{"id":11512,"date":"2025-07-28T09:10:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T08:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=11512"},"modified":"2025-07-31T17:48:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T16:48:27","slug":"double-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=11512","title":{"rendered":"Double Bill"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arsenal Suffer The Kicks and Elbows of Outrageous Fortune and Win<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

by ClockEndRider<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arsenal players nurse their wounds at half time<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On we moved from AC Milan to the second game of pre-season and the game against Newcastle. The team which started was Raya, White, Saliba, Calafiori, MLS, Zubimendi, Merino, Nwaneri, Saka Trossard, Havertz.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Howe and that curious orange man \u2013 who oddly never attracts the ire of mental midgets such as Gary Neville for being outside the prescribed area or waving his arms about and is never more than 2 paces apart from his Leader- their style of play has increasingly come to resemble that of a marginally more sophisticated Stoke.  Many of us doubted the wisdom of playing this antediluvian throwback side and it didn\u2019t take long for Guimaraes and Co. to go do that voodoo that they do so well, pretty much kicking anything that moved from the off.  And talking of throwbacks, we were behind to what was their first effort of the game after five minutes when Elanga, entirely unmarked in the box, seemed to cannon his shot off his standing foot and then off the post into the net.  There followed a period of about 15 minutes in which our defensive security owed less to the Beefeaters at the Tower of London and more to the Keystone Cops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gradually, though, as the half wore on, we forced them back and found ourselves yet again in a low block scenario.  On 32′ Merino scored a really good equaliser. Having won the ball back in their final third he passed to Trossard outside him. Trossard fired a low pass in to Havertz on the edge of the box who controlled and backheeled the ball into Merino\u2019s path for him to caress it the remaining 17 yards into the corner of the net.  Stokecastle were now under real pressure and less than 2 minutes later were behind.  The referee gave a foul again in their final third. While several troglodytes were making shapes with their mouths and struggling to force out any coherent sounds \u2013 evolution is a slow process – Trossard took a quick free kick, putting Havertz away down the left-hand side. He looked up from the edge of the box and hammered in a low cross looking for Saka, running in at the far post.  However, someone called Alex Murphy decided today was his day and pre-empted the inevitable strike from Saka by absolutely hammering the ball past his goalkeeper into the net from two yards wide of his own goal. Well played young man!  We went in for oranges at 2-1 up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second half started and oddly we had only made 1 sub – \u00d8degaard for a very subdued Nwaneri, while Stokecastle had made 9, most notably substituting the kickin\u2019-an\u2019-a-gougin\u2019 Guimaraes for the languid subtlety of Joelinton. Our sub quota was increased on 49′ when Calafiori appeared to pull up \u2013 yes, I know – with nobody around him and was replaced by Kiwior. Newcastle found renewed energy, but Arsenal had the best chance when a Trossard cross from inside the box on the left-hand side was met with a spectacular flying volley by Saka and well saved by Pope. 2 minutes later though, Newcastle\u2019s renewed energy showed when Jacob Murphy hit a pass-shot from 22 yards out into the bottom left of the Arsenal goal. A very good finish, assisted from some laboured non-defending from Arsenal\u2019s midfield and defence. Cue more subs as Raya, Saka and Havertz made way for Kepa, Dowman and Gabi on 59′. Straightaway 2 things happened. Dowman massively raised the energy level. And Newcastle decided to kick lumps out of the 15-year-old making apes of them.  On 70′ he received the ball in midfield, turned smartly and left 2 players for dead with his acceleration and notably tight control, before loosing off a shot which the keeper pushed round the post for a corner. This upping of energy went through the whole team and on 72′ \u00d8degaard hit a stinging shot from 15 yards, pushed wide by the keeper. Dowman had another effort 5 minutes later, cutting in from the right a la Saka and shooting at the top right, Then on 82′, Dowman, again, picked the ball up on the right hand touchline on the edge of the final third and drove forward, jinking inside some bloke pretending to be a left back, then putting on a burst of speed which surprised the chasing pack, until the Brazilian Vinnie Jones could do nothing but push him over in the box for what no doubt from what I have witnessed at St James Park would be a Newcastle free kick. Fortunately, this game was not being refereed by the football regulation relativists at PGMOL so the actual rules as written were applied and a penalty was given.  Laughably, as well as laughingly, Joelinton – the least Brazilian Brazilian since Sandro played for Sp*rs – complained to the referee.  \u00d8degaard took the pen. Arteta looked unsure, but he scored in any case and that was that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apparently Gy\u00f6keres was introduced to the crowd and will accompany the team to Hong Kong where they play an East Middlesex Swamp Dwellers XI on Thursday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Holics Look to the New Season<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

