Arsenal(FA Cup Semi Final) Post Match Thread

[Franny 1234]

If only we'd been given the pen and our disallowed goal it wouldn't matter. Officials have cost us again, along with our slow build up and no cutting edge. Story of this whole shit season.

Well said riot club.
I couldn't of put it any better.
Totally agree with you.
C.T.I.D.

 

[Churchlawtonblue]

Is anybody really surprised that a team which continually let's you down does just that? That game was another shambolic performance from us. We don't play like a big team, we don't act like a big team and we certainly dont perform like one.

Have to agree. Another lack lustre performance by our team and the suposed best manager in the world. But you are not allowed to criticise in case you seem ungreatful and have forgotten where we have come from.

 

[Tom_mcfc]

Ah, he never does fail to disappoint you, eh Tom?



Didn't do an awful lot wrong yesterday at all. Won more aerials than any other defender on the park, had a higher pass accuracy than anyone on the park but Leroy Sane, made two key passes leading to goal scoring opportunities. Had a great game.

Sorry it doesn't fit your agenda.



Bravo didn't do an awful lot wrong either, was not at fault for either goal. But sure, Pep sabotaged the team's performance by playing Bravo.



Except it didn't. We attempted 7 shots, three of which were tap-ins that should have been goals (Delph's, for example) had three corners and two free kicks within 40 yards of goal in just 18 minutes post substitutions.



Except that never actually happens.



Imagine if our wrongly disallowed goal was given. Despite the so called "clueless" decisions by Pep, you actually wouldn't be here. You would be waiting for the next slip-up, perhaps against the rags, to get stuck in again. But still, you wouldn't be here now. That would have been nice.



Of all the bullshit statements I've seen in here, this one takes the biscuit.

You don't decide whether Pep needs a huge season to "make up". You aren't actually owed anything. The only people who are are our wonderful owners, without whom we'd be looking down at Fat Sam in the dugout, and if they are happy with Pep (and with a pending extension, it seems they are) then what you have to say is irrelevant.

He wouldn't disappoint me if one of the so called best managers actually got something right for us. I'd be very happy. He tries to reinvent the wheel every week to look like a genius. Navas isn't a right back, playing a winger as full back would only be useful if that winger was a threat going forward. Couldn't cross a road Navas.

Agenda? Get a grip you tool I don't have one Sane was shite yesterday who said he wasn't? Pep offered us fuck all and the cheeky fucker has the nerve to throw his arms up at us? Laughable.

I also didn't say Bravo was at fault but you simply don't play your far ineferior keeper in games you want to win.

Despite shit loads of more money last summer and a massive upgrade in manager apparently it's quite worrying we are ending up having the worst season since breaking into the top 4. Let's all accept that though

My opinion is irrelevant a lot like your reply then but it's a shame when football can't be discussed on a football forum. Yes the only people who need to be pleased are our owners and I bet my right bollock they will be far from happy with our performance this season. We have literally gone backwards and they have sacked managers who have performed better. Not saying he faces the sack but you're wrong he does face a decisive season next year because if he performs as badly as he has this season he will be gone.

 

[SilverFox2]

He wouldn't disappoint me if one of the so called best managers actually got something right for us. I'd be very happy. He tries to reinvent the wheel every week to look like a genius. Navas isn't a right back, playing a winger as full back would only be useful if that winger was a threat going forward. Couldn't cross a road Navas.

Agenda? Get a grip you tool I don't have one Sane was shite yesterday who said he wasn't? Pep offered us fuck all and the cheeky fucker has the nerve to throw his arms up at us? Laughable.

I also didn't say Bravo was at fault but you simply don't play your far ineferior keeper in games you want to win.

Despite shit loads of more money last summer and a massive upgrade in manager apparently it's quite worrying we are ending up having the worst season since breaking into the top 4. Let's all accept that though[/QUOTE]

2 ways to look at that I suppose.

Firstly it is as you say and our manager has up to now not improved our results and his appointment is worrying.
However, maybe he has disrupted the team deliberately in many ways yet still managed our current position in preparation for real success later.

Take your pick.

 

[Franny 1234]

Ah, he never does fail to disappoint you, eh Tom?



Didn't do an awful lot wrong yesterday at all. Won more aerials than any other defender on the park, had a higher pass accuracy than anyone on the park but Leroy Sane, made two key passes leading to goal scoring opportunities. Had a great game.

Sorry it doesn't fit your agenda.



Bravo didn't do an awful lot wrong either, was not at fault for either goal. But sure, Pep sabotaged the team's performance by playing Bravo.



Except it didn't. We attempted 7 shots, three of which were tap-ins that should have been goals (Delph's, for example) had three corners and two free kicks within 40 yards of goal in just 18 minutes post substitutions.



Except that never actually happens.



