Arsenal Thread | 2025/26

[TonyBookEnd]

Fernandinho?

I think, at his best, Dinho was the equal, if not better than Rodri. He had more pace and patrolled the midfield like a guard dog.

Fernandinho is without question in the reckoning. A beast of a player
It's splitting hairs, but I just feel that Rodri is better tactically and more of a dictator / orchestrater of the play

 

[Kippax Street 1880]

Watch them blow £80m on Julian Alvarez this week.

If we wasn't this up and down yo yo team, the league would be in our grasp without actually needing to be great.

They wouldn't be blowing it, Alvarez would be perfect for them. I'd hate that to happen.

 

[WiganBlue1986]

Yaya is right up there as one of my favourites ever to play for us.

Yaya in that 13/14 season, was without doubt, the best player ever to grace the premier league

 

[blue by birth]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

Fuck me you sad twat.. You are a plastic..
Why don't you fuck off and post on a gooners site..
Try going to a live game and watch what happens without a commentary guiding your thought process.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

They wouldn't be blowing it, Alvarez would be perfect for them. I'd hate that to happen.

He’s too small. They’d be better off getting Strand Larsen for added height at corners.

 

[Blueboy73]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

You're either a wum, thick, deluded, mentally unstable or a combination of the above.
Either way you have succeeded in becoming the first poster going onto ignore.
I'm a big believer that everyone is entitled to their opinion but there are limits and you are basically taking the piss.

 

[stonerblue]

Tough game for them tomorrow hopefully.

 

[goatfeeder100]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

Fking hell mate, bringing Google Gemini Pro into it?

Words fail me.

 

[TonyColemansbagofapples]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

I use my eyes and the thick end of 60 years watching live football at all levels . That knowledge tells me that Rice is a plodder who only runs in straight lines, normally to dead ends,or passes backwards and sideways.

 

[LongsightM13]

Poundland Pep/Lego Head is hilarious, beyond parody
He and his club’s entire recruitment policy, whether players or coaches, is all about vainly trying to recreate City of 6/7 years ago
Without ever even approaching the A-listers

 

[PeterBarnesShorts]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

J wept!?You really have exposed yourself with this nonsense!?Why don’t you circle jerk on your own forums,over a team that’s being allowed to fudge the laws of the game,to mount a title challenge?!…be funny if it wasn’t so sad…ffs!

 

[Blueboy73]

Poundland Pep/Lego Head is hilarious, beyond parody
He and his club’s entire recruitment policy, whether players or coaches, is all about vainly trying to recreate City of 6/7 years ago
Without ever even approaching the A-listers

View attachment 182191

I remember when the Tarquins signed Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko in 2022 for a combined £85 million.
The usual fuckwits were claiming what a coup it was, how we would regret letting them go and how they would both add to their collection of Premier League winners medals.
That aged well didn’t it.

 

[wolviedinho]

I really really hope the arse is twitching.

Rags/dips/arse all the same entitled whinny pack of cunts.

Anyone can win the league for me ahead of that rabble of wankers.

Need them to keep on wobbling.

 

[BringBackSwales]

You're either a wum, thick, deluded, mentally unstable or a combination of the above.
Either way you have succeeded in becoming the first poster going onto ignore.
I'm a big believer that everyone is entitled to their opinion but there are limits and you are basically taking the piss.

Nope, our mods are taking the piss letting the arsensal idiot post in here for years unchecked

 

[BringBackSwales]

Poundland Pep/Lego Head is hilarious, beyond parody
He and his club’s entire recruitment policy, whether players or coaches, is all about vainly trying to recreate City of 6/7 years ago
Without ever even approaching the A-listers

View attachment 182191

Trying to be like City? When did we play for scoring most games f our goals from set pieces, pushing at corners etc? They are anti football, we are pure football. The dark arts arse cunts

 

[Gordyola]

Hilarious how folk are mocking a team that is 8 from 8 in the Champions League, 4 points clear at the top of the PL, about to go into the EFL Cup final and is into the 4th round of the FA Cup.

