Our previous visit to Molineux – in April of last year, towards the end of the premier league season 2018/19 – had come a few days after a wretched 2-3 home loss to Crystal Palace. By then our premier league results had finally started to catch up with our chaotic, incoherent performances that even the dual excellence of Aubameyang and Lacazette – an excellence that was based purely on their individual qualities and mutual understanding – could no longer make to look any better than they really were. The very worst fears of the Arsenal supporters going into that away match against a compact and efficient counter-attacking team were proven right as Wolves chalked up a 3-0 lead by the half time and despite a late goal from Sokratis we never looked like getting anything from that match. An unraveling that had at the beginning felt only temporary was by then starting to gather momentum to derail our season.
In hindsight – no, I will not mention our year in Gregorian Calendar – it now feels that maybe the team would have been better served if our current head coach had replaced his fellow Basque at the beginning of this season and had more time to work with this team. It is neither that the football had been suddenly spectacular, nor that the various well-known gaps in quality in what is still an unbalanced squad have magically disappeared, but there is a certain unity of purpose, structure, plan and as a result a very visible coherence to our game that makes one feel optimistic. Arteta’s clarity of communication in his press interviews where the precision of his observations and rigor of his explanations never fail to impress indicates a mind that is uncluttered, equally at ease with the tactical details as well as strategic visions, and not shy of challenges and difficulties along the way. I don’t think it is an accident that the team has started (just only started but still…) to take on some of those qualities in their performances, in their “behavior on the pitch” as Mikel likes to say.
Even though in the last week or so we have started to put together somewhat consistent performances ending in victories away and home, this away match at Wolves felt to be a much bigger challenge. Not only they are above us in the league table, but at their home ground they rarely even concede goals let alone lose matches. We started with the same 3-4-3 formation as in our last couple of matches. The three men defense was same as in the mid-week, Luiz flanked by Mustafi and Kolasinac, some of us probably had expected Rob to take Kola’s place for this match. Xhaka and Ceballos continued in their midfield partnership, Tierney too continuing in the left wing-back role. On the right side there was first starting appearance for Cedric Soares, our sole Portuguese against what under certain lights can look like Portugal national team albeit without their biggest name. Soares had impressed in his debut from the bench and according to Mikel also in trainings, so this seemed to be a natural rotation, and also maybe a challenge to Hector who do need to push on next season.
Whereas the captain on the left and the tireless Nketiah down the middle – him and Laca seemed to have settled on this alternate match rhythm at least for the near future – were expected, Saka got an opportunity to play as the right sided attacker which is not a position he generally plays in. Arteta had earlier acknowledged that for a player of Saka’s talent the ceiling is indeed very high and he will continue to give him opportunities in different “floating” roles.
Martinez, who has been very impressive both with his command of the penalty box as well as distribution with his feet, started between the posts while poor Leno continues his recovery from a challenge the type of which must be eradicated from football.
There was one minute of cheer for UK’s National Health Service, established 72 years ago immediately after the end of the WWII.
I think the ground staff and the squad members – scattered as they are – were still clapping when we almost conceded a goal. There was a long ball kicked towards our goal, Traore ran on to it to find himself one-on-one with Martinez who promptly came off his line to save from Traore’s feet and save us from a calamitous start.
For the entirety of the match this remained the only “attempt on goal” from Wolves. It is not that Jimenez, Traore, Moutinho or Jota didn’t try or that they didn’t create the overloads down the flank or didn’t deliver quality crosses in the box. All of those happened, but the team defended intelligently and without the momentary lapses of concentration that have become synonymous with some of them. Mustafi was impressive in both air and on the ground, Luiz looked assured (to be fair to him, as the distributor and organizer at the middle of a 3-man defense he looks much more comfortable), and even though Kola’s sometimes wayward passing was frustrating and he gave away a couple of unnecessary free-kicks he handled his defensive duties well and was very disciplined in pushing up and dropping down as needed.
