The Arses - 8/9/2025

arseblog1 @ 05:23 | Aug 8, 2025

>>>

iq_3 @ 22:21 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to gooder:

(by Chelsea's profit I'm taking into account the cost of the big salary they gave him to lure him away from us)

i can't wait for their "house of cards" scam/Ponzi scheme/money laundering/tax dodge to come tumbling down......but, having waited 150 years for ¢115y to be given a lifetime ban, maybe i shouldn't hold my breath?

gooder @ 22:13 | Aug 7, 2025

(by Chelsea's profit I'm taking into account the cost of the big salary they gave him to lure him away from us)

gooder @ 22:09 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iq_3:

Late, late, LATE Arse!

Fuck off bruce!

"Ipswich are set to snub a £35m offer from Nottingham Forest for England under-21 midfielder Omari Hutchinson, with Brentford also still interested in the 2...

"...isn't he ex-Arsenal?"

yep, and we got barely scraps for him when he jumped ship. Chelsea meanwhile made a half decent profit flipping him and it sounds like Ipswich could as well.

iq_3 @ 22:07 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iq_3:

Late, late, LATE Arse!

Fuck off bruce!

"Ipswich are set to snub a £35m offer from Nottingham Forest for England under-21 midfielder Omari Hutchinson, with Brentford also still interested in the 2...

(i bet WE didn't get £35m for the cont ?!?)

gooder @ 22:06 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

If it's because Mikel is too wedded to Trossard/Martinelli, then he needs a fucking kick up the arse!

They're just not doing it. Something has to change.

It might have more to do with being unsure where to fit Eze into the lineup. The left 8 is the most obvious position but then what do you do with our most expensive signing Rice?

He could undoubtedly do a job on the left wing as well, where it might have to do with outgoings if we're having trouble offloading.

I said it before but if we're really looking at him it feels like a deal that might not happen until late in the window.

iq_3 @ 22:05 | Aug 7, 2025

Late, late, LATE Arse!

Fuck off bruce!

"Ipswich are set to snub a £35m offer from Nottingham Forest for England under-21 midfielder Omari Hutchinson, with Brentford also still interested in the 21-year-old. (David Ornstein, external)

...isn't he ex-Arsenal?

hazza @ 21:47 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to arseblog1:

"I saw a clip online from an ITK who says Eze is pushing for the deal and it is going to happen."

Don't think there's any doubt Eze would love it. I just don't think Arsenal are as sure

If it's because Mikel is too wedded to Trossard/Martinelli, then he needs a fucking kick up the arse!

They're just not doing it. Something has to change.

brucelee4ever @ 21:40 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Late Arse

Wib / FoB ;-P

We need a Cesc not an Ozil. Fucking wanked myself into a coma when he left.

🤣😂🤣

arseblog1 @ 21:29 | Aug 7, 2025

"I saw a clip online from an ITK who says Eze is pushing for the deal and it is going to happen."

Don't think there's any doubt Eze would love it. I just don't think Arsenal are as sure

northbankfc @ 21:24 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to mrswoo:

Me too. But there was talk both yesterday and today "that he'd been advised" not to come here. *rolls eyes* I have no idea by whom, if true, probably his agent. Take care on your holiday - and I hope...

Thank you, it’s going to be a real road trip, from Milan to the deep south, visiting my dad’s village in Calabria for the first time in 30 years, not far from the beach.

I saw a clip online from an ITK who says Eze is pushing for the deal and it is going to happen. I wish it was before the first game but may have to wait till deadline day.

goldsoundz @ 20:33 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Late Arse

Wib / FoB ;-P

We need a Cesc not an Ozil. Fucking wanked myself into a coma when he left.

Cesc and even Ozil wouldn't help because you need runners to be able to serve up a pass.

We don't have runners.

gooder @ 20:27 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to mrswoo:

Me too. But there was talk both yesterday and today "that he'd been advised" not to come here. *rolls eyes* I have no idea by whom, if true, probably his agent. Take care on your holiday - and I hope...

Their headline was clickbait at worst, misleading best. He was advised in the same the Arses advise Arteta, if you know what I mean.

" have no idea by whom "
Mikael Silvestre... ha ha, yep, disregard.

Incidentally, his argument was similar to what many of us, including Blogs himself, have said, that Eze would not play near as much for us as he does for Palace. but so what, even if he only played 20-30 games this season he'd be overjoyed to be playing those for The Arsenal.

gooder @ 20:12 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to dennis_b10:

Late Arse

Wib / FoB ;-P

We need a Cesc not an Ozil. Fucking wanked myself into a coma when he left.

as long as we're playing the fantasy game, I'd want a Dennis who can wave a magic wand and make a ball suddenly appear out of thin air on Vik's foot 5 yards from goal.

mrswoo @ 20:10 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Would never sell Saliba. I hope we get Eze at least.

Me too. But there was talk both yesterday and today "that he'd been advised" not to come here. *rolls eyes* I have no idea by whom, if true, probably his agent. Take care on your holiday - and I hope you manage to have a good time..

dennis_b10 @ 19:40 | Aug 7, 2025

Late Arse

Wib / FoB ;-P

We need a Cesc not an Ozil. Fucking wanked myself into a coma when he left.

optimist @ 19:15 | Aug 7, 2025

Feels like we could do with an Ozil to unlock the attack, or a Sanchez from out wide

kleinfeld @ 19:03 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

This

I remember rod saying that if we signed ozil, he would "wank himself into a coma"

God speed, gentle rod

optimist @ 18:51 | Aug 7, 2025

I spotted a nice bit yesterday. Dowman was looking for a through ball from Odegaard, who gave him the ‘pull back’ motion with his forearm because he was offside.
All while dribbling with the ball towards defenders.
Thats mentoring on-the-job from the Captain

brucelee4ever @ 18:34 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

and rod

This

brucelee4ever @ 18:34 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

#BringBackBobz

Heh

freddieathome @ 18:31 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Carvery dinner just done his ACL, out for the season

Bernie Inn stocks have gone up 12%

freddieathome @ 18:28 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

Šeško is a pussy!

He should have joined us last summer, but he was afraid to challenge Havertz who isn't a fucking striker. What does that say about his mentality??

I’m pretty sure there was more to it than that, guess we will see how well he gets on won’t we

kleinfeld @ 18:27 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

#BringBackBobz

and rod

kleinfeld @ 18:26 | Aug 7, 2025

Things are getting a bit tasty in here

bassarse @ 18:12 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

#BringBackBobz

Heh.

hazza @ 17:49 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to freddieathome:

I made it clear earlier this summer Sesko would have been my preference for us, I think his ability will lend well to Utd and can see him getting 20+ this season

Šeško is a pussy!

He should have joined us last summer, but he was afraid to challenge Havertz who isn't a fucking striker. What does that say about his mentality??

rockymtn_gooner @ 17:48 | Aug 7, 2025

Seems to me actual results in preseason have low correlation to how the season turns out. For us or other teams. I certainly don't Chelsea is a lock to win it all because they've won the Club championship.
What's more concerning is how we've looked in the matches. Hopefully Arteta is sandbagging.

citizenerased1 @ 17:31 | Aug 7, 2025

#BringBackBobz

bassarse @ 17:30 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Don’t rise to it

Reminds me of when Goonesque fell out with someone (can't remember who) and we haven't seen him since.

iclass @ 16:58 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Sorry, horrible use of words. I just find the nastiness of that particular character hard to bear. A real nasty streak and carries a grudge as well. Should have just said pathetic or better still let ...

