Declan Rice

[bondsman]

105m for a midfielder who’s not better than our CB playing midfield. When did Rice become Zidane? For that money think we dodged a bullet.

 

[not my fault!]

105m for a midfielder who’s not better than our CB playing midfield. When did Rice become Zidane? For that money think we dodged a bullet.

I said this with Cucurella (sp?) last summer, turns out that was a bullet dodged too. Rice is a great player but I don’t see Arsenal challenging this season with the added pressure of CL footy and other teams being back in the mix.
I can’t say he’s not worth £105m as i think had he signed for us the price would eventually of been worth it, but at Arsenal I just don’t see that he’ll be worth the outlay to them.

 

[mancboy]

I said this with Cucurella (sp?) last summer, turns out that was a bullet dodged too. Rice is a great player but I don’t see Arsenal challenging this season with the added pressure of CL footy and other teams being back in the mix.
I can’t say he’s not worth £105m as i think had he signed for us the price would eventually of been worth it, but at Arsenal I just don’t see that he’ll be worth the outlay to them.

You also have to add in that arsenal are not a surprise package anymore, ive said it on here before ALOT of things went in arsenals favour last year and it struck me as a leicester type season which they didnt get over the line, i think theyll be good this year but it wont be the same.

 

[not my fault!]

You also have to add in that arsenal are not a surprise package anymore, ive said it on here before ALOT of things went in arsenals favour last year and it struck me as a leicester type season which they didnt get over the line, i think theyll be good this year but it wont be the same.

Yeh, exactly how I saw it. A Leinster type season but Arsenal bottled it at the end.
I also agree they’ll push again but too many factors will mean they fall apart again towards the end. They are not the only team improving their squad either.

 

[mancboy]

Yeh, exactly how I saw it. A Leinster type season but Arsenal bottled it at the end.
I also agree they’ll push again but too many factors will mean they fall apart again towards the end. They are not the only team improving their squad either.

How much improvement those players add remains to be seen, arsenal are very much like liverpool in that sense in that every player that they sign instantly becomes the best player in the world at that position

 

[Berts Neck]

I said this with Cucurella (sp?) last summer, turns out that was a bullet dodged too. Rice is a great player but I don’t see Arsenal challenging this season with the added pressure of CL footy and other teams being back in the mix.
I can’t say he’s not worth £105m as i think had he signed for us the price would eventually of been worth it, but at Arsenal I just don’t see that he’ll be worth the outlay to them.

I totally agree with the sentiments other than he would have been worth it for us..Jude, would have been a good buy, but Declan 105 million, just do not see it or just not enough knowledge of his skillset..Phillips should be given a good crack of the whip this season.. There is a good player there, somewhere, and he actually like Jack, seems a decent bloke and team player.

 

[not my fault!]

I totally agree with the sentiments other than he would have been worth it for us..Jude, would have been a good buy, but Declan 105 million, just do not see it or just not enough knowledge of his skillset..Phillips should be given a good crack of the whip this season.. There is a good player there, somewhere, and he actually like Jack, seems a decent bloke and team player.

I can agree with that.

 

[Dax777]

Tchoumeni? Cancelo? First isn't going anywhere, since Madrid considers him the future, Cancelo on the other hand first time I'm hearing him being linked to Arsenal.. I heard rumours about Barca but they now have different target for RB position.. But I agree, Arsenal will be scary with this summer signings and will probably battle City for the title again.. But still in the end City has a stronger side, 4th title in a row is my prediction for 23/24 PL..

I'm not as confident. We are the best team when injury bad luck doesn't play a significant role. But part of his you motivate that luck is with a bigger squad than usual.


It's my sense that Debruyne will not be as consistent this coming season due to injury, aging and fatigue. John and AKe also are generally injury prone. And we are a Rodri injury away from being disorganized.

I reckon Phil will step up as the Kev substitute. But we need someone to fill Phil's role. And that person has to be someone who intends to force his way into the starting lineup. Not a rild player.

