Arsenal FC | 2025/26 Season

[SherWaqar]

Now it’s getting interesting. The one thing going for Ars is that City are inconsistent.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

So after the the united defeat, every sat in the dressing room and had a chat. Manager came out with rubbish about Arsenal would now play with more freedom.

Nothing has changed in the way the team is playing. It was yet another underwhelming away performance in the league. Other than the Leeds away game, we have been .

Whilst this may not be Man city of the past, or their unconvincing performances earlier in season don't matter. What happens in last 1/3 of season dictates the success of the season. City are getting key defenders back Dias, stones etc.. that gives them a solid base which they haven't had for parts of the season.

I'm hearing Arsenal need a points buffer going into the city game? What Arsenal need is a mentality of "we are going to Eithad to win, and make a statement. But we will get the usual, make sure we don't lose and take a point.

Facts are of Arsenal were even remotely ruthless we would be 10-12 points clear we ain't. Because everything is safety first.

For those proclaiming Arsenal are head and shoulders above everyone in PL and Europe, go get urselfs checked out for delusion (I won't name the 2 posters, but you know who you are)

We Will once again see how weak or strong this bunch of Arsenal players and manager are now. Also possibly having to play Man city a few times before end of season will mentally dictate where this team ends

Its easier said than done unless Arsenal get the Monkey off the back and get over the line.

Until then, these jittery phases will be the Norm. Having said that, City also are very inconsistent, and the 4 point Gap is still a decent buffer.

 

[SherWaqar]

Btw, what has happened to Saka’s form??

 

[MK7Z]

Now it’s getting interesting. The one thing going for Ars is that City are inconsistent.

Day off or on a break?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Day off or on a break?

 

[ads101]

This was a really bad match. A lot of times in the past when Arsenal draw or lose, Arsenal have still had more chances, higher xg. Errors leading to goals often a culprit. This match however Arsenal were outplayed. Brentford had higher xg, more shots and more shots on goal. And worst thing of all, Arsenal had far more possession. It’s really incredible that Brentford were able to achieve that with so little of the ball. And how much of nothing Arsenal were doing when they had so much of the ball.

Most of the time during this season, Arsenal have lost points either due to errors or poor finishing despite creating more chances with higher xg. Wasn’t the case today and Arsenal were lucky not to lose.

Importance of this system relies mostly on the wingers in terms of attacking. It’s very concerning the form of the wingers. As I said before saka’s drop off is alarming, I’m not surprised even Madueke is outperforming him.

 

[Technics 1210]

Given the circumstances that was a costly 2 points dropped for both sides.

Bees, and a win would have put them above Liverpool.

Arsenal, what was 9 point gap at top a week before is now down to 4 points.

Every game for Arsenal is now a banana skin - including Wolves on Wednesday.

 

[SherWaqar]

Day off or on a break?

Finished work at 11am

Looks like you are still triggered from yesterday’s banter.

 

[MK7Z]

Finished work at 11am

Looks like you are still triggered from yesterday’s banter.

Nah I was wondering whether to reply or not.

With your busy life and work schedule. It's nice that you make time for the Arsenal thread

 

[Amjid Javed]

Finished work at 11am

Looks like you are still triggered from yesterday’s banter.

Part timer

 

[BouncerGuy]

Is Zubimendi Arsenal's best player?

Mikel Arteta recently hinted that Arsenal's "best player" is somebody who has only been with the club a matter of months - summer signing Martin Zubimendi.

It may have gone unnoticed at the time but, speaking after the Gunners' tight 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in October, manager Arteta lavished praise on the £60m midfield man - saying Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta had been tasked with defending Arsenal's "best player".

It is for good reason that Arteta rates one of his more recent signings so highly. Zubimendi has been justifying his manager's comments since signing from boyhood club Real Sociedad in July 2025.

The 27-year-old has played the most minutes of any of Arsenal's outfield players and has been chipping in with goals too.

And that goal return may have come as a surprise, with Zubimendi signed primarily as a defensive midfielder but now having scored six times in 34 appearances - the most he has registered during any campaign in his career.

Arsenal and Arteta made a big play to recruit Zubimendi and started the work to try to sign him 12 months before he arrived at the club, initially discussing the possibility when they were completing a deal for his Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino in the summer of 2024.

Zubimendi was brought in to be a crucial component of the Arsenal squad, with his passing ability, on-pitch intelligence and history of winning important trophies.

Indeed, the Spain international played an important role in his country beating England in the Euro 2024 final.

His signing has also given midfield team-mate Declan Rice the licence to take his attacking game to the next level.

How does Zubimendi fit in?

Arteta has spoken previously about how chaos and attacking more directly were effective ways for Arsenal to create chances when Zubimendi's influence was blunted by being man-marked.

And from this we can infer that Zubimendi - Arsenal's "best player" - is most important when it comes to breaking down teams in the manner Arteta prefers, with measured, sustained possession.

Zubimendi was pursued by Liverpool in 2024 and Reds boss Arne Slot made no secret of his desire for a defensive midfielder who is able to receive the ball behind strikers pressing his defenders, rather than coming to get the ball. Zubimendi excels at this.

And the former Sociedad man's ability to sprint at the right time in order to show for the ball before progressing play - whether through a first-time pass, a timely dribble or a punchy pass through the line - has elevated Arsenal's build-up this season.

Meanwhile, aerially, Zubimendi directs headers with a level of finesse, finding team-mates rather than simply looking to head the ball away.

Build-up play and the ability to break up attacks is to be expected of a £60m defensive midfielder but the way Arteta has used Zubimendi as an attacking tool has stood out, suggesting this is an area where marginal gains can be found in football going forward.

Zubimendi, Rice and Martin Odegaard's positions on paper may seem obvious but they show flexibility, built upon the versatility of all three players and their understanding of when to move - similar to the Paris St-Germain midfield that won the Champions League last season.

Arsenal's players rotate positions to make it difficult for opponents to pick them up. They aim to maintain the balance of the side while playing in this fluid manner. Zubimendi, like the others, vacates his position based on the movements of team-mates.

