Arsenal v Monaco. 11th December. 20:00

[Marc Overmars]

One step closer to a top 8 finish with 3 points here.

Bit of talk that Tierney could start which I wouldn’t be opposed to at all. Our full back options are very thin on the ground right now.

2-0

[HCZ_Reborn]

The amount of defensive injuries i hear reported is very disturbing. White and Tomiyasu? Yes of course one is in post surgical recovery, the other as much as he’s a decent player is an injury liability and needs to be junked.

But on top of that Calafiori, Timber and Gabby Maga still out.

Makes you wonder what we are doing in training to these players

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

The amount of defensive injuries i hear reported is very disturbing. White and Tomiyasu? Yes of course one is in post surgical recovery, the other as much as he’s a decent player is an injury liability and needs to be junked.

But on top of that Calafiori, Timber and Gabby Maga still out.

Makes you wonder what we are doing in training to these players

Yup, sounds like our training routines are to intense....lets not forget that Merino got injured for a month before he could even make his debut, also in training.

I am not surprised at this as it sounds like something Arteta would insist on with his funny "Macho" vibes.

[IBK]

The amount of defensive injuries i hear reported is very disturbing. White and Tomiyasu? Yes of course one is in post surgical recovery, the other as much as he’s a decent player is an injury liability and needs to be junked.

But on top of that Calafiori, Timber and Gabby Maga still out.

Makes you wonder what we are doing in training to these players

Yes - something is going wrong for sure.

[Letters]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13254604

Some stats here about injuries compared with other clubs.

[WMUG]

So we are the most affected club in the title hunt in terms of days lost to injuries.

I'd have liked to see some analysis on player importance by them factoring in something like how likely it is that player would play if all players were injury free, but that's probably not particularly calculable.

[HCZ_Reborn]

So I’d argue somewhat that we have been relatively lucky with injuries the last few seasons in that long term injuries have largely been the result of us running players into the ground (like Saliba a year or so ago). Arteta seems to me to be noticeably more inclined to shuffle the pack (to mixed results) so yes we could argue that we are beasting players in training but a lot of injuries are happening on the field

[Mac76]

Yup, sounds like our training routines are to intense....lets not forget that Merino got injured for a month before he could even make his debut, also in training.

I am not surprised at this as it sounds like something Arteta would insist on with his funny "Macho" vibes.

Merino was a freak accident, Gabriel fell on top of him or something, though that doesn't rule out it being due to their training too hard

that said we lost almost no-one last year to injury

[Letters]

I'd have liked to see some analysis on player importance by them factoring in something like how likely it is that player would play if all players were injury free, but that's probably not particularly calculable.
That's obviously subjective but I don't think anyone would argue that Odegaard and Saka being out would have a bigger impact than current form Jesus or Martinelli.

[Mac76]

One step closer to a top 8 finish with 3 points here.

Bit of talk that Tierney could start which I wouldn’t be opposed to at all. Our full back options are very thin on the ground right now.

2-0

I'd be very happy to see Tierney as long as he was allowed to play to his strengths and not have to do the inverted bullshit routine

[Mac76]

anyway 0-3 Balogun hatter

[HCZ_Reborn]

Hmm 0-6 Henry and Adebayor hat tricks

[IBK]

anyway 0-3 Balogun hatter

He's injured I think.

[IBK]

So I’d argue somewhat that we have been relatively lucky with injuries the last few seasons in that long term injuries have largely been the result of us running players into the ground (like Saliba a year or so ago). Arteta seems to me to be noticeably more inclined to shuffle the pack (to mixed results) so yes we could argue that we are beasting players in training but a lot of injuries are happening on the field


We were fortunate with injuries last season for sure - particularly with Saliba; Gabriel and Ben White, and Saka, Odegard and Rice. But the fact that they were used relentelssly is IMO partly why injuries and fatigue have plagued our season.

Its a biting irony that just as the manager appears more ready to rotate there are so few players available for him to do so. Also that disruption to our back 4 (I think we are on our 7th or 8th combination after 15 games) has affected our striker/creator shy MF and frontline.

The gamble on Jesus returning to form and Sterling has been an abject failure. The decision to move on 4 forwards now seems bonkers - as does relying on Havertz to get us striker's goals. All in aid of a wingback multitool approach to creating team goals that is in the mud because of the injury crisis.

