The Prologue
This was the first of five league matches and potentially three Champions League matches in Mikel Arteta’s “new league” – his approach to drawing a line under a string of hesitant, nervous and ultimately poor results and performances. Poor, that is, excepting last week’s very good and most unlucky showing against the Abu Dhabi Cheats.
This week’s events have shown the loss at the Emptihad to be even more unjust than us merely being denied a win by hitting the post twice in the second half. Footage has emerged – that VAR typically couldn’t be bothered with – of both Havertz being felled for a stonewall penalty, and Gabriel being held back from reaching the ball by the gargoyle that is Erling Haaland as he was about to score the winner. There has been online content suggesting that PGMOL were writing to apologise and that Arsenal would appeal to the Premier League for a replay if that were to prove to be the title decider. How much of that is true I don’t know but it would seem eminently justified to me.
Team news
Following the news that Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori would be back in the squad for this game, the Arsenal line up turned out to be –
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hinkapie ; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Eze;
Bench: Kepa, Mosquera, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli, Trossard, Gyokeres, Dowman, Lewis-Skelly.
That looks far more like the squad we hoped to see over much more of the season than has been the case, although Calafiori was not in the squad after all. There has been a lot of frustration and criticism of the way the team has played, particularly in the second half of the season, but fitness has had, I believe, some far reaching effects.Firstly, and obviously, players simply not being available to play.Second, those who have been regularly available have played too many games, a number exacerbated by far too many internationals.Third, those same players have almost certainly had to play within themselves to try to conserve energy and avoid further injuries.
The return of Odegaard last week, together with an improving Havertz, allowed the team to play a different style and nearly achieve a win at probably the most difficult place in the league – along with the Emirates.
For Newcastle, Guimaraes returned to the midfield but Aaron Ramsdale was dropped to the bench in favour of ice Pope. The good news was that Jo The Thug (Jo el Linton in Portuguese) was out suspended.
First half
With North London Forever ringing off the terraces, I wanted to say, but out of the seats it has to be, the Arsenal set about, er, nearly giving a goal away after 25 seconds, and then again after 3 minutes after overplaying at the back.
There followed a series of three corners which revealed our new short corner routine. To groans from the crowd the first two produced only a shot wide from Eze’s left foot. Number three was slid to Havertz who turned and fed Eze who curled in a beautiful right foot shot to the far inside netting from 20 yards.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Newcastle
It was strange to see Newcastle with the lion’s share of the ball but when Arsenal did break they broke quickly and looked more threatening than they have of late. Madueke ran up a blind alley while I was yelling at him to shoot, and then two minutes later he did shoot, or rather rolled the ball back harmlessly to Pope.
Havertz was linking play well and Eze was providing the unpredictability that we have lacked. And, of course, whatever they did there was the unfailing Mancy whine of Gary Neville on TV to tell us what they should have done instead.
Raya saved well when Tonali shot through the crowd in front of him following a Newcastle corner. But then Kai Havertz went down somewhat mysteriously with a leg injury and had to be replaced by Gyokeres. Will we ever make it through one single game where we don’t lose another player to injury ?
As the half drew to a close we still seemed to be looking backwards too often and playing for safety first. That’s understandable to an extent – the trouble was since Eze’s goal Newcastle had had eight shots to our one as we retreated and a one goal lead is very slender and vulnerable to a single mistake.I had hoped to see a quicker, more positive approach after the performance at Man City and talk of lines being drawn but, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. The fact is that however much we might want them to relax and play, the players seem almost paralysed with nerves as a first title for twenty two years becomes a possibility. They are human, just like us. We can tell them exactly how torturous this process is.
Half time: Arsenal 1 – 0 Newcastle
The second half began much like the first had played out. Newcastle had most of the ball, Gary Neville continued to whine and Arsenal naturally lost another player to injury – this time it was Eberechi Eze after just six minutes of the half, although he walked quite comfortably off the pitch. Martinelli replaced him and would hopefully add a bit more physicality to the middle of the pitch where we were being outfought.
On the hour mark the home fans sang up to try to fire up the team and I found myself hoping for a substitution to change things somehow. Havertz’ departure seemed to have left us with no focal point up front and Madueke continued to produce nothing from our corner and free kick routines. It was Newcastle who rang the changes though, replacing Murphy and the speedy Osula with Barnes and Wissa.
