The Arses - 5/2/2025

hfb @ 07:20 | May 1, 2025

Barca great going forward but man do they look weak defending corners
Couple of set piece goals and Inter might nick that semi
Could be great motivation for our lads

arseblog1 @ 07:18 | May 1, 2025

>>>>

mike1 @ 07:11 | May 1, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Yamal looked useful last night….very Trossard like

So did the ref

iq_3 @ 06:40 | May 1, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Yamal looked useful last night….very Trossard like

Morning class

Yamal tired a little towards the end but for most of the game he was virtually unplayable.

Best in the world currently?

iclass @ 06:27 | May 1, 2025

Yamal looked useful last night….very Trossard like

iclass @ 06:11 | May 1, 2025

Morning

bantalimonn @ 03:02 | May 1, 2025

Yes not sure it outweighs the advantage of playing the first game at home. I.e getting the chance to deal the first blow

dennis_b10 @ 02:20 | May 1, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

I think the rule change removes the advantage of the second match which if drawn goes to extra time and then penalties. Clearly the advantage goes to the team that hosts the second leg.

- removes
+ creates

dennis_b10 @ 02:12 | May 1, 2025

Reply to salaar:

Aye. Current bias aside, it's probably better gone but I still haven't properly adapted...

I think the rule change removes the advantage of the second match which if drawn goes to extra time and then penalties. Clearly the advantage goes to the team that hosts the second leg.

iq_3 @ 23:14 | Apr 30, 2025

on paper, looking at the technical levels of the 3 other semifinalists, we shouldn't be even in the conversation (with our depleted, zero-depth squad).

if, by some miracle we got to the Final, it could end up being a total humiliation.

gooder @ 22:01 | Apr 30, 2025

New managers have strolled to both league titles this season. I doubt that's happened before. What a difference it makes for managers to leave their predecessor a squad that's in good shape.

gooder @ 22:00 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to hazza:

Cuntski Women win the WSL title again.

The cunts.

heh... though I've decided I'm okay with the result of their match today. At this stage they were going take the title anyway and after we bungled our game we needed United to duff theirs as well.

gooder @ 21:47 | Apr 30, 2025

0x100

gooder @ 21:47 | Apr 30, 2025

0xFF

hazza @ 21:39 | Apr 30, 2025

Cuntski Women win the WSL title again.

The cunts.

salaar @ 21:05 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Inter probably smarting that away goals rule has gone away.

Aye. Current bias aside, it's probably better gone but I still haven't properly adapted...

saps @ 21:02 | Apr 30, 2025

Barca are the top attacking team in Europe.
Inter are the best team. No weaknesses.

saps @ 21:01 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Another Rahinia Rocket, great save Sommer.

That stayed hit.
My goodness.

bantalimonn @ 21:00 | Apr 30, 2025

I hope we step up and match the level of quality we've seen from other teams so far.

dennis_b10 @ 20:56 | Apr 30, 2025

Inter probably smarting that away goals rule has gone away.

salaar @ 20:53 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

FT, what a match.

hymn

dennis_b10 @ 20:53 | Apr 30, 2025

FT, what a match.

dennis_b10 @ 20:50 | Apr 30, 2025

Another Rahinia Rocket, great save Sommer.

salaar @ 20:50 | Apr 30, 2025

shot that fucker has on him jeez

chrism @ 20:50 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to bantalimonn:

the incisiveness of inters attack is something to behold

It helps that Barca's defence are playing like an U8 team.

dennis_b10 @ 20:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Nearly another from Yamine Lamal.

bantalimonn @ 20:47 | Apr 30, 2025

the incisiveness of inters attack is something to behold

salaar @ 20:46 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Every player, no matter the position looks to advance the ball forward as quickly as possible, so refreshing.

agree

dennis_b10 @ 20:46 | Apr 30, 2025

Every player, no matter the position looks to advance the ball forward as quickly as possible, so refreshing.

hfb @ 20:44 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to lettraggad:

Lamine Yamal is 17 … let that sink in ..
Messi and Ronaldo were not doing this at this age .. even though O doubt anyone will ever reach peak Messi level..

I think the italians will take care of this problem in the return leg.

dennis_b10 @ 20:41 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

All these technicians......it will never catch on

They don't like it up 'em.

lettraggad @ 20:41 | Apr 30, 2025

Lamine Yamal is 17 … let that sink in ..
Messi and Ronaldo were not doing this at this age .. even though O doubt anyone will ever reach peak Messi level..

citizenerased1 @ 20:40 | Apr 30, 2025

All these technicians......it will never catch on

dennis_b10 @ 20:39 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to lettraggad:

Naah I would have heard that .. the Oirish bloggers wouldn’t shut up about it.

Hehe

lettraggad @ 20:39 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

An entire team of them

Naah I would have heard that .. the Oirish bloggers wouldn’t shut up about it.

dennis_b10 @ 20:38 | Apr 30, 2025

Great save from Sommer.

dennis_b10 @ 20:38 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to lettraggad:

Fre kick do Barca have a Declan ??

An entire team of them

bantalimonn @ 20:37 | Apr 30, 2025

varcelona

lettraggad @ 20:37 | Apr 30, 2025

Fre kick do Barca have a Declan ??

dennis_b10 @ 20:37 | Apr 30, 2025

Ridiculous to give that as offside

dennis_b10 @ 20:36 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to lettraggad:

The way football should be played

Heh

lettraggad @ 20:35 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Pass across the back and midfield in horseshoe ball please.

The way football should be played

dennis_b10 @ 20:35 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to lettraggad:

I guess if you’re into dribbles and goals and back and forth action then … ..

Pass across the back and midfield in horseshoe ball please.

salaar @ 20:35 | Apr 30, 2025

are you sure ref?

lettraggad @ 20:35 | Apr 30, 2025

Its a tight one

salaar @ 20:34 | Apr 30, 2025

ohh

bantalimonn @ 20:34 | Apr 30, 2025

Oh gosh almost 4

bantalimonn @ 20:34 | Apr 30, 2025

I'm actually more impressed with inter, to still be in this

lettraggad @ 20:34 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Yeah what a load of boring rubbish.

I guess if you’re into dribbles and goals and back and forth action then … ..

dennis_b10 @ 20:33 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to salaar:

the PL special spoilsport division of lancashire hot pots has given it as an own goal

Ridiculous but that is what it is, apparently.

lettraggad @ 20:32 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rorschach:

If Saka is world class,. then Yamal should be what, a solar system star?

Well Lamine Yamal and Dembele are probably the best players on planet earth… right now but don’t sleep on our lad his constantly rising output will get him there .

dennis_b10 @ 20:30 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to salaar:

my sudamerican comms going completely nuts

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

salaar @ 20:30 | Apr 30, 2025

my sudamerican comms going completely nuts

dennis_b10 @ 20:28 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to lettraggad:

Boring game , not one for the neutrals

Yeah what a load of boring rubbish.

salaar @ 20:26 | Apr 30, 2025

the PL special spoilsport division of lancashire hot pots has given it as an own goal

lettraggad @ 20:26 | Apr 30, 2025

Boring game , not one for the neutrals

bantalimonn @ 20:25 | Apr 30, 2025

fuck my gentle soul

salaar @ 20:25 | Apr 30, 2025

woooao

dennis_b10 @ 20:25 | Apr 30, 2025

WOW!

salaar @ 20:24 | Apr 30, 2025

galloway

salaar @ 20:23 | Apr 30, 2025

ooh

dennis_b10 @ 20:23 | Apr 30, 2025

Love the first time passing. None of the three, four touch stuff play the ball quickly into space, perfectly weighted and with total accuracy. A joy to watch.

Inter 3!

bantalimonn @ 20:22 | Apr 30, 2025

inters counter is glorious

bantalimonn @ 20:19 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Yup. Plus no Square Dance routine before free kicks.

dennis_b10 @ 20:17 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to bantalimonn:

this feel like a old school match, dynamic entertaining football with individual flair

Yup. Plus no Square Dance routine before free kicks.

bantalimonn @ 20:15 | Apr 30, 2025

this feel like a old school match, dynamic entertaining football with individual flair

salaar @ 20:15 | Apr 30, 2025

DiMarco looks like that bloke off Suburra...

baichungbhutia @ 20:14 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

cripes, there was virtually no wind-up for the shot at all, just ping and in.

