22 Mar 2026 19:04:28
Hello everyone, obviously wasn't the result we wanted.
Just like to say a few things.
Big mistake by Arteta in playing Kepa, when you get to the final play your best team.
The subs were made far too late.
Much to the annoyance of my lovely wife, I was reading some of the things pundits have been saying and also some Arsenal fans.
48 games we have played this season of which 4 were defeats. Despite the continued rhetoric about we can only score goals from corners and set pieces we are 9pts clear in the Prem and if City win their game in hand and beat us at the Etihad that still leaves them 3pts short but according to the BBC football pundits and unbelievably some Arsenal fans this is the start of the annual meltdown and freefall. Unbeaten in 10 CL games this season but according to pundits and fans alike we will be in freefall.
We had our chances in the first half and didn't take them, howler from Kepa changed the game. Well done City Congrats, but the last 2 league games 2 draws against West Ham and Forest they weren't City of old but now all of a sudden Guardiola has risen from the Ashes like the Phoenix and are odds on to win the league. I expect that from the Arsenal hating pundits and other clubs fans but not from Fellow Gooners.
Disappointed yes
Mistakes made yes
Freefall and the season finished. Give your head a wobble.
None of the criticism of Arsenal fans include the Arsenal banter crowd who like me were disappointed but not wringing our hands saying the season is over.
So take care everyone.
22 Mar 2026 19:28:52
We missed Reya so much. First, they wouldn't have gone ahead if he was playing, but we missed his distribution more than anything. Kepa was clueless on the ball; he slowed the game down for no reason, and that is a big part of how we play. We need a better back who can play our game. We will be screwed if Reya gets an injury.
{Ed025's Note - it was a poor decision to play Kepa for me RG, its a cup final so you play your strongest team mate..
22 Mar 2026 19:29:17
I don't think anyone thinks our season is over. I think most fans will just be disappointed with the way we played, and some of the manager's decisions.
We were woeful in the 2nd half, and didn't look like we were interested in winning the game.
22 Mar 2026 19:56:04
Complete moronic decision along with not buying a proper striker.
We have put pressure on ourselves, & doubt over away trip to City, but nothing much changed - we bottled another big day under Arteta.
He better learn that we can't waste time from 1st minute, & rely on corners / throws. We let City attack & pressure us like we've never played at this std before. Pathetic attempt.
{Ed025's Note - i cant argue with that SY..
22 Mar 2026 20:11:48
Would Fergie have put Schmeichel on the bench in a final? Nope. Why? Because Fergie made unpopular decisions to win, not to be nice. Fergie was a serial winner.. Arteta makes nice, easy decisions. Would Seaman be on the bench in a final - nope.
Ridiculous & weak. Just like his tactics.
22 Mar 2026 20:12:02
I think we need to acknowledge that City have won practically everything in the last few years, and that's because they are, in my opinion, still the best team in the PL, even though they have had a few wobbles, and with Haaland underachieving they still managed to get over the line when it mattered. We play very similar styles of football, but they are still the masters, and we are still the apprentices.
They have a team that are used to winning, and they always seem to up their game in the 2nd half, and we didn't.
I always expect, when they get in our half, that there is a goal incoming, even though our back line very often performs miracles. I think on a single game they will always be favourites, but the league is a marathon, and now our boys have to dig deep for the rest of the season.
Time will tell if we have it in us.
22 Mar 2026 20:49:17
Big one off game away to City - that carries a lot of weight. Hope we don't defend from the warm up.
We've spent a lot of money, Sally - so why is there still such a big gap in style, tactical awareness, quality & mentality?? Surely anyone that signs Kai, Vik & Jesus must answer serious questions.
22 Mar 2026 21:07:02
A Chelsea fan in peace, we had pain in 2018 when Kepa refused to leave the pitch in the final against Man City under Sarri. It was arrogant of him, as he thinks he is better than he is. Why did you buy him, and why did Arteta play him today? He cost you the chance of the quadrupple and may just have shifted the momentum towards City in the league.
Anyway, you have a 9 point lead and would need to do a Spursy to blow it all now.
22 Mar 2026 21:32:40
Hello RPD, hope you are well. Massive massive mistake by Arteta today, coupled with an absolutely shocking 2nd half performance. But I still think we will win the Prem, because both teams have hard games to play, and City, though they deserved to win today, aren't the City of old and they will drop points.
Also, the CL is within our grasp, because I said it countless times on this site. CL suits our tactics.
Thanks for coming on the site with your views.
Take care mate.
22 Mar 2026 22:28:23
Yes, thanks for coming on RPD. I remember that moment well. Sarri was apoplectic!
Good luck for the rest of the season!
22 Mar 2026 22:29:18
We have certainly spent a lot of money, SY!