Gyokeres came to life with a strong chase to win the ball back, only for our midfield to surrender it again. At last, after more, often over intricate play on the edge of the area, a sweeping move ended with a blocked shot from Zubimendi. Why are we so reluctant to play a couple of quick, early balls into space and arrack them to cause a bit of chaos ?
Mikel Arteta agreed with me (!) in his post match interview that Pope should have been sent off for bringing Gyokeres down with a rugby tackle 40 yards from goal after rushing out and missing the ball. Referee’s decision ? Yellow card. Inexplicable to me, correct call according to the still whining Manc. I do wonder what an opposing keeper has to do to one of our players to actually get sent off.
With around 10 minutes to go, Bukayo Saka and MLS replaced Madueke and Zubimendi. Saka immediately gave our forward play more purpose. Wissa blazed over from a Woltemade pass, thank goodness, but that miss was matched by Gyokeres who completely failed to roll the ball in for Saka who was through on goal on 93 minutes. After eight of the seven – yes, why ? – added minutes the final whistle went and everyone could breathe again.
Full time: Arsenal 1 – 0 Newcastle
I tried to enjoy this game and be very positive about our ‘new 5 game season’. All I can tell you is I positively did not enjoy it. The tension is unbearable. We won and now we can all fret about the cost of that victory – more injuries to Havertz and Eze. “Not too serious”, said Arteta afterwards, but I’ve long since stopped believing anything he says about injuries. How has that man still got immaculately groomed, jet black hair ?
For the second match running we should have finished playing against ten men. Just think about some of the red cards we have had given against us. I’m thinking specifically about Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth last season in the context of what Pope did to Gyokeres today. This happens to us far too often to be down to chance. It’s disgraceful.
I don’t know about the players but I must be a major doubt for Atleti on Wednesday. I have no idea how I’m going to recover by then.
By the way – We are top of the league, say …..
After what looked like a new dawn last weekend, this evening really was back to the future. There was a lot of handbrake and stress. I was disconcerted to see Odegaard repeatedly imploring the fans to lift the team, while seeing not that much of the team seeking to lift the fans. A great goal from Eze, but beyond that a lot of what we have seen all season. Once Havertz went off, we brought on a £60m striker who seems to suffer a greater degree of gravity than any other player on the pitch, in that from goal kicks, clearances or any other long ball, he never seems capable of leaving the floor to challenge for the ball. I don’t think I have seen such a limited striker since the days of Hawley and Hankin.
We won. Deep breath, but after last weekend, there is no sign of the improvement in performance the manager keeps on telling us we are going to see.
Hmm.
Further to your points, Trev, re sendings off : MLS sent off for a foul on the edge of the opposition penalty area last season, with defenders and goalkeeper in position. Newcastle keeper takes out Gyokeres on the edge of our attacking third with only in defender goal side. On a day on which Serie A has announced another investigation into referees, this time relating to last season, there is clearly no reason to have any concerns about the way in which the incredibly transparent PGMOL officiates games and the degree of consistency applied.
Thanks Trev, fine report of a difficult game. One to endure
really and thank Dennis for the three points at the end.
I’m pleased about the injuries not being too as we will need
both for the Fulham game next weekend. Leaving C130y
6 points back would put the pressure on them nicely.
Before that the small matter of a CL semi-final…..
Great work, Trev. Dan Roebuck and Clarkie were strenuously in agreement with you on the “Pope Scythes Down Victor” (there is some opportunity to insert a Donald J comment in here for those inclined) when it occurred. In Adrian’s opinion it was a rock solid red and it certainly looked that way to me.
That game was yet another difficult watch. Our midfield wasn’t at its most impactful and consequently the Saudis had much more of the ball that might have been expected. Havertz disappearance didn’t help our ability to retain possession, particularly from long goal kicks and such control and creativity as was contributed by Eze disappeared with his (looked minor) injury.
Most importantly, in this first of eight critical games, the record will show that The Arsenal triumphed and after only six days, displaced ManCheaty from that privileged perch. In that regard, job done and I’m ending on a smile.
A good report Trev. But I have been astonished by the negativity about that game, as much by Arsenal fans as anyone else. We scored a fabulous, creative goal and were buzzing. But Kai going off changed the dynamic and we had to dig in. Then Eze came off. Two of our most creative players weren’t there any more.
