Hello all.
Today we talk about how we got thrashed in the second half and somehow or other managed to come away with all 3 points. The first half was great entertainment from both teams. Both attacking and it was very good fun to watch. However, the second half was pasting for us, we had no answers and it looked like we didn’t even understand the questions being asked. All semblance of composure deserted us yet miraculously we held out, goodness only knows how.
Regardless, it’s 3 points that gives us 27 from a possible 30, the best start ever to a season and that’s great. We were quick enough to give it to Arteta in the neck when we were setting worst ever records the other seasons, so we have to put the same energy into praising him for us sitting 4 points clear after more than quarter of the season.
I honestly can’t think how anything could be much rosier in the Arsenal garden right now. It’s magic. Well done to everyone concerned at the club.
Pedantic George
Positively Arsenal 
27 out of 30 is an excellent return, top of the league with all of our rivals for top four having one problem or another.
As I had said many times before there is a danger in extremes anybody saying we have been absolutely fantastic throughout the season firstly are not being honest and secondly could be very disappointed come the end of the season.
We need to analyze why we have been good in certain areas, what advantages we have had over our rivals and where things could go wrong in the future if we don’t adjust certain things.
We had a very stable pre-season and headed into season better prepared than many other clubs. Some of this was things our club did very well and some was down to problems our opposition had.
The fixture list was very kind at the start and although we weren’t brilliant we were able to adjust errors at times of least pressure. The stability, style of play and momentum were built in these early games irradiating mistakes and learning to play as a team.
This resulted in three fantastic performances Brentford, the spuds and pool. However this recent performance against Leeds showed smaller teams can still frustrate us and if we don’t play well will beat us. It also reminded us our manager, although yes has to be given credit for improvements and a seemingly wonderful team spirit, is still very naive and seems lost at times when things are not going well.
It was clear from the start of the (third) half that we weren’t coping and yet the first sub didn’t come until the 72 minute and then it was the wrong one. Mikel couldn’t identify the problems we were having and the players needed to correct that.
I also think this is an absolute pivotal season with our rivals getting stronger and many of our team waiting to be plucked by the money clubs if we can’t offer CL football.
At the moment we should be riding the wave and enjoying the way the football cards have been delt to us but having watched football for a long time I know all fans should keep an eye on reality.
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Northampton 1-3 Arsenal U21
Papa Johns trophy, a great comeback win for our u21’s to see them through to the knockout stages.
Awe, Cozier-Duberry and Butler-Oyedeji with our goals.
16 year old Myles Lewis-Skelly came on for his U21 debut, and 15 year old Nathan Nwaneri also came on, both did very well. As did 16 year old defender Maldini Kacurri
Arsenal U21 v Northampton: Hein, Walters, Foran, Awe, Sousa; M. Smith; Ibrahim, Henry-Francis; Cozier-Duberry, Butler-Oyedeji, Sagoe Jr
Subs: Hillson, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Taylor-Hart, Ideho.
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ian I’m not sure if Arteta could or could not identify the problems we were having, as in losing in midfield, where odegaard was not able to get his passing going, Mikel took him off, but as I said the other day, I think bringing on Vieira for Odegaard, was done cos Arteta does not trust Sambi Lokonga, do you think if Elneny was available on Sunday, that Arteta would have brought on Vieira for Ode, I think it would have been Elneny all day long.
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Vieira is technically very good but lightweight and was never going to change anything in this game.
Oddegarrd, Jesus and Saka were struggling and even Martinelli wasn’t as effective as he has been. It was no coincidence that when Eddie came on he managed to hold the ball up and offer the ball in behind taking the pressure off the back line.
If Mikel doesn’t trust Sambi then we have no option from the bench when things are going to plan unless he plays the full backs on the bench in front of the full backs on the field.
We have said about the options we have but Mikel doesn’t seem to want to use any of them.
Leeds looked like scoring before the penalty and he did nothing. They missed the Penalty and he did nothing. They continued to cause problems and he did nothing. We got away with it against Leeds but we won’t in the future which is very worrying.
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Arsenal women won away to WCL holders Lyon 5-1 tonight. Brilliant result to start the group stages
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Satisfactory night for us tonight and we didn’t kick a ball.
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The pod smashes through 400 views and past 500! Keep on keepin’ on!
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I have prepped myself for the inevitable drop off of form maybe towards the end of the season.