Don’t rise to it

thecar2n @ 16:58 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Sorry, horrible use of words. I just find the nastiness of that particular character hard to bear. A real nasty streak and carries a grudge as well. Should have just said pathetic or better still let ...

Que... Heh

goldsoundz @ 16:57 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to gooder:

If we've learned anything from this it's that preseason matches should be ignored entirely and all comments on them similarly ignored like it was back in the good ole days. 😂

I'm like you, was SO e...

Then again we looked dominant in preseason after getting Jesus and Zinchenko and we came out flying out of the fucking gates.

northbankfc @ 16:57 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

Witt and repartee NB.

Sorry, horrible use of words. I just find the nastiness of that particular character hard to bear. A real nasty streak and carries a grudge as well. Should have just said pathetic or better still let it lie. Apologies to all for my foul use of language.

iclass @ 16:56 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to gooder:

you two really have a knack for sticking each other with hot pokers.

And the season hasn’t started yet

gooder @ 16:56 | Aug 7, 2025

you two really have a knack for sticking each other with hot pokers.

iclass @ 16:55 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Fuck off you nasty little cunt

Witt and repartee NB.

thecar2n @ 16:54 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Fuck off you nasty little cunt

Here's the line:

---------

As opposed to crossing it, you'll snort it 👍

goldsoundz @ 16:53 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to freddieathome:

I made it clear earlier this summer Sesko would have been my preference for us, I think his ability will lend well to Utd and can see him getting 20+ this season

So Sesko goes for marginally more what we paid for Gyokeres. Time will tell I guess but it shows our valuation was correct.

I'm backing Viktor and hoping Sesko flops.

northbankfc @ 16:52 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to thecar2n:

Que:

Shouty CAPS. Supercilious remarks. And apologies to everyone that witnesses it because I'm off (insert "medication" of choice) but, no apologies to the individual being taunted.

Fuck off you nasty little cunt

northbankfc @ 16:52 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to thecar2n:

I know the reference, but "moneyball" is what Wenger did (in fact Wenger reportedly inspired the protagonist of that baseball team's recruitment). Moneyball is not Artetaball.

We've been through thi...

Data sets. Over-obsession with data in relation to value rather than instinct and personal knowledge which is what Wenger had in his first seasons. I don’t like engaging with you but you chose to reference something I said and ended with “wanker”. Once again it says everything about the type of person you are. I get angry and srgue, but I’m not nasty or mean-spirited. I’ll leave it there.

thecar2n @ 16:49 | Aug 7, 2025

Que:

Shouty CAPS. Supercilious remarks. And apologies to everyone that witnesses it because I'm off (insert "medication" of choice) but, no apologies to the individual being taunted.

gooder @ 16:49 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Would never sell Saliba. I hope we get Eze at least.

It's a moot point anyway, Rodrygo was never on.

thecar2n @ 16:46 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Have you watched Moneyball? Do you know what I’m talking about?

I know the reference, but "moneyball" is what Wenger did (in fact Wenger reportedly inspired the protagonist of that baseball team's recruitment). Moneyball is not Artetaball.

We've been through this before... Wide berth, wanker.

clegooner @ 16:44 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

That’s deep!

I’ve just realised I’ve been having a rough day. I’m off to Italy by car on Saturday, will be there for the opening game. Sweet release of death. Some might call that morbid but it makes...

It’s mostly self protection, but honestly, until we get hooked up with a petrostate or there is some kind of financial reform (HAHAHAHA), it’s true.

clegooner @ 16:44 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

That’s deep!

I’ve just realised I’ve been having a rough day. I’m off to Italy by car on Saturday, will be there for the opening game. Sweet release of death. Some might call that morbid but it makes...

It’s mostly self protection, but honestly, until we get hooked up with a petrostate or there is some kind of financial reform (HAHAHAHA), it’s true.

northbankfc @ 16:43 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

I will be in Turkey for the first game. 😁

Safe travels and enjoy Italia.

Thanks, enjoy Turkey as well. Never been would like to see Istanbul.

northbankfc @ 16:42 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to mrswoo:

If it's Rodrygo we'd need to give them Wilo to fund it and I don't want that to happen. And I seem to remember Rodrygo being a very dirty player which would go down very badly with our friends in the ...

Would never sell Saliba. I hope we get Eze at least.

brucelee4ever @ 16:42 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

That’s deep!

I’ve just realised I’ve been having a rough day. I’m off to Italy by car on Saturday, will be there for the opening game. Sweet release of death. Some might call that morbid but it makes...

I will be in Turkey for the first game. 😁

Safe travels and enjoy Italia.

northbankfc @ 16:41 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to thecar2n:

-(space)
+B
=Moneyball

Have you watched Moneyball? Do you know what I’m talking about?

northbankfc @ 16:40 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to clegooner:

I long ago accepted that we will never win anything beyond a domestic cup before I feel the sweet release of death. Take pleasure in the cameraderie of fellow arseurs and the misfortune of other team...

That’s deep!

I’ve just realised I’ve been having a rough day. I’m off to Italy by car on Saturday, will be there for the opening game. Sweet release of death. Some might call that morbid but it makes a whole lot of sense to me. Still the best club with the best fans. North London 4 Ever! Thanks

thecar2n @ 16:39 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to thecar2n:

Spends +-£1bil and gets called "money all". Christ, I've heard it all.

-(space)
+B
=Moneyball

thecar2n @ 16:38 | Aug 7, 2025

Spends +-£1bil and gets called "money all". Christ, I've heard it all.

clegooner @ 16:17 | Aug 7, 2025

I long ago accepted that we will never win anything beyond a domestic cup before I feel the sweet release of death. Take pleasure in the cameraderie of fellow arseurs and the misfortune of other teams

Freeing, actually.

kleinfeld @ 16:16 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to s.p2:

Don't remind me of that narrative... ugh.

There's the Amorin / Gyokeres narrative too if that helps

s.p2 @ 16:14 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to kleinfeld:

Sesko Vs Gyoko

Those cunts will have a decent front 3. Kind of jealous they got Mbeumo

Don't remind me of that narrative... ugh.

kleinfeld @ 16:13 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to s.p2:

Really want the season to start now. For the first however many minutes at OT before the trajectory of the match is set we can just enjoy the fact that competitive football is back.

Sesko Vs Gyoko

Those cunts will have a decent front 3. Kind of jealous they got Mbeumo

iclass @ 16:12 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

Why let what the arses say bring you down?

That kinda suggests you think preseason has been better than some do, so go with that positivity!

It’s the pulling apart of some of the players before they are fully fit and before they are seen in a first choice line up
I’m not super impressed with preseason but I think they will perform once we get to Match Day 1
🤞

s.p2 @ 16:12 | Aug 7, 2025

Really want the season to start now. For the first however many minutes at OT before the trajectory of the match is set we can just enjoy the fact that competitive football is back.

mrswoo @ 16:11 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Not the passive “it just never happened”. You mean Martinelli didn’t make it happen. I say again despite being told it’s nonsense, that left forward position is key. Once (if) we get a genuine world c...

If it's Rodrygo we'd need to give them Wilo to fund it and I don't want that to happen. And I seem to remember Rodrygo being a very dirty player which would go down very badly with our friends in the PGMOL altho' not of course if the Scousers bought him and he behaved badly.
.

gooder @ 16:11 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

Why let what the arses say bring you down?

That kinda suggests you think preseason has been better than some do, so go with that positivity!

~~preseason~~ transfer window.

kleinfeld @ 16:10 | Aug 7, 2025

Carvery dinner just done his ACL, out for the season

brucelee4ever @ 16:10 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to salaar:

doomistically speaking?