Our defence was superb, especially Piero Hincapie who was a warrior. Our two centre backs turned in a master class. When Saka eventually came on for an ineffective Noni the gulf in class was apparent. Please God let him be fit throughout the run in. Similar for Kai.
The lack of a red card for Pope when he hauled down Gyokeres who had an open goal to pass into was ludicrous. The air turned blue on the North Bank.
Despite the codswallop being put out by Sky, the crowd were loud, proud and very supportive. There was some early muttering about the short corners (including me) but after space was found by Eze and his shout arced in gloriously, the consensus was “Jover knows”.
Bath sent me the clip of the Eze interview with Merse and Redknapp after the game. “Do you listen to the pundits? Nah mate.”
Eze knows.
Win against Fulham next Saturday and we are six points clear.
An excellent and swift report Trev. You sum up well the excruciating experience of watching that match. The style and verve of the performance at the Emptiehad was nowhere to be seen and the optimism generated by that performance despite the result was quickly strangled as we reverted to the frustrating creativity-light turgid stuff we’ve been watching over recent months.
I really do feel that the experience of watching that game has shortened my life. Having driven up from Bath and back again (filling my petrol tank for a King’s ransom – thanks Donald!) I certainly begin to question my sanity. I am not sure that I have the stamina for the psychodrama of this run in. I certainly hope that the squad does.
Nonetheless, flicking the mental switch, we showed grit and determination (especially Hincapié, Gabriel and Zubimendi), won yet another ‘must-win’ game and returned to the top – job done. However, apart from Eze’s beautiful goal, Ødegaard’s fine shot that produced a full-stretch save from Pope and the long-awaited return of Saka, it wasn’t at all pretty.
Would I take four 1-0 victories in our remaining league games? Yes, I would. But I am not looking forward to the nail-biting experience of watching them.
A word on Eberichi Eze. He was “that” close to joining Spurs where he would be knee deep in a relegation battle. Instead he is in in a do or die scrap for the Premier League title, and in a Champions League semi final. He is contributing fully to that effort. That moment when Mikel called him changed his life. As the best terrace song of the year goes
You can hear them crying down the Lane
Eberichi scores again
Mik Arteta called him
He said Wow!
Fu#k off Tottenham
I’m a Gooner now!
Thanks Trev,
A few observations:-
1) If the roles were reversed and the last man, not the keeper, brought Vik down, would a red have been issued? Probably. It smells like the “not wanting to influence the game” scenario often touted as an excuse. It should have been red.
2) I’m not as down on Noni as some people have been recently. In his early games I seem to recall that he used to fly by defenders on the outside and get crosses in, albeit not many of which were converted. He’s not doing that anymore. I wonder if it’s been “coached” out of him and a more cautious, technical approach been instilled, along with his adapting to more defensive responsibilities when not on the ball. I think it would be more productive to loosen his leash a bit although with Saka back it is probably a moot point.
3) It would be best to score more goals but my feeling now is that it will be points that determine the title and that Citeh may drop the odd one. We just need to keep winning.
UTA
C100 @7, it’s a great song and such an important phone call. As a boyhood Gooner, I suspect Eze didn’t think twice when Arteta called him. However, I suspect that, had his move to the dark side actually gone through, there is little possibility that they would be up their necks in the relegation scrap!
You captured the emotional strain of watching the game perfectly, Trev. There would be something historic about a run of five 1-0-to-the-Arsenal wins to take the title, but were that to happen, I would be first in line behind Bath for a heart replacement.
Like C100@5, I am astonished by some of the negativity online (where else!) about us not winning 5-0. I posted the shot maps for each half in the previous drinks. We allowed Newcastle four shots, one on target, in the second half (vs nine and two in the first half). That was controlled, not backs-to-the-wall defending. Playing that way was how we led the league for more than 200 days. I, for one, have no difficulty with Arteta using that approach if it gets us the title. I suspect Noosa@8 is correct that the title will be decided by points won, not goal difference or goals scored.
Apparently, Howe dropped the 6’3″ Ramsdale and 5’10” Trippier for the 6’6″ Pope and 6’7″ Burn to counter Arsenal corners being swung under the crossbar. So our short corners did for that. I do wonder if Rammy might have got to Eze’s goal. It is the sort of acrobatic save he has pulled out in the past.
As for the Pope/Gyökeres incident, I have exclusive coverage of the PGMOL review:
Cheers Trev.
