D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Yup, Kiwior was watching the game and his signing should be complete and announced by Monday afternoon from The Colney Training Ground, I expect. Great to have a Polish player on board!
Yup, Kiwior was watching the game and his signing should be complete and announced by Monday afternoon from The Colney Training Ground, I expect. Great to have a Polish player on board!
CassioPato32
Rising Star
Bronze Level
I believe they are practically champions already
gabryyyel31
Legend
Platinum Level
Not yet sir but for how they played I think they really deserve to lift the trophy at the end of the season.
V
valeski 28
Legend
Loyaler
Good morning.Remarkable victory in an amazing match Both teams played at great level but Arsenal deserved the three points.This has been the most Important victory of the season.The level and the atmosphere remind me the great matches between these two squads when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were their coaches
rucucu16
Rock Star
Bronze Level
Yes, I saw him, the truth is that the minutes he played were of a high level, it's a shame not to be able to have him in our ranks. He gave life to Chelsea since his entry.
On the other hand, a great victory against Manchester united, it was a great game
where both teams attacked a lot. Luckily we were able to obtain a very important victory in the last minutes.
As you said, Zinchenko played a great game, helping a lot in the creation of the team's game. and Nketiah was very important, not only for his goals but also for his movements without the ball
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Crazily important game tonight at Man City in the FA Cup, for odd reasons.
If Arsenal were playing anyone else this round, most fans would be fine fielding a rotated team and even taking the loss. Then the club could focus solely on the Premier and Europa Leagues. But it’s City and the first in a trilogy of games.
So, the dilemma is to take the game seriously or not? The problem being if the team is too rotated and we take a pasting then that will be a psychological blow before we face them in the much more important first Premier League fixture at home of the 15th February.
This is going to be really tricky.
If Arsenal were playing anyone else this round, most fans would be fine fielding a rotated team and even taking the loss. Then the club could focus solely on the Premier and Europa Leagues. But it’s City and the first in a trilogy of games.
So, the dilemma is to take the game seriously or not? The problem being if the team is too rotated and we take a pasting then that will be a psychological blow before we face them in the much more important first Premier League fixture at home of the 15th February.
This is going to be really tricky.
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Odd to say that I am okay with the loss, but I am (and suspect most Arsenal fans are as well).
The dilemma was always going to be full strength team or not? A desire to go further in the FA Cup or not? City have the squad to complete in multiple competitions but Arsenal do not.
However 6 changes from Arsenal to begin with and they played the first half better than City. Trossard looked very lively. Second half we conceded a weak goal from Ake ( it was a pass but Haarland would have put it in regardless) then Arsenal subbed on stronger players....and City were fine with holding onto a one goal lead. For some reason Saka not up to speed for the whole game (the commentary said Ake closed him out of the game but that was nonsense- he was patently on very low ebb).
But, the key concern prior to the game failed to materialize - absolutely no intimidation from City which I think is a boost for Arsenal for the league games (I hope) with De Bruyne and Haaland taken right out of the game.
On the poor side, as mentioned Saka played no role at all (was he under the weather?) so I'll count that as a one off. But...I hate to say it Fabio Viera being little more than competent when replacing Odegaard, but hardly a game changer. Though everyone keeps waiting for him to kick into gear, it just ain't happening. Then once again Sambi Lokonga completely ineffective (he literally disappears on the pitch) even though he needs to fight for his place and is likely to be loaned if not sold in the summer.
Finally, as the transfer window is coming to a close we have failed to strengthen midfield so far. Unless we manage to somehow pull off a transfer coup before February 1st we are really compromised...and now even Elneny is out with a long term injury. I am not going to go off on a negative bender about this just yet, but, if we are left short this transfer window it will have been a notable mistake which inevitably will weaken a serious title run.
The dilemma was always going to be full strength team or not? A desire to go further in the FA Cup or not? City have the squad to complete in multiple competitions but Arsenal do not.
However 6 changes from Arsenal to begin with and they played the first half better than City. Trossard looked very lively. Second half we conceded a weak goal from Ake ( it was a pass but Haarland would have put it in regardless) then Arsenal subbed on stronger players....and City were fine with holding onto a one goal lead. For some reason Saka not up to speed for the whole game (the commentary said Ake closed him out of the game but that was nonsense- he was patently on very low ebb).
But, the key concern prior to the game failed to materialize - absolutely no intimidation from City which I think is a boost for Arsenal for the league games (I hope) with De Bruyne and Haaland taken right out of the game.