Yeah like the Ronaldinho vs Chelsea one

gooder @ 20:13 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to baichungbhutia:

What a goal. Of course it’s not going to happen vs MLS

cripes, there was virtually no wind-up for the shot at all, just ping and in.

bantalimonn @ 20:11 | Apr 30, 2025

Oh Szczęsny

dennis_b10 @ 20:09 | Apr 30, 2025

Should be 3-2 to Inter.

bantalimonn @ 20:08 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to baichungbhutia:

What a goal. Of course it’s not going to happen vs MLS

Haha stop the cap

baichungbhutia @ 20:08 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rorschach:

Wow...barca really found the new Messi, didn't they?

What a goal. Of course it’s not going to happen vs MLS

saps @ 20:03 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

I suppose Jover can't get it right EVERY time... but we've been persisting with that particular move for quite some time now and it just doesn't work. How can he not see that?

The move works.

dennis_b10 @ 20:03 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

I suppose Jover can't get it right EVERY time... but we've been persisting with that particular move for quite some time now and it just doesn't work. How can he not see that?

And why isn't Arteta saying "this dance thing is utter shit, Jover."

hfb @ 20:02 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to bantalimonn:

No this inter side will beat us, barca will embarrass us

True. No way we score against Inter if they are defending a lead. Barca is on another level.
Happy to be proved wrong though.

dennis_b10 @ 20:00 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

I suppose Jover can't get it right EVERY time... but we've been persisting with that particular move for quite some time now and it just doesn't work. How can he not see that?

He's a fucking stubborn cunt.

kleinfeld @ 19:59 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

This. It is utter madness. Fire the cunt that came up with this ridiculous routine. Terrible, and embarrassing as that should have been an equalising goal but for that total nonsense.

Aye it's galaxy brain fucking bullshit

gooder @ 19:59 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

This. It is utter madness. Fire the cunt that came up with this ridiculous routine. Terrible, and embarrassing as that should have been an equalising goal but for that total nonsense.

I suppose Jover can't get it right EVERY time... but we've been persisting with that particular move for quite some time now and it just doesn't work. How can he not see that?

bantalimonn @ 19:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rorschach:

I believe we can "manage" inter, but barca is at another level.

No this inter side will beat us, barca will embarrass us

gooder @ 19:56 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to bantalimonn:

Forget Aby title this year lads. We aren't beating any if these teams

That's what they said about Real Madrid but here we are. 😏

rorschach @ 19:56 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to trailhombre:

I blame our galaxy brain dead-ball dance routine for the disallowed goal last night. If you have five guys lined up in an offside position when the ball is about to be struck...

Rice delivered the ball before our players could get into position. But I agree that this is better applied in corners.

saps @ 19:55 | Apr 30, 2025

Barca vs Inter is a movie

dennis_b10 @ 19:52 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to trailhombre:

I blame our galaxy brain dead-ball dance routine for the disallowed goal last night. If you have five guys lined up in an offside position when the ball is about to be struck...

This. It is utter madness. Fire the cunt that came up with this ridiculous routine. Terrible, and embarrassing as that should have been an equalising goal but for that total nonsense.

rorschach @ 19:52 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rorschach:

If Saka is world class,. then Yamal should be what, a solar system star?

-star +class

rorschach @ 19:51 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to hfb:

Its not enough he is insanely talented. Anyone brushes against him he goes down. That Yamal

If Saka is world class,. then Yamal should be what, a solar system star?

hfb @ 19:49 | Apr 30, 2025

Its not enough he is insanely talented. Anyone brushes against him he goes down. That Yamal

rorschach @ 19:49 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to bantalimonn:

Forget Aby title this year lads. We aren't beating any if these teams

I believe we can "manage" inter, but barca is at another level.

dennis_b10 @ 19:44 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to mike1:

Barca and Inter are serving up a masterful display

The passing is fast, accurate and progressive and the pressing is amazing. Movement off and on the ball is mesmerizing.

This is the final right here. Having said that, I'd love it if we miraculously won it.

mike1 @ 19:43 | Apr 30, 2025

Barca and Inter are serving up a masterful display

The passing is fast, accurate and progressive and the pressing is amazing. Movement off and on the ball is mesmerizing.

hfb @ 19:42 | Apr 30, 2025

The amount of concentration required against this barca is insane. Inter cant cope. They were excellent early on. But now holding on for the break

bantalimonn @ 19:41 | Apr 30, 2025

Forget Aby title this year lads. We aren't beating any if these teams

dennis_b10 @ 19:40 | Apr 30, 2025

The football is in a totally different league, different level.

dennis_b10 @ 19:40 | Apr 30, 2025

That is how to respond to going down at home.

hfb @ 19:39 | Apr 30, 2025

Crap. 2-2

dennis_b10 @ 19:39 | Apr 30, 2025

2-2

dennis_b10 @ 19:37 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rorschach:

Wow...barca really found the new Messi, didn't they?

The new Pele. Lad is only 17.

rorschach @ 19:35 | Apr 30, 2025

Wow...barca really found the new Messi, didn't they?

kleinfeld @ 19:27 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Yes, I thought that too. But the thing is he was instinctive and he steered it the right way. Next level strikers do that. Trossard does do it sometimes. But Dembele is classy, he even made a shinner ...

Best shinner since Gerry adams

hfb @ 19:26 | Apr 30, 2025

2-1

hfb @ 19:22 | Apr 30, 2025

2 nil

baichungbhutia @ 19:13 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to trailhombre:

I blame our galaxy brain dead-ball dance routine for the disallowed goal last night. If you have five guys lined up in an offside position when the ball is about to be struck...

I just hate the 5 minutes it takes before we take the free kick, especially when we are having the momentum

hfb @ 19:03 | Apr 30, 2025

1 nil inter

hfb @ 19:02 | Apr 30, 2025

Wow

gooder @ 19:01 | Apr 30, 2025

Maritz, Nobbs, D'Angelo, Taylor... Like Fulham for the men Villa women are a bit Arsenal lite, and like Fulham they're doing us some damage.

gooder @ 18:55 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to trailhombre:

I blame our galaxy brain dead-ball dance routine for the disallowed goal last night. If you have five guys lined up in an offside position when the ball is about to be struck...

that bloody line dance drives me nuts. even if we do score from one of those it'll probably be ruled out for offside

hfb @ 18:52 | Apr 30, 2025

Arteta had the right idea when he tried to get raphina to the club. Just seeing the kind of goals he is scoring. Wow.
Backup position for saka is now filled by Ethan, right?

trailhombre @ 18:51 | Apr 30, 2025

I blame our galaxy brain dead-ball dance routine for the disallowed goal last night. If you have five guys lined up in an offside position when the ball is about to be struck...

northbankfc @ 18:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to optimist:

Im glad Blogs pointed out that the goal last night was shinned and a tad fortunate. Alan Shearer would not stop going on about it being ‘the perfect strike’ last night

Yes, I thought that too. But the thing is he was instinctive and he steered it the right way. Next level strikers do that. Trossard does do it sometimes. But Dembele is classy, he even made a shinner hit into the ground look good

saps @ 18:45 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

now 4-2... so all it took was 4 goals to get their asses in gear?

5-2.
Done.

optimist @ 18:44 | Apr 30, 2025

Im glad Blogs pointed out that the goal last night was shinned and a tad fortunate. Alan Shearer would not stop going on about it being ‘the perfect strike’ last night

saps @ 18:44 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

I see the power, strength and striking ability, even a bit of skill, but not quite the finesse of Partey. That's gonna be hard to find in any player.

https://youtu.be/YnzGrwAHA0o?si=bE6lELl-NUyZEkiq

2 years ago.

Partey came fully formed at 27.
He will be 24 this May.

Ready for a breakout year.

gooder @ 18:33 | Apr 30, 2025

now 4-2... so all it took was 4 goals to get their asses in gear?

hazza @ 18:21 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

how?!? just.... how?! Villa have been awful this season.

If we drop to third in the table we'll have to go through the treacherous Champions League qualifying stage again.

"not if we win the Cha...

4-0 now!