And the other result of the injuries is too much burden on players who are fit - that in turn risks further injuries - and so the vicious circle continues.

I would be surprised if we beat Monaco tonight - and unsurprised if we have to go into the CL play offs - thus more pressure on players and the risk of more burnout and fatigue.

It's 'funny' how we started the season thinking that at last we had a squad that could last the pace. The reality is that we don't.

[Mac76]

He's injured I think.

Ok, though the way our luck's going I wouldn't be surprised if he was suddenly fully fit :lol:

[Mac76]

I'd be very happy to see Tierney as long as he was allowed to play to his strengths and not have to do the inverted bullshit routine

It sounds as though Arteta has finally realised this too... https://arseblog.news/2024/12/arteta-on-arsenals-latest-injuries-his-plans-for-tierney-and-the-transfer-window (https://arseblog.news/2024/12/arteta-on-arsenals-latest-injuries-his-plans-for-tierney-and-the-transfer-window/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky)

[WMUG]

That's obviously subjective but I don't think anyone would argue that Odegaard and Saka being out would have a bigger impact than current form Jesus or Martinelli.

Yeah I was trying to find some objective factor that you could use as a surrogate for importance but I'm not good enough at statistics for that :lol:

[IBK]

It sounds as though Arteta has finally realised this too... https://arseblog.news/2024/12/arteta-on-arsenals-latest-injuries-his-plans-for-tierney-and-the-transfer-window (https://arseblog.news/2024/12/arteta-on-arsenals-latest-injuries-his-plans-for-tierney-and-the-transfer-window/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky)

“I would put Kieran more in his strengths,” said Arteta. “If we do what we have to do I would play him in positions, especially in attack, in situations and scenarios and spaces that he is more comfortable with. That’s a learning.

“It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?

“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players. But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions.”

So he's not proposing to play him (if he does) at LB? :o

[Mac76]

“I would put Kieran more in his strengths,” said Arteta. “If we do what we have to do I would play him in positions, especially in attack, in situations and scenarios and spaces that he is more comfortable with. That’s a learning.

“It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?

“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players. But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions.”

So he's not proposing to play him (if he does) at LB? :o

No, what he says suggests he would play him at LB but in a more orthodox manner, with Tierney able to go up the left side to supply crosses or even have a shot, but then get back to defend. That's what fullbacks do

[McNamara That Ghost...]

ArsenaI: Raya, Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Subs: Neto, Setford, Timber, Tierney, Robinson, Heaven, Monlouis, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling, Havertz

Monaco: Majecki, Vanderson, Kehrer, Seghir, Golovin, Akliouche, Caio Henrique, Camara, Salisu, Embolo, Magassa
Subs: Kohn, Lienard, Teze, Matazo, Minamino, Ouattara, Ilenikhena, Michal, Nibombe, Tincres

-----
MLS!

[HCZ_Reborn]

ArsenaI: Raya, Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Subs: Neto, Setford, Timber, Tierney, Robinson, Heaven, Monlouis, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling, Havertz

Monaco: Majecki, Vanderson, Kehrer, Seghir, Golovin, Akliouche, Caio Henrique, Camara, Salisu, Embolo, Magassa
Subs: Kohn, Lienard, Teze, Matazo, Minamino, Ouattara, Ilenikhena, Michal, Nibombe, Tincres

-----
MLS!

Well that lineup says that apart from Timber only being fit enough for the bench that we haven’t lost anyone to injury since Fulham. There was a lot of talk about Partey not being fit (yet ironically I think he’s missed very few games this season)

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Adolf Hütter is the Monaco coach.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Adolf Hütter is the Monaco coach.

Heil Hütter is presumably not a chant the fan base does?


He was the coach of Frankfurt when we played them five years ago (so he won at the Emirates the last time he came here)

[dazthegooner]

Back pass from Jesus pity to the opposing gk.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Heil Hütter is presumably not a chant the fan base does?


He was the coach of Frankfurt when we played them five years ago (so he won at the Emirates the last time he came here)

I'm guessing probably not. We need to watch out for the right wing in this one all the same.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Oh Jesus.

[dazthegooner]

Shouldn’t be even on the pitch

[McNamara That Ghost...]

And again. :doh:

[HCZ_Reborn]

Jesus H Christ :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

SAKA!!!

Holy shit what a goal.

