Arsenal FC | 2025/26 Season

[aboveandbeyond]

Two major errors: Eze should have started over the £105m and Madueke shouldn’t have been taken off at HT, but let’s be real - Pep didn’t come here to play football.

I agree. Arteta had to make tough calls. And he failed

 

[Mamoon]

You don’t sign players like Rice for £100m. You can find his profile for half the price if you care to look outside England.

 

[SherWaqar]

Two major errors: Eze should have started over the £105m and Madueke shouldn’t have been taken off at HT, but let’s be real - Pep didn’t come here to play football.

City were leading for 99.9% of the match…a defensive error cost them. They came to win, it is Pep lite who played for a draw.

 

[Mamoon]

City were leading for 99.9% of the match…a defensive error cost them. They came to win, it is Pep lite who played for a draw.

City had 34% possession today. Their lowest ever under Pep in the league.

 

[Amjid Javed]

After spending 1BN, earning 15M a year, the managers haram tactics in every away game this season has been the same. Your messiah will be exposed again this season

 

[aboveandbeyond]

You don’t sign players like Rice for £100m. You can find his profile for half the price if you care to look outside England.

No co incidence. Against Forest in the first half last week was what Arsenal should be like. Moved the ball quick and Smashed Forest.

 

[Amjid Javed]

so the Arteta mascot is now scape goating Rice, same player that he was proclaiming as world class.

Arsenal supposedly had the best midfield and quality in entire Europe according to same

 

[IronShield]

How come no one is talking bout Gyokeres and another woeful performance. Looks too bulky and slow for PL.

 

[Mamoon]

After spending 1BN, earning 15M a year, the managers haram tactics in every away game this season has been the same. Your messiah will be exposed again this season

View attachment 158055

It’s funny how the players have no accountability

It is his fault that the £100m player is a donkey

 

[Mamoon]

How come no one is talking bout Gyokeres and another woeful performance. Looks too bulky and slow for PL.

3 goals in 5 starts is good especially when the team isn’t creating anything for him. It could have been worse, he could have been as bad 007 agent Wirtz.

All strikers have such games, but the top ones get goals in clusters and he will do the same. He just needs his team to create chances for him and that will happen when donkey Rice is relegated to the bench.

 

[Amjid Javed]

How come no one is talking bout Gyokeres and another woeful performance. Looks too bulky and slow for PL.

You could put prime Henry, Wright, Van Persie in this team and they would struggle.

When rest of team is under instructions to pass the ball side ways and backwards.

Even stevie wonder could tell you that that the issue is creativity

 

[MK7Z]

All this praise for Madueke.... Where is his end product?

I'm gonna say it... The reason everyone is impressed with him cos the expectations were very low.

He has done OK. But ultimately not produced anything of note.

Needs to work on his end product.. Big time but the basics are there. Which has always been the case with him.

 

[Mamoon]

You could put prime Henry, Wright, Van Persie in this team and they would struggle.

When rest of team is under instructions to pass the ball side ways and backwards.

Even stevie wonder could tell you that that the issue is creativity

And everyone knows who is the biggest hurdle when it comes to creativity — it is the donkey Rice who is occupying the position of a creative midfielder and has the creativity of a centre back.

 

[MK7Z]

How can one call out Rice but not a mention of Merino?

 

[Amjid Javed]

How can one call out Rice but not a mention of Merino?

@Geordie Ahmed please come collect your rubbish and take back to Newcastle - thanks

 

[Mamoon]

How can one call out Rice but not a mention of Merino?

Because Merino was not signed for £105m, he is not glorified as some Arsenal hero and is not one of the untouchables. He is not even a guaranteed starter.

Rice has been hyped to the moon but you have to ask yourself what does he even bring to the team.

He is bang average on the ball - he can’t keep the ball under pressure and cannot create anything, and it’s not like he is mopping everything defensively like Kante. He is slow and not athletic.

Prime Kante would have chased Haaland and probably taken the ball off him before he took the shot.

Rice doesn’t bring £40m worth of play to the midfield and the club bought him for £105m.

 

[Amjid Javed]

All this praise for Madueke.... Where is his end product?

I'm gonna say it... The reason everyone is impressed with him cos the expectations were very low.

He has done OK. But ultimately not produced anything of note.

Needs to work on his end product.. Big time but the basics are there. Which has always been the case with him.