Before the first drinks break the game was played in a slower tempo where neither team were committing too many players forward. Saka was having a relatively quiet game and looked positionally unsure. Auba was noticeably dropping deep to help out Tierney and Kola, especially against Traore who given enough space and time can become unplayable. Xhaka and Dani were playing conservatively but with a lot of focus on keeping the shape and remaining positionally aware. While Dani’s effervescent performance in the first half against Norwich was definitely much more adventurous and effective as an attacking outlet, today’s solidity was commendable in its defensive focus. The team showed no signs of impatience as they seemed to be fully aware of Wolves’ counter-attacking threat, and hence were happy to wait for the right moments.
We got our first corner on the 25th minute, the ball came to Auba whose improvised attempt was easily gathered by the Rui Patricio. On the 31st minute Luiz got a yellow card after bringing Traore down as he was racing past him. It was a rare moment of loss of defensive shape.
Our first meaningful attempt came from Nketiah around 35th minute whose low stinging drive almost squeezed past Patricio who made a very good save lower down to his left. A minute later Auba tried to set Nketiah up with a header that drifted wide. On the other end Wolves wasted a corner and then their free-kick was blocked by Arsenal’s defensive wall.
As the game seemed to be heading towards a goalless half-time break we put together our first genuinely fluid move. Cedric lofted a pass towards Auba who had drifted inside to play more centrally. Auba passed it on to Tierney who never misses an opportunity to attack the flank, Tierney got ahead of the defender and provided a cut-back in the empty space in the penalty box as Auba had dragged his marker with his run, the delivery ricocheted off one of the Wolves’ defender (it looked like on his hands but that was soon to become irrelevant) and as a few Arsenal players were raising their hands to appeal for the penalty the ball bounced near Saka who scored with a wonderful hooked shot on the bounce that looped perfectly past the diving Patricio. Saka’s first premier league goal was a sumptuous finish of excellent technical quality – a finish that Auba or Pepe would have been proud of. Saka was having a quiet match but that goal was again a reminder to his rapidly growing fan base that our academy has produced a player of remarkable potential.
Wolves 0 – Arsenal 1 (Saka 42’)
First half ended with us leading by that goal.
The second half started with Wolves dominating possession and attacking our flanks with verve. We started to drop back and was finding it difficult to keep possession. Especially down our left flank Traore was starting to give Tierney and Kola trouble. Tierney has been consistently good since the resumption of the season, but he has played continuously, is just coming back from injury and it is his first season in the PL and he was looking tired. It was a very smart move by Arteta to bring in Ainsley Maitland-Niles for Tierney on 56th minute. If there were any doubts in anyone’s mind if AMN would be able to handle the pacy, tricky, powerful and technically strong Traore for the rest of the match he gave a flawless performance quieting any such doubts. The left back or left wing-back is not an entirely unfamiliar position for him, he had played in these roles even for Arsène, and the effort and commitment of his performance today indicated that even though he maintains his preference for midfield or winger roles he may have bought into Arteta’s vision of what is in store for him. I think he is a player with immense potential – a very rare combination of physical and technical qualities – and it will be wonderful to continue to have him grow and excel with the rest of our other youth team talents now graduated to the first team.
After AMN’s introduction Traore got better of the defense just once when he found himself face-to-face with Martinez who came rushing forward making himself big, Traore tried to chip the ball into goal but lofted it over the posts.
A few minutes after the water break Arteta made two substitutions: Willock coming on for Saka and Bellerin for Cedric who had started to drift out of the game a bit. He had a solid if unspectacular game, and had earlier contributed to the solitary goal by which we were leading.
All these three substitutions — AMN, Bellerin and Willock – helped us to gain control of possession better with Willock, in combination with Eddie, helping to press high up and both AMN and Bellerin offering good security down the flanks as well as pushing us up to gain numerical advantage near their penalty box. Around 82nd minute we made our final substitutions: tireless Nketiah replaced by Laca and a very welcome return of Lucas Torreira who slotted in seamlessly for Ceballos.
