Arsenal FC | 2025/26 Season

[Mamoon]

A lot of mentally weak Arsenal fans losing their heads with Liverpool signing Isak. Everyone knows his quality but it doesn't mean Arsenal cant still go on to win the title.

We have also added quality. Isak would have been the dream signing no doubt however looking at it from the perspective of Eze+ Gyokores for £120 million is also good business and some may argue gives us more options, time will tell.

Liverpool fans have every right to be confident - they are the reigning champions who just beat their closest challengers and then gone and bought the hottest striker around - Life is good for pools fans HOWEVER Arsenal need to stay close and not give them a free run like last time. We have a good squad now - Liverpool depth is a bit iffy

I think we can do it

Let the season roll on...........

Arsenal fans are the most self-loathing and toxic fan base in the world.

If Arsenal had signed Isak and Wirtz for £240m and Liverpool had signed Gyokeres and Eze for £120m, the same Arsenal would be waxing lyrical about how smart Liverpool are, how they have made the more value for more signings, how well run they are, etc. etc.

Signing Isak for £125m and Wirtz for £117m in a market where Gyokeres went for £64m and Eze, Xavi Simons and Cherki went for £67m, £31m and £51m respectively are not value for money signings.

Liverpool have got too excited and have thrown cash around like a strippers club, but it will backfire on them. They have already made dog's dinner of their team balance because they cannot fit Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and Salah in the same XI without disrupting the team balance.

 

[Mamoon]

@Mamoon 2 min YouTube highlights up, please explain Artetas game plan when the electric returns .

I watched the whole match, and there was nothing between the two sides apart from one moment of magic by DS. Liverpool were as "defensive" as Arsenal were, and they were playing at home.

 

[Mamoon]

@Mamoon


Arsenal are well drilled at the back , it’s clear they practice this regularly but for this match their 3 mids were close , making it difficult for our attackers . It’s not easy to press against as they also drilled in long balls down the wings . It’s a defensive strategy but once the opposition figures it out , they tire it can be exploited as you are pretty lifeless in attacking by then . If not the free kick Liverpool would have attacked , a goal was coming by the home team playing proper football .

What proper football? You were as defensive as Arsenal were, and you were playing at home.

The attackers on both sides were completely isolated. Gyokeres was not in the game because Arsenal couldn't create a single chance for him and it had a lot to do with the setup, while Salah and Ekitike were not in the game because Wirtz is terrible. Leverkusen mugged you off. This is a £50m player at best.

 

[Mamoon]

Also, thanks for continually using the Jurgen Klopp emoji because that's the closest you've ever got to a Champions League winning manager.

Congrats on finally taking 3 points off Arsenal on the 7th attempt. I think this might call for an open bus parade, and it will only be slightly more embarrassing than the open bus parade in 2024 for winning the FA Cup and League Cup.

The Klopp emoji is a reminder for delusional Liverpool fans who glorify this overrated manager who could only win 1 PL in 10 years in spite of having 4-5 players who would walk into an all-time Liverpool XI.

 

[BouncerGuy]

GUYS???

NO PERSONAL REMARKS PLEASE

 

[KingKhanWC]

What proper football? You were as defensive as Arsenal were, and you were playing at home.

The attackers on both sides were completely isolated. Gyokeres was not in the game because Arsenal couldn't create a single chance for him and it had a lot to do with the setup, while Salah and Ekitike were not in the game because Wirtz is terrible. Leverkusen mugged you off. This is a £50m player at best.

You lost after claiming we cannot beat Arsenal in the league, how many years and the rest of the nonsense. Liverpool controlled the 2nd half, it was only a matter of time before we scored.

Gyokeres was owned by LFC defence, there is more chance of Arsenal wining the champions league than him scoring 30 by Jan lol.

 

[Mamoon]

You lost after claiming we cannot beat Arsenal in the league, how many years and the rest of the nonsense. Liverpool controlled the 2nd half, it was only a matter of time before we scored.

Gyokeres was owned by LFC defence, there is more chance of Arsenal wining the champions league than him scoring 30 by Jan lol.

They owned him less than the Vogue model Calafiori owned Salah, who supposedly cannot defend as per Arsenal fans on this forum.

 

[Mamoon]

Why are Liverpool fans acting as if they have won the league after MW 3 and as if they will will go unbeaten this season?

Win at the Emirates then talk.

 

[Mamoon]

But but but Califiori is Italian Zinchenko and cannot defend @Amjid Javed

 

[KingKhanWC]

They owned him less than the Vogue model Calafiori owned Salah, who supposedly cannot defend as per Arsenal fans on this forum.

Lets have some more predictions?

Will Arsenal win the league?

Will Goyokeres score 30 goals by Jan?

 

[SherWaqar]

Honestly. A lot of Arsenal fans feel entitled and are arrogant. Where does this come from? I mean, what has the team achieved under Arteta apart from a FA cup and coming second trophy?

Arsenal fans told us ‘this is the best time to play Liverpool’, ‘their defence is shaky’, ‘Liverpool are there for the taking’ etc etc. After all the talk, huffing and puffing…I was expecting Arteta to come to Anfield all guns blazing…but no..the same cowardly negative intent was on display. Yes Liverpool were not good to watch either…however we came alive in the final 30mins. And a moment of magic sealed the win. This is what champions do. Pretenders will be pretenders.

 

[SherWaqar]

Why are Liverpool fans acting as if they have won the league after MW 3 and as if they will will go unbeaten this season?

Win at the Emirates then talk.

