Arsenal (A) - Sun 21st Sept, 16:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[blue b4 the moon]

Joy of fucking joys.

Pair of cunts.

Neither are fit for purpose in their specified roles.

 

[Victorinodennistua]

A massive wake up call i reckon


For them

If we get any result there then we are in a title race. I hope they have injuries and Rodders scores the winner.

 

[Manc Born & Bred]

Pair of cunts.

Neither are fit for purpose in their specified roles.

As far as PGMOL / red cartel are concerned, they are 100% fit for purpose

 

[Xhavenjoe]

Any news on Rodri. Pep said his knee is still a bit sore.

 

[alexmcity]

Don't think so this will be the season Foden steps up as our main central attacking midfielder and takes KDBs place. Don't expect the shifting to the wings to be a thing this season.

In 90% of the games yes. But at Arsenal it might be different. Or at Anfield and Bernabeu. Why? Because a midfield that includes both Reijnders and Foden is a bit lightweight defensively wise. That's not a problem vs United or Napoli at home, but going to the best teams in the world it might be a problem, especially before Rodri being fully fit.

Bernardo, being a midfielder rather than a wide forward/winger, makes it possible for Foden to flourish in a 10 role. But Bernardo started the last 3 games for club and country and played 90 minutes last night. Even if he starts, he isn't likely to play more than 60 minutes.

Normally, putting Gonzalez next to Rodri would be a good move in the biggest games away from home. Right now, Stones might be the better option.

Chances are Pep starts with the same XI. But if Bernardo is to start on the bench, imo, he will be replaced by Gonzalez or Stones rather than Bobb or Savinho.

 

[borassic]

If we get any result there then we are in a title race. I hope they have injuries and Rodders scores the winner.

Haaland winner, shirt over his head with "Stay Humble" on his tshirt

 

[super_city_si]

Trouble is with Erl back there it gives both Saliba and Gabriel a jeopardy-free invitation to come into the box.

I say it all the time, but try leaving Erling roaming along the halfway line - even if only one time - to see how that changes the dynamic.

Could affect both one of their real threats and one of our weaknesses at a stroke, not to mention what might happen at the other end should we manage to hoik one up there? I'd fancy his chances against anybody.

Saliba and Gabriel are going to be in there anyway, they'd leave someone else back there so we'd be outmatched

 

[SWP's back]

You thought the bench last night was strong?

I think they start in 17 of the other 19 PL clubs yeah

 

[paulchapo]

He hasn't reffed an Arsenal game since the debacle at St James' Park 2 years ago.

One of those ref appointments where both sets of fans are equally fearful.

He's fucked us over so many times and also that other cretin on var, I think we have much more reason to be fearful than Arsenal.

 

[paulchapo]

Seriously, you have to wonder what conversation took place before that appointment was made?

I'd like to have been a fly on the wall.

 

[super_city_si]

As far as PGMOL / red cartel are concerned, they are 100% fit for purpose

Exactly, They are clearly not afraid to referee the game to the narrative they have been given

 

[super_city_si]

He's fucked us over so many times and also that other cretin on var, I think we have much more reason to be fearful than Arsenal.

After the cup debacle we should have kicked up a fuss like other teams do and said we wont accept him as a ref of our games anymore.

 

[super_city_si]

We've been better the last two games but we're still feeling our way in to this season. Arsenal are ahead of us fitness wise. I think we'll give a better account but we're still off where they are imo.

A lot depends on the big man in nets. If he carries on as he has started we have a chance but i think he'll need to make some big saves

 

[blueparrot]

In 90% of the games yes. But at Arsenal it might be different. Or at Anfield and Bernabeu. Why? Because a midfield that includes both Reijnders and Foden is a bit lightweight defensively wise. That's not a problem vs United or Napoli at home, but going to the best teams in the world it might be a problem, especially before Rodri being fully fit.

Bernardo, being a midfielder rather than a wide forward/winger, makes it possible for Foden to flourish in a 10 role. But Bernardo started the last 3 games for club and country and played 90 minutes last night. Even if he starts, he isn't likely to play more than 60 minutes.

Normally, putting Gonzalez next to Rodri would be a good move in the biggest games away from home. Right now, Stones might be the better option.

Chances are Pep starts with the same XI. But if Bernardo is to start on the bench, imo, he will be replaced by Gonzalez or Stones rather than Bobb or Savinho.

Fair but at the moment I'd keep Phil central and rest Reijnders if we want a more solid CM.

 

[paulchapo]

After the cup debacle we should have kicked up a fuss like other teams do and said we wont accept him as a ref of our games anymore.

I've no problem Palace winning that but not sending Henderson off, even with var, was cheating at the highest level.

 

[Legal Alien]

Just hope there is less cynical targeting of our players than last season. Arteta will have his twats hyped up so the ref needs to keep them under control.

Yeah, a pity Havertz ain't playing, we still owe the **** for his cheap shot on Rodri last season!

 

[noseve]

Saliba and Gabriel are going to be in there anyway, they'd leave someone else back there so we'd be outmatched

I accept that it seems nobody agrees with me. Surprises me, considering how vulnerable we all feel at corners, but I accept it.

Nevertheless - imagine that you're Arteta - with Erl prowling along the halfway line, who do you send up against him, 50 yards from your goal, with any confidence, considering that you're perfectly happy with Gabriel and Saliba staying up in the area?

You're stating categorically that Arteta would leave them there, I'm saying that we don't know - why not try it, if only once?

 

[alexmcity]

Fair but at the moment I'd keep Phil central and rest Reijnders if we want a more solid CM.

Yes, that's an option. I think Pep will continue with Reijnders, as he rates him very highly from day 1, starting him over Gonzalez at 6 in the CWC.

Reijnders needs a bit more time to get the movements of his team-mates, but his pace on the counter, ability to get on the end of crosses and passes in the box and to finish will make him hard to drop.

 

[paulchapo]

We have seen signs of improvement against the rags and Napoli so we might make a better game of this than we all first feared.

 

[super_city_si]

I accept that it seems nobody agrees with me. Surprises me, considering how vulnerable we all feel at corners, but I accept it.

Nevertheless - imagine that you're Arteta - with Erl prowling along the halfway line, who do you send up against him, 50 yards from your goal, with any confidence, considering that you're perfectly happy with Gabriel and Saliba staying up in the area?

You're stating categorically that Arteta would leave them there, I'm saying that we don't know - why not try it, if only once?

I'm not saying dont try it, but I would bet my house on neither of their big center backs being the ones to stay back. They drill set pieces all day long, its their go to. Us putting Haaland on the half way would encourage them