I always thought "he who shall never be named again" was a great shout to be that guy.
Now that he and Rice have moved on to rivals, I am on board the Caicedo train.

We need a player who can push to be a starter immediately and make selection difficult for Pep. Right now, I don't see it yet.

 

[Dax777]

Arsenal can strengthen as much as they like but they still lack the mentality to be challengers again. They had a unique season just gone with Liverpool, Utd, Chelsea all having a mare of a season in reality. Now add in to the mix Newcastle and the CL and I suspect they’ll struggle and be fighting top four rather than top two.

If they had stood pat, yes. But they didn't. They are strengthening everywhere. Even if it doesn't work, which is possible, it won't be from a lack of trying.

They wilted under the pressure last season. But it'd be silly to think 1) they weren't as good as their early form and 2) They will continue to wilt.

Neither is a given.I think Havertz is so so. Had they saved that 65 million and added 20 to it to get Caicedo, I'd be running around screaming for Reinforcements.

Thank God they went Havertz. Hopefully his Chelsea form is the real him and not a Chelsea induced plateau-ing.

 

[Ghostofmerlin]

I said this with Cucurella (sp?) last summer, turns out that was a bullet dodged too. Rice is a great player but I don’t see Arsenal challenging this season with the added pressure of CL footy and other teams being back in the mix.
I can’t say he’s not worth £105m as i think had he signed for us the price would eventually of been worth it, but at Arsenal I just don’t see that he’ll be worth the outlay to them.

Agree. Two well scouted 50 million players are almost always better than a single 100 million player. We have largely built our squad in the 50-70 million range. And we are clearly the best.

 

[not my fault!]

If they had stood pat, yes. But they didn't. They are strengthening everywhere. Even if it doesn't work, which is possible, it won't be from a lack of trying.

They wilted under the pressure last season. But it'd be silly to think 1) they weren't as good as their early form and 2) They will continue to wilt.

Neither is a given.I think Havertz is so so. Had they saved that 65 million and added 20 to it to get Caicedo, I'd be running around screaming for Reinforcements.

Thank God they went Havertz. Hopefully his Chelsea form is the real him and not a Chelsea induced plateau-ing.

They don’t have the mental attitude or togetherness our team does. You can’t force that, it comes natural. It’s not just about our ability but our belief and fighting spirit.
Look at Gundo’s message when he left and it sums us up perfectly. The players are together, their wives/partners are, the club supports them on and off the pitch. A lot of that comes from Abu Dhabi and their attitude/belief.
Arsenal are US owned, there’s a inherent arrogance from the top down and that’ll always be their downfall. Liverpool and Utd are the same, all 3 are entitled and their fans have been brainwashed.
City are unique, we are a one off in our approach and once Pep goes that may follow him out the door… it may not but it may. We recruit a certain type, a certain attitude, a certain skill set.
So I just don’t see Arsenal challenging until the end again this season. I’m not suggesting we will win but I am suggesting they won’t! LFC, Newcastle are both improving, Utd will strengthen, CFC may see players suddenly click and I’m sure they’ll buy more players in too. Last season was their chance, they blew it. Just watch, if they beat us in the CS they’ll all be printing league winners shirts again (they were selling them in Jan! That’s how arrogant they are), if we win it’ll be dome and gloom from their fans.

 

[Dax777]

They don’t have the mental attitude or togetherness our team does. You can’t force that, it comes natural. It’s not just about our ability but our belief and fighting spirit.

I think Arsenal has this too. Arteta is instilling it.

Look at Gundo’s message when he left and it sums us up perfectly. The players are together, their wives/partners are, the club supports them on and off the pitch. A lot of that comes from Abu Dhabi and their attitude/belief
Arsenal are US owned, there’s a inherent arrogance from the top down and that’ll always be their downfall. Liverpool and Utd are the same, all 3 are entitled and their fans have been brainwashed.