I said at the start of the season top 4 is what Mikkel will be judged on and if he fails and depending how badly he fails then we should think about changing the boss.
I have been pleasantly surprised at start we made and some of the football we played.
From looking out of his depth to having the makings of what looks like a good team (27-30pts) shows some good progress and he still got his L plates on.
Still not my favorite guy but from him not being able to do anything right (in my eyes) to getting me back watching and looking forward to games is progress (for me).
I agree Ian on the subs against Leeds, waited to make changes very late in the game and luck did keep us in it. But I like that he went to a 5-3-2 late in the game to shut down the game.
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Exactly Gee, there has undoubtedly been some improvement but at this stage it’s difficult to see how much.
I always think managers should be judged after three seasons, although these days that’s rarely the case, and obviously this would be his third full season. So he took over a team coming fifth, has spent more money than any ARSENAL manager in history and with three of our main rivals with new managers and Liverpool starting so badly if he comes fifth again you would have to say he has failed miserably.
Let’s hope for at least a top four place come the end of the season.
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@Ian I agree.
One thing I will say is that since Emery and Arteta the football has been woeful compared to Wenger-ball.
This season (10games in) I can see green-shoots of Wenger-ball re-appearing after having years of Dung-on a stick-ball.
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Hey Positives. Love your comments. They are so insightful and informative. I don’t know about George but, for me, after every podcast I realize many important points were left out and you guys fill in the blanks. Can you do us a big favor; go over to YouTube and post similar comments.
We finally smashed 500 views and growing. I had to ask George what is happening cause we haven’t changed anything. Long may it continue.
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Shotta,
I work very hard and when I get home my wife nags me to continue working very hard. Apart from Soul my only other relief is ARSENAL and this is my safe place.
And now you’re bloody nagging me too, as I consider you a long term friend I feel deeply offended.
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Arsenal have been charged by the FA following a disciplinary breach in the closing moments of their win over Leeds United on Sunday.
A spokesperson from the FA said: “Arsenal FC have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture against Leeds United FC on Sunday 16 October 2022.
“It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 92nd minute of the fixture. Arsenal FC have until Monday 24 October 2022 to provide a response.”
The charge followed a decision to send off Gabriel Magalhaes in the 92nd minute whilst simultaneously awarding Leeds a late penalty at Elland Road. The red card and spot kick were both later rescinded after VAR proved that there was a foul in the build-up to Gabriel’s offence. The Brazilian was given a yellow card instead.
but not a fucking word about the investigation it to what remarks Jordan Henderson said to Gabriel, its only been 11 days
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Arsenal: Turner, Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Lokonga, Xhaka, Saka, Vieira, Nketiah, Jesus
Subs: Ramsdale, Hein, Cedric, White, Saliba, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Nelson, Marquinhos, Cirjan, Edwards
Tierney plays his 100th AFC game
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HT: Arsenal 0-0 PSV
Almost total domination, and we cut them open once we play with pace. But its all a bit too individual and rushed up front.
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xhakaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 1-0 to the Arsenal
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FT: Arsenal 1-0 PSV
Xhaka with the all important goal, a dominant performance for the most part, but a bit too individual in attack. Disappointed with Vieira and Lokonga’s performance. Saka good again, but he too was taking the wrong options too often as did Jesus a lot.
A point or better next week and we top the group and get to have a round off in the knockout stages
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Totally agree with everything there Ed, Vieira again proving he is technically gifted but very lightweight to a summer in the gym, Jack, Cesc and Santi would never get brushed aside so easily and the first two of those we see from 16.
I know the whole team, especially the youngsters, look up to Jesus but he is a very greedy player and it seems it’s rubbing off on others.
I thought the back three all played well tonight with big bob winning everything he went for and was probably MOTM just beating our Captain fantastic.
I do feel sorry for Eddie, he scares the life out of anyone he plays against but once again had to create for himself because of the poor decision making of others. In ARSENAL teams gone by he would of scored a hat full.
At the end of the day another job done and we’re through, we have to be chuffed with that.
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@IanSpace2014: Imagine me nagging one of the biggest supporters of the pod. LOL.
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Gabriel has signed a new contract
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I wasn’t able to watch the PSV game but have seen a lot of Twitter chat about Lokonga, mostly negative. How did he really play?