By dropping into a deep position against Chelsea, Bukayo Saka opened up space on the right flank to allow Zubimendi to push into this area. Rice, the far-side midfielder, filled in at defensive midfield, ensuring Arsenal's shape remained similar, only with different players arriving in each zone.

It is unusual to see a defensive midfielder make such adventurous runs off the ball but it appears to be the next step on from the more popular use of roaming full-backs, such as Riccardo Calafiori, Nuno Mendes and Marc Cucurella.

The logic is that the players often tasked with marking defensive players are unlikely to defend them as closely. Finding defensive players who possess attacking quality to contribute in the final third is a rarity but Zubimendi has the skillset to punish teams in this way.

Defences set up in a low block will often drop even deeper when faced with a winger or forward trying to run in-behind. It leads to space opening up in front of the defence, rather than in the box.

Arsenal spend large parts of the game looking to unlock deep defences. This allows Zubimendi to arrive into a position to receive a pass, without being picked up, before executing on the idea he has in his head immediately. This could be a precise through ball or a dinked chip over the top - riskier passes that pose new questions for deep defences.

Alternatively, when Zubimendi sits at the base of midfield, Rice is free to push up and rotate with the attackers, knowing there is protection behind him.

And the England man will likely feel safe to play freely after seeing his 5ft 9in team-mate beat 6ft 6in Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade to a header earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Zubimendi's willingness to shoot from distance provided Arsenal with the much-needed opening goal against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, after which more space opened up for the Gunners with their opposition forced to play more adventurously.

Arteta said "if the space is not in one place, it will be somewhere else" - and against deep defences, long shots have become an increasingly viable tactic this season.

Signing Zubimendi, therefore, could not have been more timely.

Arteta heaps praise on 'impressive' Zubimendi

Arteta has never been shy in praising Zubimendi.

The midfielder's six goals this season also match the tally he scored for Real Sociedad in his last two seasons at the club (six goals in 93 games).

Zubimendi got the opening goals against Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Sunderland, while he also scored Arsenal's third in the 3-2 win over Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

"I think when we talk about Zubi, what else can he do? He can do whatever he wants. It's a bit similar to Declan's qualities," Arteta said, speaking after that match.

"We just have to keep unlocking that in his system, in his brain, because he's so good at occupying different spaces, he's carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels, and he has a talent when he gets into the final third and into the box. He's so composed. He sees the picture very clear.

"The picture actually is clear sometimes that I know the parts of the pitch and what he's done today. I think it's phenomenal, not only the ball but the performance as well."

The midfielder is tasked with stopping opponents' attacks and starting Arsenal's, and with the final part of the season approaching and trophies on the line, he could be more important than ever.

BBC

 

[MK7Z]

Zubi has had a couple of moments where he's made mistakes but I'll go as far as saying he's probably the signing of the season when it comes to consistency.

I don't have a problem if people think either Donaruma or Mbuemo are.

I genuinely can't think of anyone who has been consistently better

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Zubi has had a couple of moments where he's made mistakes but I'll go as far as saying he's probably the signing of the season when it comes to consistency.

I don't have a problem if people think either Donaruma or Mbuemo are.

I genuinely can't think of anyone who has been consistently better

As much as I loathe them Xhaka is easily signing of the season

 

[MK7Z]

As much as I loathe them Xhaka is easily signing of the season

Why?

Do you watch all their games? Not saying I do but what exactly makes him the signing of the season?

Also to say easily. Interested to know your justification.

If its impact on a team then that's just cos Sunderland are over achieving which doesn't make him the signing of the season.

He has also missed the last few games and I consider availability as an attribute as well also considering Zubimendi has hardly missed a game while playing 2 games a week most weeks.

Xhaka has made 23 appearances this season compared to Zubi 35. I'm aware Sunderland are not in the comps Arsenal are in but when I say consistency I think Zubi is the one.

Don't get me wrong lots could argue Xhaka being the signing of the season and I wouldn't be against it but I'm always interested in these sorta discussions.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Why?

Do you watch all their games? Not saying I do but what exactly makes him the signing of the season?

Also to say easily. Interested to know your justification.

If its impact on a team then that's just cos Sunderland are over achieving which doesn't make him the signing of the season.

He has also missed the last few games and I consider availability as an attribute as well also considering Zubimendi has hardly missed a game while playing 2 games a week most weeks.

Xhaka has made 23 appearances this season compared to Zubi 35. I'm aware Sunderland are not in the comps Arsenal are in but when I say consistency I think Zubi is the one.

Don't get me wrong lots could argue Xhaka being the signing of the season and I wouldn't be against it but I'm always interested in these sorta discussions.

As the season goes on and he misses more games I might change my mind

I do watch a reasonable amount of their games for obvious reasons and I also work with a lot of Sunderland fans

They had a huge turnover of players but the one senior player was Xhaka and everything goes through them

And them overachieving is why I think he is signing of the season because whilst I expected them to stay up I didn't think it would be as easily as they have done

Zubimendi has been quality but coming in to play alongside lots of other top players is easier than coming in as a senior player to play alongside lots of untried and untested players

 

[MK7Z]

As the season goes on and he misses more games I might change my mind

I do watch a reasonable amount of their games for obvious reasons and I also work with a lot of Sunderland fans

They had a huge turnover of players but the one senior player was Xhaka and everything goes through them

And them overachieving is why I think he is signing of the season because whilst I expected them to stay up I didn't think it would be as easily as they have done

Zubimendi has been quality but coming in to play alongside lots of other top players is easier than coming in as a senior player to play alongside lots of untried and untested players

Fairs.

I agree Zubimendi has come into a good team but at the same time to shine in that team is also a credit to him.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

For me its Mbuemo. Hes had to handle the pressure to lead the attack at one of the Biggest clubs in the world. He handles Pressure with ease

 

[Technics 1210]

For me its Mbuemo. Hes had to handle the pressure to lead the attack at one of the Biggest clubs in the world. He handles Pressure with ease

Great purchase from Brentford!

 

[Amjid Javed]

Great purchase from Brentford!

You seem to keep finding good replacements after as well

 

[MK7Z]

For me its Mbuemo. Hes had to handle the pressure to lead the attack at one of the Biggest clubs in the world. He handles Pressure with ease

He has been a good signing.

