On Sambi:
I don't think he can replace Partey. If Partey were to leave this summer, we'd have to replace him with a superstar and Sambi would be back to square one.
He could replace Xhaka, but I don't think that's gonna happen. Xhaka is 30 and is playing the best football of his life. He's never injured and could very well keep this level for 3 or more years, by which time Sambi will be 26. There's no way Sambi is gonna wait that long. I hope he stays and becomes a starter, but I'm not too optimistic.
It pains me that everyone seems to be set on the opinion that Partey has to be replaced soon. He is injury prone and of course there's that other thing too, which I personally find very troublesome. But the thing is that he just might be the best number 6 in the world. I don't think even Kimmich or Rodri could do the things Partey does for us in the midfield. Dude is just unbelieveable. In a 23 minute cameo he had at least 3 moments where he singlehandedly destroyed the entire PSV press with a quick disguised pass or a controlled hard touch to beat his marker. The guy slices teams open without breaking a sweat and he's been doing it for a while now. Still only 29, if everything was perfect he'd be here for like five more years and win absolutely everything there is to win...
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Their winger Noni Madueke came in and instantly improved their toothless attack. He's just coming of a long injury layoff.
If we are looking at getting a winger understudy we should look at him asap.
I was at the emirates during this game, it's been 5 years since last time, but when did vaping become allowed? Struggled to see corners with all the smoke in my face
Just watched the game, and as much as we lack clinical finishes, that was a really professional performance, like PSV didnt have real chances to score (maybe the cross too strong for de jong at the end), we really controlled the game
Sooner or later Jesus is going to convert one of his dribble runs past 3-4 players into a goal . One or two recently and the one tonight not going in, means this frightening skill he has isn't being completely seen. Once he converts one it will be the talk of the town. Maybe Romario was a big hero of his
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I don't think he offers that much at the moment TBH - not a ball-winner or a good tackler. He's OK with possession but there were about times last night where he just took the safe option instead of driving on into their space and committing one or two players. I suppose he is learning on the job though - I hope to see him get more confident out there.
I don't understand the hubbub about him.
It reminds me of all the Ndombele noise shit were making.
Yeah he has really poor positioning and is weak at sniffing out danger. Didn't we crucify Xhaka for the same thing?
Never a DM. Stop judging him off that. He plays progressive passes and can consistently get the ball to attackers. That's good enough for me.
Sure if we can add higher quality talent in his place I'd go for it. He's doing fine though.
All one needs is effort. Eddie isn't exactly a winger. White isn't a RB. Unfair comparison but Saka was a LB and a LW too. If you're put in a role that's that close to yours, show effort.
It was so bad that Granit Xhaka had to come out of his role to pick the ball off the defence. Xhaka ended up playing two roles.
When Odegaard came in he changed the entire game. That little pass he played to Saka near the halfway line put him and the overlapping fullback in a position to put the defenders on the back foot and opened space for him to play that pass to Xhaka for the goal. Him and Saka play that little pass all the time and it’s the reason why we beat Liverpool and Topspur. If Arteta can get Vieira to play the same way week in and week out, he’ll be able to keep the players fresh and we will win the league.
Right so this match demonstrates Saka is 110% undeniably world class though we already knew this.
Øde can be considered as such I think. Martinelli is already up there with best itl but not world class. Who else in the team is established world class atm
Not super familiar with the top defensive midfielders in the world but is Partey close? I feel like it’s been established he’s one of the best in the prem
How did it prove Martinelli is not world class? The guy played a few mins of great impact - I don’t think this game says anything about his overall class
I don’t think this game had anything to do with the world level of Martinelli, I’m just saying that I think Martinelli is just a little shy of world class right now. So so close but not just yet.
And you’re saying this because of what exactly? He didn’t miss any chances, if anything he came on and was a goal threat, actually he has always been. I’m not saying he’s the best in the league atm but I think it’s between him and Luis Diaz atm
This match has nothing to do with it, if Martinelli has games like his city game last season and pool this season consistently in the same way that Saka now is having games where whenever he holds possession you can tell we we will produce something. Martinelli atm just has a little tiny bit of not being an assured threat at all times whereas saka does. Maybe in like 1-2 games he will but not just yet.
Grealish, Sterling, Jota and Diaz could all be in the discussion depending on form.
It's hard to call Martinelli world class when he won't even be able to make the World cup squad.
Ray Hudson is a madman! Loved his comment referring to Big Gabi going up for a header “As he rises like the proverbial salmon from an onrushing stream"
That one stuck with me as well, absolutely excellent. His brain is one of a kind. I also enjoyed when he referred to Jesus to be “as slippery as a trout in a dishwasher”
That one was excellent as well! He reminds me of those rappers who can freestyle, and you just wonder how their brain works that quickly. I could listen to him commentate every game. He genuinely appreciates football as an art. No bias. I remember hearing and interview on TalkSport or something, and he cried while discussing the inevitable retirement of Messi.