Way to come down to earth with a bang!

northbankfc @ 18:19 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to saps:

Yes, he's off. Maybe Brazil as he's Brazilian. And Italian.

Berta has allegedly offered Partey a new deal.

But Manu Kone is the truth.
https://youtu.be/lNQc_9REAic?si=b4JlBK3NYeLk810g

I see the power, strength and striking ability, even a bit of skill, but not quite the finesse of Partey. That's gonna be hard to find in any player.

gooder @ 18:00 | Apr 30, 2025

heh... and of course it was Nobbs who did the damage.

gooder @ 17:59 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to hazza:

Arse Women losing 2-0 away to Villa

how?!? just.... how?! Villa have been awful this season.

If we drop to third in the table we'll have to go through the treacherous Champions League qualifying stage again.

"not if we win the Champions League" 😀
fair enough

hazza @ 17:50 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse Women losing 2-0 away to Villa

saps @ 17:33 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

And Jorginho will be gone next season

Yes, he's off. Maybe Brazil as he's Brazilian. And Italian.

Berta has allegedly offered Partey a new deal.

But Manu Kone is the truth.
https://youtu.be/lNQc_9REAic?si=b4JlBK3NYeLk810g

iclass @ 17:11 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Same yeah

Zubimendi is more of a jorginho type?

And Jorginho will be gone next season

baichungbhutia @ 17:10 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to saps:

That is the best description of what Partey does.

Hybrid of Thiago Alcantara and Rodri.

I've always laughed out loud when fans ask why he still gets in the team ahead of Jorginho and Rice at the 6 p...

Think that’s why Rodri was so important for City as well. Raya khan to go long as we were not able to beat the press.

iclass @ 17:10 | Apr 30, 2025

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwy6lx1x8dxo

Nil Desperandum

saps @ 17:09 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to malaisegooner:

Ouch.

Can we find someone in the market who can do what Partey does?

Who might that be?

Manu Kone at Roma.
Maybe Lamine Camara at Monaco.

Definitely Kone. Beast.

saps @ 17:07 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Same yeah

Zubimendi is more of a jorginho type?

Yes, but with less incisive passes.

saps @ 17:06 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Saw this posted this on X as succinct an explanation of Partey’s strengths as you’ll see. “Partey will beat a 2 man press then use 1 pass to beat 2 players at once ,
You think its easy till he isn't ...

That is the best description of what Partey does.

Hybrid of Thiago Alcantara and Rodri.

I've always laughed out loud when fans ask why he still gets in the team ahead of Jorginho and Rice at the 6 position. He always releases Saka and Odegaard on the move. Tempo dictator/ball winner/progressive passer/occasional goal scorer. Zero weakness. Midfield general.

kleinfeld @ 17:03 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to saps:

We are about to play a blinder at the Parc des Princes.

We look a much worse team without Partey.
And that's why I have never understood the Zubimendi links.
He is not built like that.

Same yeah

Zubimendi is more of a jorginho type?

saps @ 17:01 | Apr 30, 2025

We are about to play a blinder at the Parc des Princes.

We look a much worse team without Partey.
And that's why I have never understood the Zubimendi links.
He is not built like that.

malaisegooner @ 16:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Saw this posted this on X as succinct an explanation of Partey’s strengths as you’ll see. “Partey will beat a 2 man press then use 1 pass to beat 2 players at once ,
You think its easy till he isn't ...

Ouch.

Can we find someone in the market who can do what Partey does?

Who might that be?

malaisegooner @ 16:55 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

That’s all that matters now. Fuck all the inflated club hype, fuck how good PSG. We have to step up and give the performance of the season. Nothing less will do. Each player has to leave everything on...

And also This ☝️

malaisegooner @ 16:54 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

If we can hold on to Kiwior and promote Hein or Setford to back-up keeper, that would go a long way towards ensuring our resources this summer are not squandered, that they're put towards raising the ...

This

malaisegooner @ 16:54 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

the double-entendre of the day right there.

Unintended 😅

s.p2 @ 16:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to gooder:

that reason being because no one can pronounce his actual name?

That is staggeringly presumptu... accurate.

northbankfc @ 16:33 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

If course you would

The skipper has some loyal fans. If he transforms into the player they think he is, all well and good, I’ll take my hat off and bow to their superior football knowledge. But I fear another multiple season sentence as with Özil, where every excuse is trotted out to keep the “debate” going. I don’t think he’s elite. I don’t think he can become elite. I think we need an elite player in that position, someone who mentally and with ability can impose himself on a game. Not just press, or do clever little dinky passes, but assists and goals.

kleinfeld @ 16:29 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Would you swap Ødegaard for Isak? I would.

If course you would

northbankfc @ 16:29 | Apr 30, 2025

Saw this posted this on X as succinct an explanation of Partey’s strengths as you’ll see. “Partey will beat a 2 man press then use 1 pass to beat 2 players at once ,
You think its easy till he isn't there to do it.”

northbankfc @ 16:21 | Apr 30, 2025

Would you swap Ødegaard for Isak? I would.

northbankfc @ 16:20 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to malaisegooner:

Fuck it.. Let's get at those fucks next week.

That’s all that matters now. Fuck all the inflated club hype, fuck how good PSG. We have to step up and give the performance of the season. Nothing less will do. Each player has to leave everything on the pitch. Partey’s back and that will make a big difference. But we have to take our chances. Need to create space for Saka.

gooder @ 16:11 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to malaisegooner:

Fuck it.. Let's get at those fucks next week.

the double-entendre of the day right there.

gooder @ 16:07 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rockymtn_gooner:

Setting aside the first 20-25 mins, where we were dominated, the match was pretty even. Having Partey back will definitely help in Paris. It would be ideal if we could do what the women did, and get a...

If we can hold on to Kiwior and promote Hein or Setford to back-up keeper, that would go a long way towards ensuring our resources this summer are not squandered, that they're put towards raising the ceiling instead of raising the floor again

malaisegooner @ 16:02 | Apr 30, 2025

Fuck it.. Let's get at those fucks next week.

malaisegooner @ 16:01 | Apr 30, 2025

I'm not saying Nwaneri would have been the difference maker but what did MA8 think the lad could've done in such a short amount of time, realistically?

I'm not saying the skipper should've been subbed off at HT either.. say maybe 70th minute perhaps? Get Ethan twisting, turning and running at them for 20 minutes maybe?

malaisegooner @ 15:55 | Apr 30, 2025

I'm just baffled by how Nwaneri only got a 5 minute cameo when Odegaard was clearly having a stinker. It's not like Ethan hasn't scored against quality opponents in the CL this season already.

Go figure eh?

riku7 @ 15:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to freddieathome:

If we see Kiwior sold for 25 million and we buy Huijsen for 50 million without addressing the glaring issues I might just call it a night

Agree about not doing that type of business if it stops attacking transfers ...

Zinny ( too large wages ) and tommi ( injures ) won't be leaving in the summer

riku7 @ 15:44 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to freddieathome:

If we see Kiwior sold for 25 million and we buy Huijsen for 50 million without addressing the glaring issues I might just call it a night

Kivor should have been getting more game time this season and suliba and Gabby rested more .. have always been a fan because the likes of Milan are linked with him and kivor is fast

malaisegooner @ 15:37 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse.

Well in JJ.

gooder @ 15:24 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to saps:

He is called Kvaradona for a reason.
Timber finally came to grips with him by the 35th minute.

that reason being because no one can pronounce his actual name?

gooder @ 15:22 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to doonhamer:

Well in JJ
I was obviously disappointed by last night's result but hold hope for the second leg.
Do you think Mikel will discuss a remontada with Renee, the queen of CL comebacks???

Arse!
Well in JJ

It would be quite some sweet synchronicity for both the men and women to go through Real Madrid in the quarters, take a 1-goal deficit to France and over-turn it, then ~~face~~ beat Barcelona in the final. 🤞 🙏

saps @ 14:59 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rossyl:

Odd that Partey wasn't mentioned once. This will be a huge factor in the next game. His ability to win the ball, keep it, and distribute.

Also, the fact the best part of Rice's game, driving forward,...

