⚽ Football (Soccer)

[PepS]

Next Sunday has the potential to be very nasty (banter wise) for one of our club’s and new strikers.

 

[Hunter Rider]

This manager is so intent on imitating his buddy at City, although I feel he is more stubborn. He is certainly more arrogant, as he and his cult act as if he is something, yet he is nothing. If Gyokeres flops due to him not integrating him adequately, his cult will blame the owners for not backing him to the hilt, Berta for not getting him the player he wanted and the players for letting him down. It will never be his fault. Yet the biggest problem we have is he himself.

Arteta is a strange one, he's only won 1 trophy, right? Yet he's incredibly strident in his approach, like he's found the key and nobody can see it but him. On paper Gyökeres should be the final piece as a top goalscorer is something Arsenal have lacked in the last 2 seasons to get over the line and win the PL, but if he has to adapt to Arteta, as opposed to Arteta setting the side up to maximise him, then it might become more complicated than it needs to be.

Next Sunday has the potential to be very nasty (banter wise) for one of our club’s and new strikers.

Lol, I actually don't think Sesko will start the game, probably off the bench for the last 20-25 minutes, the big issue is that you'll overrun us in midfield.

 

[Zantera]

It's interesting to hear a more doom and gloom perspective from an Arsenal-fan because most talk around the club is "trust the process", "it's coming... soon" and all that. And I get it, fans have to stay positive and you could definitely argue that Arsenal have put building blocks every season to put themselves in the position to win something big. But then you also look at Slot coming in and winning in his first season with Liverpool, and you think about all the years Arteta's had.

While I do expect Arsenal to be in the top3 race there's also part of me that wouldn't be surprised if the wheels came off this season. I thought fans would be more vocal after last season (because going into it, that was the season to win something big - no excuses) but I think the CL run probably helped Arsenal look slightly better than they were. Now they've added Zubimendi and Gyökeres, they've added depth. There's really no more excuses. And with an outlet like AFTV where emotions are high, a club like Arsenal could very quickly spiral into a negative place if they have a poor start or something similar.

But also at the end of the day I don't think history should be ignored. I look at Liverpool and City and there's a winning mentality there that's completely missing at Arsenal - regardless of any individual quality those players might have. Arsenal have been let down by some of their star players in the past and even if Arsenal were 12 points clear at Christmas I would still bet on them crumbling in the last half of the season. It's a big road block mentally to get over to be close to winners and actually being winners.

I don't really like the changes we've seen in Arsenal in the last 18 months or so when they changed from an exciting team with the foot on the gas playing attacking football to being this cynical Mourinho-team playing for set pieces. I also think the silly 'mindgames' behavior (or ****housery) is fun if the team is actually winning big trophies but it also comes off as a bit pathetic if you're not.

 

[Zantera]

Arteta is a strange one, he's only won 1 trophy, right? Yet he's incredibly strident in his approach, like he's found the key and nobody can see it but him. On paper Gyökeres should be the final piece as a top goalscorer is something Arsenal have lacked in the last 2 seasons to get over the line and win the PL, but if he has to adapt to Arteta, as opposed to Arteta setting the side up to maximise him, then it might become more complicated than it needs to be.



Lol, I actually don't think Sesko will start the game, probably off the bench for the last 20-25 minutes, the big issue is that you'll overrun us in midfield.

Against a team like Arsenal and with Sesko still fresh I would guess we're playing Bruno in the front 3 (maybe as false #9) and get a combination of Casemiro/Mainoo-Ugarte behind for extra protection.

 

[BlackFox]

Next Sunday has the potential to be very nasty (banter wise) for one of our club’s and new strikers.

Dont think Sesko will be playing as he's hardly had a preseason apparently so seems unlikely to be included.

 

[BlackFox]

Good luck to him but I'm pretty sure we came out with that PR drivel about Hojlund at the time and look how thats gone. He isnt a prolific striker either so it will be interesting to see how he gets on and the reaction to him is if he isnt the "next Ronaldo" straight away.

 

[Zantera]

Sesko is a striker I've wanted us to sign for a few years (definitely impacted by him being a beast in the FIFA games and just a promising youngster overall) so I'm thrilled that he has joined. The one negative is the price tag because even if he turns out a good signing, you need to be an amazing signing for that price. Hopefully he has the right mentality though, I think that's key to making it here.