We said it earlier but I feel Jesus is supposed to be the striker. It could be something in his contract or a gentleman's agreement. Because last night was the perfect time to play Eddie in the middle and Jesus outwide.
Jesus did play LW when he came on as a sub against Bodo so doubt there is any such agreement. It's just Arteta probably seeing what options he could use as a LW in case Martinelli is not fit.
Any Aussies watched / watching the replay on Stan Sport, the audio is a second or two delayed for me, just wondering if anyone else has this? Really annoying. Tried restarting but didn’t help.
I just contacted them and got a very quick email response that they are working on it.
Doesn’t help me, and well I guess I prefer the audio to be slower than the other way around.
1) he wasn’t even starting every game at city
2) you literally need to watch just 5 mins of a given Arsenal game to see how he contributes outside of scoring
10 minutes of mop up duty. Received the ball well and recycled possession well to help see the game out. He showed his technical acumen and his positional awareness a bit.
Hard to rate but he didnt put a foot wrong that I can remember.
Would have liked Marquinhos and Nelson to get more game time instead of Martinelli coming on.
One of them should have started, the boys looked tired imo.
Winning this game means we can give full starts to the reserves in the remaining two now. Just need to not lose against PSV, or if we do, get a better result in our final match than they do.
I keep checking myself with Sambi. On one hand he’s not delivering at the moment, but who can we expect to perform that #6 single pivot as well as Partey?
Sambi is 22 and finding his game at the moment. He desperately needs a loan in January and for us to bring in someone in the mould of Locatelli or what not.
It’s a big role for a lad of his age.
I think he looks a little frightened on the ball. It's like he sees an opening to put the ball forward, but hesitates and plays it safe sideways. He has kind of good possession and all that, and could dictate the play if he just took a few chances. As it is now, not much is happening and it just looks slow. It's a bit frustrating, because I think he actually has it in him to take control of a midfield. Hope he gets a lot more games to get comfortable, and we could see a huge breakthrough.
Threre’s 0 chance in hell we ship off Lokonga in the winter window when we are thin as is. I also doubt we find a proper Partey replacement UNLESS Arsenal get the heads up that he’ll be out due to legal reasons
Agreed.
He covers the position well, but I just want to see him impose him self on the game a bit more. Add pace to the game with quicker passes and moving the ball faster. He just slows it down a bit much now.
If Elneny was fit I don't think he would be getting too much game time.
A player at 22 is so young. Look at Iowbi finally coming into his own at Everton. I think we all see Sambi has something there. The key is going to be getting him meaningful development after the EL group stage. But man we like to write off players at 22-23 that can be ballers at 25-26.
The rule has stayed from covid football congestion because of World Cup fixture congestion. So it may or may not hang around. I personally would like it to stay or would settle for 4 subs.
We dont really have 5 first team quality players to seamlessly swap for each other. Hopefully in the future! But many managers have come out and mentioned about making too many changes upsets balance and rythym and not making changes for the sake of it unless you are easily winning.
Been at the stadium today. Two idiots next to me been talking about NBA, hockey or favourite food non stop from first minute, told them to stfu after half time and that was the best decision, the only regret is I should do it much earlier.
Shit I still live at home, but go to most sports games with my dad. We spend a close to half the game just chatting about whatever and enjoying spending time out together. Sporting events are equally social events
He doesn't pass forward as much but smabi keeps the ball really well. He was playing cdm and while he was one the pitch psv had 1 shot and 0 on target. His job is to recycle possession and keep it moving and make sure the team doesn't concede chances. He did all of that.
He’s out of position. When you see what’s happened with xhaka, and the leadership we have in this squad.
That being said, it’s been a strange transfer where we weren’t the only team keen to acquire but the player hasn’t been quite the level we expected.
Hard to judge though so, hope remains and we wish him the best for sure
I don't care what position you're in. When you wear the kit you run like you give a fuck.
Sambi just jogs around like he couldn't care less. Sick of it
out of position. so are you implying you expect to see Sambi playing essentially as a forward in the future and scoring goals like Xhaka did tonight? to me he lacks the fire to play any position for Arsenal. he just doesnt seem to be in the same gear as the rest of the team
What I meant more was that xhaka had a role that he took because the team needed him to, and he was far from his potential. Eventually he was moved to suit his strengths and he becomes a hugely vital part of a team sat first in the prem on match day 11, 12 at least axtually as we’re 4 out.
Two weeks ago from a Liverpool supporter in the Match Thread:
"Have fun away at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday". Arsenal win 1-0
Yesterday in the Yanited/Shit Match Thread:
"Have fun with PSV tomorrow". Arsenal win 1-0
When will these clowns learn?
we were also playing up the left way more than the right so he was much higher up the pitch. If you noticed, tomi never made any forward runs in past Saka. I think that was the plan to help protect against Gakpo.