Actually, it is mostly rival fans that are claiming the title race is over.

Most importantly, we have 3 points. You went away with nothing.

Now tell me what has Arteta achieved under his tenure?

 

[IronShield]

Actually, it is mostly rival fans that are claiming the title race is over.

Most importantly, we have 3 points. You went away with nothing.

Now tell me what has Arteta achieved under his tenure?

3 trophies according to Arteta

 

[Mamoon]

Honestly. A lot of Arsenal fans feel entitled and are arrogant. Where does this come from? I mean, what has the team achieved under Arteta apart from a FA cup and coming second trophy?

Arsenal fans told us ‘this is the best time to play Liverpool’, ‘their defence is shaky’, ‘Liverpool are there for the taking’ etc etc. After all the talk, huffing and puffing…I was expecting Arteta to come to Anfield all guns blazing…but no..the same cowardly negative intent was on display. Yes Liverpool were not good to watch either…however we came alive in the final 30mins. And a moment of magic sealed the win. This is what champions do. Pretenders will be pretenders.

You won 1-0 at home. Not a big deal. When is the open bus parade for winning 1-0 at home?

 

[Mamoon]

Actually, it is mostly rival fans that are claiming the title race is over.

Most importantly, we have 3 points. You went away with nothing.

Now tell me what has Arteta achieved under his tenure?

Arteta is one PL away from matching Klopp’s English football legacy. I think he will have more than 1 league title under his belt by his 10th year.

He has taken Arsenal from a position to despair to title challengers. He has revived the club.

 

[SherWaqar]

Arteta is one PL away from matching Klopp’s English football legacy. I think he will have more than 1 league title under his belt by his 10th year.

He has taken Arsenal from a position to despair to title challengers. He has revived the club.

Surely this is sarcasm

 

[Mamoon]

Surely this is sarcasm

It is not. Why do you think so?

I am sure you remember where Arsenal were when Arteta took over in December 2019. They were struggling to stay in the top half of the table and had several overpaid, lazy players.

Their situation was very similar to United’s today. Arteta took the team in those circumstances in his first job and he transformed them into a top 2 team. How is that not an achievement?

If Arteta took Arsenal from where they were to where they are today, I have no doubt that he will take Arsenal from where they are today to eventual

 

[KingKhanWC]

It is not. Why do you think so?

I am sure you remember where Arsenal were when Arteta took over in December 2019. They were struggling to stay in the top half of the table and had several overpaid, lazy players.

Their situation was very similar to United’s today. Arteta took the team in those circumstances in his first job and he transformed them into a top 2 team. How is that not an achievement?

If Arteta took Arsenal from where they were to where they are today, I have no doubt that he will take Arsenal from where they are today to eventual

You've been copying and pasting this since 2021.

Lets have some fresh predictions please?


Will Arsenal win the league?

Will Goyokeres score 30 goals by Jan?

 

[Mamoon]

You've been copying and pasting this since 2021.

Lets have some fresh predictions please?


Will Arsenal win the league?

Will Goyokeres score 30 goals by Jan?

Yes, I expect Arsenal to win the league and Gyokeres to win the golden boot.

He should score 30 goals in the league and around 40 across competition, which will mark a third consecutive season for him with 40+ goals.

Your 125m injury prone twig doesn’t know what that feels like, having never broken the 30 goal barrier across competitions, ever.

I didn’t say Gyokeres will score 30 goals by Jan this season. I said, he did that last season for Sporting.

He scored 54 goals last season, which was more than anyone in Europe, but since the Premier League is tougher than the Primeira Liga, you can expect him to score around 15 goals less, so that brings us to the 40 mark.

With 2 in 3 so far he is on track. He is also going to walk past Isak’s PL record so far of 54 goals in 86 matches. He will continue to outscore Isak even Isak plays for Liverpool.

 

[Mamoon]

I haven’t seen so much analysis over a 1-0 loss away from home on MW3 before. Liverpool fans are acting as if they have won the league and Arsenal committed a cardinal sin by losing. You’d think that Liverpool will not lose a match this season.

This is the first time in 7 attempts that Liverpool have been good enough to take 3 points off Arsenal.

Where are all these analysis when Liverpool get their backsides handed over to them at the Emirates every season?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Honestly. A lot of Arsenal fans feel entitled and are arrogant. Where does this come from? I mean, what has the team achieved under Arteta apart from a FA cup and coming second trophy?

Arsenal fans told us ‘this is the best time to play Liverpool’, ‘their defence is shaky’, ‘Liverpool are there for the taking’ etc etc. After all the talk, huffing and puffing…I was expecting Arteta to come to Anfield all guns blazing…but no..the same cowardly negative intent was on display. Yes Liverpool were not good to watch either…however we came alive in the final 30mins. And a moment of magic sealed the win. This is what champions do. Pretenders will be pretenders.

Which Arsenal fans feel entitled? Feel free to name people, rather then making random generalisation on an entire fan base. Seems a lot of Liverpool fans have basic comprehensive problem.

If I was to generalisation the entire Liverpool fan base on how Asian Liverpool fans behave it wouldn't paint a very nice picture.

Liverpool had been poor defensively in the last 3 games, that's a fact.

Before the game Arsenal were right to have some confidence going into the game. That's not arrogance, that's just viewing something in a normal manner

Ultimately yes Arteta setting up to play haram Stoke City was the downfall. Yes he's a manager who should have been sacked last season, heck he shouldn't have even been given job in 1st place.

