Arsenal Thread | 2024/25

[Eds]

I think that's the point, he comes in and provides options.

You say you don't have a best starting XI but you do have some outfield players who, if fit, are in your starting XI against all but the weakest sides. Haaland, Rodri, KDB, Foden, Stones. You may rotate other places but those boys are nailed on to play against any PL team from mid table onwards. So 5 outfield players.

Last season we had to play the same starting XI a lot because of squad depth and injury to Timber but this season, bringing in extra players hopefully alleviates that. However, if we put Arsenal in the same scenario as above this season (playing any decent side) it's nailed on that Saliba, Odegaard, Rice, Saka and White start. Again that's 5, same as City. The idea is that Calafiori can replace either Gabriel at CB or play LB, Merino can slot in midfield but so can Partey, Jorginho, Nwaneri. Jurrien Timber is a superb player who can play anywhere across the back line or in midfield.

What we don't have is decent cover for Saka. City for sure have more options up front.

I get it that Arteta tends to play the same starting XI every game, and for sure Saka gets gassed in particular. Nwaneri is potentially a better player than Saka but is only 17 so not this season. But Arteta does have options this season to mix it up a bit.

We can slice it and dice it all we want but the reality is the main difference between the sides is Pep and Rodri. Aside them Arsenal are better at the back than City, but City have better offensive weapons. But the reality is, Pep is the GOAT tactically and Rodri can dominate a match and lock up midfield. So if Arsenal and City went head to head and were both at 100%, City would most likely win because of those factors. But because the PL isn't based on 1 match, Arteta is trying to boost the average level of performance in each game so we eke out an extra point here and there. If that's not enough to win the league, so be it, we're up against a fantastic team. In fact, ok, I'm a Gooner and think the invincibles were an unbelievable team with some all time great players but they never won the CL or a treble. So on that basis this City side is the greatest PL side there's ever been. The facts back that up.

So in that context it's like being the guy who finishes 2nd to Usain Bolt - sometimes if you've done your best and maximised your performance and you still can't beat the opponent then you have to respect that.

Those five aren’t all nailed on and that’s the beauty of our squad. You can’t really say Timber is a superb player as he has barely played in the PL. Plenty of players who stood out in the Dutch league don’t hack it here, not saying this is the case here but it’s far too early to start saying Timber can play across the back four and midfield. It appears you have strengthened in depth but only time will tell how these players adapt. Rodri was shocking in his first season. Nobody could have foreseen how good he would become. That said sometimes the way we play makes players look better than they would be at different clubs - look at Sterling for instance. Given the amount you have spent in the past few years you need a major trophy this season.

 

[bridgeno1]

Those five aren’t all nailed on and that’s the beauty of our squad. You can’t really say Timber is a superb player as he has barely played in the PL. Plenty of players who stood out in the Dutch league don’t hack it here, not saying this is the case here but it’s far too early to start saying Timber can play across the back four and midfield. It appears you have strengthened in depth but only time will tell how these players adapt. Rodri was shocking in his first season. Nobody could have foreseen how good he would become. That said sometimes the way we play makes players look better than they would be at different clubs - look at Sterling for instance. Given the amount you have spent in the past few years you need a major trophy this season.

I agree we need a trophy this season and the pressure is on Arteta. The 'this means more' reserve team cup that Liverpool won won't cut it either.

 

[Otamendi's Beard]

Good win for them but over celebrating runs through their veins.

 

[malg]

Cracking win that. I've not seen the celebrations but it appears to be their thing. I think they 100% need a trophy this season -they're good enough but just need to get over the line. It'll be interesting to see if Arteta gives up in the domestic cups.

 

[1961_vintage]

Good result for us. We need genuine competition this season to keep us sharp, hungry and ruthless.

 

[bridgeno1]

Happy with the win, that performance will be enough to get 3 points at our next away game (Sp*rs) but it would get 0 points at the game after that which is at the Etihad. Watkins missed 2 sitters, Haaland would have buried at least 1 of them if not both.

Saliba is an unbelievable defender - that run to come back and make a last ditch tackle when Bailey was clear was incredible, even though we were 2-0 up and it was late in the game.

Still need a proper left winger - Martinelli was poor again today.

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

Still need a proper left winger - Martinelli was poor again today.

I don't know why Arteta doesn't give Jesus a real run there. He was always a beast on the wings for us. You've also got Trossard, although he always seems to be a better sub than a starter.

 

[vincent]

Happy with the win, that performance will be enough to get 3 points at our next away game (Sp*rs) but it would get 0 points at the game after that which is at the Etihad. Watkins missed 2 sitters, Haaland would have buried at least 1 of them if not both.

Saliba is an unbelievable defender - that run to come back and make a last ditch tackle when Bailey was clear was incredible, even though we were 2-0 up and it was late in the game.

Still need a proper left winger - Martinelli was poor again today.

No excuses from Arsenal this season. Arteta has spent a fortune and the team is good enough to win a major trophy. Let’s see if he can deliver.

 

[bridgeno1]

I don't know why Arteta doesn't give Jesus a real run there. He was always a beast on the wings for us. You've also got Trossard, although he always seems to be a better sub than a starter.

Jesus is out injured - suspect he'd have started if fit today.

 

[bridgeno1]

No excuses from Arsenal this season. Arteta has spent a fortune and the team is good enough to win a major trophy. Let’s see if he can deliver.

Well the 'excuse' is that he's up against the best PL team and best PL manager there's ever been! Money isn't a guarantee of success - just ask Chelsea. Plus this season we've made some sales with more to come, so our net outlay won't be much.

Agree we need to win something, but the PL will be the hardest to win as you've got to outdo City over 38 games, not 1.