Isak and Martinelli will be terrifying prospect for any opposition.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arsenal's current form is a mirror of same stage last season.

After losing to Man City at home, Arsenal then won 7 games in a row which meant the going to Anfield (start of the last 9 games of the season) the wheels then came off.

Arsenal have won 5 in a row now and should be aiming for 9 in a row so that they go to the eithad on a roll.

Ultimately the last 9 games of season will decide it and the last 9 fixtures are harder then last season. I said this at start of the season that it would be a daunting task.

Rice, Saliba and Gabriel have to stay fit and suspension free. Also the usual end of season brain fade and mentality collapse can't happen again.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I would like to see Arsenal buy Isak as our number 9. I think he’s the best option available for Arsenal. A front three of Saka, Isak and Martinelli will be terrifying prospect for any opposition.

Time-waste United might not make Europe at end of season so that means they may have to raise funds to get players in, so yeah isak maybe available.

Not going for Toney because of a so called attitude problem is hilarious, the guys scores goals and this so called disruptive attitude is way exaggerated. Arsenal need some tough characters in dressing room, to many mental midgets currently in the dressing room.

 

[MK7Z]

So called attitude problem? The guy literally got caught breaking rules and making bets. Yet he makes out as though he was mistreated

Brentford have been good to him yet he openly gives interviews with come and get me pleas.

He scored 30 goals in the championship. Has had 1 fantastic season in the PL.
I think he'd be a good addition and better than our current strike options.

Having said that I won't be gutted if we don't sign him. As long as we get someone as good or even better.

Isak is a better player but seems a bit injury prone.

 

[Amjid Javed]

So called attitude problem? The guy literally got caught breaking rules and making bets. Yet he makes out as though he was mistreated

Brentford have been good to him yet he openly gives interviews with come and get me pleas.

He scored 30 goals in the championship. Has had 1 fantastic season in the PL.
I think he'd be a good addition and better than our current strike options.

Having said that I won't be gutted if we don't sign him. As long as we get someone as good or even better.

Isak is a better player but seems a bit injury prone.

Arsenal team is full of model professionals isn't? And the club acts with dignity and integrity all time doesn't it?

You think when Arsenal were winning titles it didn't have players who were difficult and had attitudes.

Let's deal with reality Arteta cant handle big personalities and that's why he won't be signed. It's also why if Arteta went to any other big club he would last more than a season.

The weak mentality at this club is why it will always fall short. Sometimes you Nedd big personalities who can also back it up with performances on the field.

Also this is a reason why club will never sign players like benezema (loan) or mbappe.

 

[MK7Z]

Arsenal team is full of model professionals isn't? And the club acts with dignity and integrity all time doesn't it?

You think when Arsenal were winning titles it didn't have players who were difficult and had attitudes.

Let's deal with reality Arteta cant handle big personalities and that's why he won't be signed. It's also why if Arteta went to any other big club he would last more than a season.

The weak mentality at this club is why it will always fall short. Sometimes you Nedd big personalities who can also back it up with performances on the field.

Also this is a reason why club will never sign players like benezema (loan) or mbappe.

You have another stick to beat Arteta with with Ivan Toneys name on. It's all good bro. Not sure why Ivan Toney is seen as the be all and end all of strikers after 1 good season in PL.

Let's see who the alternative is before we start supporting Ivan Toney over Arteta everytime whoever the striker we sign is, has a bad game. The narrative will be we should have signed Toney.

Like I said twice already Toney is a welcome addition and better than what we have, but let's see what alternative is

 

[Amjid Javed]

You have another stick to beat Arteta with with Ivan Toneys name on. It's all good bro. Not sure why Ivan Toney is seen as the be all and end all of strikers after 1 good season in PL.

Let's see who the alternative is before we start supporting Ivan Toney over Arteta everytime whoever the striker we sign is, has a bad game. The narrative will be we should have signed Toney.

Like I said twice already Toney is a welcome addition and better than what we have, but let's see what alternative is

When did I say Ivan Toney was the be all and end all?I didn't at any point.

My whole point was I hear all this nonsense from snow flakes in fan base. Oh we can't sign this player who won't fit into dressing room. Like the Arsenal dressing room is some sort of amazing unit with great mentality. Ivan Toney comes across just like Ian Wright did as a player, and he was no saint as a player you think Anelka, Henry and RVP didn't have attitudes? Same goes for Alexi satchel.

let's deal with reality. You think. Arsenal are signing are mbappe or oshimen in the summer? Both of those players are huge personalities and would cost a lot of money. So neither of those are happening

What other big name strikers are they available in Europe?

So then we look at PL and your looking at Toney, Watkins and solanke (just another nketitah level striker).

There isn't exactly a huge pool of options out there. Toney as a player is good arieally and has good link up play and would give Arsenal a different way of playing. It also would mean Jesus could be used out wide and then you don't need to sign another right winger.

Watkins and solanke arent better then Jesus. Otherwise your looking at signing some up and coming and striker which doesn't help as we need to upgrading are strikers in summer.

Isak is an option, he's goal scoring record is nothing to ride home about, he's also injury prone. Yes he is young, is he better than Jesus?