Enjoy your victory, but don't start making silly assumptions on how an entire fan base acts

 

[Amjid Javed]

But but Arsenal have world class midfield depth

But but Arsenal have best midfielder In PL

Seems you never learn, I told you this team lacks creativity and the retard manager and his Stoke City tactics ain't going to change

6 years in charge, 1BN spent and we turned up to anfield with a top class defence and coward manager decides he needs to play 3 defensive midfielders.

Zubimendi passing the ball forward to players who like to slow it down pass it side ways and backwards.

This style of play not only kills Zubimendi effectiveness.

it gives the striker zero chance of Any service

Martinelli was **** (I can admit that), you know why Arteta keeps picking him? Because of his defensive work he does.

The fact Arsenal have Nwaneri, dowman, eze were all on the bench? Why because Arteta wants his number 8s and 10s to be able to defend

Odegaard because he runs around like a dog and presses is seen as more important attribute to Arteta then actually creating chances.

It's the same reason why merino and before that havertz were used in number 8 position, why because Arteta care more winning duals etc.. then actually creating.

Arteta will keep picking martinellis, Merino, havertz, Odegaard type players when ever he can because he's more bothered about defensive work then actually attacking.

Even Stoke, Burnley, Everton fans wouldn't tolerate this type of **** football

I'm actually shocked you grew a bit of spine and partially criticised the manager.

This guy is setting up in the league not to lose. That's what you do in Cups.

He's managing like a B-tech Rafa benetiz

 

[GOSH11]

I haven’t seen so much analysis over a 1-0 loss away from home on MW3 before. Liverpool fans are acting as if they have won the league and Arsenal committed a cardinal sin by losing. You’d think that Liverpool will not lose a match this season.

This is the first time in 7 attempts that Liverpool have been good enough to take 3 points off Arsenal.

Where are all these analysis when Liverpool get their backsides handed over to them at the Emirates every season?

Weren't you on about pole position after week 2?! LOL

 

[GOSH11]

I haven’t seen so much analysis over a 1-0 loss away from home on MW3 before. Liverpool fans are acting as if they have won the league and Arsenal committed a cardinal sin by losing. You’d think that Liverpool will not lose a match this season.

This is the first time in 7 attempts that Liverpool have been good enough to take 3 points off Arsenal.

Where are all these analysis when Liverpool get their backsides handed over to them at the Emirates every season?

Genuinely, you have no idea, it is incredible.

You seem to miss so much- Arsenal seemed petrified, they didn't go for the win or attack Liverpool or test them- the Liverpool defence has been found wanting and Arsenal were content with playing for a draw?!

Long season ahead- pole position?! LOL

 

[topspin]

Which Arsenal fans feel entitled? Feel free to name people, rather then making random generalisation on an entire fan base. Seems a lot of Liverpool fans have basic comprehensive problem.

If I was to generalisation the entire Liverpool fan base on how Asian Liverpool fans behave it wouldn't paint a very nice picture.

Liverpool had been poor defensively in the last 3 games, that's a fact.

Before the game Arsenal were right to have some confidence going into the game. That's not arrogance, that's just viewing something in a normal manner

Ultimately yes Arteta setting up to play haram Stoke City was the downfall. Yes he's a manager who should have been sacked last season, heck he shouldn't have even been given job in 1st place.

Enjoy your victory, but don't start making silly assumptions on how an entire fan base acts

This is more like it bro! Arsenal fans should stick together. More of this energy please.

 

[Mamoon]

Genuinely, you have no idea, it is incredible.

You seem to miss so much- Arsenal seemed petrified, they didn't go for the win or attack Liverpool or test them- the Liverpool defence has been found wanting and Arsenal were content with playing for a draw?!

Long season ahead- pole position?! LOL

I will not accept this fake narrative.

Arsenal were as “petrified” as Liverpool were, and they were at home.

Neither of the two teams were willing to take on the others. Liverpool only did that for a brief period in the second half when they finally realized that they were playing at home and had an obligation to try and win the game.

Ultimately, it was just that moment of brilliance from Dominic that settled the game. Liverpool fans are acting as Arsenal brought the double decker while Liverpool were launching one attack after the other.

Both teams were poor and lackluster and failed to threaten much.

 

[topspin]

Arsenal fans are the most self-loathing and toxic fan base in the world.

If Arsenal had signed Isak and Wirtz for £240m and Liverpool had signed Gyokeres and Eze for £120m, the same Arsenal would be waxing lyrical about how smart Liverpool are, how they have made the more value for more signings, how well run they are, etc. etc.

Signing Isak for £125m and Wirtz for £117m in a market where Gyokeres went for £64m and Eze, Xavi Simons and Cherki went for £67m, £31m and £51m respectively are not value for money signings.

Liverpool have got too excited and have thrown cash around like a strippers club, but it will backfire on them. They have already made dog's dinner of their team balance because they cannot fit Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz and Salah in the same XI without disrupting the team balance.

We have to be realistic as well, just like when it comes to our expectations of Pakistan cricket falling short of winning matches.

If Arteta is to turn it around, he cannot carry on setting up his side so defensively, especially away from home against the likes of Liverpool, City, Newcastle, Spurs, Chelsea, Forest, Everton and etc.

He needs to bring back the free flowing football from the 22/23 season. I'm not convinced that he will revert to this nor am I convinced he can win Arsenal the title with how he's currently set up the team this season.

You deserve credit for your foresight on Martinelli. You knew he was garbage after he had a good season during the 22/23 campaign. So you would know better than anyone that selecting Martinelli to start over Eze was a huge blunder. Even you can't let him off for this. Artera could've fixed this at HT but continued to persist with the toothless Brazilian. Eze did more in 10 or so mins than Martinelli did in 75-80 mins.