Interesting he's got just 1 more PL goal than Gyokeres who is seen as a flop by a lot of people.

Goals per mins very similar.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

He has been a good signing.

Interesting he's got just 1 more PL goal than Gyokeres who is seen as a flop by a lot of people.

Goals per mins very similar.

Mbuemo has performed against all the Quality sides. Not sure Gyokores done that?

 

[MK7Z]

Mbuemo has performed against all the Quality sides. Not sure Gyokores done that?

I'm not denying that Mbeumo has been good.

Better than Gyokeres. It's just interesting that one can be seen as a flop and the other potential signing of the season while their output is pretty similar.

Could it be that he is best when United play better teams due to the opposition going for wins and leaving space for him behind. Where as Gyokores is playing against the low block more times than not.

Mbuemo has scored against the top teams but I dunno call me greedy but need to be scoring against different types of opposition. Also 1 game a week he is always fresh.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

I'm not denying that Mbeumo has been good.

Better than Gyokeres. It's just interesting that one can be seen as a flop and the other potential signing of the season while their output is pretty similar.

Could it be that he is best when United play better teams due to the opposition going for wins and leaving space for him behind. Where as Gyokores is playing against the low block more times than not.

Mbuemo has scored against the top teams but I dunno call me greedy but need to be scoring against different types of opposition. Also 1 game a week he is always fresh.

Also think Mbuemo is more flexible in the Positions he plays. He can operate anywhere in the forward line. From a CF to a winger/ Forward.

No doubt, the one game a week is helping UTD in general to keep fresh both mentally and physically. Thats why I have my reservations on Carrick getting the position full time. Managing a 3 game week to 1 requires alot of flexibility and high quality in game management.

 

[topspin]

Mbuemo has performed against all the Quality sides. Not sure Gyokores done that?

Gyokeres may not be technically the most proficient and there are certainly deficiencies in his all-round play. But all this talk of him being a flop, a championship striker and a flat track bully is nonsense. He's an easy target because he's aesthetically not the most pleasing on the eye.

He's taken time to adapt to the PL but he's had a solid 2026 so far. In terms of quality sides, he's scored against Atletico, Inter and Chelsea.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

From what ive seen in the Premier League bar the usual suspects like Haaland, Thiago, Pedro look Very Good. Also think overtime Sesko will be a baller. Has all the attributes of a natural finisher.

 

[ads101]

Gyokores has been bad as it gets. Those overall numbers flatter him.

BBC article 6 days ago shows this. 75% shot conversion against newly promoted sides. 7% shot conversion against the rest. Has an XG of -2.4 against non promoted sides and an +2.4 XG against promoted sides.

In the bbc article it says Gyokores goals in terms of when he actually scored them an impact on the match amounts to just 2 points. And I think that was Everton on a penalty kick.

These are stats from bbc. But honestly just watching him you can see he’s not too effective. In fact his performance against weaker sides makes it feel worse as if he’s only capable of putting in the work against weaker sides. We all know he can do it against Portugal and championship. Premier league is where is unproven. And I even hear by some accounts that his numbers in Portuguese league were vastly inflated by bottom half teams.

He’s absolutely been a flop. And I’m confident Havertz and maybe even merino would offer more in the same position. However since he’s new I’m willing to cut him a little slack but expecting better next season. What he is producing isn’t half way near good enough, and he is supposedly in his prime.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Mansfield Town v Arsenal

Go FA Cup tie for Arsenal, so should be looking to get into 1/4 finals

 

[Ball Blazer]

Arsenal make Saka best-paid player with new deal​

England winger Bukayo Saka has signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal until 2031.

Sources have told BBC Sport that the agreement will make Saka the club's best-paid player on wages in excess of £300,000 a week.

Talks over a new deal have been ongoing for nearly a year, with Saka verbally agreeing to commit his future to the club in January.

Saka signed his previous deal, which was due to expire in 2027, in 2023 but his renewal means the 24-year-old has committed his peak years to the Gunners.

The news comes as a major boost for the Gunners, as they battle on four fronts to win silverware for the first time since 2020.

The agreement is the latest example of Arsenal tying down their key players to long-term contracts as they look to keep their title-chasing squad together.

William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly all signed new long-term contracts in the summer.

Saka has scored seven goals in 33 appearances for the Gunners this term.

Mikel Arteta's side are four points clear at the top of the Premier League and they will face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final in March.

The Gunners are also through to the the knockout stages of the Champions League, as well as the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Bukayo Saka signs new five-year deal at Arsenal

England winger Bukayo Saka commits his future to Premier League leaders Arsenal by signing a new five-year deal.

www.bbc.com

 

[ads101]

Funny when he was performing we were all wondering why he wasn’t the highest paid player.

Now he’s probably behind Zubimendi, Raya, Saliba, Gabriel, Rice, maybe Timber too. And I think especially an injury to Zubimendi would hit harder than Saka’s.

Hope he refinds form. The attack is just so dependent on him being good. There’s no one else of that class in attack.

 

[MK7Z]

Bottle jobs indeed....

 

[MK7Z]

I think all the time I've been defended them. They shown me up to be a fool.

 

[Technics 1210]

Deary me.

Well done Wolves for the come back!

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Sadly Arsenal are beginning to implode. Its a mentality thing with the players.

 

[MK7Z]

Timber was knackered. Didn't sub him

Zubi was knackered same.

Arteta thinks he can hold on to goal leads every game. It's not gonna work.

Win the title or take a walk pal.

Said it at the beginning of the season win the title or walk

 

[Technics 1210]

Sadly Arsenal are beginning to implode. Its a mentality thing with the players.

Quantum entanglement with Pakistan cricketers?

 

[topspin]

Safe to say that has sealed City's title.

This is all on Arteta. Even when things were rosy, I knew this was going to happen.

The weak mentality stems all from the coach. His leadership, choice of leaders in the side and the cowardly brand of football we play is all on him.

I don't think the team will psychologically recover from this.

 

[Technics 1210]

Arsenal TV will be a good watch tonight!

 

[topspin]

Timber was knackered. Didn't sub him

Zubi was knackered same.

Arteta thinks he can hold on to goal leads every game. It's not gonna work.