He is called Kvaradona for a reason.
Timber finally came to grips with him by the 35th minute.

saps @ 14:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

Bergkamp also had a pretty terrible period after that penalty miss against Man Utd in 99 – went on for quite some time too

Hot take;
Thierry Henry never scored for the Arsenal in a final.

saps @ 14:41 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to pppontus:

If that’s when you started watching the Arsenal I can understand why you’d come to that conclusion.

Heh.

kleinfeld @ 14:27 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to s.p2:

Not a fan of Wayne Rooney but he didn't say anything particularly removed from the truth tbf.

I actually don't mind Rooney as a pundit, think he's quite good alongside Walcott.
As a player I fucking despised the man, but now he's long retired I can appreciate how good he was.
Fast, strong, nasty, technically gifted and brave, his only real weakness was that you could wind him up and he'd lose it. What I'd give for peak Rooney up front in our team.

I didn't disagree with what he said, it's not that different to what we say in here about ourselves. It's just harder to take when its some fat beardy ex manc cunt saying it , and you know he's got a point.

s.p2 @ 14:16 | Apr 30, 2025

Not a fan of Wayne Rooney but he didn't say anything particularly removed from the truth tbf.

blindpug @ 14:15 | Apr 30, 2025

Dembele out for second leg? Possible hamstring? Possible bollocks?

kleinfeld @ 14:15 | Apr 30, 2025

Starting to calm down a bit now

I think we can do these cunts in Paris with Partey back and them missing Dembele.
Get Merino back up top and fucking have a proper go at them

rockymtn_gooner @ 13:57 | Apr 30, 2025

Setting aside the first 20-25 mins, where we were dominated, the match was pretty even. Having Partey back will definitely help in Paris. It would be ideal if we could do what the women did, and get an early goal to quiet the crowd and improve the team's nerves. Very few players on the team have played in critical big matches.
Odegaard has looked off the pace more often than not this season. Hard to say if he's still carrying something from the injury, tired as a first time dad, or something else. But we do need a little more from that position. Martinelli also is very inconsistent. But we literally have no one else with pace to run in behind. That has to be a top priority for the summer, either a wing or a striker with pace.
And yes, need to be smart about transfers. Kiwior has been perfectly fine as a backup central defender. Nor should we be spending a bucket on a backup keeper.

freddieathome @ 13:54 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

Odegaard a big victim or some quite frankly horrific squad building. There is an alarming amount of work to do this summer and all I'm seeing is links to £30m back up keepers and Bournemouth centre ba...

If we see Kiwior sold for 25 million and we buy Huijsen for 50 million without addressing the glaring issues I might just call it a night

dennis_b10 @ 13:51 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse

Well in isawjjscore. Well assessed Blogs. Spot on.

I don't understand the minute silence for the Pope. What is the connection to Arsenal or even the UK? Sorry ffs have a minute of applause and celebrate his life if you're going to do anything. It's not like he was 46 and was killed in a Popemobile pile up.

Anyway hats off to PSG for their dynamic start. They were impressive and had us rattled. Arsenal by contrast were too slow, wanted too many touches and had little or no conviction when trying to play from the back because they were down our throats. Yes, their goal was a slick move, but the finish was extremely fortunate. That being said we still have a chance, but we are going to have to be at our very best. It will be a cauldron of noise. I was also quite relieved and surprised that it was only 1-0, even at half time. I actually looked at the clock on 18 mins and was hoping we could get to HT. It felt like we were going to be on the end of a Barcelona type of spanking.

As for our captain, he has had a pretty awful time of late and last night was a microsom of the entire season, nothing seems to work right now. I was a sceptic when he arrived from RM, but he has won my support because of his creative craft, graft and endeavour. He chases the ball down, leads the press but even that aspect deserted him last night. But for me it is on Arteta, I cannot understand why he didn't come off sooner, it must be that Arteta just doesn't trust Ethan to turn it around and produce some magic. It has to be that El Jefe thinks the occasion may have been too much for him, but we literally had nothing available to come on and change things. Some key injuries, sure but this weakness was clear to everyone and this is on Arteta and the club.

Yes, we still have a chance, and maybe we get the rub of the green next week. Dembélé may miss out now, so that would be a huge loss for them and we'll have TP back to shore up our midfield.

COYGs!!!!

freddieathome @ 13:51 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to salaar:

Our away fans are right up there but at home? Pfft.
The olden times motivating buzz of rancour and vitriol, culminating in a simmering outrage has long gone. "How dare you play so shit and how dare

Seems a lifetime ago when we used to greet Beckham with how his gf preferred extracurricular activities

freddieathome @ 13:50 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to baichungbhutia:

This. PSG brought on Barcola and Ramos, while we bring on Ben White in the 80th minute.
Why didn’t we go for that Kvara guy in the winter? Forget about him, if we had Asencio on the bench yesterday t...

Let’s not forget Zaire-Emery too

ercstck @ 13:27 | Apr 30, 2025

Man, if the second leg goes 120 mins, I'm not sure Arsenal can cope. That bench is THIN.

baichungbhutia @ 12:59 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to stupendous_arse:

My biggest worry is our bench though.. It was obvious to me Timber had to come off earlier than the 80th and Nwaneri for Ode after that being the only other sub is terrible. Granted we'll have Partey ...

This. PSG brought on Barcola and Ramos, while we bring on Ben White in the 80th minute.
Why didn’t we go for that Kvara guy in the winter? Forget about him, if we had Asencio on the bench yesterday that is a real boost. We screwed our season up with the transfer windows.

titex @ 12:31 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

Odegaard a big victim or some quite frankly horrific squad building. There is an alarming amount of work to do this summer and all I'm seeing is links to £30m back up keepers and Bournemouth centre ba...

💯

If you're off form, you lose confidence in your abilities. You're then more likely to start playing safe more often, especially in Arsenal's first CL semi for 16 years. Less likely to make fast incisive passes, which is what we need.

If we had a decent squad he could go to the bench until he finds form again. Easier to do when you're coming on later in the game to make a difference or hold onto a lead. Much less pressure. Dunno if being skipper adds more pressure on top

hfb @ 11:34 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

To be fair, Arsene caused that look on our faces many times!

Haha. Yes.

salaar @ 11:31 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to s.p2:

‘The PSG lot looked like ultras off the streets, our fans I guess are a lot more refined and privileged, north Londoners’.

Same vibes I got. At home, there’s always been a lack of edge. Always been a...

Our away fans are right up there but at home? Pfft.
The olden times motivating buzz of rancour and vitriol, culminating in a simmering outrage has long gone. "How dare you play so shit and how dare you come here thinking you're going to win"
The atmos was pretty good against Real but last night, at half time, I said that unless we score early in the second half yer modern Arsefan just couldn't summon up/sustain the will to inspire the team to produce anything extraordinary. They would drift off; either emotionally or physically to think about or do whatever was more important than that which has taken fully sixteen years to replicate.
Then, when half the cunts weren't even back from their "social" we "scored".
Oh...fuck.

jo333 @ 11:30 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to benzed:

I don't discount the possibility that as a Norwegian household they ardently stick to the standard Nordic approach, which demands Dad sure as sugar has to go up with the baby every second time it wake...

🤣 This!! Everything’s 50:50 here aside from actually birthing the baby!
Guessing Ode’s not getting his mandatory 14weeks paternity leave however, and that might be a sticking point.

citizenerased1 @ 11:29 | Apr 30, 2025

Odegaard a big victim or some quite frankly horrific squad building. There is an alarming amount of work to do this summer and all I'm seeing is links to £30m back up keepers and Bournemouth centre backs.

arseblog1 @ 11:28 | Apr 30, 2025

But it was v familiar

arseblog1 @ 11:28 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to hfb:

Anyone catch Arsene sitting in the box yesterday.
He had that pained look on his face that only Arsenal can give someone. He did not look like he was enjoying what he was seeing.