Feel free to list of any other strikers out there

Also Arteta has signed 4 forwards since he's been here Willian, marquinhos, Jesus and trossard

 

[MK7Z]

When did I say Ivan Toney was the be all and end all?I didn't at any point.

My whole point was I hear all this nonsense from snow flakes in fan base. Oh we can't sign this player who won't fit into dressing room. Like the Arsenal dressing room is some sort of amazing unit with great mentality. Ivan Toney comes across just like Ian Wright did as a player, and he was no saint as a player you think Anelka, Henry and RVP didn't have attitudes? Same goes for Alexi satchel.

let's deal with reality. You think. Arsenal are signing are mbappe or oshimen in the summer? Both of those players are huge personalities and would cost a lot of money. So neither of those are happening

What other big name strikers are they available in Europe?

So then we look at PL and your looking at Toney, Watkins and solanke (just another nketitah level striker).

There isn't exactly a huge pool of options out there. Toney as a player is good arieally and has good link up play and would give Arsenal a different way of playing. It also would mean Jesus could be used out wide and then you don't need to sign another right winger.

Watkins and solanke arent better then Jesus. Otherwise your looking at signing some up and coming and striker which doesn't help as we need to upgrading are strikers in summer.

Isak is an option, he's goal scoring record is nothing to ride home about, he's also injury prone. Yes he is young, is he better than Jesus?

Feel free to list of any other strikers out there

Also Arteta has signed 4 forwards since he's been here Willian, marquinhos, Jesus and trossard

Oh god Edu's cousin and nephew. Don't remind me.
Those were a disaster.

Striker market is empty so options are limited.

You didn't say that about Toney but it felt like you have your drafts ready for when we don't sign him.

I can't see why we can't be serious for Oshimen.

Time will tell

 

[MK7Z]

The thing about the players you mentioned having atitudes... They backed it up. Not sure what makes Toney have such an attitude when he is 29 but yet to make it to match his attitude.

It's all Ego which I'm all for. Top players all have that about them. He ain't that...

 

[Amjid Javed]

Oh god Edu's cousin and nephew. Don't remind me.
Those were a disaster.

Striker market is empty so options are limited.

You didn't say that about Toney but it felt like you have your drafts ready for when we don't sign him.

I can't see why we can't be serious for Oshimen.

Time will tell

Oshimen would cost around 120M at least, you think Arsenal are going to spend entire transfer budget on one player? Espcially when the midfield and other areas need fixing as well. Also Oshimen has an attitude problem and ego, so that's a no go for the snow flakes dressing room

 

[Amjid Javed]

The thing about the players you mentioned having atitudes... They backed it up. Not sure what makes Toney have such an attitude when he is 29 but yet to make it to match his attitude.

It's all Ego which I'm all for. Top players all have that about them. He ain't that...

Toney is 27 not 29. Also most strikers tend to peak in their late 20s. Ian Wright is an example of that.

Toney averages 1 goal every 2 games in PL, 12 in his 1st season, 20 last season and 4 in 5 games this season. So a bit more then a one season wonder.

What striker doesn't have confidence and arrogance, that's what you need as a player. Or would you rather have Jesus who in an interview said he's not a elite scorer, also made excuses as to why team bottled league last season.

Yeah toney was banned for betting on games, the irony is the PL and football league promote betting as sponsors. Not saying what he's done is right.

Yet we have a well know zionist at club, the club decided to stay silent on Muslim and Palestine stuff, openly sided with Ukraine on war with Russia. Yet a player with an attitude problem is an issue for the club. The hypocrisy and conduct or lack of it at club is hilarious.

The manager thinks playing sharing wives is ok behaviour.

 

[MK7Z]

The manager thinks playing sharing wives is ok behaviour.

It worked with John Terry and Chelsea so why not.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Oh god Edu's cousin and nephew. Don't remind me.
Those were a disaster.

Marquinhos was signed for 3M, when he was available for free, a dodgy deal so that Arsenal could "build" relationship in Brazil to sign other players

Just like when Austin trusty was signed from U.S so kronkes could use transfer funds to help re-build their US soccer team.

Or matt turner signed to get more US fans watching Arsenal.

This club does weird stuff which most fans just turn a blind eye to

 

[Amjid Javed]

It worked with John Terry and Chelsea so why not.

yeah Zinchenko is about Wayne Bridge level

 

[MK7Z]

Toney is 27 not 29. Also most strikers tend to peak in their late 20s. Ian Wright is an example of that.

Toney averages 1 goal every 2 games in PL, 12 in his 1st season, 20 last season and 4 in 5 games this season. So a bit more then a one season wonder.

What striker doesn't have confidence and arrogance, that's what you need as a player. Or would you rather have Jesus who in an interview said he's not a elite scorer, also made excuses as to why team bottled league last season.

Yeah toney was banned for betting on games, the irony is the PL and football league promote betting as sponsors. Not saying what he's done is right.

Yet we have a well know zionist at club, the club decided to stay silent on Muslim and Palestine stuff, openly sided with Ukraine on war with Russia. Yet a player with an attitude problem is an issue for the club. The hypocrisy and conduct or lack of it at club is hilarious.

The manager thinks playing sharing wives is ok behaviour.