😁

gooder @ 16:06 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to tosvenson:

I also noticed Zubi’s fast passing.. I hope our players adjust to him and not the other way round. He was always looking to move the ball forward quickly but we were so static..

I was behind the goal...

"Martinelli’s exasperation when we don’t play the ball quickly"

As much as we criticise him, one thing he was always good at is running on to a defense-splitting pass and barreling down on the keeper. He rarely gets the opportunity to do that anymore.

pip @ 16:05 | Aug 7, 2025

😎

Still zen

optimist @ 16:03 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

I was really looking forward with anticipation to this season. Two friendlies plus the arses that followed and I’ve had that knocked out of me.
Let’s just get the opening game out of the way before pe...

Why let what the arses say bring you down?

That kinda suggests you think preseason has been better than some do, so go with that positivity!

gooder @ 16:02 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

“ The MLS thing needs to be sorted quick. Refs won’t give him those fouls and he also needs to remember to play for the team not prove a point that the ball can’t be taken off him”

Im glad you notice...

Myles' first big appearance was as a late sub against ¢115eh where he held off attackers, rounded them, then launched an attacking move. More of that please!

Looking for a foul is the stuff of desperation when you know you've been wrangled.

optimist @ 15:57 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to tosvenson:

I also noticed Zubi’s fast passing.. I hope our players adjust to him and not the other way round. He was always looking to move the ball forward quickly but we were so static..

I was behind the goal...

“ The MLS thing needs to be sorted quick. Refs won’t give him those fouls and he also needs to remember to play for the team not prove a point that the ball can’t be taken off him”

Im glad you noticed that as well. Yesterday he gave me the impression that he thinks it’s all about him. He tried to win a foul in a very dangerous position rather than clear it to a fairly safe player.

gooder @ 15:56 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

I was really looking forward with anticipation to this season. Two friendlies plus the arses that followed and I’ve had that knocked out of me.
Let’s just get the opening game out of the way before pe...

If we've learned anything from this it's that preseason matches should be ignored entirely and all comments on them similarly ignored like it was back in the good ole days. 😂

I'm like you, was SO excited for the season, but now I'm dreading it. ah well, I'm still excited for the ladies season, at least they haven't been doomed to oblivion already.

salaar @ 15:54 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

Heh

Yes, we don’t want to be pulling anyone’s legs off, just yet.

doomistically speaking?

tosvenson @ 15:51 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to bobby_pires_boots:

I think the addition of Zubimendi has caused chaos- but for us, not the opposition.
His fast passing is causing players to work differently but they just aren't there yet. It means we're getting narro...

I also noticed Zubi’s fast passing.. I hope our players adjust to him and not the other way round. He was always looking to move the ball forward quickly but we were so static..

I was behind the goal for that 3rd. Said it last season, our keepers play so high up, they are always backtracking for a counter and are never set when the shot comes.. see Fulham, Brentford away last season.

I noticed Gyokeres wasn’t fit..hopefully, once he’s fit, he’ll hit the ground running.

The MLS thing needs to be sorted quick. Refs won’t give him those fouls and he also needs to remember to play for the team not prove a point that the ball can’t be taken off him.

I also noticed Martinelli’s exasperation when we don’t play the ball quickly when he's in space so he has his issues but the way the team plays also affects him.

brucelee4ever @ 15:43 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

I was really looking forward with anticipation to this season. Two friendlies plus the arses that followed and I’ve had that knocked out of me.
Let’s just get the opening game out of the way before pe...

Heh

Yes, we don’t want to be pulling anyone’s legs off, just yet.

goldsoundz @ 15:32 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to goldsoundz:

There is attacking quality in this team make no mistake. Don't forget some of the attacking flair this team had starting with the season Jesus and Zinchenko came into the team in 22/23. In 22/23 and 2...

To put it another way- our perception is the Liverpool blew away the competition last year with their attacking quality but they only scored 86 goals.

goldsoundz @ 15:30 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Which players are going to play other teams off the park? Rice? Martinelli? Saka, Ødegaard? We don't have those kinds of players. We have athletes and hard runners. I think when Gabriel and Timber are...

There is attacking quality in this team make no mistake. Don't forget some of the attacking flair this team had starting with the season Jesus and Zinchenko came into the team in 22/23. In 22/23 and 23/24 we were second highest scoring team in the league only 6 goals less than City both times.

21/22- 61 goals scored 48 conceded
22/23- 88 goals scored 43 conceded
23/24- 91 goals scored 29 conceded
24/25- 69 goals scored 34 conceded

freddieathome @ 15:26 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to goldsoundz:

I'm less concerned about new players and more about changing the attacking dynamics. The reality is we can bring in Eze and he'd just be horseshoe passing on the left side as well if we don't mix thin...

Spot on with both

freddieathome @ 15:25 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to rockymtn_gooner:

Sounds like Sesko is locked in at Utd. It will be interesting to see how that works given how dysfunctional they have been.
Martinelli is or was a pretty decent dribbler, like most Brazilian attackers...

I made it clear earlier this summer Sesko would have been my preference for us, I think his ability will lend well to Utd and can see him getting 20+ this season

gooder @ 15:18 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Which players are going to play other teams off the park? Rice? Martinelli? Saka, Ødegaard? We don't have those kinds of players. We have athletes and hard runners. I think when Gabriel and Timber are...

"(then I'll stop, promise)"'
ha ha, liar 😏

northbankfc @ 15:15 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

I was really looking forward with anticipation to this season. Two friendlies plus the arses that followed and I’ve had that knocked out of me.
Let’s just get the opening game out of the way before pe...

I agree, I was so excited with the signings and with the anticipated final signing. Getting Gyökeres was torturous but ultimately satisfying. I think that's why there's that deflation after that underwhelming pre-season. But you're right, it's all about the league games and with that fixture list we will know in double-quick time whether we're set up to challenge.

thw14 @ 15:14 | Aug 7, 2025

If you are anxious about the upcoming season, how much of it is:

a) Arteta hasn't figured it out
b) we haven't won a big one in 21 years

For me personally, it's 5% (a) and 95% (b).

northbankfc @ 15:13 | Aug 7, 2025

there's some whispers that Barcola wants to leave PSG. You want to talk about a player who can beat their marker consistently? I just hope he doesn't go to Liverpool or we might as well hand the title to them now!

iclass @ 15:13 | Aug 7, 2025

I was really looking forward with anticipation to this season. Two friendlies plus the arses that followed and I’ve had that knocked out of me.
Let’s just get the opening game out of the way before people start pulling the carcass to pieces

northbankfc @ 15:06 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to goldsoundz:

I mean we all get why shape and discipline is so important to Arteta. It's the platform that built the best defensive team in the league for a few years, that enabled us such a good record against the...

Which players are going to play other teams off the park? Rice? Martinelli? Saka, Ødegaard? We don't have those kinds of players. We have athletes and hard runners. I think when Gabriel and Timber are back to full fitness and hopefully Calafiori stays fit, we still have the best defence in the league, one that can dictate a lot of play from the back. Zubimendi will also give us some intelligence and fluidity. Then it's about runners up front, not artists. Ødegaard has the vision, but I'll say one more time (then I'll stop, promise) that if we get an artist like Rodrygo or someone of that ilk, a natural ball player, we might be able to be more adventurous. But the hard realisation is that Arteta's game is about control of position and he doesn't really have the artist's eye. I really hope he doesn't ruin Max Dowman, because that boy is an artist and he needs to be nurtured by someone who appreciates that art.

goldsoundz @ 14:36 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to myleftwingfoot:

Excellent points. To play that way, though, requires players with guile, creativity and a willingness to move and be spontaneous instead of standing in their proscribed position waiting for the preset...