The injuries were the worst part of yesterday. They precipated the difficulties we had on the ball. We are just getting done time and again by injuries. Havertz played his first full 90 all season against City. We lost that game but my main thought was that if we keep Havertz, Ode and Eze fit (maybe even get Saka back!) then we’d be fine. In the next match, two of them go off injured before Saka can return. Those four are our first choice attack and we have literally not had them all on the pitch together once all season. Not once.
I’d fancy us against Atleti with Havertz up top. With Gyokeres, I am a lot more doubtful. There is now a big burden on Saka to provide creativity and goals. And we need to bring back our set-piece dominance.
Yesterday the win was most important and I’m not in the mood to analyse the game any further myself. Let’s hope it kickstarts a bit more belief, and the return of Saka is as influential as we all hope it could be. Fingers crossed.
UTA
CER @2. I’m pretty sure Myles was sent off for serious foul play. It was not for DOGSO. It was still an awful call, but not directly comparable. I think we have legitimate grievances with refereeing, but I try to be careful to be accurate, because the more we make false arguments the easier it is to dismiss our legitimate ones.
I thought Arteta did well to call out the Pope incident and last week’s lack of red for Khusanov in his post-game comments. Hopefully the refs are aware that a couple of, let’s generously say marginal calls, have gone against us already at a critical time.
Pope vs Gyokeres can do no wrong.
Thanks all !
Ned @10 – 🤣
Interestingly the VAR yesterday was none other than Jarred Gillet. Yesterday he agreed / let go Sam Barrot’s decision to award only a yellow card for Pope’s very clear and obvious rugby tackle that brought down Gyokeres. No VAR review from Mr Gillet. How odd that he was also on VAR duty for the Saliba red card – demanded and upgraded from the original yellow – to which I referred against Bournemouth. Saliba was further from goal than Pope was, and had a covering defender arcing to catch Evanilson had he run through.
So I will repeat Arseblog’s very good question today – ‘why are the rules on DOGSO different for a player who happens to be wearing gloves ?’
Or maybe they’re not. Just fancy that …..
I was not at the game yesterday but having attended hundreds of games at our stadium I could feel the tension. I kept fidgeting and even answered a call from Mrs TTG to check water levels in my pond to alleviate the tension . I was certain the fish were uneasy about us hanging on to the lead . Koi Havertz in particular .
A very evocative report Bath. I agree with C100 that in some aspects we did well but in that atmosphere of tension anything can happen. Watching Arsenal is bad for your health . I note CER’s comments about Gyokeres . I have him down in the bottom quartile of Arsenal strikers with Lee Chapman who he resembles on and off the field. At least Lee pulled a pre ‘ trout pout ‘ Lesley Ash even if he was largely useless . Viktor is not useless but he’s limited and hasn’t scored a non-penalty league goal against anyone in the top ten so far . I’m also not a fan of ‘ no end product ‘ Madueke but he does at least look to make things happen . Of our Berta signings I rate highly Hincapie , Eze , Mosquera and Zubi . Thats a decent hit rate .
As for the Eze phone call I think you’ll find he rang Arteta so desperate was he to join the quality side in North London .
My other comment is that it was a stonewall red card . Only four to go but on the bright side you save a lot of money on laxatives by watching Arsenal .
TTG – heh @ Koi Havertz
(and it’s my report, btw)
@13, Trev, all of that accurate and true – but missing one essential ingredient.
After a yellow had been signalled on the field at Bournemouth (Trossard had a brain fade, booted the ball high and backwards, Bournemouth lad collected it and ran just inside our half, Big willie slid in, won the ball and yellow card waved – fair enough, the Bournemouth lad was 45 yards from goal and speed merchant Ben White was available to cover).
At that point, Mr High and Mighty, Overlord of everything that’s excellent about the Kingdom of PGMOL, Howard Webb (who come to see ‘fair’ play against The Arsenal) immediately got on his mobile phone. “Why is Howard Webb on the phone?” enquired the Scouse genius Carragher.*
Simple. He was putting the frighteners on Gillet (not the best a man can be). It’s known proudly as ‘real-time coaching of his lads’ by our Howard but corruption by any other name in most other quarters.
* SKY in turn put the frighteners on Carragher and his comment was never addressed in the post-match ramble by him or any of the other muppets who frequent that sound box.