Can I ask you a question bro. I'm not trolling, it's not my style.

What do you actually like about this Arsenal team?

I respect your high standards and thats completely upto you and I accept that.

Marquinhos was signed for 3M, when he was available for free, a dodgy deal so that Arsenal could "build" relationship in Brazil to sign other players

Just like when Austin trusty was signed from U.S so kronkes could use transfer funds to help re-build their US soccer team.

Or matt turner signed to get more US fans watching Arsenal.

This club does weird stuff which most fans just turn a blind eye to

You forgot to mention the Icelandic goalkeeper Runnason was it? Somebodies uncle got a back hander for that. Or at least someone did

 

[Amjid Javed]

Can I ask you a question bro. I'm not trolling, it's not my style.

What do you actually like about this Arsenal team?

I respect your high standards and thats completely upto you and I accept that.

You forgot to mention the Icelandic goalkeeper Runnason was it? Somebodies uncle got a back hander for that. Or at least someone did

What do I like about this team?

As far as starting 11s go it's pretty strong, sadly you don't win titles on a good 1st 11. Also its now time for this team to deliver, for all "the progress" there has been no trophies to show for it.

This is why I ain't getting over excited by current run of form as we saw same thing last season. Things can easily fall apart very quickly with a key injury to saliba or rice. I've been consistent with my view all season last 9 fixtures of season will make or break this team and we will find out if its mentally fragile again or can actually get over the line.

Runnarson along with raya were signed on basis of recommendation of Arsenal goalkeeping coach who supposedly has a lot of say with Arteta on keeper signings.

 

[MK7Z]

What do I like about this team?

As far as starting 11s go it's pretty strong, sadly you don't win titles on a good 1st 11. Also its now time for this team to deliver, for all "the progress" there has been no trophies to show for it.

This is why I ain't getting over excited by current run of form as we saw same thing last season. Things can easily fall apart very quickly with a key injury to saliba or rice. I've been consistent with my view all season last 9 fixtures of season will make or break this team and we will find out if its mentally fragile again or can actually get over the line.

Runnarson along with raya were signed on basis of recommendation of Arsenal goalkeeping coach who supposedly has a lot of say with Arteta on keeper signings.

I agree that it's time to deliver and if we don't win it the gap between us and city or Liverpool can't be much.

I think City will win. If it's Liverpool I'll be very disappointed in the team as I think we are overall better than them. Apart from their forward line.

Champions league is down to the luck of the draw. I actually think we have a chance After City. Real Madrid are always there but after that the rest of the Big Boys don't look anything special.

It's down to Arteta improving his European record.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I agree that it's time to deliver and if we don't win it the gap between us and city or Liverpool can't be much.

I think City will win. If it's Liverpool I'll be very disappointed in the team as I think we are overall better than them. Apart from their forward line.

Champions league is down to the luck of the draw. I actually think we have a chance After City. Real Madrid are always there but after that the rest of the Big Boys don't look anything special.

It's down to Arteta improving his European record.

If you look at fixtures left CIty have a tricky March where they could drop quite a few points or the could click into gear. But then you look at city's last 9 fixtures and apart from spurs away I could easily see them winning 8 of their last 9.

Arsenal problem will be if it goes down to wire they probably will have to go to old Trafford and spurs away and win. Yes we have done that before, but having to do so when a pressure is on is something completely different. This team still hasn't show it can get over dropping points quickly. It still tends to drop points in consecutive games which in a title race means game over.

CL I'm not looking past Porto game, this team has already been embarrassed by olmpiakos, villareal and sporting Lisbon in last 3 European efforts. In general the cup performances have been a shambles, yeah you can talk bout luck of draw. But it's time this team showed up in a knockout cup game.

 

[topspin]

Time-waste United might not make Europe at end of season so that means they may have to raise funds to get players in, so yeah isak maybe available.

Not going for Toney because of a so called attitude problem is hilarious, the guys scores goals and this so called disruptive attitude is way exaggerated. Arsenal need some tough characters in dressing room, to many mental midgets currently in the dressing room.

If it’s not to do with his age then I agree Arteta feels intimidated by someone who’s not gonna be another one of his mental midgets.

There’s a reason why he made Odegaard our captain and why Zinchenko is part of the leadership group.

He wants shy, obedient players who will be subservient to him at all times.

 

[topspin]

Isak is an option, he's goal scoring record is nothing to ride home about, he's also injury prone. Yes he is young, is he better than Jesus?

This is a bit harsh.

He has 10 goals in the 17 matches he’s played this season for Newcastle in the PL. Overall, he’s scored 22 goals in 39 matches in the PL. Those are impressive numbers with a goal scoring rate similar to Ivan Toney.

With the service he’ll get at Arsenal I expect him to be scoring 20-25 goals in the PL.

He’s definitely better than Jesus, who doesn’t think like a striker let alone play like one. He always ends up going deeper when he should be running into space to pursue goals.

Also Jesus is a terrible header of the ball and generally isn’t the most composed in front of goal. He’s not a number 9. I’m happy to see him retain his place as a CF in the UCL, but this should be his last season playing in this position.

