Oooooh.
I missed this post.
Cough; ahem.
Well, we haven't spent all that much in recent years, hence, I won't begrudge it this year.
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The 2021-2022 Football Thread
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Oooooh.
I missed this post.
Cough; ahem.
Well, we haven't spent all that much in recent years, hence, I won't begrudge it this year.
I too can only see a Chelsea victory tomorrow. But you never know with Arsenal. Every now and then they turn in an unexpected performance.
This was before your latest acquisition. But I think you needed a bit of an overhaul.
Arsenal's best spell since Arteta took charge coincided with Martínez's period between the sticks (which was when they won the FA Cup).
Granted, the squad he inherited - bloated with overpiad, underperforming, half asleep individuals - whom nobody really wanted - and who were more than happy to run down the clock on their contracts - left a lot to be desired.
Tuchel has been a revelation since he took charge at Chelsea - he was the manager I had hoped would have replaced Mr Wenger, but it was not to be - hence, I'm not all that optimistic either re tomorrow, and - tonight - would happily settle for a draw.
However, every season, Arsenal have one or two of those weird days when everything just clicks for them and they are formidable, irrespective if whoever the opposition is.
I wish I could also report a win for Columbus tonight, but the season has imploded in a spectacular fashion. At the moment they couldn’t beat a pub team, let alone Seattle.
Oh dear. That’s a pretty brutal assessment! Btw your earlier post about the Grealish goal was spot on. His goal was a fluky rebound having seen it last night. Still he seems to be enjoying his new club. Not sure he’ll play as well alongside KDB when he is fit.
Sadly I’m waiting for Monday’s game. I always feel a bit robbed when you don’t have a weekend game. Still have a few players from my Fantasy league playing today, so hoping for a good showing.
I went to the NSC v ORL match on Wednesday night.
We drew 1-1 in a match we probably should have won.
The night started with a torrential downpour and eventually turned into an off and on sprinkle.
13,000 + on wet and miserable Wednesday night.
An unintentional ode to my late father. He was VP and Director of Sales at Bunny Bread for many years. These stickers are on all the cup holders at Nissan Stadium.
We drew 1-1 in a match we probably should have won.
The night started with a torrential downpour and eventually turned into an off and on sprinkle.
13,000 + on wet and miserable Wednesday night.
An unintentional ode to my late father. He was VP and Director of Sales at Bunny Bread for many years. These stickers are on all the cup holders at Nissan Stadium.
Yes, this question occurred to me, as well.
Elsewhere, Manchester United are held to a draw (1-1) at Southampton; or, rather, Southampton (who more than deserve their point), manage, or secure, or claw a draw against an inconsistent United.
Very nice to bring back memories of your father. I am guessing but could be wrong that Bunny Bread is a soft white loaf. What is the origin of the name? Yes, I could try Google but would rather get the info from an insider.
Good result for Southampton. Disappointed to see Lingard on for 5 minutes. I’m still hopeful we can secure his services for a starting role.
Arsenal v Chelsea about to kick off.
I feel like I need to stick up for Fred a little - all the headlines are blaring about a "Fred Own Goal" but it was an unlucky deflection. And it also downplays the fact that it came on the back of a slick attacking move by Southampton.
Woof, Lukaku has already put one past Arsenal.
Woof, Lukaku has already put one past Arsenal.
Two nil down, that is, Chelsea two, Arsenal nil (and of sign of us scoring either, not this century).
Actually, I think we will be not just defeated, but destroyed. Absolutely annihilated.
The gulf in class (shape, focus, competence....) is both embarrassing and excruciating.
Chelsea are an impressive team this season, (and current Champion's League champions, lest we forget) - yes, Tuchel is excellent, but he has identified and addressed their shortcomings (granted, he had the budget to do so) and will, I believe, seriously challenge for honours.
Actually, I think we will be not just defeated, but destroyed. Absolutely annihilated.
The gulf in class (shape, focus, competence....) is both embarrassing and excruciating.
Chelsea are an impressive team this season, (and current Champion's League champions, lest we forget) - yes, Tuchel is excellent, but he has identified and addressed their shortcomings (granted, he had the budget to do so) and will, I believe, seriously challenge for honours.
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Credit to Arsenal for gathering themselves a bit. They'll lose this match but they've managed to contain the damage and avoid a rout thus far, though Chelsea are still more or less in control. It could still get ugly.
I'd back Tuchel to outwit Arteta, but this really comes down to money. Every time Chelsea hit a dry spell they spend their way out, and they have so many good players out on loan they can raise money or bring in reinforcements without dipping directly in the bank account - like when they were under a transfer ban and still managed to strengthen theor squad. Arsenal don't have the resources to do that.
I'd back Tuchel to outwit Arteta, but this really comes down to money. Every time Chelsea hit a dry spell they spend their way out, and they have so many good players out on loan they can raise money or bring in reinforcements without dipping directly in the bank account - like when they were under a transfer ban and still managed to strengthen theor squad. Arsenal don't have the resources to do that.
Agreed.
Sigh.
It could have been a lot worse, and, before half-time, I genuinely thought that this is what we faced.
Next up, Manchester City: And I will concede that this is another match about which I am not feeling unduly optimistic.
Tough run of matches.
Brentford
Chelsea
City.
You were never in danger of winning today.
Considering you were the home team I would say it’s back to the drawing board for Arteta. I wonder how many games until they sack him? You’ll certainly need to improve your performance against City if you have any hope of a point.
But Fred was trash throughout the entire match. That, and Matic once again proving he's not capable of playing at the required pace for the English game.
You can say it was an off game for United, but defensive midfield is still a glaring sore spot. If their plan is to sign Declan Rice or nobody and keep hoping that Fred, McTominay and Matic hold it down, then there's no chance of winning the league. Why not someone like Yves Bissouma, who is such a force for Brighton?
I don't know why I am thinking this, but - somehow, inexplicably - I get the sense that you are thoroughly enjoying drawing my attention to such depressing and dismal statistics.
Actually, I genuinely don't think that it is quite a case of "back to the drawing board" - personally, I like the idea of youngsters being brought forward, - but, as always, they need time to bloom, blossom, and grow.
In truth, despite the aspirations, dreams and delusions of many of our supporters, Arsenal are currently a mid-table team, and have been in decline for the past fifteen years, and to blame Mikel Arteta for this state of affairs is both inaccurate and unfair.
The ownership model (greedy, parsimonious, and short-sighted savings) deserves to shoulder much of the blame (the dismantling of what had been an excellent scouting system, and some of the less inspiring purchases), plus a bloated squad altogether too well padded with several over-paid underachievers - whom nobody wants - (though some have been off-loaded over the past year) - are at fault to a greater extent than Arteta.
However, traditionally, managers are the fall-guys, the sacrifice, to the footballing deities and fans, when things begin to unravel.
I always take delight at any of the greedy six struggling. Clearly they are going to continue to struggle this year. I think Tony Adam’s described them as boys against Chelsea today.
Well, yes.
That brainstorm was not just greedy, but also inexcusable and unconscionable.
Anyway, the Guardian (Observer) described the match not as "men against boys" but as "men against foetuses".
Ouch. Wince. Oooooh.
At least you have new players coming in. That will take a bit of time to improve your fortunes.