Same old from Arteta. I hope I'm wrong but I've seen enough after 5.5 years to write him off and say we need to sack him.

Him and Edu were recruited largely because they were the best ex-players the club could recruit for their respective positions. Look at the difference we've seen this summer after upgrading from Edu to Berta has made in the transfer window.

Arsenal's team reeks of poor leadership and weak mentality. That is on Arteta. I think he has taken as far as he can with Arsenal but I think we need a Berta-esque upgrade and replace him with an elite Head Coach.

 

[GOSH11]

I will not accept this fake narrative.

Arsenal were as “petrified” as Liverpool were, and they were at home.

Neither of the two teams were willing to take on the others. Liverpool only did that for a brief period in the second half when they finally realized that they were playing at home and had an obligation to try and win the game.

Ultimately, it was just that moment of brilliance from Dominic that settled the game. Liverpool fans are acting as Arsenal brought the double decker while Liverpool were launching one attack after the other.

Both teams were poor and lackluster and failed to threaten

Fake narrative? Haha

Your view on footy is obviously far greater than all of the respected analysts- out of curiosity, which platform did you watch the match on and who were the analysts?

Arsenal were petrified.... no invention at all. Sure, Liverpool were not at their best and some of that was down to the Arsenal stifling- especially first half bit if you do not see that Arsenal were petrified to go for the juggular- another saying for you to attempt to co-opt from UK (footy) culture, you should have gone to Specsavers.

 

[GOSH11]

We have to be realistic as well, just like when it comes to our expectations of Pakistan cricket falling short of winning matches.

If Arteta is to turn it around, he cannot carry on setting up his side so defensively, especially away from home against the likes of Liverpool, City, Newcastle, Spurs, Chelsea, Forest, Everton and etc.

He needs to bring back the free flowing football from the 22/23 season. I'm not convinced that he will revert to this nor am I convinced he can win Arsenal the title with how he's currently set up the team this season.

You deserve credit for your foresight on Martinelli. You knew he was garbage after he had a good season during the 22/23 campaign. So you would know better than anyone that selecting Martinelli to start over Eze was a huge blunder. Even you can't let him off for this. Artera could've fixed this at HT but continued to persist with the toothless Brazilian. Eze did more in 10 or so mins than Martinelli did in 75-80 mins.

Same old from Arteta. I hope I'm wrong but I've seen enough after 5.5 years to write him off and say we need to sack him.

Him and Edu were recruited largely because they were the best ex-players the club could recruit for their respective positions. Look at the difference we've seen this summer after upgrading from Edu to Berta has made in the transfer window.

Arsenal's team reeks of poor leadership and weak mentality. That is on Arteta. I think he has taken as far as he can with Arsenal but I think we need a Berta-esque upgrade and replace him with an elite Head Coach.

That is a very well thought out and written post bhai, measured/fair/objective.

You have people who do not understand the game- who call out genuine insight and a drive for their team to win by fans as those fans being self- loathing, LOL, heaven help these soft, wannabe footy experts, certainly didn't follow footy when likes of Roy Keane, Vieira et al. Were laying it on the line.

Self-loathing.... I wonder how the prawn sandwiches taste in Peshawar?!

 

[GOSH11]

That is a very well thought out and written post bhai, measured/fair/objective.

You have people who do not understand the game- who call out genuine insight and a drive for their team to win by fans as those fans being self- loathing, LOL, heaven help these soft, wannabe footy experts, certainly didn't follow footy when likes of Roy Keane, Vieira et al. Were laying it on the line.

Self-loathing.... I wonder how the prawn sandwiches taste in Peshawar?!

And that last part will go over his head in Peshawar also until he googles it!

 

[topspin]

That is a very well thought out and written post bhai, measured/fair/objective.

You have people who do not understand the game- who call out genuine insight and a drive for their team to win by fans as those fans being self- loathing, LOL, heaven help these soft, wannabe footy experts, certainly didn't follow footy when likes of Roy Keane, Vieira et al. Were laying it on the line.

Self-loathing.... I wonder how the prawn sandwiches taste in Peshawar?!

Thanks for your kind words. I think you'll win the title with ease again this season. Your squad is looking very strong.

 

[GOSH11]

Thanks for your kind words. I think you'll win the title with ease again this season. Your squad is looking very strong.

I actually think Arsenal will be there till the end bhai.

They just need the manager to be more objective and a bit braver.... RIce or Saliba as skipper as a start to set the tone and as AJ bhai has said so many times, balance the side out!!

 

[GOSH11]

Thanks for your kind words. I think you'll win the title with ease again this season. Your squad is looking very strong.

What do you think about the skipper?

Who would you have?

Outsider looking in- Saliba and Rice strike me as more inspirational than Odegaard.

 

[Amjid Javed]

This is more like it bro! Arsenal fans should stick together. More of this energy please.

I just don't like this whole making assumptions of how an entire fan base Is based one or two opinions. Every teams fan base has sensible views and silly views. When people make comments like Arsenal fans been arrogant before this game it just made me laugh.

No Arsenal fan said we were going to go anfield and smash them, even myself for 1st time in over 10+ years thought we had a chance on winning. But didn't think it would be easy.

I have no issue with Liverpool, United, Newcastle fans always been in thread either, but people making up fake arguments or assumptions like this guy did are things which need to be called out. Il always just call someone out regardless of what team they support.