For next season, I would like to see Jesus tried out as a number 8 or as a right winger.

 

[Amjid Javed]

This is a bit harsh.

He has 10 goals in the 17 matches he’s played this season for Newcastle in the PL. Overall, he’s scored 22 goals in 39 matches in the PL. Those are impressive numbers with a goal scoring rate similar to Ivan Toney.

With the service he’ll get at Arsenal I expect him to be scoring 20-25 goals in the PL.

He’s definitely better than Jesus, who doesn’t think like a striker let alone play like one. He always ends up going deeper when he should be running into space to pursue goals.

Also Jesus is a terrible header of the ball and generally isn’t the most composed in front of goal. He’s not a number 9. I’m happy to see him retain his place as a CF in the UCL, but this should be his last season playing in this position.

For next season, I would like to see Jesus tried out as a number 8 or as a right winger.

Isaks numbers are decent. But his fitness is a concern, we can't have another striker who can't stay fit for more then half a season.

Also for the money that Newcastle will want risking it on a player whose fitness isn't great is a concern. Isak needs to stay fit for rest of season to show he can deal with a 30+ game season in PL.

We all knew what were getting with Jesus, he's just a younger version of lacazette. His goals and output not much better then when laca was here.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

This is a bit harsh.

He has 10 goals in the 17 matches he’s played this season for Newcastle in the PL. Overall, he’s scored 22 goals in 39 matches in the PL. Those are impressive numbers with a goal scoring rate similar to Ivan Toney.

With the service he’ll get at Arsenal I expect him to be scoring 20-25 goals in the PL.

He’s definitely better than Jesus, who doesn’t think like a striker let alone play like one. He always ends up going deeper when he should be running into space to pursue goals.

Also Jesus is a terrible header of the ball and generally isn’t the most composed in front of goal. He’s not a number 9. I’m happy to see him retain his place as a CF in the UCL, but this should be his last season playing in this position.

For next season, I would like to see Jesus tried out as a number 8 or as a right winger.

There are definite concerns with Isak and his injuries, it could be a club issue as we've picked up an insane amount of injuries this season

Also, Isak won't come cheap, Arsenal should have signed him when we did but he just had an underwhelming season in La Liga and they were put off by the price

 

[topspin]

Isaks numbers are decent. But his fitness is a concern, we can't have another striker who can't stay fit for more then half a season.

Also for the money that Newcastle will want risking it on a player whose fitness isn't great is a concern. Isak needs to stay fit for rest of season to show he can deal with a 30+ game season in PL.

We all knew what were getting with Jesus, he's just a younger version of lacazette. His goals and output not much better then when laca was here.

His injuries are a concern which is a shame I think he's the best fit for Arsenal stylistically and also PL proven as well.

Bang on about Jesus who's effectively Lacazette 2.0 in the CF position.

This is my number 9 shortlist:

• Isak
• Toney
• Osimhen
• Lautaro Martinez
• Jota
• Vlahovic
• Evan Ferguson
• Guirassy

 

[topspin]

There are definite concerns with Isak and his injuries, it could be a club issue as we've picked up an insane amount of injuries this season

Also, Isak won't come cheap, Arsenal should have signed him when we did but he just had an underwhelming season in La Liga and they were put off by the price

I would expect Newcastle to want around double for what they paid for him. It would be interesting to find out what his injury record was like when he was playing for Real Sociedad.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I would expect Newcastle to want around double for what they paid for him. It would be interesting to find out what his injury record was like when he was playing for Real Sociedad.

I think I recall seeing a stat that in just under 2 seasons with us he's missed more games due to injury than the previous 8 seasons combined

I don't think having Wilson at the club has helped Isak, since Wildon is constantly injured we've been forced to run Isak into the ground when ideally he'd be coming off in gamed to rest up

 

[Amjid Javed]

There are definite concerns with Isak and his injuries, it could be a club issue as we've picked up an insane amount of injuries this season

Also, Isak won't come cheap, Arsenal should have signed him when we did but he just had an underwhelming season in La Liga and they were put off by the price

Isak had scored 4 goals in half a season when he was linked and sociedad wanted 70M, Arsenal were right not to take such a risk at the time.

Yeah now Newcastle will want probably over 100M, but with such a hit and miss injury record, he's not worth risking such a fee.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I would expect Newcastle to want around double for what they paid for him. It would be interesting to find out what his injury record was like when he was playing for Real Sociedad.

He played 3 full seasons, had 1 good season goals wise. He's a emerging talent. If Arsenal are wanting to upgrade striker. It needs to be a proven player.

The club should be signing players who are proven and also at peak as a player.

 

[Amjid Javed]

His injuries are a concern which is a shame I think he's the best fit for Arsenal stylistically and also PL proven as well.

Bang on about Jesus who's effectively Lacazette 2.0 in the CF position.

This is my number 9 shortlist:

• Isak
• Toney
• Osimhen
• Lautaro Martinez
• Jota
• Vlahovic
• Evan Ferguson
• Guirassy

Oshimen won't happen, to expensive and has a attitude so Arteta won't be able to handle him.