Spot on. Against Wolves, we shouldn't be afraid to show more intent going forward. They are terrible and kept losing the ball and we still couldn't capitalise.

The game should've been put to bed at Half-time but that doesn't excuse the ultra conservative approach that was adopted in the second half. As you said that's now you hold on to a one goal lead.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Quantum entanglement with Pakistan cricketers?

Looks that way. Like Babar, Shaheen, Alot of these players flatter to deceive when the going gets tough.

 

[MK7Z]

You know you try to defend these lot against rival fans. As fans that's all you can do.

But my god they make it hard at the best of times.

Time to just accept it might never happen

 

[SherWaqar]

What on earth are they playing at

Banter aside, I did not expect this from the current Arsenal team. Bottle job is well and truly on

 

[MK7Z]

What on earth are they playing at

Banter aside, I did not expect this from the current Arsenal team. Bottle job is well and truly on

Bro... Can't even argue with it anymore.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Its not over yet. City are not exactly world beaters. And if this is Arsenals blip going in to the Run in, better now than then.

 

[ads101]

What can you do. Just bottling it again. And against low ranked teams. Just like against Southampton when they messed up in 2022/23.

Bit of pressure and they fall to pieces.

That’s why Arsenal got rid of Ramsdale. And now Raya is doing the same when it comes to crunch time.

Yet again just finding new ways to bottle. By every metric this game should have been won. Again errors to goal.

Arsenal need to badly win something to get rid of this mentality. Or you’ve got to get in a serial winner to get them over the line.

 

[MK7Z]

What can you do. Just bottling it again. And against low ranked teams. Just like against Southampton when they messed up in 2022/23.

Bit of pressure and they fall to pieces.

That’s why Arsenal got rid of Ramsdale. And now Raya is doing the same when it comes to crunch time.

Yet again just finding new ways to bottle. By every metric this game should have been won. Again errors to goal.

Arsenal need to badly win something to get rid of this mentality. Or you’ve got to get in a serial winner to get them over the line.

His style of play is not sustainable.

You can't expect to defend 1 goal leads and get away with it all the time.

2-0 up keep going. Freshen up. Bring white on for 20 mins. Bring Norgaard on for Zubi.

Madueke awful again and no goal to mask it.

Raya doing the exact same as he did against Sunderland. Do him and Gabriel have communication issues? Easy clearance.

anyway I've been consistent that we'd win it. I said doubt crept in last week. This week I don't think we have it in us. That's just it - it is what it is.

Ars has fallen out.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I've commented a fair bit on this title race and I was convinced Arsenal would win it, felt they just overcame that slight deficiency from previous seasons combined with City not being prime level City

However, the past two results have been a shocker, especially as they were winning both. I thought the point at Brentford wasn't a bad result but that's only if it was followed up by a win at Wolves

Clearly my confidence in Arsenal winning was not built on any solid foundations and the soft mentality is clearly still a massive problem, though I also think Arteta having the handbrake on hasn't helped either

The title is now in City's hand (and Arsenal too, I am aware of that) and I think they'll now do it

If that is the case and it does end up as 4th consecutive runners up then Arteta has to go, would show he clearly can't get them over the line when it comes to the league and persisting with him would be futile

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Its not over yet. City are not exactly world beaters. And if this is Arsenals blip going in to the Run in, better now than then.

I've long championed Arsenal will win the league but I think we know how this movie ends, I thought it was going to be different but it's going to be the exact same ending

 

[MK7Z]

I've long championed Arsenal will win the league but I think we know how this movie ends, I thought it was going to be different but it's going to be the exact same ending

Summed it up nicely.
Insanity would be expecting different results. Or something like that

 

[MK7Z]

I've commented a fair bit on this title race and I was convinced Arsenal would win it, felt they just overcame that slight deficiency from previous seasons combined with City not being prime level City

However, the past two results have been a shocker, especially as they were winning both. I thought the point at Brentford wasn't a bad result but that's only if it was followed up by a win at Wolves

Clearly my confidence in Arsenal winning was not built on any solid foundations and the soft mentality is clearly still a massive problem, though I also think Arteta having the handbrake on hasn't helped either

The title is now in City's hand (and Arsenal too, I am aware of that) and I think they'll now do it

If that is the case and it does end up as 4th consecutive runners up then Arteta has to go, would show he clearly can't get them over the line when it comes to the league and persisting with him would be futile

Ye as much as I wanted him to succeed he's just showing why he'll always come up short.

Methodical pragmatic approach only gets you so far.

He can't coach an attack. Our best football has been when he had no options with forwards and the forward line picked itself.

The Madueke signing was poor and putting Saka at number 10 to accommodate him is just plain dumb. You end up with a front 3 of Martinelli Gyokeres and Madueke. 2 headless chickens and a lump.

Play Trossard Gyokeres Saka. Eze your big money signing in number 10.

Anyway like I said earlier I think its just time to accept City will now win it.

Never say never but bottling a 2-0 lead to the bottom club on course for one of the worst seasons in PL history is a more than a dent. It's the nail in the coffin that just needs city to Hammer it in now.

 

[ads101]

His style of play is not sustainable.

You can't expect to defend 1 goal leads and get away with it all the time.

2-0 up keep going. Freshen up. Bring white on for 20 mins. Bring Norgaard on for Zubi.

Madueke awful again and no goal to mask it.

Raya doing the exact same as he did against Sunderland. Do him and Gabriel have communication issues? Easy clearance.

anyway I've been consistent that we'd win it. I said doubt crept in last week. This week I don't think we have it in us. That's just it - it is what it is.

Ars has fallen out.

The game today wolves shouldn’t have got a single goal. The game plan worked as boring as it. Difference was errors.

As you said. Arteta made the mistake with his subs. Should have the changes you said with the tired players.

Attackers as bad as they are did their job. They scored 2 goals. Yet again another loss down to errors by the defense. Arsenal would not be in this position if defence had been making these errors early on. It’s the pressure. Same with Man Utd yes Utd played well but Arsenal lost that game on errors leading to goal.

Arsenal aren’t getting tactically beaten. They are losing games due to errors leading to goal. That’s bottling. And if you make those errors consistently like that you won’t be title challenging whatever system gets played.