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I would guess that some of those haranguing Albert were recently cheering a rookie Gunedouzi flounder in the same role he was not suited for not as a rookie in a new league and probably not even now as the kid was always 8ish in nature but then again a manager like Emery needs his deep midfielders so he can line up on his on six yard line. TBF it is an easy guess.
One interesting stat to underline the Gunners top form after ten games (9-0-1) is that the team is playing higher up the pitch, just as high as they used to under you know who (until the owners left him with hobbled vets as his starting CBS).
Where are the hack dwarves, the brave & knowledgeable podcastateers who used to bleat about football teams that like to play high up the pitch, in order to our score the opponents, get more points, and finish higher up the league table, what are these gallant gas-lighters now saying now to their gullible audience?
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Given the big injuries to two top if underused players from last season, Rowe & Elneny the good form is better then good!
Three top class players came into the squad. Pre-season looked promising as many here noted/saw. Hope for a better spirit in the camp and hope of some quality given Arteta’s familiarity with the new signings has been superseded by the football on the pitch.
hopefully there is some rest for Saka in the group games now the job is done.
Interesting comments from Rafa Benitez on Arteta & Auba. Auba subbed off and Varane injured. it might be a busy WC for Saliba. Chelsea will be a very different to the team from pre-season, but the draw with Utd is the perfect lucky result. the Arsenal will be focused on the fixture tomorrow away against dangerous opponents and I hope their good luck and great form continues. COYG.
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Players have occasionally been frustrated by some of the selfish play & I’m hoping this habit improves as this young team grows.
I can’t blame Jesus not many players can dribble like him heh, hopefully he’ll improve as he has still not hit his peak and continue to have a better impact overall then Auba in his last phase (can’t forget the goals or the fa cup!).
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The reason why I thought the greedyness might be a Jesus influence was a, he is a greedy player and b, it seemed to have increased among the younger players since he arrived.
It may be that Mikel and the coaching staff are asking players to takes shots rather than look for the perfect pass.
Whatever it is, it is obvious chances are going spare because of the wrong option being taken.
The other thing is end product, if you dribble past four players using dragbacks, stepovers and triple Biriani’s with half twist and then your shot is a trickle to the keeper or your pass is a hospital ball then although the stats say it’s a successful dribble it’s actually not.
For me the simple wall pass is more effective and better looking than most dribbles anyway.
Jack’s goal against Norwich the most perfect footballing goal you could wish for a there wasn’t a dribble in sight.
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Just back home after walking the dog. Rain, torrential at times, and thunder and lightning rumbling and flashing around. I’m only 30 miles or so north of Southampton so with the forecast promising more of the same throughout the day this afternoon’s game could be a bit of a lottery.
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That love of dribbling is a feature of the South American footballing styles & that can be slightly different to the European traditions.
That’s why Martinelli is so exciting as he’s been in Europe to complete his development.
The cut back to look for a team mate after the dribbling at serious speed against Liverpool for the second goal was sensational, incredible, silenced the crowd as they held their breath in surprise not forgetting the opponent and perhaps the kind of hybrid style of play that he would not have made had he stayed in s.America
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One tragedy for the gullible fans and listeners of the gallent gaslighting podcastateers is that they have been brainwashed into thinking a good football team only has one style.
When anyone with a memory that has not been wiped over by YouTube rantings can remember that a good football team plays, football, in during a football match. And that includes defending, attacking, counter attacking and all the rest of the stuff you can think of that happens during a football match. That’s why they attacked the old gaffer for attacking football at times when a callow or underdog squad was playing a relatively cagey game. Because they don’t know Football.
Fortunately the Gunners are currently displaying the best of recent Arsenal traditions & varying styles. Signings from the best scouts (Martinelli) alongside raids on the superclubs (Jesus) in the best Arsenal tradition (Cazorla to Fabregas etc.)
COYG.
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Arsenal: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus.
Subs: Turner, Tierney, Nketiah, Holding, Cedric, Vieira, Lokonga, Nelson, Marquinhos.
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xhakaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 1-0 to the Arsenal
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saka booked for diving
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HT: Southampton 0-1 Arsenal
Xhaka with the goal, a scrappy game, where a gobshite of a ref is not helping, he is a real homer, probably a Tory voter too.