 

[PepS]

Arteta is a strange one, he's only won 1 trophy, right? Yet he's incredibly strident in his approach, like he's found the key and nobody can see it but him. On paper Gyökeres should be the final piece as a top goalscorer is something Arsenal have lacked in the last 2 seasons to get over the line and win the PL, but if he has to adapt to Arteta, as opposed to Arteta setting the side up to maximise him, then it might become more complicated than it needs to be.

He really is and his cult following makes it even more so. Oh no, it’s 3 trophies, he shamelessly counts Community Shields as well. I expect nothing less of him. It might sound extreme, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles down on this stubbornness out of spite to the board and Berta because he didn’t get what he wanted in Sesko.

Lol, I actually don't think Sesko will start the game, probably off the bench for the last 20-25 minutes, the big issue is that you'll overrun us in midfield.

Hehe, I actually think it will be the same for Gyokeres too and I expect the manager to opt for Havertz. Us overrunning you in midfield? Maybe But our midfield lacks any real creativity and is full of tractors. We will pass out wide to Saka and expect him to create and do something. Our LHS is a mess, which everyone has realised and I expect you, as well as most teams we come up against to target and exploit that.

 

[PepS]

It's interesting to hear a more doom and gloom perspective from an Arsenal-fan because most talk around the club is "trust the process", "it's coming... soon" and all that. And I get it, fans have to stay positive and you could definitely argue that Arsenal have put building blocks every season to put themselves in the position to win something big. But then you also look at Slot coming in and winning in his first season with Liverpool, and you think about all the years Arteta's had.

While I do expect Arsenal to be in the top3 race there's also part of me that wouldn't be surprised if the wheels came off this season. I thought fans would be more vocal after last season (because going into it, that was the season to win something big - no excuses) but I think the CL run probably helped Arsenal look slightly better than they were. Now they've added Zubimendi and Gyökeres, they've added depth. There's really no more excuses. And with an outlet like AFTV where emotions are high, a club like Arsenal could very quickly spiral into a negative place if they have a poor start or something similar.

But also at the end of the day I don't think history should be ignored. I look at Liverpool and City and there's a winning mentality there that's completely missing at Arsenal - regardless of any individual quality those players might have. Arsenal have been let down by some of their star players in the past and even if Arsenal were 12 points clear at Christmas I would still bet on them crumbling in the last half of the season. It's a big road block mentally to get over to be close to winners and actually being winners.

I don't really like the changes we've seen in Arsenal in the last 18 months or so when they changed from an exciting team with the foot on the gas playing attacking football to being this cynical Mourinho-team playing for set pieces. I also think the silly 'mindgames' behavior (or ****housery) is fun if the team is actually winning big trophies but it also comes off as a bit pathetic if you're not.

Facts. Ultimately it stems down from the top and the owners. The Kroenke’s do not view and hold the club in the same regard as they do their other sports ventures. They are contempt with just being steady and competing if the chance presents itself. They will only really step in if we fall out of the CL places (i.e. Wenger and Emery). This mentality has rubbed off on the majority of the fanbase. Then you also have the social media fans who probably don’t feel completely in line with what they say, but go along with the positivity and delusional support of this manager and the PRoject due to the clicks and traction it brings them, as well as the perks they get from the club for being ‘on side’.

AFTV completely destroyed Wenger and Emery, but have almost 180’d on Arteta in terms of keeping the same energy and criticsms due to the club ‘getting them on side’.

If this was any other top club, Arteta would’ve been gone long ago. If we don’t win anything again this season (I don’t believe we will), I fully expect him to still remain. It would have to take something drastic like falling out of the CL places, drop in attendances and major uproar in the fanbase for the higher ups to step in.

 

[PepS]

Dont think Sesko will be playing as he's hardly had a preseason apparently so seems unlikely to be included.

I’m expecting him to make the bench, at least.

 

[Zantera]

I can't help but feel that another factor we're not considering in how Arsenal are viewed is how some of the other top teams have been doing. So it's been Liverpool or City for the last decade (or there abouts) and Arsenal in recent years have squeezed themselves into that conversation. Other teams like Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs have been disasters.

If we get to a place where Chelsea or Man Utd (I would say Spurs are more unlikely) catch up to Arsenal or even pass them in the table, I think all hell will break loose over at the Arsenal fanbase. For now Arsenal have been miles clear of those teams but that could change.