Trev
Profuse apologies . It’s still a very fine report indeed
Koi sends his regards
BtM – yep, I had forgotten that. Great point, well made 👍🏻👏🏻
In December 23 we were going quite well. Then we lost 0-2 at home to Wet Spam and three days later, Bath and I trundled along to the Cottage only to witness a pitiful surrender to Fulham 2-1. (So bad that we had to drown our sorrows post-match – yep. THAT bad).
Theoe two games cost us 6 points and we lost the League by 2 points at the end (ManCheaty 91; Arsenal 89) that season.
We know who we’re playing in the next two games. Lightning never strikes twice. Time for revenge. Come on You Gunners.
Cheers Trev! (Do all your reports now briefly appear as bath’s before correction? :-s)
Not the greatest of games by a long stretch indeed (chatting with a mate through most of it eased the tension somewhat) but a wondergoal won it, and the Magpies barely threatened thereafter.
Definitely a red in my opinion. Having a defender possibly covering really wasn’t a good reason to not upgrade. Seeing as nobody left between Vik and the goal would have been able to use their hands.
Gillett has (a lot of) previous. Or did he think that there is a schism and there were two Popes?
Schism! Heh Ollie 😂😂
Heh Ollie ! And yes, Bath’s just an old glory hunter 🙃
Arsenal women win 2-1 in the first (home) leg of the CL semifinal.
Should probably have won 3-0 on the balance of play. But then again we went 1-0 down (conceding really poorly) and Lyon’s other big chance came at 1-1 when they hit the bar. So it could have ended much worse. But I hope we don’t rue not taking more of an advantage after dominating the match and the chances.
Still, if both teams play to a similar standard next weekend then we’ll be fine.
GSD @23. I thought it was a really good game and an excellent performance. I thought the ref was quite lenient – Olivia Smith was kicked to death throughout the game. I was so pleased when she got the winning goal.
TTG@14 & 17- No need to keep carping on.
*looks around for coat*
CER @25
Is this the plaice where I mention Marli Salmon?
This is one of those dace where we look down from a lofty perch on a side breaming with confidence and a coaching team showing great attenchun to detail . Things are very bleak at Tottnumb . Frank Lamprey might raise their levels but some think their performances have spiked already this season .
Dear cod, make it stop!
Indeed CER. This isn’t the plaice for puns.
Back to the football – I’m just hoping Koi Havertz (TTG) hasn’t damaged his ding-a-Ling as that might need another visit to the sturgeon. Ok, time to stop talking pollocks now …..
Adrian Shark, no Clarke…:
Good stuff, as usual, from Sharky. Thanks for the link, Ned.
More begudgeon stuff in the Monday press . You would think we were floundering in the league .I heard a rumour that the Premier League haddocked points from C130y but the source was fishy. Never mind Mikel is a dab hand at lifting the team .
Keenos on vituperative form this morning.
TTG @32 🔥🔥🔥
C100 @33 – that’s a definite lunchtime read today.
Interesting that he’s saying “is it now 130”
I do think we were the first ones to really promote the “130” thing – the extra charges relating to the strange, suspicious kick off and restart times in Premier League games.
Thanks for the link C100 @33. That’s a great shout from Keenos.
TTG@32- I’ve ling since stopped taking notice of the English press. They’ve sold their sole.
C100@33 – Keenos as spot on as ever.
At least our billionaire owner isn’t corrupt.
For those who reflect on such matters, our CL semi-final against Atletico will pit two of the most competent US owners of European football teams, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and the US private equity firm Apollo Capital Management, against each other. Is that a triumph of virtue or just the way of a world that money makes go round?
Should we call it the Transatlantico ? 🤮🤮🤮
Marseille manager questions Nwaneri’s commitment
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7234596/2026/04/27/nwaneri-marseille-arsenal-loan-news-updates-criticise/
I wouldn’t really want to try and look too deep into that, Ned @39.
Might be a case of lesser of more than just two evils, but still very much evil.
Coventry City fans
https://bsky.app/profile/prasshant.bsky.social/post/3mkicp2smdk2c
Trev@ 41 and C100@44: 🙂
Ollie@43: Controversial, I would accept, and, as he was a property developer, no doubt a few cut corners, twisted arms and unfulfilled promises are there to be found by those who care to look, but not systemically corrupt in the manner of, say, a Russian oligarch. Furthermore, on the basis of zero empirical evidence, I would postulate that the man who makes his own fortune and then marries a larger one will have more integrity than the man who either inherits his fortune or receives it through political horsetrading. But we are simple, non-billionaires here at Castle Ned…
I’m led to believe that Andrea Berta was in Istanbul last night looking at Victor Osimhen , although Galatasaray have other players of interest . Given the paucity of established strikers of world class it is perhaps inevitable that his name would crop up again but it is suggested Gala are asking for £130 m! He would have been much cheaper last year !