Martinez is better as a wide forward then central

Jota can't stay fit

Vlahovic, I don't think Club will gobsck in for him

Ferguson - 100M for a unproven kid, not worth the risk

Guirrasay is just a cheap option, not taking us up a level

Might as well put a bid for kane at Bayern as they ain't winning anything while he is there

 

[MK7Z]

Oshimen won't happen, to expensive and has a attitude so Arteta won't be able to handle him.

Martinez is better as a wide forward then central

Jota can't stay fit

Vlahovic, I don't think Club will gobsck in for him

Ferguson - 100M for a unproven kid, not worth the risk

Guirrasay is just a cheap option, not taking us up a level

Might as well put a bid for kane at Bayern as they ain't winning anything while he is there

Vlahovic I do like and were rumoured to be interested in him before Juve. Not sure whether to believe that. I do rate him higher than Isak and Toney. I do feel we missed a chance with him as I think he was out of favour at Juve at 1 point.

Ferguson needs some development and he does not seem to play much due to injuries.

Striker market is limited especially with Chelsea and Spurs looking for strikers to. I reckon Toney will end up at Spurs.

Jao Felix is still 24 years old but his loan spells have been disasters. I do rate him but obviously some underlining issue with him

 

[Amjid Javed]

Vlahovic I do like and were rumoured to be interested in him before Juve. Not sure whether to believe that. I do rate him higher than Isak and Toney. I do feel we missed a chance with him as I think he was out of favour at Juve at 1 point.

Ferguson needs some development and he does not seem to play much due to injuries.

Striker market is limited especially with Chelsea and Spurs looking for strikers to. I reckon Toney will end up at Spurs.

Jao Felix is still 24 years old but his loan spells have been disasters. I do rate him but obviously some underlining issue with him

Jao Felix is vastly overrated and Arsenal need a genuine goal scorer. That's really whole purpose of upgrading strikers option.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

He played 3 full seasons, had 1 good season goals wise. He's a emerging talent. If Arsenal are wanting to upgrade striker. It needs to be a proven player.

The club should be signing players who are proven and also at peak as a player.

The injury concerns over Isak are valid but his ability should not remotely be a concern

He's shown he more than belongs in this league and if he could stay future he's easily a 20 goal a season striker, in a side that creates big chances then I genuinely think he gets 25+

Though, I firmly believe we don't even consider selling. There's others that would be sold before him.

 

[Amjid Javed]

The injury concerns over Isak are valid but his ability should not remotely be a concern

He's shown he more than belongs in this league and if he could stay future he's easily a 20 goal a season striker, in a side that creates big chances then I genuinely think he gets 25+

Though, I firmly believe we don't even consider selling. There's others that would be sold before him.

Until his injury record improves, Arsenal should keep away from him.

100M for a player who is only playing 20-25 games a season is a waste of money.

 

[Mamoon]

Usuals suspects with zero ball knowledge exposing themselves as usual with their strikers shortlist.

 

[Amjid Javed]

So Partey maybe finally back, probably get injured getting up from his seat on the coach.

Vieira as well.

Jesus and Zinchenko still injured, no surprise here

Tomiyasu injured as well, guys made of glass, how can you play all of Asia cup then get injured on way home.

 

[MK7Z]

Usuals suspects with zero ball knowledge exposing themselves as usual with their strikers shortlist.

Please feel free to give your list with your extensive ball knowledge.

 

[MK7Z]

I'll get in before the essays. Was a tentative performance by Arsenal didn't really go for it and Porto did not let them with their game plan and not letting the game flow.

Good plan by Porto but I didn't see anything that says we won't do the job required at home. Most concerning is the game awareness required at UCL level. Arteta has the 2nd leg to turn it around and shake off the tag of flopping in Europe.

Tougher tests to come than this in UCL!

Was a cracker of a goal. Few mistakes in there before it but it was a quality finish.

No real stand out performance to be honest. Wingers were quiet. Havertz and Trossard poor.
Was a meh performance which could have been fine had we got the clean sheet.

Also the blueprint is there for Newcastle on the weekend. Time wasting and falling over.

 

[topspin]

Familiar territory for Arsenal in recent years. We’ve been here before in the Europa League under Arteta and have been knocked out after the second leg home games against Olympicos, Villarreal and Sporting Lisbon. For this reason, I’m not gonna hold my hopes up when we’re at home for the next leg.

Having no shots on target is just not good enough. Saliba, Havertz and Gabriel all had reasonable opportunities to score headers and at least one of those should have been put away.

It’s obvious that Arsenal struggle away in Europe when they’re playing in big atmospheres. But that’s to be expected for a young team.

I thought Rice and Odegaard were excellent. Trossard, Havertz and Martinelli were a let down.

It was a wonderful goal but Martinelli and Raya didn’t cover themselves in glory. The goalkeeper’s positioning was terrible. He was well out in front which made the goal a lot easier.

Also, Martinelli made a mess of that ball/clearance from Arsenal’s own half during the 94th minute, which led to the goal. His decision making at this moment and on other occasions times during the game wasn’t the best. I’m surprised he was given the full 90 mins.

Arteta’s subs were poor and overall he was tactically outclassed by Porto’s manager. Let’s make no mistake, this loss is on Arteta.