Most dicussions I've had with my mates who are Liverpool fans have been quite civilised. Then you get the odd silly one like this

 

[topspin]

What do you think about the skipper?

Who would you have?

Outsider looking in- Saliba and Rice strike me as more inspirational than Odegaard.

It's no brainer, Rice is the best natural leader we have. He should captain Arsenal and be the next England captain.

We need Saliba to extend his contract first. I wouldn't blame him for leaving Arsenal, particularly if the side again fall short of winning both the PL + CL and with Arteta + Odegaard continuing to hold the reigns as manager and captain.

Gabriel would be my choice of vice-captain.

 

[Mamoon]

Fake narrative? Haha

Your view on footy is obviously far greater than all of the respected analysts- out of curiosity, which platform did you watch the match on and who were the analysts?

Arsenal were petrified.... no invention at all. Sure, Liverpool were not at their best and some of that was down to the Arsenal stifling- especially first half bit if you do not see that Arsenal were petrified to go for the juggular- another saying for you to attempt to co-opt from UK (footy) culture, you should have gone to Specsavers.

I repeat.

Arsenal were poor and defensive, but Liverpool were not exactly on the front foot either and their play lacked urgency. Unlike Arsenal, Liverpool had an attacking playmaker too, although it’s a different story that he has been awful so far and looks like Leverkusen robbed you.

The reality is that Liverpool were lackluster too and escaped criticism because of a wonder goal. In football, narratives change depending on the result. When you win, everything seems fine in hindsight and when you lose, everything seems wrong.

If Arsenal had nicked the winner the whole narrative would be around how Arsenal stifled Liverpool and Calafiori had Salah in his back pocket all game which he did.

Now that Liverpool nicked it in the end, the entire focus is on how defensive Arsenal were and there is no talk on how lackluster Liverpool were themselves and clearly lacked urgency in their play.

Liverpool fans should focus more on their own performance than worrying about Arsenal’s intent. Ultimately, a draw would have been a worse result for Liverpool than Arsenal.

 

[Mamoon]

We have to be realistic as well, just like when it comes to our expectations of Pakistan cricket falling short of winning matches.

If Arteta is to turn it around, he cannot carry on setting up his side so defensively, especially away from home against the likes of Liverpool, City, Newcastle, Spurs, Chelsea, Forest, Everton and etc.

He needs to bring back the free flowing football from the 22/23 season. I'm not convinced that he will revert to this nor am I convinced he can win Arsenal the title with how he's currently set up the team this season.

You deserve credit for your foresight on Martinelli. You knew he was garbage after he had a good season during the 22/23 campaign. So you would know better than anyone that selecting Martinelli to start over Eze was a huge blunder. Even you can't let him off for this. Artera could've fixed this at HT but continued to persist with the toothless Brazilian. Eze did more in 10 or so mins than Martinelli did in 75-80 mins.

Same old from Arteta. I hope I'm wrong but I've seen enough after 5.5 years to write him off and say we need to sack him.

Him and Edu were recruited largely because they were the best ex-players the club could recruit for their respective positions. Look at the difference we've seen this summer after upgrading from Edu to Berta has made in the transfer window.

Arsenal's team reeks of poor leadership and weak mentality. That is on Arteta. I think he has taken as far as he can with Arsenal but I think we need a Berta-esque upgrade and replace him with an elite Head Coach.

Who are these so-called elite head coaches on the market who are available and ready to take Arsenal over the line? Please name them.

I don’t see the logic in panicking after just 1 defeat away from home that too in MW3 with in injury ravaged squad.

If Arsenal fall short this season, I have no issues with reviewing Arteta’s position.

 

[Amjid Javed]

During the game on Sunday when the free kick went in, I was probably one of the few that called out the keeper for letting it in.

Whilst the others called it a "wonder striker" and the keeper had no chance.

The more replays I watch of it, espcially from different angles, the more and more I think Raya should have saved it.

The wall was set up fine, when the fake 2 man wall moved Raya had full sight of the body angle the free kick taker was attempting, Raya was actually stood centrally in front of goal. When the ball was actually kicked.

It was a decent free kick, but nowhere near the level people have made it out to be, also the distance it was from goal you shouldn't be letting it in at the height it went in

 

[Mamoon]

During the game on Sunday when the free kick went in, I was probably one of the few that called out the keeper for letting it in.

Whilst the others called it a "wonder striker" and the keeper had no chance.

The more replays I watch of it, espcially from different angles, the more and more I think Raya should have saved it.

The wall was set up fine, when the fake 2 man wall moved Raya had full sight of the body angle the free kick taker was attempting, Raya was actually stood centrally in front of goal. When the ball was actually kicked.

It was a decent free kick, but nowhere near the level people have made it out to be, also the distance it was from goal you shouldn't be letting it in at the height it went in

View attachment 157454

You are splitting hairs.

It was a great free-kick because 9/10 players will either hit the wall or blast it over the goal from this distance.

Rice tried his luck from a similar distance in the first half and it went sailing over.

As far as Raya is concerned, he is short with a small wingspan. He has excellent reflexes and anticipation but if you hit the top bin against him he is not saving it.

 

[Amjid Javed]

It's no brainer, Rice is the best natural leader we have. He should captain Arsenal and be the next England captain.

We need Saliba to extend his contract first. I wouldn't blame him for leaving Arsenal, particularly if the side again fall short of winning both the PL + CL and with Arteta + Odegaard continuing to hold the reigns as manager and captain.

Gabriel would be my choice of vice-captain.