There appears to be a general feeling that Gyokeres is not the answer to a maiden’s prayer upfront . Is that how we all think ?
TTG – if Gyokeres is the answer we’re asking the wrong question. Sorry, but with Havertz off injured and a title in the balance Gyokeres performance on Saturday was completely unacceptable. Doesn’t even jump for high balls, loses every physical challenge – bar one on Saturday – and the failure to find two Arsenal forwards unmarked in the middle, in the closing minutes, was ridiculous. I saw a stat the other day that he hasn’t scored a non-penalty goal against a side in the top ten.
I don’t like to be down on any Arsenal player but he is hopeless.
It seems everyone has been having a whale of a time.
On VG, I accept he is far from perfect but I think another stat is he has 18 goals in all competitions this season. He is certainly struggling at times to make the transition from the Portuguese league through this long and challenging season, but I don’t see him as an utterly hopeless duffer by any means and wouldn’t throw in the towel after one season either.
Also, at the risk of repeating a joke, if the hunky, loaded Viktor isn’t the answer to a maiden’s prayer, she may be praying for the wrong thing.
Risks a second yellow for self-assisting but…..
Buying Osimhen for the sort of money Gala want is a complete mug’s game.
Silent Stan as a decent billionaire?
Whilst he isn’t the murderous Abramovich / House of Saud level of iniquity,
he and his bedfellows are not people I’d want to sup with.
As The Arsenal’s stock has risen over the last 4 seasons so has Stan’s, but
actually he himself is, I believe, exactly the same greedy crook he has always been.
Harsh perhaps but then so are fraud, embezzlement, exploitation etc etc
Matt @51
Stan has been accused of fraud, embezzlement and exploitation? Can you expand on that? I wasn’t aware.
Matt
I think you are being harsh on Stan who is a very tough businessman but relatively honest His son Josh has been a very measured and sympathetic decision-maker with obvious emotional intelligence and we’ve avoided a lot of the owner-induced scandals and problems other clubs have had.I think they’ve been patient with Mikel and were prescient in appointing him.
I think Stan has had run ins in the USA with his other sporting interests but he has been a much better owner than I expected him to be when he assumed full control .
C100, @52 as far as I know he hasn’t been accused (if by that you mean officially charged) of any of those things and nor did I say so in my post.
@53 TTG,
Perhaps I am being harsh, and wouldn’t argue that point.
Also I wouldn’t argue that there are far worse out there.
However, I feel the word “relatively” when related to honest is
blurring the matter.
Yes, they appointed Mikel and have stuck by him, after of
course appointing Unai instead first of all so not really that
prescient. Fair’s fair, they bottled the first decision, realised
their mistake and did better second time. And I wouldn’t
argue that Josh has been a good influence for that matter.
To me, Stan has been pretty much as I expected.
On Gyökeres, I am bearing in mind Mike McDonald’s wise advice dispensed early doors that the Swede may be in that category of player coming into the PL from abroad who does not flourish until their second season. I will give him the benefit of the doubt until then, while acknowledging that he still has a lot of convincing to do. I can’t shake the image of there being something of the Luther Blissett to him.
However, I do think he does a lot of things that coaches like but fans don’t notice. It is also telling that Arteta frequently talks about him being a type of centre forward that we didn’t previously have and need for certain games/game situations. So perhaps viewing him as ‘Arsenal’s No 9’ and an ever-present, nailed-on starter is just using the wrong lens.
Perhaps we need that sort of No 9, but that is a different conversation. World-class versions don’t exactly fall out of the trees. You can count the clubs which have one on the fingers of one hand. And Galatasaray wouldn’t be in the count.
Like Trev, I noticed Gyökers wasn’t jumping for balls against Newcastle. However, I thought he was trying to take them on his chest, so we weren’t perpetually giving away the second ball. Perhaps that was to instruction. Perhaps he was just being useless. I really don’t know.