I don't think ownership is that relevant to whether they can win. So long as the Manager get support. Which they are.

City are unique, we are a one off in our approach and once Pep goes that may follow him out the door… it may not but it may. We recruit a certain type, a certain attitude, a certain skill set.
So I just don’t see Arsenal challenging until the end again this season. I’m not suggesting we will win but I am suggesting they won’t! LFC, Newcastle are both improving, Utd will strengthen, CFC may see players suddenly click and I’m sure they’ll buy more players in too. Last season was their chance, they blew it. Just watch, if they beat us in the CS they’ll all be printing league winners shirts again (they were selling them in Jan! That’s how arrogant they are), if we win it’ll be dome and gloom from their fans.

I don't doubt others are improving. I just think Arsenal is legitimate. Both in terms of talent and reinforcement

 

[not my fault!]

I think Arsenal has this too. Arteta is instilling it.


I don't think ownership is that relevant to whether they can win. So long as the Manager get support. Which they are.


I don't doubt others are improving. I just think Arsenal is legitimate. Both in terms of talent and reinforcement

1) I don’t agree, I think they think they are instilling it but I don’t believe you can. I genuinely believe it comes naturally.
2) Of course it does, big time. Arrogance breed’s arrogance and American owned business’ at the top are arrogant. They have everyone in their bubble believe the6 are the best and as such act accordingly. It’s nothing new and has been the case for years, I’ve several American friends all of whom are salt of the earth but they are brainwashed at school to believe anyone or anything American is the best on the planet.
3) Of course Arsenal are legitimate… they were before last season, but legitimacy doesn’t mean you can or should challenge. Look at Chelsea, they purchased some decent players and struggled, again another team where the mentality just isn’t right.

Trying to copy City is where teams will fail, they shouldn't be copying our on field team but our back room one! If they get that right then they may stand a chance down the line. I said last season they’d not win it, I also said Utd would finish a minimum of 10pms behind us, this year I predict Utd to be within 5-7 pts but Arsenal to start off well but struggle in a top 4 fight and to stay in the CL. As I say, it’s not about forcing the mentality, it’s about it naturally being there and Pep gives them that belief im not sure others can give their players. In 11 months I’ll either be right or wrong, we’ll see.

 

[Stoned Rose]

1) I don’t agree, I think they think they are instilling it but I don’t believe you can. I genuinely believe it comes naturally.
2) Of course it does, big time. Arrogance breed’s arrogance and American owned business’ at the top are arrogant. They have everyone in their bubble believe the6 are the best and as such act accordingly. It’s nothing new and has been the case for years, I’ve several American friends all of whom are salt of the earth but they are brainwashed at school to believe anyone or anything American is the best on the planet.
3) Of course Arsenal are legitimate… they were before last season, but legitimacy doesn’t mean you can or should challenge. Look at Chelsea, they purchased some decent players and struggled, again another team where the mentality just isn’t right.

Trying to copy City is where teams will fail, they shouldn't be copying our on field team but our back room one! If they get that right then they may stand a chance down the line. I said last season they’d not win it, I also said Utd would finish a minimum of 10pms behind us, this year I predict Utd to be within 5-7 pts but Arsenal to start off well but struggle in a top 4 fight and to stay in the CL. As I say, it’s not about forcing the mentality, it’s about it naturally being there and Pep gives them that belief im not sure others can give their players. In 11 months I’ll either be right or wrong, we’ll see.

The only way the rags finish within 5 points of us is if we finish 5th son.