I actually like the fact Gabriel had the arm band on Sunday. He's one that is happy to speak up and also call things out. We've seen it before when Gabs and rice have argued during other games, that's what you need people telling others what needs to be said.

You can tell rest of team are happy just being robotic and following orders, knowing if they don't with Arteta or Odegaard they won't play. That's why the dressing room barring one or two players seems mentally weak

Teams over coached and no scope to express themselves. Look at how many times a van dyk, kompany, Terry in recent times would bark out orders to their team if they were doing right. Sadly we lack the freedom to do that in our team

 

[GOSH11]

It's no brainer, Rice is the best natural leader we have. He should captain Arsenal and be the next England captain.

We need Saliba to extend his contract first. I wouldn't blame him for leaving Arsenal, particularly if the side again fall short of winning both the PL + CL and with Arteta + Odegaard continuing to hold the reigns as manager and captain.

Gabriel would be my choice of vice-captain.

Again, cannot argue with that bhai
Gabriel is also a good shout.

Maybe give Saliba the armband to help with a renewal?

 

[GOSH11]

During the game on Sunday when the free kick went in, I was probably one of the few that called out the keeper for letting it in.

Whilst the others called it a "wonder striker" and the keeper had no chance.

The more replays I watch of it, espcially from different angles, the more and more I think Raya should have saved it.

The wall was set up fine, when the fake 2 man wall moved Raya had full sight of the body angle the free kick taker was attempting, Raya was actually stood centrally in front of goal. When the ball was actually kicked.

It was a decent free kick, but nowhere near the level people have made it out to be, also the distance it was from goal you shouldn't be letting it in at the height it went in

View attachment 157454

And you were spot on bhai, his initial movements/footwork was a bit slow, I think you have a point, 32 yards out, shouldn't be getting beat. The positioning of the wall also looks off as well- the middle jumped but the rest....

 

[GOSH11]

I actually like the fact Gabriel had the arm band on Sunday. He's one that is happy to speak up and also call things out. We've seen it before when Gabs and rice have argued during other games, that's what you need people telling others what needs to be said.

You can tell rest of team are happy just being robotic and following orders, knowing if they don't with Arteta or Odegaard they won't play. That's why the dressing room barring one or two players seems mentally weak

Teams over coached and no scope to express themselves. Look at how many times a van dyk, kompany, Terry in recent times would bark out orders to their team if they were doing right. Sadly we lack the freedom to do that in our team

And that is exactly why Tony Adams said what he said....

 

[Mamoon]

And that is exactly why Tony Adams said what he said....

Is that why Tony Adams proved to be a resounding failure as manager? Arsenal on his watch would be struggle to stay in the top half.

Great players and great captains don’t always make great coaches, and he is one of them. I am not interested in opinions of failed managers on what Arteta should or should not do. Arteta is a better manager than all these folks.

 

[Mamoon]

As far as Rice is concerned, he needs to realize that he is not Beckham. Just because you scored two FKs vs Real doesn’t mean you are entitled to taking them at all times.

He needs to taken off FK duties now that Eze and Gyokeres are in the team. Both have a higher chance of scoring them more frequently than he can.

I’m growing a bit tired to see him on set-piece duty all the time as if him playing higher up on the pitch wasn’t already frustrating enough.

 

[GOSH11]

Is that why Tony Adams proved to be a resounding failure as manager? Arsenal on his watch would be struggle to stay in the top half.

Great players and great captains don’t always make great coaches, and he is one of them. I am not interested in opinions of failed managers on what Arteta should or should not do. Arteta is a better manager than all these folks.

I was referring to his point on captaincy and unlike yourself.... knowing a bit about Arsenal history (and not even being a fan!) Tony Adams as a skipper is right up there, always led the team well....

 

[Mamoon]

I was referring to his point on captaincy and unlike yourself.... knowing a bit about Arsenal history (and not even being a fan!) Tony Adams as a skipper is right up there, always led the team well....

I don’t need your certifications on football knowledge and history. Please keep them to yourself. Don’t waive them at me.

Tony Adams was a joke of a manager. Just because you were a great player and a great captain doesn’t mean it will translate into management.

Coaching a team is a completely different ball game than being a successful club captain.

 

[GOSH11]

I don’t need your certifications on football knowledge and history. Please keep them to yourself. Don’t waive them at me.

Tony Adams was a joke of a manager. Just because you were a great player and a great captain doesn’t mean it will translate into management.

Coaching a team is a completely different ball game than being a successful club captain.

Again.... and a little bit slower for ease of consumption.... I was referring to Adams' take on the Arsenal captaincy, which in his standing as one of the great captains of the club carries gravitas.

How are the prawn sandwiches in Peshawar?

 

[Mamoon]

Again.... and a little bit slower for ease of consumption.... I was referring to Adams' take on the Arsenal captaincy, which in his standing as one of the great captains of the club carries gravitas.

How are the prawn sandwiches in Peshawar?

Why do you ask? Is your family looking to set up a roadside stall because the janitor job isn’t paying well? I can employ them as my domestic servants if you want, will pay good money.

As far Adams is concerns, he is questioning Arteta’s decision to stick with Odegaard as captain. I do not accept his criticism of Arteta’s managerial decisions because he himself is a failed manager.

If he talks about what mistakes Odegaard has made as captain, I am all ears because he was a great captain.

 

[Technics 1210]

@Mamoon Have you ever called into TalkSport radio station? I think someone like you could end up legendary on UK air waves if you do.