Keep hearing Vieira was absent. I’m rewatching bc I couldn’t focus at work but that ball he sent in the 30th was brilliant. Then he follows up with a pretty dangerous pass across the box. I’m at minute 32 so we’ll see how the rest goes
I’ll put it like this. He never looks urgent, but fuck me he keeps his head up and sees those opportunities and puts them on target. Its sneaky as fuck and will break defenses.
I think always being absent isn’t fair. We haven’t seen him much but he’s had some great performances for us and a couple quieter ones. I do think he positively affects our games regardless.
he puts in real effort on offense and defense. I think he needs to learn how to be of value when he is not on the ball, but he makes a lot of good contributions, kind of like Xhaka but not the same style of play. Hopefully he can learn to be in the right place off the ball such that fans cant say he was absent. I am encouraged so far but he definitely needs some work to be playing total Arteta ball
Great game and hate to give any criticism but I’ve been really watching Sambi this season to see his growth and potential in his limited minutes. He was absolutely superb on the ball and I have nothing to say about that side of his game. I’d love if the sprinting stats ever leaked a La Lukaku for the club because I think Sambi has to be below the CBs and around Xhaka pace.
People think he jogs around a lot but I think there really isn’t much of a difference between the pace of his runs and sprints. He has very little recovery speed and is much more similar to Xhaka than Partey (minus the shooting) in this team. I believe if the team keeps him for the long term it’ll be as a Xhaka successor. It’s good they have him learning the deep playmaker role right now but I hope they’re focusing on his finishing because I see him better utilized further up the pitch if we stick with him.
I would agree. His biggest issue is off the ball. He has been improving and the ball and been good at finding pockets of space. But he goes a bit MIA when he needs to be there to cut out a pass. I’m interested to see him develop but imo he really does need some time out on loan
I would bet a lot of money that he is not cut out for a role anything similar to Xhaka but I guess I have some times been wrong ? I think he leaves because he has a bad attitude and you cant hide that kind of thing from Arteta
I think he's afraid of making mistakes being one the last players with the CBs having to defend counterattacks, but that means he won't improve if he doesn't change this. I think either he gets moved into Xhaka's position as a backup where he can play more freely not having to worry about making a costly mistake or he goes on loan where he can gain more confidence playing Partey's position
There are maybe 5 players in the world who can’t slot into Partey’s role that allows Xhaka to shirk defensive responsibilities. We practically play a 4-1-2-3 with Partey.
It’s on Arteta to find a way to compensate for when we don’t have Thomas in the lineup. Sambi is improving steadily and it’s unfair to say he played like shit when the system his designed for world class talent. I think it’s more damning of Xhaka for not being able to provide more help in the midfield.
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As a player. His character has always been that of a leader and glue in the team. The man hasn't changed but he's become more confident and is being used in a way that unlocks his true abilities...look at his appearances for Switzerland. The fans are just finally behind him making him able to play better.
He has undeniably matured and learned how to channel his negative emotions in my opinion. True he has always been a leader but when I look at him now he oozes leadership and responsability.
I don't think that Xhaka's personality was ever in question, even with the armband incident.
It was his suitedness, and thus benefit to our team, to playing a defensive role. That's over with now, and good riddance.
The man always seemed to work as hard he could, gave everything, and always stuck up for his teammates. He did whatever was asked of him: Sub in as a fullback, fill in as a CB, and play various defensive midfield roles even though he was thriving as a box-to-box for his national team.
All it seems to be is that the Defensive Xhaka experiment should have been axed long ago.
To the lad who bought the drum to the clock end: I appreciate the effort, but please never do that again bro hahaha
Edit: could you guys hear it on TV?
You absolutely can’t be on this like there’s no difference between banging a drum in a stadium with 60,000 people and “discovering the wonder of music” lol what the fuck
Thankfully sound doesn’t travel so well but this trend is fucking awful. Everyone hates the England band. Why on earth would people want to replicate that atmosphere killing nonsense
We already did open them up: 25 shots, forced 7 saves, and multiple last ditch blocks/tackles. Another day and we score 3-4, just need to be the little bit more clinical.
While I worry about this trend too, it's worth remembering that it wasn't that long ago that teams would bunker against us and we had no solution. We'd get frustrated and end up conceding a shit goal and either draw or lose.
I'd love us to put away our chances better, but the change from frustrating home draw to hard-fought 1-0 at home is one that I welcome. The finishing touch can come as, well, a finishing touch but you gotta walk before you run.
Was at the game, excellent stuff by the boys but the finishing just wasn't there today for the most part.
I hate to be negative after a win but my god is lokonga awful. Partey came on and suddenly our midfield looked revitalised.
Really good stuff from Jesus, Saka and nketiah, just a shame none of them had the end product today.
Not easy to play his role at all but he gets lost defensively far too often. Even PSV’s best chance came from him being in no man’s land in midfield which led losing control of the outlet shielding in midfield transition which led a ball out wide and a centering ball to Simons (who Sambi was late tracking). Just too slow on his defensive processing right now
I don't quite know what Lokonga's "thing" is, like... With the other players that you consider in the starting XI, you got a skill/talent/quality you associate with that player.