I mean we all get why shape and discipline is so important to Arteta. It's the platform that built the best defensive team in the league for a few years, that enabled us such a good record against the top 6, to defeat Real Madrid, etc.

But the reality is we've been bridesmaids 3 years running, we have not gotten over the line, and defensively we've regressed a bit. I'm not sure how much juice is left to squeeze out of that.

It really is time to start looking at other aspects of our game with an open mind. Particularly against lower opposition- just play them off the park. Revert to more conservative play against the top sides. Mix it up but allow some of those alternative attacking automatisms to take root as well.

rockymtn_gooner @ 14:30 | Aug 7, 2025

Sounds like Sesko is locked in at Utd. It will be interesting to see how that works given how dysfunctional they have been.
Martinelli is or was a pretty decent dribbler, like most Brazilian attackers. But it seems like he's lost some confidence and/or had it coached out of him in the last two years.

myleftwingfoot @ 14:28 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to goldsoundz:

Exactly yes. Martinelli won our hearts the same way in receiving the outlet pass when the other team was chasing a goal, streaking half the length of the pitch, and slotting it home.

Now obviously we...

Excellent points. To play that way, though, requires players with guile, creativity and a willingness to move and be spontaneous instead of standing in their proscribed position waiting for the preset pattern of play to come to fruition, or break down as it usually does for us.

gooder @ 14:24 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to ollie:

Or Leah.

she has to be in the conversation. Those two imperious trophy-winning performances alone...

gooder @ 14:13 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Here's the thing though. It's early days and I think even with the poor service on the left, Gyökeres will find a way to link up play and score goals. Later in the game he was operating on the left. I...

It would be worth the money to get Šeško even if only to point and laugh at United. It would be really goddamn funny.

goldsoundz @ 14:07 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to gooder:

Arse!
FoB
"Defensive Worries... Attacking Worries..."
oh dear (gulp)

When it comes to impacting play can we get Martin to train one-on-one with Max so Max can show him a few things? 😂

It is funny to see him mentor Max so much on the pitch and big him up when he does something good when to your point it's like nah Ode we need you to show responsibility and execution that the young jedi is showing.

gooder @ 14:07 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to pip:

I think we'll be fine.

We may have a bumpy start but I think we'll get over it.

with the schedule we have a bumpy start would kill us right out of the gate.

northbankfc @ 14:05 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

No no, I agree. The execution isn’t there with Martinelli. 90% of it is great, but the shot/cross/final ball is the last 10% you need to make it work.
However, it’s not all on him. Time after time Ma...

Again, it sounds like you're contradicting yourself. You say 90% of what Martinelli does is great. I'm not sure what 90% it is but you say that the "shot/cross/final ball is the last 10% you need to make it work." The shot/cross/final ball IS the 90% and you admit that he's not doing that. Then you go on to say the crosses are blocked because the CF is not moving. But that should affect getting the cross in. The reason Martinelli does that is that by the time he's received it all defenders are in position. He hasn't made the initial move to beat the first defender just past the halfway line and he's only receiving the ball in phases of play where everyone is back in position and it's being circulated back round to him. That position is enclosed for everyone, especially the striker who is crowded out. When we have possession in our half and Martinelli receives it, he should already be on the move and getting the defender to commit. That burst of pace, drop of a shoulder, unexpected run, THAT's what opens space. Dowman's only 15 and he's getting defenders riled because there is no pause with him, he's receiving and moving and he's forcing defenders into areas they don't like and beating them. It's what you expect wingers to do. Martinelli needs open space to run, because he's very fast and he's very committed. He's just not very skilful and he is not one step ahead in thought. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but to challenge against the likes of PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern and Liverpool, we're gonna need a whole lot more, or else I might as well save my angst and accept that we're not challenging. Arteta will organise us to be up amongst the big boys, but it will always end in not only defeat, but not very exciting football and that, for players brought up on Wenger's free-flowing game, is probably harder to take.

gooder @ 13:59 | Aug 7, 2025

Arse!
FoB
"Defensive Worries... Attacking Worries..."
oh dear (gulp)

When it comes to impacting play can we get Martin to train one-on-one with Max so Max can show him a few things? 😂

goldsoundz @ 13:55 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

Pepe came to us as a counter-attacking winger who tore up the line or broke through the middle much like TH14 could do.
He came to our team, which nullifies every opportunity to counter attack quickly...

Exactly yes. Martinelli won our hearts the same way in receiving the outlet pass when the other team was chasing a goal, streaking half the length of the pitch, and slotting it home.

Now obviously we are not a counter attacking team as we have most of the ball but there are certainly opportunities to play through midfield quickly when we win the ball.

The other focus should be around quick combination Wenger style play around the box with 1-2's and guys running in behind. I am sure Arteta is loathe to losing the ball with a misplaced pass and having the other team break on us but what is the difference. They are breaking on us with a mindless cross and clearance any way.

optimist @ 13:43 | Aug 7, 2025

Pepe came to us as a counter-attacking winger who tore up the line or broke through the middle much like TH14 could do.
He came to our team, which nullifies every opportunity to counter attack quickly. We never do it. In fact, we PROVIDE teams with opportunities to counter attack us instead!

That’s why he looked good yesterday! I fear that Madueke will have the same issues unless we change something fairly fundamental, make more direct attacks while there is space to run into.

optimist @ 13:38 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Not the passive “it just never happened”. You mean Martinelli didn’t make it happen. I say again despite being told it’s nonsense, that left forward position is key. Once (if) we get a genuine world c...

No no, I agree. The execution isn’t there with Martinelli. 90% of it is great, but the shot/cross/final ball is the last 10% you need to make it work.
However, it’s not all on him. Time after time Martinelli beat his man, got to the byline but there was no movement in the box and the pass/cross was blocked. At other times both wingers got to a narrow angle and took a shot at the front post, every time the keeper spilled it, but the striker is again in the middle between the cbs, static.
Whether Martinelli is the man or not, i don't know. I will say though that something needs to change and I don’t think it’s just the winger

goldsoundz @ 13:33 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

I have to say Pepe looked good better than he was with us, so I do see your point. However, he was up against MLS who gave him lots of time and that’s another position we have to consider as MLS could...

That is simply where Pepe's strength lies. It was the same when he played in Ligue 1. Look at his highlights- it all starts with him getting the ball early in transition and creating all sorts of chaos and forcing the defense into decisions early on. It's the same thing with Martinelli.

Our current style of play means you need a team full of Max Dowmans to dribble, a couple of pinpoint crossers of the ball, and Haaland in the middle.

ollie @ 13:31 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

I have to say Pepe looked good better than he was with us, so I do see your point. However, he was up against MLS who gave him lots of time and that’s another position we have to consider as MLS could...

I think people might also have forgotten Pépé had some good games with us, because the end of his stay was a bit long and protracted.

northbankfc @ 13:29 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to goldsoundz:

I'm less concerned about new players and more about changing the attacking dynamics. The reality is we can bring in Eze and he'd just be horseshoe passing on the left side as well if we don't mix thin...

I have to say Pepe looked good better than he was with us, so I do see your point. However, he was up against MLS who gave him lots of time and that’s another position we have to consider as MLS could be edging towards second season syndrome, been a couple of performances like that now. Arteta said Calafiori might be fit for the weekend, I think he should be starting. I agree Arteta’s tactics play some part and that argument will rage on if our results and performances are poor. I still think we need better quality on the left.

northbankfc @ 13:25 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

Martinelli yesterday in the first quarter was our most dangerous player. He was direct and took on his man, and it looked like he would provide something decent. It just never happened.
I think we st...