But he's already a club legend after his Leeds and forrest performances. The number of people on social media with the "I apologise about madueke" after 2 games mentioned sums up a lot of this fan base.

Interms of his end product, yeah its got to improve. Also players not making good runs into box to get on end of crosses doesn't help either.

The 3 statues in midfield doesn't help either, one of these should be breaking into the box to help the wingers when they ping balls into box.

Yeah fans have such low standards when getting over excited on madueke, just like they did with havertz

 

[topspin]

Two major errors: Eze should have started over the £105m and Madueke shouldn’t have been taken off at HT, but let’s be real - Pep didn’t come here to play football.

When Odegaard is back, I want him and Eze in midfield with Zubimendi as the DM. It is time to send the £100m to the bench.

I have lost my patience with him but it has been coming for a long time. @topspin

But who decided to make Rice a box-to-box midfielder?

Rice was once asked if he likes playing as a 8. In response, he said he preferred playing as a 6.

He was brought in as a DM and that's where he should be playing. His two best attributes are making interceptions and ball recoveries. Either you play him or Zubimendi as the 6.

Eze at 8 could work but it's too little too late now as the title race is done now. I've seen enough after 5.5 years.

 

[Amjid Javed]

so even more mocking of rice...

But but Arsenal midfield is world class

But but Arsenal midfield depth is best in Europe..

Usual contradictory bakwas...

Let's blame everything other then then the 15M a year retard manager

 

[Mamoon]

But who decided to make Rice a box-to-box midfielder?

Rice was once asked if he likes playing as a 8. In response, he said he preferred playing as a 6.

He was brought in as a DM and that's where he should be playing. His two best attributes are making interceptions and ball recoveries. Either you play him or Zubimendi as the 6.

Eze at 8 could work but it's too little too late as the title race is done now. I've seen enough after 5.5 years.

There is no competition between him and Zubimendi. The latter is far superior and has the Spanish technique that Rice cannot dream of.

The only solution is to drop Rice to the bench, with Eze as the #10, Odegaard as the #8, and Zubimendi as the #6.

Play Madueke on the LW and Saka on the right, and sell either Martinelli or Trossard in January and get another LW.

Let’s not be fooled by Martinelli’s temporary super sub purple patch. It will not last and he will be back to his level soon.

Berta should open talks with Rodrygo and maybe flirt with the idea of discussing Vini Jr situation, who is clearly unhappy at Real with Mbappe stealing his thunder.

He might be tempted by the idea of being the main man again at a different club.

 

[Amjid Javed]

But who decided to make Rice a box-to-box midfielder?

Rice was once asked if he likes playing as a 8. In response, he said he preferred playing as a 6.

He was brought in as a DM and that's where he should be playing. His two best attributes are making interceptions and ball recoveries. Either you play him or Zubimendi as the 6.

Eze at 8 could work but it's too little too late now as the title race is done now. I've seen enough after 5.5 years.

I have mentioned this numerous times in regards to Arsenal midfield in the 8 and 10 positions. Arteta is more bothered about his number pressing, then he is creating.

In same way he's more bothered about his number 8 winning duals then passing forward and attacking.

Arteta has wasted money on Vieira, havertz, Merino in the left sided 8 position. Once havertz is fit, he will come back into side in that position. Whilst Rice is good at box to box. He's poor at ball progression.

Arteta just cares about controlling ball in midfield, why? Because he's scared of being countered and taken apart like Arsenal were when we bottled 8 point lead in the league.

Regardless of who is in the 6 Partey in the past, zubemendi now, the sub standard players infront or the managers crap tactics means zero creativity. What other options are they? Norgaard.

Arteta made it clear at Anfield he played merino because Odegaard and kai were out. He's got no intention of playing eze, Nwaneri or dowman their from the start in big games.

I said right at start of summer or midfield was one that would make top 4, not win a title.

The managers no different to what Claudia raneri was like at Chelsea.

He's no different to Southgate with England. You have a better manager in charge of Arsenal last 3 years with these players, and we would have won at least 1 if not 2 PL titles. Same goes for England over last 6 years years if Southgate wasn't in charge

 

[Amjid Javed]

seems someone is still crying because Martinelli has given him a slap twice in a week.

Martinelli and Trossard indeed should have been moved on in the summer. However, seeing a certain agenda get humilated it was worth the 2 goals this week

 

[Mamoon]

seems someone is still crying because Martinelli has given him a slap twice in a week.