Playing free flowing football and attacking more centrally might aid Eze or Oodegaard a bit and allow them to be a bit more creative but will put far more pressure on an already mediocre attack, and especially on the striker. Which doesn’t fill me with confidence. These wingers in this system can do far more than what they are actually doing. Just terrible end product and decisions. Saka has unfortunately had this season where he’s finally fell off despite consistently performing year or year out.

Maybe the right thing is just to get in a serial winner who is used to winning and can absorb this pressure. The bottling somehow never stops.

 

[IronShield]

Someone please check on @Amjid Javed

 

[Obaidd]

If that is the case and it does end up as 4th consecutive runners up then Arteta has to go, would show he clearly can't get them over the line when it comes to the league and persisting with him would be futile

Eddie Howe has delivered one poor season after another. Newcastle too have spent millions and have nothing to show for it. I’ve never seen you ask for his sacking. While Mikel the guy who’s brought so much stability to this club, you think he should go for coming second four times in a row, doesn’t make sense. Trophies are not the only measure of success.

 

[MK7Z]

Eddie Howe has delivered one poor season after another. Newcastle too have spent millions and have nothing to show for it. I’ve never seen you ask for his sacking. While Mikel the guy who’s brought so much stability to this club, you think he should go for coming second four times in a row, doesn’t make sense. Trophies are not the only measure of success.

With all due respect.... Not the time lol

Trophies for a club like Arsenal are the only measure of success

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Eddie Howe has delivered one poor season after another. Newcastle too have spent millions and have nothing to show for it. I’ve never seen you ask for his sacking. While Mikel the guy who’s brought so much stability to this club, you think he should go for coming second four times in a row, doesn’t make sense. Trophies are not the only measure of success.

Clearly you are upset but your statement started with a lie or you are just misinformed, one poor season after another?

Last season Eddie Howe delivered our first trophy in 56 years and got us Champions League football, that was far from a poor season for us

I agree trophies are not the only measure of success but for certain clubs it absolutely is, would you be happy if Arsenal finished 2nd every season under Arteta?

I've actually defended Arteta a lot, I've said I think he's done a good job when you look at when he took over but 4 consecutive seasons of finishing 2nd is not success, it shows a ceiling has been hit

When Eddie Howe hits a ceiling and can't take the club forwards then I'll call for his sacking but we are not anywhere near that stage

 

[ads101]

Clearly you are upset but your statement started with a lie or you are just misinformed, one poor season after another?

Last season Eddie Howe delivered our first trophy in 56 years and got us Champions League football, that was far from a poor season for us

I agree trophies are not the only measure of success but for certain clubs it absolutely is, would you be happy if Arsenal finished 2nd every season under Arteta?

I've actually defended Arteta a lot, I've said I think he's done a good job when you look at when he took over but 4 consecutive seasons of finishing 2nd is not success, it shows a ceiling has been hit

When Eddie Howe hits a ceiling and can't take the club forwards then I'll call for his sacking but we are not anywhere near that stage

How i feel about Arteta. I’m not going to say he did a bad job as I know you just can’t become a title challenging team so easily. We’ve seen how Chelsea and man united have struggled. I think Klopp is one of the best managers the league has ever done and performed miracles and even then only won premier league once. This Arsenal side for around two decades had been mediocre, not a threat for the title and just making up the numbers in champions league. Last few years things of changed and yes I’d rather actually challenge for the title or champions league then win the fa cup consistently now, already seen Arsenal do that plenty.

I just worry if the ceiling has been hit like you for Arteta. There is little else for this squad to do but get over the line now. I never expected Arsenal to be title challenging in 2022/23 was a complete shock. But now it’s become so natural every year since, the question starts to form why aren’t Arsenal actually winning it.

Eddie Howe has done a relatively good job and taken a side that was down in the dumps to top 4 and fa cup win in a fairly quick time. You can’t instantly spend your way and become a title winning side from the point Newcastle were anymore like Chelsea did in the past. There’s financial fair play rules and difficulties attracting players to come to you over the bigger clubs. That will change the more Newcastle win things, but it takes time. I think people are a bit harsh on him because they compare him to Emery’s Aston Villa, who have done an extraordinary job that isn’t normal. But even then Howe is the one with the trophy and it doesn’t take away the good work he’s done with them.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Ye as much as I wanted him to succeed he's just showing why he'll always come up short.

Methodical pragmatic approach only gets you so far.

He can't coach an attack. Our best football has been when he had no options with forwards and the forward line picked itself.

The Madueke signing was poor and putting Saka at number 10 to accommodate him is just plain dumb. You end up with a front 3 of Martinelli Gyokeres and Madueke. 2 headless chickens and a lump.

Play Trossard Gyokeres Saka. Eze your big money signing in number 10.

Anyway like I said earlier I think its just time to accept City will now win it.

Never say never but bottling a 2-0 lead to the bottom club on course for one of the worst seasons in PL history is a more than a dent. It's the nail in the coffin that just needs city to Hammer it in now.

Artetas Tactics could be questionable. But what's costing Arsenal is school Boy errors. And that's on the Players. Unless they rectify this Quickly, they will fall short and rightfully will be slammed as Bottle Jobs. Both the Players, and the Manager.

 

[Technics 1210]

I've started following AFTV on FB.

I don't think I have seen such an entertaining channel as AFTV in a while!

Whoever claimed laughter is the best medicine was spot on!

 

[Technics 1210]

Coincidence?

 

[Amjid Javed]

No shock really that yet another abysmal away performances in PL, I said it all season that away from home Arsenal have been rubbish. This is what happens when you set up not to lose games,wins are a bonus.

You had people like Ads, Abdullah and few others doing bhangra over Arteta

This is why all along I haven't got carried away. Also I have continous called out this style of play and tactics as not sustainable

15M a year to play like prime Stoke City

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta's so called plan all season has been to try and win games based on defensive stability, then get goals from set pieces. Once Arsenal take the lead recycle the ball and keep it hostage. When your only player who can create something out of nothing (saka) is underperforming all season then you eventually will get exposed as a team.

Every season for last 4 seasons, Arsenal have half a good season, then fall off a cliff in terms of performances. That's on the manager and his poor squad management.

