31 May 2026 19:38:37
Whatever you think of our style, yesterday you saw the best defence in action. I found it oddly satisfying watching us constantly readjust to their passing and movement, blocking their passing lines and not giving any extra space through the middle.
It starts with Odegaard and Havertz up front, forcing their defenders to play out wide. There they meet Saka or Trossard helping their fullbacks.
And any ball into the box from these areas gets dealt with.
You look at some other teams. There are players who don't give their all. There are teams that you can walk through from the middle.
Not this team. Everyone 100% committed and playing as a team, together.
Are we boring, set piece fc, "the worst watch" of the season etc? Doesn't matter to me. I'm proud.
31 May 2026 20:54:35
Great post, Iceman.
31 May 2026 21:27:15
Great post, Ice mate. Total effort and commitment should be a given from every player of every team in every game once they put on their club's shirt, but we all know this isn't always the case with some players and some teams. People can say whatever they want about this Arsenal team over the past 4 years, but no one can justifiably question the effort and commitment they have always given, and this is what I have always loved and appreciated about them most.
This first big trophy is nothing short of extremely well earned by every player and, of course, our manager.
31 May 2026 21:51:14
We are an absolutely committed and well-drilled team. It is the antonym of the team we had in the second half of the Wenger era, where we couldn't defend even if our life depended on it.
But now that we have won, we must work on the other aspect of football - scoring goals. We have the players, but for whatever reasons they have been blunt, and we laboured throughout the season (with odd exceptions) to score more than a goal.
Yesterday, we needed at least two goals before we went into defensive mode.
Hope the boys have a good reset and we start scoring freely along with our defensive resilience.
31 May 2026 23:11:05
Hi Highbury mate, I think most of us have felt the team played within its capabilities for most of the season, entertainment-wise. I genuinely think the fear of coming second for a 4th consecutive season, and the stick, accusations, and pressure that would follow another season of not quite getting over the line, played heavily on Arteta's mind from day one of the season, as well as some fans' minds too, which inevitably transferred to the players.
The nerves of the fans, manager, and players were consistently there for the whole world to see, especially in the second half of the season.
I see no reason for those nerves to exist next season, now the first major trophy has been achieved, and everyone can breathe and be their natural selves again. ?
31 May 2026 23:35:39
Hoping the same, 62, mate.