To be fair, Arsene caused that look on our faces many times!

hfb @ 11:27 | Apr 30, 2025

Anyone catch Arsene sitting in the box yesterday.
He had that pained look on his face that only Arsenal can give someone. He did not look like he was enjoying what he was seeing.

gunnerlocutor @ 11:27 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse and WiJJ.
I think the whole team will play better in Paris and we’ve got a good chance to go through.
As for Ode, I’ve always been a big fan. At his best he’s elite and a delight to watch. One rumor/bit of speculation is that potentially he’s dealing with some version of long Covid, or a similar physical issue. That seems plausible to me (no way to know if it’s true at this point). That would put a different lens on his below par performances. Either way I think he will come back stronger and better next season. But we need him and all our players to dig deep and give everything next week.

stupendous_arse @ 10:42 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

V harsh on Timber imo

He needed to come out before the 80th minute though

arseblog1 @ 10:39 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to rossyl:

Odd that Partey wasn't mentioned once. This will be a huge factor in the next game. His ability to win the ball, keep it, and distribute.

Also, the fact the best part of Rice's game, driving forward,...

V harsh on Timber imo

rossyl @ 10:33 | Apr 30, 2025

Odd that Partey wasn't mentioned once. This will be a huge factor in the next game. His ability to win the ball, keep it, and distribute.

Also, the fact the best part of Rice's game, driving forward, and he couldn't do that as he was in the Partey role.

And, that allows us to play Merino up front, and their defenders are small, and having a big man up there, will make an impact.

All of that unbalanced us.

The other element was Timber shitting himself to go to the ball. He was unable to show their winger on to their bad foot, or put the tackle in, instead he just backed off and back off till they were in the 6yd box.

A lot to improve on. But Partey coming back will have instant impact.

arseblog1 @ 10:28 | Apr 30, 2025

Bergkamp also had a pretty terrible period after that penalty miss against Man Utd in 99 – went on for quite some time too

d_j_nolan @ 10:10 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

He’s playing like someone who isn’t as good as many think he is. I also think he overachieved in the last two seasons and he’s underachieving this season, but that’s still way off what a top team need...

Bergkamp and Henry both had crisis of confidence in Italy and took time to believe they were class again.

Ode is not on it but he had two good seasons and one dip so has to be given a chance. A full preseason and he comes out firing and it will be water under the bridge.

kleinfeld @ 10:09 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to piotrus:

Very true. The guy can't even shoot.

Well we don't know if he can, because he doesn't even try anymore.
He's also far too one footed. Has to shift everything onto his left, which slows down the play.

stupendous_arse @ 10:00 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

He’s playing like someone who isn’t as good as many think he is. I also think he overachieved in the last two seasons and he’s underachieving this season, but that’s still way off what a top team need...

Don't get me wrong, i'm not here to defend underperforming players, just want to make sure there's context. Not having a striker, becoming a father, and injuries will impact your performance. I have no real emotional attachement to them as individuals though. I love Henry as a player but also think he's a pompous ass. Arteta has built a team founded on real human values. You can't ignore the psychological nature of his management. He hasn't built a team where a Ronaldo or Mbappe type would thrive

piotrus @ 09:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

He’s playing like someone who isn’t as good as many think he is. I also think he overachieved in the last two seasons and he’s underachieving this season, but that’s still way off what a top team need...

Very true. The guy can't even shoot.

northbankfc @ 09:55 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to stupendous_arse:

He's definitely playing like someone who has had a significant injury and recently become a father. I assume he over performed last season and is under performing this season and will settle somewhere...

He’s playing like someone who isn’t as good as many think he is. I also think he overachieved in the last two seasons and he’s underachieving this season, but that’s still way off what a top team needs. We just have to stop pretending we can win the big trophies with our most creative player just a level or two off elite. Bergkamp and Henry were elite, as was Cazorla. We don’t have an elite No 10. I wanted to believe but he lets us down time and again. I understand the anger and frustration. I kinda understand the protectiveness that some feel over him and that Arteta feels for him. I just don’t think that kind of sentimentality is good for the team.

piotrus @ 09:48 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

You can't strip a player of the captaincy and not humiliate him

He shouldn't be starting next year so its ok.

northbankfc @ 09:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to hazza:

You lot are too harsh on him.

He's suffered two major incidents, the injury on International duty with Norway (which he hasn't fully recovered from!!) & the birth of his first baby.

People forget th...

Blogs rightly said to avoid pop psychology and yet time and again I’m hearing these excuses about a baby. Did Messi or Ronaldo suffer a drastic dip in form when they had babies? If you’re a great you overcome all obstacles. Those not quite at that level can suffer from setbacks.

I still hope he can recover. I said before the match for Arsenal to get through we need a top performance from our captain. The same stands for next week. Our whole season rests on Ødegaard pulling out all the stops next Wednesday. We need it.

piotrus @ 09:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Could we not play Nwaneri in that role?

With partey and rice behind him , give him a bit of licence to try and make things happen.

hes not doing that, he won't even give him 5 mins

piotrus @ 09:46 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

If odegaard drops another performance like that then we're out

Guess we just have to pray then that he magically becomes 22-23 odegaard

He will, hes been doing it for 3 months

kleinfeld @ 09:43 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to stupendous_arse:

in the return leg of a champions league semi at Paris?

no

If odegaard drops another performance like that then we're out

Guess we just have to pray then that he magically becomes 22-23 odegaard

stupendous_arse @ 09:43 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to the_mickster:

there's something not quite right about Ode at the moment, but remember, he's human, who knows what's going on with his body, home life etc....
the issue is, we don't have an alternative to him, altho...

He's definitely playing like someone who has had a significant injury and recently become a father. I assume he over performed last season and is under performing this season and will settle somewhere in the middle next season but be greatly helped by potential new arrivals and returning players. And no, Arteta will not replace him next season. he's like the son he always wanted (or the person he wishes he could have been as a player)

stupendous_arse @ 09:39 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Could we not play Nwaneri in that role?

With partey and rice behind him , give him a bit of licence to try and make things happen.

in the return leg of a champions league semi at Paris?

no

kleinfeld @ 09:37 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to the_mickster:

there's something not quite right about Ode at the moment, but remember, he's human, who knows what's going on with his body, home life etc....
the issue is, we don't have an alternative to him, altho...

Could we not play Nwaneri in that role?

With partey and rice behind him , give him a bit of licence to try and make things happen.

the_mickster @ 09:30 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

He’s his golden boy and many of our fans consider him untouchable. There’s a bit of the Özil about that. Hard to point out to those who think he’s the next Messi. He is still a player with potential, ...

there's something not quite right about Ode at the moment, but remember, he's human, who knows what's going on with his body, home life etc....
the issue is, we don't have an alternative to him, although, I quite liked the the end experiment of Saka tucking in more........

benzed @ 09:30 | Apr 30, 2025

I don't discount the possibility that as a Norwegian household they ardently stick to the standard Nordic approach, which demands Dad sure as sugar has to go up with the baby every second time it wakes.

Been there, done that. Wished I'd married a fellow Kiwi and been able to drink beer and watch Netflix while closing the door on the infant's cries / explosive diarrhea.

kleinfeld @ 09:30 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

You can't strip a player of the captaincy and not humiliate him

True, but it's more humiliating to do it during the season.

hazza @ 09:27 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

One footed
Doesn't shoot any more
Slows the game down by taking too many touches
Isn't brave enough, pulls out of 50/50s
Is easily bullied and can't tackle
Weak, lacks power
Doesn't impose himself on...

You lot are too harsh on him.

He's suffered two major incidents, the injury on International duty with Norway (which he hasn't fully recovered from!!) & the birth of his first baby.

People forget that becoming a father for the first time is incredibly stressful for him as well as the mother. He could be suffering from post-partuum depression.

benzed @ 09:26 | Apr 30, 2025

MO might be fine with it, less responsibility and just focus on playing. Worth a behind-the-scenes chat at least.

arseblog1 @ 09:23 | Apr 30, 2025

Rice is a captain anyway

arseblog1 @ 09:23 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Just make Rice captain over the summer, as little fuss as possible so as not to humiliate odegaard

You can't strip a player of the captaincy and not humiliate him

kleinfeld @ 09:12 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to benzed:

Sake has been back for what, 4-5 games and has pretty much hit the ground running. It hasn't led to a marked improvement in MO's play. He is just not playing well, there's not a lot more to it than th...