Havertz was on a yellow and was visibly tired. He should have come off, along with Trossard and Martinelli.

I would like to have seen Nelson come on. Arsenal could’ve done with his burst of energy in the final third during the last 20-25 mins.

I would also liked to have seen ESR come on but it’s obvious Arteta doesn’t trust him. One has to feel sorry for how he’s been treated.

Arsenal have have now played 4 away games in the champions league and have lost twice and won just once, against a struggling Sevilla side.

I would have taken a draw before today’s game because Porto are decent at home. Now they can now sit back in the second leg which might make things tricky. If they score first at the Emirates, it’s probably game over.

If Arsenal do overcome Porto, they’ll need to improve significantly if they’re going to progress beyond the last 8 because I expect the next opponent to be even tougher.

 

[topspin]

I'll get in before the essays. Was a tentative performance by Arsenal didn't really go for it and Porto did not let them with their game plan and not letting the game flow.

Good plan by Porto but I didn't see anything that says we won't do the job required at home. Most concerning is the game awareness required at UCL level. Arteta has the 2nd leg to turn it around and shake off the tag of flopping in Europe.

Tougher tests to come than this in UCL!

Was a cracker of a goal. Few mistakes in there before it but it was a quality finish.

No real stand out performance to be honest. Wingers were quiet. Havertz and Trossard poor.
Was a meh performance which could have been fine had we got the clean sheet.

Also the blueprint is there for Newcastle on the weekend. Time wasting and falling over.

Good read and I like your optimism but surely those defeats to Olympicos, Villarreal and Sporting must come to mind? Remember all of these losses have one thing in common. Arsenal got knocked out after playing at home in the second leg.

I’m hope I’m wrong but I’m getting deja vu vibes.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

The stats may make nervy reading after defeat at Porto in the Champions League last 16, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists his side will "learn" before the second leg in north London.

The Gunners lost in stoppage time thanks to Galeno's superb strike but Arteta remains confident Arsenal will prevail in the tie.

Arsenal have not reached the quarter-final stage since 2009-10 and have won the first leg in just one of their last 12 two-legged knockout ties in the competition (drawing two and losing nine).

They are also competing in the Champions League for the first time since 2017 and looked far short of their free-flowing best at the Estadio do Dragao.

"We will learn from it. Now it is clear, it is half-time," said Arteta.

"If you want to be in the quarter-finals you have to beat your opponent and that will be the purpose and the plan."

Arsenal's record signing Declan Rice is confident fans will see a different team next month at Emirates Stadium.

"I think it's about keeping our heads. It's hard to concede that leg," he said.

"Knowing how we play at home, with our fans and energy, I think you'll see a team on the front foot from the start and we'll be looking to do that.

"It's a real kick in the teeth because we've conceded late but we know what to do."


BBC

 

[Amjid Javed]

Pretty toothless, uninspiring performance from the team, tactically out thought. On paper and personal wise Arsenal may look a better team, but most teams in European competition are more Street wise, also technically good enough to punish Arsenal.

Arsensl away record in Porto and in Portugal is general is mediocre so no shock they didn't win last night. On the flip side Porto don't travel well to England so Arsenal can turn it around.

Luckily the away goals rule has now gone, so Arsenal don't have to be cagey at home. However at same time as @topspin mentioned this team has been embarrassed and sent packing in Europe after 2nd legs under this manager before. The Emirates is NOT a ground experienced CL teams will fear coming to.

Watching the 2 teams tonight. Plus bits of Barca and napoli, none of these 4 sides are good enough to win CL this season.

Arsenal should make it to 1/4 finals, but any half decent experienced CL will knock them out. Arsenal in europr and Cup competitions under Arteta have been a shambles.

Most worrying issue was how weak the bench looked. Yes loads of players are missing, but most of injured players can't stay fit anyways (Jesus, Zinchenko l, psrtey, Tomiyasu etc..,)

Last night went back to the manager not trusting his bench and ususl uninspiring subs.

Newcastle at weekend will play in same manner of men behind ball and play on counter attack. Making game scrappy, so a better performance needed at weekend

 

[aboveandbeyond]

What clearly was evident, Arteta was tactically sent packing. He could not counter Portos tactics of completely nullifying the toothless Arsenal attack.

 

[MK7Z]

Good read and I like your optimism but surely those defeats to Olympicos, Villarreal and Sporting must come to mind? Remember all of these losses have one thing in common. Arsenal got knocked out after playing at home in the second leg.

I’m hope I’m wrong but I’m getting deja vu vibes.

Ye it's hard to not look past the facts but it's gotta end at some point right?

If Mikel gets knocked out again then it'll be something arsenal need consider whether he can only take them so far. As being competitive in Europe is an indication of progress.
Getting knocked out last 16 with 2nd leg at home is unacceptable and I'd class as failure.

I do believe we will beat them at home. I didn't see anything to tell me otherwise.

 

[MK7Z]

Pretty toothless, uninspiring performance from the team, tactically out thought. On paper and personal wise Arsenal may look a better team, but most teams in European competition are more Street wise, also technically good enough to punish Arsenal.

Arsensl away record in Porto and in Portugal is general is mediocre so no shock they didn't win last night. On the flip side Porto don't travel well to England so Arsenal can turn it around.

