Up the Arse! Goons Thread

[Judd2Sewell]

Well, that was shit and we were lucky. Seems to be a theme lately.

We are going to struggle to win anything if we keep playing like that.

 

[glenferry23]

I still feel Arsenal will advance this tie, however one thing that I can’t shake is the amount of energy expended to do so in grinding out these results. Having such tight margins means little respite for key players during those big weeks juggling multiple competitions.

City on the verge of an exit in the CL would really benefit them in the league, a longer preparation time in between matches. From an Arsenal perspective you’d want them having the same workload as us.

 

[andana]

We played as though we had jet lag. Could have been different if Martinelli scored. Would have been able to do our patented sit back and wait for final whistle.
Very uninspiring.

 

[glenferry23]

We played as though we had jet lag. Could have been different if Martinelli scored. Would have been able to do our patented sit back and wait for final whistle.
Very uninspiring.

I felt Eze was better off taking that shot. The step over/dummy looks fantastic when it comes off for a goal. But I’ll have to see it again, my memory tells me Eze was in that central position where he’s lethal in taking shots from.

Between the Martinelli crossbar moment in the first half I don’t think troubled them again until a Hincapie header and a poor miss from Timber late on in the second, just before the penalty.

When you see the directness of Madueke, it’s so refreshing, we almost have to find a way to play him this weekend against Everton. We didn’t have that sense of urgency until Madueke came on.

 

[andana]

I felt Eze was better off taking that shot

I'm 96% sure the captain would have. You have to be greedy when it's right there.
Was a good shot from Martinelli though. Beat the keeper

 

[glenferry23]

I'm 96% sure the captain would have. You have to be greedy when it's right there.
Was a good shot from Martinelli though. Beat the keeper

Martinelli in the CL is a different story this season, he’d be disappointed not to score that. I think that one extra touch took him wider on his left than needed. It is what it is.

I don’t mind a bit of greediness, in fact there’s room for that in this current Arsenal system. We seem to have to expend maximum effort sometimes to carve out an opportunity, and I want guys at the top of the box taking shots.

This horseshoe shape happens too often I feel:



Arsenal need that injection of energy and directness that comes in the form of say a Madeueke or even Dowman, I know he’s 16, but seriously he is an option late in matches to attack the goal.

Odegaard is a key out, has been that way for a while. Merino too shouldn’t be slept on, his absence is glaring and in occassions like this.

Having said that, the options are still there. For Everton this weekend I would seriously look at playing Rice as the sole pivot, Eze and Havertz in front of him.

Conversely, you could have Saka as the 10, Havertz at CF and Eze left/Madeuke right.

As great as it is to be in 4 competitions and a deep squad on paper, I still feel Arteta is searching for effective combinations on the pitch at the same time. Maybe too much choice, I don’t know. The balance just isn’t there. It’s essential to get that right this weekend as Everton on the road this season have been a very difficult opponent.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

Saka is a worry. He looks cooked and I fear he's going down the Wilshere career path.

Gyokores and Martinelli aren't good enough to be starting games.

We really need Ødegaard and Havertz fit and playing at 100%, ASAP, they will be critical. Look at the attacks of Bayern, Real and PSG and compare it to ours:

Mbappe, Vini, Valverde, Guler

Dembele, Kvarat, Barcola, Doue

Kane, Olise, Musiala, Diaz, Gnabry

Gyökores, Martinelli, Trossard, the ghost of Saka, Madueke, Eze. Odegaard and Havertz make such a difference.

 

[Judd2Sewell]

Agree regarding us needing an injection of energy. I'd love for us to start both Madueke and Dowman, but Arteta will likely double down on grinding out and controlling games given how we have been playing.

 

[windyhill]

Offer me 1-1 before this game I’m biting your hand off. We will smash them in the return leg.

 

[Crow-eater]

It's honestly getting to the point where we need to prioritise. Teams don't win the quad for a reason.

What is the most important trophy for us? It has to be the league, and at this point, the Carabao, considering we're already in the final.

Need Ode back. Hopefully he's fit for the final.

 

[Rabman]

Just looked this up. Since the turn of the year we’ve played 20 matches in all comps with 13 of them away from home. 7/11 away from home in the premier league. That would take a lot out of any team. Take the draw and prepare for Everton.

 

[glenferry23]

It's honestly getting to the point where we need to prioritise. Teams don't win the quad for a reason.

What is the most important trophy for us? It has to be the league, and at this point, the Carabao, considering we're already in the final.

Need Ode back. Hopefully he's fit for the final.

The intensity and competitiveness of the PL can often come back to haunt English teams in April/May in the champions league. Bayern and PSG etc can cruise through their domestic league, enjoy the winter break, and prepare themselves to launch a run at the CL in the latter stages.

I remember last season PSG were effectively able to put out their second XI on the weekends in League 1. Put them at a great advantage in what proved to be a CL winning season for them.

I think if things remain as tight as they are for Arsenal, that period is going to be tricky to navigate. In fact the next 4 matches are in all 4 competitions. Everton this weekend (PL), Leverkusen second leg (CL), Carabao Cup Final next Sunday, then after the break it’s Southampton (FA Cup QF).

The quadruple is such a non existent thing as so much has to go right during those periods.

 

[onthehill24]

It's honestly getting to the point where we need to prioritise. Teams don't win the quad for a reason.

What is the most important trophy for us? It has to be the league, and at this point, the Carabao, considering we're already in the final.

Need Ode back. Hopefully he's fit for the final.

League is a must
Nothing less

 

[andana]

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The Captain and Trossard still in doubt. Big Vic was there even though he missed training yesterday.

 

[glenferry23]

Madueke on the left and Kai up front.

 

[glenferry23]

A flurry of shots in the opening ten, much more authoritative in shooting on sight. Would’ve backed Calafiori on his left he should have got that on target at least.

 

[glenferry23]

Holy shit lucky not to concede there. Slip by Calafiori but luckily got a boot up to block. Sheesh.

 

[glenferry23]

Havertz played in beautifully from Eze. Needs to shoot there. Prime position.

 

[glenferry23]

Reverse angle shows Havertz’s foot being stepped on, could certainly have been a penalty.

Timber limping off with a groin injury was very very predictable with the consecutive starts and number of minutes he’s played. Mosquera ahead of White is interesting.

 

[glenferry23]

Huge from Raya.

The Everton press chasing lots of problems. Careless passes and under lots of pressure here.

 

[glenferry23]

Dowman time.

 

[glenferry23]

Dowman very impressive so far and a great chance there but blazed over.

 

[glenferry23]

****ing huuuuuuuuuggeeee

 

[glenferry23]

Dowman swings it in Pickford shits himself and Gyokeres knocks it in ****ing glorious

 

[windyhill]