Imagine if our wrongly disallowed goal was given. Despite the so called "clueless" decisions by Pep, you actually wouldn't be here. You would be waiting for the next slip-up, perhaps against the rags, to get stuck in again. But still, you wouldn't be here now. That would have been nice.



Of all the bullshit statements I've seen in here, this one takes the biscuit.

You don't decide whether Pep needs a huge season to "make up". You aren't actually owed anything. The only people who are are our wonderful owners, without whom we'd be looking down at Fat Sam in the dugout, and if they are happy with Pep (and with a pending extension, it seems they are) then what you have to say is irrelevant.

Well done blue
Your comments have just made me give my head a wobble.
Onwards and upwards C.T.I.D.

 

[shemnel]

Pep got a lot wrong yesterday for me, Navas at right back is shite and you never start Bravo in any game you want to win. Fernando and delph coming on together was soul destroying and killed our chances then. Don't be tactically inept then try gee the crowd up as if they're the problem. Clueless yesterday. Last 5 minutes we are in the accendency in normal time and we are strolling about happy to go to extra time. We play like wankers as if we are 4-0 up no matter what score it is and we lack urgency. We have zero idea when we get to the final third and with our manager and striking options that's very scary.

Pep needs a huge season next year if he is to make up for this one.

"zero ideas" up front got us 6 very good chances on goal (2 goals, 2 woodwork, 2 easy chances missed).

also, that's incredibly harsh to lay blame at Bravo or at Pep for picking Bravo when Bravo turned out to do nothing wrong at all

 

[Tom_mcfc]

My pick is he has failed this year and why he needs to deliver next year. He has last years squad that won a cup and came 4th but with the additions of Sane, Stones and others. Oh and a keeper he brought in and improved that position apparently. Someone then tell me why on earth our season is hanging by a thread and the best it will end is fucking 4th. From top to bottom we have under performed

 

[Tom_mcfc]

"zero ideas" up front got us 6 very good chances on goal (2 goals, 2 woodwork, 2 easy chances missed).

also, that's incredibly harsh to lay blame at Bravo or at Pep for picking Bravo when Bravo turned out to do nothing wrong at all

Not blaming Bravo it's just stupid playing him as he is our second best keeper. Apparently we had a cup and a league keeper so if Bravo is back in net for league games why not play willy? Because he's stubborn and loyal to shit players. As I say we didn't lose because of bravo it's just an example of poor selection once more

 

[hammocity]

Tough day yesterday and defeat has also come at an extra cost, Sergio and Ferny both have muscle injuries and Spanish Dave a hammy, can't see any of those playing Thursday. Let's hope Jesus can step up, we need him.

I'm disappointed about yesterday but we could have won with a bit of luck and but for the dodgy linesman and two rattlers against the woodwork it's a different story on here and we are all looking forward to a Cup Final. Small margins make a big difference.

Hate the negatively but I suppose it comes with territory. after a long day yesterday I woke up this morning dejected but 3 points Thursday is now the only priority left.

 

[inchy14]

My pick is he has failed this year and why he needs to deliver next year. He has last years squad that won a cup and came 4th but with the additions of Sane, Stones and others. Oh and a keeper he brought in and improved that position apparently. Someone then tell me why on earth our season is hanging by a thread and the best it will end is fucking 4th. From top to bottom we have under performed

Because we've been systematically shafted in EVERY single big game this season, it's a fucking simple as that.

 

[sir baconface]

I admire your optimism! Unfortunately for us the rags are on a roll at the moment and big nose's injury has improved them not hindered them.We have laughed at them all season but they are unbeaten in the league for 24/25 games and only one point behind us. We have an in form Palace to play, the rags and West Brom, all capable of causing us problems and all are more difficult to break down than we are. Boro away fighting for their lives. Leicester and Watford not easy either. This is going to be a real dog fight make no mistake.

Interesting to note how Allardyce and Pulis are doing after just a few months, despite inheriting their squads and not having blank cheque books.

 

[Churchlawtonblue]

Tough day yesterday and defeat has also come at an extra cost, Sergio and Ferny both have muscle injuries and Spanish Dave a hammy, can't see any of those playing Thursday. Let's hope Jesus can step up, we need him.

I'm disappointed about yesterday but we could have won with a bit of luck and but for the dodgy linesman and two rattlers against the woodwork it's a different story on here and we are all looking forward to a Cup Final. Small margins make a big difference.

Hate the negatively but I suppose it comes with territory. after a long day yesterday I woke up this morning dejected but 3 points Thursday is now the only priority left.

Hammo I agree to a large extent but the problem is you could use those excuses in nearly every game we have played and lost this season. Its all Ifs buts maybes. Fine margins indeed but Spurs and Chelsea and to a degree united are getting them right more often than we are. The teams confidence must be low. Pep needs to motivate and get the team set up for three points on thursday. That is a must win game as always.