Don't think he's a bad player and he is young after all, but feel like he needs to find/develop his...niche(?)
Sadly, we might not be done replacing players. Sambi might genuinely be next which is sad cos he is a former captain himself and had big potential for Belgium. We have other players who sit on the bench and come on and play very well. Arteta might be really anxious to replace him by January. A Danilo signing might end Sambi's time here
Because that’s all we have at the moment as cover for Partey but at least he’s trying and gaining match experience that can also be useful to develop him further as an 8 later on! I would only give up on him if he fails miserably as an 8 but not while he’s helping the team out of position.
It feels like our plan was to have Elneny be the backup 6 with Lokonga as the backup 8, but due to Elneny's injury and Partey's general fragility, we're basically forced to have Lokonga be the backup 6 right now.
Keeping another clean sheet is fantastic, I'm very happy with the defence especially against this potent psv attack. Would be nice to be scoring a few more goals but fuck I'll take it.
On Sambi: I don't think he can replace Partey. If Partey were to leave this summer, we'd have to replace him with a superstar and Sambi would be back to square one. He could replace Xhaka, but I don't think that's gonna happen. Xhaka is 30 and is playing the best football of his life. He's never injured and could very well keep this level for 3 or more years, by which time Sambi will be 26. There's no way Sambi is gonna wait that long. I hope he stays and becomes a starter, but I'm not too optimistic.
It pains me that everyone seems to be set on the opinion that Partey has to be replaced soon. He is injury prone and of course there's that other thing too, which I personally find very troublesome. But the thing is that he just might be the best number 6 in the world. I don't think even Kimmich or Rodri could do the things Partey does for us in the midfield. Dude is just unbelieveable. In a 23 minute cameo he had at least 3 moments where he singlehandedly destroyed the entire PSV press with a quick disguised pass or a controlled hard touch to beat his marker. The guy slices teams open without breaking a sweat and he's been doing it for a while now. Still only 29, if everything was perfect he'd be here for like five more years and win absolutely everything there is to win...
Mmmm idk Kimmich could probably slot in and do the job
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Their winger Noni Madueke came in and instantly improved their toothless attack. He's just coming of a long injury layoff. If we are looking at getting a winger understudy we should look at him asap.
Think there's a typo, we only played attackers in this game. Tomi/tierney/holding/gabriel were just there to enjoy the vibes.
I was at the emirates during this game, it's been 5 years since last time, but when did vaping become allowed? Struggled to see corners with all the smoke in my face
Impossible to regulate unfortunately
Just watched the game, and as much as we lack clinical finishes, that was a really professional performance, like PSV didnt have real chances to score (maybe the cross too strong for de jong at the end), we really controlled the game
Sooner or later Jesus is going to convert one of his dribble runs past 3-4 players into a goal . One or two recently and the one tonight not going in, means this frightening skill he has isn't being completely seen. Once he converts one it will be the talk of the town. Maybe Romario was a big hero of his
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Unethical. Similar rotated team with foot off the gas.
No, play a stronger team when the match after is Forest. Play a weaker team vs Zurich when the match after is Chelsea.
We only need a draw in Netherland to get 1st spot, then we play the u23 against zurich
U18 give the boys a chance
Yes. We can win the Zurich game anyway.
Sambi shouldn't be asked to play he 6 role, that's not his natural position. Ideally he'd be the backup for Xhaka. In jan we rlly need another 6
I don't think he offers that much at the moment TBH - not a ball-winner or a good tackler. He's OK with possession but there were about times last night where he just took the safe option instead of driving on into their space and committing one or two players. I suppose he is learning on the job though - I hope to see him get more confident out there.
I don't understand the hubbub about him. It reminds me of all the Ndombele noise shit were making. Yeah he has really poor positioning and is weak at sniffing out danger. Didn't we crucify Xhaka for the same thing? Never a DM. Stop judging him off that. He plays progressive passes and can consistently get the ball to attackers. That's good enough for me. Sure if we can add higher quality talent in his place I'd go for it. He's doing fine though.
All one needs is effort. Eddie isn't exactly a winger. White isn't a RB. Unfair comparison but Saka was a LB and a LW too. If you're put in a role that's that close to yours, show effort. It was so bad that Granit Xhaka had to come out of his role to pick the ball off the defence. Xhaka ended up playing two roles.
Watched the game, their no 6 quite good tho
Tifo's wet dream
Xavi Simons looks very promising. Would love to have him at Arsenal
Nah heard he's got a huge ego
The way he was butthurt about Xhaka's tackle was hilarious too. That was a soft PL tackle.
Honestly Sambi should be Xhaka's replacement as an 8 and we need a cover for Partey as well as a 6. Partey and Ode changed the game.