Just make Rice captain over the summer, as little fuss as possible so as not to humiliate odegaard

benzed @ 09:09 | Apr 30, 2025

Sake has been back for what, 4-5 games and has pretty much hit the ground running. It hasn't led to a marked improvement in MO's play. He is just not playing well, there's not a lot more to it than that. The severe diminishment (is that a word) in his physical commitment is more concerning to me as it suggests a loss in courage (which is difficult to get back) or protecting himself from potential injury by bailing out of duels. He can run, but he seemingly can't tackle right now. Why?

arseblog1 @ 09:06 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

You often mention the worst social media comments. The way some fans online talk about him, it feels that’s how they consider him. Özil Arsenal stans still all over the socials

I'm not on Twitter anymore ;)

northbankfc @ 09:04 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

" Hard to point out to those who think he’s the next Messi"

Come on, nobody ever said that about him

You often mention the worst social media comments. The way some fans online talk about him, it feels that’s how they consider him. Özil Arsenal stans still all over the socials

arseblog1 @ 09:02 | Apr 30, 2025

" Hard to point out to those who think he’s the next Messi"

Come on, nobody ever said that about him

northbankfc @ 09:02 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

One footed
Doesn't shoot any more
Slows the game down by taking too many touches
Isn't brave enough, pulls out of 50/50s
Is easily bullied and can't tackle
Weak, lacks power
Doesn't impose himself on...

He’s his golden boy and many of our fans consider him untouchable. There’s a bit of the Özil about that. Hard to point out to those who think he’s the next Messi. He is still a player with potential, but personally, I love some of the touches and passes, but overall I’m just not impressed. He’s not the elite level playmaker that a really successful team needs.

northbankfc @ 08:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to jo333:

He misses Havertz as someone to play off of.
Their chemistry on and off the field is good. Ode missed Saka too.
Whether Havertz goes back to playing as an 8 next season, and we sign a number 9, I th...

Ode missed Saka a lot last night 🙁

kleinfeld @ 08:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Hopefully this gets addressed in the summer

One footed
Doesn't shoot any more
Slows the game down by taking too many touches
Isn't brave enough, pulls out of 50/50s
Is easily bullied and can't tackle
Weak, lacks power
Doesn't impose himself on games, lacks an edge

We'll see how ruthless Arteta is this summer... Odegaard has had a far worse season than the one that Ramsdale had when Arteta went and replaced him with Raya.

northbankfc @ 08:57 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

My point re: pop-psychology was about the people who suggest he doesn't care etc.

Fully understand discussion of his impact on games – although I really think a dynamic centre-forward gives a player ...

I get it, and it’s ok it’s right not to read too much into players’ motivations. I think it’s more about his character related to the player he is. He has so much natural talent but for me he lacks that menace, that aura that imposes himself on games. He was getting there but he’s taken two steps back this season. I don’t think he can improve much more, but Partey back and Merino as the target man will make a difference.

d_j_nolan @ 08:52 | Apr 30, 2025

My two penneth for what it is worth.

Yesterday we still played like we had a target man (long balls and crosses), Trossard was lost with that but in second leg Partey coming back means we can punt to Wooly so get the ball up the pitch more. It also moves Rice higher to press them there. Next week will be better.

Ode has been poor most of the season, yes his work rate is there but look at his free kick taking, that is basic technique and he is clanking it, so he needs a proper preseason to get a chance but has to step up early next year or will need to be considered for an upgrade. Does not help next week but we have no other option as Saka inside or Ethan which represent too bigger gambles for Arteta to try. I personally would prefer he brought KT at LB on and push MLS into midfield as he was once again our best attacking midfielder!

the_mickster @ 08:46 | Apr 30, 2025

at this level, your simply not going to dominate the ball for 90 mins, one of the great strengths of this side is we can withstand pressure.
but can we be better in the 2nd leg ? will Partey make the 10% difference ?
would KT @ LB, and MLS at CM made a difference, allowing Merino, who i thought was excellent last night to play up top....
and maybe, just maybe, we get the rub...

iclass @ 08:37 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

My point re: pop-psychology was about the people who suggest he doesn't care etc.

Fully understand discussion of his impact on games – although I really think a dynamic centre-forward gives a player ...

Hopefully this gets addressed in the summer

jo333 @ 08:34 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

My point re: pop-psychology was about the people who suggest he doesn't care etc.

Fully understand discussion of his impact on games – although I really think a dynamic centre-forward gives a player ...

He misses Havertz as someone to play off of.
Their chemistry on and off the field is good. Ode missed Saka too.
Whether Havertz goes back to playing as an 8 next season, and we sign a number 9, I think a target man is exactly what Odegaard needs.

iufgn @ 08:33 | Apr 30, 2025

A lot is being made of the support. Talks port had a funny clip juxtaposing artetas pre match exoltations with the reality on the night. But don't get too carried away. The clip is funny because of artetas bits. Really it's normal for a crows to be punctured. Every single tie like this the advice to the players is to ideally deflate the home crowd

arseblog1 @ 08:31 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Why do people look for all these reasons and excuses. He’s just not a dynamic, menacing player. He has silky touches and there’s a very good player in there. But “pop psychology” or not, it does look ...

My point re: pop-psychology was about the people who suggest he doesn't care etc.

Fully understand discussion of his impact on games – although I really think a dynamic centre-forward gives a player like Odegaard a lot more to work with.

stupendous_arse @ 08:26 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to benzed:

By the way, Dembele bobble-shinning it on a perfect line to the one place where it didn't meet a leg, in off the post was extremely fortunate. You dream of such fortune in the first 5 minutes of big g...

True but they created that chance and deserved it

iufgn @ 08:25 | Apr 30, 2025

Yes it would be great if we had someone to bench MO for. Sure he's playing crap or atleast the flame is flickering out a lot. But he has to play so he is so right now you get what he gives. Fine to bemoan his form don't have to pretend hes fine but try not to then judge his whole worth on currentform and fitness. By the way rice is far better form now than several months ago. Partey answered those quick to write him off.

stupendous_arse @ 08:25 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to jo333:

Interestingly, I was one of the doubters of Odegaard when he first joined and definitely didn’t like the fact he was prioritized over ESR and got the captaincy from Laca. Also thought he was way too o...

Spot on

citizenerased1 @ 08:25 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to mike1:

I don't agree with setting arbitrary lines in the sand. This isn't a club which has a rich history in European football, so it isn't sensible to use a semi final in the Champions League as a binary te...

I think more along the lines of 5 years and no trophies, considering the investment the club has made is going to put immense pressure on him to deliver something next season. I think next season would be make or break in that scenario.

If the board is ok with the current status quo then Arsenal are just cosplaying as a big club.

gooner63-4life @ 08:21 | Apr 30, 2025

Typical Arsenal, we just don't like doing things the easy way. Perfectly capable of a 2-0 away win but I think a penalty shoot out is more than probable.

jo333 @ 08:21 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Why do people look for all these reasons and excuses. He’s just not a dynamic, menacing player. He has silky touches and there’s a very good player in there. But “pop psychology” or not, it does look ...

Interestingly, I was one of the doubters of Odegaard when he first joined and definitely didn’t like the fact he was prioritized over ESR and got the captaincy from Laca. Also thought he was way too one-footed and not physical enough.

However, he’s worked hard in an Arsenal shirt to improve and got better defensively too. Last season, from January-May he was arguably the best player in premier league and led by example. Scored and assisted for fun.
I don’t mind being proved wrong. He’s got it in him.

What I’ve come to appreciate most about him, is his work rate and vision.
This season has been a different story for him. Perhaps impacted by injury, being a new dad, who knows …

Last night, unfortunately, was poor by his standards, and I am not making excuses for him at all, I just think part of his performance could well have been Arteta’s overly cautious tactics due to Partey’s absence.

mike1 @ 08:20 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to s.p2:

‘The PSG lot looked like ultras off the streets, our fans I guess are a lot more refined and privileged, north Londoners’.

Same vibes I got. At home, there’s always been a lack of edge. Always been a...

There's been talking for a year about the strained relationship between club and supporters groups that the club initially wanted to ramp up the noise.
I don't know, maybe we're too corporate to have a nasty, intimidating edge.

benzed @ 08:20 | Apr 30, 2025

By the way, Dembele bobble-shinning it on a perfect line to the one place where it didn't meet a leg, in off the post was extremely fortunate. You dream of such fortune in the first 5 minutes of big games!

stupendous_arse @ 08:17 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

And this blaming of the crowd, the way players kept imploring them as if to suggest it was their fault they couldn’t get going. Support is reciprocal. Fans were nervous before the game. We haven’t bee...