'Oh but the PL is weak this year'.

'Oh but the CL is weak this year'.

Lucky that eh? Of course when City win trophies the league happens to be 'strong' I suppose!!!

The PL isn’t weaker the difference is the league doesn’t have two outstanding teams as it did a few years ago Liverpool were unlucky that when they were outstanding another team was even better This Arsenal team would live with either of them
Liverpool finished top of UCL last season and went out in round of 16 against a team who had to qualify via the knockouts who eve won the competition

 

[KentBlue]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

We all of us will go to extraordinary lengths in order to protect the clubs we support: nothing wrong with that. But I do feel you've gone a bit too far with all this Google stuff. Using AI to try and prove a point on a rival football forum, it's a bit crass, and you're coming across as very needy, and taking it all a bit personally.
You come on a forum for City fans and you feel you have to go to such lengths to argue against those same City fans that your players are/were better?

Let it go, feller. Let it go. You were on a hiding to nothing from the off but now you're just digging yourself deeper and deeper into oblivion.

 

[Sk@mcfc]

Ok I'll bite. From that list Aguero gets into the current Gunners side. Tevez does but we wouldn't play him and Aguero together. Silva does. Toure absolutely doesn't get in ahead of Rice IMHO. Kompany over Saliba or Gabriel is a coin flip thing.

Biting under the influence is never a good idea

 

[Betterdeedthan red]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

Shut up you stupid twat

 

[Johnny Mars Bar]

Ok I've asked Google Gemini Pro using Deepmind capabilities on who is better between Toure, Rice and also Rodri and this is what it has to say;

When you add Rodri to the mix, the conversation shifts from "Who is better?" to "What does your team actually need?"

If Yaya is the Unstoppable Force and Rice is the Endless Engine, then Rodri is the Tactical Architect. In the eyes of many modern coaches, Rodri has actually surpassed the other two in terms of "midfield perfection," mainly because he won the 2024 Ballon d'Or—a feat neither Yaya nor Rice (so far) has achieved.

Why Rodri is currently the "Gold Standard"
While Yaya was more exciting to watch and Rice is more athletic, Rodri is the player who makes a team unbeatable. * The "Invincible" Streak: In 2023 and 2024, Manchester City and Spain almost literally could not lose when Rodri was on the pitch. His presence alone provides a 10-15% boost to a team's win probability.
* The Brain: Unlike Yaya, who would sometimes drift out of defensive positions, or Rice, who relies on his legs to cover ground, Rodri rarely has to sprint. He is always in the right place, making him the world's best at stopping counter-attacks before they even start.
* Clutch Goals: He doesn't score 20 a season like Yaya, but he scores the most important ones (e.g., the only goal in the 2023 UCL Final).

The "Yaya vs. Rodri" Debate
This is the most frequent comparison in Manchester City history.
* Yaya was a better "individual" player. If you were down 1-0 in the 80th minute, you’d want Yaya to just grab the ball and run through everyone.
* Rodri is a better "system" player. If you want to dominate 70% possession and never face a shot on goal, you pick Rodri.

Where Rice Fits In
Rice is currently the middle ground between them. He has more defensive bite than Yaya and more ball-carrying ability than Rodri. However, even Yaya himself has weighed in on this, stating:

"Rodri is good, but Declan Rice is very good... but I’m going to go for Rodri [because he wins trophies]."

The Final Hierarchy (2026 Perspective)
* Rodri (The Peak Achiever): Winning the Ballon d'Or as a "defensive" midfielder in the era of Haaland and Mbappé puts him in a tier of his own. He is the most complete "6" the game has seen since Sergio Busquets.
* Yaya Touré (The Peak Performer): At his absolute best in 2013/14, Yaya was a better attacking force than most strikers. His "ceiling" for individual brilliance remains higher than Rodri's or Rice's.
* Declan Rice (The Modern Workhorse): Rice is the most consistent and durable. He is essentially a "9/10" every single game, whereas Yaya had "off" days. He is still chasing the major silverware that would move him into the top spot.
View attachment 182111

Lol