On the poor side, as mentioned Saka played no role at all (was he under the weather?) so I'll count that as a one off. But...I hate to say it Fabio Viera being little more than competent when replacing Odegaard, but hardly a game changer. Though everyone keeps waiting for him to kick into gear, it just ain't happening. Then once again Sambi Lokonga completely ineffective (he literally disappears on the pitch) even though he needs to fight for his place and is likely to be loaned if not sold in the summer.
Finally, as the transfer window is coming to a close we have failed to strengthen midfield so far. Unless we manage to somehow pull off a transfer coup before February 1st we are really compromised...and now even Elneny is out with a long term injury. I am not going to go off on a negative bender about this just yet, but, if we are left short this transfer window it will have been a notable mistake which inevitably will weaken a serious title run.
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Well, things have taken a turn for the worse as Arteta admitted at the post game press conference that Thamas Party came off the pitch due to injury. Apparently, it is a chest problem and he is going to receive an MRI scan tomorrow.
If we do not manage to sign a serious midfielder in the next few days Arsenal might have to target top four rather than winning the Premier League.
We put in the bid for Moises Caicedo from Brighton and it was rejected, but, he has now publicly asked to leave the club -I really really do not like this transfer desperation tactics...it's Mudryk #2.
It's fairly obvious the entire season could pivot around the next four days.
If we do not manage to sign a serious midfielder in the next few days Arsenal might have to target top four rather than winning the Premier League.
We put in the bid for Moises Caicedo from Brighton and it was rejected, but, he has now publicly asked to leave the club -I really really do not like this transfer desperation tactics...it's Mudryk #2.
It's fairly obvious the entire season could pivot around the next four days.
V
valeski 28
Legend
Loyaler
Good afternoon.It was a fantastic game and Arsenal deserved more,Arsenal,at least, the rematch but Ortega made remarkable saves in the match.The good thing is that the team now can focus all their attention on the Premier League
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Well at least some good news in that Thomas Partey has been reported as taking a scan which revealed no serious damage (this not official but pretty reliable). So it looks like something such as bruised ribs and it is said he might even be able to play in the Premier League next game against Everton.
However, this still leaves us short (for the second goddamn window) of a midfielder and I really do not like this idiotic path taken with Caicedo as a 'must have' signing. Is he good? Yes. But all of Brightons squad are good and I don't remember anyone discussing Caicedo at all in recent months - not once was anyone saying we need to buy him so it is ridiculous to now be talking around 70 million.
We need back up for Partey but I believe the club needs to be pragmatic. There is no quick fix for replacing Partey as he is world class. We need to bring a player in and develop them, let them be Partey's understudy...so in fact there are several very good players out there, some on release clauses which we could bring to the club that are not going to cost 70M.
However, this still leaves us short (for the second goddamn window) of a midfielder and I really do not like this idiotic path taken with Caicedo as a 'must have' signing. Is he good? Yes. But all of Brightons squad are good and I don't remember anyone discussing Caicedo at all in recent months - not once was anyone saying we need to buy him so it is ridiculous to now be talking around 70 million.
We need back up for Partey but I believe the club needs to be pragmatic. There is no quick fix for replacing Partey as he is world class. We need to bring a player in and develop them, let them be Partey's understudy...so in fact there are several very good players out there, some on release clauses which we could bring to the club that are not going to cost 70M.
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Just heard that Arsenal are considering a third bid for Caicedo, which makes us look ridiculous. A strong player, but for this money??
As above, there are several strong midfielders available and the idea that Caicedo is a ‘must have’ is a joke, especially as we are supposed to be fighting with Chelsea to sign Declan Rice in the summer (something else I am not 100% on board with). Of all the names mentioned this month two have featured the most as alternatives. Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad has a 60M release clause but has stated he wants to stay with the club for the rest of the season.
But the favored player for us to sign for the majority of fans and some really smart Arsenal analysts (especially over this past week) is Ibrahima Bamba, an Italian who plays for Vitorio in portugal.
Bamba is 20, a fearless deep playing midfielder, great tackler, athletic and strong, really good ball skills and looks more like a successor to Thomas Partey than anyone I have seen. He has a release clause for 25M pounds which makes him a third the cost (at least) of Caicedo.
The club should walk away from Caicedo chase and sign Bamba instead but is anyone listening??