Laca really needed a goal given his inexplicable barren run. And he got his goal – his first away goal in premier league since February 2019. The goal came thanks a lot to Willock’s driving run into the box and an excellent assist to Laca, who controlled the pass and executed a flawless finish against the inside of the far post. The smile of relief said it all. It was 86 minutes and these very valuable three away points were all but secured.
Wolves 0 – Arsenal 2 (Saka 42’, Laca 86’)
Two minutes later we could have and should have gone 3-0 up. Joe again made excellent run into the box and was fed selflessly by Auba. Willock’s scuffed shot even though had beaten Patricio lacked the needed power and Ruben Neves cleared it from the goal-line. On another day Auba would have scored himself from that same position where he thought of assisting Joe in this match.
We managed to see out the game comfortably, AMN and Auba particularly protecting the ball well. The game ended with a couple of corners for us.
This was not a vintage Arsenal performance, not even the vintage of 5 years back when Arteta was captain and we were still capable of playing breathtaking football. This was an efficient performance, built on the intelligence of self-awareness and concentration to execute a plan, supported by a flawless in-game management by Mikel. That clarity of thought promises so much.
Cheers Doc!
Thanks Dr F. for a balanced, considered and highly literate (apart from the American spellings but your Boston location makes this understandable ) match report in the fine traditions of this bar. I think we all watched this game with such pleasure, yet fearful lest the dangerous Traore would make a goal or go sprawling in the area after a careless challenge from one of our back three, all of whom surely have a mistake in them.
But everyone concentrated, worked hard and played to the plan. As I think I said after the Southampton game, if our lot for a while is workmanlike 2-0 away wins, well I am just fine with that.
Cheers Dr F !
It was a highly pragmatic performance – a plan carried out to perfection by a team that “enjoys to suffer at the moment”, in the words of our ever more impressive new manager. When you have that, you have a chance against anyone.
The key to us hanging onto and ultimately increasing our lead yesterday, instead of conceding and losing late on, were the substitutions. We all know what they were and while some were initially puzzling, they won us the game.
Great interviews after the match from Arteta and Bakayo Saka, who seems genuinely thrilled to have his longer term future settled at the club. So are we !
Wolves have beaten Man City twice this season. What price on a FA Cup semi final upset now ?
Thanks for your comprehensive and well done match report, Dr. F., but did Faustus the younger make no drawing of Saka swinging his left foot sending his volley flying into the top corner? 😉
Arteta’s clarity of thought promises nearly as much as continuation of the thoughtful clarity of your summaries, Dr F. My only gripe would be the absence of the outstanding artwork that we have become accustomed to enjoying in parallel. Hopefully the young master has hung up his paintbrush?
On the timing of MA8’s arrival. While the brief ride with Emery elevated me to the highest level of despair, I think it was a necessary instruction for many in the fan base of how bad things might have become if continued and remains an important reference point for the promise that is Arteta.
I do think that the transition from Wenger would have gone better had Arteta been appointed instead. However, he will have learned much about himself, his players and his management from having to wrestle the team from the road to perdition that is the bottom three (we were on that vector). The time was right.
On yesterday, ‘Yes’ to pretty much everything you said. Commendable as the team effort was yesterday, I think there is a difference to grinding out a win like this when ‘it’s hurting’ and ‘battering the opposition for 95 minutes’ with some of the players who started yesterday. Some hard decisions necessary in the window to begin the transformation.
Never happy? My glass is more than half full most of the time (as long as it’s Bath’s round) but I admit to deriving more pleasure from drinking in the Faltering Fullback than watching him play.
@3 Trev, all of our remaining games are winnable in the strange sausage machine circumstances that this League is being played out in.*
*Lest you are inclined to wager, our sponsors wish to point out that all of our remaining games are also losable. We don’t think they will be lost but don’t reference us should things go tits up.
‘Hasn’t’ hung up…….you all knew what I meant to say. Sciatica of the middle two fingers.
Cheers Dr F, pleasurable reading of a comprehensive match report. The only thing missing was the latest product from the Faustus art academy.