With my roots in Ligue 1, it's so confusing to me that players need to rile the crowd up. It's reciprocal sure but to me that is an entitled view for a supporter. Paris will be noisy from the first minute to the last regardless of what happens on the pitch. And they're a muted bunch of supporters generall speaking

s.p2 @ 08:17 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

And this blaming of the crowd, the way players kept imploring them as if to suggest it was their fault they couldn’t get going. Support is reciprocal. Fans were nervous before the game. We haven’t bee...

‘The PSG lot looked like ultras off the streets, our fans I guess are a lot more refined and privileged, north Londoners’.

Same vibes I got. At home, there’s always been a lack of edge. Always been a bit too nice and meek in general.

benzed @ 08:17 | Apr 30, 2025

I didn't pay much heed to the supporter volumes. It sounded ok on my TV. Maybe not "incendiary", but we are hardly known for voriferous support. I think factoring in the minute's silence for the papal demise is honestly a weird take. The crowd was a bit subdued watching us being partially schooled in the opening 25, no massive surprise there. I heard them gee up plenty of times throughout the game.

northbankfc @ 08:14 | Apr 30, 2025

And this blaming of the crowd, the way players kept imploring them as if to suggest it was their fault they couldn’t get going. Support is reciprocal. Fans were nervous before the game. We haven’t been to a CL final in nearly 20 years. The team have to give fans something to cheer and the fans will naturally start to cheer.

I had the thought last night that our old chants sound a bit flat these days. The PSG lot looked like ultras off the streets, our fans I guess are a lot more refined and privileged, north Londoners. More “pop psychology” 😂 but something wasn’t right. We were nervous, fans and team. And we had cause to be, they are good.

But they are beatable. We just have to perform. Especially El Capitano!

stupendous_arse @ 08:14 | Apr 30, 2025

My biggest worry is our bench though.. It was obvious to me Timber had to come off earlier than the 80th and Nwaneri for Ode after that being the only other sub is terrible. Granted we'll have Partey available for the return, but i'm still worried..

mike1 @ 08:14 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Why do people look for all these reasons and excuses. He’s just not a dynamic, menacing player. He has silky touches and there’s a very good player in there. But “pop psychology” or not, it does look ...

I think we do need to be cognizant of Odegaard's injury and his relentless running for 2 seasons. I also think we need to consider the tactical set up and how it can impact on our players' attacking instincts. It's not just us. Look at Grealish. He looks half the player he was pre-Man City. Is he poor?

Having said all the above, I was irritated by him last night

benzed @ 08:14 | Apr 30, 2025

If there's anybody I would assign additional defensive duties to, it's not Martin! Since coming back from injury he has had the duel-willing ability of an "asthmatic ant with some heavy shopping"!

kleinfeld @ 08:13 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Why do people look for all these reasons and excuses. He’s just not a dynamic, menacing player. He has silky touches and there’s a very good player in there. But “pop psychology” or not, it does look ...

100% NB. When it comes to the sharp end, Odegaard just doesn't have it. He's too nice, doesn't have that edge that someone like de bruyne has.
He's like that fat lad in dodgeball, he needs to get angry. Maybe arteta should throw a wrench at him

s.p2 @ 08:13 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to mike1:

I don't agree with setting arbitrary lines in the sand. This isn't a club which has a rich history in European football, so it isn't sensible to use a semi final in the Champions League as a binary te...

5 seasons without a trophy or cup final is legit poor given the expenditure. We should not have a thin, visibly flawed squad this deep into Arteta’s tenure. Starting the season with Ødegaard as the only trusted CAM is disgraceful.

stupendous_arse @ 08:12 | Apr 30, 2025

I think it's possible Ode over-performed last year and under-performed this year. His true talent is maybe somewhere in the middle but he's in no small part limited by the people around him (no striker, conservative manager). That being said, I'm not super confident about the return leg. If we go out in the semis and finish second, is that a successful season? Not sure. It's not a bad one though.

northbankfc @ 08:10 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to jo333:

It was a really strange performance from Odegaard yesterday, regardless of form, yesterday was poor …and I just wonder if some of it was Arteta’s instructions to him.
It looked like he was given more ...

Why do people look for all these reasons and excuses. He’s just not a dynamic, menacing player. He has silky touches and there’s a very good player in there. But “pop psychology” or not, it does look like he lacks that force of will to take games by the scruff of the neck as the real greats do.

I do sometimes wonder if it’s just Arsenal fans who protect players so fiercely who underperform once they are deemed “special” players. Seems strange to me. Prove you’re that player or expect criticism.

benzed @ 08:09 | Apr 30, 2025

P.S. If we're still down a goal with 30 minutes to play, and MO is playing like he did last night, take him off already, play Saka in the middle where he will see a lot more of the ball directly in the reach of the goal, put Ethan out to the right. I don't discount Saka playing centrally for the majority of his future career.

Partey in the midfield will help, play Merino as CF and have Trossard on the bench to offer a late threat from the pine (something we didn't have last night).

mike1 @ 08:07 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

Next week is a monumental crossroads moment in Artetas Arsenal journey

I don't agree with setting arbitrary lines in the sand. This isn't a club which has a rich history in European football, so it isn't sensible to use a semi final in the Champions League as a binary test for success or failure.
The issue for the vast majority of our problems was our transfer policy last summer. To be fair to the club, we weren't the only club who were careful with our spending.

There's no getting away from it, this season has been disappointing but I don't think potentially being knocked put in the semi final of the CL is a signifier of failure.

By the way, I think we have a reasonable chance of going through.

benzed @ 08:07 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse.
Part of me thinks we shrank somewhat in the heat of the big moment, but another part of me says PSG are very good - yet definitely not infallible. It's only 0-1, we're very much in it. What is clear, is that we will have to be "on it" to win, there won't be any room for another so-so performance. Play really well, and they absolutely can collapse, they've done it several times in Europe and with more experienced players than their current lineup.

I choose to believe!

kleinfeld @ 08:07 | Apr 30, 2025

If arteta is consistent then Odegaard should get the ramsdale/ zinchenko treatment.
The team has evolved past them, sign the replacement and then bench player / allowed to leave.
The fact he is captain makes it more difficult, but let's see how ruthless arteta actually is. I'd love to be wrong, but I don't think we'll win anything with Odegaard as our 10.

jo333 @ 08:06 | Apr 30, 2025

It was a really strange performance from Odegaard yesterday, regardless of form, yesterday was poor …and I just wonder if some of it was Arteta’s instructions to him.
It looked like he was given more defensive duty than he usually likes to have due to Partey’s absence. I wonder if he felt the weight of that.
He seemed quite conscious of where his PSG man was and tracked him, and when it came to the duel he was there …but unfortunately didn’t come out of it.
He wasn’t making the runs, he wasn’t closing at all, and he wasn’t dictating the press. He even threw his arms up in frustration a couple of times… which was not good.
I wonder if part of it was Arteta being overly cautious, instructing him to hold 🤷‍♀️.
Merino was equally cautious as the other 8 which didn’t help. We lost the game yesterday in the midfield, not just final 3rd. Declan had to do the 6 and 8 role at times.

northbankfc @ 08:05 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to hfb:

Nothing wrong in calling out poor performers.
Odegaard, Tossard, Martinelli all need to up their game.
Saka at times needs better support from Odegaard. Saka combines better with ben white.

If we cl...

I think the tie is not over. The team worked hard to keep it at 1-0 and we were unlucky with the equaliser. I’m glad Partey is back, but Martinelli and Trossard both played to their limit. That’s who they are, talented but limited. I think the same of Havertz tbh. This is a team that needs some luck to go through. We were outpassed and out pressed

northbankfc @ 08:01 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of s...

He was never the best thing since sliced bread to me. I thought he improved a lot the last two seasons. He improved his shooting and directness. His effort and pressing was excellent. But he never quite got to elite for me. He was getting there, but hadn’t got there.

Since the injury/illness he looked gaunt, but it’s his choices that is angering the supporters not so enamoured of him they look to excuse his poor play. Hold on to the ball too long, keeps playing “safe” balls which hand momentum to the opposition.