by<\/strong> TTG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am very grateful to four very helpful Holics who accepted my invitation to take a look at what they believe  is currently happening at the club and  who shared some of their hopes and fears for the new season. Inevitably this was written before all our recent  signings had been confirmed and before some other developments at our rivals. The four Holics were Osaka Matt (OM), North Bank Ned (NBN), Sancho Panza (SP)  and Bergkamp the Man (BtM) so we have certainly achieved a degree of geographical diversity! Here are their thoughts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you happy with the direction and progress of the club under Mikel Arteta?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> Absolutely! Arteta is an excellent leader, communicator and coach who is driven to succeed on his own and the club\u2019s behalf. Despite their jibes, I suspect that he and his leadership style are the envy of a multitude of opposition fans. Mikel has patiently renewed virtually the entire playing squad, patiently, methodically and in accord with a plan to elevate the Arsenal\u2019s playing style to the very competitive heights of world football. In this regard, he has won the confidence and respect of the vast majority of Gooners and, more importantly, the club\u2019s hierarchy and stakeholders. Two thumbs up from me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> Yes. Football fans\u2019 memories can be short-lived. We forget at our peril that the club faced a sliding doors moment at the time of Arteta\u2019s appointment. That we are looking forward to Champions League, not Championship football (thus sparing C100 from trips to Hull, Stoke and Watford), is testimony to the turnaround that Arteta has achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> Yes, I am very happy. We have a once in a generation manager who is brilliant at both managing players and coaching them. It’s not a case of who else is there to replace him? There isn’t anyone out there I would rather have. The direction is spot on. It can’t be argued that we had a poorer season, but we need to take into consideration factors both in and out of our control when looking at the season as a whole. We still did better than everyone else bar Liverpool, including all the cup winners. Progress is taking shape. Our squad is much stronger season on season, and we can’t expect a splurge on players every summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> Yes, certainly in terms of direction. Like everyone else (including MA and the team!), I\u2019d like tangible signs of progress like the PL or CL title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is early days, but what are your initial impressions of Andrea Berta?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> The initial impression is that he seems to know what he is doing, and he has a process that he is following. The amount of plates he is spinning is impressive with all the buying, selling, and retaining he has to do. I presume Tim Lewis is helping out a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> At this moment there is no confirmation on Gyokeres, Madueke or the young Spanish defender but if they join then I think that with Kepa, Norgaard and Zubi, we will have completed Step 1. In which case, so far, so good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> It is way too early to tell. Unfairly or not, he will be judged on the success of the striker he lands this window. The quality of the 2026-27 squad will be a better yardstick. A second-order hope would be that he proves as good at selling as buying, and we get more for the players we move on, both the seniors and those coming out of the Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> These are indeed early days and so the basis for comment is limited. I\u2019m pleased by the recruitment of Kepa, Norgaard, Madueke, Mosquera, and Zubimendi – particularly the latter, although the slipway for Zubi\u2019s move was well greased by Edu prior to his move into the depths of the Forest. It\u2019s pleasing too that Gabriel, MLS and Nwaneri have all been re-signed. Berta appears to be being tested though by Sporting and Leipzig in his efforts to land Gyokores or Sesko and failure to land either would severely dent his credibility. If he can complete the Gyokeres deal, seduce Eze and persuade Big Willy to sign for five more years, his first summer window will have been stellar in recruitment\/retainment terms. Finding suitors for Zinchenko, Trossard, Vieira, Nelson, Lokonga and Kiwior would add a rich layer of icing to this summer pudding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which of our signings or prospective signings excites you the most?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN: <\/strong>Tying  down Saliba, Gabriel, MLS, and Nwaneri to long-term contracts to secure the team’s current and future core is a major goal. Clearly, a striker is likely to be the pivotal signing. I only hope that there is not an undue weight of expectation heaped on his shoulders and that whoever it is, is given time to settle in (think Havertz). My concern would be that the e-haters pile in if he fails to notch a hat-trick in the first fifteen minutes on his debut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> Zubi, Zubi, Zubi! Gooner, Gooner, Gooner! A splendid song waiting in the wings for a player who I believe will speed our transitions forward, strengthen our midfield defensively and free Martin \u00d8degaard, in particular, for a more attack focused and goal scoring season ahead. TP5 (at peak fitness) was always going to be difficult to replace. I\u2019m optimistic that Martin Zubimendi will transcend Partey\u2019s contribution quickly and become a vital contributor to our trophy safari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> Dare I say Noni? I really like the thought of him coming on as a game changer and also starting some games to share the load with Saka. Zubi will be quietly efficient rather than exciting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> Of course Gyokeres would be the exciting CF signing everyone has been wanting but for me Norgaard and especially Zubi are the possible step up in quality that might win us the PL<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you concerns about any of the deals we have done so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> There are always risks with every signing so yes of course \u2013 for example, simple things –  Can Zubi \/ Gyokeres adapt to the PL? Is Norgaard too old? Can Madueke improve his end product? Will Kepa\u2019s form fall off a cliff at the first howler?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> The three confirmed incomings, Norgaard, Zubimendi and Kepa, all seem sensible acquisitions at appropriate prices that improve the squad (and Zubimendi, the first XI). Of the outgoings \u2014 KT3, Jorginho, Partey, Marquinhos, Tavares and a bunch of Academy players who have aged out \u2014 the only concern might be Tavares\u2019s price, but that was a deal structured a while back, so it is what it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> There\u2019s a huge deal of negativity surrounding the Madueke capture, based primarily, I believe, on price point and his Chel$ki heritage rather than his lack of talent or potential. I find both surprising and I\u2019m very pleased to see a high calibre winger, able to play as a disruptor on both wings, and providing essential cover for Saka and also Martinelli, being added to the talent pool.  