 

[Bobber]

I can't help but feel that another factor we're not considering in how Arsenal are viewed is how some of the other top teams have been doing. So it's been Liverpool or City for the last decade (or there abouts) and Arsenal in recent years have squeezed themselves into that conversation. Other teams like Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs have been disasters.

If we get to a place where Chelsea or Man Utd (I would say Spurs are more unlikely) catch up to Arsenal or even pass them in the table, I think all hell will break loose over at the Arsenal fanbase. For now Arsenal have been miles clear of those teams but that could change.

Chelsea have won two PL titles and a Champions League in the last ten years, but I understand your point.

I think it's difficult with Arteta. For about half my lifetime Arsenal have been pretty much completely irrelevant in regards to actually competing and winning major trophies (PL or CL titles). He's the one who's made them look like a team that actually could win a big title for the first time since the mid 00's, so I understand why he's revered amongst Arsenal fans, pundits, and so on. But he has reached the point where he really needs to deliver, or maybe it would be time for Arsenal to look for someone else to take them over the line (although I have absolutely no idea who that would be. Another project manager seems pointless, and how many fully fledged win now managers are actually out there these days?)

 

[blueharvest]

 

[BlackFox]

Sensible move all round, Grealish gets the game time he needs and like his Villa days will be the main man again. For Everton they get someone who can be a match winner on his day and will get the crowd going and bums on seats potentially if he can get back to what he was a bit, its not like he's even 30 yet so has time. He obviously fell out of favour with Pep and it never really happened for him at City, saw him in Ibiza more than in a City shirt, just depends if he still has the hunger. Can see a lot of fantasy league managers licking their lips on this one.

 

[Zantera]

Probably low risk for Everton because it's a loan. I'm curious if Grealish has any care left in his tank though. He was such a brilliant player to watch at Villa but City really sucked all of that out of him and to be fair I don't think it's just Pep's tactics and how he sucks the 'individualism' out of players like Grealish. I think Grealish also has shown signs of being content with the trophies he's won and a lack of hunger to really get back into the team.

Curious if Moyes can light a fire under him because if he can - Grealish can still be a great asset. But if he's just checked out and cashing a pay then he's not even going to start for a club like Everton.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Against a team like Arsenal and with Sesko still fresh I would guess we're playing Bruno in the front 3 (maybe as false #9) and get a combination of Casemiro/Mainoo-Ugarte behind for extra protection.

I'd like to see Mount start as the false 9, he played the role quite well against Fiorentina on Saturday, and he holds the ball up better than Bruno, of course playing the latter in midfield has its own headaches.

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Interesting deal for Everton, i know Moyes has been frustrated with the transfer window so this is a boost, and could well suit Grealish, away from Pep's ultra disciplined system first approach. I wonder if they'll go back for Dibling for the RW.

Good luck to him but I'm pretty sure we came out with that PR drivel about Hojlund at the time and look how thats gone. He isnt a prolific striker either so it will be interesting to see how he gets on and the reaction to him is if he isnt the "next Ronaldo" straight away.

Yep, way too many false dawns at this point, we need to see these players deliver before we believe. I rate Sesko, like his all round game, but i need to see some goals and performances before i can muster much enthusiasm.

He really is and his cult following makes it even more so. Oh no, it’s 3 trophies, he shamelessly counts Community Shields as well. I expect nothing less of him. It might sound extreme, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles down on this stubbornness out of spite to the board and Berta because he didn’t get what he wanted in Sesko.

I wonder if he sent Glasner a congratulatory text!

Hehe, I actually think it will be the same for Gyokeres too and I expect the manager to opt for Havertz. Us overrunning you in midfield? Maybe But our midfield lacks any real creativity and is full of tractors. We will pass out wide to Saka and expect him to create and do something. Our LHS is a mess, which everyone has realised and I expect you, as well as most teams we come up against to target and exploit that.

Yeah, could be bench PL debuts for both strikers I think. Our midfield lacks pretty much everything lol its not even physically capable. It wouldn't shock me if we sat in to compensate and try to use pace on the break, a lifeless 0-0 wouldn't shock me, but neither would us eating a 4-0 defeat, that's how low confidence is in the fanbase.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[Zantera]

The way Isak is behaving you kinda hope Liverpool pulls out because they don't want to sign a big baby and then he's left to either crawl back or sent to the U21's. Still expect Liverpool to come in again though.