It pisses me off that it then becomes about the fan who criticises rather than the player. He was bloody poor last night… again. You expect a captain’t performance and his was timid and weak. So many moves broke down with him.

Merino and Kiwior showed their limitations. Trossard and Martinelli had chances but showed they are a level below elite. Saka was cleverly crowded out but time and again he made runs looked for the give-and-go from Ødegaard and it just never came.

Please don’t make it about whether we’re worthy fans just cos we don’t really rate him. PSG were class all over the park. We were not on that level cos our players, particularly our attacking players, are just not elite level (apart from Saka).

I hope Ødegaard rests and comes back stronger next season. But honestly, I think we’d benefit from a real No 10 as well as a No 9

hazza @ 07:53 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse!

Well in JJ

ollie @ 07:49 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse.
Well in jj.
I was going to take a few more days off the arses and probably will in fact, but had to say this:
absolutely perfect and spot on summary, blogs.

I think we can do it, they have some experiencd and experienced heads, but they are still a young team and could be rattled if we score. We need to stay in the game until late in the second leg.

hfb @ 07:49 | Apr 30, 2025

Nothing wrong in calling out poor performers.
Odegaard, Tossard, Martinelli all need to up their game.
Saka at times needs better support from Odegaard. Saka combines better with ben white.

If we claim to be a passing side, we cant always hoof the ball and lose possession.

The thing I would say to the players is even if we won the game 1 nil last night, there is no way we would not have to score again in Paris to progress. Look at it that way.

pppontus @ 07:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to isawjjscore:

I agree with this too. He was undeniably poor last night - I just can’t stand the online crap that turns poor form into questions over his mental fortitude, character, etc.

Yes this

jo333 @ 07:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Thought the atmosphere was really really poor yesterday. Minute silence didn’t help.
Don’t care that we are 0-1 down and being played off the park… get behind the team if you’re lucky enough to be in that stadium!
That banner didn’t help!

Really interesting tactic from PSG…from the kick off.
Almost like rugby.
Boot the ball out of play and press like hell!!
It worked beautifully for them.
The fact we didn’t touch the ball in first 4 mins was absolutely not ok… no one was running to close them down. We looked shell-shocked even before the goal.
Arteta looked like he hadn’t slept for a week.

arseblog1 @ 07:47 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to isawjjscore:

I agree with this too. He was undeniably poor last night - I just can’t stand the online crap that turns poor form into questions over his mental fortitude, character, etc.

Same, it's pop-psychology nonsense most of it

isawjjscore @ 07:41 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

Those things are true, but I thought last night was as poor as I've seen him. And I love Odegaard, I've defended the abuse plenty of times, just need more from him right now.

I agree with this too. He was undeniably poor last night - I just can’t stand the online crap that turns poor form into questions over his mental fortitude, character, etc.

citizenerased1 @ 07:40 | Apr 30, 2025

Next week is a monumental crossroads moment in Artetas Arsenal journey

citizenerased1 @ 07:38 | Apr 30, 2025

With Odegaard it's how often the supposed main creative fulcrum of our team completely kills our momentum by making poor or safe decisions and always very slowly.

He has been very good in the past but this malaise has been ongoing for months. In a team with anything approaching an adequate support cast, he'd have been riding the bench.

He can absolutely get back to his previous levels but right now he is having a detrimental effect on the side.

doonhamer @ 07:33 | Apr 30, 2025

Well in JJ
I was obviously disappointed by last night's result but hold hope for the second leg.
Do you think Mikel will discuss a remontada with Renee, the queen of CL comebacks???

arseblog1 @ 07:31 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to isawjjscore:

100%. The online echo chamber has decided he’s crap and that’s that. Clearly out of form but also clearly working his arse off, always showing for the ball. And also playing with one arm tied behin...

Those things are true, but I thought last night was as poor as I've seen him. And I love Odegaard, I've defended the abuse plenty of times, just need more from him right now.

herbierobertsfanclub @ 07:30 | Apr 30, 2025

Was anyone else as annoyed as me to see the number of times our defence / GK launched a ball upfield straight to a PSG defender who said "thanks very much" and proceeded to take another 2 minutes off the clock. Playing the long ball game with no strikers! Great tactical innovation, I can see that catching on (not)

isawjjscore @ 07:20 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of s...

100%. The online echo chamber has decided he’s crap and that’s that. Clearly out of form but also clearly working his arse off, always showing for the ball. And also playing with one arm tied behind his back because we don’t have a centre forward.

mike1 @ 07:20 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of s...

I agree, but I'm concerned that his malaise is so extended. It's frustrating to see him lose the ball or lose momentum due to his multiple touches and seeming indecision.
The problem isn't only his form, it's the building out of the squad and the gaps in the squad which means there are no options. The gaps that have been spoken about ad nauseum.

I think we got away with a poor performance and can turn it around next week, but we really need to be on top of our game, and we can't switch off in Premier League games, then expect to switch back on in the Champions League.

seanb85 @ 07:18 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of s...

Just expect more from our skipper. The ability is there, we all know it. But at the same time I've seen him shrink in these big games where we need him to be the difference. I said in the match post after Ipswich, that's the Odegaard we need to see. The sharp turns, the first time passes, the shots when in good positions...

Partey will be back so at least we'll be able to play our best mf configuration but I still maintain we need more from Odegaard

riku7 @ 07:15 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of s...

Agree, yeah just going Arteta has a word. Trossarsd and martinelli have scored good deflected goals in the memory

pppontus @ 07:13 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of s...

This

riku7 @ 07:13 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to seanb85:

So why was he sensational against Ipswich last week, yet anonymous against Real Madrid and PSG?

Micah Richard gave M.o. man of the match at Madrid , not sure I saw that opinion myself
It's the lack of shooting - Look at the goal last night it bobbled in , not the best shot . Martin should shoot more , deflected goals also count

chrism @ 07:12 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse. Well in jj.

Morning all.

We're definitely still in the tie. We should have scored, Martinelli's was by far the best of our chances and he has to take it at this level. Itnhas been said that when we beat them earlier in the season they were missing players, we'll the shoe is on the other foot now and us having absolutely nothing on the bench really told. We have the ability to go there and win, but the senior players really have to step up and have to have a superb night in front of goal.

iclass @ 07:12 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to pppontus:

He’s out of form. Played great against great teams in the past.

Seems to be a lot of criticism of Odegaard around these days. Reasonable criticism about his form but some of it is downright nasty and most of it is blind to the ability that he has.
In the eyes of some he’s gone from being “the best thing since sliced bread “ to being stale toast. As I commented yesterday, he’s one of ours and deserves support.

riku7 @ 07:11 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to pppontus:

He’s out of form. Played great against great teams in the past.

Odegaard free kick where he hit the first man !,
These are also small margins
Thankfully Rice took the ball off him in the second half for free kicks

pppontus @ 07:11 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to seanb85:

So why was he sensational against Ipswich last week, yet anonymous against Real Madrid and PSG?

If that’s when you started watching the Arsenal I can understand why you’d come to that conclusion.

seanb85 @ 07:08 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to pppontus:

He’s out of form. Played great against great teams in the past.

So why was he sensational against Ipswich last week, yet anonymous against Real Madrid and PSG?

pppontus @ 07:03 | Apr 30, 2025

Reply to seanb85:

Odegaard is a flat track bully...

There, I said it

He’s out of form. Played great against great teams in the past.

pppontus @ 07:03 | Apr 30, 2025

Arse

seanb85 @ 07:01 | Apr 30, 2025

Odegaard is a flat track bully...

There, I said it

iclass @ 07:01 | Apr 30, 2025

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia…..sounds like a Harry Potter curse

arseblog1 @ 07:00 | Apr 30, 2025

Well in JJ

jo333 @ 06:59 | Apr 30, 2025

Well in isawjjscore …I did too!

kmkm @ 06:59 | Apr 30, 2025

WII. Morning Blogs and all. Remontada in Paris. I believe.

iclass @ 06:58 | Apr 30, 2025

Was reasonably calm in here last night considering we lost

iclass @ 06:57 | Apr 30, 2025

Well in isaw

isawjjscore @ 06:54 | Apr 30, 2025

Sad arse

click to leave fresh arse

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