Martinelli and Trossard indeed should have been moved on in the summer. However, seeing a certain agenda get humilated it was worth the 2 goals this week

Yes, Arsenal should have sold them and bought Musiala because why wouldn’t he come to Arsenal

But but Arsenal should have signed vegan Wirtz so the they would end up dumping £100m on another useless player

 

[aboveandbeyond]

All this praise for Madueke.... Where is his end product?

I'm gonna say it... The reason everyone is impressed with him cos the expectations were very low.

He has done OK. But ultimately not produced anything of note.

Needs to work on his end product.. Big time but the basics are there. Which has always been the case with him.

But he deserves time and be allowed to build chemistry with his new team mates.

 

[topspin]

There is no competition between him and Zubimendi. The latter is far superior and has the Spanish technique that Rice cannot dream of.

The only solution is to drop Rice to the bench, with Eze as the #10, Odegaard as the #8, and Zubimendi as the #6.

I don't think Odegaard's physicality will work for him as an 8. He always comes out second best when it comes to winning duals.

Play Madueke on the LW and Saka on the right, and sell either Martinelli or Trossard in January and get another LW.

Let’s not be fooled by Martinelli’s temporary super sub purple patch. It will not last and he will be back to his level soon.

Berta should open talks with Rodrygo and maybe flirt with the idea of discussing Vini Jr situation, who is clearly unhappy at Real with Mbappe stealing his thunder.

He might be tempted by the idea of being the main man again at a different club.

Well you were right about Martinelli's value as a super-sub. That's his ceiling at Arsenal, so I agree with your overall assessment of him. Credit to him for clutching today and also against Athletic Club.

I know you're knowledgeable about football but it is time to accept you can give Arteta all the players in the world, but he would still mess it up because he would still go out and start 3 midfielders without a playmaker and start the likes of Trossard and Martinelli over superior options.

Arteta sets his team up in the most risk averse manner in tough games. He's more afraid of losing than actually letting his team express themselves. I miss the version of him that we saw back in the 22/23 season, where Arsenal produced 50 points in the first half of that campaign. The football was great to watch and the players had more freedom to express themselves. Arsenal were a far more menacing side going forward.

I have given him the benefit of the doubt up until now because prior to this season he didn't have the squad depth and Edu wasn't all that. But I think it has come to light that he doesn't have the mentality to get Arsenal over the line.

Two months ago, he said "Nine teams are capable of winning the league". Everyone knows he's saying this because he's just getting his excuses in early for when he falls short again. I'm not sure if he even believes in himself.

If Arsenal fall short of winning either the PL or the CL then it's time to upgrade him.

Edu and him were appointed as the best ex-players to fulfil their roles. Arsenal need to broaden their horizons and actually recruit their next Head Coach on merit.

 

[Mamoon]

Odegaard has a creative aspect to his game than Rice doesn’t. Arsenal will always be more threatening with Odegaard on the pitch rather than Rice.

Arsenal’s midfield woes cannot be fixed until Rice is dropped. He is the biggest problem not Arteta.

Odegaard, Eze and Zubimendi is the way to go. They all press well and then can interchange quick passes and find through balls unlike Rice.

 

[Amjid Javed]

But but Arsenal midfield is world class

Back tracking already

 

[topspin]

Odegaard has a creative aspect to his game than Rice doesn’t. Arsenal will always be more threatening with Odegaard on the pitch rather than Rice.

Arsenal’s midfield woes cannot be fixed until Rice is dropped. He is the biggest problem not Arteta.

Odegaard, Eze and Zubimendi is the way to go. They all press well and then can interchange quick passes and find through balls unlike Rice.

Assuming this is all true, Rice is playing because of Arteta.

As mentioned by AJ, the manager is more concerned about pressing than creating chances against tougher opposition. That's why he loves Rice.

The solution is to replace Arteta with a better coach and get a proper number 8 like Bruno Guimaraes.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta already made it clear that havertz would have been used in midfield ahead of merino, if he wasn't injured. Yet certain asking for eze in 10 which isn't going to happen..

But but we can't call out the manager.. as its haram..

 

[Amjid Javed]

Anyone know how many PL games Arsenal have won when Rice and Merino have played as the 8 and 10 in games together?

Yet the retard manager doing same dumb thing, thinking its going to change results.

 

[topspin]

Anyone know how many PL games Arsenal have won when Rice and Merino have played as the 8 and 10 in games together?