It seems to me the meticulous planning by our head coach is reaping dividends in that the players appear to fully know their role on the pitch and it’s becoming more natural to them.
Arteta’s philosophy is you are either fully on board the team collective or you are fated to be only watching from the sidelines – so far just Ozil & Guendouzi appear to be choosing the latter.
Mikel himself is also playing a blinder and he is rapidly improving in the choice & timing of using substitutes – yesterday they were faultless. The combination of a brilliant young coach along with some exciting academy players breaking through is salivating for the coming years.
A very enjoyable report thanks
Dr F.
Lots to like about our performance
yesterday though the game really
turned on Traore’s misses.
Fine finishes on the other hand for
both our goals as technique
triumphed over strength.
Three away wins on the spin at
Soton, SU and Wolves. A lot of
character shown and long may it
continue. Leicester next, we were
poor against them earlier this
season and I’d like to stick it to
those fuckers.
BtM,
The sciatic nerve is one which can affect many parts of the human body but unfortunately, or fortunately for most of us, not the middle two fingers.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the young Faustus chose to utilise his first two fingers in response to your lack of a credible excuse. 😏
Matt, what’s Traore’s missus got to do with it ? 😳
Top-drawer, again, Dr F. Your first two paragraphs are masterly.
And he had two misses Trev
Watching Wham take an early lead
at Newcastle. Hayden and perhaps
later the lesser spotted Jack
Thanks Esso, Countryman, Trev, BtM, bt8, Uply, Matt.
BtM: the artist had a few other activities that took priorities in the afternoon and evening, activities that can no longer be taken for granted so the commitment to their enjoyment was, let us say, total, not unlike the commitment of Mikel’s merry men towards enjoying their game. 🙂 He will definitely resume drawing his heroes in red and white.
Martinez didn’t have to make any spectacular saves yesterday — the first minute alertness was excellent though — but I think he has been impressive in his command in the box and distribution. Between Leno and him we should have the GK position well covered for at least the next few years.
Thanks a lot Ned.
Every time I start writing I marvel at Holic’s consistency of quality: to be able to write such enjoyable previews and report twice a week while busy with work and family life for years after years is impressive and inspiring.
Thankyou Dr F. That is a most enjoyable account of an excellent Arsenal performance.
As the game unfolded it gave me the vibes of the GG team, especially after we took the lead through Saka (without question the most exciting young player to come through since CF4) without quite offering that reassuring ‘safe as houses’ feel that I used to get watching Bould and Adams hoover up everything that came their way. Nonetheless it was a superb team performance with only the weaknesses of Kolasinac’s passing and Saka’s passing as flies in the ointment.
As you observe, Mikel’s game-management was flawless in this game and he is clearly learning his trade. I am very optimistic about our future under Arteta. I do hope the execs find him the shekels to support him.
An excellent observation, Dr F @15. I remain full of admiration for Holic’s achievement over many years. When I told him that, he chuckled and said it was nothing compared to what others did. Not nothing at all.
Hayden was playing well until
in true Arsenal man fashion he
did his hammy and off he came.
Not a bad game and Wham look
to have enough about them to
avoid relegation.
Alas no Jack.
2-2 in the end.
As the game drifted toward a
draw the commentator
ridiculously opined that Newcastle
might push for a place in Europe.
Even Dowie, who was as limited
a pundit as he was a player, was
silent. A dull ending but I can
report that there was more skill on
display than the Burnley / Sheff Utd
game earlier.
On to Liverpool vs Villa, I’ll try to find
something positive to say.
Villa’s away kit is dreadful.
Thanks bath!
I always found Holic’s prolific output of consistent quality impressive, but how impressive I realize now trying to write a few myself. But it’s an enjoyable bit of experience as well, especially when we win. 🙂
Burnley had an easy chance to make it 2-0 vs Sheffield. Draw isn’t too bad a result for us.
What bath said @17. The Guv’nor was a maestro.