Arteta better pray his team turns up for league cup final, because City are already sensing blood.

In the league, the fixtures Arsenal have aren't the issue, it's the teams mentality of setting up not to lose away from home, which is being exposed performance wise. Cowards mentality

 

[Amjid Javed]

Safe to say that has sealed City's title.

This is all on Arteta. Even when things were rosy, I knew this was going to happen.

The weak mentality stems all from the coach. His leadership, choice of leaders in the side and the cowardly brand of football we play is all on him.

I don't think the team will psychologically recover from this.

Reality has always been come the Eithad game, Arsenal will set up not to lose the game. The manager nor the players believe they can go their and win. Sam's happened at Anfield.

Safety first approach always gets exposed if you don't have enough up front.

Even if Arsenal do some how get over the line, a lot of this squad and tactics are not good enough for sustained success.

Some people want to liken it to GG or Mourinho at Chelsea. But reality is both those teams had goals in attack.

Arsenal attack is one of the most average on the league

 

[Amjid Javed]

Eddie Howe has delivered one poor season after another. Newcastle too have spent millions and have nothing to show for it. I’ve never seen you ask for his sacking. While Mikel the guy who’s brought so much stability to this club, you think he should go for coming second four times in a row, doesn’t make sense. Trophies are not the only measure of success.

Trophies aren't measure of success

I see the Arteta fan boys are out with excuses already. Ads doing the same with Arteta waffling essays.

Big clubs are big clubs based on what they win, not so called hype and over exaggerated opinions

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Reality has always been come the Eithad game, Arsenal will set up not to lose the game. The manager nor the players believe they can go their and win. Sam's happened at Anfield.

Safety first approach always gets exposed if you don't have enough up front.

Even if Arsenal do some how get over the line, a lot of this squad and tactics are not good enough for sustained success.

Some people want to liken it to GG or Mourinho at Chelsea. But reality is both those teams had goals in attack.

Arsenal attack is one of the most average on the league

In terms of tactics, that much is very clear and that's on the manager

I'm not sure about the squad not being good enough, to get yourselves in a position with a decent lead tells me the players can do it but when you take the lead but then sit back, that's not how champions play and surely that comes from the manager

Of course the squad can always be improved, even title winning sides will say that

But then with the players falling apart under some pressure, perhaps mentally they have a fragility that stops them from being really top players

Going to be an interesting watch from a neutrals perspective but understandably frustrating for Arsenal fans

 

[aboveandbeyond]

In terms of tactics, that much is very clear and that's on the manager

I'm not sure about the squad not being good enough, to get yourselves in a position with a decent lead tells me the players can do it but when you take the lead but then sit back, that's not how champions play and surely that comes from the manager

Of course the squad can always be improved, even title winning sides will say that

But then with the players falling apart under some pressure, perhaps mentally they have a fragility that stops them from being really top players

Going to be an interesting watch from a neutrals perspective but understandably frustrating for Arsenal fans

Yep. But Glaring mistakes is a sign that the players mentality is weak. Some of the mistakes in recent weeks is a tell -tale sign these players are not what their made out to be when the Pressure is ramped up.

Its now up to them to prove People wrong, rectify their shortcomings and go on to win it. And unless they do that, they will be justifiably labeled as mental midgets

 

[IAJ]

Coincidence?

View attachment 161882

Minnow basher?

 

[Amjid Javed]

In terms of tactics, that much is very clear and that's on the manager

I'm not sure about the squad not being good enough, to get yourselves in a position with a decent lead tells me the players can do it but when you take the lead but then sit back, that's not how champions play and surely that comes from the manager

Of course the squad can always be improved, even title winning sides will say that

But then with the players falling apart under some pressure, perhaps mentally they have a fragility that stops them from being really top players

Going to be an interesting watch from a neutrals perspective but understandably frustrating for Arsenal fans

The squad is not good enough for sustained success. Reality is that this team has good defensive stability and two good midfielders that it's heavily dependent on to win games on the basis of not conceding goals rather then outscoring teams based on goals from attack.

Both Rice and Zubimendi both look knackered, why? Because the manager doesn't trust the other options he has Norgaard or even trying MLS in midfield. Rice and Zubimendi don't have to play every game, yet Arteta is running them into the ground (no shock as he's done this before with key players)

The attacking options in midfield

Odegaard - not good enough in regards to attacking creativity
Merino - failure in midfield (the fact he's more effective up front. Doesn't change fact he's primary role he was signed for has been failed)
Havertz - same as above, failure as midfield options, now used as a striker
Eze - no freedom to play, is expected to focus more on defensive work then attack. The fact havertz and saka have been used in attacking 10 ahead of him, shows how useless manager is getting out of players.

Attackers

Trossard - a few good games, then reverts to mediocrity
Martinelli - poor decision making and not clinical enough
Madueke - zero end product

Gyokeres- doesn't look fit enough for PL football, doesn't engage defenders enough in games

Saka - only real quality attackers, clearly hadn't recovered from his serious injury last season, anyone thinking he was going to be same player after grade 3 injury is kidding themselves.

Rice, Zubimendi, norgaard (back up), Eze and Saka are only players good enough for this side in Attack and midfield

Gyokeres will not flourish in this team that doesn't get ball forward quick enough.

one of Merino or havertz needs to go, which won't happen under this manager.

Regardless of how this season ends the attacking midfield and most of attack needs to be over hauled.

If Liverpool and City address their defensive issues (new quality signings) they will go up a level next season.

Arsenal aren't going to get any better with the squad options they have in midfield or attack unless there is huge over haul. Even then the manager is more bothered about defence then attack.

If a Luis Enrique, Alonso, flick etc.. took over I guarantee the 1st thing they would be doing is getting rid of the vast majority of players I've named.

the players fall apart because their is no accountability on failure, no expectation to win trophies. If there was ud see better mental strength.

But then also most of fan base are happy making excuses that last 6 years has been a golden period and a success

When the owners, manager and fans think like that, it's not a shock the mentality is weak.

That's why personally as usual I've not got carried away at all so far this season. Because I can see performances aren't sustainable and also longterm this squad isn't good enough to dominate

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Minnow basher?