Not the passive “it just never happened”. You mean Martinelli didn’t make it happen. I say again despite being told it’s nonsense, that left forward position is key. Once (if) we get a genuine world class player there to cause genuine problems with their skill everything will open up. I hope it’s Eze or Rodrygo. If not, I hope it’s Madueke. I just don’t believe we can do it with Martinelli.

goldsoundz @ 13:24 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Fair enough. I’m really not losing my shit either. Just expressing concern before the window closes and it’s too late. We made hard work of Gyökeres. The Madueke deal was suspiciously easy as our Chel...

I'm less concerned about new players and more about changing the attacking dynamics. The reality is we can bring in Eze and he'd just be horseshoe passing on the left side as well if we don't mix things up.

Look at Nicolas Pepe yesterday. I said it a million fucking times when he was with us. He's a player that likes to latch onto the ball in midfield, glide past people and open up space. Which is exactly where he looked very dangerous. What did he do for us? Isolate 1v1 on the wing against a set defense. Same thing with Martinelli to a large extent.

northbankfc @ 13:19 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

I get it... Recent performances (2) haven't been good enough.

However, I'm waiting until the season starts properly and possibly when the window closes before I start losing my shit.

But everyone is...

Fair enough. I’m really not losing my shit either. Just expressing concern before the window closes and it’s too late. We made hard work of Gyökeres. The Madueke deal was suspiciously easy as our Chelsea deals always seem to be. I’m sure Arteta will fine tune what we have but I’m not alone in feeling we need that final signing to complete our attack.

goldsoundz @ 13:17 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

I get it... Recent performances (2) haven't been good enough.

However, I'm waiting until the season starts properly and possibly when the window closes before I start losing my shit.

But everyone is...

I wouldn't say that I'm personally losing my shit but based on what I've seen my expectation levels are very low for the season. I think most people have anxiety around our first six weeks or so. If those results go bad you know the media will get their knives out with glee.

We've heard the right rumblings from Arteta- the need to be more unpredictable, more direct, more vertical, play in different contexts but the reality has been all of the same that drove us nuts last season.

But I get it early days- a lot of these guys have barely shared any minutes. But time is running out before it counts.

northbankfc @ 13:16 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to lukas:

This is total nonsense

To you maybe. Makes perfect sense to me and others who have the same issues with Martinelli. It’s why so many are clamouring for a proper winger.

goldsoundz @ 13:06 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

I’ve been around long enough to know that no one is “the future king” only the king if they ever get there.
I felt the same excitement as you for Walcott, Fabregas, Wilshere and more recently Zelalem...

Cesc was definitely a king- special special player.

This guy Dowman with the ball 1v1 does something that none of those guys came close to doing though. His dribbling ability just leaps off the screen. You can tell the defender is scared to death of a 15 year old which is insane. Also he appears to use no fancy tricks or stepovers. It's just pure master level control of the ball, freakish balance, and just the shift of body weight. He seems to pass people at will like it's a video game. It's wild.

hazza @ 13:05 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Why are you assuming you know what I'm feeling or telling me what to feel? I'm as worked up as I need or want to be, which is not that much. I have other things to worry about. But in terms of discuss...

I get it... Recent performances (2) haven't been good enough.

However, I'm waiting until the season starts properly and possibly when the window closes before I start losing my shit.

But everyone is entitled to react in their own way.

hazza @ 13:03 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Why are you assuming you know what I'm feeling or telling me what to feel? I'm as worked up as I need or want to be, which is not that much. I have other things to worry about. But in terms of discuss...

Heh, touché

optimist @ 13:01 | Aug 7, 2025

100% agree with Raya and Kepa yesterday. Hard to see what happened with Villareal’s first goals without benefit of a replay but I felt at the time that Raya could have done better

optimist @ 12:58 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

- Kepa and Raya looked like they'd never played in goal before. Ever.
- Ben White is the king
- Max Dowman is the future king

☝️

I’ve been around long enough to know that no one is “the future king” only the king if they ever get there.
I felt the same excitement as you for Walcott, Fabregas, Wilshere and more recently Zelalem and Nwaneri. Young characters with raw talent and big potential.
Of those - arguably only Fabregas made ‘king’ status, and at his peak we lost him to Barca. The others were good players (don't get me wrong), but didn't make it to the levels it was thought they could. MLS is already getting towards their standards I think, which is crazy, but has a long way to go to be world class.
Fingers crossed for Nwaneri and Dowman, princes for sure.

iclass @ 12:56 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

100

Now that’s being greedy

goldsoundz @ 12:55 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to bobby_pires_boots:

I think the addition of Zubimendi has caused chaos- but for us, not the opposition.
His fast passing is causing players to work differently but they just aren't there yet. It means we're getting narro...

I agree that with Zubimendi the middle phase buildup seems narrower but another way to say that is he is pushing us to be more vertical and direct. So far he's doing job pretty well but the next pass is where we are going wrong.

goldsoundz @ 12:51 | Aug 7, 2025

We need to be attacking earlier than the final phase. We should be looking to break the lines in the middle of the pitch if the opportunity presents itself. We have the types of players who can defend and win the ball back if it goes wrong. Attacking earlier gives us the space and options we don't have when everything is compressed in the final third.

Zubimendi is class. There were probably 3-4 times vs Villareal when he received the ball from the defense, got closed on, and he masterfully slipped the ball through to the next player.

Problem is that next player did not look to have the same incisiveness with the next pass. It was more like "ok we broke their press and now let's wait to get everybody up the pitch into our attacking shape". I don't get it.

brucelee4ever @ 12:50 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to bobby_pires_boots:

I think the addition of Zubimendi has caused chaos- but for us, not the opposition.
His fast passing is causing players to work differently but they just aren't there yet. It means we're getting narro...

- Kepa and Raya looked like they'd never played in goal before. Ever.
- Ben White is the king
- Max Dowman is the future king

☝️

brucelee4ever @ 12:47 | Aug 7, 2025

100

optimist @ 12:47 | Aug 7, 2025

Martinelli yesterday in the first quarter was our most dangerous player. He was direct and took on his man, and it looked like he would provide something decent. It just never happened.
I think we struggled to get the ball into Vik but I think a lot of that was down to him, when the ball was wide he always seemed hidden behind a defender. A lot of our wide attacks therefore ended with a shot at the keeper, and considering how often their keeper spilled the ball i was surprised neither striker gambled on a near post move or a follow up. Both looked static.

lukas @ 12:37 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

If we get a quality winger, I mean a real quality one, it will open up so many options for Rice, Gyökeres and even Saka. Everything breaks down because Martinelli doesn't make intelligent runs, doesn'...

This is total nonsense

brucelee4ever @ 12:35 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to optimist:

Hi everyone. MLS - Too often he tries to hold up the ball and back into the attacker, trying to win a foul. It looks bad, and it doesn’t work every time.
I saw him do it yesterday again in a dangerou...

See my daughter’s comment.

optimist @ 12:33 | Aug 7, 2025

Hi everyone. MLS - Too often he tries to hold up the ball and back into the attacker, trying to win a foul. It looks bad, and it doesn’t work every time.
I saw him do it yesterday again in a dangerous position when he had options to clear the ball, it will cost us dear this season if he keeps it up.