TTG@previous drinks: On your Youth Cup team plus two years formula, the 2017-18 team was comprehensively beaten by Chelsea 7-1 in the final over the two legs so your assessment of it not being a vintage generation looks well-founded. Interestingly, Saka was only on the bench for the first leg. He did start the second leg, which was lost 4-0. One other potential standout from that team is ESR, but we are yet to see what Arteta makes of him and can make of him. Another could be Folarin Balogun if he stays. He was added to the squad for the second leg and came on off the bench. Three players who would have been on the promising list have left for other clubs, Joao Virginia, Dominic Thompson and Xavier Amaechi. Of the rest, only Daniel Ballard, Zech Medly, Matt Smith and Trae Coyle are on the fringes of the first-team squad, plus loanees Tyreece John-Jules and possibly James Olayinka.
Liverpoo seem to be on hols.
The Ox subbed on the hour
after a sporadic contribution.
Villa wasteful 3 or 4 times on
the break. I fancy us to beat
both of these😉
Only 8 points separate 7th placed Arsenal, on 49, and 14th placed Southampton, on 41 as of this moment. Even more interesting perhaps from a numerological point of view, the only points total not taken within that range is 47.
@24 Ned, are Joao Virginia, Dominic Thompson and Xavier Amaechi shooting the lights out with their new clubs?
@26 bt8, Come on, old chap, the only numbers that now matter are those above us 🙂
Numeralogically speaking, BtM, we aren’t as close to the clubs above us but I wouldn’t put it past us to move on up if we can keep up with this attitude and application. In any case, we are separated by 8 points from Chelsea, on 57 in 4th spot with only Wolves and Man Utd in between. One win or one extra goal could make a monumental difference either way, so check back after we thrash 🧨 Leicester and it could be even more interesting.
Masterly Report Dr.F. Many thanks for a comprehensive and interesting account.
If I’d read this in the broadsheets I’d have been astonished because it portrays a much better grasp of the game than their reports usually do. This felt like a step forward and we can only hope we can stuff Leicester on Tuesday to maintain the momentum.
Ned,
I saw the semi- final of that Youth Cup.ESR was the standout player( Saka came on as a sub I think) and I was amazed that Hudson Odoi took us to the cleaners so liberally in the final . I liked Medley and Ballard at CB but there is a scrum forming for those positions and some players will have to leave .
Having watched some of the Southampton win over Citeh tonight it was salutary to think we won 2-0 ( pretty comfortably ) there recently. Progress is being made
BtM: Both Thompson and Amaechi are still 19 and haven’t made breakthroughs though both have had senior minutes. Virgina is 20 and has been on the bench for Everton’s recent Premiership games behind Pickford.
Which reminds me that Martinez should be added to our list of those in the first team who have come up through the ranks as he has been at the club since he was a teenager.
TTG@29: In a way it is a shame that ESR has been on loan at Huddersfield and so not around for the early day-to-day of the Arteta renaissance, although I know ESR and Arteta have been talking to each other during the lockdown. i am looking forward to seeing what Arteta can make of him and how he fits into the team rebuild. We certainly need some midfield creativity. Also I have been wondering how Partey and Xhaka fit together, if indeed Partey joins. On the basis of no evidence, I have been wondering if Arteta is grooming Xhaka to be Luiz’s long-term replacement in the middle of a back three, flanked by Saliba and Mari.
Nice report DrF – more interesting than the game actually which, in reality, was pretty hard to watch. The first half hour in particular was horrible with neither team capable, or seemingly interested, in moving forward. Two excellent goals and some decent individual performances were the only bright spots and obviously delighted with three more points.
As for Wolves, I’ve never watched them before and it is therefore a mystery to me how they occupy their current position. All huff and puff and only one “attempt” on target the whole game. The much touted Traore missed two good, gifted chances and otherwise just ran quite fast to zero effect. Meh.
UTA
Thanks TTG for the kind words. Very generous of you.
Thanks Noosa. I think our solidity contributed a lot towards blunting any threats Wolves may have posed. They have beaten lots of good teams this season and last.