 

[BlackFox]

Getting closer now to kick off so a lot more movement happening it seems transfers wise and deals finally getting over the line. Feels like an awful lot has been spent by clubs this summer, no real change I guess but some teams have gone mad.

Interesting to see who Spurs still get, what happens to Isak and if we can get Baleba and a keeper in that could be huge for us.

I have that pre-season enthusiasm for the first game, I just know that Utd will suck all the air out the room once we try and play football for real again though..... ah well its the hope that kills.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Midfield is the priority and I'm not sure Donnarumma would be the right choice, but goalkeeper has to be a priority as Onana is absolutely ****e.

 

[BlackFox]

Midfield is the priority and I'm not sure Donnarumma would be the right choice, but goalkeeper has to be a priority as Onana is absolutely ****e.

Yeah doesnt look like the Donnarumma thing is a thing, which is a shame as he would be a massive upgrade, mind you so would a static dustbin compared to Onana.

Seems like we are stuck with him for at least the start of the season but no doubt its clearly a position we will look to upgrade in the Jan or next summer, once Onana has dropped a few more clangers and held back any progress we might make elsewhere.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Getting closer now to kick off so a lot more movement happening it seems transfers wise and deals finally getting over the line. Feels like an awful lot has been spent by clubs this summer, no real change I guess but some teams have gone mad.

Interesting to see who Spurs still get, what happens to Isak and if we can get Baleba and a keeper in that could be huge for us.

I have that pre-season enthusiasm for the first game, I just know that Utd will suck all the air out the room once we try and play football for real again though..... ah well its the hope that kills.

Last season drained me of any hope, and with a midfield that's still hot garbage, I'm going to need to see some performances to garner any enthusiasm.

If we can't get Baleba I don't want to hear "we tried" from Ineos, they need to get someone else, I'd go for Elliot Anderson from Forest, they've spent a lot this window so must be ripe for a sale, or Hugo Larsson from Frankfurt. We can't go into the season with a #10 masquerading as a CM, an old tractor and a guy who can't pass water, as our only options.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Yeah doesnt look like the Donnarumma thing is a thing, which is a shame as he would be a massive upgrade, mind you so would a static dustbin compared to Onana.

Seems like we are stuck with him for at least the start of the season but no doubt its clearly a position we will look to upgrade in the Jan or next summer, once Onana has dropped a few more clangers and held back any progress we might make elsewhere.

That's the big issue with Onana, it's not only the brain dead mistakes he makes, it's the fact he causes unease and anxiety in the defence, just by being there, it filters through the team because they all know he's a liability. I honestly believe for £10M you could get a steady pair of hands to steady the ship and at least take away the chaos factor he brings.

 

[BlackFox]

That's the big issue with Onana, it's not only the brain dead mistakes he makes, it's the fact he causes unease and anxiety in the defence, just by being there, it filters through the team because they all know he's a liability. I honestly believe for £10M you could get a steady pair of hands to steady the ship and at least take away the chaos factor he brings.

Our defense doesnt help granted but most of the brain farts that even they generate are caused by Onana half the time being in odd positions and generating zero confidence in the backline. Im already mentally prepared for more daft moments at the back this season, its just a thing while he's there.

Yeah it doesnt even need to be a world class keeper at this stage to make an improvement. All keepers make mistakes but its how they react that you judge them on, Onana drops a clanger and you know another will follow in about 10 minutes time to compound his first error.

Its a shame the Martinez thing didnt come to anything as that would have been another upgrade. If we get Baleba though at least that might mean the ball is away from our goal more anyway so the amount of opportunities for clangers is reduced if nothing else.

 

[BlackFox]

Last season drained me of any hope, and with a midfield that's still hot garbage, I'm going to need to see some performances to garner any enthusiasm.

If we can't get Baleba I don't want to hear "we tried" from Ineos, they need to get someone else, I'd go for Elliot Anderson from Forest, they've spent a lot this window so must be ripe for a sale, or Hugo Larsson from Frankfurt. We can't go into the season with a #10 masquerading as a CM, an old tractor and a guy who can't pass water, as our only options.

We also have a very tough run of opening fixtures. Its really hard to call how its going to go. Get some good results early on a belief will grow, get off to a bad start again and yeah.....................problems for Amorim.