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we need to step it up, been off the pace in the second half
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jesus misses too many good chances
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for fucks sake, 1-1, and its been coming, we’ve been far too passive this half, and of course Arteta waiting till last ten minutes before making changes, wake the fuck up
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Tierney, Nketiah on
White, Martinelli off
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Vieira on
Odegaard off
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PGMOL 1-1 Arsenal
Xhaka with our goal,
ref a disgrace, mike riley will be delighted
afc too slow and passing off too much to be able to make up for the bias refereeing on display
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Two away games running where we have looked tired and out of ideas second half a Mikel either to stubborn to change or doesn’t trust he’s second string.
Both games we were one up and should have been able to take control, both games we struggled.
On the plus side this could be considered a bogey ground so maybe it’s a point gained.
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Cast iron penalty denied (especially considering the ones given yesterday to Chelsea and City) when 1 – 0, and squandered chances throughout led to a situation when escaping with a point was perhaps better than we deserved. Let’s hope Ramsdale wasn’t caught having a sneaky drag in the showers
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Poor and leggy second half, but not easy for them with that Scouse thing officiating, Riley having his last hurrah before Webb takes his job, and VAR/ replays seemingly impotent
He didn’t even try to hide his bias
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But we didnt lose. Arteta still has masses to learn, and hopefully he will? I thought he might have responded a bit more to the Leeds game. Perhaps he did and we were still just unable to adjust to the Sotonists and to the ref regardless of whats being bellowed from the sidelines. Sports horrible when you’re desperate to win, somehow it seems to block the flow of intelligence, making you more desperate?
I haven’t looked at the stats, but wasn’t it the first draw in some like 28 or 29 even more? More than 27 for sure.
Do we get sucked into thinking think there are easy games? Forest proved they can have you, Chelsea will be desperate to beat us as will the Irons.
And I can’t see Wolves or the Seaweed lying down and being generous.
At least the Spuds lost!
COYG!
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I saw the whole game and cannot say that I perceived any bias by the ref.
On the contrary, I thought he officiated the game well and allowed the players to indulge in the physical aspect of the game that many refs would not allow.
The obsession with the so-called bias is now becoming ridiculous.
I saw no cast-iron penalty but did see Saka dive and Jesus react to a tap on the back as though he had been shot, in true Brazilian (Rivaldo anyone?) style.
After looking well in control at the beginning of the game we became progressively poorer and I believe that we were lucky with a draw.
We have been flattered by the initial results of the season against poor teams and it is simply a matter of time before the luck runs out and the bubble bursts.
Even victories against Liverpool and the scum hardly impress bearing in mind their regular woeful performances, eg Liverpool losing to Forest yesterday.
Now we can also see why Pep did not rate Jesus high enough to make him a regular starter.
I am impressed with Martinelli and Saka, but the continued lack of creative ability in midfield is now beginning to show,
Saliba is also very impressive so one wonders why Arteta took a disliking to him from the start and it took 3 years for him to start playing for us.
The same applies to Martinelli.
As for Partey, I remain totally underwhelmed by him. His ability to lose the ball or pass to the opponents belies the continued praise being heaped on him
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Arteta got things wrong this week.
But two clear pens today would have changed this result, manhandling and pushing over in the box, Kane , Zaha and probably liz Truss gets both of those every time, there should not be different rules for different players. Saka was clipped when he “ dived”. Then, the rotational fouling allowed for Soton.
Don’t let your love of Wenger ( which most of us have on here ) vs your clear and persistent dislike of the current manager/ regime cloud dogshit refereeing throughout this game, and many others.
Arsenal are not refereed by in the same way as our rivals .End of.
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Mandy,
There is definitely not a Arsene Vs Mikel vibe mainly because Arsene was in a different league and worked miracles on a shoestring.
The criticism of Mikel is purely based on the mistakes he makes irrespective of what other managers have done or do now.
Initially Mikel got the rub of the green with refs but we have started winning it does seem the Pigmol have reverted to type.
Two pens and a sending off missed and countless other things missed (many not even checked by a very lazy VAR) is all true but that doesn’t remove the problems Mikel has around changing games when we are struggling. This has been a constant theme from the moment he took charge and is still there now.
We do also benefit from refs incompetence, at Leeds last week once Var overturned the penalty the ref then went and booked Gabriel now if this was for retaliation, which is the only thing it could of been, then it should of been a red as there is no yellow for retaliation it’s a straight to red and obviously can still be awarded when the game stops (e.g. in the tunnel before or after the game)
My main point if the ref issue and Mikel’s mistakes are completely separate enterties.
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