TTG : ‘If I’d read this in the broadsheets I’d have been astonished because it portrays a much better grasp of the game than their reports usually do.’ Exactly. Henry Winter (W*n*er) eat your heart out.
Ned : Thanks. Martinez has been excellent since Leno was injured and is a very worthy addition to your list. If Partey is as good as his ‘showreel’ suggests, he’ll be a monster addition for us. I think his arrival would cast doubts on the futures of Xhaka*, Torreira and Ceballos as first team picks. Mikel might choose to play Partey as DM alongside a box-to-box and a creator.
Linking Partey to hopes for our accademicals would bring Willock or AMN into the box-to-box role with Saka or ESR as creator. We can only dream.
* MA8 clearly rates Xhaka and plays him at every opportunity. I think we’re unbeaten when Xhaka plays? Difficult for me to see him in that Luiz role. He can intercept but can’t tackle.
You don’t like Henry BtM? I’ve always thought he was a secret Gooner and he certainly speaks regularly at AST meetings. I’ll take him over John Cross any day of the week.
I sometimes find Cross too deep – goes way over my head 😏
Thorough and thoughtful report Doc. Cheers.
I’m keen to see how ESR might fit into Arteta’s thinking and how well the boss can develop him. I’d agree with everyone looking at Saka and Martinelli as being potential lynchpins in a brilliant team. In the long term I’d play Saka at 10 and Gabby on the left.
Eddie doesn’t look like he has such limitless potential but if he can be a new Wrighty who finds space and finishes when it counts he could be equally effective. I love his pressing and he is surprisingly good in the air for his size. He times his jumps very well and I hope he works more on this as I think he could score a fair few headers.
We also have AMN, Tierney, Willock and Nelson who all look good enough to contribute. Some may grow into regular starters (Tierney already is) and some may be squad players but with a few well chosen additions this team is as exciting as any we have had for a long time.
Our manager is absolute class. I would not swap him for literally anyone.
GSD – have to say I haven’t seen much of ESR but if one can be a Wrighty from midfield he should be earning two salaries !
Completely agree with you on Arteta. He is too good not to be highly ambitious. I just hope he is given the chance to achieve those ambitions with us.
My understanding is that Winter is a Gooner but I’m not a huge fan . He is the Laura Kuensberg of football scribes. Always moaning and whingeing . ( for UK drinkers ) . John Cross is a simplistic wanker . By far the best Arsenal ..and football ..coverage in quality media comes in the Athletic, in my view
Btm makes a very good point about Xhaka who must have some interesting pictures of Mrs Arteta in the shower or something equally compromising. I’ve tried to love him, goodness knows I have and although GSD and I were disgusted by the Palace debacle it is time to move on. But when I add up his pluses – good left foot …..nice hair …Er that’s it and look at his minuses – can’t tackle, one-footed , slow , prone to goal causing mistakes , dives into tackles he can’t win ( pen v Spurs) , doesn’t carry much attacking threat , peripheral , I think the balance sheet is a bit lopsided . I thought he played well at Stamford Bridge at the back but I don’t trust him as a centre back and he isn’t very good in the air .Partey is a very different sort of player , much more Vieira than whoever Xhaka could be compared to . I suppose Xhaka has some similarities to Gilberto but only in the way I have to George Clooney. He has some physical similarities but falls short in many other ways . All my football instincts honed over sixty plus years lead me to believe we could do sooo much better
Trev.
If ESR turns into a midfield Wrighty (as well as Eddie becoming one from CF as I suggested) then I won’t be complaining!
TTG.
I agree that we are well past the point to move on from Xhaka’s Palace antics. Also that he doesn’t add anything special yet possesses many weaknesses. I hope Arteta is less privately enamoured with him than his public comments suggest.
However, it is a sign of how incoherent our midfield is that he does actually add something with his fabled ‘technical security’. As I doubt we will be signing three new midfielders I imagine we will have him as a regular for at least another season. Hopefully Willock, ESR and/or AMN can grow into CM roles. Torreira and Guendouzi are difficult ones to work out what Arteta may do with them. Ceballos is presumably off.