MLS, incredible.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Set piece FC at it again. :ninja:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Decent effort from Martinelli first time.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Odegaard. :haha:

What a miss.

[dazthegooner]

Thought he would have chipped the keeper

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Even League 2 players would finish better than what we've witnessed today.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Martinelli misses now. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Martinelli is really lucky not to get a second yellow.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-0 HT and fuck knows how.

[dazthegooner]

Martinelli is really lucky not to get a second yellow.
Well if was down to Fletcher on TNT he would have.

[Niall_Quinn]

Adolf Hütter is the Monaco coach.

Don't think we have any Jews in the team do we? Should be fine.

[Niall_Quinn]

Jesus H Christ :lol:

Very religious thread, it seems. Good to see. Could never understand why we don't play him in goal. He saves.

[Niall_Quinn]

The dirty, money grabbing Jew pigs (is it okay to say that?) at Amazon want £30.99 for me to watch this. Thing I'll donate to Hamas instead. Horrible cunts. How many subscriptions do you actually need to ever watch a game in Europe?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Seth Rollins' old theme playing I think.

[Niall_Quinn]

Seth Rollins' old theme playing I think.

Who dat?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Wrestler.

Whoever does the music at the Emirates always plays wrestlers songs.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The dirty, money grabbing Jew pigs (is it okay to say that?) at Amazon want £30.99 for me to watch this. Thing I'll donate to Hamas instead. Horrible cunts. How many subscriptions do you actually need to ever watch a game in Europe?

I'm going to say no but also this is on TNT Sports so it'd be a real rip off.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wrestler.

Whoever does the music at the Emirates always plays wrestlers songs.

Guy who runs around in his underpants? Got it. Thanks.

[Niall_Quinn]

I'm going to say no but also this is on TNT Sports so it'd be a real rip off.

Weren't they pushing some other service for the last match? So basically, your sign up for Prime and then they can offer you 101 different extra subscriptions thatare 10x more expensive so you can see the football they supposedly bought rights to? It's a great deal. Going to get a CEO position at Pepsi tomorrow so I can pay for it.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Good start from Monaco in this half.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Lewis-Skelly, Rice and Martinelli off.

Timber, Jorginho and Trossard on.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Embolo should score.

[Niall_Quinn]

Embolo should score.

Well, did he?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

No.

[Niall_Quinn]

No.

Fuck, was on the edge of my bitch.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Jesus off, Havertz on.

[Niall_Quinn]

Are Monaco any good? Can't tell because the fiscal rapists at Amazon won't let me see.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

SAKA!!!!

Embarrassing from Monaco.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Even the gods love Saka :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Nwaneri on for Odegaard.

Really want to see them on the pitch together.

But we must observe the like-for-like process.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Nwaneri not looking too impressed...probably thought he'd be coming on earlier.

[Niall_Quinn]

SAKA!!!!

Embarrassing from Monaco.

So that was 2-0?

[Niall_Quinn]

Not that he'd every be allowed to win it, but Saka cuts a figure like the dominant player in Europe right now. Might be hard to hang on to him in the summer.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

HAVERTZ!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Oh that's not Havertz's goal.

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Saw the match stats - sounds like a well deserved win. Though can't get anywhere close to a real read just from the stats.

[Niall_Quinn]

Oh that's not Havertz's goal.

:lol:

But is it a goal? So ambiguous, such a clit tease.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

3-0, been credited with Havertz's goal.

[Niall_Quinn]

It was Jesus, apparently. Thought he'd been subbed. GW is a pale shadow of what it used to be for match reporting. Used to come here first to get the details, now I'l have to come here to eliminate what definitely didn't happen.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Not that he'd every be allowed to win it, but Saka cuts a figure like the dominant player in Europe right now. Might be hard to hang on to him in the summer.

I think most people would say Palmer is the the pre-eminent player in the EPL ATM....my personal preference is obviously Saka but hard to argue with how it seems Palmer has changed Chelsea's fortune for the better.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal 3-0 Monaco, FT. :bow:

Not a great second half but given the golden chances we missed in the first, balances out in the end.

[Niall_Quinn]

I think most people would say Palmer is the the pre-eminent player in the EPL ATM....my personal preference is obviously Saka but hard to argue with how it seems Palmer has changed Chelsea's fortune for the better.

Saw him play for England. Twice. Mediocre on both occasions. He's okay, nothing special. Better than most, but most are shit.