10 Apr 2022 11:41:21
After the first 3 games we was bottom of the league. Now we are fifth with a game in hand.
The last 2 games have been dire, but I'm still optimistic.
We had to get rid of the likes of chambers, auba, kolash, ainsley and Mari, they were shyte and were being paid to do nothing
I still think we've had a good season I would even say punching above are weight.
For me I would give Mikel next season.
10 Apr 2022 13:22:42
I would also add in a whole load more for example Mustafi Hector Luiz Torreira Guendouzi who were all part of the Wenger / Emery era and needed moving on for whatever reason. Arteta has had a massive job to move these players not only on but to replace them. I genuinely think MA himself is shocked at being as high up as we are / were as I think he has a plan - buying young decent players and utilising Hale End - but because we are up there he is managing expectations. I like the fact we went all in on Vlahovic - shows intent - but what should he have done? Buy average players just to fill squad places? We have had enough trouble shifting what we have without adding to it. I have backed Laca but don`t think he is the answer going forward. We all know we need a 20 goal a season striker, like everyone else does, Auba was hopeless a long time before the final indiscipline happened - wasn`t motivated so not the answer. We sold Martinez stayed patient and bought Ramsdale - not too many wanting Martinez back now but back then wall to wall MA doesn`t know what he`s doing - bit like this week! If his plan is to have two big Summer windows stick to the plan don`t buy players we don`t/ won`t need in the January window on three or four year contracts. I don`t run my business on a week to week basis and I believe Arsenal isn`t run like that. We have had to go big in the last Summer window as we were shifting unwanted players from the previous era. That will continue this Summer AMN Xhaka Leno Laca Nketiah which means we have to buy a lot of hopefully decent players. It isn`t a quick fix - look at United who are behind us with their forward line Ronaldo Cavani Greenwood Rashford all likely not to play next season - they`ll get Martial back! It has been hell down here after the last two results but as Mal says definitely MA deserves next season . We are in a better place going forwards than for ages under Wenger and it takes time and patience. Imagine this squad less Laca Nketiah AMN Xhaka and add in Saliba plus another £150 mill on good young players plus the current squad with a bit more experience. The future is bright - now not so much - but keep the faith VTH.
10 Apr 2022 13:48:32
Very nicely written Sussex mate.
10 Apr 2022 14:42:05
Superbly written Sussex mate??
Cheered me up no end.
Can enjoy my Sunday roast now.
10 Apr 2022 16:20:38
I wouldn’t disagree with that Sus BUT how long will the talented younger lads give it, I think they will put up with this season and missing out on the CL ( if we do ) but after that I think they will be off ESR, MO and BS.
10 Apr 2022 17:05:06
Thanks guys! I realise it’s not a popular view particularly after two rubbish performances but I’m personally behind MA at the moment because of the job he’s done and I see a plan! I am hoping Banbury that MO BS ESR and Martinelli see it too. Don’t think any will leave this Summer which if we buy well will as I say set us up for next season! It will be interesting next season - city pool way ahead think we are in the mix for third as Chelsea won’t be as potent in the market although they have tons of on loan players! Let’s buy well! All to play for ? VTH.
10 Apr 2022 18:28:12
I agree Suss I think they will still be here in 12 months but next summer might be different
Just hope the club have a few pieces of quality lined up.
10 Apr 2022 20:54:00
I don't think any one os calling Ma to be sacked, and we knew we were in trouble soon we heard Tierney and partey out injured. As we don't have the quality to replace them.
Yes had a rough start of the season but that doesn't means it sat our standard and ambition.
I'm all with sign quality not quantity but we also need to well recruit in the summer and add depth to the squad.
Still a lot to play for and top 4 isn't out of our reach as a lot can happen in football.
And as ox mentioned our star Boys won't hold for too long if we don't show real ambition to even be in top 3 or 2 next season.
10 Apr 2022 22:13:19
Not on here Moe maybe but some of our fans will be. Arsenal have really given me reason to get excited this season and the Emirates has been rocking. It is about enjoyment for me and for the majority of the season it has been just that. Still not over - Spuds` to lose and pressure does funny things especially historically for them lot VTH.
11 Apr 2022 13:08:09
Give Arteta a lifetime contract ?.
11 Apr 2022 14:55:48
Although he has won more trophies than Poch Moanio and Conte while at Spurs all put together! Let`s see if Conte resists PSG and Kane stays Raver! As I say interesting times ahead VTH.
12 Apr 2022 00:01:54
Assuming this is just a blip, and we don’t slip back massively, I think MA should be given more time. That’s because there are signs that he is starting to influence the way we are playing, and most importantly the way we are trying to get the ball forward, much quicker and with more purpose, is promising, and I think recognised by the fans which is why the atmosphere has been pretty good this season. However, the reason why I am not 100% convinced is not really MA, s fault. It’s more that for the past 3 managers, and many years we’ve played this possession dominated style, where it seems we are more interested in winning the passing and possession stats than actually just winning the game. I really miss those early Wenger years when we played more direct, quicker and down the wings. When was the last time we scored within 20 seconds of defending our own corner? I am also tired of now being that side that looks like a rabbit caught in headlights when we play a team who play that exact style, just like when we played Palace. So maybe I just hanker for a manager that says sod possession, it’s goals that win games. Let’s play a young team, high tempo, attack at all times, quickly, down the wings, through the middle, no fear. Maybe there are signs that MA is taking that down path, but if not, there are plenty out there that can, and by recent evidence, a certain ex central midfielder of ours certainly likes that style.
12 Apr 2022 08:51:31
Very valid points Epping mate, especially about the high tempo and we have the players to play that game. Rabbit in the headlights is what I am worried about on Saturday when Southampton come out of the starting blocks after their 6-0 defeat last week.