Factually correct. Unless the likes of him, Rice, saliba, Gabriel who are Proclaimed to be Top top players help the team win Major Trophies, then Negative comments could be justified.

 

[MK7Z]

Factually correct. Unless the likes of him, Rice, saliba, Gabriel who are Proclaimed to be Top top players help the team win Major Trophies, then Negative comments could be justified.

It's not factual though is it.

He's off form this season but let's not pretend he has not scored or assisted against Man City Liverpool United Chelsea spurs bayern Real Madrid PSG in the past to name a few

 

[MK7Z]

Had a bit of time to reflect on yesterday.

I have to say 80% of the blame goes on the manager. Yes Raya made a mistake at the end but I'll come to that.

Firstly you move Saka in the middle accommodate Madueke.

The 1st goal... If you keep an eye on the headless chickens Madueke and Martinelli you'll see they played their part.

Zubimendi is shattered. Norgaard is good enough to play 30 mins vs bottom placed wolves otherwise what was the point of him. He also adds height to the team.

Timber was gone. I said to the Mrs he's got nothing left. He wasn't winning his duels cos he couldn't leap. He was easily bypassed cos he didn't have the legs to engage and couldn't even put anything on his passes cos he was running on empty.
Now if I can see that sitting in my arm chair why can't a guy on 15 million a year see that.

Now the equaliser.... Suprise suprise it came from Timbers side when he didn't engage and allowed the ball in and the rest is history. Ben White is a good Right back. He is experienced and he knows the dark arts. Get him on.

This is why people doubt this team and Mikel because they are robots. If you win the games ultimately nobody really cares but my god it's a horrible watch when you don't get 3 points.

I actually don't enjoy watching us anymore. There has to be some form of entertainment when it comes to football.

I mean on that point of entertainment. This is great for the neutral as it really gives us a title race.

If we don't win it I'm ready for a change.

Before anyone asks... Carabao cup doesn't save him. FA cup and carabao it'll depend how deep he goes in the Champions League.

At this point ill be honest i don't trust this team and manager to win a game away from home.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Had a bit of time to reflect on yesterday.

I have to say 80% of the blame goes on the manager. Yes Raya made a mistake at the end but I'll come to that.

Firstly you move Saka in the middle accommodate Madueke.

The 1st goal... If you keep an eye on the headless chickens Madueke and Martinelli you'll see they played their part.

Zubimendi is shattered. Norgaard is good enough to play 30 mins vs bottom placed wolves otherwise what was the point of him. He also adds height to the team.

Timber was gone. I said to the Mrs he's got nothing left. He wasn't winning his duels cos he couldn't leap. He was easily bypassed cos he didn't have the legs to engage and couldn't even put anything on his passes cos he was running on empty.
Now if I can see that sitting in my arm chair why can't a guy on 15 million a year see that.

Now the equaliser.... Suprise suprise it came from Timbers side when he didn't engage and allowed the ball in and the rest is history. Ben White is a good Right back. He is experienced and he knows the dark arts. Get him on.

This is why people doubt this team and Mikel because they are robots. If you win the games ultimately nobody really cares but my god it's a horrible watch when you don't get 3 points.

I actually don't enjoy watching us anymore. There has to be some form of entertainment when it comes to football.

I mean on that point of entertainment. This is great for the neutral as it really gives us a title race.

If we don't win it I'm ready for a change.

Before anyone asks... Carabao cup doesn't save him. FA cup and carabao it'll depend how deep he goes in the Champions League.

At this point ill be honest i don't trust this team and manager to win a game away from home.

Yesterday's result again is on the manager, as per usual as soon as took lead the instructions were to play risk free football and take no risks. We were playing possibly the worst team in PL history. The 2nd goal we scored was actually against the run of play.

But all season away from home and in Europe we are setting up not to lose, ahd try and sneak victories. Other than leeds and Burnley away, we have been woeful in performances. Even in victories at OT, SJP and Bournemouth we just about did enough to win these games.

Zubimendi and Rice looked knackered and that will get exposed once we restart CL and both having to play in those games. We've had decent ties in the FA cup were we've been able to give them some rest.

Timber being over used, no shock here we've seen same with Ben White in other seasons

Raya had been good most of season, but this calender year he's started to get complacent and sloppy. He was poor in Sunderland game, same in Brentford game (yes he made one amazing save, but that came from his poor ball give away earlier) and he was poor again last night. Flapping at cross and God knows what he was doing when shot was hot at him.

The subs last night only really came when injuries happened rather then being proactive, yet another management failing.

The football or lack of it is beyond horrible, it's not even worth watching most of time. Most midweek games I've opted to going to bed early as I do when I have work, rather then staying up and watching this dross. The Chelsea cup game, Brentford and yesterday by all accounts were poor. Like you said, if your going to serve up such dross make sure you win something. The level of desperation to win at all costs or proving that stuff can be won on stats / small margins is just making watching this team an unpleasant experience.

League cup or FA cup on its own is not a successful season Agreed, had to be one of the big two PL or CL.

With a FA cup game vs Mansfield, the 1/4 finals should be reached, even in that the team should be aiming to get to final after that.

I don't want to see any prioritising or bigger fish to fry, managers on 15M a year with a 1 billion squad, so competing to the end in all has to be done and multiple trophies lifted. No excuse and places to hide for this manager or the players now

 

[MK7Z]

Yesterday's result again is on the manager, as per usual as soon as took lead the instructions were to play risk free football and take no risks. We were playing possibly the worst team in PL history. The 2nd goal we scored was actually against the run of play.

But all season away from home and in Europe we are setting up not to lose, ahd try and sneak victories. Other than leeds and Burnley away, we have been woeful in performances. Even in victories at OT, SJP and Bournemouth we just about did enough to win these games.

Zubimendi and Rice looked knackered and that will get exposed once we restart CL and both having to play in those games. We've had decent ties in the FA cup were we've been able to give them some rest.

Timber being over used, no shock here we've seen same with Ben White in other seasons

Raya had been good most of season, but this calender year he's started to get complacent and sloppy. He was poor in Sunderland game, same in Brentford game (yes he made one amazing save, but that came from his poor ball give away earlier) and he was poor again last night. Flapping at cross and God knows what he was doing when shot was hot at him.