 

[Bodicoteblue]

They don’t have the mental attitude or togetherness our team does. You can’t force that, it comes natural. It’s not just about our ability but our belief and fighting spirit.
Look at Gundo’s message when he left and it sums us up perfectly. The players are together, their wives/partners are, the club supports them on and off the pitch. A lot of that comes from Abu Dhabi and their attitude/belief.
Arsenal are US owned, there’s a inherent arrogance from the top down and that’ll always be their downfall. Liverpool and Utd are the same, all 3 are entitled and their fans have been brainwashed.
City are unique, we are a one off in our approach and once Pep goes that may follow him out the door… it may not but it may. We recruit a certain type, a certain attitude, a certain skill set.
So I just don’t see Arsenal challenging until the end again this season. I’m not suggesting we will win but I am suggesting they won’t! LFC, Newcastle are both improving, Utd will strengthen, CFC may see players suddenly click and I’m sure they’ll buy more players in too. Last season was their chance, they blew it. Just watch, if they beat us in the CS they’ll all be printing league winners shirts again (they were selling them in Jan! That’s how arrogant they are), if we win it’ll be dome and gloom from their fans.

You just had to look at the Arsenal players after they dropped points at home to Southampton.
While it wasn’t a great result, the title chase wasn’t over, but the way they slumped to the ground heads-in-hands with the look of a defeated side was very telling.
According to reports at the time, Arteta stormed off down the tunnel ignoring his team.
Compare and contrast to our spirit and resolution and will to win!

 

[HumbledGooner]

I said this with Cucurella (sp?) last summer, turns out that was a bullet dodged too. Rice is a great player but I don’t see Arsenal challenging this season with the added pressure of CL footy and other teams being back in the mix.
I can’t say he’s not worth £105m as i think had he signed for us the price would eventually of been worth it, but at Arsenal I just don’t see that he’ll be worth the outlay to them.

If other teams are back in the mix, what difference does that make relative Arsenal? Take for instance Liverpool. Lets just say they never regressed and played at a very high level, outside the 6 points on offer when the two teams face off, what difference does the points tally of Arsenal depend on the level of performance of Liverpool?

It is such a brain dead argument, that Arsenal finished the season second on 84 points because Liverpool dropped off. There is no correlation. Does one swimmer go faster because the other one goes slower???????

 

[ShaunMCFC]

If other teams are back in the mix, what difference does that make relative Arsenal? Take for instance Liverpool. Lets just say they never regressed and played at a very high level, outside the 6 points on offer when the two teams face off, what difference does the points tally of Arsenal depend on the level of performance of Liverpool?

It is such a brain dead argument, that Arsenal finished the season second on 84 points because Liverpool dropped off. There is no correlation. Does one swimmer go faster because the other one goes slower???????

Touched a nerve there.

 

[HumbledGooner]

Touched a nerve there.

Mainly on the basis of the logic. Its not even a football argument. Its intellectually wrong the notion Arsenal got 84 points last season was because Chelsea and Liverpool regressed.

Like I said, if one swimmer swims slower than he did the year before, does that mean another in the race swims faster by default?

This is Jack Grealish level intellect

 

[mancboy]

If other teams are back in the mix, what difference does that make relative Arsenal? Take for instance Liverpool. Lets just say they never regressed and played at a very high level, outside the 6 points on offer when the two teams face off, what difference does the points tally of Arsenal depend on the level of performance of Liverpool?

It is such a brain dead argument, that Arsenal finished the season second on 84 points because Liverpool dropped off. There is no correlation. Does one swimmer go faster because the other one goes slower???????

explain leicesters championship winning season and ultimate demise then

 

[mancboy]

Mainly on the basis of the logic. Its not even a football argument. Its intellectually wrong the notion Arsenal got 84 points last season was because Chelsea and Liverpool regressed.

Like I said, if one swimmer swims slower than he did the year before, does that mean another in the race swims faster by default?

This is Jack Grealish level intellect

Okay mr phd lets put it in terms you can hopefully understand, when it came to it and the pressure was on your team absolutely crumbled it, thats not hyperbole its just facts, if liverpool and chelsea hadnt been having poor seasons then that pressure would have been magnified through the season and you may or may not have crumbled way earlier so dont say that it makes no difference and you will just carry on progressing at the rate you have because there is no evidence of that, what there is evidence of is this arsenal team crumbling when they feel any kind of pressure, hence the collapse 21/22 and 22/23.