Also - Anyone else think that Merino is fed up with playing up front? He looked like he'd rather be anywhere else yesterday and also well off the pace needed

ollie @ 12:32 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

Just had a kick about, in the park, with Bruce & Brucette. Brucette says: why did our left back always stop and hold the ball, rather than play it forward?

She, definitely doesn’t read the write ups...

heh

brucelee4ever @ 12:29 | Aug 7, 2025

Just had a kick about, in the park, with Bruce & Brucette. Brucette says: why did our left back always stop and hold the ball, rather than play it forward?

She, definitely doesn’t read the write ups.

ollie @ 12:08 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to pip:

Our best left 8 is probably Saka.

Although he is also our best left back and right sided attacker

yeah

ollie @ 12:08 | Aug 7, 2025

Forgot there were managers categories, so, er, Arteta is missing out (Renée is naturally in).

bobby_pires_boots @ 12:07 | Aug 7, 2025

I think the addition of Zubimendi has caused chaos- but for us, not the opposition.
His fast passing is causing players to work differently but they just aren't there yet. It means we're getting narrower and that means we're easier to deal with defensively.
It also means everyone ends up further forward and defending then becomes an issue when teams 'do a Wimbledon' like Villa Real did for the 3rd last night.

Agree with Blogs- the fact that the'first team' haven't played together yet is bonkers.

My own observations of last night
- No change to last season so far, lots of toppy tapping but no decent efforts on goal
- Mosquera looks ok
- Norguard looks ok
- Gyokeres looks a bit lost currently
- Madueke looks like he's had two weeks off and has never really played on the left
- Kepa and Raya looked like they'd never played in goal before. Ever.
- Ben White is the king
- Max Dowman is the future king

It's only pre season, but I've seen nothing that makes me think we've improved on last year, and i'm concerned, especially considering the first 8 weeks.

COYG

pip @ 11:55 | Aug 7, 2025

Our best left 8 is probably Saka.

Although he is also our best left back and right sided attacker

myleftwingfoot @ 11:53 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

The profiling of players we were signing and then actual use of them has been quite something. And I mean big big money players.

Rice bought as a 6 ends up playing high up the pitch as an 8 cause the...

Left 8 since Xhaka left:

Kai
Merino
Rice

That's a lot of money for a position that still doesn't function very well.

ollie @ 11:47 | Aug 7, 2025

Or Leah.

ollie @ 11:47 | Aug 7, 2025

(probably win none, mind :-), actually maybe Chloe Kelly can win the main women's ones - nominations not yet announced but no doubt).

ollie @ 11:45 | Aug 7, 2025

Raya is in the nominations, so it looks like we'll have nominess in all the Ballon d'Or categories this year, that's women and men.

citizenerased1 @ 11:45 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

But the way we play the horse shoe sideways pattern, he ends up in those positions and u unfortunately is unable to unlock the opposition defencd

The profiling of players we were signing and then actual use of them has been quite something. And I mean big big money players.

Rice bought as a 6 ends up playing high up the pitch as an 8 cause the guy you bought to play there is actually useless and much better as a forward. Then as good as they are you can't help think when watching them that it's not quite meant to be this way.

myleftwingfoot @ 11:42 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

But the way we play the horse shoe sideways pattern, he ends up in those positions and u unfortunately is unable to unlock the opposition defencd

Indeed, it's why many of us have been pleading for a creative left 8, not a defensive win.

At this point, I don't think Arteta can change; he's been fairly wedded to this idea/pattern.

northbankfc @ 11:41 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

Even if we get a quality left winger, will we play in the same way and not provide any support to him the same way we haven't done for Martinelli?

If we get a quality winger, I mean a real quality one, it will open up so many options for Rice, Gyökeres and even Saka. Everything breaks down because Martinelli doesn't make intelligent runs, doesn't distribute in an intelligent way and can't beat his marker. This isn't news. It's been true for a while. Some blame the manager, but we'll only really know if we get a new player in. I'm holding out hope for Madueke, but I've long given up on Martinelli.

shrek2be @ 11:38 | Aug 7, 2025

Even if we get a quality left winger, will we play in the same way and not provide any support to him the same way we haven't done for Martinelli?

northbankfc @ 11:34 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

You're getting worked up for no reason over a pre-season friendly.

Why is it affecting you?

Why are you assuming you know what I'm feeling or telling me what to feel? I'm as worked up as I need or want to be, which is not that much. I have other things to worry about. But in terms of discussing football and discussing our prospects of winning the league title after spending so much money, it is entirely reasonable to look at our pre-season and not only be underwhelmed but be concerned that we may encounter the same problems as last season and that the reason may well be the manager and his rigid attachment to a style of play which considers possession the same as domination. Why are you so worried about me being worked up though? Why are my comments affecting you? ;)

shrek2be @ 11:33 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to myleftwingfoot:

Rice is not an attacking creative midfielder. He's on the left 8 to break up play, win the ball back, and give it to one of the creative players.

But the way we play the horse shoe sideways pattern, he ends up in those positions and u unfortunately is unable to unlock the opposition defencd

kleinfeld @ 11:29 | Aug 7, 2025

I mean doing your ACL while playing darts, that's pretty bad luck

myleftwingfoot @ 11:08 | Aug 7, 2025

I wonder how much weight the cunt will put on now he can spend so much time at the carvery.

ollie @ 11:05 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

Darts cunt has done his ACL.

Oh dear, nevermind.

Poor Phil Taylor.
Oh. haha, well he can spend his time watching darts then.
Wonder who they'll try to buy know.

myleftwingfoot @ 11:04 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

I wonder what would happen if we switched Odegaard to the left and Zubimendi to the right while playing Rice as box to box through the centre. Rice, brilliant player that he is, doesn't seem to be the...

Rice is not an attacking creative midfielder. He's on the left 8 to break up play, win the ball back, and give it to one of the creative players.

hazza @ 11:04 | Aug 7, 2025

Darts cunt has done his ACL.

Oh dear, nevermind.

chrism @ 11:00 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

I wonder what would happen if we switched Odegaard to the left and Zubimendi to the right while playing Rice as box to box through the centre. Rice, brilliant player that he is, doesn't seem to be the...

None of that is going to happen. He needs to get Big Weng in for a training session or two. I would imagine the first words out of his mouth would be, "Why are they all standing still?"

shrek2be @ 10:56 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to chrism:

You mean pass and move? Now where have I heard that before...?

I wonder what would happen if we switched Odegaard to the left and Zubimendi to the right while playing Rice as box to box through the centre. Rice, brilliant player that he is, doesn't seem to be the kind of passer that is required to be close to the box.

ollie @ 10:54 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to ollie:

Not checked if lower or upper tier yet.

more 'can't ckeck' yet anyway

ollie @ 10:52 | Aug 7, 2025

Also forgot the price were going up this season. So we'll see.

chrism @ 10:50 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

We need to start playing more one twos around the opposition box to move them all over the place and quicken our tempo. Need Odegaard to be closer to goal rather than constantly drop deep. Need our le...

You mean pass and move? Now where have I heard that before...?

ollie @ 10:50 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

£125!

Not checked if lower or upper tier yet.

shrek2be @ 10:50 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

You're getting worked up for no reason over a pre-season friendly.

Why is it affecting you?

It is not the result that is annoying but the fact that we are still sticking to the same old patterns of attacking and expecting better results.... We were really not good attacking wise from open play for the last season. We had to rely a LOT on set pieces. Compare that to Liverpool who were superb in open play. Arteta has to platform his attackers better to get the best out of them and get the entire team to attack better.

hazza @ 10:47 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to ollie:

Success on the Man City ballot.