He may well need some of Arteta\u2019s famed coaching focus to reach his full potential \u2013 but, with that, let\u2019s hope he makes the doubters \u2018do one\u2019 and the boys at the Bus Stop regret his departure as much as that of Salah and De Bruyne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there any business you would additionally like the club to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> I would love to see Eze coming in and being something completely different from what we are used to seeing. It is great to be unpredictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> Depends who we sell really.  If Tross leaves then I still want one more who can play wide left. I accept it is a difficult balancing act but I hope we won\u2019t leave ourselves short. It\u2019s gone quiet on Eze but let\u2019s see, as he\u2019d be nice to have.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> Apart from the obvious incomings still needed at the time of writing (striker and all-purpose winger\/10\/\u00d8degaard, Saka cover), the situations of Vieira, Lokonga and Nelson need resolving, sooner rather than later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> I would love to see Eze join. He\u2019s a very skilful, impactful talent and would add greatly to our attacking repertoire, particularly in low block situations. I\u2019d like to see Zinchenko, Trossard, Vieira, Nelson, Lokonga and Kiwior join Tierney in finding new homes in which to be happy and develop their careers. If some of these were to be used as make-weights for Eze, I\u2019d be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Arsenal player would you least like to lose for next season?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> Without a shadow of a doubt, unquestionably William Saliba. Superb generational talent who is an outstanding contributor already but who is at the same time far from his peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> Saliba. If the question is really about losing Trossard or Martinelli, I would let the Belgian go before the Brazilian. Of other mentioned possible departures, I would keep Kiwior at least until the other fill-in centre-backs, Timber, White and Calafiori, have confirmed their returns to full fitness. I would also put young Max Dowman on the must-keep list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> Well, it’s either Martinelli or Trossard. I would rather Martinelli stays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> The issue is drop off in quality, so it\u2019s still Saka for me. Raya would hurt too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without giving too much away about your Predictathon entry where do you expect Arsenal to finish in the Premier League next season?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> I predict The Arsenal to win it every season ! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> 2nd or 3rd. Everyone has strengthened, unfortunately, and I still think there is genuine referee bias against us. That is not to say we can’t win it if we make it impossible for decisions to make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> Top 20, definitely! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM: <\/strong>Winners. It\u2019s time, and if the recruitment and divestment programmes I\u2019ve outlined above come to fruition, we\u2019ll have the squad to make that happen. The vagaries of PGMOL are, however, unpredictable and avoiding another six  (disgraceful) \u201cArsenal only\u201d red cards will be essential. Beware the dark Webb!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Arsenal enjoy a similar season to last campaign but do not win silverware should we sack Arteta?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> Absolutely not! That’s not to say he won’t walk, but sacking Arteta would be completely stupid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> Assuming \u2018a similar season\u2019 means remaining competitive with Europe\u2019s elite clubs, then absolutely not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong>  Absolutely not! Retaining Arteta\u2019s services should Man Cheaty, Bayern, Real Madrid, PSG or Barcelona come calling will merit more focus and attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> No, I don\u2019t believe so. Unless, of course, he loses the dressing room in the process of not winning, then the decision becomes much more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any other comments ? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> I  really fear the Club World Cup is going to change football for the worse. Maybe a super league is taking shape regardless of opposition to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

OM:<\/strong> Just that I want us to start the season a little better than last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NBN:<\/strong> I suspect many will say that winning a trophy should be the priority for next season, as \u2018the project\u2019 has reached the stage where one is due. Silverware is important, symbolically, to fans and because winning things tends to become a habit. However, my two cents are that the key goal for next season is to consolidate our position among Europe\u2019s elite. Arteta has returned us to top table, but we are not yet seated in the middle by right rather than at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I compile this article Joe Root has scored another sublime century and transfer nerds are charting the flight path for Victor Gyokeres\u2019 plane from Majorca to London for his medical. I would reiterate my thanks to the correspondents that answered my call for their opinions, made in an atmosphere of pre- season uncertainty and who were brave enough to venture their thoughts before we know exactly what we may be facing next season and who we will be facing it with. The good sense and understanding of the game which Holics traditionally exhibit is much in evidence here and suggests optimism for the season combined with concern that events outside our control might interfere with our ambitions. The season is approaching fast. Let\u2019s hope it\u2019s a special one! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Arsenal Suffer The Kicks and Elbows of Outrageous Fortune and Win by ClockEndRider On we moved from AC Milan to the second game of pre-season and the game against Newcastle. The team which started was Raya, White, Saliba, Calafiori, MLS, Zubimendi, Merino, Nwaneri, Saka Trossard, Havertz.   Under Howe and that curious orange man \u2013 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[33,17,6,28,10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11512"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11512"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11541,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11512\/revisions\/11541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}