Luckily the away goals rule has now gone, so Arsenal don't have to be cagey at home. However at same time as @topspin mentioned this team has been embarrassed and sent packing in Europe after 2nd legs under this manager before. The Emirates is NOT a ground experienced CL teams will fear coming to.

Watching the 2 teams tonight. Plus bits of Barca and napoli, none of these 4 sides are good enough to win CL this season.

Arsenal should make it to 1/4 finals, but any half decent experienced CL will knock them out. Arsenal in europr and Cup competitions under Arteta have been a shambles.

Most worrying issue was how weak the bench looked. Yes loads of players are missing, but most of injured players can't stay fit anyways (Jesus, Zinchenko l, psrtey, Tomiyasu etc..,)

Last night went back to the manager not trusting his bench and ususl uninspiring subs.

Newcastle at weekend will play in same manner of men behind ball and play on counter attack. Making game scrappy, so a better performance needed at weekend

Spot on. Especially about the bench. I've been mentioning this even when we've been winning 6-0.
UCL requires the bench massively. Especially 2nd leg when there is a chance of games going to ET.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Can anyone of the trust the process sheep, Arteta fans boys, oddegard fan boys explain what the team was doing for 15 minutes in changing room? Then they came out and needed to do a huddle on pitch, again yet more actions "for the camera"

It's actually embarrassing, even more so when game was lost

 

[Amjid Javed]

Spot on. Especially about the bench. I've been mentioning this even when we've been winning 6-0.
UCL requires the bench massively. Especially 2nd leg when there is a chance of games going to ET.

It's obvious nketitah, Nelson and ESR aren't trusted by the manager. So essentially your depending on starting 11 to do the job.

Everyone has injuries, look at Liverpool last night missing loads players yet klopp has trusted his back up players to do a job.

The Arsenal squad just like Liverpool and City will be stretched as season goes on. Once again in game management and squad rotation at pressure end of season will be in full focus

 

[MK7Z]

Can anyone of the trust the process sheep, Arteta fans boys, oddegard fan boys explain what the team was doing for 15 minutes in changing room? Then they came out and needed to do a huddle on pitch, again yet more actions "for the camera"

It's actually embarrassing, even more so when game was lost

Yeah i don't get the huddle business to be honest but at the same time I don't care much for it. Modern football has a lot of performative actions. I tend to focus on the 90+mins of football rather than the celebrations at the end or Start game lame anthems or after half time huddles.

Having said that I left the tele on after the game and saw the Porto celebrations. Not seen much said about their method of celebrating even though technically its just half way through the tie.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Arsenal failed to record a shot on target in the UCL for the first time since March 2011

 

[Amjid Javed]

Porto will play exactly same way in 2nd leg, defensively solid, men behind the ball and look to counter with their technically gifted players.

So this type of play should be no shock to Arsenal, as both Newcastle and Brentford will come play same way in PL, so plenty of practice for Arsensl at combating this.

Also the not use to CL knockout games is no excuse, olympiakos, villareal and sporting Lisbon are all teams who have played CL before in recent times and Arsenal cudnt handle these teams in knockout games in europa league.

Massive improvement needed in 2nd leg and if team makes into 1/4 finals

 

[Mamoon]

Not a problem. Arsenal will take care of Porto at home with a comfortable 2-0 or 3-1 victory.

Porto away is a very tough game. 0-0 would have been better but 1-0 isn’t a problem either. It is only half-time and there is no away goal rule anymore.

 

[Mamoon]

Also, Martinelli made a mess of that ball/clearance from Arsenal’s own half during the 94th minute, which led to the goal. His decision making at this moment and on other occasions times during the game wasn’t the best.

That is, was and always will be the story of his career and this is why he will never be a top drawer player. His intelligence and game awareness are poor.

 

[Rana]

Big task ahead at the emirate’s in the return leg

 

[Rana]

If we are struggling like this against Porto, God knows how will we deal with the likes of Bayern, Madrid if we get there

 

[Amjid Javed]

If we are struggling like this against Porto, God knows how will we deal with the likes of Bayern, Madrid if we get there

Bayern play more openly which would suit Arsenal, teams like inter Milan, Real sociedad would be tougher as Arsenal struggle vs defensively solid sides.

Real and Man city in CL over 2 legs would be huge task

 

[topspin]

Bayern play more openly which would suit Arsenal, teams like inter Milan, Real sociedad would be tougher as Arsenal struggle vs defensively solid sides.

Real and Man city in CL over 2 legs would be huge task

I agree. If Arsenal go through to the next round, I would actually rather face Bayern as opposed to Inter or Real Sociedad.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Arsenal are unbeaten in their past 11 Premier League home games against Newcastle, with last season’s goalless draw ending a 10-game winning run. Their last defeat against the Magpies was in November 2010.

Having won 1-0 at St James’ Park in the reverse fixture in November, Newcastle are looking to complete the Premier League double against Arsenal for just the second time, previously doing so in 1994-95.

Arsenal have failed to score in three of their past four league games against Newcastle, as many as they had in their previous 27. However, the Gunners' 30 Premier League clean sheets against the Magpies is the most any side has kept against another in the competition.