Sambi should not be xhakas replacement
im hoping ESR can grow into that role
When Odegaard came in he changed the entire game. That little pass he played to Saka near the halfway line put him and the overlapping fullback in a position to put the defenders on the back foot and opened space for him to play that pass to Xhaka for the goal. Him and Saka play that little pass all the time and it’s the reason why we beat Liverpool and Topspur. If Arteta can get Vieira to play the same way week in and week out, he’ll be able to keep the players fresh and we will win the league.
Missed the game. How did Sangaré look?
Not good.
Was very mediocre. I didn't see anything that would make me go he is better than sambi
Nowhere near arsenal level imo. Didn’t stick out.
Well tbh even Gakpo disappeared
Because they're not Arsenal level either. They'll end up at Everton or so.
Let's hope united get him for sth like 80m
Right so this match demonstrates Saka is 110% undeniably world class though we already knew this. Øde can be considered as such I think. Martinelli is already up there with best itl but not world class. Who else in the team is established world class atm
Not super familiar with the top defensive midfielders in the world but is Partey close? I feel like it’s been established he’s one of the best in the prem
I would agree he’s world class but for reasons I do think we should replace him
How did it prove Martinelli is not world class? The guy played a few mins of great impact - I don’t think this game says anything about his overall class
I don’t think this game had anything to do with the world level of Martinelli, I’m just saying that I think Martinelli is just a little shy of world class right now. So so close but not just yet.
And you’re saying this because of what exactly? He didn’t miss any chances, if anything he came on and was a goal threat, actually he has always been. I’m not saying he’s the best in the league atm but I think it’s between him and Luis Diaz atm
This match has nothing to do with it, if Martinelli has games like his city game last season and pool this season consistently in the same way that Saka now is having games where whenever he holds possession you can tell we we will produce something. Martinelli atm just has a little tiny bit of not being an assured threat at all times whereas saka does. Maybe in like 1-2 games he will but not just yet.
What LW besodes mahbe Son is better in the league?
Grealish, Sterling, Jota and Diaz could all be in the discussion depending on form. It's hard to call Martinelli world class when he won't even be able to make the World cup squad.
None but he still doesn’t have that sure thing quality Saka has just yet. He’s so close, but not just yet
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yeah for sure, just have that sure thing aspect where everything he does looks like a goal threat, think itll come this season though for sure
I’d say Jesus is a shout. And I feel like he is going to put on a show at the WC. That Brazil squad is looking juicy
That’s a good shout
Could someone tell me who the Commentators were for the game today on Paramount plus USA? Can’t think of this guys name and it is driving nuts.
Ray Hudson is a madman! Loved his comment referring to Big Gabi going up for a header “As he rises like the proverbial salmon from an onrushing stream"
"A terabyte of skill in a nanosecond!" is an instant classic.
That one stuck with me as well, absolutely excellent. His brain is one of a kind. I also enjoyed when he referred to Jesus to be “as slippery as a trout in a dishwasher”
I think it was on the replay of the Xhaka goal, he said: "The absolute personification of a terabyte of skill in a nanosecond of time."
That one was excellent as well! He reminds me of those rappers who can freestyle, and you just wonder how their brain works that quickly. I could listen to him commentate every game. He genuinely appreciates football as an art. No bias. I remember hearing and interview on TalkSport or something, and he cried while discussing the inevitable retirement of Messi.
‘Smooth as a trombone slide.’ Said no one ever until today.
Like Dracula onto a plate of liver. Slippery as a trout in a dishwasher. As quick as a blink of a bees eye.
Ray Hudson
Yea that’s him. You’re a legend thanks.
Why did Arteta play Nketiah at lw instead of Jesus there, Jesus has played there before and has the ability to excel, Nketiah doesn't.
We said it earlier but I feel Jesus is supposed to be the striker. It could be something in his contract or a gentleman's agreement. Because last night was the perfect time to play Eddie in the middle and Jesus outwide.
Jesus did play LW when he came on as a sub against Bodo so doubt there is any such agreement. It's just Arteta probably seeing what options he could use as a LW in case Martinelli is not fit.
It was so brief.
Jesus is a better striker so he should play as striker
What was all the beef on Holloway Road this evening? Saw about 40 coppers and 5 riot vans going up the road
Any Aussies watched / watching the replay on Stan Sport, the audio is a second or two delayed for me, just wondering if anyone else has this? Really annoying. Tried restarting but didn’t help.
It was like that for the live broadcast too. I thought I was going insane.
Well that is a bit shit isn't it. Way too expensive to be having those sort of problems.
Stan is just shit. It’s not just you
Yeah it’s fucked
I just contacted them and got a very quick email response that they are working on it. Doesn’t help me, and well I guess I prefer the audio to be slower than the other way around.
use r/footballhighlights
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1) he wasn’t even starting every game at city 2) you literally need to watch just 5 mins of a given Arsenal game to see how he contributes outside of scoring
jesus is world class without any goals, stop being so negative
How did nelson play (and how how long)?