 

[GOSH11]

Why do you ask? Is your family looking to set up a roadside stall because the janitor job isn’t paying well? I can employ them as my domestic servants if you want, will pay good money.

As far Adams is concerns, he is questioning Arteta’s decision to stick with Odegaard as captain. I do not accept his criticism of Arteta’s managerial decisions because he himself is a failed manager.

If he talks about what mistakes Odegaard has made as captain, I am all ears because he was a great captain.

Lol. Very presumptuous... you say you are a medic, well... snap- albeit, and I will have to mirror your language, I am at a far more prestigious UK hospital and attended a far more prestigious UK uni than the ones you have.... so... I would pipe down on that front, I can put in a word in our hospital for an entry level position for you? Perhaps they would consider a sponsorship for you and given that Arsenal is our local club, you could actually improve your medical skills and footy knowledge and attend some matches!

Adams was referring to Odegaards captaincy traits or lack of, again, with zero footy understanding and you having not even played basic Sunday league like the majority of us have in the UK, the prawn sandwich brigade like yourself rely on shoddy online sentiments to look learned...!

 

[Amjid Javed]

And you were spot on bhai, his initial movements/footwork was a bit slow, I think you have a point, 32 yards out, shouldn't be getting beat. The positioning of the wall also looks off as well- the middle jumped but the rest....

The wall was positioned fine, as a keeper you essentially put the wall in place to cover one side of the goal and then ensure you have sight of the ball from where he was stood. Raya footwork was just slow, if the ball had gone top corner, then fair enough but it didn't. From that distance with the ball being whipped like that the keeper should have plenty time getting across.

You have some people comparing it to the rice free kick lol

 

[Mamoon]

@Mamoon Have you ever called into TalkSport radio station? I think someone like you could end up legendary on UK air waves if you do.

Never thought about it, but I might one day. If “Moaning Mo” can get air time, so can I.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Bergkamp, Henry, petit, Adams, merson aren't allowed opinions on captaincy, winning trophies etc.. because supposedly unless your a successful coach you know nothing about football

This coming from some calling a manager whose won fk all for 5 seasons a success

 

[Mamoon]

Lol. Very presumptuous... you say you are a medic, well... snap- albeit, and I will have to mirror your language, I am at a far more prestigious UK hospital and attended a far more prestigious UK uni than the ones you have.... so... I would pipe down on that front, I can put in a word in our hospital for an entry level position for you? Perhaps they would consider a sponsorship for you and given that Arsenal is our local club, you could actually improve your medical skills and footy knowledge and attend some matches!

Don’t give it if you can’t take it. I am not interesting in exchanges pleasantries but you kept making rubbish references to my ethnicity. Hopefully you will pipe it down now.

Adams was referring to Odegaards captaincy traits or lack of, again, with zero footy understanding and you having not even played basic Sunday league like the majority of us have in the UK, the prawn sandwich brigade like yourself rely on shoddy online sentiments to look learned...!

Absolute nonsense again, and I can prove it to you by quoting exactly what Tony said.

“He's (Arteta) got a really big call to make this year and for me he hasn't done it.

The call is to make Declan Rice the captain. I think Declan is my kind of captain, and it might free Odegaard up to play with a bit more freedom.

Every now and again as a manager, you have to put someone who reflects you, who reflects the football club that you think can actually take you to the next level.

And I'm seeing Declan Rice as a captain but I'm saying to Arteta:

Come on, step up now. It's your time to be a winning manager and a fantastic manager, because you're not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.'

Unless you struggle to comprehend basic English, he is CLEARLY giving Arteta managerial advice by asking him to strip Odegaard of captaincy.

He is offering no insight on why Odegaard is not a good captain according to him and what has he done wrong or where he can improve.

This is my point — Tony is in no position to give Arteta managerial advice given that he himself was a complete failure as a manager.

However, if he talks more about what Odegaard can do better as captain or where he lacks, he is more than welcome to do so because he was a great captain and clearly knows about being a great football captain.

If you ask me, I am against removing someone as captain when they are still part of the team. Such demotions are not good for the dressing room culture. Once you make someone captain, you stick by it until the player is no longer an automatic starter or of course leaves the club.

 

[Mamoon]

Bergkamp, Henry, petit, Adams, merson aren't allowed opinions on captaincy, winning trophies etc.. because supposedly unless your a successful coach you know nothing about football

This coming from some calling a manager whose won fk all for 5 seasons a success

They are allowed to give opinions on captaincy but they are not allowed to give opinions on Arteta’s managerial decisions because they are either unproven as managers or proven failures.

 

[Mamoon]

The problem with these self-proclaimed football experts is that they think football is black and white.

You win the league or a cup you are a winner. You fall short, you are a loser.

There is more to football than this, and there are several metrics of success and failure.

If you think what Arteta has done for Arsenal since 2019 is not a success, you clearly have no idea about football.

One day, some idiot might say that Thomas Frank failed at Brentford because he won only one play-off in 8 years, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. He was a highly successful manager given what he inherited and where he left the club.

Arteta took over Arsenal when they were a hot mess with 15 years of stagnation on his back. That is the weight and the baggage that he carried.

He made Arsenal fans dream of winning the PL again. He raised the expectations. He was the reason why the same fans who would have been happy with 4th now they think that 2nd is a failure.

He is the reason why Arsenal fans went to Anfield hoping to win rather than being resigned to a 3-4 goal drubbing.

You think Arteta is holding Arsenal back today but he is the reason why they are in this position in the first place because Arsenal could also have been stuck in a loop like United post SAF.