£125!

hazza @ 10:46 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

I watched 15 minutes of Zubimendi and that was enough to convince me he's class and better than I had expected. I watched reels of Gyökeres and even in yesterday's game his first direct run into the s...

You're getting worked up for no reason over a pre-season friendly.

Why is it affecting you?

shrek2be @ 10:44 | Aug 7, 2025

Need to let go of the desire to always control possession and we need to be come a threat at counters. This is the Premier League, pace has to be a part of our attacks. Our fastest player is the one who has regressed significantly , not sure if Gyokeres and Madueke are quick.

s.p2 @ 10:37 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

Has Martinelli's willingness to run at players been coached out of him? Or has he regressed?

Feel like he hit a plateau in his progression as early as 2022. Had more help then - and was a confident, happier player - but the limitations were always clear imo.

Too often does he disappoint when he’s played in or in advantageous position atm.

shrek2be @ 10:34 | Aug 7, 2025

We need to start playing more one twos around the opposition box to move them all over the place and quicken our tempo. Need Odegaard to be closer to goal rather than constantly drop deep. Need our left back to overlap instead of constantly inverting.

shrek2be @ 10:30 | Aug 7, 2025

Merino doesn't look great at midfield but good at CF. Not sure what quality he offers in midfield if he continues to be slow.

ollie @ 10:13 | Aug 7, 2025

Success on the Man City ballot.

shrek2be @ 10:08 | Aug 7, 2025

Has Martinelli's willingness to run at players been coached out of him? Or has he regressed?

northbankfc @ 09:43 | Aug 7, 2025

And to re-iterate. I WANT Martinelli to succeed, I WANT Madueke to succeed, because if they succeed, Arsenal succeed. I'm just doubtful and I'm not the only one by any means.

northbankfc @ 09:41 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to hazza:

All of this based on 15 mins game time in a pre-season friendly?

OK.

I watched 15 minutes of Zubimendi and that was enough to convince me he's class and better than I had expected. I watched reels of Gyökeres and even in yesterday's game his first direct run into the six-yard box and I felt a release of tension at last a proper striker. No one said I'm judging to early then. But I criticise a player after a cameo and show concern and suddenly the old chestnut that "how can I judge a player after 10 minutes?" is brought out. I just did. I didn't say I was right. I've watched reels of him too. He scrambles the ball, it's not classy to watch. But he comes up well on all those data sets about "ball progression" and that's what "Moneyball" Arteta focuses on, so that's why we spunked £55m on him. All I'm saying is he had better be very, very good especially if we don't get another attacker in.

hazza @ 09:26 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

We were told that spending £55m on Madueke wouldn't affect the intention to get a winger and No 10. Romano and Ornstein both implied that we were still in for a couple more players. We've gone very qu...

All of this based on 15 mins game time in a pre-season friendly?

OK.

northbankfc @ 09:25 | Aug 7, 2025

Here's the thing though. It's early days and I think even with the poor service on the left, Gyökeres will find a way to link up play and score goals. Later in the game he was operating on the left. I'd still go in for a cheeky swoop for Sesko :) but we do need someone outstanding to complete our attack or we will get shut out and Gyok will get isolated.

northbankfc @ 09:22 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

It can be a bit of both.

His development does appear to have stalled but equally he is a player who thrives in transition. Arsenal almost never move the ball quickly through the lines in transition.

You mean he needs acres of space to run into? He can't beat a man, that's the most basic thing a winger needs. If he can't do that we're wasted as an attack. That's why the team doesn't use the left, because invariably Martinelli gets caught stationary doing that tip-tip-tip thing where he can't decide which way to take the ball. It's excruciating to watch and tbh I'm just sick of the sight of him. I don't want to feel tat way about an Arsenal player. We need a better player there, one who doesn't crumble iff used in a different way.

northbankfc @ 09:19 | Aug 7, 2025

We were told that spending £55m on Madueke wouldn't affect the intention to get a winger and No 10. Romano and Ornstein both implied that we were still in for a couple more players. We've gone very quiet in that. For Gyökeres to work he has to be getting the service. He got ziltch from Martinelli yesterday and I don't think he's gonna get much from Madueke who looks a very untidy player who just scrambles the ball along with him while he relies on his size and speed. We need some class on the wing and we at present don't have that. With all the money spent, if we go into the season without a class player on the left, then we are wasting our new centre-forward.

citizenerased1 @ 09:18 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to northbankfc:

Martinelli is incapable of beating his man, that has nothing to do with whether he's on the touchline or playing inside. Fans have got to stop making excuses for him. He's just not that good. We need ...

It can be a bit of both.

His development does appear to have stalled but equally he is a player who thrives in transition. Arsenal almost never move the ball quickly through the lines in transition.

brucelee4ever @ 09:16 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to salaar:

Overall yes

Positive doom 🤔

northbankfc @ 09:14 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

He's been asking Martinelli to get chalk on his boots for going on three years when it's clearly not his game so I wouldn't hold out too much hope on Gyoks strengths being played to

Martinelli is incapable of beating his man, that has nothing to do with whether he's on the touchline or playing inside. Fans have got to stop making excuses for him. He's just not that good. We need a football player who knows how to dribble, pass, cross and shoot and who has an understanding of the game going on around him. Martinelli has none of that. Sorry, I know he's popular, I know he gives everything for the team, but his quality is not that needed for a title-wining team.

salaar @ 09:10 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to pip:

A little bit the doom

Overall yes

ollie @ 09:02 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to pppontus:

Doom?

Uberdoom.
Bet we'll be fine when it all properly starts though (and then we'll be shit again).

pppontus @ 09:01 | Aug 7, 2025

Didn’t watch the game but sounds like it was more of the same. Wish we would try to be a wee bit more direct and adventurous.

pip @ 08:57 | Aug 7, 2025

A little bit the doom

brucelee4ever @ 08:55 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to lukas:

I don't think the knives are out for Big Vik at all.

Fans will give him time, but Martinelli is definitely in the dog house,

pppontus @ 08:52 | Aug 7, 2025

Doom?

lukas @ 08:49 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to the_mickster:

i see the knives are out already for Big Vik.....
expect it to only intensify, especially amongst the experts who declared we 'only had to sign a striker' to win the League, CL, and score 200 goals th...

I don't think the knives are out for Big Vik at all.

salaar @ 08:46 | Aug 7, 2025

WiB
Well confundido Blogs
"They can't wear shirts with gambling sponsors, need parental permission, and may have to adhere to schoolwork obligations"

ollie @ 08:41 | Aug 7, 2025

Beat Man U, Beat Leeds=>we'll be Champions.
Then
Lose to Liverpool=>we'll get relegated.

That's how it works. :-)

the_mickster @ 08:40 | Aug 7, 2025

i see the knives are out already for Big Vik.....
expect it to only intensify, especially amongst the experts who declared we 'only had to sign a striker' to win the League, CL, and score 200 goals this year....

iclass @ 08:33 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to citizenerased1:

He's been asking Martinelli to get chalk on his boots for going on three years when it's clearly not his game so I wouldn't hold out too much hope on Gyoks strengths being played to

I’m think he will. It’s going to need a change in thinking for the other players but there were noticeable signs in the previous games of looking to get the ball forward faster and there really isn’t any point in buying him if we don’t play to his strengths

pip @ 08:27 | Aug 7, 2025

I think we'll be fine.