Hopefully we get one or two new players into midfield. But whilst we go through a couple of seasons of midfield overhaul I expect we will see much more of Xhaka than I would like. So I hope Mikel moulds him into a better and more effective player than he has so far appeared to me.
Martinez and Leno are an extremely strong pair in goal.
I am happy with Hector, Cedric and Tierney. I’d sell Kola but not prioritise spending whatever funds we have on a replacement when AMN and even Saka or Xhaka can deputise. If a cheap and solid option comes along then go for it.
In CD we have Saliba, Holding, Chambers, Luiz and Mari. And even Mustafi seems to be much improved, to the point that he might be acceptable backup. Sell the two Greeks and possibly Mustafi (or Chambers) if we can.
Eddie, Auba, Laca, Pepe, Saka, Gabby, Nelson and possibly ESR is plenty of firepower. If we sell Auba or Laca then use the funds to buy a replacament.
Central midfield is where we need to sort ourselves out. Xhaka and Torreira are backed up by AMN and Willock. God knows what is going on with Guendouzi, and Ceballos is off. We have neither the right personnel nor a consistent formation or approach. There is a hole in the middle of our team. How effectively we improve our midfield will determine our success next season and beyond. It is top priority.
TTG,
I have no idea why but it seems
Xhaka has the trust of his
teammates. I think that has to
count as a plus on the pitch.
We have looked less panicky
since he returned.
Again, I don’t know how but Mus,
Luiz and Xhaka have functioned
pretty well as the heart of our
defence in the last few games.
Of course there are tactical reasons,
even so I’m baffled but grateful for
the temporary respite from calamity
central.
I’ve nothing to add to GSD’s summary of
our needs @42 as it looks spot on to me.
I’m a bit impressed with how tight the
club have managed to keep the story
on Guen. There are rumours of course
but it’s been a model of discipline so far
on all sides.
Thanks GSD.
Regarding Xhaka, I agree that he can and should ideally be upgraded, but until that happens I don’t think we have anyone else in the midfield who can play that structure and shape enforcing role.
I don’t know anything about the training ground or dressing room roles, but it is worth noticing that three very different managers found Xhaka essential to the team. Also that he was the captain of ‘Gladbach in his early 20s. So maybe there are some intangibles that he brings to the team that the managers and players appreciate more than us supporters.
@35 I find Henry plays some good games and some very bad games, C100. I give him positive feedback on the former and berate him heavily for the latter (in which he can’t hold a candle to Dr F and doesn’t have the young maestro’s canvases for embellishment). I don’t read any other writer and once Arseblog, then the Times* have been digested that’s my day. I can’t recall ever reading anything by John Cross.
*Times writers appear remarkably well aligned with this bar’s positive view of MA8 in this early phase of his tenure.
Xhaka will always look OK in a middle/lower half EPL team. So after the Palace ‘bump’, it wasn’t surprising to hear that Newcastle were interested in him. He’ll look out of his depth as a starter in a team with the quality to compete for the title. So after the Palace ‘bump’, it was completely unsurprising that neither of the Manc teams, Che$ki, the Mugsmashers (nor even Bottenham) were remotely interested in tempting him away.
‘Nuff said in this negative tone – may he continue to surprise us with his play and delight us with his two goals a season until we upgrade our midfield.
“Delight us with his two goals a season”
That made me laugh Btm.
TTG spot on in his assessments of Winter and Cross. Winter first of all had Mourinho’s bellend tickling his tonsils and then followed it up with Pochetino. Cross is just rubbish.
Boooooooooo swampies have just scored.
TTG@39: And a matching set from the Ljungberg, Emery and Wenger showers, as they all also picked Xhaka with unfailing regularity.
GSD@37: Eddie’s other attribute is that he seems to have that goal-scorers knack of popping up in the box in the right place at the right time.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>