Ayoze Perez was the last Newcastle player to score an away league goal against Arsenal (December 2014), with the Magpies failing to convert any of their 63 attempts on goal at Emirates Stadium since. The Gunners have kept seven consecutive home clean sheets against the Magpies. They’ve never kept eight successive shutouts on home soil against an opponent in their league history.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Newcastles tactics for tomorrow

 

[topspin]

Newcastles tactics for tomorrow

View attachment 142313

@Geordie Ahmed

I really hope you don’t approve of such tactics and have the courage to call out Newcastle if they do end up playing in such a manner.

 

[topspin]

His injuries are a concern which is a shame I think he's the best fit for Arsenal stylistically and also PL proven as well.

Bang on about Jesus who's effectively Lacazette 2.0 in the CF position.

This is my number 9 shortlist:

• Isak
• Toney
• Osimhen
• Lautaro Martinez
• Jota
• Vlahovic
• Evan Ferguson
• Guirassy

Another one to add to the shortlist. Really good stats.

Thoughts? @Amjid Javed @MK7Z @IMMY69

 

[Amjid Javed]

For home leg vs Porto at Emirates

Arsenal's home record in "knockout" ties in Europe with Arteta is abysmal

Olympiakos (lost) - 1-2 aet
Benfica (Won) - 3-2
Olympiakos (lost) - 0-1
Slavia Prague (drew) - 0-0
Villareal (drew) 0-0
Sporting Lisbon (drew) - 1-1 (lost pens)

Pretty shambolic, that trend will have to change

 

[topspin]

For home leg vs Porto at Emirates

Arsenal's home record in "knockout" ties in Europe with Arteta is abysmal

Olympiakos (lost) - 1-2 aet
Benfica (Won) - 3-2
Olympiakos (lost) - 0-1
Slavia Prague (drew) - 0-0
Villareal (drew) 0-0
Sporting Lisbon (drew) - 1-1 (lost pens)

Pretty shambolic, that trend will have to change

This is exactly why I’m not holding my hopes up because let’s face it, we’ve been here before under Arteta and Porto are much stronger than those teams listed above.

 

[Amjid Javed]

This is exactly why I’m not holding my hopes up because let’s face it, we’ve been here before under Arteta and Porto are much stronger than those teams listed above.

This is why I didn't understand some fans getting carried away thinking that only man city and Real are the teams to avoid, when this teak struggles against half decent sides.

 

[topspin]

This is why I didn't understand some fans getting carried away thinking that only man city and Real are the teams to avoid, when this teak struggles against half decent sides.

Even the Arsenal ex-players are still getting carried away.

I love Thierry Henry but this is what he said after losing against Porto:

“Roll the tape and you will see that I am not feeling sick. There is a return leg, I’m relaxed.”

 

[Rana]

Who’s showing the arsenal game tonight?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Who’s showing the arsenal game tonight?

TnT sports

 

[MK7Z]

Another one to add to the shortlist. Really good stats.

Thoughts? @Amjid Javed @MK7Z @IMMY69View attachment 142319

Great stats there. I remember listening to a podcast that mentioned that its his 1st season like this. I think it was him anyway

 

[Amjid Javed]

 

[Amjid Javed]

school boy defending by Newcastle for that goal 1-0

 

[Amjid Javed]

2-0 need to hammer Newcastle here for punishment on how they won the game earlier in season

 

[Mamoon]

Newcastle getting cooked like no tomorrow. A tactical masterclass by the “clueless fraud” Arteta.

Howe, who is supposed a “superior” manager than Arteta and has “done a better job at Newcastle than Arteta at Arsenal” is getting schooled.

“Havertz is mediocre”

“Arsenal will find it hard to break Newcastle down”

Toxic Arsenal fans with zero ball knowledge getting exposed again. They don’t need to be tagged and named & shamed because they know who they are.

 

[Mamoon]

“Jorginho was a terrible signing”

 

[MK7Z]

Great 1st half. Need to put them to the sword.
I don't see much time wasting in this game.

Once again look fluent and creating build up without the cry baby.

 

[Mamoon]

Newcastles tactics for tomorrow

View attachment 142313

Arteta haters tactics after the game.

 

[Amjid Javed]

 

[topspin]

Great 1st half. Need to put them to the sword.
I don't see much time wasting in this game.

Once again look fluent and creating build up without the cry baby.

Kiwior has left egg on the face of Zinchenko’s biggest cheerleader aka Mr Title is in the Bag.

Zinchenko is inferior to Timber, Tomiyasu and Kiwior at LB. There is no doubt that the cry baby needs to be sold in the summer.

 

[MK7Z]

Ye Kiwoir has been good. Can put it down to run of games, first time in a Arsenal shirt.

Interesting that Ben White has been inverting instead from his side. Leaves Saliba slightly more exposed now where before it was Gabi always being dragged out. Either way I don't care its working.

Bench looked more stronger and with Partey timber and Tomiyasu to return. Next game is not until a week on Monday. Hopefully Partey and Tomi will be in the match day squad at least.

Might be at the next game, been offered tickets just depends if I can make it to the game on time with it being Monday eve.