We may have a bumpy start but I think we'll get over it.

citizenerased1 @ 08:21 | Aug 7, 2025

He's been asking Martinelli to get chalk on his boots for going on three years when it's clearly not his game so I wouldn't hold out too much hope on Gyoks strengths being played to

iclass @ 08:19 | Aug 7, 2025

Well we got the player we wanted, now it’s down to Arteta to set the team up to play to his strengths rather than the player having to adapt to Arteta

northbankfc @ 07:47 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to jo333:

When we still have players like Zinchenko (who is well past his best) playing for us, I think some questions need to be asked. It doesn’t reflect well on Arteta.

Is it because we want to put him in t...

He's on high wages and not in demand. Difficult to offload. Ditto, for different reasons, Lokonga and Reiss-Nelson. It would be good to cut our losses with those ones. Zinchenko was terrible when he came on. Well past his best and he wasn't a good defender to begin with.

jo333 @ 07:32 | Aug 7, 2025

When we still have players like Zinchenko (who is well past his best) playing for us, I think some questions need to be asked. It doesn’t reflect well on Arteta.

Is it because we want to put him in the shop window? If so, I’d say maybe not playing him might be a better strategy… or is there some kind of underlying loyalty from Arteta, because he agreed to leave Man $ity for us?

It’s baffling.

jo333 @ 07:27 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to shrek2be:

Make or break season for Arteta surely

I would say so.
Needs to show that he can adjust.
The first thing I want to see on Saturday is us using Gyokeres. That doesn’t just mean playing the ball in, it’s everything from making the decoy runs, the movements to drag defenders away from him to give him the space to work in. Let’s get him in the game.
In moments yesterday, it felt like players were on top of eachother and way too predictable.

Commentator during our corner kick said, Martinelli now needs to beat the first man with this one…
Sure enough he swung it to the back post for Norgaard. Those deliveries should be pinpoint every time. We can’t afford to waste them.

shrek2be @ 07:15 | Aug 7, 2025

Make or break season for Arteta surely

northbankfc @ 07:14 | Aug 7, 2025

Can I just say that fans have been screaming for Nwaneri to start in that No 10 role and Arteta gave them his wish and let's be honest, he was underwhelming. kept trying to take players on but didn't have the burst of speed and wasn't really finding others the way Ødegaard was. Nwaneri's levelling off after an explosive start is instructive for the hype around Dowman. Yes, he glides and looks our most exciting attacker right now. But he is 15, and we should not be putting all our frustrations at the mundanity of the rest of our attack on him. Has to be said Saka was also disappointing yesterday, he may be carrying an injury, but he wasn't getting away from his marker.

ollie @ 07:14 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to titex:

the good news is Bruce can go back to 1st arsing on matchday again

ah, I see titex got there already.

iclass @ 07:14 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to ollie:

On the other hand, he's allowed to have first arse on matchdays. :-p

A small sacrifice for the greater good

ollie @ 07:12 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to iclass:

You’re banned from going to matches

Well in, by the way

On the other hand, he's allowed to have first arse on matchdays. :-p

iclass @ 07:11 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

It was great, but the footy put a dampner on it.

You’re banned from going to matches

Well in, by the way

northbankfc @ 07:10 | Aug 7, 2025

Arteta-ball is a well-oiled, high-performance machine. It's almost designed not to be demonstrable in a pre-season friendly. Too many of the second-string and too many changes all at once in the second half.

Having said that, we do need an upgrade on Martinelli and I don't think Madueke is going to be that player. I can't say I'm confident going into the Man Utd game with what we've seen, but we have Gyökeres and Zubimendi, so all else being what it was, we'll just have to hope Utd are still without their imminent new striker.

northbankfc @ 07:06 | Aug 7, 2025

"We saw Noni Madueke for the first time yesterday, a player Arteta says will play on both sides, and whose miss in the penalty shoot-out was about as obvious as it comes!"

Wait, what? Was there a penalty shoot-out at the end? I switched off at the final whistle, disappointed to say the least.

malaisegooner @ 06:58 | Aug 7, 2025

Pretty much everyone has got ArtetaBall figured out by now. Pre-season or not, even the likes of fucking Villarreal (no disrespect) are able to nullify us.

Something's gotta give but will Arteta switch his style after 5 seasons? I wouldn't hold me breath.

malaisegooner @ 06:52 | Aug 7, 2025

At least we can't blame the heat and humidity this time.

What's the use of a shiny new striker if we're not going to provide him any service?

malaisegooner @ 06:41 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to titex:

the good news is Bruce can go back to 1st arsing on matchday again

NOPE!

brucelee4ever @ 06:40 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to malaisegooner:

More importantly.. Did you all dance in the pub after the match?

Heh

malaisegooner @ 06:39 | Aug 7, 2025

Arse.

WiB

malaisegooner @ 06:39 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

It was great, but the footy put a dampner on it.

More importantly.. Did you all dance in the pub after the match?

jo333 @ 06:37 | Aug 7, 2025

Norgaard and Mosquera looked solid additions to the squad. Zubi looked calm and just what we need.
Would like to see more of Madueke on Saturday. I’d like to see Odegaard and Gyokeres on pitch at same time. We need to play the ball in to Gyokeres and really start looking for him.

ollie @ 06:34 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to chrism:

Arse. WiB.

Morning all.

Didn't see any of the game. Pre-season, meh.

Exceptionally as the timing was fine, I caught the first 35 min or so, on an excpetionally good stream (in Spanish). I switched off even just after our first goal, as I was very much not enjoying it and not wanting to waste more time (though I regretted potentially (and practically as it turned out) missing Max).

ollie @ 06:32 | Aug 7, 2025

Morning losers.
WiB.

chrism @ 06:23 | Aug 7, 2025

Arse. WiB.

Morning all.

Didn't see any of the game. Pre-season, meh.

titex @ 06:23 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to brucelee4ever:

WazzArse

the good news is Bruce can go back to 1st arsing on matchday again

nik @ 06:19 | Aug 7, 2025

Oh, and also, dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom

freddieathome @ 06:17 | Aug 7, 2025

WiB

brucelee4ever @ 06:17 | Aug 7, 2025

Reply to nik:

kids have a good day out, brucey?

It was great, but the footy put a dampner on it.

nik @ 06:17 | Aug 7, 2025

kids have a good day out, brucey?

nik @ 06:16 | Aug 7, 2025

Arse!
Bruce!
Non-robot humans!

citizenerased1 @ 06:15 | Aug 7, 2025

Think it's fair to say at this point that we need to more than adjust just a bit.

This style of play is taking us nowhere but the manager is wedded to it.

jo333 @ 06:08 | Aug 7, 2025

Watched the game.
Thought pretty much the same things and exactly…why not Odegaard and Gyokeres at same time?
MLS found it a bit tough going v Pepe at times, but he will only benefit from Gabriel’s return. Let’s hope Gabriel’s hamstring surgery doesn’t hamper him psychologically too. He looked tentative trying run back to stop Villareal’s goal (which is understandarble first game back).
Dowman is showing no fear on the wing. He’s taking his chances and making a difference each time. Has to be in squad for Old Trafford if it’s based on form.

arseblog1 @ 06:00 | Aug 7, 2025

Fixed

brucelee4ever @ 06:00 | Aug 7, 2025

@blogs something here: is a trio probably won’t.

hazza @ 05:59 | Aug 7, 2025

Arse!

Fuck off Bruce.

jo333 @ 05:58 | Aug 7, 2025

Morning.
WiB 🙃

arseblog1 @ 05:58 | Aug 7, 2025

WiB

brucelee4ever @ 05:57 | Aug 7, 2025

Cheers blogs

Hello Team

brucelee4ever @ 05:57 | Aug 7, 2025

WazzArse

click to leave fresh arse

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