I have seen nothing so far that would convince me that Arteta has ran his race and he cannot take the club further. I think there are still levels to go and his story is not finished yet.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

I Think Saliba fits the bill as your Captain. With Saka, the only other World class Player in your side.

 

[Mamoon]

The greatest measure of success/failure as a manager is not trophies won but a comparison of where you left the club vs where you inherited the club.

Ange won Spurs their first trophy in 17 years, but he also took them to their lowest league finish in 38 years. Spurs were struggling when he took over, but he left them in a worse place in spite of the silverware.

If Arteta walks out of Arsenal tomorrow, he is a successful manager for Arsenal because you compare Arsenal of 2019 with Arsenal of 2025 and it is a day and night comparison.

 

[topspin]

Again, cannot argue with that bhai
Gabriel is also a good shout.

Maybe give Saliba the armband to help with a renewal?

If that's what it takes to keep Saliba (and take captaincy away from Odegaard) then a definite yes in my book.

 

[topspin]

Who are these so-called elite head coaches on the market who are available and ready to take Arsenal over the line? Please name them.

I'm no expert but the formula is simple, you find the best replacement. Just like what Arsenal did with Edu and what Liverpool did with Klopp.

When Liverpool appointed Arne Slot, he was unknown. Now you could argue he's the best manager in the league.

I don’t see the logic in panicking after just 1 defeat away from home that too in MW3 with in injury ravaged squad.

It's not about one defeat. It's about 5.5 years.

Prior to this season, I had given him the benefit of the doubt because he didn't have quality in the front 4, as he was short of good creative and attacking players. Also, he didn't have the depth in midfield and attack. Arsenal have now bought Eze, Gyokeres, Madueke and promoted Dowman into the squad. A front 4 of Gyokeres, Eze, Odegaard/Nwaneri (as CAM) and Saka is title winning calibre.

You can give Arteta all the players in the world, he will still fall short if he continues to persist with this brand of minimal risk football (to put it mildly).

If Arsenal fall short this season, I have no issues with reviewing Arteta’s position.

Now you're talking. Like I said, I hope I'm wrong and Arteta turns it around but based on current evidence, there's nothing to suggest he will overcome Liverpool unless something unprecedented happens to them - for e.g. an injury crisis.

 

[topspin]

The problem with these self-proclaimed football experts is that they think football is black and white.

You win the league or a cup you are a winner. You fall short, you are a loser.

There is more to football than this, and there are several metrics of success and failure.

If you think what Arteta has done for Arsenal since 2019 is not a success, you clearly have no idea about football.

One day, some idiot might say that Thomas Frank failed at Brentford because he won only one play-off in 8 years, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. He was a highly successful manager given what he inherited and where he left the club.

Arteta took over Arsenal when they were a hot mess with 15 years of stagnation on his back. That is the weight and the baggage that he carried.

He made Arsenal fans dream of winning the PL again. He raised the expectations. He was the reason why the same fans who would have been happy with 4th now they think that 2nd is a failure.

He is the reason why Arsenal fans went to Anfield hoping to win rather than being resigned to a 3-4 goal drubbing.

You think Arteta is holding Arsenal back today but he is the reason why they are in this position in the first place because Arsenal could also have been stuck in a loop like United post SAF.

I have seen nothing so far that would convince me that Arteta has ran his race and he cannot take the club further. I think there are still levels to go and his story is not finished yet.

The greatest measure of success/failure as a manager is not trophies won but a comparison of where you left the club vs where you inherited the club.

Ange won Spurs their first trophy in 17 years, but he also took them to their lowest league finish in 38 years. Spurs were struggling when he took over, but he left them in a worse place in spite of the silverware.

If Arteta walks out of Arsenal tomorrow, he is a successful manager for Arsenal because you compare Arsenal of 2019 with Arsenal of 2025 and it is a day and night comparison.

Some great points made here. I agree with you on Thomas Frank and if Arteta left tomorrow, I would class his stint as a success because he's taken the club from 8th to the 2nd best side in the league.

There's no doubt he's a fine coach but I don't think he's the best man manager.

He does know how to set-up his team in a way that allows his players to create and express themselves more freely. We saw this in abundance during the 22/23 season and if we look at this year, we saw it on display against Man City (5-1), also against Real Madrid (in both legs) and in other Champions League fixtures.

As a manager, it's obvious he's nervous around certain personalities and struggles with players who are tougher to manage. A prime example is of this is Aubameyang. If he doesn't end up winning the PL/CL at Arsenal, I would pinpoint this fallout with the ex-Arsenal captain as the moment that has defined his Arsenal managerial career. I say this because he made a grave error in appointing Odegaard as captain, who has struggled with his performances under the spotlight and when the team have needed him to rise to the occasion, he's gone missing in numerous games.

He selected Odegaard as captain because he was a safe option. He ticked the boxes in terms of a personality on the other end of the spectrum. Odegaard comes across as obedient and doesn't strike me as some sort of alpha dog or the strongest personality in the dressing room.

I agree with Tony Adams that Arteta had the chance to put this right and ideally make Rice as captain. The team needs someone who can lead from the front and impose his presence on the opposition. Odegaard is not that guy - he enjoys his comfort zone and struggles under pressure. It's just not very inspiring to have that sort of captain in the side. This is one of the reasons why I say I wouldn't blame Saliba if he was to leave the club if Arsenal continue to fall short. A player of his calibre deserves better than this.

This argument about "demoting someone as captain could potentially be detrimental to the dressing room culture" is a weak argument. You have to take risks if you want to get to the top.