The subs last night only really came when injuries happened rather then being proactive, yet another management failing.

The football or lack of it is beyond horrible, it's not even worth watching most of time. Most midweek games I've opted to going to bed early as I do when I have work, rather then staying up and watching this dross. The Chelsea cup game, Brentford and yesterday by all accounts were poor. Like you said, if your going to serve up such dross make sure you win something. The level of desperation to win at all costs or proving that stuff can be won on stats / small margins is just making watching this team an unpleasant experience.

League cup or FA cup on its own is not a successful season Agreed, had to be one of the big two PL or CL.

With a FA cup game vs Mansfield, the 1/4 finals should be reached, even in that the team should be aiming to get to final after that.

I don't want to see any prioritising or bigger fish to fry, managers on 15M a year with a 1 billion squad, so competing to the end in all has to be done and multiple trophies lifted. No excuse and places to hide for this manager or the players now

Facts.

Last season I kept saying that we just need to stay within 5 points of Liverpool and see what happens. We didn't cos Liverpool didn't twitch despite a wobble here and there.

Man city are now going to show why its important to stay within 5 points come the last quarter of the season.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Facts.

Last season I kept saying that we just need to stay within 5 points of Liverpool and see what happens. We didn't cos Liverpool didn't twitch despite a wobble here and there.

Man city are now going to show why its important to stay within 5 points come the last quarter of the season.

Yep. The Mentality of the likes of Haaland, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Ruben Diaz is on a different level. When it comes to seazing the moment at the business end of competition's, they rarely fail.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Facts.

Last season I kept saying that we just need to stay within 5 points of Liverpool and see what happens. We didn't cos Liverpool didn't twitch despite a wobble here and there.

Man city are now going to show why its important to stay within 5 points come the last quarter of the season.

City are getting key defenders back like At-nouri, Stones and Dias which will make a difference. Their defence most if season has been a shambles. City aren't at the level they use to be, at sane time if they are given a chance like they have now they could pounce.

Unless Arteta changes way Arsenal play away from home, then we will keep dropping points and if that self inflicted issues will get punished. I can also see the usual dogs dinner of squad not being rotated correctly in key games March and April

 

[topspin]

Seems like all is not well behind the scenes. Perhaps he's had enough of Arteta's haram ball?

==

Arsenal technical director James Ellis has left the club just seven months after taking the position.

Ellis was promoted into the role from his previous position as head of recruitment last summer, but will now leave the Emirates Stadium.

The club has undergone an internal restructuring in recent months.

Andrea Berta has taken over as sporting director, replacing Jason Ayto, who left last summer.

In November, BBC Sport revealed Napoli head of scouting Maurizio Micheli had joined the club in a senior recruitment role.

Ellis's exit is the latest in a growing line of developments within the inner workings at the Emirates.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c7vj71e15eqo

 

[MK7Z]

Seems like all is not well behind the scenes. Perhaps he's had enough of Arteta's haram ball?

==

Arsenal technical director James Ellis has left the club just seven months after taking the position.

Ellis was promoted into the role from his previous position as head of recruitment last summer, but will now leave the Emirates Stadium.

The club has undergone an internal restructuring in recent months.

Andrea Berta has taken over as sporting director, replacing Jason Ayto, who left last summer.

In November, BBC Sport revealed Napoli head of scouting Maurizio Micheli had joined the club in a senior recruitment role.

Ellis's exit is the latest in a growing line of developments within the inner workings at the Emirates.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c7vj71e15eqo

Honestly I don't even know who he was and what he did. Quite frankly I couldn't care less with their diversion tactics of Saka new deal and backroom staff leaving.

Just win games. That's what we care about.

The pile on this week has been somewhat justified but boy oh boy what a pile on. You'd think it was the last game of the season the way some are going on.
Yes it's probably Advantage city but their firm is patchy to.

What disgusts me the most lol is Liverpool and United fans supporting City.

Very odd behaviour if you ask me. But I guess for whatever reason they don't want Arsenal to win.

I swear if we pull it off its gonna be so sweeeet.
( same as it is for them if we don't)

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Honestly I don't even know who he was and what he did. Quite frankly I couldn't care less with their diversion tactics of Saka new deal and backroom staff leaving.

Just win games. That's what we care about.

The pile on this week has been somewhat justified but boy oh boy what a pile on. You'd think it was the last game of the season the way some are going on.
Yes it's probably Advantage city but their firm is patchy to.

What disgusts me the most lol is Liverpool and United fans supporting City.

Very odd behaviour if you ask me. But I guess for whatever reason they don't want Arsenal to win.

I swear if we pull it off its gonna be so sweeeet.
( same as it is for them if we don't)

Not at all. If you go through my posts, i prefer Arsenal to win it than either City or Liverpool.

But pointing certain facts for example the weak mentality of the Arsenal players are proven symptoms that frustrate, rather than me taking the xxss.

 

[GOSH11]

Not at all. If you go through my posts, i prefer Arsenal to win it than either City or Liverpool.

But pointing certain facts for example the weak mentality of the Arsenal players are proven symptoms that frustrate, rather than me taking the xxss.

Very much the same.

Anyone but city...

If Arsenal fans want to try some pseudo fuel to try and have a mentality of us vs the rest- does not work... people (like myself and many on here) remember the city bragging over an extended period of time.... anyone but City and anyone not from Manchester.... that means Arsenal is the only realistic proposition to stop that from happening- so be it!

 

[MK7Z]

Not at all. If you go through my posts, i prefer Arsenal to win it than either City or Liverpool.

But pointing certain facts for example the weak mentality of the Arsenal players are proven symptoms that frustrate, rather than me taking the xxss.

I said most not all.

You've been good and consistent with your opinions.

 

[MK7Z]

To make it myself clear I never suggested all Liverpool and Man United fans. I said the ones that seem to be backing Man city.

We don't need to create a us vs them scenario.

Like Rice in his interview saying we need the fans. My Biryani brother the fans were heard signing in the rain and snow against wolves when you bottled the 2-0 lead...
The fans are there and they will react to you. You play uninspiring football you'll get bored uninspired fans

 

[rpant_gabba]

WT actual F? as a league leader, how do you not beat the last placed team?