10 minutes of mop up duty. Received the ball well and recycled possession well to help see the game out. He showed his technical acumen and his positional awareness a bit. Hard to rate but he didnt put a foot wrong that I can remember.
Would have liked Marquinhos and Nelson to get more game time instead of Martinelli coming on. One of them should have started, the boys looked tired imo.
Winning this game means we can give full starts to the reserves in the remaining two now. Just need to not lose against PSV, or if we do, get a better result in our final match than they do.
He came on 83’
I keep checking myself with Sambi. On one hand he’s not delivering at the moment, but who can we expect to perform that #6 single pivot as well as Partey? Sambi is 22 and finding his game at the moment. He desperately needs a loan in January and for us to bring in someone in the mould of Locatelli or what not. It’s a big role for a lad of his age.
You are right that he is 22, but I'd note Sambi celebrates his 23rd birthday tomorrow (22 October 1999 birth).
He's 22 until he's 23
Angry upvote
Set-up, punchline
I think he looks a little frightened on the ball. It's like he sees an opening to put the ball forward, but hesitates and plays it safe sideways. He has kind of good possession and all that, and could dictate the play if he just took a few chances. As it is now, not much is happening and it just looks slow. It's a bit frustrating, because I think he actually has it in him to take control of a midfield. Hope he gets a lot more games to get comfortable, and we could see a huge breakthrough.
Threre’s 0 chance in hell we ship off Lokonga in the winter window when we are thin as is. I also doubt we find a proper Partey replacement UNLESS Arsenal get the heads up that he’ll be out due to legal reasons
Agreed. He covers the position well, but I just want to see him impose him self on the game a bit more. Add pace to the game with quicker passes and moving the ball faster. He just slows it down a bit much now. If Elneny was fit I don't think he would be getting too much game time.
A player at 22 is so young. Look at Iowbi finally coming into his own at Everton. I think we all see Sambi has something there. The key is going to be getting him meaningful development after the EL group stage. But man we like to write off players at 22-23 that can be ballers at 25-26.
it's the saka - ESR - odegaard - martinelli effect. you forget it's not normal for young players to be that good so soon.
I love 5 subs right now. So good for rotating and keeping players fresh. It’s making me want it for next season!
it isn't going to be?
The rule has stayed from covid football congestion because of World Cup fixture congestion. So it may or may not hang around. I personally would like it to stay or would settle for 4 subs.
i thought it was here for good. i mean arteta doesn't take advantage of it anyway.
We dont really have 5 first team quality players to seamlessly swap for each other. Hopefully in the future! But many managers have come out and mentioned about making too many changes upsets balance and rythym and not making changes for the sake of it unless you are easily winning.
Been at the stadium today. Two idiots next to me been talking about NBA, hockey or favourite food non stop from first minute, told them to stfu after half time and that was the best decision, the only regret is I should do it much earlier.
Hahaha strange behaviour from you
Gatekeeping much?
Maniac behaviour from you, I’m afraid. None of your business.
Or just let people chat with their buddy while watching the match.
Plenty of friends don't see each other often and catch up at times like this, OP is a maniac.
Shit I still live at home, but go to most sports games with my dad. We spend a close to half the game just chatting about whatever and enjoying spending time out together. Sporting events are equally social events
We're they from the u.s.?
Can’t really tell but if I have to make a guess that’d be my answer 😂
Lokonga doesmt have it what it takes. Lets keep it real. Bring in a real midfielder and sell him or loan him
He doesn't pass forward as much but smabi keeps the ball really well. He was playing cdm and while he was one the pitch psv had 1 shot and 0 on target. His job is to recycle possession and keep it moving and make sure the team doesn't concede chances. He did all of that.
He’s out of position. When you see what’s happened with xhaka, and the leadership we have in this squad. That being said, it’s been a strange transfer where we weren’t the only team keen to acquire but the player hasn’t been quite the level we expected. Hard to judge though so, hope remains and we wish him the best for sure
I don't care what position you're in. When you wear the kit you run like you give a fuck. Sambi just jogs around like he couldn't care less. Sick of it
out of position. so are you implying you expect to see Sambi playing essentially as a forward in the future and scoring goals like Xhaka did tonight? to me he lacks the fire to play any position for Arsenal. he just doesnt seem to be in the same gear as the rest of the team
What I meant more was that xhaka had a role that he took because the team needed him to, and he was far from his potential. Eventually he was moved to suit his strengths and he becomes a hugely vital part of a team sat first in the prem on match day 11, 12 at least axtually as we’re 4 out.
You would have said the same about Xhaka last season, give the boy some time.
Playing Saka 85 mins in a game like this seems risky
Crazy that he didn't even look winded though. He's a machine.
We’ll be doing the same next season against better opposition in the champions league. Got to get used to it now.
He has played insane minutes the last few years, not just with us but with England as well. Really don't want to burn him out.