Yet the retard manager doing same dumb thing, thinking its going to change results.

If I get time, I'll have a look. But I believe this began after Odegaard's injury last season.

I remember the defeat at SJP and Merino was playing as a "10". As expected, he was awful.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Against Forest in the first half, Arsenals Midfield had the fluidity of potential champions.

 

[Amjid Javed]

If I get time, I'll have a look. But I believe this began after Odegaard's injury last season.

I remember the defeat at SJP and Merino was playing as a "10". As expected, he was awful.

We've won 1 game, yet the manager decides to keep using same level of stupidity

These fine margins of dropping points through poor tactics and selections will keep being determental. The fact he's jobs not on line and no accountability, means he will keep doing such things "to prove a point" due to ego and arrogance.

 

[Mamoon]

Arsenal fans must be ready to call out Rice for the fraud that he is.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Against Forest in the first half, Arsenals Midfield had the fluidity of potential champions.

huge difference when playing rubbish teams like forest and Leeds.

Arsenal were always going to be exposed by better sides using these tactics

 

[topspin]

Arsenal fans must be ready to call out Rice for the fraud that he is.

Wild.

He's ranked as one of the best midfielders in the world and was nominated for the Ballon d'or.

Produced 15 G/A in the PL, where he played 38 games.

If Rice is a fraud then what are Odegaard and Zinchenko?

 

[aboveandbeyond]

huge difference when playing rubbish teams like forest and Leeds.

Arsenal were always going to be exposed by better sides using these tactics

Forest Rubbish?

They finished just outside of champions league Places last season. They've improved their squad and we're set up in a low block which normally is a kryptonite for you Gooners.

 

[topspin]

@Mamoon

Declan Rice tells Arsenal fans which position he prefers to play

Read this news on OneFootball.

onefootball.com

“I think my best position is probably as a number 6. My biggest strength is breaking up the play and taking the ball from deep,” Rice told TNT Sports post-match.

“I do get excited when I play number 8, though. I get to show the other side of my game. I didn’t stop running tonight!”
However, he noted that he will always seek to deliver wherever he is played, saying, “I’ve just been taking it game by game. I don’t want to be boring, but every time I put the shirt on, I try to start well.
“I want to do the best I can for the team. There’s more I can still add. But it’s been a good start. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

 

[aboveandbeyond]

@Mamoon

Declan Rice tells Arsenal fans which position he prefers to play

Read this news on OneFootball.

onefootball.com

Hes a 6.

Never been a 8 or 10

 

[Amjid Javed]

Forest Rubbish?

They finished just outside of champions league Places last season. They've improved their squad and we're set up in a low block which normally is a kryptonite for you Gooners.

We smashed forest 3-0 at home last season, so doing same this season was no shock. The way Forest set up they are dependant on scoring 1st, usually when they conceed 1st they look clueless. They also got smashed by west ham (who are utter trash) 3-0 the week before.

You had people asking for madueke statues outside the ground. Sadly this is how carried away this fan base gets

 

[aboveandbeyond]

We smashed forest 3-0 at home last season, so doing same this season was no shock. The way Forest set up they are dependant on scoring 1st, usually when they conceed 1st they look clueless. They also got smashed by west ham (who are utter trash) 3-0 the week before.

You had people asking for madueke statues outside the ground. Sadly this is how carried away this fan base gets

Madueke deserves credit. Hes done well for a new guy. I'd be more worried about your so called ballers who have won nothing, and failed to show up in big Games which decide Titles, they've been missing season in season out. And it seems to carrying on to this season as well.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

We smashed forest 3-0 at home last season, so doing same this season was no shock. The way Forest set up they are dependant on scoring 1st, usually when they conceed 1st they look clueless. They also got smashed by west ham (who are utter trash) 3-0 the week before.

You had people asking for madueke statues outside the ground. Sadly this is how carried away this fan base gets

But i do agree with your stance from day 1. The underlying problem and the Elephant in the Room is Arteta. He's tactically inept in crunch moments and will cost you again by the looks of it

 

[Obaidd]

Hes a 6.

Never been a 8 or 10

Somebody called Rice a 10?

 

[MK7Z]

So now last seasons player of the season is the problem after starting 4 games. Matches the manager picked a defensive midfield but expected attacking output.


Don't you dare question the manager and his tactics... Let's just pick on players that have been saving his back side with corners and free kicks.