On a more joyful note, the latest update to the GHF Predictathon has been posted. Matchweek 34 brought improvements all round to scores, but some fared better than others. Churn a plenty in the middle of the pack, and a big move at the front, but will it prove to be premature? You know where to find the gory details…
And a belated well-in to OM for the half ton.
Thanks Ned for the update, I thought I had better thank you before I read it 😂
And I think @56 is a fair assessment of the situation with VG…
TTG@46- the Italian press is reporting that Mercedes have taken action against Osimhen in Italy for non-payment and subsequently non-return of an expensive car. There does seem to be noise around him wherever he goes. It’s all a bit redolent of past experiences with other centre forwards which haven’t ended well. That a player of his ability at his peak is playing in Turkey is perhaps not the greatest recommendation.
Re Gyokeres, to my mind he is the player 21CG and I saw out in Lisbon in November 2024- willing, hard working but with insurmountable technical limitations. He stands out for such in a highly technically developed team. It isn’t his fault, and I admire his never say due attitude, but willingness to run and work hard are for me merely “hygiene factors”, rather than reasons to have him as Arsenal’s centre forward. He has been given a lot of support from manager, team-mates and fans in the ground, which is as it should be and will no doubt continue. But in the absence of a home-grown or existing internal solution, centre forward remains an unresolved issue, for me.
My issue before we signed Gyokeres wasn’t with his quality but with his style of play. I was told that Arsenal would adapt to him but it hasn’t happened and it never made sense to change what 10 players do to accommodate one man. I’m not overly impressed by 18 goals simply because 90% of first choice PL Strikers would score at least that playing the amount of minutes he has up front for this team. Contrary to what you read elsewhere, we are quite good.
Gyokeres is a decent player to have but not a first choice. If we get rid of Jesus then Gyokeres can take his position in the squad. Frankly, I still think Sesko looks like exactly what we need in terms of his profile and I don’t know who else would be such a good fit. Watching Havertz win headers and the difference his play makes to us shows how important it is for our striker to do all the things Gyokeres cannot do.
Gyokeres has never challenged for headers. He must be so poor at them the coaching staff have told him not to bother. Everyone knew this before we signed him, and I’m still struggling to understand the many people who advocated for his signing. Just an awful fit for our team and I don’t get why anyone ever thought he’d be otherwise.
Still, he tries hard, can shoot well, and may well score important goals before the season ends. He has my full support and I hope he gives us some great moments this season! Go on, Viktor!
Some very balanced discussion on Gyokeres in here. Good stuff chaps.
Yes I’d echo C100 about Viktor and GSD makes an excellent point which I remember him maintaining at the time we signed him. I was an advocate of signing him because I thought he would adapt to the way we play . He got many more goals than Sesko before joining us but his show reel on YouTube shows most of them are identical! I can remember one goal like that – against Leeds in his first home game . Sesko has huge potential but I worried that as a young player expectation might overwhelm him . In reality he is not a great finisher but he is very quick and extremely good in the air, a real weapon to add to our armoury.
We all wish Viktor well but I don’t see him getting any better and if we got rid we might be able to bring in a more mobile , intelligent player like Cefane(?) the lad from Leverkusen or the lad from Bruges we are chasing allegedly . CER’s comments on Osimhen are cautionary and wise . He is obviously a great talent but is he another Adebayor/ Aubameyang who won’t adapt to the club ethos – and takes a route through Muswell Hill Broadway on match days?!
TTG @63. Hah! Long memories of my criticism of Auba for taking the gold wrapped Ferrari through Muswell Broadway, a notorious bottleneck on match days!
I don’t think we’ll go for Osimhen, but from a due diligence standpoint it makes sense for Berta to run the rule over him. Silly not to take a look. And a good sign that we are after someone. (I’m with CER and TTG that I don’t want Osimhen though).
I like Alvarez, but I don’t think Kai, Gyok and Alvarez is a good balance (unless Kai were fit all season, but that seems a risky bet!). We still need another Kai/Sesko analogue. Unless we really want Alvarez, in which case I bet Merino would get some minutes at CF doing the Kai role.
If we can sell Gyokeres for no less than £10-15m what we paid for him then I’d definitely do it. He’d still score loads of goals in Portugal or another similar league, so if someone wants to give us £50m or thereabouts with the idea that he’d probably win them a couple of league titles it would be a good deal all around. Can’t see it happening though.
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