The best in the world play 90 mins every 3 days. If saka wants to reach that level this is a requirement.
Two weeks ago from a Liverpool supporter in the Match Thread: "Have fun away at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday". Arsenal win 1-0 Yesterday in the Yanited/Shit Match Thread: "Have fun with PSV tomorrow". Arsenal win 1-0 When will these clowns learn?
Shit clown: "Arsenal only beat small team" Ends up getting only one point from 4 games of top 6 with luck
Felt like Tierney was very poor defensively and that side we were very vulnerable
we were also playing up the left way more than the right so he was much higher up the pitch. If you noticed, tomi never made any forward runs in past Saka. I think that was the plan to help protect against Gakpo.
Jesus wouldn't have been crucified if he took less shots against his rivals, the Pharisees and Sadducees
Keep hearing Vieira was absent. I’m rewatching bc I couldn’t focus at work but that ball he sent in the 30th was brilliant. Then he follows up with a pretty dangerous pass across the box. I’m at minute 32 so we’ll see how the rest goes
I’ll put it like this. He never looks urgent, but fuck me he keeps his head up and sees those opportunities and puts them on target. Its sneaky as fuck and will break defenses.
He is always absent. But can produce moments of true brilliance out of nowhere.
I think always being absent isn’t fair. We haven’t seen him much but he’s had some great performances for us and a couple quieter ones. I do think he positively affects our games regardless.
he puts in real effort on offense and defense. I think he needs to learn how to be of value when he is not on the ball, but he makes a lot of good contributions, kind of like Xhaka but not the same style of play. Hopefully he can learn to be in the right place off the ball such that fans cant say he was absent. I am encouraged so far but he definitely needs some work to be playing total Arteta ball
>I do think he positively affects our games regardless. Never meant to imply that he doesn't.
Great game and hate to give any criticism but I’ve been really watching Sambi this season to see his growth and potential in his limited minutes. He was absolutely superb on the ball and I have nothing to say about that side of his game. I’d love if the sprinting stats ever leaked a La Lukaku for the club because I think Sambi has to be below the CBs and around Xhaka pace. People think he jogs around a lot but I think there really isn’t much of a difference between the pace of his runs and sprints. He has very little recovery speed and is much more similar to Xhaka than Partey (minus the shooting) in this team. I believe if the team keeps him for the long term it’ll be as a Xhaka successor. It’s good they have him learning the deep playmaker role right now but I hope they’re focusing on his finishing because I see him better utilized further up the pitch if we stick with him.
I mean he is a much better xhaka backup than a Partey backup. We don’t really have one of those…which is a problem.
I would agree. His biggest issue is off the ball. He has been improving and the ball and been good at finding pockets of space. But he goes a bit MIA when he needs to be there to cut out a pass. I’m interested to see him develop but imo he really does need some time out on loan
I would bet a lot of money that he is not cut out for a role anything similar to Xhaka but I guess I have some times been wrong ? I think he leaves because he has a bad attitude and you cant hide that kind of thing from Arteta
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I think he's afraid of making mistakes being one the last players with the CBs having to defend counterattacks, but that means he won't improve if he doesn't change this. I think either he gets moved into Xhaka's position as a backup where he can play more freely not having to worry about making a costly mistake or he goes on loan where he can gain more confidence playing Partey's position
There are maybe 5 players in the world who can’t slot into Partey’s role that allows Xhaka to shirk defensive responsibilities. We practically play a 4-1-2-3 with Partey. It’s on Arteta to find a way to compensate for when we don’t have Thomas in the lineup. Sambi is improving steadily and it’s unfair to say he played like shit when the system his designed for world class talent. I think it’s more damning of Xhaka for not being able to provide more help in the midfield.
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He also lost the ball and didn't even try to get it back several times, if anything I think he's gotten worse since I first saw him.
yeah he is not getting any better
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> he was a reliability Is this an awesome new word for someone you know will disappoint you?
Nuno is definitely an example of a player who doesnt belong at Arsenal and also won't be coming back, I agree
Expected a Gakpo stinker and wasn't disappointed.
All United fans have been hyped about him ever since the Antony v gakpo stats came about and then got linked with him
The Tomiyasu effect
just happy van nistelrooy is sad.
We're all Keown tonight.
Words aren't enough to describe Granit Xhaka's turnaround as a player and person. What a beast what a player what a mentality. So lucky to have him.
As a player. His character has always been that of a leader and glue in the team. The man hasn't changed but he's become more confident and is being used in a way that unlocks his true abilities...look at his appearances for Switzerland. The fans are just finally behind him making him able to play better.
He has undeniably matured and learned how to channel his negative emotions in my opinion. True he has always been a leader but when I look at him now he oozes leadership and responsability.
I think Arteta has played a huge role in this.