 

[Tom_mcfc]

Because we've been systematically shafted in EVERY single big game this season, it's a fucking simple as that.

Listen I get that and agree largely and we have been harshly treated. What you do though is power through it, we had a goal wrongly ruled out then managed to take the lead. We then threw that lead away. Whilst getting the decision makes life a lot easier you still then need to perform on the pitch. It wasn't the refs fault like every game we will get to the edge of the area, fuck about with it for 5 minutes then play it wide to clichy or Navas for them to twat the ball off the first man. Not good enough.

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

M.E.N reported that Aguero picked up an injury yesterday.....explains why he went off! Might be without Aguero and Silva for Thurs!

 

[paulchapo]

Interesting to note how Allardyce and Pulis are doing after just a few months, despite inheriting their squads and not having blank cheque books.

Lots slate Allardyce but before he went there Palace were shipping loads of goals. It took a while but he now has them tight at the back and hard working. The plus for him is he has some genuine pace and quality up front with Zaha, Benteke and Townsend. To me defence is the key in football no side wins trophies with a shit defence. If you get that right and posses some what I call 'Magic' players, then you will win a lot more than you lose. We have such players who are game winners but it is all being undone by our terrible defending. It would fascinate me to see what Allardyce could do with a squad like ours.

 

[Gordyola]

We dominate games against the top teams yet fail to win most. I've been scratching my head all season as to why.
Yesterday, confirmed my opinion that, more often we prefer to keep possession rather than quickly counter attack. When we do counter attack we score much more frequently than from slow build up play - for example Aguero's goal yesterday (ball delivered early and our player gets a chance without having to beat two or more players).
Chances when we slowly build up generally have a much higher difficulty level with one if not two defenders trying to close down our player. We have on occasion also knocked the ball over the top of the opposition defence for a "Traditional English" foot race - especially in Europe.
At the start of the season we had a better balance and as a result won 10 on the spin. Pep clearly wants the possession route - yet with the players we have the counter attack works far better and does not allow clearly corrupt match officials to put us down. (Which is clear FA/PGMOL policy not bad luck.)
A failure to mix it up is what is costing us and Pep is seemingly too pig headed to be pragmatic on this.
Pep will only work if we have the best players in every position. If we don't get them Pep will continue to fail - and he is failing.

Difficult to counter attack when teams are happy to sit back, the much mooted 3 at the back for the Arse was most of the time 5 Even with them sitting back we scored two legit goals hit the woodwork twice and should have done better with two other attempts, then there was numerous balls across the box which we failed to get on the end of.

If you think Pep is failing then where do you think we would be with any other manager, with this squad?

 

[Gordyola]

Lots slate Allardyce but before he went there Palace were shipping loads of goals. It took a while but he now has them tight at the back and hard working. The plus for him is he has some genuine pace and quality up front with Zaha, Benteke and Townsend. To me defence is the key in football no side wins trophies with a shit defence. If you get that right and posses some what I call 'Magic' players, then you will win a lot more than you lose. We have such players who are game winners but it is all being undone by our terrible defending. It would fascinate me to see what Allardyce could do with a squad like ours.

Barca do

Allardyce! are you serious?

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

When we say we are unlucky hit the post/bar ref/linesman has robbed us , it sounds like sour grapes , but we have had some attrocious decisions this season , i read the bullshit about these things even out over a course of a season , well it f8cking does'nt , we have been royally shafted by the F.A. and officials and i cannot see this changing . As someone previously said we are the upstarts , and the people who run football and have invested heavily in the game want Goons , Chavs, Dippers and Rags back in the top four , and AC/Inter Milan and others back amongst the european elite , and when Scudamore himself says an unsuccessful Rag team is not good for the Premier league , then the alarm bells must sound. We will never get a fair crack of the whip and any trophies we win will be very hard earned , Guardiola is'nt just fighting the other 18 premier league teams and he will come to realise that , he has previously managed elite clubs that are accepted in their countries , but we are despised throughout european football because we are "new money" get used to it.

 

[willipp]

Barca do

Allardyce! are you serious?

I wouldnt call Barcas defence shit. Danni Alves for most of their success, Jordi Alba, Puyol, Mascherano, Pique are all class players and would walk into our current defence.

 

[lancs blue]

Interesting to note how Allardyce and Pulis are doing after just a few months, despite inheriting their squads and not having blank cheque books.

Pulis has been at West Brom for over 2 years but I think I know what you're getting at. Pep is not a pragmatic manager like those two and we have to accept that, as much as I'd like to see an occasional glimpse of it from him in certain situations it ain't going to happen so we have to be patient and wait until he has a squad composed of players who fit his system better than the ones he inherited.