As above, there are several strong midfielders available and the idea that Caicedo is a ‘must have’ is a joke, especially as we are supposed to be fighting with Chelsea to sign Declan Rice in the summer (something else I am not 100% on board with). Of all the names mentioned this month two have featured the most as alternatives. Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad has a 60M release clause but has stated he wants to stay with the club for the rest of the season.
But the favored player for us to sign for the majority of fans and some really smart Arsenal analysts (especially over this past week) is Ibrahima Bamba, an Italian who plays for Vitorio in portugal.
Bamba is 20, a fearless deep playing midfielder, great tackler, athletic and strong, really good ball skills and looks more like a successor to Thomas Partey than anyone I have seen. He has a release clause for 25M pounds which makes him a third the cost (at least) of Caicedo.
The club should walk away from Caicedo chase and sign Bamba instead but is anyone listening??
rucucu16
Rock Star
Bronze Level
Good Morning! one last defeat against Manchester City for the FA Cup, but it's understandable, we can't play with the starting team with such a short squad.
On the other hand, speaking of the transfer market, I just saw that Arsenal hired Jorginho who arrives for 15 million dollars from Chelsea. What do you think of this signing?
I think he is a fairly regular player who can give Arteta something to spare and he got it at a low cost.
On the other hand, speaking of the transfer market, I just saw that Arsenal hired Jorginho who arrives for 15 million dollars from Chelsea. What do you think of this signing?
I think he is a fairly regular player who can give Arteta something to spare and he got it at a low cost.
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Yeah, the transfer window is coming to a close and I can tell you from the fans point of view it ended up disappointing. However, there is a but...but an explanation first.
I think most fans think Arsenal handled this whole window stupidly. They went after Mudryk but will have known before Shakhtar were asking a huge fee, they could have bid once, made it high but once refused then walk away. They wasted two weeks.
Then Trossard fell into our laps because he fell out with Di Zerbi. That was excellent.
Then we signed Kivior which most people believe will pay off in the future.
But then Arsenal were thrashing and panicking. They went after Caicedo, but the fact was until mid January his name had never even came up as an Arsenal target. Then they wasted another two weeks on that deal that Brighton never wanted.
Of course what many have said is if the intent was serious for Caicedo ...or likewise for Jorginho...then why weren't these deals worked out as soon as January started? I don't even think they were true Plan B's.
However, having somewhat screwed a lot of things up this window...then I am somewhat okay with the Jorginho signing.
That said, let me tell you (if you are unaware) this has gone down really badly with the fan base. Another Chelsea cast off after they just screwed us over with Mudryk....and there were numerous midfielders out there to be had (as above, I really like Bamba who was man of the match against Benfica just 3 days ago). That said, I think the fans will come around.
I just watched a clip from one of my favorite analysts, Laurence McKenna, who thinks it is a really good short term signing (the deal is only for 18 months with a one year option) and Jorginho could provide real quality as a rotating squad player for the Premier League and in the Europa League, where his game really fits. Thats is of course if Partey stays fairly fit. If he gets injured then we will have problems because of Jorginho's lack of pace as that would mean he is paired with Xhaka who also lacks pace. Also, I agree I think he might bring a mature and winning attitude to a young squad when they need to handle the pressure.
rucucu16 - here's McKenna making the case that Jorginho is actually a good signing for this next half of the season...we'll see!
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Arsenal loanee, Folarin Balogun continues to crush it in League 1, playing for Reims.
Balogun just scored his first professional hattrick against Lorient, which means he is presently leading all scorers and he has more goals than Mbappe and Neymar etc.
I can't wait to see Folarin Balogun and Charlie Patino brought back to the squad and integrated for the next season. I'll link here but you need to click through and watch on You Tube.
Balogun just scored his first professional hattrick against Lorient, which means he is presently leading all scorers and he has more goals than Mbappe and Neymar etc.
I can't wait to see Folarin Balogun and Charlie Patino brought back to the squad and integrated for the next season. I'll link here but you need to click through and watch on You Tube.
D
DS3
Legend
Loyaler
Not much to say about that – Everton deserved it.
It seemed like Arsenal expected no new manager ‘bounce’ and thought they could cruise it. Low energy and sloppy, uninspired play. I don’t want Arsenal to drop points but sometimes it’s necessary to get taken down a peg or two.
Arsenal just were not at it today.
It seemed like Arsenal expected no new manager ‘bounce’ and thought they could cruise it. Low energy and sloppy, uninspired play. I don’t want Arsenal to drop points but sometimes it’s necessary to get taken down a peg or two.
Arsenal just were not at it today.