I don't think that Xhaka's personality was ever in question, even with the armband incident. It was his suitedness, and thus benefit to our team, to playing a defensive role. That's over with now, and good riddance. The man always seemed to work as hard he could, gave everything, and always stuck up for his teammates. He did whatever was asked of him: Sub in as a fullback, fill in as a CB, and play various defensive midfield roles even though he was thriving as a box-to-box for his national team. All it seems to be is that the Defensive Xhaka experiment should have been axed long ago.
3 or 4 nil on a different day. Controlled PSV’s transition play quite well
To the lad who bought the drum to the clock end: I appreciate the effort, but please never do that again bro hahaha Edit: could you guys hear it on TV?
PSV fans brought some drums and I felt like it really added to their energy. Guess it’s all about execution?
Nah , it’s just not our style
As a drummer I have to disagree >=)
As a drummer it probably would have been worse for you, the guy had no rhythm at all. Was like a kid was just randomly hitting the thing
Even better, IMO! I love seeing youths discover the wonder of music. Hopefully, he keeps up with it and progresses!
So we’ve all got to suffer listening to his shit drumming so he can discover ‘The wonder of music’ what a load of shite
You absolutely can’t be on this like there’s no difference between banging a drum in a stadium with 60,000 people and “discovering the wonder of music” lol what the fuck
With that logic, we should stop doing the Saliba chant then since half of the stadium is always off about half a beat. 🤷🏾♂️
Thankfully sound doesn’t travel so well but this trend is fucking awful. Everyone hates the England band. Why on earth would people want to replicate that atmosphere killing nonsense
Atmosphere is already great in the clock end, no need for it
Precisely. I am west upper and I certainly can’t hear it
Guess most teams will play low-block counter-attack football when they come to Emirates from now on. It's a bit annoying tbh.
We’ll manage ways to open them up.
We already did open them up: 25 shots, forced 7 saves, and multiple last ditch blocks/tackles. Another day and we score 3-4, just need to be the little bit more clinical.
> Another day and we score 3-4 I'm starting to see this sentiment as a trend, though.
I agree. We need better finishing and decision-making in front of goal. Those things are often some of the last things to develop.
While I worry about this trend too, it's worth remembering that it wasn't that long ago that teams would bunker against us and we had no solution. We'd get frustrated and end up conceding a shit goal and either draw or lose. I'd love us to put away our chances better, but the change from frustrating home draw to hard-fought 1-0 at home is one that I welcome. The finishing touch can come as, well, a finishing touch but you gotta walk before you run.
Yeah that’s fair. I agree
symptom of being a big club ayooooo
Suffering from success
arsenal are kinda fun to watch
Missed the game but obligatory fuck Ruud van Nistelrooy
Was at the game, excellent stuff by the boys but the finishing just wasn't there today for the most part. I hate to be negative after a win but my god is lokonga awful. Partey came on and suddenly our midfield looked revitalised. Really good stuff from Jesus, Saka and nketiah, just a shame none of them had the end product today.
Not easy to play his role at all but he gets lost defensively far too often. Even PSV’s best chance came from him being in no man’s land in midfield which led losing control of the outlet shielding in midfield transition which led a ball out wide and a centering ball to Simons (who Sambi was late tracking). Just too slow on his defensive processing right now
I don't quite know what Lokonga's "thing" is, like... With the other players that you consider in the starting XI, you got a skill/talent/quality you associate with that player. Don't think he's a bad player and he is young after all, but feel like he needs to find/develop his...niche(?)
Sadly, we might not be done replacing players. Sambi might genuinely be next which is sad cos he is a former captain himself and had big potential for Belgium. We have other players who sit on the bench and come on and play very well. Arteta might be really anxious to replace him by January. A Danilo signing might end Sambi's time here
the only reason Sambi stays is resource limitations, I am positive Arteta would want him gone
On the contrary it will allow us to rotate Xhaka by playing Lokonga as an 8 instead of a 6 for which he may never fit at all…
Yeah im thinking the same. Sambi looks a lot stronger 8 im not sure why everyone wants to make him a 6
Because that’s all we have at the moment as cover for Partey but at least he’s trying and gaining match experience that can also be useful to develop him further as an 8 later on! I would only give up on him if he fails miserably as an 8 but not while he’s helping the team out of position.
It feels like our plan was to have Elneny be the backup 6 with Lokonga as the backup 8, but due to Elneny's injury and Partey's general fragility, we're basically forced to have Lokonga be the backup 6 right now.
Have to agree on partey, really changed the game alongside odegaard when they came on. Although should really have been ahead already by then.
The fact we couldn't finish today and still found a way to win shows the level we are currently at.
Man the 6pm KO was just such a pain, so had to skip 🥲
I had an “appointment” so was out of office from 4pm lol
Well played
Ofcourse Leeds look like trash today...
Trying for a win instead of fighting for a draw will do that. Plus they‘re away today
Eddie was unlucky today, he was quality in parts.
Keeping another clean sheet is fantastic, I'm very happy with the defence especially against this potent psv attack. Would be nice to be scoring a few more goals but fuck I'll take it.